John84

Hi, I’m currently working on a small project and need to finalise the specification of a watch strap. I’ve had some samples sent over by a supplier (from the Far East), a set of European Cowhide samples and a set of Buckskin/Calfskin samples.I really like the colours of the cowhide, but they’re scratching really badly with just my fingernail. The Calf skin samples seem to be a lot more resistant to any marks. Can anyone tell me if this is a characteristic of particular leathers and is one a safer option than another to specify? The supplier seems to be trying to push me down the route of the cow hide.Kind regards,

Hi all, I posted some time ago about my curiosity of starting a microbrand and developing a design, mainly around whether quartz or Auto would be the route to follow. I’ve been working on a design for the past few months and have learnt a lot from this about watchmaking in general which if nothing else, I’ve taken enjoyment from. However, I’m now looking into the next stage which is working with a supply partner to understand how costs might stack up and what hurdles I would need to jump though. I would really like to hear from people who have successfully(or unsuccessfully as well) gone through this process as to what I really need to be mindful of, what you would do different with a second opportunity and what my very careful next steps should be. My big crossroads now seems to be, try and launch a Kickstarter using only 3D visuals as a sell tool and raise funds for full technical development as well as mass production (which I consider being more difficult to hit a Kickstarter target for) or cough up a substantial amount of money up front to complete a design which ultimately, people may then not take to and may not get off the ground. whatever your experience, please feel free to share on this post or feel free to get in touch. many thanks, John

Hi all, I posted some time ago about my curiosity of starting a microbrand and developing a design, mainly around whether quartz or Auto would be the route to follow. I’ve been working on a design for the past few months and have learnt a lot from this about watchmaking in general which if nothing else, I’ve taken enjoyment from. However, I’m now looking into the next stage which is working with a supply partner to understand how costs might stack up and what hurdles I would need to jump though. I would really like to hear from people who have successfully(or unsuccessfully as well) gone through this process as to what I really need to be mindful of, what you would do different with a second opportunity and what my very careful next steps should be. My big crossroads now seems to be, try and launch a Kickstarter using only 3D visuals as a sell tool and raise funds for full technical development as well as mass production (which I consider being more difficult to hit a Kickstarter target for) or cough up a substantial amount of money up front to complete a design which ultimately, people may then not take to and may not get off the ground. whatever your experience, please feel free to share on this post or feel free to get in touch. many thanks, John

Hi all, so I decided I’d like to add a dove watch to my collection and after looking at Hamilton Scuba’s I can across the Seiko 5 Sports. unfortunately with shops being shut at the moment this was an internet only purchase which arrived yesterday. Although I really like the look of it and I know the specs are good, I think I’m struggling a little bit with it.... Bezel - if I’m honest this part of the watch feels cheap. I can’t tell if it’s a coated plastic or something else, would anyone know? Did the bezel it’s self change much from the SKX? Size - always a very personal choice, but I’m not sure if it looks small on mine as I’ve quite big hands. Plus I’ve been wearing a 47mm Hamilton for months so I think anything else would seem small. I guess I’d just like (other than the feedback on the bezel) to see if I’m being a bit daft as it seems like a good watch for the price and I can’t expect a rolls Royce for the price of a very nice Honda. Id be really keen to hear if anyone else was dubious about there’s and have been happily converted into a Seiko fan? Alternatives - as far as I can work out, for a nice dive watch in that style, I’m looking at a lot more money. Thank you for listening to my ramblings and anything anyone replies with! many thanks!

Exactly why I’m hesitant in trawling through too much so that I don’t lose too focus and enthusiasm too soon! I know it’s all a bit of a long shot and in reality a pipe dream, but I’ll not get any satisfaction from giving up early doors. My thoughts on choosing quartz over automatic to begin with were that the amount of capital needed to raise would be less as a start up due to the product being less expensive (obviously marketing aside). Am I missing something there do you think or is it entirely how people buy into you and your product?

Hi, I’ve been starting to take an interest in micro brands recently and some of the companies which have taken off in the last few years. Being a designer, I’m starting to look into the possibilities of working up a design. I’m just wondering what people thoughts/opinions on whether a quartz or an automatic is the better product to proceed with. brands like MVMT and the Camden watch company seem to have had great success with quartz watches at a cost effective level for what seems like a bigger market. Whereas Marloe and brands like Avi-8 offer automatics in the sub £1k or even sub £500 bracket which I’d imagine have a smaller market, due to what I would class as the price bracket being a little more than “disposable income” which is where the sub £120 quartz watches come into play. Therefore my thoughts were that I’d I was going to look into this, to aim for a quartz watch for a larger market appeal and then develop into Automatics following any success for a slightly different audience. I’f be really keen to get people’s thoughts and experiences. Many thanks!