Writing this on Singapore’s National Day, 9th August 2024, feels like the perfect time to reflect on what’s been an incredibly eventful year. From the launch of UBIQ Watches to the arrival of my second son, 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable.
Starting a watch brand was never something I envisioned growing up. It wasn’t even close! But life has a way of guiding you towards unexpected paths. A series of events, including my wife’s suggestion of getting a heirloom for our first son, my newfound passion for watches, meeting inspiring brand owners at a local watch show, the slowdown in my design business, and my nagging sense of optimism all led to the birth of UBIQ Watches.
The journey has been anything but easy. With limited financial resources, it’s been a hands-on process from the beginning. From registering the business and setting up shop to conceptualizing the DUAL, launching on Kickstarter, handling shipping, and dealing with fulfillment and warranties, I've learned an incredible amount, and yet still barely scratching the surface. Although it’s been a challenging and often solitary journey, the support and encouragement I’ve received along the way have been invaluable. Now that the launch is behind us and DUAL has reached our supporters, I can confidently say it was worth every effort. Would I do it again? Keep reading.
On 17th July, right as DUAL was being shipped to Singapore, my second son, my newest source of inspiration was born. Balancing the delivery timeline with the demands of a newborn was no small feat. While it would have been easy to delay, meeting the deadline was crucial. It set the tone for what UBIQ represents. As I look ahead, I’m focused on building the brand beyond just myself, with the right expectations guiding us forward.
Of course, challenges continue to arise. Two of my designers left That Design Agency, and finding replacements while managing a growing list of tasks has been difficult. From business bumps and detours to delayed packages and car troubles, the past few months have been intense. But by tackling one problem at a time, we’ve stayed true to our commitments.
So, would I do it all again? The answer is both yes and no.
Yes, UBIQ Watches is here to stay. I didn’t start this brand just to watch it fade away. Although we’re not yet profitable, perhaps due to my lack of business acumen or the current state of the watch market, I’m determined to keep pushing forward. Our second model, TREK, has gone through eight iterations and will soon enter the prototype stage.
DUAL remains UBIQ’s first creation, and we’ve completed the ideation and colorways for SERIES 02. We’re also working on the DUAL CORE SERIES, which will feature more classic color options in 39mm and 42mm variations.
While the brand is still evolving, our optimism and energy remain strong. We’re gearing up for our first physical show from 18-20 October in Singapore (https://www.spring-sprang-sprung.com/), and we were recently featured alongside local heavyweights in an article (https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/style-beauty/singapore-watch-brands-microbrands-393826). These opportunities give us a chance to showcase our products to a wider audience, and the fact that we’re being recognized as a new microbrand is a positive sign that we’re on the right track!
As we move forward, the lessons learned along the way will guide us in launching our next watch. Who to work with, what to provide, and what to avoid. Although we've faced challenges behind the scenes, I’m grateful for the experiences that will shape our journey ahead.
As we carve out our niche alongside other notable microwatch brands, values like innovation, craftsmanship, quality, and our unique vision and commitment to excellence will resonate with watch enthusiasts looking for something different. Our designs reflect not just the aesthetics of luxury but also the practicality of everyday wear, from dive watches to dress watches, field watches, chronographs, and everything in between.
To all DUAL owners, I hope you’re enjoying a glimpse into our vision and the direction we’re headed. For anyone interested in following our journey, I’d love for you to join us on social media or sign up for our mailing list. No spam, I promise. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, sneak peeks of our upcoming collections, and insights into the microbrand watch scene.
Until the next adventure, stay happy, healthy, and enjoy your watches!