Proof, if any were needed, that technical outdoor gear can be beautiful. Elliot Brown watches were created to be seriously rugged – and trust us, they are – but also be rather handsome as well. This is a watch to be worn everyday, whether that day is in the office or climbing Mont Blanc.

Elliot Brown was started in 2011 by Ian Elliot and Alex Brown. “Having seen just about every cause of watch failure in the world of extreme sports” they decided to make one that would withstand a big shock and be water resistant. After thousands of hours of trial and research they settled on two watches: The Canford (which is what we’re reviewing) and the Bloxworth, which has the addition of a chronograph with split timing and an external click bezel. The Canford is a simpler watch with an internal bezel for timing and date being the principal features. Both have a wide range of faces and straps.

“Pictured is the Mountain Rescue Special Edition with a special etched back – £36 of every sale goes to the volunteer teams who run Mountain Rescue services in England and Wales.”

Yet, the beauty of the Canford watch is what isn’t there – this is a durable analogue timepiece that won’t run out of battery every 60 hours, that will withstand ISO1413 steel pendulum hammer stress, and can be submerged under 200 metres of water 100 per cent of the time.

So far so simple, but the details just keep on coming. Pictured is the Mountain Rescue Special Edition with a special etched back – £36 of every sale goes to the volunteer teams who run Mountain Rescue services in England and Wales. The black face is exceedingly easy to read, and the dial, hands and bezel glow in the dark (the 12 o’clock has a different luminous pattern).