Origin
Here is a a brief history (to learn more about myself and the origin story of the brand, please visit BLOG 1).
My name is Ben. Though I grew up always having a fascination for watches, my horology journey truly started when I was 22 years old. I had just completed basic training for the United States Coast Guard and it was the first time in my life I had spent any considerable amount of time wearing a watch consistently. Ever since then, my wrist has felt naked without one.
My passion only grew and soon I was immersed into the world of watch modding. The more I learned, the more I yearned to create new and exciting watches! I created the first ever 12 o’clock crown watch mod (taking a 40mm sub-diver case and turning it into a one of a kind 38mm skin-diver style watch). I designed dials, built custom watches, and organized group projects and dial “runs” (limited productions of one-off, custom dials). I loved to build and the ideas kept coming.
As I created more and more, the dream of one day creating my own watch was born. The thought of creating something, from cradle to grave, and seeing it worn and enjoyed by others for years to come...that was my dream. And it is this dream that Imperial Watch Co. was founded upon.