The seventh generation of the Asprey family to specialise in the sale of luxury goods, William Asprey, sits in a roomy office behind the shop, his desk and bookshelves brimming with books. They detail some of the finest collectibles, old and new, that money can buy – from auction catalogues, to a volume chronicling the works of one of the world's most exclusive jewellers, Buccellati, and a book about antique and rare steel watches recently exhibited by Francois Paul Journe. Huge paintings of William Asprey's father, John, and grandfather, Eric, adorn the walls.