The Alfred Dunhill, Ltd. Company (more often known simply as Dunhill) was founded in Britain in 1893. It was in 1893 that Alfred Dunhill took over his father’s saddle business and began the venture that would one day become a global conglomerate. Instead of continuing to manufacture saddles, Dunhill decided to turn the business into a motor company that provided accessories for motorists. This means that Dunhill manufactured everything from car horns and overcoats to goggles and timepieces. His first foray into the timepiece industry was in 1903, when he sold his first dashboard clock.
The Dunhill Legacy
After his first experience with timepieces, Dunhill continued to expand his entire empire. Today, Dunhill watches are considered to be among the top offerings in terms of luxury and style, while still remaining true to the spirit of the avid motorist. The company itself was bought out by Carreras in 1967 and is currently owned by Richemont. It continues to specialize in luxury goods for men.
The Dunhill Collection
Today, there are six basic Dunhill watch models. Each design offers several variations, which feature minor differences in style. The first is the A-Centric model, which most closely resembles Dunhill’s original design that debuted as a hanging dashboard clock in 1903. The basic A-Centric model features a circular face that displays the days of the month and a revolving hand. The case itself is relatively simple, but the watch features the high quality self-winding mechanical movement. In 2006, Dunhill watches rolled out its A-Centric Paragraph, a model that is similar to the original A-Centric, but varies slightly. The A-Centric Paragraph model features five separate hands that all revolve around the dial’s center.
The next Dunhill watch model is the Carwatch design, which also features self-winding mechanical moment. The Carwatch offers a rectangular design in a two-part case. The concept for this particular Dunhill watch derived from the Edwardian driver’s watches. These particular watches were designed in the beginning of the automobile era and were created with the idea that watches would be easier for drivers to read if they were worn on the side of the wrist. Included with Dunhill’s Carwatch model is a tool kit that features spare screws and a screwdriver. There is also an interchangeable stainless steel band that can be traded out with the traditional leather one.
The third Dunhill watch model is the Citytamer, which is the most sophisticated of the offerings. It also features a rectangular face and was modeled on the shape of a period sports car. The Citytamer is an extremely elegant watch and as with the other Dunhill watch models, it features self-winding mechanical movement. Dunhill’s Wheel Watch offers the largest face of all the models (measuring a diameter of 42mm). The Petrolhead model is designed to resemble a fuel gauge and the Chronograph is equipped with a unique timing mechanism. The Facet 1936 Dunhill watch model is the most vintage of the designs and centers upon a design of elegance. Though it has been updated through the years, the basic design remains the same as it was in 1936. The final Dunhill watch collection is the Parody Stone, which was created based on the rock that Arthur pulled the sword Excalibur from. There were only 250 Parody Stone pieces created, making it the most exclusive of the Dunhill watch collection.
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