Happy Rebelde Day!

 

Tomorrow is ‘Rebelde Day’ – the 12th anniversary since the NH brand was conceived. Like many ‘revolutionary’ projects, it all started with an act of rebellion, loaded with anger: our right to repair was taken away from us - small independent watch repairers. But in the weeks and months that followed, that anger transformed into an outburst of positive energy, with a strong determination to show the Swiss what we were made of. Nearly two years later, the first rebelde Pilots watch was sold on the 22nd of May 2014. The very first Australian "rebelde" ambassador. Thanks to your support, the project took off like wild fire, and over the following years, 947 rebelde watches were assembled and delivered to rebelde ambassadors in Australia, Europe and North America. On the 4th of January 2019, the first NH1 was assembled and sold. It was the first ever watch to contain internal components manufactured in Australia, in our own workshop. The NH1 was a culmination of several significant sacrifices. An investment in a high precision manufacturing facility was a huge risk which made absolutely no sense – except to a small team of young, crazy enthusiastic and ambitious machinists and watchmakers. As I type this ‘Happy Rebelde Day’ message, in front of me lies a collection of 16 unique watches in Timascus, featuring colourful guilloche dials, Titanium hands, internal Timascus parts, fitted in a Titanium case. Known as the first 16 NH55's, they represent not just a truly Australian manufactured watch, but one the likes of which never before seen in Australia. I am proud and grateful for a number of reasons. The fact that these watches bear my name is probably of the least importance. Firstly, I am extremely pleased that Josh and Andrew have played a crucial role in this project: Josh as the leader of the entire in-house manufacturing process, and Andrew, as our very own ‘in house’ trained watchmaker. Both of them achieved what was unthinkable, bordering on the impossible, not just on the Australian, but on an international level. They are a priceless asset to horology, and their time is yet to come. I am immensely proud that we have completed this project in just two years, without a cent borrowed. Above all, it is hard to contain our excitement that the first four of the sixteen watches have been already sold to the most renowned watch collectors, who are now eagerly awaiting delivery. There are still a few more ‘tasks’ before the NH55 project will be officially completed: more photographs, a coffee table book and a catalogue featuring each watch in detail; and an official launch of the NH55 Timascus, in person, to a group of machinists and watch collectors, planned for June. As far as sales are concerned, we are not in a hurry to throw ourselves into a crazy marketing spin in order to sell the few remaining pieces quickly. Instead, we are simply waiting for ‘the right watch collector’ to find us. In their own time, when they are ready. The NH55 was an amazing journey. Difficult, yes. Humbling, yet rewarding in every possible way. Rebellious, for sure. Thank you for your time. Nicholas Hacko Should you wish to receive a link to the NH55 catalogue, please reply to this email. Also, if you wish to be invited to attend the 'NH55 in person' in June, please do let us know.