Garrick Review: The Norfolk Watchmaker

While Fears and Vertex are "Swiss Made / British Designed," Garrick is trying to do the impossible: make the movement in England. Based in Norwich, Dave Brailsford and his watchmaker Simon Michlmayr are building high horology by hand.

The Movement: The UT-G04

Garrick modifies Swiss movements so heavily they become unrecognizable, but their higher-end pieces use their own proprietary calibres. Their signature is the Free Sprung Balance (visible on the dial). It beats with a slow, hypnotic rhythm. The finishing is "Frosted" (English style), done by hand.

The Aesthetic: Unapologetically English

Garrick watches look like marine chronometers. They have large, thermally blued hands (made in-house). They have guilloché dials (engine turned in-house). They are not trying to be Rolex. They are trying to be George Daniels.

The Verdict

Prices range from £5,000 to £15,000. This is serious money. But compared to an F.P. Journe or a Roger Smith (which cost £100k+), Garrick is the entry drug to "Haute Horlogerie." It is the most impressive watchmaking actually happening on British soil today.

Pros:

• Genuine in-house manufacturing (dials, hands, movements).
• Incredible bespoke options (you choose the hands, the dial colour).
• True exclusivity (they make <100 a year).

Cons:

• Long waiting lists (6-12 months).
• Styling is quite traditional/Victorian.

Related: Fears Review | Pinion Review