From the Thames to Lincoln: The Story of the Pinchbeck Lambeth Dark

Last week, Paul attended the presentation dinner for the Race for Doggett's Coat and Badge, continuing a connection that has been part of Pinchbeck for many years. As he has done since 2015, he presented the winner with a Pinchbeck watch, this year the Lambeth Dark.

It's a relationship we're particularly proud of, and a good reason to revisit the story behind the Lambeth watches.

A race with a long history

The Race for Doggett's Coat and Badge was first held in 1715 and is still contested on the River Thames today. It is one of Britain's oldest rowing races, with a history that connects generations of watermen and rowers.

For us, it became the inspiration for the Lambeth collection. We wanted to create a watch that recognised this part of British history and the people who keep the tradition going.

The original Lambeth Reach carried that story through a more traditional design, with its parchment dial and historic details. But as the collection developed, Jason began to consider another direction.

The thinking behind the Pinchbeck Lambeth Dark

Jason had been thinking about revisiting the Lambeth design for some time. He wanted to keep its connection to the Doggett's race but explore a different look.

The result was the Lambeth Dark.

The black dial gives the watch a stronger, more understated appearance. Tan detailing brings warmth to the design, while the blue accents provide a subtle reference to the water of the Thames.

It was important that the new design still felt like a Lambeth. The history hadn't changed, but the way we expressed it had.

As Jason explains, the aim was to modernise the watch without losing the connection that made it special in the first place.

Made for everyday wear

The Lambeth Dark is assembled by hand in our Lincoln workshop.

We work with Tanner Bates in Devon, who produce the leather straps using traditional leatherworking techniques. Their work brings another British maker into the story, and the strap is an important part of the finished watch.

The Lambeth Dark is a mechanical watch designed to be worn and enjoyed every day. Its darker dial, warm tan details and blue accents give it a character that works just as well with everyday clothing as it does on a more formal occasion.

A connection we are proud to keep

Every year, the Doggett's Coat and Badge Race brings together people who share a commitment to rowing and its history. Being able to play a small part in that tradition means a great deal to us.

The Lambeth Dark carries that connection forward in its own way. It brings together a historic British race, a design developed by Jason and the hands-on watchmaking that takes place here in Lincoln.

If you'd like to take a closer look, you can explore the Lambeth Dark and discover more about the watch below.

Explore the Lambeth Dark here.