Ben Winstanley

Ben Winstanley

Deputy Editor

Ben Winstanley is Deputy Editor at Square Mile, London's leading luxury lifestyle magazine for the City, and Editor of its sister title HEDGE, where he covers the intersection of haute horlogerie, fine dining, travel, and sporting culture.

As Square Mile's head watch writer, he stands on the front line of the latest industry news and releases, regularly attending Watches & Wonders in Geneva and interviewing some of the most influential figures in watchmaking. Over his tenure, Ben has profiled industry titans including Breitling CEO Georges Kern, Vacheron Constantin's Laurent Perves, and MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser, while taking readers inside esteemed manufactures from Jaeger-LeCoultre to Tudor. His writing spans the full spectrum of horology – from accessible gateway timepieces to seven-figure complications – always with an eye toward helping readers navigate the intricate world of mechanical watchmaking.

Beyond watches, Ben's expertise extends across the luxury landscape. He's interviewed Hollywood stars like Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, explored Michelin-starred restaurants from London to Tuscany, and profiled everyone from fashion dynasty scions to legends of Formula 1 like Lewis Hamilton. However, if you were to nail him down to a singular passion it would be his love affair with golf.

As an avid course aficionado and student of golf architecture, Ben has travelled the length and breadth of the planet in search of his next great round. Whether it be the wind-swept links of Northern Ireland or the dramatic coastline of Saint Lucia, he's experienced the lot – typically found in heated competition with his equally golf-mad wife, Sophie.  

Outside of the office, you'll find Ben studying the art of cocktails and coffee making, or having the occasional flutter at the racetrack. 

Ben Winstanley's articles

Oeno House is the City's new one-stop shop for all your fine wine needs

Oeno House, a new fine-wine boutique from wine investment firm Oeno, is set to take the City of London by storm. Ben Winstanley heads to The Royal Exchange to see what all the fuss is about

Thomas Clipper Atlantic | Fragrance Review

British fragrance brand Thomas Clipper has made a name for itself with its handmade eau de toilettes, and its latest scent Atlantic is a good example as to why

The Bespoke Man: Bentley Mulliner

Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, Mulliner, offers its clientele a world of luxury unlike almost anything else in motoring. Ben Winstanley speaks to its director, Paul Williams, to find out more

Phil Mickelson makes history at the US PGA Championship

At 50 years of age, Phil Mickelson has become the oldest major winner in history after an incredible performance at the US PGA Championship 2021 on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Our favourite watches from the forthcoming Phillips Hong Kong Auction XII

Trends come and go, but vintage watches are always in fashion. Here are our highlights from the prestigious Hong Kong Watch Auction XII presented by Phillips auction house this June

The Bespoke Man: Thom Sweeney

Loungewear was the perfect fit for lockdown, but as we return to normal, bespoke tailoring is enjoying a renaissance. Ben Winstanley speaks to Thom Sweeney’s head cutter Eithen Sweet about what makes the process so special

Our favourite watches from the Geneva Watch Auction XIII

Looking for your fix of collectible vintage watches? You've come to the right place. Here are our highlights from the Geneva Watch Auction XIII by Phillips auction house

Rolex | Collections 2021

The Rolex 2021 watch collection brings with it subtle updates to both the Explorer and Explorer II watches, as well as a host of beautiful new dials to enjoy across the Cosmograph Daytona, Datejust, and more. Here's everything you need to know…

"I put my balls on the line." Daniel Ricciardo is ready to send it

He’s the breakout star of Netflix’s Drive To Survive, an Australian racer with a need for speed, and McLaren’s silver bullet in their quest for Formula One success. But who is the real Daniel Ricciardo? Ben Winstanley finds out

Audemars Piguet | Collections 2021

Audemars Piguet has unveiled its roster of new watches to do battle with in 2021. Expect new-look Royal Oaks, more CODE 11.59, and a brand-new Offshore design. Here are our favourite pieces from the new collections so far

Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition | Watch of the Week

Breitling follows up the 2020 release of its new and improved Chronomat collection with a collaboration that is sure to appeal to high fliers. Meet the Breitling Chronomat Red Arrows Limited Edition…

Free Solo director Jimmy Chin documents life at the edge of human capability

Professional climber, cinematographer, and director of the Oscar-winning Free Solo, Jimmy Chin is a man that has captured and endured some of the most awe-inspiring human achievements ever documented on film. We sit down with the Panerai ambassador to hear more about his incredible life

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar | Watch of the Week

Three years on from the launch of the Fiftysix collection, Vacheron Constantin's most accessible range of timepieces to date remain one of the most stylish takes on the vintage-inspired watch. 

Maximilian Büsser: MB&F's genius founder talks about reinventing the watch

MB&F watchmaker and founder Maximilian Büsser has created some of the most instantly recognisable modern watch designs on the market. The winner of the Industry Hero prize in the Square Mile Watch Awards 2020, he sits down with us to reflect on his career

Square Mile Watch Awards 2020: The Winners

After fierce deliberation, the judging has drawn to a close for the Square Mile Watch Awards 2020, in association with Red Eight Gallery. We're delighted to reveal this year's 12 fantastic winners…

Ferrari 2021 recruit Carlos Sainz Jr is ready for the drive of his life

Carlos Sainz is one of the most exciting and progressive drivers in Formula One. He's also taking a big gamble in leaving a resurgent McLaren F1 team for a Ferrari currently looking to rebuild. Ben Winstanley meets the man behind the visor

Who will win The Masters 2020?

The pandemic-disrupted Masters tournament finally rolls into Augusta National in November. Ben Winstanley has analysed the competitors and has seven strong selections to go into battle with this year

David vs Goliath: How David Mayer de Rothschild plans on saving the world

How do we save the Earth from certain destruction? If you ask David Mayer de Rothschild, the answer lies in exploration…
Ben Winstanley meets an unlikely environmental hero

In defence of Bryson Dechambeau

Bryson Dechambeau's US Open victory may be one of the most dominant golfing performances in the last decade. So why are fans unhappy with the winner? Ben Winstanley takes a look at the facts, and comes up with a few uncomfortable truths…

Square Mile Watch Awards 2020: Readers' Choice Award shortlist

We've selected 20 of our favourite timepieces of 2020 – now it's your turn to vote for your favourite in this year's Square Mile Watch Awards 2020 in association with Red 8 Gallery