Maidenhead-based Christopher Ward, which designs high-quality timepieces that are made in Switzerland, is set for rapid expansion following a £6.25 million investment from London-based Business Growth Fund (BGF).

Founded in 2005 by Mike France, Chris Ward and Peter Ellis, the company has grown to become the UK’s leading direct-to-consumer watch brand, with customers in more than 100 countries (www.christopherward.co.uk).

The new investment will support its long-term growth strategy, by providing the capital needed to expand its market presence and product lines.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the brand’s own Swiss-made movement, the Calibre SH21.

The current watch collection includes dress, dive, aviation and motor-sport watches, as well as a collaborative collection with British car maker Morgan.

The company employs 45 people and processes 22,000 orders per year, generating sales of £10.5 million.

CEO and co-founder Mike France said: “Our raison d’etre at Christopher Ward is to work towards giving as many people as possible the opportunity to experience the pleasure of owning a finely crafted hand-built premium watch.

“We’ve made great progress in 14 years and feel the time is now right to ‘spread the Ward’ to even more people world-wide.”