This is the first of a couple of Accurist divers that caught my attention. Often dive watches are at the core of a brands range, but Accurist made their name with classic British watches - a marketing tool that they still use - so dive models aren’t over-represented in their line. By the 1960s, Asher’s two brothers were also involved in the family business. Richard, a recent University graduate, created a new sub-brand - Old England. This collection was marketed to fashion-conscious youth. The designs were bold, colourful and ultimately as much a part of the swinging sixties as the mini-skirt. Indeed, Twiggy was one of those who wore the watch, along with The Beatles and Princess Anne. The Accurist company was founded by the Loftus family - originally Russian immigrants who came to Britain at the beginning of the 1900s. By the 1940s the family was settled here and one the children, Asher, was already involved in the watch trade. At a moderate 40mm I feel it wears large on my 7" inch (approx. 18cm) wrist, but I have a phobia of large watches, so I'm quite unforgiving of watches that wear bigger than perhaps they should. They don’t represent the extreme value for money of a Russian brand like Vostok, or a Chinese homage brand such as Corgeut. But when compared with other brands on the high-street, particularly the fashion brands, they stand up well against the competition.

Delicate and innovative bracelets are encrusted with stones to catch the light and add timeless glamour to your outfit. More easily wearable and practical daily pieces are also available, made with the standard and quality you've come to expect from the brand. Men's watches are equally beautifully designed, with subtle masculine features creating a timeless look in silver and yellow gold. By the 1960s the company’s sub-brand, Old England, was seen as a desirable addition to the wardrobes of the country’s fashionable youth. Accurist expanded internationally, opened a showroom on the US and offices in the heart of Switzerland’s watch industry. Although no longer family-owned, the brand is still in British hands - now held by Marcus Margulies, owner of Sekonda and Limit.Accurist made their name as a British watch company that manufactured mechanical watches using Swiss components. They even opened an office in Switzerland to help with their sourcing of Swiss watch parts. Although Chinese made, you can see from my list below that the watches are powered by Japanese movements. They have the workmanship and build quality that you’d expect at this inexpensive price-point and the reliability and accuracy that the Japanese movements are famed for. Having expanded the business to include the distribution of Versace watches, the three Loftus brothers ultimately sold Accurist to Time Products Ltd. This acquisition, in 2014, ended nearly 70 years of family ownership - although the business is still British owned, with headquarters in Leicestershire, England.

Being a fan of vintage watches (I own at least 3 pre-1980 Seikos), and motorsport, the 1960's square, Tag Heuer-esque auto racing vibe of the Accurist Retro Racer was appealing, and it is clearly done very well. Taking into consideration everything that I’ve discussed above. The British history, the brand’s involvement with the youth culture of the swinging sixties and the new ownership, these are my current favourite Accurist models. English watch manufacturer Accurist has made itself a household name thanks to its production of high-quality, attractive wrist wear. Accurist creates watches for men and women, providing options for a variety of style preferences. Almost exclusively analogue, many with chronograph function, the collection includes everything from vintage to ultra-modern designs, with beautiful faces featured on leather and metallic bracelets.The women's watches are nothing short of stunning.Overall I would say the Accurist Retro Racer 7367 is excellent for the money, and if you want a bit of retro flair that wont break the bank, or be a delicate vintage museum piece, then go ahead and pull the trigger. From humble beginnings, as a small family ran firm in post-war Britain, Accurist grew to be the watch worn on the wrists of The Beatles. The husband and wife founders had a clear vision - to produce affordable British watches built from Swiss components.