Our Story and Our Epic Coolness

Our Story and Our Epic Coolness

You hear about that guy who knew nothing about watch companies but started one anyway?

That's me. I'm Tim. I'm a retired media exec and entrepreneur. I also have Dr.-diagnosed, high-octane ADHD. I am married to my muse of 30+ years, with a remarkable son, a bulldog named Pig, and two brand new knees. Western North Carolina is home.

I'm also a watch addict...for which there is no 12-step program. 

A couple years ago, I was looking for a new chapter in my life when my wife, Angel, gave me a DIY watch kit for Christmas in 2021.

A gift she regrets to this day.

Because, within three months I just KNEW I had to start a watch company.

"But, Tim," she said, lovingly, "you know nothing about the jewelry business. Or retail. Or online sales. And we are moving in six months. And getting a puppy. And chickens. CHICKENS!" 

So what's your point honey? I'm having a tough time reading between the lines, here.

 

Well...we did it anyway.

By 2023 what started as a hobby became a totally self-funding venture. By 2024 we were shipping in a week what we had been shipping in a month just the year prior! And by 2025...you guessed it. We were shipping in a day what we had been shipping in a week!

We may not have had much of a plan, but we DID have a goal: To make a killer watch that honors the classic dive- and sport-watches out there, and make them accessible to all enthusiasts, not just those with the financial means. And be a company that actually stands for something and cares about it's product and the people buying it. 

But the real special sauce is our embrace of our clients to make them part of the journey. After all, we are on this tightrope without a net. So we seek input and advice. We embrace our clients as a true litmus test for how we are doing. And we rely heavily 

Most important? Care more about the clients than the brand itself. This, we believe. 

Yep we're a small company, but we have BIG plans. That's part of the fun.

I hope we have the chance to welcome you to the family.

Tim Hermes

President

Monterey Watch Co.