Wharf firm launches exclusive gold mobile phones

The firm, whose headquarters are in Harbour Exchange Square, acquired the Goldvish UK licence last month, and launched the product with a reception at the Ritz Club in central London.

Hand-made in Geneva, and with prices ranging from £16,000 to a cool £105,000, they aren’t for the average user. Principality chief executive Matthew Nuttall explained the concept.

“They aren’t your usual mobile phones,” he said. “They are an exclusive accessory, designed for people who value prestige. It’s important to successful people to have individuality in the things they buy and these phones certainly offer that.”

So, what do you get for your money?

The top-of-the-range “Like Heaven” model costs £105,000, is carved out of a 1kg block of gold, and has 1,639 top quality VVS diamonds set into it.

“They have state-of-the-art technology inside them,” said Mr Nuttall. “It means they can work in places where other phones can’t and, because of they way they have been designed and built they can be upgraded to accommodate new technology.”

Other features include interchangeable leather backings, a camera, MP3 player and an exclusive ringtone – Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed by violin virtuoso Domenico Nordio.

Mr Nuttall rejected the idea the phones are just a “bling” accessory for the fabulously wealthy.

He said: “Of course, people will make that assumption and there are some customers who might want to be seen that way.

“But for most customers the phones are a symbol of what they have achieved. They’ll only use them on special occasions and keep them out of view most of the time. For them simply knowing they own one is the main thing.”

Goldvish made headlines in December 2006 when its exclusive “Le Million” model was bought by a Russian businessman for one million euros, making it officially the world’s most expensive phone.

But Wharfers won’t have to shell out quite as much to get their hands on one, although Mr Nuttall expects demand to be high.

He said: “We’ve had a very positive response and have already sold one.

“People recognise these phones will hold their value, which makes them a better investment than a Ferrari, and they have a practical use as well. They are an accessory for life.”

For more details contact goldvish@principalitygroup.com.

simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk