For centuries, luxury watches have been symbols of status and wealth for those that are fortunate enough to own them. British watchmaker Duckworth Prestex are by no means new to the game, with close associations to Tag Heuer and almost 100 years of crafting quality timepieces.
Despite a brief hiatus in the late 1900s, Duckworth Prestex was rejuvenated in 2020 and now pride themselves on manufacturing luxury timepieces, designed in England and inspired by the original models of Prestex watches that came before them.
The company, initially Prestons, was founded in 1869 in Bolton, a town already steeped in watchmaking history; the world’s first ever automatic watch movement was after all, invented by John Harwood, a self-taught inventor.
Watch brand founder Frank Duckworth began making the first pocket watches under the Prestex name in 1924. Released to great acclaim, it wouldn’t be long until further models were launched and sure enough, Prestex’s offerings of chronographs and dress watches were similarly well received. Having established Prestex as a provider of quality, luxury watches, the company was in safe hands when Gordon Duckworth took over the business in 1948, just seven years before his son Neil was born.
Gordon expanded and diversified the business, ushering in the age of Swiss superiority with brands such as Omega, Rolex & Heuer. Due to the dominance of Swiss watchmakers and companies even in the UK market, Prestex watches were discontinued in 1965. Prestons continued to go from strength to strength, quickly becoming the go-to destination for diamonds in the North of England, but their roots were always very firmly planted in the world of watchmaking. Having grown up immersed in the industry, it was clear from the outset that Neil would look to continue his father’s legacy. After garnering success with some of the top watch brands from around the world (including playing an influential role in the formation and launch of TAG Heuer), Neil returned to Duckworth Prestex to make good on the lifelong ambition he had never given up on – to resurrect the original family watch brand.
Duckworth first launched the Verimatic & Chronograph models in 2020, before introducing the Bolton and the Belmont in 2022.
The Verimatic combines the elegance of a cushion-case and outer railroad track with a stunning textured Green Fumé dial, bold Arabic numerals and contrasting orange seconds hand. It all comes together to deliver a more relaxed vibe with a classical twist, making this a watch suitable for any occasion.
The Chronograph is a striking contemporary reinterpretation of a Prestex classic. The retro polished, cushion-style case is constructed out of durable 316L stainless steel. The watch is water resistant to 100m thanks to its screw-in case back and screw-down crown.
The dual-layer dial construction adds visual depth, with the outer minute track and sundials being recessed slightly. The black sunburst-effect dial plays beautifully with light, while the contrasting gold accents and chronograph seconds hand add a pop of colour to accentuate the details. The sapphire glass is scratch-resistant, ensuring that the chronograph’s handsome looks will endure for many years to come, as an heirloom to be handed down to future generations – as so many Prestex watches were before.
The Bolton is of course, a homage to the birthplace of the company and the vision that made this all possible. A direct copy of the original Prestex pocket watch from 1924, the Bolton is equipped with a stunning porcelain white dial & original Prestex stylised Arabic numerals.
The Belmont is a dive watch with a difference; a company not afraid of a splash of colour, the green fume dial and distinctive wave pattern distinguishes the Belmont, whilst the contrasting orange second hand and hour markers add a pop of colour to animate the look. The Belmont is of course water resistant to 300m and with a retro cushion-style case constructed out of durable 316L stainless steel, the watch is as robust as it is stylish.
If you’re looking to buy a luxury watch, whether for every day wear or a special occasion, BQ Watches has you covered. We carry hundreds of the most popular models in our carefully curated inventory from all the top luxury brands. Below are some of our offerings from British watchmaker Bremont; If you can’t see the watch you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our helpful staff that will be more than happy to help you.
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