British Watchmakers Day 2026 Preview
Here’s a tightened up, cleaner version that keeps your voice but sharpens the flow and loses the rough edges. I’ve resisted over polishing it so it still feels like you.
With just over four weeks to go until British Watchmakers’ Day, we take a closer look at the 26 Special Edition models that will be available to buy on the day. We also speak to Alistair Audsley to get an insight into what has changed from previous editions and what to expect as the event enters its third year. On top of that, we share our pick of the bunch and a few thoughts on what we think will stand out.
The number of brands exhibiting has grown slightly to 48, and for the first time the event will now run until 7pm. British Watchmakers’ Day can accommodate up to 1,900 visitors across three time slots: 10am to 1pm, 1pm to 4pm, and 4pm to 7pm. Unsurprisingly, the first two sessions are already completely sold out. There are still tickets available for the late slot, although probably not for much longer.
Another highlight this year is the introduction of a resident artist. Sophie Scott Lewis has been tasked with drawing a Roger Smith Series 6 to celebrate 25 years of watchmaking. What will happen to the finished artwork has yet to be announced. An auction feels likely, but for now we will have to wait and see. Roger Smith is also the headline sponsor for the show and will be there for us all to chat to an admire his outstanding work.
For the first time, official British Watchmakers’ Day merchandise will also be available. That means visitors can take home a proper memento of the day, alongside hopefully a watch or two. One of the more notable differences this year is that Studio Underd0g will not be selling a special edition watch. Instead, the brand will be using the event to showcase and promote its new D0ghouse Studio, which is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Lindley Hall is an incredible space and perfectly suited to the event. That said, it now feels very much maxed out, which raises the question of whether this could be the last year at the Royal Horticultural Halls. If numbers continue to grow, a new venue may eventually be needed. For now though, Alistair Audsley and Katya Audsley are adding the final touches to ensure another memorable day for everyone attending.
With watch sales at last year’s event hitting an impressive £712,000, here’s hoping 2026 delivers another standout year for British watchmaking.
The dial has been painted by Chris Alexander, using enamle paints in the colours of the London Underground.
With only 3 available and priced at £3000, this is a standout piece
Apair let loose with an underground inspired colour palette on their Gen1.1 Underground. The Tube map is a piece of functional graphic engineering, carefully balancing complex information so it can be read at a glance by commuters and visitors alike. Its core design principles have remained largely unchanged since 1933, largely because the solution was already close to optimal.
When Matt came across the 2024 circular reinterpretation by Maxwell Roberts, it immediately stood out as a clear demonstration of how balance, hierarchy, and a circular structure can improve legibility without losing the spirit of the original.
Whats not to like with this release.
Of the 50 watches produced, 15 will be available to purchase on the day (five per session), with the remaining 35 scheduled for delivery in April 2026, priced at £695.00.
Beaucroft brings together some of the strongest elements from its recent launches to create the Rebel Red. Limited to just 50 pieces, this bold new release blends sporty elegance, understated stealth, and the brand’s signature playful pops of colour.
The Rebel Red features a sleek tungsten carbide carbon coated black case paired with a deep red gradient dial that shifts beautifully as the light changes. The rich gradient, sunburst finish, and distinctive colour give the dial real depth, while Beaucroft’s soft blue gloss seconds hand adds a welcome flash of personality. A matching black rubber strap completes the look, delivering a seamless and refined aesthetic.
At £3,900 and only 10 available, these are definitely worth a look.
The Triple-Four ‘Redline’ builds on Brooklands’ sold-out original, preserving the design vision of Sir Terence Conran while drawing inspiration from the legendary Napier-Railton racing car. This Special Edition introduces black sub-dials and a striking red seconds hand, reinforcing its motorsport character. Through the exhibition caseback, a bespoke rotor echoes the form of the Napier Lion Triple-Four aero engine, adding mechanical storytelling beneath the surface. Even the subtly curved chapter ring reflects the iconic banking of the Brooklands circuit. Every detail feels intentional, creating a watch that captures the speed, engineering brilliance, and enduring legacy of Britain’s golden age of racing.
At £4,995 and with only 10 pieces available, the C1 Loco 7326, wont hang around
A new and improved Loco for Watchmakers Day, perhaps this is the case that Christopher Ward should have used. It gives the watch a whole new vibe, and is a stand out pice for Watchmakters Day. Named in accordance with the date of the event, which will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2026.From the front, the heavily domed blue lacquer dial delivers a rich, luminous canvas for crisp white Roman numerals and a subtle red accent at twelve. Diamond-polished steel hands catch the light beautifully, enhancing clarity and elegance. Beneath, newly sculpted bridges support the free-sprung balance and escape wheel, their hand-finished polished and sandblasted surfaces adding depth. A silver PVD-coated brass plate engraved with a Union Jack motif provides a discreet tribute to British watchmaking heritage.
Aimed at both watch lovers and film buffs. The Neo will be part of your 5 a day
Meet the Neo from Detrash, a striking black and green dress watch inspired by The Matrix and limited to just five pieces worldwide. Once they’re gone, there’s no sequel. Named after the film’s iconic protagonist, Neo channels the digital underworld through its stealthy black finish and vivid green accents, delivering a look that feels both futuristic and refined.
Its case is crafted from 80% recycled steel and coated in black PVD for a sharp, understated presence. The strap, made from innovative BeerSkin derived from brewing waste, reinforces the brand’s sustainable ethos, while a portion of every sale supports environmental charities.
With only 50 pieces available on the day, and priced at £2,200, this is a serious contender.
In a remarkable blend of watchmaking and space exploration, Diatom Watches introduces the Terra Meteorite, a limited edition created for British Watch Makers Day. Produced in just 50 pieces, it honours humanity’s most ambitious journey beyond Earth. Each watch incorporates genuine meteorite alongside material linked to the most iconic space mission ever undertaken, connecting past and present in a tangible way. In a fitting gesture, every Terra Meteorite is sent into Near Space before returning to Earth, ensuring each piece carries its own extraordinary story before reaching the wrist.
This new model, takes Edward Christopher into a new relm. This I like, and can’t wait to see.
Edward Christopher Watches will unveil a Special Edition Ripple at British Watchmakers’ Day in London on 7 March 2026, limited to just 25 pieces. The 38mm dress watch features a fully custom mirrored 3D ripple dial radiating from the brand’s logo, paired with faceted violet hands and BGW9 Super LumiNova accents.
Designed for both men and women, it comes on an integrated steel bracelet with micro adjust and a discreet crown at 4 o’clock. Subtle dial cuts replace traditional indices for a clean look. A sapphire caseback reveals a Miyota 9039 automatic movement with a violet accented rotor and 42 hour power reserve.
Sean has this one nailed, and should do well.
Limited to only 10 pieces. Make sure you take time with this one.
The Beachmaster Automatic represents Elliot Brown at its most purposeful. These ten exclusive pieces feature a deep English green dial, a restrained, confident tone inspired by oak woodlands, weathered stone, and the quiet character of objects shaped by time and use. It feels rooted in heritage yet entirely contemporary.
Protected by patent, the Beachmaster is Elliot Brown’s most capable watch to date, developed in response to a genuine operational requirement. Its patented split scale inner bezel allows intuitive tracking of mission timing across 24 hours, counting down to H hour before seamlessly transitioning to elapsed time and onward to a planned rendezvous point.
Looking for some colour, then this should be worth a look.
Ember Watch Company will debut the Rocket Concept Edition at British Watchmakers’ Day 2026, marking the launch of a new series created to explore fresh ideas in colour, material, and design. Limited to 45 pieces, this first Concept Edition features a striking vertical gradient dial that transitions from soft purple and pink into light blue, alongside unique dial text. It comes on a stainless steel bracelet with additional white and light blue FKM rubber straps. Specifications include a bead blasted 316L steel case, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and a TMI NH38 automatic movement. Priced at £449, all pieces will be available on the day.
This is a stunning example of what Farer do best. Capture a feeling within a colour.
To mark British Watchmakers’ Day 2026, Farer introduces the Cross, a limited edition of just 20 pieces. It pairs the brand’s popular fjord green with a metallic, crackled dial created through a spinning paint process that produces a smoky gradient and glossy finish. Slim Lumicast markers appear to float above the surface, while polished hands and a blue seconds hand with an orange accent complete the look. Housed in Farer’s 39mm steel case with 100m water resistance, it’s powered by the La Joux Perret G101 automatic movement, offering a 68 hour power reserve. Each piece is individually engraved and priced at £1,025.
£4,350 and limited to just 25 pieces, this could be the classiest piece on the day.
Fears Watch Company introduces the Brunswick 40 ‘1846 Edition’, a sterling silver limited edition created exclusively for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. Limited to 25 pieces, it features a slimmer polished 925 silver case with London Assay Office hallmarks and a diamond set crown.
The two part white lacquer dial draws inspiration from Edwin Fear’s first pocket watch, with Roman numerals, a recessed sub seconds display, and blued spade hands. Powered by the manual wind La Joux Perret G121M with a 60 hour power reserve, it is paired with a Fears Blue pigskin strap and commemorates the brand’s 180th anniversary.
At only £399, this is a great value proposition on the day.
Geckota returns to British Watchmakers’ Day 2026 with the launch of the Pioneer Graphite Special Edition, a limited run of just 50 pieces. Designed around contrast and clarity, it features a brushed grey dual layer dial with bold detailing and a distinctive cushion shaped case.
Each watch is supplied on a premium rubber strap with folding buckle, available in Yellow, White, Blue, or Orange, allowing the wearer to personalise the look. Built for everyday wear, it includes a sapphire crystal, 100 metre water resistance, and is powered by the reliable TMI NH38 automatic movement.
Golby turns up the heat on the Aquareef for BWMD 2026. Got £450, then take a look.
Following the success of the Aquareef 40, Golby Watches introduces a special edition created exclusively for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. Inspired by the Cornish coastline, the design reflects the textures and colours encountered during a family kayaking trip to a hidden cove, where rippling water sparked the idea for the dial.
The result is a striking concentric ripple pattern with a gradual transition through red, white, and blue, honouring the colours of the event. Limited to just 38 individually numbered pieces, this gender neutral watch blends coastal inspiration with Golby’s practical and distinctive design approach.
Make it stand out
With a price tag of £49,000, this is one of the big players at BWMD 2026
The Justin Richardson Platinum Pebble 1 41 Sunburst is a unique one of one creation that brings together vintage inspiration and contemporary craftsmanship. Its softly contoured platinum case offers an elegant, sculptural presence, while the 18ct yellow gold dial features an engraved guilloché sunburst radiating from a silver sub seconds display. A beating heart aperture reveals the movement, adding a sense of mechanical theatre.
The Canterbury dial layout blends baton and Arabic numerals for balance and clarity. Signed details, including the crown and handcrafted platinum deployant clasp, underline its artisanal nature, creating a refined and timeless expression of independent watchmaking.
An out of space piece from Monroe, and at £649, is out of this world.
Monroe are marking British Watchmakers’ Day 2026 with, the Luna Adventure collection and introducing the Lost in Space limited edition, restricted to just 50 individually numbered pieces. Inspired by the vastness of the cosmos, it features a 39mm stainless steel case and a cosmic Aventurine dial paired with the brand’s LUMECORE inner capsule, glowing with Grade X2 Super LumiNova.
A fully luminous astronaut seconds hand adds a playful touch, while the Miyota 9039 automatic movement powers the watch. Finished with a faceted seven link bracelet, sapphire crystal, screw down crown, and 100 metre water resistance, it blends technical capability with imaginative design.
One of the brands I really want to get hands on with. These dials are absolutely amazing.
Moriarty Watches, Ireland’s only bespoke enamel dial watchmaker, will present the Britannia at British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. Limited to just three pieces, it features a striking midnight blue enamel dial with nebula like speckling in white and red, created using six layers of powdered glass fired and hand finished over more than 40 hours. Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with nautical inspired details, it is powered by a Sellita SW300 automatic movement regulated to high precision.
Combining grand feu craftsmanship with contemporary wearability, the Britannia offers a distinctive and deeply artisanal take on enamel dial watchmaking. At £3,950 has to be worth taking the time with.
This red, white and blue set up, is a real head turner.
Nomadic Watches celebrates British Watchmakers’ Day 2026 with a special limited edition of its Céad 126 chronograph, restricted to just seven numbered pieces. Inspired by motorsport milestones, it features distinctive sub dials in crimson, deep ocean blue, and navigator white, offering a bold red, white, and blue tribute.
The 40mm stainless steel case houses a manual wind Sellita SW500 chronograph movement with a 58 hour power reserve. Finished with a rally style leather strap, sapphire crystal, and BGW9 Super LumiNova, this highly exclusive release stands as a striking collector focused interpretation of the Céad 126.
Make it stand out
WIth 50 pieces available and priced at £450, this is a really striking model.
Oliver Meylan celebrate British Watchmakers’ Day 2026, with the GM19 Titan MoonDate “Black Out” Edition. It debuts as a highly exclusive release, across quartz and automatic versions. Housed in a lightweight 39.5mm titanium case, it features a handcrafted copper dial inspired by Titan’s cratered surface, enhanced with Super LumiNova C3 for exceptional night visibility.
The automatic model uses a Sellita SW200, while the quartz version is powered by a Swiss Ronda movement. With 100 metre water resistance, a titanium bracelet, and distinctive moon inspired detailing, it offers collectors a rare, event exclusive timepiece from £450.
Priced at £200, this limited edition blends contemporary Scottish printmaking with Paulin’s distinctive design language.
Paulin introduces the Dazzle Clock, its first collaboration with Glasgow based artist Rebecca McCormack, created exclusively for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. Limited to 50 pieces, each dial is screenprinted by hand at M.A.R.S Print Studio and housed in Paulin’s signature cork case.
The geometric design draws inspiration from Eduardo Paolozzi, combining layered compositions with a subtle linen like texture. Each clock is finished with a choice of three second hand colours, offering a playful element of personalisation.
Priced at £1,350, the Pure Chance offers a thoughtful blend of craft, history, and independent watchmaking.
Pinion introduces the Pure Chance, a 38mm hand wound limited edition created exclusively for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. Limited to 50 pieces, it is designed and built entirely in house by founder Piers Berry, reflecting a rare hands on approach. The watch reimagines the original Pure with a newly developed case, a gilt finished Swiss movement, and a shimmering aventurine glass dial. Its name references the accidental discovery of aventurine glass by Venetian artisans, connecting material heritage with Pinion’s own evolution.
Founded by two brothers, the Mallory Tux, certainly is a dress watch winner and perfect for British Watchmakers Day
Pompeak marks British Watchmakers’ Day 2026 with the Mallory “Tux Edition,” a limited run of 50 pieces that brings a playful twist to its modern dress watch. Defined by a black dial and crisp white sub seconds register, its standout feature is a spinning bow tie seconds hand, available in black, blue, or red.
Housed in the Mallory’s refined case with 100 metre water resistance, it is powered by the decorated Sellita SW260-1 automatic movement with a 41 hour power reserve. Blending elegance with character, the Tux Edition offers a distinctive collector focused interpretation of Pompeak’s signature design, priced at £849.
Pricing is £4680 for both model options, but for me the Ultem, is the real winner
Created for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026, the Schofield Skeptiko is the result of an unusually introspective design process led by Giles Ellis, free from external influence. Its defining feature is the use of Ultem®, a translucent aerospace grade material that reshaped the entire design, shifting the focus toward texture, structure, and internal harmony.
Every component was carefully balanced to complement the material’s warm, amber character. Inspired by the analytical world of 1970s ufology rather than science fiction, the Skeptiko is offered in two versions: Artefacts with an Ultem case and Sightings in tumbled steel, each reflecting Schofield’s distinctive experimental approach.
If you’re into blue, then this might be worth a second look
Sidereus introduces the Réalta, a special edition GMT created for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. Named after the Irish word for star, it reflects the celestial origins of timekeeping through a distinctive under dial GMT disc, which transitions from dark to light to indicate day and night in a second time zone.
The watch features a dark blue anodised aluminium dial with concentric textures, housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with matching blue ion plated accents. Powered by the Sellita SW331 2 automatic movement with a 56 hour power reserve, Réalta offers a thoughtful and elegant interpretation of the GMT complication.
For serious collectors the Timor, is a stunning piece and worth a look at.
Timor introduces the Heritage Field BWD, a limited edition created exclusively for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026. Inspired by mid century field watches, it features a highly legible dial with a small seconds display, bespoke typography, and a colour palette reinterpreting the Union Jack in subtle red, white, and blue tones.
Designed in Great Britain and manufactured in Switzerland, it reflects Timor’s focus on functional tool watches with historical authenticity. Produced in very small numbers, it is powered by a Swiss movement and supplied with both a leather strap and steel bracelet. The Heritage Field BWD is priced at £1,699.
This £995 release offers a meaningful tribute to British history through thoughtful design.
William Wood Watches presents the Great Fire of London Watch, a British Watchmakers’ Day Special Edition limited to the first 50 pieces available at the event. Blending historical significance with modern watchmaking, each caseback features an authentic £2 coin commemorating the Great Fire of London.
The dial draws subtle inspiration from Big Ben, while the 41mm stainless steel case and unidirectional bezel maintain a practical tool watch character. Powered by the reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement and protected by a blue tinted sapphire crystal,
Those Zero West fans will love this new HO1 BWD Heritage Special
Zero West unveils the HO1 BWD Heritage Special, a unique one off created for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026 and marking the debut of its new hiOctane motorsport range. Produced entirely with the brand’s new in house dial printing capability, the watch features the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers logo alongside event coordinates, reflecting Zero West’s “Time and place” philosophy.
Housed in a 42mm case and powered by the Sellita SW500BVc chronograph movement, it is paired with a bespoke handmade leather strap. Priced at £4,995, profits from this singular piece will be donated to support the Alliance.
With British Watchmakers Day now into its third year, just in case you cant find something from the ablove 26 Special Edition models. There are another 22 brands, that will have their stock models availabile for you to peruse over.
From those, here’s a selecion of brands that I’m personally looking forward to seeing. The Nimrod from Abinger, I love the Anoma A1 Optical, and I really want ot see what Arken have been working on. Isotope always deliver something different, and Möels & Co have the 528 S2, I must have a look at. Sher will have both the Kids watch as well as the TWP Podcast diver.
There’s a genuine sense of anticipation around returning this year, not just to see the watches, but to witness the community coming together once again. It’s a chance to catch up with friends, forge new connections, and share in the collective passion that defines British Watchmakers’ Day. The event has become something far greater than a showcase of timepieces. It’s a celebration of people, creativity, and shared purpose. I’m incredibly proud to be associated with such a remarkable occasion.