Small Talk NICK AND GILES ENGLISH

The co-founders of Bremont have worked closely with the late physicist Stephen Hawking’s family to create a limited-edition timepiece

Why have you chosen to pay tribute to Stephen Hawking?

GE: He was one of the world’s greatest physicists and despite his illness he completely defied the odds, not letting anything stop him in proving his pioneering theories. He also seemed to have a playful approach to life—something we should all remember when things get too serious.

How did this collaboration come about?

NE: We were approached by Stephen’s family to work on a watch that commemorates his life and we were thrilled. After all, he’s a British icon and his scientific research is just mind-blowing.

GE: Stephen and our father attended the same school, albeit a couple of years apart. And they both attended Cambridge University, so Nick and

I feel a great personal connection to this project.

Four wooden discs, which were taken from Hawking’s desk, are positioned between the stars, alongside a mathematical equation on the watch’s case back. Why?

GE: It was a perfect fit. The oak desk was a gift given to his grandmother that had been passed down to him. It’s wonderful to think that he contemplated his theories at this desk, and you can now wear this piece of history on your wrist.

And part of the collection’s proceeds will go to the Stephen Hawking Foundation?

GE: Yes. The foundation facilitates cosmological research as well as support for those who live with motor neurone disease, which Hawking was diagnosed with in his early 20s. This was something we were very keen to be involved with.