Garrick Watches a Timeless Voyage through British Horology

Ah, the tantalizing world of horology! It is an arena where tradition meets innovation, where meticulous craftsmanship converges with aesthetic elegance, and where brands like Garrick make their mark, breathing new life into the heart of British watchmaking. Today, we unfurl the curtain to reveal the fascinating saga of Garrick, a brand that embodies the essence of British watchmaking and one that's taken the horological world by storm. Come, join us as we travel back in time and chart the journey of this remarkable brand.

From the shores of Norwich in Norfolk, England, emerged a story steeped in the art of watchmaking, filled with passion and precision. It all started when David Brailsford and Simon Michlmayr united their diverse, yet complimentary, skillsets in the year 2014. David, a watch connoisseur and avid collector, coupled his commercial acumen and profound understanding of watch enthusiasts' desires with Simon's rich experience as a horologist and member of the British Watch and Clock Makers Guild. Together, they launched Garrick, named after the famous English actor David Garrick, reflecting the drama and precision they intended to bring to their timepieces.



The objective was as audacious as it was clear: the revival of Britain's horological prowess, a renaissance of sorts, and a rekindling of the nation's rich watchmaking heritage. Garrick, at its core, was, and continues to be, a proud statement of British craftsmanship. Every element, from the hands and dials to the movements and cases, is painstakingly made in house or locally sourced, making each Garrick timepiece an authentic testament to British artistry. The brand's commitment to home grown excellence serves as a beacon, lighting the path to the re emergence of Britain as a formidable force in the world of high end watchmaking.

The journey of Garrick began with the introduction of their first model, the Shaftesbury SM301. Named after the iconic Shaftesbury Avenue in London's West End, this timepiece set the tone for Garrick's horological narrative. The meticulously crafted in house movement, the iconic three hand design, and the marine grade stainless steel case all bespoke the brand's commitment to quality and its passion for detail. It was a clarion call to the watchmaking industry that Garrick had arrived, and it was here to stay.

A fascinating milestone in Garrick's history was the unveiling of the Portsmouth model. The watch was a tangible demonstration of the brand's maturation and its firm intent on creating high end, wholly British timepieces. Featuring their first in house movement, the UT G01, the Portsmouth displayed an upgraded level of horological sophistication. Developed with Andreas Strehler, a renowned Swiss watchmaker, and his company Uhr Teil AG, the Portsmouth was a true testimony to Garrick's capabilities and its ambitious vision.



Each Garrick timepiece represents an engaging conversation between the past and the present. The traditional and artisanal approach to watchmaking meets modern, cutting edge technology, giving birth to watches that reflect historical charm and contemporary finesse. Their timepieces are characterized by distinct aesthetic choices, such as the quintessentially British dial designs, the marine inspired cases, and the distinctively shaped hands. This fusion of design elements is a deliberate attempt to create watches that stand out, that tell a story, and that capture the unique essence of the Garrick brand.

Yet, what truly sets Garrick apart is its dedication to the art of bespoke watchmaking. In an era of mass production, Garrick stands firm in its belief in the power of personalization. They offer their clientele the opportunity to customize their timepieces, down to the finest details. This endeavor provides each customer with a truly unique timepiece, tailored to their preferences, a testament to their individuality. This commitment to bespoke watchmaking mirrors Garrick's overarching philosophy, a dedication to creating watches that are as unique as the individuals who wear them.



The journey of Garrick has been one marked by continuous innovation, unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, and an unequivocal dedication to the revival of British watchmaking. With every tick of a Garrick watch, we hear the echo of centuries of British horological tradition and the whisper of contemporary design philosophy. As we stand on the precipice of time, looking back at their journey so far, we are filled with anticipation of what the future holds for Garrick. And as we dive deeper into their iconic collections, we realize that with Garrick, the story of British watchmaking is still being written, and every page is a treasure trove of horological delights.

Embracing the heart and soul of the Garrick brand, we now transition into a detailed exploration of their hallmark watch lines. We'll uncover the unique features, the artistic inspirations, and the captivating stories that define each line. Each collection is a testament to Garrick's commitment to horological excellence and British craftsmanship. Without further ado, let's delve into the captivating world of Garrick's watch lines, each ticking to their own unique rhythm in the grand symphony of timekeeping.

Firstly, we turn our attention to the Shaftesbury SM301, the timepiece that marked the beginning of Garrick's journey. The SM301 was a bold announcement to the world, a proclamation of the brand's intent to create watches that embodied the finest of British watchmaking. Aesthetically, the watch strikes a balance between classic elegance and maritime inspired design. The marine grade stainless steel case is reminiscent of Britain's rich maritime history, while the beautiful dial, available in various finishes, allows the watch to adapt to any situation, whether it be a formal event or a casual outing. The in house movement, designed and crafted with utmost care, ensures precision and reliability, echoing the spirit of Garrick's commitment to excellence.



Another fascinating aspect of the Shaftesbury SM301 is its showcase of Garrick's craftsmanship. The timepiece features Garrick's in house, free sprung balance visible through an aperture on the dial, offering a glimpse into the beating heart of the watch. The thermally blued screws and polished bevels further emphasize the brand's attention to detail, creating a delightful visual spectacle for horology enthusiasts. The Shaftesbury SM301 is more than a watch; it's a work of art that encapsulates the spirit of British watchmaking.

Next on our list is the Norfolk, a timepiece that showcases Garrick's signature style. Named after the county where Garrick's workshop is situated, the Norfolk pays homage to its birthplace. The watch is a symphony of balance and proportion, where the intricacy of the in house movement takes center stage. The dial, with its beautiful guilloché pattern, is a spectacle in itself, drawing the viewer in with its hypnotic allure. The blued steel hands, a signature feature of Garrick, stand out against the dial, offering excellent legibility while adding a dash of color to the watch's face.



The Norfolk, while preserving the brand's distinctive design language, introduces a few exciting features that set it apart. The most noteworthy is the Garrick branded Trinity winding click. Visible through the transparent case back, this winding mechanism is not just a functional element but a testament to the brand's horological prowess. Another feature that makes the Norfolk special is its use of Marine grade stainless steel, further enhancing its durability and reinforcing the brand's maritime design inspirations.

Progressing through Garrick's illustrious repertoire, we find ourselves captivated by the mesmerizing Portsmouth. This timepiece, with its alluring complexity and British heart, is a statement of Garrick's evolution and ambition. The Portsmouth showcases the brand's first in house movement, the UT G01, designed and developed in collaboration with UhrTeil AG and Andreas Strehler. The open worked dial design allows a peek into the intricate workings of this remarkable movement, creating a fascinating spectacle for watch enthusiasts.



The Portsmouth, however, is more than just a technical marvel. The watch encapsulates the quintessence of Garrick's design philosophy, marrying functionality with aesthetic brilliance. The handcrafted silver dial, with its unique maritime inspired design, pays tribute to Britain's seafaring history. The thermally blued hour markers and hands, a Garrick signature, provide an attractive contrast against the silver dial, ensuring excellent legibility. The Portsmouth, with its fusion of design and technical brilliance, stands as a proud symbol of Garrick's commitment to horological excellence.

Last but certainly not least, we shift our focus to the S1, a timepiece that captures Garrick's adventurous spirit and commitment to innovation. Launched to celebrate the brand's fifth anniversary, the S1 represents a significant step forward in Garrick's journey. The timepiece boasts a newly designed in house movement, the UT GO4, and a handmade case, meticulously crafted from a block of stainless steel.



The S1 stands as a symbol of Garrick's capabilities and potential. Its open worked dial reveals the intricate workings of the in house movement, enticing the viewer with a dynamic visual treat. The skeletonized design adds a contemporary touch to the timepiece, making it a perfect choice for the modern watch enthusiast. Despite the complexity, the S1 ensures optimum legibility with its bold, blued steel hands and chapter ring, maintaining Garrick's commitment to functional design. The S1 is not just a watch, but a statement piece, a testament to Garrick's ceaseless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

As we've taken this tour through Garrick's storied history and delved into the depth and breadth of their collections, we've witnessed firsthand how their commitment to British craftsmanship has allowed them to etch their name into the annals of horological excellence. Each watch line, from the trailblazing Shaftesbury SM301 to the innovative S1, bears witness to the brand's evolution and its unwavering dedication to creating timepieces that speak to the heart of watch enthusiasts. Yet, as we've learned, Garrick's story is about much more than just the timepieces themselves.



Garrick, at its core, is a brand with a profound sense of place and purpose. It draws inspiration from its surroundings, from the rich maritime history of Norfolk to the timeless charm of Shaftesbury Avenue. The brand is firmly rooted in its British heritage, aiming to revive the nation's illustrious watchmaking tradition. Each watch they create is a love letter to Britain, a testament to their commitment to local craftsmanship and design. This loyalty to their roots is not merely an aesthetic or branding choice but the beating heart of the Garrick brand.

But Garrick's story isn't just a tale of nostalgic return. The brand is also pushing boundaries, innovating with each new release. Whether it's their in house movements, the Trinity winding click, or their commitment to bespoke, custom made timepieces, Garrick's focus is firmly on the future. They've made a name for themselves in a relatively short span of time by creating watches that are as technically proficient as they are aesthetically pleasing.



The real charm of Garrick, however, lies in their belief in individuality. They understand that a watch is more than just an instrument to tell time. It's a statement of personal style, a reflection of one's personality. Their dedication to bespoke watchmaking embodies this philosophy. By allowing clients to customize their timepieces, they ensure that every Garrick watch is as unique as the person wearing it. It's this level of personal touch, this intimacy between the watchmaker and the watch wearer, that truly sets Garrick apart.

Let's also not forget the people behind the brand. The journey of Garrick wouldn't have been possible without the vision and perseverance of David Brailsford and Simon Michlmayr. Their combined experience and passion for horology have guided Garrick to where it stands today. Their leadership has created an environment where craftsmanship and creativity flourish, resulting in timepieces that captivate and inspire.

Indeed, Garrick's watches are much more than mere objects; they're experiences, ones that draw you in with their design, captivate you with their complexity, and leave you in awe of their craftsmanship. Each tick of a Garrick timepiece is a testament to British watchmaking, a tale of the brand's dedication, and a promise of the wonders yet to come.



As we end our exploration of the world of Garrick, we're left with an appreciation for their journey and a sense of anticipation for what's to come. For a brand that's relatively new in the horological landscape, Garrick has shown remarkable ambition and a keen understanding of the watchmaking craft. Their story is a testament to their ability to merge past and future, tradition and innovation, into watches that are truly special.

In the grand theatre of timekeeping, Garrick has proven itself to be a standout performer, continuously pushing the envelope of British watchmaking. As we look towards the future, we can't help but be excited about what's next for this pioneering brand. From its inception in Norwich to its current status as a beacon of British horology, Garrick's journey is a tale of passion, precision, and perseverance. And as each second ticks by, we are reminded that the Garrick story is still being written, with each new timepiece a fresh chapter in their remarkable narrative.