The Watchmaker’s Specials: Creativity, Craft, and Character
Where Tradition Meets Experiment
Every watch we create at Pinchbeck carries a story — but some stories are a little more surprising than others.
A year ago, we gave our watchmaker, Robert, something that’s rarely granted in traditional watchmaking: full creative freedom. The idea was simple — allow him to draw on elements from across the Pinchbeck range, combine them in new ways, and craft one-off pieces that break our own rules a little.
We called them the Watchmaker’s Specials.
At first, these specials were born from playful experimentation — dial from one model, hands from another, a strap you might never normally pair. The results were bold and unexpected. Some felt like instant classics. Others… a little more niche. But that was the point: freedom breeds creativity.
Over time, the Watchmaker’s Specials have evolved into something more intricate and personal. Robert now paints hands to match strap stitching. He’ll adjust tones to complement a particular dial. He may even rethink proportions and placements — all while staying true to the values that define a Pinchbeck watch.
These are not mass-made. They’re not even “limited editions.” They are individual watches made with total focus, and often a little joy. And each one is as unique as the person who will one day wear it.
What’s been most surprising, perhaps, is what these watches have taught us. Some specials sell almost immediately — snapped up before they’ve even been properly shared. Others linger a little longer. And that’s okay. Every piece gives us a small insight into what our customers are drawn to, and what they value most: colour, comfort, contrast, or character.
They also remind us — in a world of algorithms and trends — to keep listening, but not to be led blindly. Creativity still counts. Human instinct still matters.
When you buy a Watchmaker’s Special, you’re not just buying a watch. You’re buying Robert’s vision. His brushstrokes. His instinct. You're wearing something made by hand, by one person, for just one wrist.
So whether you're someone who loves the unexpected, or simply enjoys knowing that your watch is unlike anyone else's, keep an eye on our specials.
They're not always predictable. But they’re always made with heart.
