The world of horology is no stranger to collaborations, but the Beaucroft Penfield Limited Edition (£649) stands out as a particularly compelling fusion of art and watchmaking. This 75-piece limited edition, launched at British Watchmakers’ Day in London, celebrates the intersection of modern British art and contemporary watch design, resulting in a timepiece that’s both visually striking and technically impressive.
This special edition is the result of a close collaboration with Bristol-based artist Penfold (aka Tim Gresham), whose distinctive artistic vision has been translated onto the watch’s dial. This collaboration isn’t just a superficial application of artwork; it’s a true integration of artistic principles into the very fabric of the watch.
The dial is the undeniable focal point, designed to reveal hidden depths and dynamic interplay between light and shadow. The base is a pristine, matte white disc, acting as a blank canvas for Penfold’s artistic expression. A metal bar, featuring a dynamic two-tone linear airbrushed gradient, sits atop this canvas, creating a sense of depth and dimension. The deep debossing of the Beaucroft emblem adds a further layer of detail, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The three core colours used in the design have been carefully chosen to evoke a sense of contemporary sophistication. As the watch is tilted, the light catches the different layers and textures, bringing the artwork to life and revealing new perspectives.
The 39.5mm case of the Penfield Limited Edition Watch, crafted from stainless steel with a robust 1200-1300 HV hardness coating, provides a durable and stylish housing for the artistic dial. The case measures 11.6mm thick (including the crystal) and 46.5mm lug-to-lug, ensuring a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes. The 20mm-16mm tapered bracelet, with fully articulated links and an on-the-fly micro-adjust system, further enhances the watch’s wearability. The double-domed sapphire crystal adds a touch of vintage flair while providing superior scratch resistance. The diamond-cut radium-plated hands, filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, ensure excellent legibility in all lighting conditions. The screw-down crown adds to the watch’s robust construction and contributes to its 200m water resistance.
Powering the Penfield is the reliable Miyota 9039 automatic mechanical movement. This Japanese-made movement beats at 28,800 bph, features 24 jewels, and offers a 42-hour power reserve. It also includes hand-winding and hacking functionality for added convenience. The movement is regulated to an accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per day, ensuring reliable timekeeping.
The Beaucroft Penfield Limited Edition is more than just a watch; it’s a wearable piece of art, a testament to the power of collaboration between art and horology. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the Alliance of British Watch & Clockmakers, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to supporting the future of British watchmaking and design.
