Golby Skipping Stone - Creating Ripples In British Watchmaking
British microbrand Golby Watches continues its upward trajectory with the launch of the Skipping Stone, a release that feels like a deliberate shift rather than a simple addition. Known for its coastal DNA and dive leaning catalogue, Golby now pivots into more refined territory, delivering what it describes as a sporty dress watch with genuine character.
At first glance, the Skipping Stone stands apart. The oil pressed ripple dial is the headline act, a textured surface that plays with light in a way that feels organic rather than decorative. It is a subtle but confident execution, evoking the expanding rings of water after a stone breaks the surface. This is not just a design flourish, it is the identity of the watch.
The case follows suit. A 39mm compressor style profile keeps things wearable, while dual crowns introduce both symmetry and function. The upper crown operates an internal rotating chapter ring, allowing for dual time tracking without disrupting the clean external lines. It is a complication Golby has made its own, and here it feels fully realised.
Legibility has not been sacrificed for aesthetics. Cut out hour markers reveal BGW9 Super LumiNova beneath, offering a layered look in daylight and strong performance after dark. The skeletonised handset, inspired by the Mevagissey lighthouse, adds a touch of narrative without tipping into novelty. Even the seconds hand carries a small but considered detail, with a coloured tip that nods to coastal signalling.
Colour is central to the Skipping Stone’s identity. Four distinct variations anchor the collection. The Seashell leans into soft pink tones, understated but distinctive. The Sunset brings warmth with a gradient that radiates from the centre. Aqua captures the shifting blues and greens of shallow water, while Sandy Shore grounds the range with muted, textured tones. Each feels tied to the same story, but with its own personality.
Under the surface sits the dependable Miyota 9015. It is a sensible choice, slim, proven and accurate enough for daily wear. With a 42 hour power reserve and hacking seconds, it reinforces the watch’s practical credentials without distracting from the design focus.
The bracelet deserves mention. A five link configuration offers comfort and articulation, while thoughtful additions such as quick release pins and on the fly micro adjustment make it genuinely user friendly. Golby also includes an additional strap, along with the tools to swap it out, a small but appreciated detail at this level.
Credit - Golby
Technical Specification
39mm 316L hardened stainless steel - 1000 HV case.
10.5mm thickness, 45.1mm lug-to-lug
10ATM / 100m water resistance
Flat sapphire crystal with 5 layers of internal AR coating
Exhibition case back with sapphire glass & custom rotor
Dual crowns (screw-down at 2 & 4 o’clock)
1000 HV bracelet with brushed finish & curved end links.
Push button micro-adjust system.
Movement – Miyota 9015 (Japan)
Automatic, self-winding
42-hour power reserve
Hand-windable, hacking seconds
Uni-directional rotor (clockwise)
Parashock protection
What elevates the Skipping Stone beyond its specifications is the story behind it. Born from a moment on the Cornish coast, the watch draws directly from the experience of skipping stones across still water. That sense of movement, fleeting yet precise, is translated into something tangible. It is a rare example of a concept that carries through from inspiration to execution without feeling forced.
The Skipping Stone will be available for pre order from 9 May 2026, with deliveries expected in late August and will be priced around £450.00. It will also make appearances at key enthusiast events, signalling Golby’s growing confidence on the wider stage.
For a brand that began with straps just a few years ago, this release feels like a statement of intent. The Skipping Stone is not just a new model, it is a marker of evolution.
