Interview with Melbourne Watch Company

By Jovan Krstevski

 

 

 

 

Please tell us about Melbourne Watch Company 

Melbourne Watch Company is a new Australian owned brand of men’s mechanical watches that was launched in October 2013. Our goal is to provide quality mechanical timepieces at an affordable price point. We have just launched our debut model, the Flinders, a dress/classic style automatic featuring a Miyota 9015 movement.

Tell us more about yourself – how did you get into watchmaking?

I first became interested in mechanical watches a few years ago when I received a vintage Omega handwind as a birthday gift from my brother. I then began collecting mechanical affordable watches and eventually learned how to assemble them myself. Using these skills I ran a small business called “Melbourne Custom Watches” for the last year through which I assembled custom homage style watches for the online enthusiast community on forums such as Watchuseek. I eventually decided that I was no longer satisfied just building homages to other brands so I started down the path of designing my first original timepiece – the Flinders.

 

Tell us more about the Flinders model

The Flinders is our first original design and came about after noticing that there is a gap in the affordable micro-brand market for dress style timepieces. With a case height of 9.8mm, the Flinders is relatively slim for an automatic and this is also something that is not seen often in affordable watches. I wanted to make sure the rest of the watch matches up with the movement specs so the Flinders also comes with anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a multi-layered dial with stainless steel markers and a sweep seconds hand with the “M” from our logo on it. I believe the Flinders is suited to both business and casual environments as well.

When is the Flinders Available? How do Customers order one and what is the pricing?

The Flinders is currently in pre-order stage with delivery to customers targeted for mid to late February 2014. We are currently running a campaign on Indiegogo (http://igg.me/at/mwcflinders) where customers can reserve one for as low as $350AUD. The retail for the Flinders is currently planned to be $525AUD.

What is next for Melbourne Watch Company?

We are currently working on our second model called the “Hawthorn”. This will be a more casual/sportier 42mm 3-hander with a day/date complication (Miyota 8205 movement). The Hawthorn will come on either a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap (black or tan). We are expecting to start pre-orders for the Hawthorn in late January with delivery targeted for May 2014.

Visit the Melbourne Watch Company website