The Name.
"The name Abinger wasn't chosen from a map or born in a brainstorming session. It is a deeply personal tribute. My father-in-law’s surname was Abinger, and he was the man who first introduced me to the world of horology. He sparked a fascination with mechanical timepieces that never left me.
Losing him during the pandemic was a profound reminder of how fleeting time can be, and it gave me the final push to take a leap and build this company. Abinger Watches was founded as an homage to the man who started it all for me. Every watch we design is built to honor the name and lives on through the kind of rugged, uncompromising timepieces he would have appreciated."
Tom
The Team.
Founded in Malmesbury, UK, by Zoe, Tom and Holly, Abinger Watches is an independent British watch brand dedicated to designing, developing, and manufacturing high-integrity, functional timepieces. Blending rugged field specifications with considered, modern design details, Abinger builds watches meant to be worn hard, collected passionately, and relied upon anywhere.
Journey Start.
Hey there.
In May of 2021, I was gifted a Montblanc Timewalker by my late Father in law after his passing. I was subconsciously a fan of watches beforehand, seeing a highly finished movement through an exhibition case back changed everything for me. This started a less than healthy addiction to watch collecting. Spending weekends throughout the year visiting watch fairs and talking to the owners and designers of microbrands.
After joining the local Bristol Red Bar, I was finally convinced by Ken from Arken and John from Ember Watches to start designing my own watch. Like many watch microbrand owners and designers, I wanted to create my perfect timepiece. Many have come close like the Longines Zulu Spirit time, the Glasshutte Sea Q and the Nomos Club Sport. But either it be price or the long length of the lug to lug, they couldn't scratch that itch of mine. Along with the Montblanc Timewalker, these 4 watches have guided my design ethos going forward.
The substance of Abinger as an idea is focused on travel. Something both beloved by me and Mark. This encompasses many aspects. Not just beach holidays, but Trans-Atlantic flights, rallies over the Bernina pass and even your commute to work.
Travel is somewhat overlooked. The destination isn’t the beginning of an adventure. It starts when you open your door.
Tom