Britain was once the centre of the watchmaking trade. From John Harrison, the eighteenth century watchmaker who developed the first accurate and usable marine chronometer, to Smiths, who finally stopped the production of quality mechanical movements in the sixties.
But a few watchmakers are fighting a rearguard action: from Bremont, who are aiming to have a completely British-made watch in mass production in their new facility in Henley in the not too distant future, to smaller brands like Garrick, Struthers and a few others who make watches either bespoke or in small volume.
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| The British-made Garrick S2 watch which I've been able to wear for a few weeks |
David Brailsford is the owner of Garrick and he kindly lent me a watch to use and examine. The S2 is 42mm in diameter and houses Garrick's Calibre UT-G03 movement. The engine-turned (guilloché) dial, blued Roman numerals and hands represent hours of craftsmanship. I love the way the balance wheel is seen through the front window against the background of the gold mainplate with perlage decoration. Different choices are available for case, hands and mainplate materials and finish. The display back reveals the beautiful movement.
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| The Garrick S2 in one of its manifestations |
It was a pleasure to use something so beautiful and British-made - quite unlike the mass-produced watches (and I'm not knocking them) that I'm used to wearing in terms of the detail of the finish and decoration.
Garrick has recently released the S3 pictured below. This features their UT-G04 movement and features an openwork dial. The watch requires so much work that only five will be made each year. Handmade to order, it costs £28,995.
David Brailsford is passionate about British watchmaking and it was a privilege to be able to appreciate one of his watches for a few weeks.
Garrick make other models priced from £2,520 depending on the movement and the extent of the workmanship involved. The S2, with the Garrick movement, is £14,985. For more see Garrick Watchmakers.
