In 2025, British watchmaking is experiencing a renaissance. From heritage-inspired designs to cutting-edge innovation, UK-based brands are crafting timepieces that rival the finest in the world. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance, rugged durability, or modern minimalism, there’s a British watchmaker pushing boundaries and honouring tradition in equal measure. In this blog, we’ll spotlight our best British watch brands of 2025 – those redefining what it means to wear a watch with both style and story. Let’s dive in!
Our Best British Watch Brands of 2025
Duckworth Prestex
Duckworth Prestex is a revived British watch brand with origins in the early 20th century. Originally established as Prestons in 1869 in Bolton, England, the company began producing watches under the Prestex name in the 1920s. These timepieces, including pocket watches and chronographs, were well-regarded for their quality and design. However, Swiss watchmaking’s rise led to the Prestex line’s discontinuation in the 1960s.
In 2020, Neil Duckworth, grandson of founder Frank Duckworth, resurrected the brand as Duckworth Prestex. Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Neil blended traditional British craftsmanship with modern innovation. The relaunch introduced collections such as the Verimatic and Chronograph. And in 2024, the brand celebrated its centenary with a revival of a 1935 Art Deco watch. Today, Duckworth Prestex continues to design its watches in England, honouring its heritage while appealing to modern tastes.
Our Duckworth Prestex Pick: Duckworth Prestex Rivington GMT
This Rivington GMT timepiece blends vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. Featuring a 42mm cushion-style stainless steel case crafted and a brushed stainless steel bracelet, it boasts a black and grey fumé dial with a distinctive waffle pattern. The dial exhibits luminescent Arabic numerals and brushed steel hands as well as a date display at 3 o’clock for added practicality. The dial also features a contrasting red second hand, adding a vibrant touch to its classic design. A bidirectional rotating bezel, with a polished ceramic insert, surrounds the dial. While enhancing the sleek look of the watch, it also increases its practicality. Powered by the reliable Miyota 9075 automatic movement, this watch offers GMT functionality, making it ideal for frequent travellers. Moreover, with a water resistance of up to 200 meters and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the Rivington is a robust and stylish choice for various occasions.
Accurist
Accurist is a British watch brand founded in 1946 by Asher and Rebecca Loftus in London’s Clerkenwell district. Initially utilising Swiss components, the company quickly gained recognition for its quality and innovation. In the 1960s, Accurist introduced the “Old England” collection, featuring bold, colourful designs that resonated with the fashion-forward culture of the time. These watches were worn by icons such as The Beatles and Twiggy. The brand also became known for its pioneering marketing efforts, including being the first watch company to advertise on British television and promoting the 21-jewel lever movement. Additionally, Accurist sponsored the UK’s Speaking Clock from 1986 to 2008 and installed the first atomic clock at the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
In 2014, Accurist was acquired by Time Products Ltd, leading to a revitalisation of the brand. By 2022, Accurist launched seven new collections, each inspired by vintage designs but updated with modern materials. These collections feature interchangeable straps, engraving options, as well as a five-year guarantee. The brand’s “It’s About Time” campaign underscores its commitment to blending heritage with contemporary design, appealing to a new generation of watch enthusiasts. Today, Accurist continues to uphold its legacy by offering a range of timepieces that blend British heritage with modern design.
Our Accurist Pick: Accurist Women’s Everyday
The Accurist Everyday is a refined women’s timepiece that seamlessly blends classic British design with modern functionality. Featuring a 30mm stainless steel case, it houses a peony pink sunray dial with diamond-cut baton hour markers and a date display at the 3 o’clock position. The dial is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, ensuring both durability and clarity. A quartz movement powers this model. Reliable and precise, it offers accurate timekeeping. The sleek design of this watch concludes with a stainless steel bracelet and fold-over clasp. And thanks to its interchangeable nature, the watch provides versatility and comfort. The watch is also water-resistant up to 50 metres. Sweet and stylish, the Accurist Women’s Everyday is the perfect piece to incorporate into your daily wardrobe.
Storm
Storm is a British fashion watch brand founded in London in 1989 by Steve Sun and Anna Lee. Driven by a desire to create affordable, stylish timepieces, they launched the brand with the “Tornado” watch; a piece notable for its minimalist dial and futuristic design. Storm quickly gained a cult following for its bold, unconventional aesthetics, often described as retro-futuristic or architectural.
Over the years, Storm has expanded its product range to include jewellery, eyewear, bags, and fragrances, while maintaining its commitment to innovative watch design. The brand’s philosophy centres on individualism, offering distinctive timepieces that stand out in the fashion industry. Storm remains a leading British fashion watch brand, celebrated for its bold, futuristic designs that blend architectural aesthetics with innovative materials. With all models still designed at its London headquarters, the brand continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, offering unique timepieces that stand out in the fashion industry.
Our Storm Pick: Storm Navitrek Slate Red
The Navitrek is a standout piece in Storm’s men’s collection, reflecting the brand’s commitment to bold, futuristic design paired with functional features. This timepiece features a robust 45mm case crafted from black ion-plated stainless steel, giving it a sleek yet industrial feel. Its most eye-catching element is the vivid red dial, which not only adds a pop of colour but also enhances visibility. The Navitrek also includes dual time zone functionality, a built-in compass and a date display for added convenience. Powered by a precise quartz movement, the Navitrek offers dependable timekeeping, making it suitable for day-to-day wear. The design of this watch concludes with an ion-plated stainless steel bracelet and secure clasp, ensuring both style and durability. With its unique blend of tech-inspired aesthetics and everyday functionality, the Storm Navitrek is the ultimate statement-making piece.
Olivia Burton
Olivia Burton is a British watch and jewellery brand founded in 2012 by best friends and former fashion buyers Lesa Bennett and Jemma Fennings. Drawing on their love for vintage styles and contemporary fashion trends, the pair set out to create a brand that offered something refreshingly different. That being feminine, stylish, and affordable accessories with a unique design perspective. Named after Bennett’s great aunt, Olivia Burton captures a nostalgic charm that is both personal and evocative of timeless British elegance.
Olivia Burton watches are famous for their nature-inspired motifs, soft pastel palettes and delicate embellishments. These motifs range from bees and butterflies to florals and woodland creatures; they capture the essence of the British landscape perfectly. The brand quickly developed a strong following, admired for its ability to blend modern design with vintage influences. Olivia Burton has now grown into a lifestyle brand, loved by those who appreciate thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a touch of magic in the details.
Our Olivia Burton Pick: Olivia Burton Grosvenor Gold
The Olivia Burton Grosvenor Gold is a refined timepiece that captures the essence of London’s architectural elegance. Its square case, softened with rounded corners, offers a modern twist on classic design. The light gold sunray dial features a delicate crystal border. Moreover, Olivia Burton’s signature North Star motif at 12 o’clock adds a touch of celestial charm. Crafted from gold ionic-plated stainless steel, the watch boasts a polished bezel and a link bracelet that exudes sophistication. Powered by a reliable quartz movement and water-resistant up to 30 meters, this watch seamlessly blends style and functionality. Whether worn as a statement accessory or an everyday staple, the Olivia Burton Grosvenor Golf is a versatile and elegant addition to any collection, capturing the timeless spirit of British design with a fashionable edge.
What are your thoughts on our best British watch brands of 2025? Which brand is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
