When it comes to fine timepieces, Switzerland tends to hog the spotlight. But let’s not sleep on Britain. The UK has a watchmaking legacy that stretches back centuries—and in recent years, a crop of British brands has been quietly proving that the island still knows how to master a time piece.
Whether you're after modern precision or a bit of old-world craftsmanship with a stiff upper lip, these British brands offer something unique. So, if you're someone who appreciates understated elegance, attention to detail, and brands that aren’t just riding the Swiss coattails, this is the article for you.
Here are the top British men’s watch brands that deserve a spot in your collection.
1. Bremont – The Gentleman Adventurer’s Choice
Best for: Aviation-inspired luxury with military-grade toughness
Bremont is one of the few British watchmakers that still manufacture in the UK at scale. Think rugged English pilot meets Bond-level sophistication. Founded by brothers Nick and Giles English (yes, that's really their surname), Bremont watches have genuine military credentials—used by the Royal Air Force and even Special Forces.
The brand has a knack for creating limited editions tied to historic aircraft, military units, or British icons. These aren't gimmicks—each watch is a rugged masterpiece with COSC-certified chronometers and killer design.
Recommended piece: Bremont MBII – Designed to survive a fighter jet ejection.
2. Bamford Watch Department – The Rebel Customiser
Best for: Bespoke luxury and head-turning style
Bamford made its name customising Rolexes, which tells you everything about their clientele. George Bamford was basically the guy who said, "What if your Submariner came in matte black with neon blue accents?" And people listened.
Now, they’re doing their own watches—and they’re good. Their in-house designs blend pop-culture edge with proper horology chops. You’re not just wearing a watch, you're wearing a statement.
Recommended piece: Bamford GMT – A beautiful but bold travel watch with a serious personality.
3. Christopher Ward – The Smart Buy
Best for: Understated design and overachieving mechanics
Christopher Ward is a bit of an insider’s secret—offering Swiss-level movements at British prices. Think Savile Row tailoring without the Mayfair markup. They design in London, build in Switzerland, and the result is a rare combo of class and quality that punches way above its price tag.
Don’t mistake affordability for lack of luxury though. Their SH21 movement is the first commercial movement from a British brand in decades. That's a horological heritage in the making.
Recommended piece: C60 Trident Pro 600 – A diver with serious specs and timeless good looks.
4. Fears – Heritage With a Capital H
Best for: Quiet luxury and vintage soul
Fears is the true heritage player on this list. Founded in 1846, revived by a descendant of the original founder, and now turning out watches that are minimalist, classic, and unmistakably British.
Fears watches feel like something your grandfather might’ve passed down—if your grandfather had excellent taste and a penchant for linen suits. They’re subtle, refined, and loaded with charm.
Recommended piece: Fears Brunswick – A classically styled cushion-case beauty that whispers understated class.
5. Roger W. Smith – The Unicorn of British Horology
Best for: Collectors who think Patek is too mainstream
Roger Smith is, to put it simply, a living legend. A protégé of the late George Daniels (inventor of the co-axial escapement), Smith hand-makes maybe a dozen watches a year on the Isle of Man.
These aren’t just watches—they’re works of horological art. Owning a Roger Smith is like owning a Rembrandt. You don’t stumble across one. You wait. You whisper. You probably get invited to a very quiet room to discuss it.
Recommended piece: Series 1 – Pure, hand-crafted perfection.
6. Garrick – The Artisan’s Darling
Best for: Visible mechanics and unapologetic Britishness
Garrick is the opposite of mass-produced. These watches are proudly hand-built in Norfolk, with hand-engraved dials, intricate detailing, and seamless movements that are often on full display.
If you want something with personality and a clear artisanal touch, this is your brand. And yes, they’ll build you a bespoke piece if that is what you are looking for.
Recommended piece: Garrick S4 – A classical watch with open worked beauty and British bravado.
7. Marloe Watch Company – The Wild Card
Best for: Affordable design with a poetic soul
If you're looking for a low-key, artistic piece for your weekend getaway to the Cotswolds or Amalfi Coast, Marloe makes watches that blend storytelling, clean design, and surprising quality.
They’re not aiming for Rolex territory—but they are creating British watches with a sense of place and purpose. And sometimes, that's exactly what the collection needs.
Recommended piece: Marloe Atlantic – Nautical, nostalgic, and nicely different.
Sometimes, you want a watch that doesn’t scream and that’s why you opt for a British watchmaker. A timepiece that says it all without needing to shout about it. British watch brands are all about craftsmanship, character, and (often) a bit of eccentricity.
They’re made for men who already own the Pateks and APs and are looking for something a little more…personal. So, whether you're looking for something military-tough, subtly elegant, or utterly one-of-a-kind, Britain’s got a watch for your wrist.
SHOP MENS WATCHES
Images credit: @bremontwatches @bamfordldn @chriswardlondon @fearswatches @rogerwsmithltd @garrickwatchco @marloewatchco
