The Timepiecer

With 26 limited edition watches available on the day, the crowd was clearly spoilt for choice. First on my radar was the Christopher Ward C1 Loco 7326. Dubbed as the Loco in a Saville Row suit, this was a more refined, dressier model of its break out model.

It was already sold out by the time I got to their stand. Speaking to Declan Strange of Christopher Ward, it did not even take too long for all 10 pieces to go. All were gone to their happy owners in less than 25 mins.  Here’s to hoping that something similar is on the horizon.

Right across the CW stand was Fears, who this year, released the Brunswick 40 “1846 Edition” as its BWD special edition. Celebrating the brand’s 180^th anniversary, this year’s special edition is made from Sterling Silver and derives influence from the first pocket watch that Edwin Fear made back in 1846. Truly a very classy looking piece, that is no less than what you’d expect from the team at Fears.

Catching up with Magnus Swann, Designer at Studio Underd0g, he explains, “Once again, British Watchmakers Day 2026 proved to be one of the highlights of the year. After a rather crazy couple of years, we decided to take a slightly different approach. With no limited edition on offer, we instead gave attendees a taster of what to expect from the assembly experience at The D0ghouse, when the doors open in May/June.”

It was great to see the watch community try their hand at setting some hands. What was on the benches were limited edition 01Series chronographs, The Guava, which sports a lime green central section with pink accents on the tachymeter scale and 30-minute sub-dial. The catch? You can only get this by visiting the D0ghouse!

“This was our first British Watchmakers Day as an exhibitor. Whilst we have attended a few similar events previously, this was our biggest event to date. We had a fantastic day – from the moment the doors opened and the first attendees flowed in, we were talking watches non-stop to a diverse, enthusiastic and passionate crowd. The best thing about exhibiting at these events is the direct feedback you get from people, and the interactions which we do not normally experience as a brand on a day-to-day basis. Our special edition received many compliments and quite a few went home with their new owners. It then proceeded to sell out over the next couple of days after the show with many pieces going overseas, which demonstrates the broad international reach this event has.”

Testament to the influence British watchmaking, it was not surprising that there were a number of visitors beyond British shores. Not only was BWD a watch event, but it was also a great hub for people to meet-up. I’ve spent some great times during the weekend with cohorts from the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, Canada and both the east & west coast of the US, to name a few. And with Alliance club membership currently spread across 24 countries, this demonstrates the international reach of British watchmaking and the demand for the good things it does.

Speaking to Mike Wüthrich who flew in from Switzerland to attend for the first time, “The energy at BWD is totally different than of those watch fairs I’ve been. I love the open format where I can chat with the brand founders and experience their watches live. It’s my first time at BWD and definitely won’t be the last.”