Famous Watch Brands in the UK

Chapter One: A Legacy of Precision - Bremont

If you're looking to start anywhere in the world of British watchmaking, Bremont stands tall as one of the most prestigious contemporary brands. Founded in 2002 by brothers Nick and Giles English, Bremont is a celebration of both aeronautics and British engineering. The company has quickly positioned itself at the forefront of luxury mechanical watches, carving a niche in the aviation sector. Many of Bremont’s watches are inspired by historical aircraft, paying tribute to the aviation world with limited editions like the "Bremont MBII"—a watch designed in collaboration with the engineers of Martin-Baker, the British firm known for manufacturing ejection seats.

The key factor behind Bremont’s success? It’s in the details. Each Bremont timepiece undergoes rigorous testing, with the company even putting its watches through ejection seat testing to ensure their resilience. This level of attention to quality, along with designs that exude elegance and power, has made Bremont one of the best-known modern British watch brands globally.

Chapter Two: The Classic Elegance of Christopher Ward

Christopher Ward is another standout, renowned for making luxury watches accessible to the general public. Founded in 2004, Christopher Ward took a radically different business approach by offering Swiss-made watches directly to customers online, which allowed them to bypass traditional retail markups.

One of their most popular models is the C60 Trident Pro 600, which combines high-quality components such as a Sellita SW200-1 movement with a sleek design. This allows Christopher Ward watches to compete with much more expensive brands in terms of quality and performance. The brand also focuses on sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing of materials, aligning with the preferences of modern-day consumers.

What makes Christopher Ward particularly interesting is its balance of affordability and craftsmanship, offering timepieces that appear equally at home in a boardroom or at an adventurous dive site.

Chapter Three: Roger W. Smith - The Pinnacle of Bespoke British Watchmaking

When it comes to watchmaking at its most exclusive, Roger W. Smith occupies a league of his own. As one of the few remaining artisans who practices entirely handmade watchmaking in the traditional sense, his creations are incredibly rare and revered in the horological world. Roger W. Smith learned his craft under the legendary George Daniels, a fellow Briton and arguably the most celebrated watchmaker of the 20th century.

Smith continues Daniels' legacy of making entirely hand-crafted watches, each taking months or even years to complete. His Series 1, 2, 3, and 4 collections are the ultimate expressions of British horology—stunningly intricate with remarkable precision. Each watch is custom-made for its buyer, ensuring the highest level of personalisation. Though owning a Roger W. Smith piece is an unattainable dream for many due to their price and rarity, they represent the apex of British craftsmanship.

Chapter Four: Luxury on the Wrist - Garrick

Garrick is another important name in the resurgence of British watchmaking. Founded in 2014, this boutique brand has a deep commitment to in-house production, with a strong emphasis on handcrafting most of its components in the UK. Garrick’s watches, such as the S4 and Norfolk series, are distinguished by their use of traditional watchmaking techniques and finely detailed movements.

The level of customization that Garrick offers is extraordinary. Customers can choose everything from dial styles to the materials used in the movement, creating a timepiece that is truly unique. Garrick also collaborates with English artisans for elements such as hand-engraving, further enhancing the bespoke appeal of its timepieces.

Chapter Five: The Prestige of Dent London

No discussion of British watchmaking would be complete without mentioning Dent London, the brand responsible for creating some of the world’s most famous clocks, including Big Ben in London. Though more famous for its clocks, Dent has also produced some exceptional wristwatches. The company was founded in 1814 by Edward John Dent, and its watches maintain the same impeccable standards today.

Dent timepieces tend to have classic designs that reflect the brand’s long-standing tradition in British horology. The brand offers both bespoke pieces and limited-edition runs, ensuring exclusivity. For those who are fans of British heritage combined with a sense of grandeur, Dent London offers a perfect balance.

Chapter Six: The Best of Both Worlds - Arnold & Son

Arnold & Son is another pillar of British watchmaking, known for its historical contributions to the development of marine chronometers in the 18th century. Founded by John Arnold, the brand played a crucial role in British navigation and watchmaking, and its influence is still felt in the industry today.

While the brand was later acquired by a Swiss company, Arnold & Son retains its British identity through its classic designs and commitment to high precision. Its timepieces often feature complications such as tourbillons and double escapements, exemplifying the high level of craftsmanship and innovation that John Arnold once championed.

Chapter Seven: The Silent Icon - Pinion

Pinion is one of the smaller yet influential names in British watchmaking. Founded in 2013, the brand specializes in robust, no-nonsense watches with a focus on utilitarian design and functionality. Its Axis II model, for example, is inspired by military timepieces and is built to withstand tough conditions, making it popular among adventurers and those with a more rugged lifestyle.

Pinion keeps its production runs small, with a strong focus on quality over quantity. This attention to detail ensures that every watch that leaves the Pinion workshop is of the highest standard. Their understated design philosophy appeals to collectors who appreciate subtle elegance and durability.

Chapter Eight: A New Wave - Farer

Farer is part of a new wave of British watch brands that embrace both tradition and modernity. The brand offers beautifully designed watches that are often inspired by explorers, adventurers, and seafarers. Their use of bold colors and design elements sets them apart in the British watchmaking scene.

Farer’s Aqua Compressor and GMT collections are some of their most popular models, offering a combination of vintage aesthetics with contemporary build quality. While relatively young compared to other British brands, Farer is quickly gaining a reputation for creating timepieces that are both distinctive and affordable.

Conclusion: The Future of British Watchmaking

British watchmaking may not have the scale of Switzerland, but it more than makes up for it with its rich history, innovation, and a passion for craftsmanship. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of Roger W. Smith’s handmade masterpieces, the aviation-inspired durability of Bremont, or the innovative direct-to-consumer approach of Christopher Ward, the UK offers a diverse range of watch brands that cater to every taste and budget.

From bespoke creations to accessible luxury, British watch brands are not just keeping time—they're making history. The British watch industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, proving that high-quality timepieces can still be designed and manufactured on home soil. For those who value craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage, the future of British horology looks as bright as ever.