At T.H.Baker, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable journey of Elliot Brown, a British watch brand with a passion for rugged design, precise functionality, and timeless craftsmanship. With a rich history rooted in making unbreakable watch straps, founders Ian Elliot and Alex Brown have built a brand that epitomises durability and adventure.
A Revolutionary Beginning: The Animal Strap
Long before Elliot Brown became known for its exceptional timepieces, Ian and Alex were revolutionising the watch strap industry. Their journey began with the Animal strap, a piece of webbing that used a hook-and-loop fastener, wrapping securely around the wrist in an unbreakable loop. It was a badge of honour, worn by adventurers, athletes, and even members of the MOD.
“The straps helped to take the business to all sorts of highs, like the first-ever National Points Series Mountain Bike Championships, the European Freestyle Snowboard Tour, and the Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii,” recalls the founders. They sold a million straps per year, and it became clear that their ability to innovate was just beginning.
From Straps to Watches: The Birth of Elliot Brown Timepieces
Driven by their success with the Animal strap, Ian and Alex turned their attention to watchmaking, focusing on the same principles that had made their straps so popular - uncompromising strength, practical design, and premium craftsmanship. When they launched Elliot Brown Watches in 2013, they brought to the industry timepieces that could withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining an understated elegance suitable for everyday wear.
Their journey into watchmaking was no less revolutionary. Their ethos, "build everything up to exacting standards," led to the creation of collections that are trusted by adventurers, athletes, and even military personnel around the world.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation
Elliot Brown’s timepieces are not just about style - they’re engineered to survive in the most demanding environments.
Here are some of the unique features and technical specifications that set Elliot Brown watches apart:
- - Military-Grade Durability: Designed to meet military standards for ruggedness and reliability.
- - Water Resistance: Rated to 200m, ensuring they can handle extreme underwater conditions.
- - Shock Resistance: Built with proprietary shock absorption systems to protect the movement during high-impact activities.
- - Triple-Sealed Crowns: Provides added protection against water and dust ingress.
- - Super-Luminova Technology: Dual-colour lume enhances visibility in low-light conditions, making them ideal for nighttime adventures.
- - Automatic Movements: Many models feature automatic movements for precision timekeeping.
- - Robust Materials: Constructed from solid marine-grade 316L stainless steel and robust ceramic bezels for increased toughness.
- - Single-sided Solid Strapbars: Designed for easy strap changes with a special tool included with every watch, offering versatility for any occasion.
In recent years, Elliot Brown even partnered with Land Rover to create the Land Rover x Elliot Brown Holton Professional, a watch that encapsulates both brands' commitment to durability, capability, and adventure.
The New Webbing Strap: A Reinvention of an Icon
In 2019, Elliot Brown took another bold step forward by reinventing their original webbing strap, improving upon the iconic Animal design. The result is a 22mm wide strap woven on Victorian shuttle looms - the same looms used in the 19th century to produce some of the most durable fabrics.
“Webbing straps are seen as fit for purpose, but there are some downsides,” says Ian. Their solution was to create a strap that is infinitely adjustable, eliminating the bulk and discomfort associated with traditional NATO-style straps. The new strap is not only super-strong and lightweight but also easy to use, offering a friction fit between the watch and the strap bar.
Key innovations include:
- - Selvedge woven edges for added strength and durability.
- - A smooth matt finish that is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic.
- - Anti-bacterial treatment for lifetime protection against odours.
- - A design that allows for one-handed operation and instant adjustment, making it ideal for wearing over a wetsuit or on any adventure.
The webbing, sourced from Bowmer Bond, is dyed in small batches and treated with an anti-bacterial wash, ensuring long-term comfort and performance. Woven with meticulous care, the textured polyester yarn dries quickly, making it perfect for rugged use in any environment. This level of craftsmanship is evident in every detail, making the strap not just an accessory, but an essential part of the Elliot Brown experience.
Discover Elliot Brown’s Best-Selling Watch Collections
The Elliot Brown watch collection is a testament to the brand's commitment to durability, precision, and timeless design.
From the patented Beachmaster Automatic and the military-issued Holton to the Bloxworth chronograph, these watches are perfect for both rugged adventures and everyday elegance. Elliot Brown blends technical sophistication with understated style, there’s a timepiece for every adventurer and style enthusiast.
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- Elliot Brown Beachmaster: So Unique it carries a Timing Patent
Equipped with the renowned Swiss Sellita SW330-2 GMT movement. The Beachmaster® Automatic is a unique, multi-function, patented timing mechanism consisting of an outer uni-direction dive bezel and inner bi-directional bezel with a precise 120 clic-lock control system operated by ceramic ball bearings. “Whatever the mission, precision timing counts”
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- Elliot Brown Holton: The Ultimate Military Tool Watch
The Holton collection, consisting of quartz, automatic and auto GMT movements, is the ultimate military tool watch. Developed in response to a request from a specialist branch of the British Special Forces, who demanded a fit-for-purpose professional watch capable of a life in the field and in the water. Tested in water to 200 metres with dual Superluminova for clear and concise time keeping whatever the task
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- Elliot Brown Bloxworth: The Chronograph with Classic British Style
The Bloxworth Chronograph is a versatile watch designed for active lifestyles. With a robust Swiss-made chronograph movement and a 44mm marine-grade stainless steel case, it offers durability and style. The watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and luminous details for excellent visibility. Water-resistant up to 200 metres, it's perfect for both everyday wear and adventurous outings
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- Elliot Brown Canford: Travel-Ready Precision
The Canford Range blends understated elegance with rugged performance. Inspired by classic watch designs, it features a 44mm marine-grade stainless steel case and a Swiss-made movement with a three-year battery life. Available in various dial colours and strap options, the Canford is customisable to suit any occasion. It also boasts excellent water resistance and luminous details for clarity in any lighting. Its versatile design transitions effortlessly from professional settings to adventurous excursions, making it a must-have for modern travellers.
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- Elliot Brown Kimmeridge: Built for Adventure, Perfect for Every Day
The Kimmeridge Range is designed specifically for smaller wrists without compromising on durability. It features a refined aesthetic with soft leather straps and elegant dials, including options like mother-of-pearl. Powered by a Swiss quartz movement and protected by shock-absorbing technology, this watch is both stylish and functional. Water-resistant to 200 metres, it’s perfect for daily wear and outdoor adventures.
Experience the Legacy of Elliot Brown
With a rich history that spans decades of adventure and innovation, Elliot Brown continues to push the limits of what’s possible in timekeeping. Their watches are more than just accessories - they are tools built to withstand the elements, honour craftsmanship, and inspire adventure. Whether you're scaling mountains, diving into the ocean, or simply navigating your daily routine, an Elliot Brown watch is ready for whatever comes next.
Discover the collection at T.H.Baker today and find the perfect Elliot Brown timepiece for your next adventure.
