Creating your own watch: Three mistakes we made that you should avoid

No script, no editing, raw from the camera. We've tried to answer the most common question asked by enthusiastic watchmakers / brand makers: how do you get your name on a watch dial? Where does one start? And this is a tough question to answer.

Do you start by making a watch George Daniels' way -a million dollar masterpiece- or by kick-starting a campaign selling $100 watches? Or perhaps there is something in-between? Neither Josh nor I are experts, but we've tried to attack the question by sharing some 'behind the scenes' details of our Mark One project. Who is to blame for the 3 major mistakes which resulted in a 12 month delay? What have we learned along the way? Was the project worth the trouble and have we achieved our goals?

If you are a Mark One owner then you will enjoy this video. And if you are considering a Mark One watch then this is a great opportunity to learn more, not just about the watch, but more importantly about the project itself- a project you will be proud to support. Yes, we do mention names but we search for answers- remaining brutally honest. 

Of course, make sure to subscribe, and if you do enjoy it, then please click the like button.

To watch our video click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaHKjP3-bUM&feature=youtu.be

Good News

It has been 6 months since we delivered the first Mark 1 NH wristwatch and during this, time we have assembled and delivered just over 100 watches. Mark 1 is a 40mm automatic watch designed and assembled in our workshop and powered up by a Swiss made mechanism. Here is the good news: In the past 6 months, we've only had one case where the watch has been returned to our workshop. It needed a minor adjustment of a single component in the Swiss mechanism, taking only a few minutes to rectify. Super easy! So far the 'under guarantee' return rate is under 1%, way below the industry standard and clearly, we are proud of it. Based on the above, we are now happy to offer 10 years guarantee on Mark 1 watches which also includes the watches sold so far. There is only one condition: You need to reply to this offer simply by saying "Yes, I'll take it"  with your Mark 1 serial number. The 10 years guarantee will include all the parts and labour as well as the first complete overhaul, which will be due in 5 years time. Not a cent to spend! Thanks to your unreserved support we will continue to push the horological boundaries and strive to offer post sale service like no other watch brand.

Mark 1 $2,800. In stock and ready for immediate delivery.

100%

About twice a week we receive an email which reads like this: "Love your work. Can't wait for a 100% Australian made watch. Please let me know when you make one, I will buy it - would love to support your project!"
 
While a message like this is loaded with love, good wishes and a desire to support us, it is also loaded with one condition: for the watch to be 100% made in Australia. Something that will never happen - because it simply can't.
 
Those who sincerely believe that Swiss brand watches are 100% made by the brand name on the dial are simply naive. The 'in-house' concept is still a dream for even the most ambitious brands. The commercial reality is that 99% of Swiss brands have no desire to make 100% of the watch. This would be way too expensive, time consuming,  demanding on resources, and such a watch would struggle to sell. It would go against the very core of the Swiss watch philosophy: micro size workshops, highly specialised in a particular part made at high level of precision, in high volume, supplied to all brands. In other words: one special workshop making just watch screws or stems, or mainsprings or jewels - but never all of them. Indeed, I have personally visited such shops which are so good at making specific watch parts that even the top brands use their parts - even when they are capable of making their own.  Why? Because those specialist micro shops were making parts hundreds of years before brands even existed and have them perfected to - perfection.
 
It is also important to understand one very crucial concept: watch brands come and go, but skilful machinists capable of shaping metal to perfection will never go out of business. Our ultimate goal is not to be a jack of all trades, nor to waste our precious resources. Passing the 50% 'Made in Australia' mark was incredibly difficult - so difficult that until today, in the entire industrialised history of Australia, no other watchmaking and machining business has ever made such a claim. There is no doubt that in a few years we will most likely reach 75% but to expect us to make every single part in Australia is simply unrealistic.
 
You would not say to a young chef: I'll eat in your restaurant when you receive 3 Michelin Stars. Or to a young writer: I'll buy your book once you win the Nobel Prize for literature. Or to a watchmaker: I'll buy your watch once you are better than Patek or FJ Journe.
 
The time to support Australian made is now - when your support is needed; when such support is appreciated, and is required to take us to the next level. And the absolutely best way to do so is to invest in Mark 1 - an affordable, comfortable, honest every day timepiece designed and assembled in Australia.

Send an email to nick@clockmaker.com.au to place your order.

Mark 1 on a mission

Thank you, Steve.  We appreciate your support. 

When I'm looking at this photo I'm pleased to see how little reflection there is on the dial.  Very satisfying.