Picking up where it left off from its inaugural event, British Watchmakers Day saw watch brands and watch lovers converge into London to see this year’s offerings. Indeed, demand was very high with tickets getting sold out on the day it got released. A jampacked day full of British horological goodness, here is what I thought of the second edition of British Watchmakers Day.
Something for everyone
Granted, all the watches there are British brands however, I would argue that there was a great mix. From dress watches to divers, chronographs to GMTs and to the differently quirky, these offerings mean there is indeed something for everyone. And that is a great indicator of where British watchmaking currently is – in great shape, in a great place and with great variety.
Where else can you find yourself looking at the awe-inspiring works of haute horlogerie master Roger Smith, to the intricate clocks by Sinclair Harding, the established brands like Bremont, Fears & Christopher Ward, to the daring & paradigm shifting works of Studio Underd0g and Arken and the new and upcoming ones like Anoma, under one (very bright) roof?
I like Lindley Hall, with its airy vaulted glass ceiling. It gives all the watches the most natural of looks, and I do hope the event stays in this venue next year. Located a few minutes walk away from Victoria station, some rather curious passers by ask, now and then, whilst me and fellow enthusiast queue for our session, what is happening inside. Not that the signage leaves little to the imagination but despite that some rather positive looking nods are given to our response. Photographer tip for next time, maybe bring a small portable diffuser especially if the weather was as nice as the last event.
The Limited Editions
The Gimlet, a Fears Watches & Studio Underd0g collaboration looked to be the runaway winner of the limited editions that day in terms of sales & interest. Taking inspiration from an off-menu favourite of Nicholas Bowman-Scargill of Fears Watches, the marketing was brilliant and really got people talking. So much so that it got some people queuing early as 6am during for the AM session. Almost, inevitably I ended up with one too, to add to my 02Series LE from last year.
Not to take away anything from everyone else’s efforts, a key theme I noticed were brands collaborating with artists in making of their own respective LEs. Beaucroft with Mr. Penfold, Isotope with Sophie Scott-Lewis, Mr Jones Watches with Mister Phil and a live dial painting by Chris Alexander – The Dial Artist with Boken. Certainly a few eye-catching pieces as a result.
A great community
Like many, it was a chance for me to catch-up with watch friends, not just from the UK but also beyond. A chance to meet friends once only connected through Instagram and like portals. And yes, handle introduction is still way more convenient to come with one’s actual name, that usually gets followed by “Oh that’s you?!” I have also noticed a few personalities that are based in distant shores (the US, Canada, mainland Europe) attending this year’s event. Despite technology enablement, there is still very much something about personal interactions. And events like these are great catalysts in forging friendships, new and enduring. Such, it seems, is the attraction of British watchmaking these days. This year also had representation from British magazine Oracle Time with Tom Pettit, the team from Time⨥Tide London Discovery Studio with Andrew McUtchen and Adrian Barker’s Bark & Jack was serving coffee & merchandise. It just goes to show that watch culture & community extends beyond horological pieces.
Despite the huge crowds, there needs to be a huge appreciation to the brands’ representatives who were very welcoming & accommodating throughout the day. Also, a huge shout-out to the event organisers & support staff for making the event a huge success. They say a rising tide lifts all boats. And it looks like British watchmaking’s tide is having a great moment, ready to sail further into the wider horological world. And with that – bring on next year’s edition!
The Timepiecer 
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