A curated list of our favourite local watch brands
IMAGE VIA @THE_HORSE/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY Maeve KERR-CROWLEY
Right on time.
In the age of smartphones, you could feasibly argue that watches are a relic of the past. Why worry about one more thing when you can check the clock in twenty different time zones, set an alarm and time yourself doing mundane activities all in the same place?
A counterargument, though – wouldn’t it be nice to know how long you have to get to work without having to wrestle your phone out of your pocket or fish it from the bottom of your too-large tote bag? And isn’t a watch a wonderful accessory, just based on aesthetics alone?
For more style suggestions, head to our Fashion category.
Watches were once a miracle of human craftsmanship, and the care and skill it takes to make them is a true marvel. There’s a reason they’re often passed down from generation to generation, coloured with sentimentality and history.
While all the internal bits and pieces of watches are often sourced from the clever folks in Switzerland or Japan, there are also talented watchmakers in Australia and New Zealand who create ticking works of art. We’ve gathered some of our favourites below.
The 5th
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The 5th watches are intended to incorporate seamlessly into contemporary wardrobes, delivering clean, modern designs with a lot of variety. In keeping with its name, the brand drops new, limited-edition designs in small runs on the 5th of every month. Each of these designs is only available for five days, making the perfect find even more special.
Adina
Operating in Brisbane for over 50 years, Adina started as the dream of a single watchmaker and businessman. Today, the brand prides itself on being particularly beloved in regional Australia, due to its watches’ ability to withstand tough conditions. They’re just as suited to everyday life in the city, however, with a huge range of designs on offer.
The Horse
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Sydney-based label The Horse may have started out making shoes, but its expansion into the timekeeping game really caught the internet’s attention. Prioritising a clean, minimal aesthetic for those who want a versatile-yet-modern everyday watch, the brand works with everything from rich, classic leather to sorbet-coloured resin. Keep an eye out for limited-edition releases, too, playing with style details like tortoiseshell cases or colour-blocked straps to really keep things interesting.
Status Anxiety
Status Anxiety is a bit of an icon in the league of local accessory brands, known for its expert leatherwork and minimalist designs. The brand’s watches contribute to that legacy, offering oversized faces with pared-back details and interchangeable leather straps. Swiss movement and Italian leather meet a uniquely Australian, fuss-free aesthetic.
JDRT
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Bondi Beach has a very particular energy that’s both laidback and adventurous, and that local spirit is perfectly captured in JDRT’s watches. Made with both Swiss and Japanese movements as well as durable, high-quality materials, the brand’s range is all about clean, effortless shapes with a mix-and-match colour story. Black, gold, rose gold and silver cases are paired with silicone straps in a wide range of colours – from neutrals to poppy statement shades.
Paceracer
New Zealand-born watch label Paceracer follows a design ethos of raw simplicity in everything it does. Handcrafted in Auckland, each Paceracer watch is bespoke, from materials to finishes and colours. Inspired by nostalgia, the brand’s watches are characterised by quality craftsmanship and minimalistic design.
For more Australian-made watches, head here.
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