In this episode of The Analog Explorer, I catch up with Matt, founder and designer behind Beaucroft Watches, live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show. Based in Cambridge, UK, Beaucroft is crafting bold, colorful dress watches with contemporary British flair and a deeply personal design philosophy. From the sweeping case lines inspired by the Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge to vibrant, expressive dial colors (one even named after his daughter), there is a distinct design language among these dress watches.
Matt shared the story behind their latest collaboration with street artist Penfold—transforming a familiar Cambridge mural into a burst of pop-art geometry on a limited edition dial. The result? A watch that gets nicknames like the “Miami Vice,” the “Taco Bell cup,” or, what it immediately reminded me of, “Trapper Keeper” for those who see it.
We also talked about Beaucroft’s core lines:
Signature, the original design, which remains close to Matt’s heart—especially the “Eden Green” version, named after his daughter who was born the week the dial colors were chosen.
Seeker, a more traditional dress watch.
Element, a sporty design that hints at where the brand is heading.
That direction includes looking to develop a new GMT, Matt’s first step toward something more functional while still holding true to Beaucroft’s balance of elegance and personality. His approach is all about adding capability while stripping the dial back visually, as he hones his harmony of form and function.
Assembly takes place in Reading with Horologium, a small UK-based partner that gives Beaucroft the flexibility to do small runs and limited editions, including one-offs for collectors. This kind of close-knit, hands-on collaboration is what makes the microbrand space so exciting.
When I asked Matt my signature question—why watches?—his answer was rooted in storytelling. Trained as a product designer, he spent years designing appliances that were made to become obsolete. Watches, he realized, are the opposite: objects of meaning that connect generations, reflect identity, and carry the weight of memory. “There’s nothing quite like that,” he said—and I couldn’t agree more.
You can explore Beaucroft’s full collection or pick up a piece at beaucroftwatches.com, and follow their story on Instagram at @beaucroftwatches.
Special thanks again to the Vancouver Timepiece Show—check out timepieceshow.com to see where the show is headed next.
