Canada is known for many things, including its breathtaking natural landscapes, maple syrup, ice hockey, and Ryan Reynolds. But did you know that Canada also has a thriving watch industry? Ok, that was a bit too optimistic, let me rephrase. Did you know that there are a few interesting watch brands from Canada? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of them.
Important to notice that I didn't have a chance to handle watches from most of those brands, so I'm not recommending them, they just seem nice. Put them on your radar, that's all.
See, my boy Ryan is Canadian AND wears watches. An icon.
1. Marathon Watch Company
The Marathon Watch Company specializes in timepieces for military and government use. The company was founded in 1939 and has since gained a reputation for producing highly durable and reliable watches that can withstand extreme conditions. Even though they are not the most attractive watches, they are great if you need a tank to survive your daily activities.
2. 2nd Shot
I'll be the first to say that wood watches should be thrown in the fire. However, this brand gets a pass because of the creative way they use the material. The owner, John Gibson, handcrafts really cool and unique dials using recycled skateboards. Most importantly, he also adds decent Myota movements to them, which makes them worth considering.
3. Ferro & Company
This Vancouver company claims that its watches have the same quality and standards as luxury brand watches that sell for $2000 to $5000. Ok, that may be a bit too optimistic. What they do offer is vintage designs with some unique color combinations. if you are willing to pay the price.
4. Whitby Watch Co.
Even though I think their prices are a bit too high and their cases a bit too large, they have a couple of things going for them. First, they use Swiss movements and offer decent specs. Second, their watches are designed to recognize Canada’s heritage and icons (I'm waiting for the Ryan Reynolds model), which gives them a layer of originality.
5. Halios Watches
This one man show company from Vancouver was created in 2009 by Jason Lim. With elegant designs and well built pieces, the brand quickly gathered a loyal following, despite not being cheap. Halios' releases usually sell out quickly, so if you like them you better be fast.
Curious Bonus
Vortic Watch Company
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Vortic Watch Company creates high-end watches that incorporate vintage American pocket watch movements. While the company is not Canadian, it's worth mentioning because of its partnership with the Canadian Museum of History. Vortic has created a limited edition watch that features a movement from a 1917 Canadian railway pocket watch.
Bremont Watches
Bremont Watches is a British company founded by two brothers, but they have a close connection to Canada. The company's first boutique was opened in Vancouver, and they have created a limited edition watch to commemorate the Canadian Navy's centennial. The Bremont Arrow Limited Edition CF features a unique carbon fiber dial that's inspired by the Canadian flag.
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