It’s that time of year again, the Christmas tree is down, the new year’s resolutions have now gone out of the window and we’re back on the daily grind of wistfully saving watches we are not going buy to our Wishlist!
But fear not, watch heroes and nerds, for this time of year also gives us a much-needed lift. That’s right - the British Watchmakers' Day is back on Saturday the 7th of March and it is going to be bigger and better than ever!
It was truly a pleasure to attend last year and in my capacity as official press (yes that’s right - your boy’s got credentials!) I was able to check out the brands, talk to the owners, meet the influencers that we’ve all come to know and love in the space. And finally - and most importantly - I got to speak to you, the genuine watch enthusiasts that make of this (including my job) possible.
So, if you went last year and want a trip down memory lane, or if you are new to the watch scene and/or are considering attending for the first time this year; then please sit back with a cuppa and use me as your horological sherpa into this wonderful event.
What's Coming for British Watchmakers' Day 2026
The Venue
Firstly, we can’t truly talk about the show without acknowledging the venue - and oh my this is impressive. The Lindley Hall is tucked away right in the heart of Westminster; this gorgeous Edwardian Grade II listed building gets its name after John Lindell the famed English botanist.
It may not be considered old by British standards, but it has royal connections, being opened by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII himself in 1904. The hall is now managed by The Royal Horticultural Society and is frequently the venue for glamorous events, from the conferences to fashion shows, making it a fitting place to hold Britain’s biggest and boldest watch show.
2025 Highlights
2025 was my first year and I was in for the day, the first thing that struck me after entering this amazing venue was truthfully the sheer scale of British Watchmaking.
Over the last decade British Watchmaking has re-emerged, matured and grown…rapidly, last year alone over 40 brands (all British naturally) were in attendance and that wasn’t all. I had the pleasure of meeting industry giants like Roger Smith, Russell (the mad watch collector), Andrew and the Time & Tide team, Adrian Barker, the genius that is George Bamford, Davide Cerrato - CEO of Bremont and finally Andrew Morgan - better known as the talking hands of Watchfinder YouTube fame! All of them true gents being very friendly and generous with their time with fans of their content.
Now, on the day you had your big industry fish there in full force - the likes Bremont, Christopher Ward & Fears. Your newer up-and-coming brands like Beaucroft and William Wood, then you had works of beauty from Roger Smith (such a genuine talent) and of course finally, the show stealers Studio Underd0g. And believe me, those were just a fraction of Horological goodness on offer.
I visited every single stand at least twice (some even thrice) and for me the brands I personally really rated where Farer - no surprises there, anyone who knows me will have heard that they are my favourite British brand. Heritage brand Duckworth Prestex, the brand that actually managed to ply some cash from my wallet with their GORGEOUS Bolton model in blue. Pinchbeck - a Lincolnshire based brand focusing on dress watches and in contrast Vertex, a heritage brand which has moved on from their dirty dozen reissue days with both a mono pusher chronograph and a diver.
But putting that to one side - there has been one thing that is fast becoming a tradition for the BWD, I’m of course talking about special editions!
Special Editions?
Last year there were so many special editions made to celebrate the day and my giddy aunt there were some right stunners! Studio Underd0g and Fears well and truly stole the show - the queue snaked out of the atrium, and it felt like you were witness to something truly special. But most brands had a special edition, and I have to say that it was a wonder to see so many unique, quintessentially British designs. Personally, I loved the special editions by Farer (my favourite British brand - again just a reminder!), Beaucroft, Duckworth Prestex and Pinion.
This year we’re going to see more - and I really cannot wait! I’m a horological kid in a candy shop salivating in anticipation of this year’s special treats. We’ve already seen sneak peaks from the likes of Fears, Christopher Ward and it’s just a matter of time before the rest come out. In fact, you may even see a cheeky release from the WatchGecko team… but I can’t tell you that right now, forget I said anything!
Watch Media and Content Creators
Just like last year, this year the shiny lights and glitzy watches will attract us media and influencer types like a moth to the flame!
As official media partners you have us at the WatchGecko stand, in fact Jorge, Tom and I will be there, as will the Time and Tide team, Adrian Barker and Andrew Morgan. Publications like WatchPro and Oracle Time will also be there to chronicle the day, so don’t be surprised if you see more familiar faces from the world of horology!
Watch Brands
Finally, I’ve well and truly left the best till last, the main reason you and I attend these shows are the brands and this time around it’s really bigger and better than ever. With 48 watch brands in attendance, there is truly something for everyone, the best part for me is discovering something new and this year you’re going to see some big names shoulder to shoulder with newer start-ups.
Once you’ve seen those big boys like Christopher ward, Vertex, Fears, Bremont (et al.) then be sure to check out the smaller brands. Last year I discovered some right diamonds - the likes of Clemence, Beaucroft, Pinchbeck, William Wood and Pompeak still give me tingles (nice tingles to clarify) because they are doing their own thing. I love that and will be on the hunt this time around for the next brand that will steal my admittedly limited attention, but boundless enthusiasm!
