How our British watch brand finds inspiration in its location
When the sun graces us with its presence, there's nothing quite like the beauty of the English countryside. This year has been particularly wet, not a surprise to those familiar with the UK's fickle weather, but as we sit here at the beginning of September, the sun is shining over our green and pleasant land. We’d love to share a bit about where we are located—not just because it’s beautiful, but because we’re surrounded by a rich tapestry of history that continually inspires our work.
The Heart of the Hertfordshire Countryside
Nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, just 15 miles from Central London, our headquarters sits within the Green Belt—a protective ring of countryside that encircles London, preventing further urbanization. This unique blend of proximity to a bustling metropolis and the tranquility of open space gives our location a character all its own.
A Walk Through Time: Salisbury Hall
A short walk from Helicon HQ brings you to Salisbury Hall, a moated manor house with a history that stretches back to 1507. This historical gem has been home to a variety of notable residents, including Nell Gwynn, the famed mistress of King Charles II, and Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Winston Churchill. It’s said that Winston himself penned many of his iconic speeches while visiting his mother at Salisbury Hall.
The Hall's history doesn’t stop there. In 1930, Sir Nigel Gresley, a renowned British engineer, took up residence at Salisbury Hall. Gresley is best known for designing the Class A4 streamlined steam locomotives, including one that still holds the record as the world’s fastest steam locomotive, reaching 126 mph.
By 1939, the deHavilland Aircraft Company had moved into Salisbury Hall. Within these walls, and under the utmost secrecy, the prototype for the legendary deHavilland Mosquito was designed and built. This aircraft played a crucial role during World War II, and the prototype can still be seen today at the deHavilland Museum, located on the same historic site.
Aviation Heritage: Handley Page and Beyond
Just a stone’s throw away from our headquarters lies Radlett Aerodrome, once occupied by Handley Page, a pioneer in British aviation. Here, many military aircraft were constructed, including the famous Halifax bomber and the Cold War-era Victor, a nuclear bomber and tanker.
The significance of our area’s past is so profound that we are still surrounded by remnants of World War II, such as the pillboxes that formed part of the Outer London Defence Ring. These historical markers remind us daily of the resilience and innovation that define our heritage.
A Hub of Cinematic History
But not all of the area’s history is rooted in military achievements; much of it is purely cinematic. Just a short walk away is the site of Skybreak House, famously featured in Stanley Kubrick’s "A Clockwork Orange." Kubrick himself was a local resident, drawn to the area by another iconic institution—Elstree Studios.
This legendary studio has been the birthplace of some of cinema’s greatest works, including "Moby Dick," "The Dambusters," "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Star Wars," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and the "Indiana Jones" series. To this day, films and television shows continue to be produced on these historic sound stages.
Our Watches: Inspired by the Past, Crafted for the Future
At Helicon Watches, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such rich history and boundless inspiration. Every day, as we design and craft our watches, we draw on the legacy of innovation, creativity, and resilience that surrounds us. From the engineering marvels of Sir Nigel Gresley to the cinematic magic of Stanley Kubrick, our location is more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s the very essence of our brand.
As we continue to create timepieces that blend tradition with modernity, we remain ever inspired by the history that’s quite literally at our doorstep. This connection to our surroundings isn’t just a part of our story; it’s at the heart of everything we do.
