Frequently asked questions

Personalised watches begin with an existing Pinchbeck design and incorporate individual details such as engravings, straps or selected design changes. A bespoke watch starts with a conversation and develops into something more unique. It may involve new design elements, specific requirements or an entirely original concept created in collaboration with the team.

Yes. Many customers choose to add personal touches to a watch from the collection. This can be a simple engraving, a different strap choice or other small details that make the watch feel more personal.

Options vary depending on the watch, but may include: • Engraving • Strap selection • Certain dial details • Presentation options • Other project-specific requests If you're unsure whether something is possible, just ask.

Yes. Engraving remains one of the most popular ways to personalise a watch. Whether it's a date, initials, a meaningful phrase or a milestone worth remembering, we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

In some cases, yes. Certain modifications can be incorporated into a watch from the collection, while more substantial changes may move the project into the bespoke category. Every enquiry is considered individually.

Yes. Bespoke commissions allow us to work with you to create something more individual than a standard collection watch. Some projects involve subtle design changes, while others develop into entirely original concepts.

Every bespoke watch begins with a conversation. We'll discuss your ideas, explore what is possible and develop a direction together. Once a design is agreed, the watch moves into production and is assembled in our Lincoln workshop before undergoing the same testing and inspection as every Pinchbeck.

Every project is different. Some commissions can be completed within a similar timeframe to our made-to-order collection, while more complex projects may require additional design and development time. We'll always provide realistic timescales once the scope of the project is understood.

The cost depends entirely on the complexity of the commission. Simple personalisation may add very little to the cost of a collection watch, while fully bespoke projects require additional design and development work. The best place to start is with a conversation about your ideas.

Absolutely. Many commissions are created to mark significant moments such as anniversaries, retirements, birthdays, achievements, memorials or family occasions. A watch is uniquely suited to marking moments that deserve to be remembered.

Yes. A bespoke or personalised watch can make an especially meaningful gift because it has been created with a specific person in mind. Many commissions begin with exactly that intention.

Of course. Some of our most enjoyable commissions have been created to celebrate family stories, shared interests and important moments between generations.

Yes. Over the years we've worked with organisations, institutions, charities and businesses to create watches that celebrate milestones, anniversaries, achievements and shared identities.

Yes. We've collaborated with artists, charities, cultural organisations, educational institutions and historic organisations on a range of projects. You can explore many of these on our Partnerships & Collaborations page.

Yes. Whether it's a company anniversary, a charitable initiative, a sporting achievement or a personal milestone, we're always interested in discussing projects with a meaningful story behind them.

Yes. Where design development is required, concepts and visuals will be discussed and approved before the project progresses into production. We believe good communication is an important part of the process.

No. We are happy to take inspiration from ideas, stories and personal requirements, but we will not copy another company's design. The most successful commissions are the ones that become something original.

Yes. Many bespoke projects begin with a visit, although conversations can also take place by phone or email. The important thing is understanding the idea and exploring whether it's something we can bring to life together.

The best projects usually begin with a story. A person. A place. A shared experience. A significant milestone. Or simply an idea that won't go away. The strongest commissions tend to have a reason for existing beyond the watch itself.

Not at all. Many people come to us with only a rough concept or a feeling that they'd like to create something personal. Part of our role is helping shape those early thoughts into a watch that works both practically and aesthetically.

Yes. Alongside our collection watches, we've spent years creating personalised commissions, collaborative projects and bespoke watches for individuals, organisations and institutions. Every project teaches us something new.

Yes. Some of our most successful watches have come from working collaboratively with artists, charities, institutions, sporting organisations and individuals. If you have an idea worth exploring, we'd be pleased to hear about it.

Because sometimes the right watch doesn't already exist. A bespoke commission allows you to create something more personal, more specific and more connected to the story you want it to tell. For many people, that's what makes the finished watch so meaningful.

If having something personal matters to you, many people would say yes. A bespoke watch isn't about owning something nobody else has for the sake of it. It's about creating something that reflects a story, person or moment that matters to you. That's difficult to find anywhere else.