Founded by William Asprey in 1781, it established itself initially as a silk printing business it quickly evolved in a luxury goods retailer upon moving to its location on Bond Street.
It advertised itself as a company selling "articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment".
In the 1970's John Asprey made a special effort to cater to Middle Eastern clients, particularly in Oman, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain where new retail locations were inaugurated. It was at that time that Asprey became the official supplier of Rolex watches for the Sultan Qaboos of Oman delivering special Rolex's featuring the Khanjar logo, that have become some of the most collectible watches in the market today. This unique Daytona is engraved on the caseback 1/1 and features a purple dial with black sub-counters rings.