Barbour Launches First Watch Collection in Autumn 2014
March 2014: Leading heritage and lifestyle brand Barbour will launch its first collection of
watches in autumn 2014. Zeon Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Herald Group, will
design, market and distribute a range of watches worldwide under the Barbour and Barbour
International brand names.
The collections will consist of a range of ladies and men’s watches inspired by the Barbour
and Barbour International brands. Barbour’s rich country heritage of 120 years, imbues
modern, classic styles with Swiss made movements, straps crafted from Barbour’s own
British made fabric and case designs with iconic Barbour motifs.
The Barbour International collection takes its inspiration from the brand’s motorcycling
history. The Barbour International name originated from the oiled cotton Barbour
International suit introduced by Duncan Barbour, the third generation of the Barbour family in
the 1930s. From 1936 to 1977, when Barbour ceased production, the Barbour International
suit was worn by virtually every British International Six Day Trials team. The watch
collection incorporates Swiss made movements alongside straps crafted from rugged quilted
leathers and motorcycle case designs to offer luxurious and sophisticated styles with a touch
of glamour.
David Godfrey, Barbour’s Global Licensing Manager said “Barbour is known across the
world for its iconic clothing, accessories and footwear. Developing a collection of watches is
a natural evolution in our brand extension as we work towards our goal of becoming the best
British lifestyle brand worldwide. The watches we have developed with Zeon are smart,
contemporary classics that include features which are unique to Barbour such as our
exclusive tartans and Barbour studs.”
Richard Tibber, Managing Director from Zeon said “"As a British Company we are delighted
to be associated with such an iconic British Brand. The Barbour and Barbour International
watch collections will be totally designed in Britain. We are excited to be launching the
collection at the BaselWorld Watch fair on March 27th".
Barbour watches will be offered initially through Barbour retail stores, select, high-end UK
department and jewellery stores, before moving into similar retail outlets across Europe, the
USA and Asia.
- ends For further information, please contact Gareth Somers, gareth_somers@zeonltd.co.uk or
Emma Cole, emma_cole@zeonltd.co.uk.
About Barbour:
J Barbour & Sons Ltd was founded in 1894 and has always been based in South Shields in
the North East of England. Barbour is a 5th generation, family owned business.
Barbour is a leading global lifestyle brand producing knitwear, shirts, trousers, footwear,
accessories and outerwear for men, women and children in over 40 countries worldwide
including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the US and Japan.
Barbour’s customer service is unique – wax jackets can be returned at any time for
rewaxing, repairs or alteration.
About Zeon Limited
Zeon Limited (London and Hong Kong), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Herald Group, a
Public Corporation quoted on the Hong Kong Stock exchange, is the largest manufacturer
and distributor of watches and clocks in the UK, and a major force in the international
market. The company, which was founded in London by Richard Tibber in 1979, has
become a leader in the watch and clock industry through offering its expertise in innovative
design, manufacturing and distribution worldwide. Zeon Limited was one of the UK’s first
companies to become involved with the licensing of famous brand names for watches.
Zeon Limited is known for its diverse portfolio of leading international brands including:
Ingersoll, Bench, Braun, Penguin, Paul’s Boutique and Vivienne Westwood. Zeon Limited is
also a major supplier of OEM. Additional information on Zeon is available at:
http://www.zeonltd.co.uk