Our Story

In 1851, the Derbyshire town of Wirksworth saw the doors of William Evans' Jewellers open for the first time. Proudly advertising William's skills as a jeweller and watchmaker, the small store became synonymous with high quality and craftsmanship. Joined by his son, Charles, who had recently completed his training as a refractionist (now known as an Optician), William eventually moved the business, now known as W.Evans & Son Jewellers, to the newly built premises on Matlock's Dale Road, where it continued to thrive, becoming a reputable cornerstone of the community, with William establishing a reputation as a master watchmaker and creating time keeping instruments which can still be found in store today.

After the Death of Willian Evans Charles took over the business, insured that his father’s legacy would continue and to this day W Evans & Son still trades from the Dale Road store.

Closed briefly during the Second World War, W. Evans & Son was reopened as a limited company in 1947 with a flourishing trade, specialising in the servicing and selling of fine jewellery and timepieces. After the death of C.W. Evans in 1956, the business was handed down to his nephew, Norman Goward, a jeweller with over 30 years experience in the workshop, and his wife, Sheila. He was soon joined by his son, David, a qualified Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain with a RetailJewellers Diploma. David became Managing Director in 1977 when his father retired and went on to become Chairman in 1985 a position he carried out until recently.

With over 167 years of history, the business continues to offer the precise craftsmanship and excellent service that has become its trademark. Our knowledgeable staff and in store Gem-A Trained specialists work passionately to offer a personalised service to our customers. Still trading from Dale Road, the shop retains its original Victorian windows and interior fittings to provide its customers with the same experience and feel it always has. As well as fine Jewellery sales W. Evans & Son offer a comprehensive list of watch and jewellery repair, servicing and restoration. 

Our experienced team have a very specific skill set which enable them to repair items using both modern and traditional techniques to assure a high quality finish.

From battery and strap replacement to professional restoration and repair, experts provide customers with a great experience from beginning to end. Repairing a timepiece takes a lot of time and patience and they are able to deliver outstanding results with the utmost precision. Unlike most high street jewellers, W. Evans & Son undertake a large majority of watch servicing, cleaning and repair work in store so there's no need for your precious timepieces to be sent away for long periods of time.

 With an extensive knowledge of fine jewellery and watch restoration passed down from generation to generation, W. Evans & Son are able to offer you the very best in British Craftsmanship.

W. Evans & Son is a specialist dealer of fine and luxury watches. With a collection of both classic and contemporary timepieces always in stock they are able to offer you the highest quality at reasonable prices.   

Whether you're looking for a classic vintage design, something understated or a modern statement piece, the jewellers have a wide range of well-established, branded watches to choose from. Timepieces are handpicked from iconic, designer brands to provide you with a choice of both men's and ladies' watches to suit your style.

As well as brand new models, W. Evans & Son offer a range of pre-owned and refurbished watches. Our experts ensure that all items are in peak working condition at the time of purchase. Jewellery: From wedding and engagement rings to matching necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches, there's something for everyone at W. Evans & Son. Selling only the highest quality gold and silver, our fine jewellery is available in a range of styles fitted with both precious and semi-precious stones.

Be sure to checkout our preowned collection.

Trained specialists understand the personal nature of a quality piece of jewellery, so whether you're looking for a special gift or a unique piece for yourself, W. Evans & Son are certain you'll find something perfect in our shop. 

W. Evans & Son believe in quality craftsmanship and handpick the very best in British made leather goods and gift items, selling a variety of established brands with products ranging from luxury cufflinks to wallets, purses, brief cases and document holders all manufactured here in the UK. 

 Writing Instruments: Made with only the finest materials, high quality writing instruments have always been a sought after gift, adding a touch of luxury to any desk or briefcase. Handcrafted from the finest materials, Mont Blanc's iconic writing instruments are available in a number of finishes and styles, from classic gold-nibbed fountain pens to elegant ballpoints and stylish mechanical pencils enrobed in precious resin.  

Pre-Owned: A great alternative to buying brand new items, W. Evans & Son's pre-owned jewellery and watches are inspected and authenticated by expert watch makers to guarantee that they are at their best. With a full service and refurbishment, you will never know that it once belonged to someone else.

Conversely, if you are looking to sell an item of fine jewellery or a watch, the team will endeavour to provide you with the best valuation service possible. W. Evans & Son also offer outright purchase of your item or a part exchange so that you can buy yourself something new.