Bolton: Prestex Duckworth launches special 'Centenary' watch

The firm was started up by Frank Duckworth, who started off making pocket watches from his workshop in Bolton in 1924, before launching the distinctive Prestex wristwatch from 1935.

Now in the hands of Frank’s grandson Neil Duckworth, Prestex Duckworth will be launching The Centenary wristwatch to mark its milestone.

Mr Duckworth said: “Next year will be an important milestone for Duckworth Prestex and I wanted to mark this occasion by releasing a very special watch, which is quite different from anything else we have done before.

The Centenary wristwatch (Image: Prestex Duckworth)

“The Centenary marks the 100th birthday of the Prestex name by going back to a classic Art Deco design that encapsulates a whole era, updated for the modern day to offer an unparalleled combination of quality, style, and value.

“We’ve already previewed this model in New York and London and the reception has been amazing, so we’re looking forward to finally seeing it in production.”

This marks another nod to its past made by the historic company in recent years.

Prestex Duckworth founder Frank Duckworth (Image: Prestex Duckworth)

In November 2021, Mr Duckworth, who took over the running of the company from his father Gordon, announced that he was launching a new line of watches in honour of his grandfather Neil, which he said at the time was the realisation of a “lifelong dream.”

Now as the company approaches its 100th year, Mr Duckworth says that the new century watch aims to carry over the distinctive look of the original 1935 Prestex using period font, applied numerals, and the classic train tracks around the dial.

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The small seconds rectangular sub dial is also designed to look exactly the same as the original, which again aims to evoke the watch’s origins in the 1920s.

Neil Duckworth

The Centenary also makes use of more modern innovations like Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement that sits inside the case.

Mr Duckworth says the design is suitable for either men or woman and comes in three different versions, available on either leather straps, suede straps or steel mesh Milanese bracelets.

He says that the company is already open for orders and that deliveries can be completed in time for Christmas.