Feature: The Tiny Independent British Watchmakers You NEED To Know
We’ve mentioned the big dogs of the industry many a time in our newsletters, articles and videos; we’re talking Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer and many other brilliant watchmakers. But today we’re scaling it down and placing the spotlight on some British microbrands and small independent watchmakers—and about time too.
Pinion
Hopping onto the scene almost a decade ago in 2013, Pinion prides itself on producing small batches of finely crafted luxury watches. Using contemporary automatic and rare ‘new-old-stock’ hand-wound mechanical movements, this Oxfordshire-based watchmaker has gone on to create an exclusive watch purpose-built for the British Military. It also scored a cameo for its Axis II Bronze model in Hollywood blockbuster Fast and Furious 9 in 2021—pretty cool, huh?
Mr Jones Watches
If this ‘Ricochet’ watch from Mr Jones Watches is anything to go by then you’ll agree that the brand offers a fun and vibrant take on watchmaking. Each watch’s dial in Mr Jones’ catalogue is rendered in a stunning artwork from robots playing pinball to skulls to scenic mountainous landscapes. There’s a dial for everyone from the British watchmaker who suggests you “think differently about your time”.
Garrick
Norfolk-based Garrick specialises in creating stunning in-house, handcrafted watches. Everything from the dials to the hands are made at its Norfolk workshop, as well as a number of movement parts. Fancy snapping up one of its pieces? You’ll have to be quick, Garrick only releases limited runs of no more than 50 watches per annum, with the S3—pictured above—limited to just five pieces a year!
William Wood Watches
Now this is a brand with a touching backstory. Created in honour of its founder’s late grandfather, William Wood—a former firefighter stationed at the Newcastle and Gateshead Fire Brigade—the watchmaker keeps firefighting at its heart. From some of its pieces being made of melted down 1920s firefighter helmets to straps made from old fire hoses, even down to the helmet logo. All in all, this is a charming brand creating chic timepieces at an affordable price point.
Anordain
Based in Glasgow, Anordain creates minimalist watches with a whole range of different colours and textured dials to choose from. One standout offering from the brand is its enamel fumé dial—considered the first of its kind in enamel—which has a stylish textured effect that graduates in colour from dark on the circumference to light in the centre of the dial. This is a brand that will be a big hitter among those after a well-made watch with a clean design.
