Watch brand co-owned by Chris Gayle secures global funding boost

Northamptonshire timepiece start-up Hagley West – the current watch brand of choice amongst the international cricketing community – has secured more than £360,000 in crowdfunding to help it realise its global expansion plans.

The growing company’s December funding round also broke the record for the largest ever crowdfunding raise by a watch manufacturer.

Over twenty professional cricketers including JP Duminy, Carols Braithwaite and Tino Best have invested in the business, which is co-owned by West Indies superstar Chris Gayle.

Tim Hayden, CEO of Hagley West Watches, said: “When we founded Hagley West, our ambition was simple – to provide discerning customers worldwide with high-quality, eye-catching British timepieces without the unnecessary, over-inflated ‘big brand’ mark-up.

“Our range blends style, functionality and practicality, providing the perfect model for almost every occasion. Undertaking a second round of crowdfunding has enabled us to facilitate ambitious international growth plans and, in the future, will help us to further expand our range with a number of stylish new designs.

“With almost 20 first-class county and professional cricketers having invested in the business, we wanted to give something back to the sport. By supporting the grass-roots level, we aim to inspire and support the talented players of tomorrow.”

The Greens Norton-based firm was established in 2016 by Hayden and Jayden Levitt.