Rebecca Struthers is a woman of many talents. Award-winning designer, true horologist, and a watchmaking historian with a knack for incredibly engaging prose (seriously, Hands of Time should be on every collector’s reading list), she’s a paragon of the British watch industry. As one half of Struthers Watches, she’s also two of the four hands behind Project 248, a proper Made in Britain in-house movement.
What was the last watch you bought?
Baltic Aquascaphe MK2, 37mm, in grey. I tried one on at the WatchPro Salon and instantly fell for it. I love the look of dive watches, but I’ve got small wrists so struggle to find a great looking watch that also sits comfortably. And grey because it looked ace with my tattoos.
Do you collect anything outside of watches?
I’ve loved museums since I was a kid and aspire to the gentleman’s study look at home. I collect books, fossils, and gemmological specimens, art, and antiquities. Similar to, but not, watches; I have an ample collection of historic watch-related stuff from old photos and demo models to watch papers and packaging. That’s where a lot of our design ideas come from.
What’s at the top of your wishlist?
The Porsche 356, the silhouette is achingly beautiful. For me, the ultimate iconic designs are the ones that manage to combine timeless beauty and elegance with practicality and usability which the 356 does flawlessly. I’m also an analogue driver; I’ve never been able to connect with cars that feel as though they barely need you behind the wheel.
What is a recent find or discovery?
Most of my most exciting recent discoveries are going into my next book so I can’t share those just yet but, around that, I’m still buzzing about discovering that a jiffy is a real measurable unit of time.
What inspires you?
Things of awe and beauty and things that are different. I love getting out in nature and there’s so much inspiration in the natural world, not just aesthetically but its resilience. I’m also inspired by people who manage to balance being both very successful but also really bloody lovely people.
What is a book, podcast or album that changed the way you think?
When I connect with art it’s more things that move or inspire me in a way that makes me reflect or improves my own creative process than changes the way I think. There are a lot of those. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein remains one of my favourite books for the way she so perfectly balances the beauty and the mess of the world. I love works that feel raw and alive. After all, doesn’t any creative person aspire to make works that move people, whether it’s a book, or a painting, or a film, or a watch?
Who is a celebrity or person of note that you admire?
I owe a great deal to the generosity and support of Mat Osman. My next book is the most challenging and high stakes work I’ve ever written and without his encouragement I’d still be procrastinating rather than writing. To be at that point in your career and still find the time to support others is something I find incredibly admirable. I very much hope I get to do the same for the next generation someday.
What’s something interesting about you that not many people know?
Before discovering watchmaking was a career I could pursue, I was one form away from joining the British Army to study medicine and become a forensic pathologist with the Military Police.
What is your ideal long weekend?
I love my home and the area I live, so, a quiet weekend with Craig, a few lovely long walks with our dog Archie, and cosying up in the evening with a good book and my cat Isla would be dreamy.
What would we always find in your fridge?
I’m a creature of habit with a borderline tofu addiction so that’s always a staple. I love having a healthy-looking fridge, so plenty of leafy greens and a good waft of herbs whenever you open the door, basil being one of my favourites. Basil tofu? Now you’re talking…
What is a rule or mantra that you live by?
I’ve always struggled with anxiety so not to worry about things that haven’t happened yet. Easier said than done but I’m a lot better at that than I used to be!
What does the year ahead look like for you?
I’m looking forward to finishing the first of our next edition of in-house watches. That’s been a huge challenge in a different way as we wanted to build on our achievements with the first edition and improve our process whilst staying true to our creative ethos. Hopefully I’ll finish writing the book I’m working on, and I’m recording another documentary for BBC Radio 4 in the spring which will be fun!
Lovely to see a feature on Rebecca Struthers (and her co-partner Craig) and the beautiful watches that they create together, based, as they are, in the historic “Jewellery Quarter” in Birmingham. An old established but still vibrant group of artisans that deservedly thrive, creating beautiful pieces, is testament to their great skills, taste and keen prices (due to removal of the middle man). This comes from a proud “Brummie” and watch lover!
So, to the watches, all lovely, I would personally opt for the Kingsley. (Classic dress watches never age or go out of style).
Horology should be grateful that Rebecca chose this career path rather than following her stated alternative route of forensic pathology, whilst I’m sure she would have become the MOD version of “Dr Nikki Alexander”, watches are all the better for her choice.
Nice choice of car by the way, the Porsche 356 is lovely, but I personally go for a classic Alfa Romeo spider (superb and sexy styling).
Struthers deserve to succeed.