From the shores of Britain comes a timepiece that embodies a harmonious blend of classic aesthetics and robust engineering: the Shoreham Pembroke Watch. Priced at an accessible £349, this offering from Shoreham presents a compelling proposition for the discerning horophile seeking a watch with character, versatility, and a touch of maritime heritage. The Pembroke distinguishes itself not only through its meticulously crafted bronze case but also by providing a trio of distinct straps, allowing its wearer to tailor its appearance to any occasion.
The heart of the Pembroke’s allure lies within its 39mm case, forged from premium grade CuSn8 bronze. This particular alloy represents the pinnacle of bronze used in watchmaking, celebrated for its inherent strength and exceptional wear resistance. The addition of tin within the CuSn8 composition further enhances its resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the case will gracefully age, developing a unique patina that speaks to the wearer’s individual journey.
The finishing of the case is a study in contrasts, showcasing Shoreham’s attention to detail. The sides are meticulously sandblasted, providing a tactile and understated texture, while the bevelled lugs are mirror polished, catching the light with a brilliant gleam. These polished elements are artfully separated from the finely brushed surfaces of the case, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that shifts depending on the viewing angle, adding a subtle yet captivating visual dimension.
Recognising the importance of adaptability, the Shoreham Pembroke Watch is presented with not one, but three distinct straps, each designed to evoke a different mood and suit various settings. The olive green leather strap offers a classic and timeless appeal, perfect for everyday wear or more formal occasions. For those seeking a more resilient option, the walnut brown silicone strap provides a versatile and comfortable choice.
Crafted from premium-grade silicone, it is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, while its waterproof nature makes it ideal for more active pursuits. This strap is finished with a bronze buckle proudly engraved with the Shoreham crest. Completing the trio is a sand canvas strap, adding a touch of ruggedness and adventure to the watch’s character. Each strap features convenient quick-release spring bars, allowing for effortless and swift changes, empowering the wearer to seamlessly transition between styles.
Beneath the sapphire crystal, which features an anti-reflective coating for optimal clarity, resides a captivating chocolate brown California-style dial. This distinctive dial configuration, with its blend of Roman numerals on the upper half and Arabic numerals on the lower, is a nod to horological history while retaining a contemporary feel.
The dial boasts a smooth and striking gradient effect, subtly fading inwards from the gilded track that encircles its circumference. The dial text and the 12 and 6 markers are also gilded, providing a soft and elegant contrast against the rich brown backdrop. The numerals themselves are coated with C3 Swiss Super-LumiNova®, pigmented to display an indulgent cream tone in daylight and emitting a powerful glow in low-light conditions.
The Shoreham Pembroke is powered by the automatic NH38A movement, a reliable and accurate calibre from Seiko in Japan. This no-date variant of the movement requires no batteries, instead drawing its power from the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. Proudly engraved with the Shoreham crest, this movement is a testament to Seiko’s world-renowned reputation for producing dependable and precise timekeeping mechanisms. The NH38A features hacking seconds, allowing for precise synchronisation, and utilises Seiko’s magic lever technology, resulting in a smooth sweep of the second hand.
With 24 jewels and a vibration frequency of 21,600 beats per hour, the movement offers a power reserve of over 41 hours and can also be conveniently hand-wound. The sapphire crystal caseback provides a window to admire the intricate workings of this automatic movement, further enhancing the owner’s appreciation for the craftsmanship within.
Each caseback is also engraved with a unique serial number, registered to the individual owner, adding a personal touch to this exceptional timepiece. Completing the robust nature of the Pembroke is a screw-down onion crown and a water resistance rating of 200 meters (20ATM), making it a capable companion for a wide range of activities, both on land and at sea.
