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At Newmark Watches, we have always taken pride in our heritage, a story deeply rooted in precision, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For years, rumours have circulated about our brand's connection to the legendary Donald Campbell and his record-breaking speed runs in the iconic Bluebird on Lake Ullswater. Today, we are thrilled to share that our painstaking efforts to trace our history have paid off—uncovering concrete evidence that undeniably ties Newmark Watches to this remarkable chapter in motorsport history.
A recently rediscovered newspaper clipping, now taking pride of place in our growing archive, has confirmed what was once only whispered in conversations over one too many cocktails. During Campbell's extensive trials and the historic speed runs, he wore not just any timepiece but a specially designed Newmark stopwatch on the underside of his wrist. This stopwatch, crafted for Campbell's personal use, was part of a sophisticated method of measuring fuel consumption allowing Campbell and his team to monitor their use of fuel all without ever removing their hands from the wheel. This remarkable piece of history illustrates how Campbell relied on Newmark's precision to synchronise his efforts, ensuring every second counted during those breathtaking runs on Lake Ullswater.
But that’s not all. Our premium in-house brand at the time, Avia Watches, was also part of this extraordinary story. The Avia Model No. 600 watch, worn on the "topside" of Campbell's wrist, was crucial for synchronisation and timing during the trials. This timepiece was meticulously designed to meet the unique demands of high-speed records. The precision and reliability of these Newmark designed and built watches, hand-fitted with a double strap to Campbell’s wrist, contributed to the seamless execution of the record-breaking attempts.
Our connection to the Bluebird goes beyond just the timepieces worn by Campbell and his crew. We are immensely proud to discover that Newmark also played a vital role in the very design of the Bluebird itself. Precision patterns for the boat’s rudder, a critical component of its performance, were manufactured at our old factory in Croydon. This little-known fact ties our brand not just to the wrist of Donald Campbell, but to the very heart of the engineering that propelled him to world record breaking victory.
This newfound piece of history cements Newmark Watches' place in the annals of motorsport and horology. It is a testament to the enduring quality and precision of our timepieces, and our unwavering commitment to innovation. The connection between Donald Campbell, the Bluebird, and Newmark Watches is now more than just a story—it is a proud part of our legacy. As we continue to build upon our rich heritage, we remain inspired by the spirit of those who, like Campbell, pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
This is a momentous discovery for us at Newmark Watches, as it finally and irrefutably links our brand to one of the most iconic achievements in speed history. The connection between our watches, the legendary Donald Campbell, and his record-breaking Bluebird is now firmly established, reminding us that our history is not just about telling time—but about making it.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this extraordinary chapter in Newmark’s story, as we continue to honour our past and look forward to a future of precision, performance, and excellence.
