Where Tradition Meets Precision

A British Watch Brand with a Storied Past

The Rone Watch Company has a legacy that stretches back over a century. Originally founded in the early 1920s, Rone quickly emerged as a respected name in horology, offering stylish, reliable timepieces during an era when precision and design were paramount.

The name “Rone” first appeared in 1921, registered as a trademark by Combine Watch Co. of La Chaux-de-Fonds. However, Rone’s true identity soon took root in the United Kingdom, where it became closely associated with the Neale family—owners of the iconic London jewellers, Bravingtons. Operating from offices in Hatton Gardenand later Pentonville Road, the Rone Watch Company began importing and retailing fine mechanical watches to British customers. The watches—using Swiss-made movements and elegant British cases—quickly gained a reputation for quality, style, and value.

By the 1930s and throughout the mid-20th century, Rone was producing a wide variety of timepieces that reflected both changing tastes and technical progress. Notable models included the Rone Sportsmans, Rone Seven, Rone Fifteen, and Rone Countryman. These were available in a range of styles, from rugged steel sports watches to refined gold dress pieces. Rone made early use of high-grade Swiss movements—often from Anton Schild and Bifora—and was among the first to adopt Incabloc shock protection and automatic winding. In the 1970s, the company even ventured into quartz and digital models, showcasing its willingness to innovate.

Rone watches were sold across the UK and often chosen by those who appreciated understated elegance and reliable engineering. Although the company ceased active production in the late 20th century, Rone remained a cherished name among collectors and enthusiasts for its enduring design and build quality. The company ultimately faded away in 2018, and seemed the final chapter of a once-proud name.

A Watchmaker’s Passion: The Rebirth of Rone

In recent years, Craig Teale-Jones—a lifelong watch enthusiast and qualified automotive engineer (BSc)—embarked on a personal mission: to restore Rone as a symbol of purpose-driven craftsmanship. Having owned and studied a wide range of exceptional timepieces from Omega, TAG Heuer, Breguet, Rolex, Cartier, and beyond, Craig became increasingly disillusioned with the ever-rising costs of servicing and repairs. That frustration sparked a deeper curiosity—one that would evolve into a journey of self-taught horology.

Drawing on his background in engineering and lifelong passion for modelmaking, Craig immersed himself in the mechanical world of watchmaking. He acquired a professional-grade toolkit, studied the intricacies of movements, and honed his skills by working first on Chinese and Russian calibres, then graduating to vintage Swiss mechanisms. Over time, he mastered the delicate art of disassembling, servicing, and reassembling timepieces to exacting standards.

What began as a personal pursuit became a professional experiment. Craig launched his first microbrand, Rudge, a word-of-mouth success built on custom-made components and Swiss mechanical movements—designed, assembled, and regulated by hand. This proved what he already suspected: beautiful, reliable, small-batch watches could be crafted outside of mass-market systems.

Yet the ambition didn’t stop there. The desire to revive a historic British name and create ever more exceptionally crafted timepieces remained unwavering. When Craig discovered that the Rone brand had fallen dormant, everything aligned. It was the perfect opportunity—not just to honour a legacy, but to elevate it.

He resurrected the companyin London’s prestigious West End—a location chosen not just for its professional standing, but as a tribute to Rone’s enduring connection to the capital’s historic watch and jewellery quarter.

British, Independent, and Built with Purpose

Rone’s revival is not about chasing mass production or jumping on trends. Instead, it’s a return to what traditional luxury truly means: excellence in materials, mechanical honesty, hands-on craftsmanship, and enduring value. The new generation of Rone watches will reflect the brand’s historic DNA, updated for modern expectations.

To begin, the company will launch with modern reinterpretations of its most iconic models—starting with the Sportsmans. These new watches will remain faithful in spirit while benefiting from contemporary engineering and refinements.

• 316L Stainless Steel cases will be used across the range—chosen for their excellent resistance to corrosion, hypoallergenic      properties, durability, and beautiful polish.

• Sapphire Crystal will be standard on all models, due to its superior scratch resistance and optical clarity—outperforming both mineral glass and acrylic.

• Swiss mechanical movements will power the majority of      models, prized for their heritage, accuracy, and serviceability. For      select tool watches, high-end Japanese movements may be used where practical robustness is key.

Every component will be individually inspected and hand-finished here in Great Britain. Movements will be tested, regulated, and quality-checked in the UK, with final assembly and inspection handled in-house to ensure nothing leaves the workshop unless it meets our uncompromising standards.

Exclusivity Through Craftsmanship

At Rone, we believe that high quality makes high volumes impossible. We are not aiming to become a mass manufacturer, and we never will. Our watches are built with care, in small batches, by a passionate team. This means production numbers will remain low—and waiting lists will, inevitably, become a reality.

We make no apology for this. Just as buyers are willing to wait many months for factory-made foreign luxury brands, we hope our customers will understand that true exclusivity comes from the integrity behind every piece—not simply its rarity.

We offer exceptional watches for those who appreciate the finer details, mechanical integrity, and the quiet confidence that comes with owning something crafted by hand, not machine.

Rone is proudly British. And in bringing this storied brand back to life, we are not simply reviving a name—we are restoring a standard.