Watchmaker Christopher Ward wins backing from BGF

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jul 31, 2019

Maidenhead-based premium watch brand Christopher Ward has received a £6.25 million investment from BGF to support its growth strategy and fund the launch of new product lines.

The 14-year old brand specialises in mechanical and quartz watches which are designed in the UK and manufactured in Biel, Switzerland.

Since its launch in 2005 by Mike France, Chris Ward and Peter Ellis, Christopher Ward has grown to become the UK’s leading direct-to-consumer watch brand, with annual sales of £10.5 million.

“We’ve made great progress in fourteen years, establishing really solid foundations and feel the time is now right to “spread the Ward” to even more people worldwide," said CEO and co-founder Mike France.

The company serves customers in more than 100 countries from its head office in Maidenhead. But this is only the beginning, as the brand is looking to expand its market presence and become “a globally recognised brand”. Following the investment, James Austin, an investor at BGF will join the Christopher Ward board.

He said: “We’re really pleased to be joining the team at Christopher Ward, a fantastic example of great British entrepreneurialism, becoming a truly credible player in the luxury watch market over the last decade.”

This year, Christopher Ward is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its in-house Swiss-made movement, Calibre SH21. The brand’s current watch collection includes dress, dive, aviation and motorsport watches, as well as a collaboration with British car maker Morgan.