Introducing TRIBUS, A New UK Based Watch Brand With Pedigree

The growing roster of UK based watch brands receives a new member with the announcement of TRIBUS, a Liverpool based outfit run by the three sons of Christopher Ward, who left the brand that bears his name earlier this year. While UK based, TRIBUS will also operate out of Lugano, Switzerland to leverage supply of Swiss components for their watches. With the announcement comes 4 new watches that will be core to their brand, and feature the so-called ‘retro-temporary’ stylings and chronometer certification that will look to lay the foundation for expansion. 

Alongside the TRIBUS range are 2 limited editions, one celebrating the Liverpool FC Premier League Championship, and another the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The former is part of a broader partnership with the Liverpool FC that will last 5 years and undoubtedly present additional models as the new season arrives.

The regular production TRIBUS collection consists of 4 watches that utilize Sellita and Soprod movements, each regulated to receive COSC certification. The first is the TRI-01 Small Seconds, a time only watch with a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The dial uses Arabic numerals with large batons at the cardinal indices and an open minute track at the perimeter. The 316L steel case measures 41mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness, with a 50.5mm lug to lug measurement. Inside sits a Sellita SW261 running at COSC spec. The case can be had in steel with your choice of cream or black dial for $1,415 or gunmetal finish with yellow, teal, and salmon dial options for $1,524.

Next is the TRI-02 GMT, which uses a Sellita SW330 to bring a 24 hour hand to the dial. The TRI-02 gets the same dimensions as the 01, but is slightly trimmer at 11.7mm in thickness. Arabic numerals at the cardinal positions sit within a black and yellow dial while a unique internal 24 hour bezel is controlled via crown at 2 o’clock. Pricing for the 02 ranges from $1,852 for steel cases mounted to leather or rubber, on up to $2,070 for gunmetal cases mounted on a bracelet.

The TRI-03 is a power reserve model that also houses a GMT function courtesy of the Soprod C115 movement inside. The dial is situated a bit like a regulator with sub dials at 12 (power reserve) and 6 (GMT hand) o’clock. Case dimensions again match the 01 model, and in addition to the steel and gunmetal finished cases we also see a gold option, while the dial can be had in cream or black. Pricing here ranges from $2,070 to $2,179.

Finally, the TRI-04 offers a sportier take on the 03, using the same case and movement, and adding an internal bezel. The dial gets Arabic numerals with your choice of red or orange accents. The bezel highlights the first 45 minutes, which TRIBUS explains is about the length of a Football (Soccer) match. The only option for the 04 is a brushed PVD gunmetal case that can be had on rubber, leather or PCD bracelet. Prices range from $2,288 to $2,507.

Each of these is meant to evoke the brand’s ‘retro-temporary’ aesthetic that takes inspiration from dress watches of the ‘40s and ‘50s. The feel is decidedly more modern in gunmetal finishing, but the plethora of options will give users the chance to spec theirs closer to, or further from, the retro vibe of the designs. The full range offers an impressive array of colors and materials to choose from, all of which you can browse at their site right here. 

These watches are in pre-order status until October 31st, and buyers will get a 10% discount when pre-ordering. Shipping should commence by late November.