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

Square Mile Watch Awards 2019: Watch of the Year shortlist

This category encompasses the best of the best – what watches did our judges feel made the biggest impact on the industry this year?

Everything you need to know about making a Swiss watch

World-renowned brand Jaeger-LeCoultre boasts one of the oldest watch factories on the planet. Ben Winstanley heads inside to find out what it takes to make a genuine piece of haute horology

The Bar Necessities: Double Standard

The Standard has just opened its big and brash design hotel concept in King’s Cross, but it’s the cocktail bar that leaves a lasting impression. Ben Winstanley takes a seat at Double Standard…

"I hope I still have time to make mistakes!" Philippe Sereys de Rothschild is looking to the future

The Rothschild name is synonymous with Bordeaux winemaking. Now the latest descendant Philippe Sereys de Rothschild is at the helm of Mouton Cadet, he talks to Ben Winstanley about the future

Watch Dogs: Laurent Perves, Vacheron Constantin

Laurent Perves, chief commercial officer of Vacheron Constantin, talks to Ben Winstanley about vintage timepieces, blockchain and the future of the watch industry

Martin Kaymer: "Winning The Open would be the biggest victory of my career" | The Open 2019

We sit down with two-time Major champion, Ryder Cup legend and BOSS ambassador Martin Kaymer to talk about why qualifying for this year's The Open would mean so much

Two marines, five islands, several near-death experiences – is this the exploration feat of the decade?

From the jungles of Borneo to Greenland’s arctic tundra, ex-Marines Louis Nethercott and Anthony Lambert are attempting a world first in exploring

It's not easy going green: a tour of the best Irish golf courses

Whether it meanders through serene parkland or scythes through wild dunescape, golf in Ireland is an unmissable experience for lovers of the game

Insider's Guide to Royal Portrush Golf Club | The Open 2019

In honour of The Open 2019, we’ve teamed up with BOSS, the Official Outfitters of The Open, to bring you five key holes at Royal Portrush's Dunluce Links that we think will define the tournament. Players and pros, take note…

The Urban Jürgensen One Collection is the hottest sports watch on the planet

Urban Jürgensen's new sporty collection, the Jürgensen One, isn't just a hot take on a 1970s sports watch. It's a brand-new contemporary design, that breaks the mould. Here's everything you need to know

Can you make a profit from horse racing?

Horse racing can be a secret world exclusive to royals and the ultra wealthy, but can mortals stand a chance at making a profit?

Ikoyi is the variety to spice up your life

Straying away from your usual choices can lead to great discoveries, especially when that change is to Michelin-starred Ikoyi

Royal Ascot Style Guide 2019

Royal Ascot is a highlight of the racing calendar, but its strict dress code leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to fashion. Ben Winstanley talks to Oliver Brown about standing out while fitting in

Lympstone Manor offers the perfect countryside getaway

Overlooking the River Exe estuary, Lympstone Manor sits in the most idyllic spot imaginable but, as Ben Winstanley discovers, there’s much more to this contemporary country house than its good looks

Hide Above is a restaurant you must seek out

Hide Above is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful restaurants anywhere in the UK, let alone in Mayfair – and the food more than lives up to the setting

Patek Philippe Ref.5235R Annual Calendar Regulator

Patek Philippe Ref.5235R Annual Calendar Regulator

Claude Bosi's Bibendum is moving with the times while retaining its class

Bibendum has been one of London’s most iconic restaurants since it opened in Michelin House in 1987. Now under Claude Bosi, it’s moving with the times while retaining its class

Tiger Woods' Masters win is the greatest comeback in sporting history

The Masters 2019 saw the greatest golfer of our generation pull off the unthinkable – winning his 15th Major championship no less than 11 years after his last. Put your hands together for Tiger Woods…

The Masters 2019: player preview

The first major of the year is finally upon us – and now it's time to line up your bets. Ben Winstanley dives into the stats sheet in an attempt to find this year’s winner

The X95 redefines the concept of 'superyacht'

Princess Yachts and Pininfarina have unveiled their latest masterpiece – the X95, which brings open-plan living and elegant architecture to the forefront