Following the success of its limited edition debut model, Northwind Watches have created a new watch.
North Shields based Northwind is a luxury watch brand founded by local businessman Lee Smith. Watch aficionado Lee launched the brand with the intention of celebrating the best of the region.
Lee comments “I love watches and have previously imported niche watch brands from around the world. I was fascinated by the way that watches were used to tell the story of each culture. I’d discovered companies in places like Russia and Germany that were making watches inspired by their regions achievements. The Russian’s, for example, love watches inspired by their involvement in the space race. I knew that the North East also had its own unique story to tell”.
The Armstrong automatic watch is inspired by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist William Armstrong. Newcastle born Armstrong had a huge influence on the area, both as an employer and with his charity work. As well as his highly successful businesses, he was also involved in the founding of Newcastle University, donated Jesmond Dene to the people of Newcastle and planted millions of trees at his Cragside home.
Lee adds “William Armstrong represents what this region does best. He was at the forefront of our heavy industry, but was also a man who greatly valued education. He loved the natural world and was a pioneer of hydro-electricity”.
Northwind’s first watch was a limited edition piece that has been sold through local retailers. Lee has enjoyed working with a variety of North East based businesses. “It’s been brilliant that local retailers have embraced the idea. We’re stocked in established menswear stores like Union Clothing in Newcastle City Centre, but also in venues that wouldn’t normally sell watches. I was so proud to see the watch in the Biscuit Factory alongside some amazing art”.
Speaking of the reception to the watch Lee adds “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but the response has been better than I hoped for. I’ve worked with some locally born celebrities and it’s been great to see the watch worn on TV. I’ve also loved hearing the stories from customers around the world. There’s a lot of Geordie expats who want a little reminder of the North East”.
With such a positive reception to the Armstrong watch Lee decided to stick with the winning formula, although the limited edition status of the first model proved tricky.
“I couldn’t do more of that watch so I created a new version of the Armstrong. The updated version has replaced the leather strap with a stainless steel bracelet and the dial is now black. It still has the industrial look – if anything it has been simplified by reducing the colours down to just steel and black”.
Having just launched the watch Northwind are already gearing up to reach further afield with this model. New stockists in Nottingham and Cardiff have joined the list of retailers and Lee plans to add more soon.
“We’ve limited the watch to 200 pieces and I can’t wait to get them onto the wrists of Northern men and any others who have an interest in this area and its heritage”.
For more information and to purchase the Armstrong visit www.northwindwatches.com
For trade enquiries contact sales@northwindwatches.com