Accurist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Accurist | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Company |
| Founded | Clarkenwell, London |
| Founder | Asher Loftus, Rebecca Loftus |
| Headquarters | London, EnglandClarkenwell, London |
| Industry | Retail Jewellery |
| Products | Watches |
.jpg/180px-Accurist_Watches_(Xytram).jpg)
Accurist are a family-run British wristwatch and watch manufacturer.
Contents |
[edit] Background
The company was founded in 1946 in Clerkenwell, London, by Asher and Rebecca Loftus.[1] Today, the company has offices in West Hampstead, London and La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland. Today, the company is run by Andrew Loftus (Chief Executive), and his brother, Richard. The Loftus family also owns a range of property in the Baker Street area of London. Accurist is estimated to be worth around £20 million.[2]
[edit] Advertising
In the 1960s, Accurist sponsored the variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium on ITV, and the company's watches were worn by celebrities such as Princess Anne, Twiggy and The Beatles, gaining worldwide publicity.[3]
In the 1970s, the company signed a deal for their watches to be worn by pilots of Concorde. In 1978, John Cleese featured in a well-remembered British television advertising campaign. The commercial ("Accur-ankle, Accu-wrist!") won many awards, and was featured on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson as one of the world's ten best advertisements.
Since 1986, Accurist has been the sponsor of the BT speaking clock.[4] In 1993, the company provided the Greenwich Observatory with a new atomic clock.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ History of Accurist on www.goldsmiths.co.uk via the Internet Archive. Accessed 29 November 2006.
- ^ The Times Rich List. Accessed 29 November 2006.
- ^ History of Accurist on www.goldsmiths.co.uk via the Internet Archive. Accessed 29 November 2006.
- ^ BBC News article on Children in Need and the Speaking Clock Accessed 29 November 2006.
- ^ History of Accurist on www.goldsmiths.co.uk via the Internet Archive. Accessed 29 November 2006.
