About Pinion
“I started Pinion to create a British watch brand focused on mechanical watches with real character – designed with intent, built with care, and made to last.
Each watch is crafted in small numbers, combining design, precision and hands-on watchmaking here in England”.
Piers Berry, Pinion Founder
The Difference of a Pinion
What makes Pinion different is that I don’t just design the watches – I build them too.
Every Pinion watch is designed, assembled, regulated and tested by me, from the first sketch to the finished piece.
It’s a hands-on approach that keeps me connected to every stage of the process, and one that only a handful of people in the UK still follow today. It’s this personal involvement that gives each Pinion its own character and authenticity.
Forming Pinion
I founded Pinion in 2013 after two decades working as a designer in digital media. My fascination with mechanical watches began in the early 2000s – drawn to their precision, simplicity and permanence in a world of screens and pixels.
What started as curiosity soon became an obsession to create something lasting and tactile. So, I left my agency role to design and build a watch I could call my own. That first collection, called Axis, debuted at SalonQP in London and sold out within its first year.
Design sits at the heart of everything I do at Pinion.
Each watch I create follows a clear visual code – balanced proportions, clean typography, and a considered use of texture and material. My goal is always timelessness over trend, to design watches that feel grounded and enduring.
Every detail, from the layout of the dial to the finishing of the case, reflects a design-led approach where form and function work hand in hand.
Watchmaking
All Pinion watches are assembled, regulated and tested in England. Each movement is adjusted by hand to within five seconds a day, tested across several positions to ensure accuracy and reliability.
By handling every stage personally, I can guarantee the quality of each watch. For more complex servicing and technical work, I collaborate with Ian Walsh, whose expertise in traditional watchmaking supports the brand at a technical level.
All case backs are engraved in-house, allowing every customer the option to personalise their watch at no extra cost.
Film, TV & Bespoke Projects
Over the years, Pinion watches have appeared in films and television series such as Fast & Furious 9, Doctor Who, The Gentlemen and The Morning Show.
I also make bespoke watches for military units, private organisations and collectors, including a limited edition created for RAF 617 “The Dambusters” Squadron.
The Moment Things Changed for Pinion
I look back on the challenges and changes that shaped Pinion between 2019 and 2025, from returning to watch events, to taking watchmaking fully in-house, and finally to designing the next chapter of the collection. Together, they tell a story of renewal, focus and quiet evolution.
FAQs
Why did you choose the name Pinion?
When forming the company back in 2013, I wanted a name that was short and memorable, but also had a connection to mechanical watches, and the word PINION seemed like a perfect choice.
Go here to find out exactly what a Pinion is and how its used in mechanical watches.
What does British watchmaking mean at Pinion?
At Pinion, British watchmaking means that every watch is designed, assembled, regulated and tested in England by founder Piers Berry. This hands-on approach ensures each piece combines precise Swiss engineering with true British craftsmanship.
Where are Pinion watches made?
Pinion watches are built in England, using components manufactured mainly in Switzerland and Germany, with some specialist parts sourced from trusted suppliers internationally. Final assembly, regulation and testing all take place in the UK.
Who builds Pinion watches?
All new Pinion watches are assembled, regulated and tested by founder Piers Berry, who is both the designer and maker. This unique connection between design and craftsmanship ensures every watch is built with purpose and precision.
Does Pinion work with other watchmakers?
Yes. Ian Walsh, who has supported Pinion since its inception, now focuses on servicing and repair work for complex models such as chronographs, and provides technical input during design and prototyping.
Are Pinion watches fully made in Britain?
Not entirely – like most British brands, Pinion manufactures key components internationally to achieve the highest quality. However, every watch is assembled, regulated and tested in England, ensuring it remains authentically part of modern British watchmaking.
