Once wound, go ahead and give the crown a pull until it pops into the next position (Position C above). This is the GMT hand AND date setting position. From here, turn the crown counterclockwise (CCW) to set the date and CW to advance the GMT hand. After setting, the GMT hand will operate in concert with the hour and minute hand keeping track of your chosen second time zone.
Finally, give the crown one last gentle pull until it pops into the time setting position (Position D above). This is the furthest you can extend the crown away from the case and DO NOT use too much force or attempt to pull the crown out further than this point--if it does not feel like it wants to go, then it probably shouldn't go. From here, turn the crown CW away from your body and set the time. Avoid setting the date and time between 9PM and 3AM for best results and longevity of your watch. Once the time is set, simply push the crown back to Position B (it will pop into place) and then depress and re-screw down your crown (DO NOT forget this step as it ensures the water resistance of your timepiece).
Now, people often ask, do you really need to wind your automatic watch? I mean, it is an automatic after all. The answer is truthfully, no, BUT if you want any sort of decent results when it comes to keeping accurate time from your watch you are best off winding it and keeping the main spring tight. Nick from Orion Watches has an excellent video explaining just this fact, be sure to check it out below!
Another bit of horology knowledge when it comes to automatic watches, or at least this automatic watch, is that you cannot overwind the movement. So wind up, screw down that crown (always remember this step after winding!!), and get to enjoying your new watch!
Helpful videos:
Introducing our first GMT model, the Oceanguard! The Oceanguard features a dual timezone complication which uses a fourth hand to keep track of two time zones at once making it the perfect travel companion! Its custom 24hr bezel insert, available in three different colorways, features hand-drawn, vintage-styled font that captures the feeling of air travel from the 1950s.
Originally created as a useful tool for pilots, the GMT’s ability to track local and home time has made it an essential item for ships’ captains, navigators, and world travelers for decades. With the Oceanguard, we set out to capture that utilitarian and adventure-seeking spirit from whence all GMT watches were born. But we took it even further! In addition to a four-hand calibre with custom red and black roulette date wheel and hand-drawn, serif font, the Oceanguard features a custom friction-fit bezel affording a smooth bi-directional rotation; a color palette of vintage-inspired tones and notes; and an all-brushed 5-link steel bracelet.
Elements such as the date wheel’s highly desirable “flat three” and “open six and nine” numerals, as well as custom bracelet with on-the-fly microadjustment, make the Oceanguard truly one of a kind!
Currently, only 25 pieces have been produced. More may be made depending on interest and inventory, but one thing is for certain, this is one watch you don’t want to miss out on! Especially when you can have it right now?! That’s right, ALL Oceanguard watches are READY-TO-SHIP! Secure yours, before it’s too late!
It is our absolute pleasure to introduce you to the newest additions to the Imperial Watch Co. lineup!
Unique Packaging
We really wanted to incorporate the feeling of travel and adventure into every aspect of this watch! That includes in its packaging! So, we created the perfect travel pouch for every watch enthusiast! Check it out:
Pricing & Availability
Though not labeled a “limited edition” run, there have only been 25 of each Oceanguard model produced at this time. Quantity is very limited and future batches of production will be considered depending on customer interest. Key point, get yours while you can!
Launching on Tuesday, April 9, at 8:00 A.M. PT / 11:00 A.M. ET
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We’ve been hinting that something big was coming but were you ready for this?! We’re going back to our roots. Even prior to the birth of Imperial Watch Co., there was an unlikely (or rather, likely) friendship between a select few watch builders/modders. Despite being located across the globe, they were able to create one-off, custom timepieces.
Now, that partnership returns in the form of our first collaboration. We have partnered with @odokadoloindustries–renowned watchmaker, tinkerer, and custom bezel and bakelite specialist! If you are unfamiliar with his work…you are in for a treat!
Together, we have designed a total of 15 custom, one-of-a-kind Royalguard 200 watches. These will be the LAST Royalguard watches we offer, and marks a fitting end to the Royalguard line. You have seen date and no date options from us, limited edition colorways, custom fonts, faded inserts, and much more! But you haven’t seen anything quite like this!
Here is what you can expect. Starting on Friday, October 6, 2023, we will announce ONE of the 15 new, custom pieces. Then, each day we will reveal another of the Limited Edition watches (each a one-of-one piece) until all 15 have been revealed. After all watches have been announced, we will list each of them for sale on our website starting Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 8:00 A.M. PT / 11:00 A.M. ET. This date marks exactly one year since we first introduced the Royalguard 200 to the world and it seems fitting it will now mark the end of the Royalguard line. We look forward to seeing each of the 15 one-of-a-kind pieces find their forever homes!
INSIDER TIP: Newsletter subscribers will receive early notification and access to view and purchase the watches before they launch live to the public. Be sure to sign up and get in on the fast track to securing your one-of-a-kind Royalguard! Don’t get caught waiting until the bell sounds only to find the prize has already been claimed by another!
These watches are one of one, there are no more coming, no extras built, and no more to buy once they are sold. If you see something you like, do not hesitate! Goodluck! Get yours HERE!
Meet the 15 one-of-a-kind watches:
]]>And here is a curved end rubber Moonswatch strap from Perpetual Straps! This seems to further add evidence to support that many of the Moonswatch straps from multiple brands may fit the Royalguard. If you are in the market for a premium rubber strap, this may be a great option! The strap shown in the photos above is available here.
Photos by @pswrist and @watch_artloji, Instagram. |
They even offer a jubilee bracelet! Check it out here.
Photos by @ck201, Watchuseek, and @chillinwitwatches, Instagram |
Found another option not listed here that worked well? Let us know! Send us an email, a DM on Instagram, or a shout via any one of our social media channels and we'll add it to the list!
3) Uncle Seiko Beads of Rice (BOR) Bracelet
The Royalguard 200 returns with a bang! Introducing new Limited Edition colorways, accompanied by date and no-date customizability |
In October 2022 we launched our flagship dive watch, the Royalguard 200. A 38 millimeter diver with vintage-inspired aesthetics including a faded aluminum bezel insert, a high-dome sapphire crystal, a gilt dial with vintage lume, and a big crown. The Royalguard line invites owners to experience the feeling of a vintage skin diver—sleek, elegant, and more wearable—while still maintaining the precision, quality, and attitude of the modern-day dive watch. The result? A stylish and timeless look that sold out fast!
Now, the Royalguard 200 has returned for 2023 with three Limited Edition models! These new releases still retain those aspects of the Royalguard 200—a magical case, refined proportions, tapering bracelet, and reliable automatic mechanical caliber. But we took it a step further! Not only did we bring back the beloved faded blue/grey bezel of the original Royalguard, but this summer we will introduce three additional colorways (that’s right, three!), AND a date functionality as an option to customers! These elements come together to form a lineup of watches that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, and by anyone!
It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to the newest additions to the Imperial Watch Co. lineup!
This Limited Edition model features a faded, matte green insert that evokes a vintage feeling with its patina’d appearance. The name, “Ghosted Green,” comes from the term “ghost bezel” used to describe a rare and desirable effect seen on some vintage watch bezels where the colors begin to fade from sun exposure, frequent use, and/or faded pigments. Finding a ghosted bezel used to be about as likely as seeing, well, a ghost! But no more!
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"Tropical"
This Limited Edition model features a faded red insert that rivals even the most desirable of sun-bleached, vintage dive watches from long ago. A matte finish accentuates hints of burgundy and copper to showcase a color not seen on any production model watch in recent years.
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This Limited Edition model features a faded black insert that perfectly combines tones of matte grey and black to bring you a custom, vintage-inspired look you won’t find anywhere else. The color black is associated with power, authority, elegance, functionality, and sophistication. Featuring a more subdued, faded color, this Limited Edition watch is sure to stand out amongst the crowd, without screaming for attention.
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But wait! There's more...
Date/No-Date Options In addition to the limited edition, custom inserts, each of the three Limited Edition Royalguard 200 watches comes with a date and no-date option. Date-option watches feature a custom red and black roulette date wheel with hand-drawn font. The date wheel features the highly desirable “flat three” and “open six and nine” numerals, seen on vintage submariners and skin divers from the mid to late-1900s. |
Pricing & Availability
Each Limited Edition Royalguard model is limited in quantity:
Retail Price — $500
All Limited Edition models are ready-to-ship and there will be no pre-order waiting period! For more details on the Royalguard 200 and its origins, check out the product page for our flagship Royalguard 200 (now Sold Out). Now is your chance to experience what it is like to own a vintage dive watch, all without having to sacrifice the advantages of modern-day watchmaking, or your life’s savings!
NOTE: Free shipping is included on all U.S.A. orders. Shipping outside the U.S.A. will be calculated at checkout based on order size, value, and items included. Imperial Watch Co. is not responsible for paying any import duty taxes/VAT charges for international shipments.
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Click the image above or the link here to watch the YouTube video now!
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In this video, it's David vs Goliath in the battle between two exceptional diver watches that hit well above their price points! We take a look at how the Royalguard 200 stacks up against the Ginault Silent Service!
Two incredible watches, at two very different price points! This video features in-depth looks at both watches, including side-by-side comparisons, on the wrist reviews, and much more! Whether you're an avid diver or simply a watch enthusiast, this video is a must-watch for anyone looking to add a high-quality dive watch to their collection. So sit back, relax, and join me as we take a closer look at the Royalguard 200 and the Ginault Silent Service.
I hope you enjoy the video, and please make sure to Subscribe for more content! Also, make sure to sign up to our Newsletter for the most recent updates and information on new and upcoming releases! Sign up here.
In this video from Imperial Watch Co.'s "How-To" series, we take a look at how to change the bracelet on the Royalguard 200, as well as most watch bracelets!
This video describes how to properly remove your bracelet and then reinstall a new one! It is meant to be a tutorial/tool for new watch owners to use! This includes new owners of the Royalguard 200, as well as owners of any watch with a bracelet they are looking to swap out. Thanks for watching!
Click the image above or the link here to watch the YouTube video now!
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In this second video from Imperial Watch Co.'s "How-To" series, we take a look at how to size the bracelet on the Royalguard 200, as well as most watch bracelets!
This video describes how to properly adjust the size on your bracelet to best fit your wrist, and is meant to be a tutorial/tool for new watch owners to use! This includes new owners of the Royalguard 200, as well as owners of any watch with a bracelet. Whether it’s your first time sizing a watch bracelet or your 50th, it's definitely worth a watch!
September 7, 2022 - Imperial Watch Co. official Instagram page launched.
September 13, 2022 - Production of the Royalguard 200 started.
September 17, 2022 - Imperial Watch Co. website published/opened.
September 20, 2022 - "BLOG 2 - Why Imperial Watch Co?" published on site.
September 26, 2022 - New Review of the Royalguard 200 by The Time Bum.
September 28, 2022 - "BLOG 3 - Choosing a name" published on site.
October 3, 2022 - "Pre-Order Timeline & Info" published.
October 7, 2022 - "BLOG 4 - Prototyping" published on site.
October 10, 2022 - The HourTime Show podcast features the Royalguard 200.
October 13, 2022 - "BLOG 5 - Caseback Design" published on site.
October 14, 2022 - YouTube Review of the Royalguard by Chillin' Wit' Watches.
October 19, 2022 - FREE GIVEAWAY announced! Enter here to win!
October 22, 2022 - New YouTube Review of the Royalguard by Watch Witt.
October 25, 2022 - PRE-ORDERS OPEN! Order yours now!
November 6, 2022 - New YouTube Video of the Royalguard.
November 12, 2022 - Nodus Intersect 2022 Event.
November 25, 2022 - New YouTube Review of the Royalguard by Just Watches.
December 1, 2022 - New Pre-Order Pricing Starts.
December 4, 2022 - New YouTube Review of the Royalguard and its bracelet!
December 5, 2022 - TBWS Podcast features the Royalguard 200!
December 25, 2022 - New Blog showcasing Holiday Cheer Event photographs.
January 1, 2023 - Limited Edition Posters announced!
January 22, 2023 - New YouTube Unboxing Video the Royalguard 200!
January 30, 2023 - New YouTube Video and Blog (How to operate your watch)
February 3, 2023 - New Review from Two Broke Watch Snobs!
February 5, 2023 - Valentine's Day Sale - BOGO 50% off with code POSTERLOVE
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Your watch is mechanical. The Royalguard 200 houses a trusty Seiko NH movement and is therefore an automatic. This means as you go about your day, the natural motion of your body will keep your watch wound and running. This also means your watch will begin to tick/operate even after sitting for a period of time simply by picking it up, strapping it on, and getting moving. However, for best timekeeping results it is always best practice to fully wind your watch after it has been sitting and lost its power reserve.
To do this, simply un-screw the crown until it pops free of the case (you should be able to depress it and feel it give and push back freely with a simple push towards the case). This is Position B detailed below. From here you can manually wind your watch by spinning the crown clockwise, away from your body. Give the crown anywhere between 30-50 turns (one full turn is achieved with each complete rotation of the crown, but don't over think this step! Just wind and count!). Congratulations, your watch is now wound!
Once wound, go ahead and give the crown a pull until it pops into the time setting position (Position C above). This is the furthest you can extend the crown away from the case and DO NOT use too much force or attempt to pull the crown out further than this point--if it doesn't feel like it wants to go, then it probably shouldn't go. From here, turn the crown counter-clockwise away from your body and set the time. Avoid setting the time between 9PM and 3AM for best results and longevity of your watch. Once the time is set, simply push the crown back to Position B (it will pop into place) and then depress and re-screw down your crown (DO NOT forget this step as it ensures the water resistance of your timepiece).
Now, people often ask, do you really need to wind your automatic watch? I mean, it is an automatic after all. The answer is truthfully, no, BUT if you want any sort of decent results when it comes to keeping accurate time from your watch you are best off winding it and keeping the mainspring tight. Nick from Orion Watches has an excellent video explaining just this fact, be sure to check it out below!
Another bit of horology knowledge when it comes to automatic watches, or at least this automatic watch, is that you cannot overwind the movement. So wind up, screw down that crown (always remember this step after winding!!), and get to enjoying your Royalguard 200!
Other helpful videos:
]]>See the full collection here!
1. Vintage Infographic (link to product page) |
2. Orange You Glad? (link to product page) |
3. Red Carpet Royalty (link to product page) |
4. Diving Distraction (link to product page) |
5. Come Aboard (link to product page) |
*NOTE: Free shipping is included on all U.S.A. orders. Shipping outside the U.S.A. will be calculated at checkout based on order size, value, and items included. Imperial Watch Co. is not responsible for paying any import duty taxes/VAT charges for international shipments.
**Frame shown in above mockup photographs is NOT included with purchase. Recommended frames similar to the ones shown above can be purchased here.
]]>In the spirit of the holidays, we did our first ever “Holiday Cheer” photography campaign! During the 12 days leading up to Christmas, December 25, 2022, we featured a new holiday-themed photo showcasing the Royalguard 200 over on the Imperial Watch Co. Instagram! For those without access to Instagram, and to highlight the photos this holiday season, here they are for everyone to enjoy! We could not be more grateful for all the support and from myself and Imperial Watch Co., Happy Holidays!
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(How to read the timeline graphic -- the location of the hour hand indicates what stage of the Pre-Order timeline we are in/approaching.) |
Pre-Orders open on Tuesday, October 25, at 11:00 A.M. PT / 2:00 P.M. ET ($350 + Free Shipping in the U.S.A.)
Pre-Order prices will start at $350. This price is for a limited time only, so don’t delay. Please tell your friends and family to order as soon as possible to take full advantage of this exclusive price offering, as it will not last long.
In addition, the first 25 buyers will receive a custom, bespoke leather strap with the Imperial logo embossed into the leather. Each strap is hand made in the U.S.A. and composed of genuine leather. Straps of this caliber, not including the custom embossing, retail for upwards of $60 to $70 online. The first 25 buyers will receive this strap FREE with their purchase of the Royalguard 200! So get your orders in as fast as possible! Photos of the straps coming soon!
Production is already underway and a purchase now GUARANTEES you receipt of a watch! Quantity is limited so get your orders in as fast as possible! Estimated shipping is January 2023.
NOTE: Free shipping is included on all U.S.A. orders made during the Pre-Order event only. Once Pre-Orders close, free shipping in the U.S.A. will no longer be included. Shipping outside the U.S.A. will be calculated at checkout based on order size, value, and items included. Imperial Watch Co. is not responsible for paying any import duty taxes/VAT charges for international shipments.
Included with your purchase will be:
New Pre-Order prices start on December 1, at 9:00 P.M. PST. ($400 + Free Shipping)
As stated in the initial Pre-Order announcement, the $350 Pre-Order price is for a limited time only. That limited time has come to an end. Starting on December 1, at 9:00 P.M. PST, the Pre-Order price for the Royalguard 200 will increase to $400. Act now to take advantage of the this Pre-Order price (a $50 savings) before time (and watches) run out!
Thanks to the incredible enthusiasm and support so far, we are down to single digits for watches left in inventory! Once those are gone, that’s it! Place your order now to secure yours!
New Pre-Order prices start on December 1, at 9:00 P.M. PST. ($400 + Free Shipping) |
To celebrate reaching 500 Followers on Instagram, we are doing our first giveaway! Enter for a chance to win the following:
Yes, ALL that, absolutely FREE!! Head over to @imperialwatchco_official to see how to enter. Don’t have an Instagram? No problem! If you purchase a Royalguard 200 watch when Pre-Orders launch on Tuesday, October 25, you will automatically receive an entry for this giveaway!
The giveaway will stay open until Friday, October 28, at 11:00 A.M. PT / 2:00 P.M. ET.
Thank you all for your support thus far! We are less than one week away from Pre-Orders! Mark your calendars!
]]>Sometimes deciding on the smaller details, the details that may not be noticed or even seen by people, are the most difficult decisions to make. For me, this happened in an area I was not expecting nor did I anticipate...the caseback.
I have always loved a simple, clean caseback design. Never one to fancy see-through casebacks, I always found myself gravitating more toward sterile, military-inspired designs (think vintage Tudor or Rolex). However, that is not to say I do not appreciate and enjoy a more “fun” caseback! In fact, one of my favorite designs, and a main element that drew me to the brand, was the wonderfully detailed and intricate engraving on vintage Ginsbo Coastguard watches--the watches that got me interested in vintage divers in the first place (see BLOG 1 for more on that). The Ginsbo Coastguard models featured a beautiful engraving of a submarine navigating the seas. Similarly, their other models such as the Spaceguard and ALS (Air, Land, and Sea) featured realistic engravings of a space satellite with protective rings orbiting it or a swan flying in the air, respectively.
From Left to Right: Ginsbo ALS, Ginsbo Coastguard, Ginsbo Spaceguard.
Cool right? Well, when it came to designing the Royalguard 200 caseback I was torn between my love for simple, tool-watch inspired designs and the more intricate, story-telling style casebacks of these vintage divers I loved. I created multiple designs and ultimately decided on the vintage, military-inspired design you see today on the caseback of the Royalguard 200. Here are the top three designs I was deciding between.
As you can see, each design varied from one another and though I am ultimately overjoyed with the direction and choice I made, I could see each of these casebacks holding their own on watches today. Who knows, maybe one day there will be an Imperial Watch Co. model featuring one of these others. What do you think? Let me know!
]]>Ever since I first started modding watches one of the main areas I tended to focus on was the physical case itself. I felt it was never enough to simply change a dial, a bezel, or a set of hands. I would spend hours meticulously sanding down metal and reshaping case designs to get that perfect look I had envisioned. When I first entered the watch modding “scene” there really were not a lot of case options available. A few vendors dominated the eBay and AliExpress venues while the state-side modding inventory was virtually non-existent.
So, I learned early on that in order to build and create that perfect watch I envisioned inside my mind’s eye, I would need to heavily modify the watch case itself. Luckily, I have always been very adept with tools and creating one-off pieces of work (building a custom Willy’s Jeep desk, upcycled lamps and steel pipe art, woodworking, building custom cars, etc.) and I was able to make do with the tools I had on hand. The dremel (my favorite tool) became a trusty companion on my journey to case perfection. I labored over cases, reshaping lugs, adding chamfers, sanding down bezels and filing coin-edges. I no longer came to view stock cases as final pieces of the watch building puzzle that could be used to plug and play, rather they were blank slates for which I could mold my ideas and build from my imagination.
(Photos of the custom 12 and/or 6 o'clock crown case I built. This was by far one of my most involved and difficult builds (including having a 3D-printed metal adapter built for the bracelet to fit)) |
I say all this to provide context as to how I arrived at designing the Royalguard 200 case shape. Because it, like many of my prior builds, is absolutely one of a kind and unlike anything available “off-the-shelf” or even from other brands shelves (including high-end luxury brands). Naturally, as a modder, my first “prototype” was built by my own two hands. I started with the case first, which was this generic, vintage Rolex-inspired sub case I had in a drawer from a prior AliExpress order.
(Photograph of stock Rolex 5513 "milsub" style case. Frequently used by watch modders and available for purchase on eBay and AliExpress.)
I set to work first reshaping the case. I aggressively thinned the lugs (and when I say “aggressively” I mean aggressively). I knew I wanted very thin lugs and I may have a gone a bit overboard on this prototype (you could slice an apple with these things!) but what you do see in the final, production Royalguard 200 is a continued emphasis on thin proportions in the lugs, with a still very aggressive taper to meet the bracelet and links.
I then worked on fine tuning the case, adding chamfers, ensuring symmetry, and smoothing out any rough areas. After, I turned to the bezel where I removed the bulk of the material and then used a checkering file to add a coin edge.
When all was said and done, at the conclusion of the case and bezel rework, and the countless hours spent sanding and reshaping the design of the case, I ultimately took the case down from a 40mm submariner-style case with crown guards and thick lugs, to a now 38mm, coin-edged case with extremely thin lugs, chamfers, and no crown guards. The case, in my eyes, was near perfect (ask any designer/creator and I don’t think they will ever say they reached perfection. There is an old saying that at some point a company has to kill the designer and go to production otherwise the designer will sit there and reiterate and obsess over every detail forever.)
(Here we see the addition of improved and tailored lugs, coin edge bezel, big crown, and chamfers)
Once the case was complete I designed my dial. I took design cues from the vintage skin-divers of the 1950s and 1960s and sought to create something unique, yet classic (this included inspiration from Tressa, Eberhard, Yema, and many other vintage skin diver brands/models). I am very pleased with the result, especially with the hand choice pairing and the perfect symmetry and balance achieved. My first Imperial dial I created was a true-gilt dial that I printed and built myself (for more on “true-gilt” dials please click here). I had been making gilt-dials for only a little bit leading up to the Royalguard and I was very happy with the results I was attaining. The dial turned out spectacular! When the light catches the brass showing through the black paint, it is unlike any other dial you generally see in the market today.
(Photo of the first Imperial Watch Co. "true-gilt" dial. Made by yours truly.)
I cased up my new creation and added a faded/patina’d insert. The second I put everything together and held the finished watch up, I fell in love. I knew right then and there I was onto something and this was what I wanted to bring to the watch community. I had been working on countless designs and iterations of prototypes, each built on the same principles I spoke on above but unique in their own right, yet none afforded the same feeling of joy and satisfaction as this design.
(Something about a straight end link bracelet with those lugs...ooof!)
I could barely contain my excitement and I actually set about immediately creating a second dial to test out in other design configurations. Here you see my second design in a 36mm explorer-style case.
All in all, the creation of the Royalguard 200 and its case was not an accident, nor are any elements of the case not intentional. The case was designed to be elegant, wearable, and purposeful. Aesthetics, functionality, and wearability are all factors woven into the case design and I hope this write-up on how I arrived at the final concept was enjoyable and insightful (for those who made it this far :)
I look forward to continuing to design and build (I am always thinking of new ideas and new designs) and I hope you join me on this journey with Imperial Watch Co. and wherever it may lead. One thing I know for certain, there will be many cool, unique, and gorgeous designs to come throughout the adventure. See you out there!
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I chose the name Imperial for a few reasons. One, I did not want something difficult to pronounce, or something too long that ruined the aesthetics of the dial, or worse yet, something that would cause the average day person walking down the street to scrunch their nose and say, “A what?” after asking what watch I was wearing. But let’s be honest, how often does that happen to us watch lovers? Those are but the moments we dream about, being asked about our watches by strangers. Though, with the Royalguard on your wrist, you may find those moments occurring more frequently!
Two, the word, “Imperial,” in itself evokes a sense of quality, of respect, and of recognition. It is a step above the rest. Whether it be from Star Wars, or from the history books, the word Imperial evokes a sense of emotion and of feeling. That is what I wanted my watch to do. I wanted people to look down at their wrist and feel like in that moment, with the Imperial Royalguard on, they were the kings (or queens) of their universe. They controlled that day’s outcome.
]]>Imperial Watch Co. was created with the goal of combining vintage aesthetics with the durability and elegance of modern-day watchmaking. With a heavy nod to the vintage skin divers of the 1950s, designed to be sleek, elegant, and more wearable timepieces for the everyday diver; combined with the precision, quality, and attitude of the modern-day dive watch, Imperial Watch Co. aims to bring back that stylish and timeless look while adding modern-day functionality.
]]>Interested in learning more about how Imperial came to be? Well, it really all started with that first watch I wore for eight long, grueling weeks at Coast Guard boot camp (see Origin page). It was a digital Timex Ironman I had “borrowed” from my father’s dresser drawer. I say “borrowed” in quotes because, well, after eight weeks of boot camp the watch had seen its fair share of punishment. This was the first time in my life I wore a watch 24/7. And ever since then, my wrist has felt naked without one.
So there I was, a fresh graduate of Coast Guard boot camp and a newly born WIS (Watch Idiot Savant). I spent the next four months at specialized Coast Guard training spending every free moment minute learning about watches. During this time I discovered the vintage Swiss brand Ginsbo and fell in love, specifically, with their Coastguard line. With heavy notes of skin diver coupled with elegant dials and amazing casebacks, I fell in love. The Coastguard models featured an amazing engraving of a submarine that, being fresh out of the real-life Coast Guard, I was immediately drawn to (seriously, if you have not Googled them yet do so, you will not regret it). During this time I connected with the grandson of the man who founded the long forgotten company, Ginsbo, and even was able to get my hands on a NOS (New Old Stock) Coastguard model. Not long after this, and after obtaining a few more vintage watches, including an Ogival and a Buler Astromaster (a.k.a., the poor man’s Royal Oak), I stumbled upon something that changed my life forever...the wonderful world of watch modding!
I discovered a thread on Watchuseek dedicated to watch modding and I dove in. I modded my first watch, a Seiko SKX013, by doing a simple dial, chapter ring, and bezel insert swap. I say “simple” now, but at the time it felt like I was performing open heart surgery. As any modder will tell you, the first mod is always the scariest, but (and I can hear my wallet crying as I say this) it is also never the last! And it most certainly was not my last.
I was not really dragged into the rabbit hole of watch modding, rather I dove in, headfirst. I became a “watch nerd,” made lifelong friends, learned new skills and tricks of the trade, and I built some incredible watches. I was recognized for my creativity and design skill, often being commissioned to design custom dials or build complete watches. The only thing that seemed to give me more joy than actually building the watches, was giving them to people! I think this is fundamentally what made me want to have my own company one day. To be able to bring something wholly unique and one of a kind to the public to enjoy, that was a dream I held on to for the years to come.
I started Imperial Watch Co. because I had spent years having to build the watches I loved, taking perfectly good cases, dials, and hands and modifying them to fit that particular “look” I was aiming for. This look was often inspired by vintage watches that were either no longer in production or were so rare or unique that to find and own one would cost a small fortune (for a simple working man/woman). So, I set out to combine the elements of the vintage watch aesthetic with the quality and precision of modern day watchmaking. I used my past experiences working with some of the best designers and watch builders and used those relationships to ultimately create the Royalguard.
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