The Race for Doggett’s Coat and badge

Britain is a land of traditions and legends, waiting to be discovered and explored, and nowhere is this truer than in the historic City of London, the famous Square Mile, where modern temples of finance soar upwards from the medieval street plan. With evocative street names such as Poultry, Crutched Friars and Hanging Sword Alley, it comes as no surprise to find the world’s oldest continually held sporting event on the doorstep: the curiously titled Wager for Doggett’s Coat and Badge.

This race was first held in 1715, provided for in the will of the actor-manager Thomas Doggett, who stipulated that it should be held annually ‘for ever’. A single-scull rowing event, it’s now organised by the Fishmongers’ Company and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, and entered by apprentices of the latter company. One of London’s best kept secrets, it has a strong and loyal following, and is fiercely contested every Summer, with up to six scullers starting near Tower Bridge and racing over four miles to Cadogan Pier. The contestants often have a family history of involvement in the Race going back several generations. The prize is the traditional scarlet coat and silver badge, which is formally presented at a magnificent Livery Dinner at Fishmonger’s Hall, sometimes in the presence of Royalty.

In recent years this traditional prize has been complemented by a beautiful watch: a specially-finished Lambeth Reach, made and donated by Harold Pinchbeck. It’s engraved with the Winner’s name and complemented by a brass plaque, making it something to enjoy and treasure for a lifetime.

This additional element originated in 2011 when (as traditional English watchmakers) Harold Pinchbeck Ltd were approached by the Fishmongers’ Company, and we agreed to make special watches to celebrate the Race. The Lambeth Reach has a specially-designed dial, with discreet symbols referring to the Fishmongers’ Company, the Company of Watermen and Lightermen and the House of Hanover.

It’s an enjoyable and fitting partnership. Although we are now based in Lincoln, our forebear Christopher Pinchbeck (1670-1732) had a shop in Fleet Street, not far from the Thames, so it’s nice to think that he and his family might have watched some of the early Doggett’s races (and although we can only speculate, Thomas Doggett may even have owned a Pinchbeck watch himself).

The Lambeth Reach may be steeped in Thames tradition - it’s also a handsome, practical watch that will look good on any wrist!