British Watch Brand Prestex Expands Global Reach With Three International Shows

British watchmaker Prestex is stepping up its international expansion this September, exhibiting at three major industry events across the United States, Thailand and Canada as it looks to build its presence among collectors worldwide.

The schedule represents one of the most internationally ambitious periods in the company’s history, taking the independent British brand from Charlotte to Bangkok and Toronto within the space of little more than a week.

Most significantly, Prestex will make its first exhibition appearance outside Europe and North America when it attends Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week in Thailand.

The international programme follows a busy 2025 in which Prestex attended 24 shows and events. Brand owner Neil Duckworth believes direct contact with customers and collectors has become an important part of the company’s growth strategy.

“Shows have become absolutely fundamental to Prestex,” said Duckworth. “We have always believed that watches are items you really need to see, hold and put on your wrist, and there is no substitute for meeting people face to face. We did 24 shows last year, which was quite an undertaking for a relatively small company, but the response convinced us that we should be even more ambitious about where we go next.”

Prestex Makes First Move Into Asian Watch Market

Prestex began its September programme at Intersect Charlotte in the United States on September 18 and 19.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2021, Intersect focuses on independent watchmakers and is designed to allow enthusiasts to meet the people behind the brands rather than interacting solely with conventional sales representatives. Charlotte hosted the event for the third time this year.

Attention now turns to Thailand, where Prestex will exhibit at Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week from September 22 to 27.

Duckworth will personally represent the company in Bangkok, marking the first time Prestex has exhibited anywhere outside Europe and North America.

Now in its second year, Bangkok Watch Week is expanding rapidly. More than 45 brands are expected to participate in 2026, an increase of more than 50% compared with the inaugural event.

Organisers are forecasting attendance of more than 40,000 visitors, including around 400 international collectors.

The event provides Prestex with an opportunity to introduce its watches to a new market while building relationships with collectors and other participants in Asia’s watch industry.

Canadian Exhibition Completes Busy September

While Duckworth is representing Prestex in Bangkok, another company team will travel to Canada for the Toronto Timepiece Show, taking place at the Meridian Arts Centre on September 26 and 27.

More than 80 independent watch brands are expected to exhibit.

Like Prestex’s other September appearances, the Toronto event places a strong emphasis on interaction between watchmakers, brands and collectors, giving visitors the opportunity to handle watches and discover new models in person.

Participating in events on three continents within days of each other represents a considerable commitment for an independent British company, but Prestex sees international exhibitions as an increasingly important way to grow awareness of the brand.

New Marcato Takes Centre Stage

One of the products Prestex will be showcasing during its international programme is its new Marcato jumping-hour watch.

The model uses the Swiss-made Sellita SW300 automatic movement combined with a bespoke jumping-hour module.

Its design positions the hour aperture at nine o’clock, providing an unusual interpretation of the jumping-hour format.

Production will be limited to 300 individually numbered watches across four dial variations.

With the first finished examples now available, the September exhibitions will allow collectors in North America and Asia to see and try the Marcato in person.

British Heritage With International Ambitions

Prestex was founded by Neil Duckworth as a revival of the original Prestex watch company established by his grandfather, Frank Duckworth, during the 1920s.

The modern company combines influences from vintage British watch design with contemporary manufacturing and Swiss movements.

Its increasingly international exhibition programme suggests the business is now looking beyond its established European and North American audience as it seeks opportunities in other watch markets.

The Bangkok appearance is particularly significant in that strategy. If Prestex continues with its event-led approach to international growth, its first Asian exhibition could provide a platform for further expansion into the region.