Clemence Watches: The British Microbrand That Actually Gets It
There’s a special kind of charm you only get from a proper British microbrand. Not the “we slapped our name on an OEM catalogue case and hoped for the best” type — but the real kind. The kind built on stories, heart, heritage and a stubborn commitment to doing things properly.
Clemence Watches is exactly that kind of brand.
Born from a childhood fascination with a grandfather’s gold watch and the belief that things should be built to last, Clemence has carved out a space in the crowded microbrand world by doing what many others talk about but rarely deliver: making watches designed to be worn, loved, serviced, repaired and eventually passed on.
This isn’t fast-fashion horology. This is future-heirloom territory.
Built in Britain — And Built to Last
Clemence takes a proudly British approach to its watches. They’re assembled by hand in the UK, with an emphasis on robustness, reliability, and timeless design. Nothing feels rushed. Nothing feels gimmicky. Everything feels like it has a reason to exist.
Materials are chosen for longevity. Movements are selected for serviceability. Designs are classic, never derivative. And every model is created with the idea that someone, someday, might be telling a grandchild, “This was your grandad’s — look after it.”
Even better? For every watch sold, Clemence funds the planting of a native Scottish tree and offsets more than twice the lifetime carbon footprint of the watch. It’s thoughtful watchmaking — with a conscience.
Design Philosophy: Purpose First, Style Naturally Follows
Clemence watches always feel like they were designed from the inside out. Form follows function, and the brand has a knack for creating pieces that look effortlessly good without trying too hard.
Clean dials. Well-judged proportions. Tough cases. Sapphire crystals. Proper water resistance. No nonsense. No fluff. Just honest design that wears well and ages well.
They’re the kind of watches that suit anyone from the classic Mini tinkerer to the desk diver who dreams of coral reefs but mostly dives spreadsheets.
A Nod to the New Kid: The Photic MKII
While the brand itself is the real star, it’s impossible not to give a respectful little wink to their latest release — the Photic MKII.
Slimmer, sharper, and even more refined than the original Photic, the MKII is Clemence’s way of saying, “Yes, we can evolve — and we can do it properly.”
It keeps everything people loved about the original: the dive-ready capability, the elegant proportions, and the no-nonsense durability. But it adds a sleeker profile, improved finishing, and a selection of colourways that range from understated to joyfully bold.
It’s not just a new model. It’s a statement of where Clemence is heading.
Why Clemence Stands Out
Genuine long-term thinking — watches designed to be kept for decades, not upgraded every summer.
Human-scale craftsmanship — assembled by real hands, not conveyor belts.
Environmental responsibility — trees planted, footprints offset, guilt reduced.
Consistency — a design language that stays true without going stale.
Community mindset — a brand that listens, adapts, and improves without chasing trends.
Winding Things Up
Clemence isn’t trying to be the loudest or flashiest name in the microbrand sphere. Instead, they’re building a legacy — one thoughtfully crafted watch at a time. It’s old-school values with modern execution, wrapped up in British charm and a healthy dose of “do it right or don’t do it at all.”
And with the Photic MKII stepping forward as the latest example of their philosophy in action, it’s clear Clemence is only getting better.
A brand worth watching? Absolutely. A brand worth wearing? Even more so.
