Running a watchmaking company is not easy. You have to come up with your own design and at the same time have someone who supplies you with quality watch components. The watchmaking industry has been around for ages. The first clock ever was made around 1300. Ever since there have been numerous watchmakers who have come and gone.
As time progresses, the industry is now beginning to see a surge of people of African descent owning watch companies. Most of them were founded in recent years from humble beginnings, and they have been able to almost catch-up with established players.
The companies are spread out across the globe, but most of them are concentrated in the United States. Here are some of the best black-owned watchmaking companies:
Talley & Twine Watch Company
Talley & Twine was born out of the need to make quality watches be within the affordable range of most people. Based in Virginia, the company was started by Randy Willimas. Many luxury watchmakers have overpriced products, some even costing millions. With a market that only caters to the super-rich, Talley & Twine came up with a plan to bridge the gap. They started making quality watches that cost below $1,000.
The market disruption they caused was welcomed; the company has amassed a very loyal clientele base that grows every day. They make watches for both men and women.
Enbois by Maxim
Each New Bead Offers Its Support, that’s what the acronym Enbois stands for. Located in South Florida, the company was founded by Maxim Thuriere while he was still in college. Enbois by Maxim watches are unique; in place of metallic casings and straps, they have wood. The pieces are so intricately designed that it’s hard to imagine they are crafted by hand.
Inspired by African culture, Enbois watches cost as cheap as $65. They also make ornamental beads and bracelets.
Benjamin Banneker Watches
The watchmaking firm was founded in 2003 by Derrick Holmes. The name of the company is a tribute to Benjamin Banneker, who was an African American scholar, astronomer, mathematician, and inventor. Located in Denver, Colorado, the company incorporates stunning wood finishes in their watches.
Their prices range between $200 and $500. Their most expensive watch is the Crossover that retails at about $995.
Seventeenth Watches
Seventeenth Watches was founded by Chris Johnson, a United States Army veteran. During a two year stint in Germany, Chris developed an interest in watches, and Seventeenth was born. The name is derived from the fact that he comes from a family of 7 children. He believes that his brand represents family values and freedom.
Their quality but straightforward watches start from as low as $80.
SPGBK Watches
SPBGK is a short form of the word Spring Break. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, SPBGK was founded by two African American frat brothers. The college-themed company makes very colorful watches that have been a hit with the younger generation. Their colorful collection of yellow, purple, luminous green and orange wrist watches ranges from around $69 to $100.
Verdure Watches
In 2012, Eddie Johnson, a designer, founded Verdure Watches. Located in New Jersey, Verdure is a company that has been in the making from Eddie’s childhood. Growing around male family members who loved watches, his interest in them was piqued. What started as a hobby has grown into a full-fledged watchmaking company that churns out quality pieces.
Verdure’s primary target market are the males, and their watches are designed for formal wear. Verdure watches range between $200-$500.
Vitae London
Based in London, the company makes stunning watches that are simple but sophisticated at the same time. It is really hard to place a finger on what makes them tick. The company was founded by William Adoasi, a UK resident of Ghanian heritage. Vitae London makes watches for both men and women.
Their pieces cost between $100 to $250 on average. Vitae London is extensively involved in charity works in Ghana.
Benson Watch Company
Headquartered in Maryland, USA, Benson Watch Company runs on the motto that time should be spent doing what you love most. Their exquisite timepieces have been a hit in Maryland and beyond. They have a cardinal collection that features their best selling piece, the Cardinal.
The cardinal line comes in four colors; emerald rose, purple rose, black steel, and pink rose. They all retail between $110-$150.
Kenyon Rolfe
Founded by Marco Rolfe, the company is known for its leather-strapped quartz watches. Marco Rolfe came up with the idea of starting a watchmaking company while pursuing his degree. Located in South Florida, Kenyon Rolfe is also in the fashion industry, where they dabble in garments and footwear.
Aso Rock Watches
The only entry from Africa on the list. Aso Rock is a Nigerian watchmaking company that was founded by Ben Iroala, a Nigerian American and Andrew Mutale, a Zambian American. They were spurred into action to create affordable watches that were within the range of many people in Africa. Aso Rock prides itself as a creative entity that connects directly with its customers without the need of a middle man.
Their beautiful pieces range between $95 and $200.
Conclusion
There are many other African watchmakers that we could not fit in this list. The biggest challenge many black-owned watchmakers face is the perception. Not many people have confidence in their products as they automatically assume they are of inferior quality. It is always a beautiful thing supporting our own. So next time you want to get yourself a new watch, consider supporting any of the above makers.
For more fine watches, check out Jaeger LeCoultre Watches.
