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De Pol Watch Company

xj220

Will fly for food.
pilot
Contributor
I’m curious, how do you even get started making your own watches?
 

Pags

N/A
pilot
Subcontractors likely do most of the work. He probably had to front a bunch of cash to get the line going.
 

xj220

Will fly for food.
pilot
Contributor
That’s what figured. I guess you search for watch manufacturers, have your design and then go from there.
 

Pags

N/A
pilot
That’s what figured. I guess you search for watch manufacturers, have your design and then go from there.
That's what I've been able to glean reading watch blog write-ups of boutique watch makers. I think a lot of watch companies are mostly design firms that outsource most of the manufacturing because a few companies get accolades for doing work in house. For instance, it's a HUGE deal to have an in house movement. A lot of watches just use off the shelf movements like miyota.
 

xj220

Will fly for food.
pilot
Contributor
On a bigger scale, ive always been fascinated by people who start their own companies with products like these. I know someone who has their own hair product company. Again, where do you even start? Granted, I’ve never attempted it so obviously there’s a way and with enough research you can make it happen.
 

Pags

N/A
pilot
On a bigger scale, ive always been fascinated by people who start their own companies with products like these. I know someone who has their own hair product company. Again, where do you even start? Granted, I’ve never attempted it so obviously there’s a way and with enough research you can make it happen.
It's a ton of work and luck. A buddy from my fleet tour tried to start his own coffee roasting business. He kept at it for a bit and couldn't make a go of it. I also remember hearing an NPR piece on two dentists and their quest to make the perfect toothbrush. They spent over a million bucks and a bunch of trips to China to perfect their vision. Other sure if they ever made their investment back. Monetary outlays like that are what makes it hard for just anyone to make something unless they have backers.

I think De Pol was helped by the fact that he had easy access to a market who liked what he was slinging. Lots of guys want a sweet watch with their jet/wings/squadron on it but most are turned off by the wait and pricing of the likes of brietling and Belmont. But a more reasonable price, more "insider" details, and supporting a bubba have likely helped him out.
Personally I like his designs. Parts of them could be seen as a tad too much but these details like the hook and the Helo blades are what make his watches stand out as a unique by an aviators for aviators. Maybe if he makes O4 he'll make a more budget friendly model for the DH with spouse and kids crowd.
 

mad dog

the 🪨 🗒️ ✂️ champion
pilot
Contributor
Regarding the De Pol Naval Helicopter Watch [Rotary Wing Watch]...I’m trying to figure out why there are no hands in the sub-dials...I’m probably missing something. :confused:

F3E1CF3A-3FAD-44FD-BF69-3D6EC07FD609.jpeg
 
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xj220

Will fly for food.
pilot
Contributor
It's a ton of work and luck. A buddy from my fleet tour tried to start his own coffee roasting business. He kept at it for a bit and couldn't make a go of it. I also remember hearing an NPR piece on two dentists and their quest to make the perfect toothbrush. They spent over a million bucks and a bunch of trips to China to perfect their vision. Other sure if they ever made their investment back. Monetary outlays like that are what makes it hard for just anyone to make something unless they have backers.

I think De Pol was helped by the fact that he had easy access to a market who liked what he was slinging. Lots of guys want a sweet watch with their jet/wings/squadron on it but most are turned off by the wait and pricing of the likes of brietling and Belmont. But a more reasonable price, more "insider" details, and supporting a bubba have likely helped him out.
Personally I like his designs. Parts of them could be seen as a tad too much but these details like the hook and the Helo blades are what make his watches stand out as a unique by an aviators for aviators. Maybe if he makes O4 he'll make a more budget friendly model for the DH with spouse and kids crowd.

That’s very true. That’s when marketing, business acumen, etc. come into play. You’re right, it’s extremely tough to break into, let alone be successful.
 

SynixMan

HKG Based Artificial Excrement Pilot
pilot
Contributor
Regarding the De Pol Naval Helicopter Watch [Rotary Wing Watch]...I’m trying to figure out why there are no hands in the sub-dials...I’m probably missing something. :confused:

Seriosuly, just email him. I’ve met the guy and he’s a good dude. I bet it’s just a rendering of the watch face, not a photo.
 

mad dog

the 🪨 🗒️ ✂️ champion
pilot
Contributor
Seriosuly, just email him. I’ve met the guy and he’s a good dude. I bet it’s just a rendering of the watch face, not a photo.
Royer. I have no doubt whatsoever that he’s a good dude. I think you may be correct regarding the rendering of the watch face...or maybe it’s a prototype.
 

Pags

N/A
pilot
Royer. I have no doubt whatsoever that he’s a good dude. I think you may be correct regarding the rendering of the watch face...or maybe it’s a prototype.
I think it's the rendering. The pics of the actual watch show it having hands.
 
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