University News Last updated 25 August 2015
Two leading figures in British watchmaking are among the outstanding former students to be honoured at Birmingham City University's forthcoming graduation ceremonies.
Husband and wife Craig and Rebecca Struthers studied horology at the University's School of Jewellery and are being honoured as two of the University's Alumni of the Year.
After graduating, Craig and Rebecca worked for a number of watchmakers before returning to the University to continue their studies at the School of Art and School of Visual Communication.
It was during this time that they founded their own watchmaking company, called Struthers London, based in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. The couple use traditional skills to create 21st century designs and have been recognised as leaders in their field in the WatchPro Hot 100 Awards, winning two years in a row.
In 2013 they were awarded the Design Innovation Award for ground-breaking use of platinum. The award kick-started their company, with the couple going on to secure a prestigious contract with Morgan Motor Company to make bespoke watches, which were launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014. The collection beat global competition to win commendations as Luxury Watch of the Year and Rising Star of the Year in the WatchPro Awards 2014.
Craig and Rebecca regularly return to the University to share their expertise with current students, and have also returned to further their studies, with Rebecca currently the first watchmaker in Britain to undertake a PhD in horology. On receiving the award Rebecca said:
Craig and Rebecca will receive their Alumni of the Year Award at the University's Graduation ceremony taking place on Friday 4 September at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Their award will be presented alongside students graduating from the University's Faculty of Arts, Design and Media.