Duward is a historic Spanish watch brand with a legacy dating back to the 19th century. The brand’s origins trace to 1835 when Carlos Vendrell Paradis opened a watchmaking business in Barcelona. Over the following decades, the company grew under the management of his descendants, eventually being established as the dedicated Duward brand in 1930 by Carlos Vendrell. Based in Barcelona, the Vendrell family transformed the company from a local business into a prominent national brand that would become a household name in Spain during the mid-20th century.
The brand is highly regarded by enthusiasts and collectors for its ability to offer reliable, elegant timepieces that combined Spanish design with high-quality components, often sourced from Switzerland. During its peak in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Duward was known for its “accessible luxury” approach, providing well-built mechanical watches with movements from respected manufacturers like ETA, FHF, and later Citizen. Collectors today are particularly drawn to the brand’s vintage offerings, which are appreciated for their timeless aesthetic and historical significance within the Spanish market.
Key collections and pieces have defined Duward’s reputation over the decades. The brand is perhaps most famous for its collaboration with the Swiss manufacturer Aquastar, which resulted in highly sought-after professional diving watches like the Duward Aquastar Oceanic and the Deepstar chronograph. These models were utilized by professional divers and explorers, including members of Jacques Cousteau’s teams. Beyond sports watches, the Diplomatic series remains a staple of the brand’s heritage, representing its classic dress watch category, while the Triumph line and various “Super Securit” models emphasized durability and shock resistance. Today, the brand continues to operate under the leadership of the Vendrell family, offering a modern range of watches that maintains the brand’s tradition of versatile and classic design.
