Struthers Watchmakers and Watches of Switzerland have proudly unveiled a landmark collaboration—a unique special-edition timepiece that celebrates British watchmaking craftsmanship. Designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Watches of Switzerland, of the project, Rebecca Struthers said “it instantly appealed to us as collaboration has always been at the heart of our practice. We’ve always loved a challenge, so we set about creating a watch that would stay true to our values and be a tribute to the historic retailer/watchmaker partnerships that have created so many inspirational dial designs.”
This watch marks Struthers Watchmakers’ first venture with a major retailer. Inspired by a passion for vintage and heritage timepieces, the design draws on Struthers’ signature ethos of “looking back to look forward,” reflecting a reverence for the classic while pushing creative boundaries.
During the golden age of British horology, watchmakers like us sat in the heart of a network of highly skilled engravers, enamellers, goldsmiths and toolmakers to name just a few. We decided to use this project as an opportunity to bring together a combination of firms, one of whom has been practising their craft for over two-hundred years, and independent craftspeople of varying experience. Some have been practising their craft for decades but have only started working on watches with our support. For others, this is the first time they’ve ever contributed to the craft.
The timepiece features a dial marked by a recreated version of Watches of Switzerland’s original 1924 logo, crafted by Struthers’ long-time collaborator, designer Tommy Morrison.
At the heart of the watch is the modified Valjoux 90 movement, selected for its legacy and previously used by esteemed watchmakers including Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. Struthers Watchmakers have enhanced the movement with custom elements, including a bespoke balance and Breguet overcoil hairspring, ensuring both precision and enduring quality.
British master engraver Sam Faraway, with over two decades experience in gun engraving after serving his apprenticeship at Holland & Holland, has adorned this watch with intricate 19th-century-inspired details, including inlaying the Struthers’s custom steel moon phase wheel with 24-carat gold. The dial itself was printed by historic dial-makers Bedford Dials, and the one-off presentation case has been handcrafted in London from quilted maple.
The Struthers are proudly sharing the names of those who have contributed to this project in the hope it continues to grow the network of allied crafts vital to the revival of artisanal watchmaking – now an endangered skill in the UK. Rebecca added “We would like to thank Watches of Switzerland for using their centenary as an opportunity to showcase British watchmaking.”
Photographs by MO Studios
