Prestex Verimatic 2.0 California Dial Watches: A Vintage British Classic Reimagined
There is something unmistakably captivating about a watch that combines the character of vintage British design with the craftsmanship of traditional mechanical watchmaking. The new Prestex Verimatic 2.0 California Dial watches capture exactly that spirit, introducing two distinctive new interpretations of a classic British timepiece.
Available in Light Blue California and Yellow California, these latest additions to the Verimatic collection celebrate individuality, heritage and timeless design. With their distinctive combination of Roman and Arabic numerals, elegant cushion shaped cases and Swiss automatic movements, both watches offer a refreshing alternative to conventional watch design.
Priced at £895, the new Verimatic 2.0 California Dial watches are now available to order.
Explore the Prestex Verimatic 2.0 Collection
The California Dial: A Classic Watchmaking Design
Few dial designs are as distinctive or as immediately recognisable as the California dial. Combining Roman numerals across the upper portion of the dial with Arabic numerals below, this unusual arrangement has become an enduring feature of vintage watchmaking.
Its origins are closely associated with the development of early twentieth century wristwatches, particularly designs that prioritised legibility while introducing a striking visual identity.
Today, California dial watches remain highly regarded by enthusiasts who appreciate their historical character and unconventional appearance.
For the new Verimatic 2.0, Prestex has taken this classic dial concept and introduced two expressive colour combinations that bring a fresh personality to a traditional design.
Prestex Verimatic 2.0 Light Blue California Dial
Elegant, understated and unmistakably vintage inspired, the Prestex Verimatic 2.0 Light Blue California Dial introduces a softer interpretation of this historic watchmaking design.
The light blue dial provides a beautiful contrast against the deep blue numerals and hands, creating a clean and balanced appearance. Its distinctive California dial arrangement combines traditional Roman and Arabic numerals with simple hour markers, giving the watch a character that feels both classical and contemporary.
A warm tan leather strap complements the light blue dial, introducing a subtle vintage aesthetic that works particularly well with the polished stainless steel case.
At 39mm, the distinctive cushion shaped case offers balanced proportions, making this an appealing choice for collectors seeking a classic British automatic watch with an individual personality.
From its traditional dial layout to its carefully considered colour palette, the Light Blue California Verimatic 2.0 demonstrates how vintage inspiration can remain relevant in modern watchmaking.
Prestex Verimatic 2.0 Yellow California Dial
For collectors seeking something more expressive, the Prestex Verimatic 2.0 Yellow California Dial introduces a vibrant interpretation of this historic design.
The striking yellow dial creates an immediate visual impact, complemented by contrasting deep blue hands and numerals. This distinctive combination enhances the character of the California dial while giving the watch a confident and individual appearance.
A rich blue leather strap completes the design, creating a carefully balanced contrast between the warmth of the dial and the cooler tones of the strap and detailing.
Despite its bold colour combination, the Yellow California retains the traditional proportions and vintage British character that define the Verimatic collection.
The result is a watch that feels playful without compromising its classical foundations, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate distinctive mechanical watches with genuine personality.
A Vintage British Watch with Swiss Automatic Precision
Beyond their distinctive dials, both California versions benefit from the significant technical improvements introduced with the Prestex Verimatic 2.0.
At the heart of each watch is the Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movement, replacing the Japanese Miyota movement used in the previous generation.
This established Swiss mechanical calibre represents an important evolution for the Verimatic collection, bringing traditional Swiss automatic watchmaking to one of Prestex's most recognisable designs.
A sapphire exhibition caseback allows the movement to be viewed, offering an additional connection to the mechanical craftsmanship within.
The upgraded design also introduces a distinctive onion shaped crown, refined bevelled hands, applied dial details and an improved flush fitting sapphire crystal.
Together, these refinements elevate the overall character of the Verimatic while preserving the distinctive cushion shaped silhouette that made the original model so appealing.
39mm Cushion Shaped Case: Classic British Proportions
One of the defining features of the Verimatic has always been its distinctive case design.
Unlike conventional round watches, the Verimatic features a beautifully proportioned cushion shaped stainless steel case with gently concave sides and carefully considered finishing.
The 39mm diameter offers a versatile presence on the wrist, retaining the character of vintage British wristwatches while providing the refinement expected from a contemporary mechanical timepiece.
Its combination of polished surfaces, satin finishing and the newly introduced onion shaped crown creates a design that is immediately recognisable.
For collectors who appreciate traditional British watch design, the Verimatic 2.0 offers a compelling combination of heritage, individuality and mechanical craftsmanship.
Prestex: A British Watchmaking Heritage
The story of Prestex is rooted in British watchmaking history.
The original Prestex watch company was established during the 1920s by Frank Duckworth, whose family connection to watchmaking continues through his grandson, Neil Duckworth.
Today, the revived Prestex brand draws inspiration from this heritage, creating distinctive mechanical watches that celebrate traditional British design while incorporating contemporary manufacturing and Swiss movements.
The Verimatic 2.0 represents an important continuation of that philosophy.
Rather than simply recreating a vintage watch, Prestex has retained the original Verimatic's individual character while introducing meaningful improvements to its movement, materials and finishing.
The two California dial variations are particularly fitting expressions of this approach, combining one of watchmaking's most recognisable historic dial arrangements with fresh colours and carefully considered details.
Prestex Verimatic 2.0 California Dial Specifications
- Brand: Prestex
- Collection: Verimatic 2.0
- Dial options: Light Blue California and Yellow California
- Case diameter: 39mm
- Case material: 316L stainless steel
- Case design: Cushion shaped
- Movement: Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Caseback: Sapphire exhibition caseback
- Crown: Onion shaped
- Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: £895
Individually Numbered Prestex Verimatic 2.0 Watches
The Verimatic 2.0 collection has been announced with a planned production of 1,200 individually numbered watches across its five dial variations.
The first 100 watches form a special introductory allocation, with 20 examples assigned to each dial colour.
For collectors interested in the earliest examples of the new Verimatic generation, these introductory watches offer a particularly appealing opportunity.
Both California dial variations form part of this new chapter for Prestex, combining distinctive vintage styling with the improvements introduced throughout the Verimatic 2.0 collection.
Discover the New Prestex Verimatic 2.0 California Dial Watches
Whether you prefer the understated elegance of the Light Blue California or the vibrant personality of the Yellow California, both watches represent a distinctive interpretation of a vintage British classic.
With their historic California dial design, 39mm cushion shaped cases and Swiss Sellita automatic movements, these new releases demonstrate the enduring appeal of traditional British watchmaking inspiration.
Priced at £895, the Prestex Verimatic 2.0 California Dial watches are available to order now, with delivery anticipated in late November 2026.
Discover the collection and choose your preferred interpretation of this distinctive British automatic watch.
