Our Heritage

At the heart of our business lies a rich history that spans over a century. It all began with Walter Wright, who, after completing a watchmaking apprenticeship in England, made the bold decision to move to New Zealand in 1912. With his skills and passion for precision, he founded Wrights, a company rooted in the art of watchmaking, jewellery, and expert repairs.  From the very beginning, the workshop was an integral part of the business, where our team meticulously crafted and repaired timepieces and jewellery, staying true to Walter's vision.

Walter’s son, Jack Wright, continued the legacy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Jack also completed a watchmaking apprenticeship and later served as an instrument repairer during the war, working with delicate airplane instruments – a craft that shares a deep connection to watchmaking. Jack had four children, all of whom were trained as watchmakers and jewellers, further strengthening the Wright family's legacy.

Over the years, the business remained steadfast in its commitment to quality craftsmanship, with the workshop always on-site, ensuring that every piece of jewellery and every watch was created or repaired with the utmost care and expertise.

The next chapter in our story saw Gary Norris and Ralph Wright, the third generation, carrying forward the family tradition. While one brother played a more behind-the-scenes role, both Gary and Ralph became the faces of the company, staying true to the founding principles of precision, quality, and service.

Today, Rhian Wright, the fourth generation, runs the business alongside Ben, who joined in 2017. Ben, with a background in design, has infused the business with a fresh, creative perspective. Together, they blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create bespoke pieces that reflect their passion for unique, handpicked materials. The custom side of the business has flourished, with each creation telling its own story and bearing the mark of their shared vision.

Our collection is carefully curated, with every piece handpicked to reflect the timeless values of Wrights. We pride ourselves on offering one-of-a-kind creations, all crafted with precision, care, and a deep respect for the art of jewellery-making.

With over 80 years in our current location, we continue to honour the legacy of Walter Wright while forging our own path, ensuring that each customer receives a piece of craftsmanship that’s as unique and lasting as the story behind it.