Watch Spotting At The 2023 Henley Royal Regatta
By Owen Lawton
Nestled on the serene banks of the River Thames, amidst the verdant English countryside, the Henley Royal Regatta stands as a beacon of tradition, grace, and competitive prowess. For over 180 years, this renowned rowing event has attracted the world's finest athletes and aficionados of all things refined.
As a symbol of precision and elegance, watches have always had a place of prominence at the Henley Royal Regatta. Timekeeping is an integral part of rowing, where less than seconds can separate triumph from defeat. At present watches have emerged as a more practical and stylish alternative, adorning the wrists of both spectators and participants alike.
Much like the blazers speak to individuals’ style and story, so too did the watches on display with many keen to share the why behind their timepiece. The below was captured by Owen Lawton (@_oxwatch) founder of OxWatch.
Start of the final of the Grand Challenge Cup in which the GB Mens’ Eight went on to beat Maple Bay of Canada.
A particular favorite of the crowd at Henley, neo-vintage OMEGA.
Bremont provides timekeeping being a company based in Henley.
Even on a grey afternoon, the colors on show at Henley bring the place to life.
This gentleman spoke at length of how his grandchildren gifted him this Mondaine for his 70th.
Student at Worcester College, Oxford wearing an Accurist handed down to him.
Strong showing from Christopher Ward amongst the student population at Henley.
Rowing Blazers founder, Jack Carlson, sporting his friends and family Tudor Black Bay 58.
An Oriel College, Oxford oarsman sporting the turtle associated with the boat club.
The wife of an Oriel alumnus explains how this watch replaced a previously stolen one.
Then dragging her husbands’ arm over to share his Swatch.
Gentleman sporting a Henley Rowing Club blazer and a birthyear 1972 Speedmaster that he recently picked up for his 50th.
This lady was keen to share her Seiko that she picked up in Japan when she used to live and work there.
A favorite story was this gentleman winning an academic prize at university which he was supposed to spend on textbooks, but bought this watch brand new instead!
Cartier was well represented at Henley.
Definitely not a watch you see every day, a vintage Bucherer.
This gentlemen was super exited to show me the caseback of his new Longines.
Check that blazer pocket.
Does it get much more quintessentially British than this chap sipping his pint and reading the newspaper?
Out in full force with the friends and family Tudor Black Bay 58 paired with a Taurus blazer. Oxford Brookes won a record setting 7 events at this year’s regatta.
Celebrations for Thames Boat Club winning the Wargrave Challenge Cup.
Closely followed by a win in the Britannia Challenge Cup for Thames, winning a total of 3 out of the 4 club events.
Flypast of a WWII Lancaster Bomber over Leander Club.
Royal Airforce Blazer.
Alternative sports blazers were seen, including this Oxford University Swimming Club blazer and a Frederique Constant watch.
Being a lead sponsor of the event, unsurprisingly a number of Bremont watches were spotted.
This chap bringing the heat with his Seiko and National Champions 2021 ring.
Is that another friends and family BB58?
Moonswatch looking impeccable with this fit.
