Bamford Watch Department: Customised Watches

I met George Bamford just before Christmas when he showed me Bamford Watch Department's Mayfair HQ. Housed in an elegant building, a remarkable feature is that the paint of the internal walls graduates from black to white over the height of the building. When I mentioned this to Bamford he told me that most visitors don't notice, but I saw it as evidence of his total immersion in design that marks out his approach to whatever he does.

Zenith El Primero customised by Bamford Watch Department

Bamford Watch Department designs many things, from grooming products, through stickers (incongruously) to the customisation of watches. I first came across the company some years ago, in my watch collecting days, when they applied a black coating to Rolexes (particularly the Submariner) in a way that made the watches look fantastic, but, as it was done without Rolex approval, voided any warranty. Nowadays watch brands such as Zenith, Tag Heuer and Bulgari have arrived at George Bamford's door to collaborate with him. Visit the BWD website and you'll see that you can stamp your personality on an off-the-peg watch by changing dials, hands and cases to create a timepiece that is exactly as you want it. 

Top row: Zenith and Tag Heuer customised watches. Bottom row: Bamford Mayfair quartz watches

Each watch is customised in Bamford's own workshops where I saw experienced watchmakers relishing in the creative nature of the work they do. George has a close input, commenting in strap shapes and stitching and, with his keen design eye, ensuring that each watch looks its best for the client.

They also produce their own Mayfair collection of quartz watches. Affordably priced at £425, they come in a wide range of case and dial colours, echoing the customisation available for higher end watches. The Mayfair Range have a military-inspired asymmetric titanium-coated case and 12 hour bezel which makes them ideal holiday watches when you'd rather leave the pricey watches at home. The 12 hour bezel allows time to be read in a different timezone and a selection of straps adds to the choice available. There is no date display, something I'd like to see on a very practical knock-around watch like this.

On the wrist: customised Zenith El Primero (top left) and Bamford Mayfair

I was sent a couple of watches to try. Both had huge straps, far too large for my medium/small wrist, so if you order check sizing. Close up, all the watches are beautifully made and, whether you go for a customised high end watch like a Zenith, Tag Heuer or Bulgari, or the affordable Mayfair Range you'll have a wristwatch that's not only different but that oozes design integrity. The breadth of choice is large and you will own a customised watch that fulfils your precise requirements. See Bamford Watch Department.

This post was unsponsored. I was lent watches for review.