Modern, identifiably British design with Swiss movements that draw on centuries of watchmaking heritage; a new, exciting brand named for, and inspired by, an iconic author of a bygone era. The company was co-founded by the grandson of Daphne du Maurier, and the Maxim Black II, a limited edition watch for men, carries this sense of history in more than just its name.
With a name and design inspired by Maxim de Winter, co-protagonist of Du Maurier's seminal novel Rebecca, the watch is as dark and alluring as the iconic character himself. It's got a face made of sapphire crystal, Swiss quartz movement and a case in cool stainless steel. There'll only be 300 made, too – so you'll be owning a small piece of history in more ways than one.
£445; dumaurierwatches.com
