HISTORY

 


Britannia once ruled the waves—not just in maritime power but in watchmaking. Long before Swiss Made became the hallmark of horological excellence, London, not Geneva, was the first stop for a fine timepiece. Even Hans Wilsdorf established his company in London in 1905, renaming it Rolex in 1908 after listening to the sound of his watch while winding it on a London bus.

Bowman London draws inspiration from this great lineage of British watchmaking and is now ready to take its place among the nation’s finest watchmakers.

Born Where Time Begins

The brand was founded just meters from the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG), home to the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)—a landmark that has shaped the world’s timekeeping. South London’s greatest timekeeping landmark is our home, making it the perfect place to craft our watches—at ground zero, Longitude 0º, where time begins.

 Bowman London is more than a brand; it is a passion project, born out of a love for watches and a deep appreciation for the historical significance of its Greenwich roots. The founder’s lifelong fascination with horology began as a collector, leading to a profound respect for the craftsmanship and history of watchmaking. Years of research and dedication culminated in the official launch of Paul Bowman London—a brand devoted to creating timepieces that are not only beautiful but also built with precision and reliability.

A Legacy of Military Precision

Greenwich has been at the heart of timekeeping and navigation for centuries, its observatory and Prime Meridian playing a vital role in the British Navy’s precision timekeeping for navigation and maritime warfare. This legacy of military accuracy is deeply ingrained in our brand.

 Bowman London embraces this tradition, drawing from Britain’s long history of military timepieces. The founder, Paul, has great respect for the military and its service personnel, which is reflected in the brand’s dedication to functional, robust, and timeless designs inspired by military heritage.

With meticulous attention to detail, high-quality materials, and a commitment to excellence, Bowman London carries forward Britain’s watchmaking legacy, reclaiming its place in the world of horology.



Bowman London is proud to support the Royal Marines Judo Team, sponsoring their dedication to excellence both on and off the mat. In honour of their commitment and resilience, we have crafted bespoke timepieces exclusively for the tournament—designed to reflect the strength, discipline, and precision that define the Royal Marines.

This partnership is more than just sponsorship; it’s a celebration of elite performance and unwavering spirit, values that are deeply embedded in both judo and military heritage.

 

Bowman London is also proud to collaborate with Airbus Helicopters UK, bringing together precision engineering and aviation heritage. These partnerships have resulted in uniquely crafted timepieces that blend functionality with refined design, reflecting the innovation and reliability synonymous with both aviation and horology.

Through these collaborations, Bowman London has further cemented its reputation as a serious force in watchmaking—where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge performance.


We are especially proud to share that Bowman London has been featured in The Ministry of Defence (MOD) Magazine, a testament to our dedication to crafting military-inspired timepieces. This recognition highlights our commitment to precision, durability, and heritage—values that align with the very best of British military tradition.

Being acknowledged by the MOD Magazine reinforces our mission: to create watches that honour the resilience, discipline, and excellence of those who serve.

Royal Marines Experimental Watch Programme

Developed in collaboration with the Commando Force, the Royal Marines Experimental Watch Programme delivers timepieces built for real-world operations. Designed for Arctic extremes, mountain ranges, and remote coastal outposts, each model reflects genuine military requirements.

The programme is divided into two generations. The first generation features the Blackout Stealth and Arctic Blue Horizon, tailored for stealth and cold-weather operations. The second generation introduces the Outpost Overlord and Commando Navigator, designed for navigation, overwatch, and deployment in the most demanding environments.

Originally created for the Commando Force, these watches are now available to those who value dependable equipment and the quiet professionalism of the Royal Marines.