Back in late 2016, we launched what our first ever Limited Edition watch. Based on Tom Sayers, a champion bare-knuckle boxer from Camden, it was a steel No.88 with a black dial limited to 200 pieces, and we loved it.
Produced in four batches of 50, each batch sold out fast, and ever since we have received emails and messages asking us if by any chance we've held any back (we haven't), or even if it was possible buy our very own edition (it isn't).
Needless to say, we always felt as thought we weren't done with him yet, so over Lockdown (the first one) we dove back into our archives and started work on Tom Sayers Type II.
The result is a more nuanced, and dare I say it, punchier, watch. A black case with a two-tone printed dual layer dial, available on either an oxblood or a black strap.
First clashing fists with the clandestine activity of bare-knuckle boxing in the mid 1800’s, Sayers only ever lost one fight in his entire career.
Back in 1859, boxing had fallen out of favour with the British public and was generally disregarded by anyone outside the ranks of the fancy (the nickname given to the loyal fans of boxing). However, when Sayers beat leading heavyweight, Harry Paulson, in the same year, subsequently launching a string of fights that elevated Sayers to legend status, the curiosity of the British public was piqued.
Opponents travelled from across the Atlantic to challenge the British title-holder, further enthusing the public interest, with spectators often boarding trains at London’s King’s Cross to destinations going ‘nowhere’, to watch the underground fights take place in remote fields all over the country.
Sayers passed away at 257 Camden High Street on November 8th 1865, at the age of 39 and so it was that English bare-knuckle boxing died with him.
A week later, Sayers funeral was held. Shopkeepers in Camden Town closed, crowds gathered and by 2pm 100,000 mourners had assembled. The cortege set off towards Highgate cemetery, led by the chief mourner Lion (Sayers’ dog) and followed by a train of coaches, carts and carriages. In fact, the cortege was so long that by the time it reached Highgate, the other end still hadn’t left Camden Town.
Well over 100 years later, on a guided tour around Highgate Cemetery, Jerome and I happened upon his grave, and the seed of an idea was planted.
£169 / Limited to 250 pieces / Comes with a exclusive 'Tom Sayers' newspaper
Newspaper that accompanied the first edition
Recently one of our favourite magazines, Courier, held their second annual ‘Courier Live’ event at Republic London.
It was a great day featuring a ton of cool business, from jacket makers who sell out within minutes, to healthy juices and brutally honest greetings cards. If you weren’t able to go then we thoroughly recommend joining next year.
