FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are you people?

We are an Independent Watch Studio based in North Carolina. We ask a favor...please don’t call us a "microbrand"—it makes us feel small, and we have big feelings. (Plus it's a silly word anyway.)

The Origin Story: Tim, our President and Founder is a retired marketing exec who hit age 60 and decided that instead of taking up pickleball, he’d walk into a watch shop to see how the gears turned. One thing led to another, and now we’re here.

Skin in the Game: We’re self-funded and fiercely independent. No venture capitalists are breathing down our necks, and no crowdfunding backers are waiting three years for a watch. We answer to you (and occasionally our spouses).

World Domination (Sort of): We are currently the fastest-growing online timepiece retailer in the world (according to various AI engines.). We have watches ticking on all seven continents. Yes, even Antarctica. Apparently, penguins appreciate a good bezel.

What exactly do you do?

We play a game called The King of Affordable Performance™. It’s a simple game where we try to cram $1,000+ specs into a $250–$500 price tag.

Movement for the Mission: We don’t just pick a movement out of a hat. If you want a smooth-as-butter sweep, we go High-Beat (28,800 bph). If you need a watch that can survive a literal apocalypse, we use Seiko/Miyota/HKPT workhorses.

The Gateway Drug: 66% of MONTEREY owners are buying their very first mechanical watch. We’re basically the "gateway watch" that gets people addicted to horology. Sorry/You’re Welcome.

What do you stand for?

No Snobs Allowed: We hate gatekeeping. If you like watches, you’re in. It’s that simple.

The Studio Vibe: We’re inclusive, non-political, and generally just happy to be here. We genuinely love our customers more than our own brand—mostly because without you, Tim is just a guy with a lot of watch parts in a room.

The Turkey Promise: Our service is so personal and responsive that by the time your watch arrives, you’ll at least consider inviting us to Thanksgiving dinner. (Note: We prefer dark meat and extra stuffing.)

How do you pull this off?

Designed in NC, Built Globally: We handle the design and direction from North Carolina. When we got too big for our britches in 2024, we partnered with the same high-tech overseas manufacturers used by brands charging $2,000+.

The Secret Sauce: Because we are self-funded and direct-to-consumer, we don’t have to pay for a CEO’s yacht or a middleman’s commission. We just use premium stuff—316L stainless steel and sapphire crystals as an example—and ship it to you.

What should I expect?

Fast Shipping: We move faster than a high-beat movement.

Honest Info: No marketing fluff. Just detailed specs and a watch that actually looks like the pictures.

A Community: You’re not just buying a product; you’re joining a Studio of enthusiasts who started exactly where you are.

How to reach the Monty Crew

Need a human? We’ve got ‘em.

The Direct Line: Text 703-200-1474 for the fastest response. Seriously, we’re on it.

Email: Reach out to Charlie at charlotte@montereywatches.com. She's way more organized than the rest of us.

The Paper Trail: * Attn: Charlotte Krauss

• • MONTEREY WATCH Co. | 191 Jordan Rd. | Swannanoa, NC 28778The Clock: We’re generally around Monday–Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST(ish), and we try to get back to everyone within 24–48 hours (but often much faster).