The revival of Duckworth Prestex is an exciting launch for many fans of traditional British watchmaking. The brand has a long and fascinating history and has recently relaunched. The brand’s comeback features a wide range of stunning watches that each take inspiration from original vintage models. Duckworth Prestex has retained its family run status over the course of the decades and is run by Neil Duckworth and his team today. The team behind the brand has a huge amount of experience in the horological industry and use this to create practical and affordable watches that are innovative and stylish. Today, we will explore the brand’s history, collections and offer some recommendations.
A Brief History of Duckworth Prestex
The brand was originally founded by Frank Duckworth. The family firm was named Prestons and it opened in Bolton in 1869. In its first few decades, the brand sold watches and made some of its own. By the 1920s, Prestons was producing pocket watches under the Prestex brand name. They also went on to create dress watches and chronographs. In 1948, Neil’s father, Gordon, took over the business. Under his leadership, the brand began selling high profile Swiss watch brands such as Omega, Rolex and Heuer. Sadly, the original Prestex range was quietly discontinued. Meanwhile, Neil worked for Tag Heuer and was a key player in introducing the brand into the UK market and Andrew, Neil’s brother, took control of the family business.
After gaining invaluable experience with some of the world’s leading watch brands, Neil returned to the family business. His dream was to resurrect the family brand. The brand was successfully relaunched under the adapted name of Duckworth Prestex that combines the original business name and the family name. All of the watches that the brand produces and designed in England and are inspired by the original Prestex models. Each model has a distinctive vintage style cushion shaped case and represents the tradition of British watchmaking. The revival of Duckworth Prestex has introduced many exciting watches into the market.
The Duckworth Prestex Collections
Verimatic
The watches in this collection are all inspired by the original Prestex Art Deco watch. The collection’s name combines the Latin ‘veritas’, meaning truth with ‘automatic’ to summarise the essence of the timepieces. These watches are powered by the carefully crafted Miyota 9039 automatic movement.
Chronograph
The chronograph watches have a slightly more modern look that some of the other collections. The watches in this collection are contemporary iterations of the Prestex Classic. The watch takes inspiration from both traditional and modern design to create a totally unique look. These models are powered by the cutting edge Miyota 6S21 quartz chronograph movement.
Bolton
The watches in the Bolton collection are a reflection of Duckworth Prestex’s illustrious heritage. The design of these watches is reminiscent of the original 1924 pocket watch. These timepieces were launched to mark the milestone centenary of this family-run brand.
Duckworth Prestex Recommendations
Duckworth Prestex Verimatic | Automatic | Black Dial | Orange Rubber Strap D891-01-OR
This model exhibits a textured black fumé dial with bold Arabic nuemrals and gold-toned hour, minute and second hands. The details of the dial are treated with a luminescent compound to ensure they are legible in low light. Domed sapphire crystal protects the dial and provides a good level of scratch resistant. The automatic movement that powers this timepiece is housed within a cushion-shaped stainless steel case. This movement is accurate to within -10 to +30 seconds per day. This iteration of the Verimatic watch is secured on the wrist using a high-grade, heavy duty and water resistant rubber strap in a vibrant orange colour.
Duckworth Prestex Chrono 42 | Black Dial | Stainless Steel Mesh D550-01-ST
The black dial of this watch features two eye-catching white sub dials. These sub dials are an iconic feature of the Duckworth Prestex Chronograph collection. A date aperture is also featured at 6 o’clock on the dial. The watch is powered by a precise and reliable quartz chronograph movement that is housed within the distinctive cushion shaped stainless steel case. This model is finished with a stylish and modern stainless steel mesh bracelet. This bracelet makes the watch a perfect choice for everyday styling.
Duckworth Prestex Bolton Verimatic | Automatic | White Dial | Brown Leather Strap D703-02-B
This watch exhibits a very classic and timeless design to emphasise the brand’s long history and family-run heritage. The white dial is adorned with Art Deco style Arabic numerals alongside black hour, minute and second hands. The dial is protected by sapphire glass and framed by a stainless steel case. This case measures 39mm in diameter, ensuring for a comfortable fit on the wrist. This watch is secured on the wrist with a timeless brown leather strap that is detailed with white contrast stitching. Additionally, this watch is water resistant up to 200 metres.
What do you think of the revival of Duckworth Prestex? Have any of the watches caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!
