Let Us Create the Watch You Always Wanted

Each year we accept a small number of commissions to make bespoke watches. We are one of the very few makers to offer this special service, which is perfect for those Customers who are looking for something extra. As well as making bespoke timepieces for discerning individuals we have created watches for organisations, including the University of Oxford, The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, Brough Superior Motorcycles and London Overground Railway.

To create your unique timepiece, and prior to its meticulous hand-assembly in our English workshop, we place great importance on personalised consultations. Whether conducted remotely or in person, these enable us to understand your vision and preferences. We take the time to show you proofs, photographs and examples, ensuring that your watch reflects your distinct taste and personality.

Our commitment to delivering such quality and attention to detail means that we can only accept a limited number of commissions. The process can’t be rushed, and usually spans at least several months. This exclusivity further enhances the uniqueness of your watch.

The dial is the principal canvas for personalisation. We can include the owner's initials or logo, ensuring that every glance at the watch brings a sense of ownership and pride, making the watch truly unique. There is the option to go even further, by including an engraved gilt ring between the glass and the dial, with an almost-secret inscription. Whether this is a name, a significant date, or a cherished motto, this becomes a personal reminder, known only to the owner and those they choose to show.

The personalisation needn’t end there. The outside of the watch can also be engraved, turning the case into a personal statement. This transforms the watch into a cherished heirloom, infused with the owner's unique story and memories.

Finishing touches such as personal embossing on a handmade leather strap, and an engraved plaque in the presentation box, complete your unique ‘watch for life’.

These photographs show a few past examples. Of course, your custom watch will be a new adventure, so we will be happy to discuss your ideas, give you an idea of the cost, and how to proceed with its commissioning.

Email info@haroldpinchbeck.co.uk, or call us on 01522 560550.


Just a few of the available customisations:

  • Your name or initials on the dial

  • Choice of dial colours (eg Ruby Wedding or college colours)

  • Lettering or symbols embossed on the strap

  • Gold embellishments

  • Custom dial design

  • Custom watch hands design

  • Embedded precious stones

  • Choice of leathers and stitching

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

For a bespoke watch your initial consultations, whether by telephone, email, Skype or personal visit, will enable us to write a specification for your watch, and advise you of its cost and delivery time. There is no charge for this service, whether or not you go ahead.

Should you wish, we will provide you with a high quality digital render of the proposed design, at which stage you can compare colours, etc. For this, there will be a nominal charge of £499, payable in advance, whether or not you go ahead. However, if you go ahead with the watch as quoted this amount will be deducted from the final invoice.

If you decide to commission a watch on this basis we will ask for a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total quoted price.

On completion of your watch, and prior to delivery, we will ask for the remaining balance (taking into account the deposit paid, and the charge of your initial render).

Prices for bespoke watches start at £5,000 (including 20% UK VAT).

Brough Superior Motorcycles

A series of beautiful watches produced for Brough Superior Motorcycles. With a gold inlaid logo on the bezel, an inlaid gold crown, a gold inner engraved ring, and a black-on-gold watch dial. A stunning series of watches!

Exquisite Rose Gold

Made for a significant Birthday, rose gold was the theme for this special watch. The dial design was litho-printed in dark brown onto a rose gold background, including a family motif; the hands and other detailing were in matching rose gold. The case was stainless steel, fitted with a specially-made bezel in solid 18 carat rose gold.

A Custom Build in Gold

A challenging but rewarding custom design and build. A ladies dress watch made in 18 carat gold, it has a mother-of-pearl dial with gold leaf decoration.

Supercar Super Style

A small series of watches made for a British company that builds supercars to break land speed records. Something extraordinary was required here, so we designed the watch case to be built from two opposing-shaped wedges of anodised aluminium. A unique design!

Green on Silver

Our Customer had a specific idea of how they wanted their watch dial to look; Roman numerals in a very contemporary style, litho-printed onto a silver dial. The look is unique and clear to the eye. A beautiful tan Tanner Bates strap, and their name on the dial, completed the build.

A Customer’s Tribute

A truly unique request and a joy to complete. A customer’s tribute to the great John Harrison. Not much needs to be said as the dial speaks for itself. A beautiful watch and a mix of old and new that works perfectly.

Something Special

We created this watch for our customer’s Ruby Wedding celebrations. The personalised dial design was printed in red on a white background, and the red Tanner Bates strap was embossed with the customer’s initials. As a finishing touch a ruby cabouchon was set into the crown, and the caseback engraved with a personal inscription.

Oxford University

A collection of watches, created for Oxford University. A very nice contemporary design, made in parchment and dark blue colour variants. A smart watch that could be worn on any occasion.

London Overground Railway

A commission by Transport For London to celebrate and award milestone achievements within their organisation. All watches were hand-built and made to their specification and colours.

A Ruby Wedding

Another take on the Ruby Wedding theme, we made this 36mm watch for a lady. The mother-of-pearl dial has dark red markings, and a ruby cabouchon was set into the crown. The caseback features the Bishop’s Eye window of Lincoln Cathedral, and the watch is complemented by a burgundy leather strap.

A Beautiful Marriage

Both the gentleman’s and ladies watches together in the Ruby Wedding theme. The gentleman’s watch was, of course, a ruby red painted onto a parchment coloured dial. A perfect couple!

Register Interest

If you like the idea of having your own personalised watch, please fill in the form, or call us on 01522 560550 so that we can discuss your options.