Manchester Watch Works: Who were They, What Happened

ByJoe Colella

Manchester Watch Works, was a cool micro watch brand from Manchester, Connecticut USA that gained popularity through its successful Kickstarter projects. It provided a unique blend of classic and modern designs. Born in the picturesque Green Mountains of Vermont, this young watch company made a name for itself with its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail and nice varied range of designs that I believe was probably the reason why the brand is no longer operating.

In addition to their iconic designs, Manchester Watch Works incorporated notable features that set them apart from other watch brands. One such feature is their commitment to using high-quality components, such as the reliable ETA 2824-2 automatic movement found in their Beluga Ascent Automatic watch.

This dedication to quality ensures that each watch is not only visually stunning, but also built to last and ensure that their watches could easily be serviced by any experience independent watchmaker anywhere in the world.

Key Callouts

  • Manchester Watch Works had a history of successful Kickstarter campaigns
  • They are known for their unique blend of classic and modern designs
  • Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship sets them apart from other brands
  • They are no longer operating, and the website is now part of Expert Dive Watch, which is looking at reviving some of the diver watches for sale in small batches.

History of Manchester Watch Works

Manchester Watch Works, a young and popular brand, successfully launched and delivered numerous projects on Kickstarter. As a watch collector, you might be familiar with this name in the micro-brand industry. I know I was and when I had the chance to purchase the domain name I snapped it up.

Let’s now take a glance at the conception of Manchester Watch Works. The brand embarked on its journey with a vision to craft unique timepieces using their creative skills. They gained recognition in the watch community for their stylish designs and excellent quality, which have surely piqued your interest.

From their inception, Manchester Watch Works had been driven by the passion to create distinctive timepieces that cater to various tastes and styles. As a discerning watch enthusiast, you undoubtedly appreciate how each project showcased their innovative approach and commitment to delivering value.

One iconic creation of Manchester Watch Works is the Equinox Collection, named after Mt. Equinox, the highest peak in southern Vermont. With its stunning design, this collection exudes sophistication and a sense of adventure that you, as a watch collector, would find appealing.

Despite the watchmaking business now being closed down, the legacy of Manchester Watch Works lives on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of owning one of their crafted timepieces. Manchester Watch Works may serve as a reminder of the excitement and joy that a well-designed watch can bring into your life.

So, it’s vital for you, as a watch collector, to remember the importance of companies like Manchester Watch Works that dared to break the mold and create an enduring legacy.

Popular Watch Models

Kickstarter Successes

Manchester Watch Works (MWW) has had quite a journey with Kickstarter, where they’ve launched and delivered numerous watch projects. You, as a fellow watch enthusiast, will find this brand fascinating for its unique approach to creating exceptional timepieces.

One of their popular models is the MWW Equinox Collection, which was introduced in 2017. This model was named after Mt. Equinox, the highest peak in southern Vermont. Its features include:

  • Durable stainless steel case
  • The Automatic version featured a Swiss STP1-11 caliber movement that could be seen through a mineral crystal display back.
  • The STP1-11 movement is a 26-jewel movement that has a 44-hour power reserve and a high beat rate of 28,800 bph
  • The Speed Timer was a quartz version that was powered by the Swiss Ronda 5010.B quartz chronograph movement
  • 300-meter water resistance
MWW Equinox

These qualities make the Equinox a solid option for various environments, so you can confidently wear it whenever and wherever!

Another noteworthy watch by MWW was the P. marcidus Diver, also known as the “Blobfish.” Its name might sound funny, but this watch is no joke. Some of its features include:

  • Unique Blobfish engraving on the back
  • Seiko NH35 automatic movement
  • 40-hour power reserve

The P. marcidus Diver offered you a nice deal for a reliable and stylish diving watch.

The MWW “Blobfish”

By supporting MWW’s Kickstarter projects, you give this passionate brand the opportunity to bring more exceptional watches to life, like the final watch in their Iconik series. Their dedication to delivering unique and well-crafted timepieces makes it a brand worth following for watch collectors like you.

MWW Iconik 3

The Manchester Watch Works Tatoskok was a 43mm dive watch designed for water resistance up to 200 meters. It featured an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown.

MWW Tatoskok

The watch boasted a durable 45mm corrosion-resistant case made of surgical grade 316L stainless steel with a combination of polished and brushed finishes.

Here were some key points from reviews:

  • The Tatoskok 2 by Manchester Watch Works was available in two versions: A Quartz that had a starting price of $230 and Automatic starting at $290 which were bargains. They now fetch more in the second hand market.
  • The 5th Anniversary model was a limited edition with only 300 units produced, each engraved with a unique serial number.
  • It came with a shark mesh band, adding to its distinct style.
  • Due to its popularity, the Tatoskok had a limited production run of 300 units.

Manchester Watch Works Tatoskok offered a well-crafted and stylish dive watch option with different pricing choices and a limited-edition anniversary model for collectors.

Quality and Craftsmanship

Sapphire Crystal Protection

Your watch from Manchester Watch Works has a strong and durable sapphire crystal protection. This feature protects the watch face and ensures you can read the time without worrying about scratches or smudges. It’s necessary for a long-lasting timepiece.

Movements Matter

Manchester Watch Works focuses on selecting the best movements for their watches. High-quality movements mean accurate and reliable timekeeping, so you’ll always be punctual for important events and meetings. They also used popular movements from standard ETA based movements from Switzerland to reliable Japanese movement as well. All of this means that even if you own a Manchester Watch Works watch, you can easily take it to any reputable independent watchmaker who should be able to repair your watch quite cheaply.

Quality Cases

Selecting the right case is key to maintaining the durability and elegance of your timepiece. Manchester Watch Works ensures they only use strong materials to protect the inner workings of the watch, without sacrificing style.

The Importance of Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship plays a vital role in producing a watch that stands the test of time. Manchester Watch Works is dedicated to making timepieces with great attention to detail, combining classic looks with modern innovations, and ensuring its watches meet stringent standards of quality.

With Manchester Watch Works, you can trust that you’re choosing a well-crafted, high-quality timepiece that will bring you joy and dependable timekeeping for years to come.

Notable Features

Bezel Varieties

One thing to note with Manchester Watch Works is their variety of bezels. As a watch enthusiast, you might appreciate the different styles that they offer. Some designs are simple, while others have a more intricate appearance. This means you can choose a watch that suits your personal taste and needs.

Water Resistance Rating

Manchester Watch Works takes water resistance seriously. Their watches are designed to be water-resistant, which is a necessary feature for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or just wants to wear their watch without worrying about water damage. The water resistance rating will be clearly displayed on the watch, so you know the capabilities and limitations of your timepiece.

Display Back Options

A display back is a key feature that showcases the intricacies of the watch movement. Manchester Watch Works watches often incorporate this feature, allowing you to admire the craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece. A display back option adds depth and character to your watch, making it a vital component for collectors and enthusiasts.

Lume Highlights

The lume on Manchester Watch Works’ timepieces ensures that you can easily read the time in low light situations. They used BGW9 Super-LumiNova, a high-quality luminescent material that improves visibility and adds to the watch’s aesthetic appeal. The bright and legible lume ensures that your watch is functional in various conditions, making it a necessity for outdoor adventures.

Remember, when you’re considering a new watch, look for these notable features to make sure you’re getting the best possible option. Manchester Watch Works is known for their attention to detail and emphasis on durability, so keep an eye out for these features when exploring their collection. Happy watch hunting!

Manchester Watch Works Collaborations

Watch Forum Moderator Partnerships

Manchester Watch Works understood the importance of connecting with watch enthusiasts. They actively collaborated with watch forum moderators. This approach allowed them to gather valuable feedback from watch collectors like you on their latest designs and improve their offerings. By working closely with these knowledgeable moderators, Manchester Watch Works ensured that their watches met the expectations of discerning collectors like you.

Watch Reviewer Relations

Establishing strong relationships with watch reviewers was also key for Manchester Watch Works. They often sent their latest models to popular watch reviewers. These experts then shared their thoughts in their videos, articles, or podcasts. This helped introduce their creations to a wider audience and provides potential buyers like you with trustworthy opinions.

By listening to feedback from both watch forum moderators and reviewers, Manchester Watch Works continuously refined their designs. Ultimately, this attention to detail resulted in timepieces that boast both style and reliability, perfect for any watch lover like you. So, if you’re in search of a new watch, you won’t find one but keep an eye out for Manchester Watch Works online in watch forums and on Chrono24 as you may come across some great value models.

Watches in Pop Culture

Watches in Movies

Watches have been a key element in many movies. Imagine James Bond rushing to save the world while checking his trusty timepiece. Manchester Watch Works was a brand that has crafted exclusive timepieces, similar to those seen on the big screen. In this section, we’ll dive into the world of watches in movies and how they’ve impacted popular culture.

One iconic movie watch is The Rolex Submariner featured in several of the early James Bond films (we all know he’s an Omega man these days). This watch showcases elegance, precision, and durability. Your appreciation for timepieces might grow, knowing that some of Hollywood’s most daring heroes relied on accurate and stylish watches like the Submariner.

Doctore No (1962) was the first movie to feature James Bond wearing a Rolex Submariner, and since then, it’s become a symbol of style and sophistication. Many collectors admire this watch for its history and association with the world’s most famous spy.

Another notable movie featuring a watch is Back to the Future (1985). Marty McFly wore a Casio CA53W Twincept Databank with a calculator function. This wristwatch represents the quirkiest and most futuristic aspects of the 80s. The watch became an icon within pop culture, capturing a sense of nostalgia for fans who grew up watching Marty’s time-traveling adventures.

When you see these beautiful timepieces on-screen associated with powerful characters, you might be inspired to start your own watch collection. Donning a stylish and accurate watch, like those offered by Manchester Watch Works, can add a sophisticated touch to any outfit and capture your love for pop culture.

Besides being an excellent conversation starter, owning a unique watch can be a personal reflection of your identity. Seeing watches hold such prominence in movies can support your passion for beautifully crafted timepieces, and afford you a chance to own a piece of history. Wearing a watch favored by your favorite movie character can make you feel part of their fantastic world while staying grounded in time.

In the world of movies, watches play a vital role in showcasing style, history, and character. As a watch enthusiast, recognizing and appreciating the timepieces worn by iconic characters in movies can deepen your passion for these essential accessories. Ultimately, watches in movies can inspire you to expand your collection, embrace new styles, and celebrate the beauty of time.

Previous Sales and Sold-out Models

Let’s dive into some of the previous sales and sold-out models of Manchester Watch Works (MWW). When discussing sold-out models from MWW, they definitely had some interesting pieces over the years. With their focus on quality and attention to detail, it’s no surprise their limited editions and unique designs quickly became hot commodities.

One such sold-out model is the MWW Iconik 3. This timepiece featured a reliable Seiko automatic movement, a domed sapphire crystal, and a beautiful dolphin-gray dial with custom white-tipped hands. With just 50 pieces created, it’s easy to see why this model flew off the shelves.

In short, MWW impressed many watch collectors with both their design choices and commitment to quality in their sold-out models.

What happened to Manchester Watch Works?

Whatever happened to Manchester Watch Works is shrouded in mystery. I have only just begun investigating the events that led to its closure as I would like to get in contact with either Douglas Kim or his family to find out what happened and what we can do with the trademarks.

Douglas Kim – Founder Manchester Watch Works

Where to Now with Manchester Watch Works?

When I purchased the Manchester watch works website and integrated it with Expert Dive Watch I did so with a long term plan in mind. You see I have always wanted to manufacture my own watch and have my own watch brand.

While I know there are still valid trademarks for MWW that prevent me from using the brand and trademarks I would like to find a way to purchase or take over the MWW brand and trademarks and revive some of the models such as the Iconik and Beluga.

Before You Go

I know you probably came here looking for what happened to Manchester Watch Works but I have no idea. I am in the process of kicking off an investigation as to what happened, as the closure seemed to be quite sudden and quite odd for a well-liked micro brand.

Maybe they were a victim of their own success, going too broad for a micro brand with too many models and not enough of a production run for the more successful models.

They had as many models or watches as a multi-billion dollar brand such as Seiko. They should have stuck with a few of the popular diver watches and focused on those.

I can promise one thing, as soon as I find out what happened it will be here first.

While I have you, how about reading some of my other popular articles.