Although King Charles III’s Coronation on May 6 will be a first for many, manufacturers from almost every industry are determined that we will never forget it.
There is already a plethora of commemorative mugs, tea towels, plates and confectionary lining the souvenir stores of London’s West End and every remaining high street in Britain.
But shining out from among these less salubrious items created to mark the historical event is a trio of timepieces made by three British watch companies, covering a range of price points.
Duckworth Prestex Coronation 2023 watch
Duckworth Prestex, founded by industry stalwart Neil Duckworth in 2021, has created two limited-edition ‘Coronation 2023’ watches that are available for pre-order now to be delivered in September 2023.
Just 365 pieces will be made in each colourway – Salmon Pink or Midnight Blue – each dial featuring traditional Art Deco numerals, similar to those on the Duckworth Prestex Bolton range, and a distinctive Small Seconds subdial at 4 o’clock.
The signature 39mm brushed and polished cushion case pays homage to the style of the 1920s, the decade that the Prestex brand made its first pocket watch. The case is water resistant to 200 metres thanks to its screw-down winding crown
The reliable, Japanese workhorse Miyota 82S5 movement is housed within. And, in another first for Duckworth Prestex, a double-domed sapphire-crystal exhibition caseback gives a full view of the calibre that powers the watch.
“I really wanted to design and create something very special for this occasion,” says Duckworth. ”Our first limited-edition watch is the outcome, and we couldn’t be happier. This new Coronation 2023 model represents a pivotal point in both the brief history of our company and the history of the United Kingdom.”
Available on a choice of leather or suede straps, the watches are available to pre-order at duckworthprestex.co.uk for £795
William Wood British Coronation Watch
Another relative newcomer to the British watch scene. William Wood Watches was established in 2016. Since then, the brand that was established in honour of founder Jonny Garrett’s firefighter grandfather has come a long way and is preparing for some big announcements in May and June including the launch of new partnerships with global retailers.
Dubbed the British Coronation Watch, the first version of the timepiece features a British Racing Green ‘metallic shimmer’ sandwich dial etched with the Union Flag. Housed in a 41mm brushed bronze case, each watch bear the legend “Anniversary Edition 2023’.
Within the case is a Sellita SW510 chronograph movement featuring a minute counter at 3 o’clock, date window at 6 and running seconds at 9.
Only 30 pieces will be made and all are now allocated to their new owners. However, due to the incredible success of the Racing Green edition, a second series is now being created in a fitting Royal Blue livery.
“We kept it to only 30 pieces to make people aware of how special this range is,” says Garrett. “It is our lowest number ever in a limited-edition range. We felt that we had to launch the series II version in Royal Blue, which is available to pre-order, as these green models sold out.
“Racing Green is instantly recognisable around the world as a quintessential British colour. We have never produced a bronze-green combination before, which our customers have pushed for over the years. Series II in Royal Blue which will be available on our website to pre-order with delivery in August.”
As is standard across all William Wood watches, the straps are made from colour-matched fire hose material. Pre-orders for Royal Blue are available now at williamwoodwatches.com. The piece is priced at £2,995.
Bremont MBII King Charles III watch
The most established of the royal trio featured here is Bremont, founded 21 years ago by brothers Giles and Nick English. As a huge supporter of – as well as suppliers to – His Majesty’s Armed Forces, it is little surprise that the brand has chosen to mark the Coronation of King Charles III with a limited-edition watch.
The 43mm Bremont MBII King Charles III is a design based on the brand’s signature MBII, inspired by Martin Baker, the British company famed for its ejector seats.
The watch features a clear white dial with cathedral hands and heraldic touches including a regal purple seconds hand. The stainless-steel caseback is engraved with King Charles’s Coronation Emblem.
Within the case is a Modified Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-36AE with Glucydur balance, Anachron balance spring and Nivaflex mainspring, providing a power reserve of 38-hours
A Bremont Challenge coin has also been created featuring the King Charles III Coronation Emblem. This will be a gift with all watch purchases throughout the month of May.
Limited to just 50 pieces, the Bremont MBII King Charles III watches will be individually hand assembled upon order, with deliveries within 2-4 weeks. They are priced at £4,495.
