Our Humble Beginning

SKX007 on the End Link Rubber Strap. Image by MacroWatchMan

Welcome to the first article of Clockwork Republic’s blog! In this installment, we will introduce the blog, and the brand, and provide a brief history of Clockwork Republic

What is the blog about?

Watch collecting is a great hobby but can be daunting for new collectors. We’ve all been there—new to the game and making rookie mistakes that could be avoided with the right guidance.

Over the years, we've bought and sold many watches, but only a few have truly been appreciated. With thousands of options available at different price points, it can be challenging to find a timepiece that you genuinely love. This blog aims to provide essential information to help aspiring or new watch collectors make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. We hope to be your guide in making your watch-collecting journey fun and purposeful.

When was Clockwork Republic founded and what inspired the brand?

Entrepreneurship has always been at the back of my mind. As an engineer, I've always had a knack for finding solutions to problems, and it's a trait that has stayed with me since my early career years. Clockwork Republic (CWR) is the manifestation of my passion for entrepreneurship and watches.

CWR was founded in late 2020 as a passion-driven project (you would've guessed). I’m a watch enthusiast, and like many others, the SKX007 was the first watch that got me down the rabbit hole. If you're a watch enthusiast, you know that one watch can lead to a never-ending obsession. As I discovered more about watches, I found myself drawn to the versatility of rubber straps. There's something about swapping them out for different styles and occasions that just feels right.

After owning the SKX007 for several years and experimenting with numerous straps, I stumbled upon integrated straps and was immediately drawn to the seamless and clean look. However, I was disappointed to find that integrated straps for my Seiko collection were limited, and most were designed for luxury watches with a hefty price tag. And if you're an avid watch collector like me, who enjoys switching straps and watches, you understand the downside of integrated strap and their limitation that only fits the specific watch. As an entrepreneur at heart, I knew there had to be a better way, and that's when Clockwork Republic was born. We embarked on a mission to produce the best integrated straps that challenge the industry norm through boundless creativity and innovation. We’re passionate about helping you find the perfect strap for your watch without compromising quality and affordability.

SKX007 on the End Link Rubber Strap

What are your plans for CWR?

After the successful launch of our first strap for the SKX007/009, we expanded our collection to include the Seiko Samurai, Turtle, and Seiko 5 Sports Series. We're planning to expand our collection for other Seiko models and different rubber styles (waffle, tropic, etc.) in the upcoming years. We want to continue to push the boundaries of traditional strap industry by incorporating innovative design, premium materials and fine craftsmanship. As a small bootstrapped business, we work closely with the community and value all feedback. If you have any feedback, please reach out to us at info@clockworkrepublic.com. We would love to hear from you!