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!" 

Me: "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. In the first year, we were using sourced parts and assembling here in our home. 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!

The sheer volume was thrilling. But after awhile we could not keep up with demand and delivery times and decided to offshore manufacturing. New challenges. New excitement. We went through several factories before we found several we felt could deliver the level of quality and cost efficiency we needed. Then we were back in the groove.

So...yeah, we sell a great watch at a fair price at three specific tiers. 

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 on reviews, word of mouth, and our 60+ Brand Ambassadors who help spread the Monty word far and near.

Most importantly to us? 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. 4,000 timepieces into this adventure, I still get a charge whenever we get an order from a new or existing customer.  

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

Tim Hermes

President

Monterey Watch Co.