Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. TRIBUS, a New British Watch Brand
A new British start-up watch brand with Liverpool roots and Swiss-engineered precision.
A three-month manufacturing delay and a global pandemic haven’t deterred new luxury watch brand TRIBUS from launching with its line of timepieces inspired by dress watches from the 1940s and 50s. The company, founded by brothers Jake, Jonathan and James Ward, combines its Liverpudlian roots with Swiss watchmaking traditions. The company draws upon key childhood interests influenced greatly by the three siblings’ father, Christopher Ward, a passionate Liverpool FC supporter and a keen watch enthusiast, which explains the story behind its Premier League Champions watch. Also amongst the selection is a celebratory 80th-anniversary Battle of Britain wristwatch that pays tribute to a Polish squadron and its contribution towards defeating enemy aircraft during the Second World War.
Each watch created by TRIBUS uses a Swiss-made case and a chronometer-certified movement manufactured in Lugano, Switzerland. The four models that comprise the brand’s core collection share what the company refers to as “retro-temporary” DNA. In addition to this dress watch styling, some models offer extra functions like power reserve indicators and GMT features. Having officially launched within the last week, TRIBUS is keen to share its heritage and how a combination of partnerships, along with its own series of timepieces, enables it to stand out.
TRIBUS is Timing Partner of Liverpool Football Club
The TRI-08 Premier League Champions Special Edition line (priced between EUR 1,095 and 1,426) marks a multi-million-pound deal and a five-year partnership between TRIBUS and Liverpool Football Club. By taking advantage of the club’s huge global reach of 800 million followers, the timepieces bear LFC’s signature red colour on a three-handed dial and its crest embossed upon a recessed sub-counter at 6 o’clock.
The 303 Squadron
Another special timepiece, the TRI-05 303 Squadron P8331 model is limited to 303 pieces and holds a metal disc from the arming panel of Piotr Laguna’s Spitfire P8331 RF-M “Sumatra”. The aircraft was shot down from the skies above Coquelles in 1941. Commemorating the Battle of Britain’s 80th anniversary, the 41mm steel model (priced at EUR 2,707) has a special engraved caseback and glass. Its black three-handed dial with luminous printed Arabic indices is equipped with black gunmetal hands propelled by a Sellita movement. Having collaborated with Laguna’s Spitfire Legacy (LSP) to create this limited edition watch, TRIBUS remembers the crucial role carried out by Polish servicemen who had their place at the British Victory March of 1946 wiped from their legacy.
The COSC-certified core range
The TRI-01 Small Second model (priced between EUR 1,426 and 1,536) is available in an unusual variety of dial colours. Aside from classic black and cream colours, iterations in salmon pink, yellow, and teal, fitted with either black or brown leather straps feature Arabic dials and a small second sub-dial at 6 o’clock.
The TRI-02 GMT 3 Timezone model (priced between EUR 1,756 and 2,086) features a yellow GMT hand and an adjustable raised bezel marked out in a 24-hour scale. The frequent traveller can thus track three different timezones simultaneously.
The TRI-03 Power Reserve GMT collection features a bi-compax dial available in cream or black. The power reserve sub-counter at 12 is balanced by a 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The models available in steel or gold PVD range from EUR 2,086 to 2,197 respectively.
Lastly, the 41mm TRI-04 Power Reserve GMT Sport, as its namesake suggests, is a more athletic-looking design. Red and yellow accented dials and black PVD-coated steel cases are offered on a choice of a bracelet, rubber strap or leather band.
With a debut catalogue of designs that mix the old with the new, TRIBUS is a watch brand that focusses on collaborating with some left-field partnerships to align its British heritage with reliable Swiss precision.
More details about the brand and its models here, at tribus-watches.com.
5 responses
Just found out about these from the Liverpool football club subscription Ive signed up to to get free stuff for my dad. I’m not a huge fan of Liverpool but I may have to get him one of these because they all look descent for a reasonable price.
Big Liverpool fan but the aesthetic of the TRI-08 doesn’t appeal to me, nor does the Tribus brand – marketing themselves as a Liverpool brand (to get to Liverpool FC and its fans) but putting much emphasis on being swiss made (to get to everyone else!). Disappointed that Liverpool couldn’t partner up with a big brand. Man Utd went with TAG Heuer, Chelsea with Hublot, even Arsenal at least went with Jeanrichard. All the best with Liverpool and Tribus, but I won’t be buying one.
All the best to Tribus. It’s bold of LFC to partner with an upcoming brand that has has an overt loyalty to the club and the city. This connection has much more symbolism and meaning than conventional commercial partnerships (of which the owners of the club execute quite well too).
An additional word on Liverpool’s watchmaking heritage. This goes back to the 18th century when, for a time, the city was to watchmaking what Geneva is today. Watchmakers such as Beesley, Harrison, Hornby, Johnson, Litherland, Newton, Penlington, Roskell, Taylor, Tobias, etc. were widely celebrated. It wasn’t just completed timepieces either; Liverpool watchmakers produced movements that were used by American manufacturers throughout the latter half of the 19th century. This heritage is a reminder of the city’s global standing. Any current venture that draws on this legacy is worthy of encouragement.
YNWA.
Congratulations on the new brand, looking at the collection I am sure that this will very quickly become a firm favourite with watch enthusiasts around the world.
Kind regards
Colin Weaver
WORLD TIME UK THE LONDON WATCH EVENT.
This will be a brand to watch. Congratulations to the Tribus watch team on the new brand, the line up of watches look very exciting. I am sure you will have a great future in the watch world.
All the best,
WATCH PULSE 24 YouTube channel.