British Watchmaker Christopher Ward Doubles Down on US Success
Here’s a stat that’ll make Swiss watchmakers sweat: Christopher Ward just posted a jaw-dropping 50% sales jump, with their US business exploding by 66%. Not bad for a British luxury watchmaker that’s barely two decades old.
The company hit £45.3m in turnover for the year ending March 2025, up from £30.5m the previous year. That’s some serious momentum when you consider they were pulling in just £16.8m back in 2023. Christopher Ward isn’t just growing – they’re scaling fast.
US Market Drives International Expansion
Christopher Ward’s international game is strong. While UK sales climbed a respectable 29%, their overseas business surged 58%. The real star? America, their largest market, where sales jumped 66%.
This isn’t just about selling more watches. The company’s headcount grew from 75 to 108 employees – nearly doubling from the 55 people they had in 2023. That’s the kind of hiring spree you see when a business hits its stride.
“Challenging What Luxury Can Mean”
CEO Mike France isn’t shy about their ambitions. “We’re proud to be leading the new face of British watchmaking and challenging what luxury can mean,” he says. The company’s also putting their money where their mouth is – donating nearly £1m to good causes this year.
Their new Maidenhead HQ signals they’re serious about scaling. France calls it “laying the foundations for the next chapter” with a “global mindset.” Translation: they’re just getting started.
Luxury Watch Market Faces Theft Challenges
While Christopher Ward celebrates growth, the luxury watch industry battles rising theft rates. London sees at least four stolen watches reported daily, with total thefts topping £1.6bn last year. The Watch Register found 607 stolen timepieces in the first half of 2025 alone – a 26% jump from 2024.
The problem? Luxury watches are easy to steal, transport, and sell. It’s a headache the entire industry shares.
Swiss Competition Struggles with Tax Pressures
Christopher Ward’s success comes as Swiss competitors face headwinds. Swatch warned that UK tax hikes could shrink profits further, with employer National Insurance increases hitting operational costs. Their UK pre-tax profit already dropped from £11.1m in 2023 to £7.5m in 2024.
Meanwhile, Trump’s 10% tariff on non-US goods is forcing price increases across luxury watch retailers. Watches of Switzerland expects mid-single-digit price bumps on their Patek Philippe and Rolex collections.
The Bottom Line
Christopher Ward proves British luxury watchmaking can compete globally. Their 66% US growth shows they’ve cracked the code on international expansion whilst staying true to their “purpose-driven” philosophy. As Swiss brands grapple with taxes and tariffs, this 20-year-old British upstart is writing its own success story.
Ready to explore luxury timepieces that challenge traditional luxury? Christopher Ward’s growth trajectory suggests they’re worth watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much did Christopher Ward’s sales grow in 2025?
A: Christopher Ward’s sales jumped 50% to £45.3m in their latest financial year ending March 2025. This represents massive growth from £30.5m the previous year and £16.8m in 2023.
Q2: Which market drives Christopher Ward’s international success?
A: The US is Christopher Ward’s largest and fastest-growing market, with sales surging 66% year-over-year. Overall international sales grew 58% whilst UK sales increased 29%.
Q3: How many employees does Christopher Ward have now?
A: The luxury watchmaker expanded from 75 to 108 employees in their latest financial year. This nearly doubles their 2023 headcount of 55 people, reflecting rapid business growth.
Q4: What challenges face the luxury watch industry?
A: Luxury watch theft remains a major concern, with over £1.6bn in timepieces stolen last year and at least four thefts reported daily in London alone. Swiss competitors also face tax pressures and Trump’s tariffs.
Q5: What makes Christopher Ward different from Swiss luxury brands?
A: Christopher Ward positions itself as challenging traditional luxury norms whilst maintaining a purpose-driven approach, donating nearly £1m to good causes annually. They focus on British craftsmanship with global ambitions.
DISCLAIMER
Effective Date: 15th July 2025
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