Does Burberry Make Watches?
History of Burberry
Burberry is a global British brand with a significant legacy. Burberry was founded by 21-year-old Thomas Burberry, in 1856. He opened the first small outfitter’s shop in Basingstoke England. The shop initially focused on selling outdoor attire and waterproof garments that are durable and functional.
The company was originally focused on manufacturing outdoor clothes. Burberry was initially famous for making coats for British troopers in the Boer War. After that gradually the company has diversified to the high fashion markets like fragrances, sunglasses, handbags, hats, umbrellas, ready-to-wear outerwear, cosmetics, etc.
Does Burberry Make Watches?
Yes, Burberry has continued to produce a range of high-quality watches starting from the early 2000s, offering both men’s and women’s collections. These watches often feature premium materials, precision movements, and the same attention to detail.
Burberry entered into a worldwide watch licensing agreement with Fossil to make Burberry watches for the international market in the early 2000s. Almost all the watches made from the Burberry-Fossil partnerships are completely Swiss-made.
In 2017, Burberry announced that it would discontinue its partnership with Fossil. However, it is still possible to buy Burberry watches.
Burberry Entry into the Watchmaking Industry
Burberry entered the watchmaking industry in the early 2000s as part of its strategy to expand its product range and reinforce its status as a global luxury brand. The move into watchmaking was a natural extension of Burberry’s commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design. They partnered with Fossil Group, a renowned watch manufacturer, to create a line of Burberry watches.
Burberry watches typically reflect the brand’s core values, incorporating elements like the iconic check pattern into their designs. These timepieces blend classic British elegance with modern functionality and have gained popularity among fashion-conscious consumers.
In summary, Burberry’s journey into the watchmaking industry is a testament to its evolution from a small outfitter’s shop in the 19th century to a global luxury brand known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and timeless style.
Key Milestones in Burberry’s History:
- Invention of Gabardine Fabric (1880s): Thomas Burberry developed a groundbreaking fabric known as gabardine in the late 19th century. This fabric was not only waterproof but also breathable, revolutionizing rainwear and earning Burberry a reputation for quality and innovation.
- Trench Coat (First World War): Burberry adapted its gabardine fabric to create the iconic trench coat for military use during World War I. This coat became a timeless fashion staple, synonymous with the brand after the war.
- Check Pattern (1920s): Burberry introduced its famous check pattern in the 1920s. This distinctive beige, black, and red tartan pattern became an iconic symbol of the brand.
- Global Expansion (20th Century): Burberry expanded globally throughout the 20th century, opening stores in cities like Paris, New York, and Tokyo. It became a symbol of British luxury, known for its quality craftsmanship and classic designs.
- Diversification (Late 20th Century): Burberry diversified its product offerings in the late 20th century. The company expanded into accessories, fragrances, and other fashion categories.
