Best British Brands at Manchester Watch Show

Now more than ever, it seems the British Watchmaking community is really coming into its own. It’s almost hard to believe then that there was ever a time in which horological events in the UK were few and far between, or that well-respected, high-quality British brands were ever thin on the ground. The fact that we can even facilitate so much discussion around just how much British brands have to offer is telling and it almost feels as if there’s no end to the debates we can have over who has earnt the right to enter the hall of fame reserved only for the Best British Watch Brands.

It'll likely come as no surprise then that more and more events are popping up across the UK to cater to the demands of watch fans eager to get up close and personal with some of their favourite brands. Within the next month alone the Fears team will be hosting the debut Bristol Watch Show and, in the heart of the Capital, the notorious WatchPro Salon will be getting underway for its 2024 rendezvous.

For the first time ever, we’ll also see a first-of-its-kind-show opening its doors in the North of England. For one afternoon only (on Saturday November 9th), The Manchester Watch Show will host brands from across the UK in celebration of the best British Watchmaking and design the country has to offer. Hosted by CEO Hamish Robertson and Co-Founder Ed Howkins, the Manchester Watch Show is an extension of the Watch Collectors’ Club, a club for “everyone who likes watches”.

Having hosted regular meet-ups online and in-person for a number of years, this is the first time that a Watch Collectors’ Club event will take place outside of London, making this kind of event accessible for those in the North of England who are typically overlooked. Giving the public a chance to get hands-on time, ask questions and connect with likeminded individuals, events like these are vital in ensuring the continued prosperity of the British Watchmaking industry.

Proving just how necessary these events are, particularly when accessible from outside of the Capital, tickets for the Manchester Watch Show sold out in a matter of days. Bad luck for those who weren’t quick enough in snapping up a ticket, but you can still gain access by checking out Watch Collectors’ Club membership options here.

Getting off to a very impressive start, the Manchester Watch Show’s debut event will be attended by well-known brands like Christopher Ward, Bremont, Farer, Marloe, Fears and Elliot Brown. No stranger’s to WatchGecko Magazine, or I’m sure to the watch community in general, these brands have graced their fair share of events in the UK and beyond, but who else should you be looking out for if you were lucky enough to snap up tickets to the November event? Stick with me as I give you a whistlestop tour of the brands you need to check out at the Manchester Watch Show…

Makers of “unusual and unique” watches, Mr Jones watches tell more than just the time. Through art and distinctive designs, each watch tells a story and offers the wearer an opportunity to go far beyond the functionality more traditional watchmaking.

Founded in 2007 by Crispin Jones (yes, that’s Mr Jones to you), the one-man-band has since expanded to include teams at two workshops in London where each watch is meticulously and sustainably produced in-house.

We sat down with Charlie Fowler, ex-furniture designer and founder of Bristol-based Alkin Watches, ahead of British Watchmaker’s Day earlier this year. His mission for Alkin was clear; to build a watch brand capable of standing the test of time through high quality, functional designs at an affordable price point. Uncompromising in his vision, the Alkin catalogue currently comprises three model designs, all of which put functionality and capability at the forefront.

You can watch the full interview with Alkin's Charlie Fowler here.

In the spirit of doing better, rather than simply doing more, founder Piers Berry started Pinion in 2023. His debut collection, ‘AXIS’, was a trio of uncluttered and functional wristwatches inspired by instruments from the World War II era. Gaining a reputation in the years since as a reputable British brand, Pinion have worked closely with the British Military, RAF 617 “Dambusters” squadron and the Axis II Bronze even received a star-studded cameo in the 2021 movie Fast and Furious 9.

Founded by watch collectors Simon Correia and Richard Johnson, Escudo watches are built to be as timeless as the brave tales of adventure passed down through generations.

Inspired by the relentless, persevering spirit of the early Portuguese and British explorers who braved unknown seas to chart a new world with only primitive navigation tools to hand, Escudo watches are designed, developed and conceived in the UK and Portugal using Swiss-made movements and each Escudo watch represents the true spirit of modern adventure.

You can watch our interview with Escudo here.

Last but certainly not least, Beaucroft Watches. Hailing from the quintessentially British city of Cambridge, Beaucroft was born from the friendship and enthusiasm for watches shared by Co-Founders Matt and Karim. Their considered designs are classic in aesthetic yet gender neutral with contemporary touches capable of journeying through life with the wearer, and, with a fond sense of sentimentality, the pair aspire to provide people with a gateway to understanding the magic of mechanical watchmaking.