Frequently Asked Questions

Good questions deserve straight answers. Here's a little more about who we are, how we work, and what you can expect when you buy a Monterey.

Who are you people?

We're an independent watch studio based in North Carolina. And a small request: please don't call us a microbrand. We know it's a common term, but we'd rather be known for what we do than how big we are.

How it started

Tim, our founder and president, retired from a career in marketing and hit 60 with a question: what would happen if he walked into a watch shop and started figuring out how watches worked? He found out. One thing led to another, and Monterey Watch Co. was born.

Independent by choice

We're self-funded, which means we make our own decisions and answer to our customers. No venture capitalists calling the shots. No crowdfunding campaign asking you to wait years for a watch. Just a team putting its own money, time, and enthusiasm into making watches we believe in.

A little farther around the world

Our watches have found their way to all seven continents, including Antarctica. We're still not sure what the penguins think, but we're happy to have them in the Monterey family.

What exactly do you do?

We call it The King of Affordable Performance™. The idea is simple: bring together the materials, movements, and features you'd expect from watches costing $1,000 or more, then offer them at a much more accessible price.

The right movement for the right watch

We choose movements based on what each watch needs. Want a smooth seconds-hand sweep? Some of our models use high-beat movements running at 28,800 beats per hour. Looking for dependable everyday performance? We work with established movement makers like Seiko, Miyota, and HKPT.

The goal isn't to fill a spec sheet just to make it look impressive. It's to choose the right components for the watch we're making.

Your first mechanical watch? You're in good company.

About 66% of Monterey owners are buying their first mechanical watch. We love that. You don't need a watch collection, a vocabulary full of technical terms, or years of experience to find a watch you enjoy. If Monterey is where your interest starts, we're glad to be part of it.

What do you stand for?

No watch snobs. No gatekeeping.

If you like watches, you're one of us. Whether you can name every movement in your collection or you're just looking for something that catches your eye, you belong here.

People first

We're an inclusive, non-political business, and we'd like watches to be something people can enjoy together. We care about our customers, we listen to feedback, and we know the brand wouldn't exist without the people who choose to wear our watches.

The Thanksgiving test

We want our customer service to feel personal enough that, by the time your watch arrives, you might consider inviting us to Thanksgiving. If you do, we'll take dark meat and extra stuffing, please.

How do you make watches this affordable?

Designed in North Carolina, made with experienced manufacturing partners

We handle the design and direction here in North Carolina. As Monterey grew, we expanded our manufacturing partnerships in 2024 to work with experienced overseas manufacturers whose capabilities also serve brands at considerably higher price points.

Spend on the watch, not the middlemen

We're self-funded and sell directly to customers. That gives us more control over how we spend our money and helps us put more of the budget into the watch itself.

Depending on the model, that can mean details like 316L stainless steel, sapphire crystal, quality automatic movements, and thoughtful finishing—all without automatically pushing the price into luxury-watch territory.

What should I expect when I order?

Shipping without the unnecessary wait

We'll get your order moving as quickly as we can. For current processing times, delivery estimates, and any pre-order dates, check the details listed on our site or contact us.

Straightforward product information

We want you to know what you're buying. Our product pages include the specifications and details that help you make an informed choice, and we aim to show our watches as accurately as possible. No need to dress up the facts.

A real team behind the watch

When you buy from Monterey, you're supporting an independent studio run by people who genuinely care about watches. We're here to answer questions, help you find the right model, and make sure you feel good about your purchase.

How do I reach the Monterey crew?

Need help? You can talk to an actual person. Here's how to reach us.

Text us

703-200-1474

Text is the quickest way to reach us.

Email us

Charlotte Krauss
charlotte@montereywatches.com

Charlotte helps keep things organized around here. We're lucky to have her.

Send us a letter

Attn: Charlotte Krauss
MONTEREY WATCH Co.
191 Jordan Rd.
Swannanoa, NC 28778

When are we around?

Our usual hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Eastern, give or take. We aim to respond to messages within 24–48 hours, and often sooner.

Thanks for stopping by, asking questions, and giving an independent watch studio a shot. We're glad you're here.