MacKinnon Watches is a family-run Scottish brand offering heritage-inspired timepieces. Their standout product is the Custom Tartan Watch, where straps are handmade using authentic Scottish tartan fabrics. They also produce non-tartan lines such as the Classic Collection, Munro Collection, and SKYE Collection, along with tartan straps for traditional watches, Apple Watches, and Samsung smartwatches.

Key points to know:

Watches use reliable Japanese Miyota quartz movements.
Water resistance ranges from 3 ATM (splash-proof) to 5 ATM (everyday use).
Custom tartan watches are made to order, with a typical lead time of 3–5 weeks.
A 2-year warranty is provided, though custom and personalised items cannot be returned.
Sustainability is part of the brand’s messaging, with a “one tree planted per order” pledge.

Brand Overview

MacKinnon positions itself as a heritage-driven watchmaker. The tartan straps are sourced from Scottish mills, sewn with leather undersides, and paired with cases in finishes such as silver, rose gold, or black. While the watches themselves use imported components such as Japanese movements, the identity of the brand is firmly tied to Scotland, with tartan acting as the hallmark.

Product Range

Custom Tartan Watch

The flagship line. Custom tartan watches are available in 36 mm and 40 mm case sizes, with options for case colour and strap tartan. Customers can add engraving to the case back and imprint text on the underside leather strap. Lead time is 3–5 weeks, with an optional fast-track upgrade for quicker dispatch.

Tartan Watch Straps

Separate straps for traditional lugs, Apple Watches, and Samsung models. Handmade using tartan fabric and leather, available in multiple buckle colours. A way to bring heritage style to an existing watch.

Classic, Munro, and SKYE Collections

Classic Collection: Simple dial designs with quartz movements, mineral glass, and 3 ATM water resistance.
Munro Collection: Named after Scottish mountains, offered in 36 mm and 40 mm sizes. Features Japanese quartz movements and standard water resistance.
SKYE Collection: Slightly upgraded specifications, including hardened mineral crystal, 5 ATM water resistance, date window, and luminous hands.

Specifications and Materials

Movements: Miyota quartz (including 2115 in some models). Accurate, reliable, and easy to service.
Case Sizes: 35 mm, 36 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm depending on collection.
Glass: Mineral crystal in most models, with hardened mineral glass in SKYE models.
Water Resistance: 3 ATM in Classic and Munro (splash-proof), 5 ATM in SKYE (suitable for everyday use).
Straps: Genuine tartan fabric from Scottish mills, leather undersides, and stainless steel buckles.

How Custom Tartan Builds Work

Choose your tartan: Over 1,000 options available, including clan and district setts.
Select case and size: 36 mm for a more compact unisex look, 40 mm for a bolder wrist presence.
Personalise: Case-back engraving (names, dates, short messages) and optional leather imprinting.
Production timeline: Standard 3–5 weeks, with optional 1–2 week fast-track crafting.

Build Quality and Daily Use

The watches are designed as lifestyle and heritage accessories rather than professional tool watches. Expect quartz accuracy, comfortable straps, and good day-to-day durability. Mineral glass is resistant to scratches in normal use but softer than sapphire, so a little care is needed. Water resistance is fine for rain and handwashing, but not swimming or diving.

Sizing and Fit

36 mm: Suits smaller wrists or those preferring subtle styles.
40 mm: More prominent, suitable for most men and women who like a bolder look.
SKYE Collection: 35 mm or 42 mm sizes available, giving a broader fit range.
Strap widths: Typically 16–22 mm, chosen to match case size and lug type.

Ordering, Shipping, and Warranty

Shipping: Free UK delivery, worldwide shipping at affordable rates.
Lead times: Ready-to-ship models arrive quickly, custom orders take 3–5 weeks.
Returns: 28 days for standard items. Custom and personalised watches and straps are not eligible.
Warranty: Two-year cover against mechanical faults.

Sustainability

The brand commits to planting one tree for every purchase. They also highlight their use of tartan woven in Scotland, supporting traditional mills.

Who MacKinnon is Best For

Gift-givers marking weddings, graduations, anniversaries, and Burns Night.
Anyone with Scottish heritage who wants to display their clan or district colours.
Watch wearers who prefer quartz convenience but value custom personalisation.
Smartwatch owners looking for unique tartan strap upgrades.

Buyer’s Checklist

Confirm tartan name and sett before ordering.
Check engraving and imprint text carefully (character limits apply).
Plan for the 3–5 week lead time on custom orders.
Understand that custom and engraved items cannot be returned.
Match watch size and strap width to wrist size and preference.
Consider water resistance based on lifestyle.

FAQs

Are the watches made in Scotland?
Tartan straps are made from Scottish mill fabric, watches use Japanese quartz movements, with final assembly in the workshop.
How long do custom orders take?
Standard 3–5 weeks before dispatch, with a fast-track option available.
Can I use any tartan?
Over 1,000 registered clan and district tartans are available to choose from.
Are custom watches returnable?
No, due to their personalised nature.
What warranty is offered?
Two years, covering mechanical faults.

Verdict

MacKinnon Watches brings Scottish heritage into watch design through authentic tartan straps and personalisation options. They balance practical quartz movements with heirloom-level customisation, making them especially appealing as gifts. Buyers should be aware of lead times and return exclusions on custom items, but for those seeking a strong heritage signal in a wearable form, MacKinnon offers a unique proposition.