About
A closer look
The 100% Superfine Merino Wool protects the watch open or closed.
Our logo is embroidered 'Down Under' to provide additional protection to the buckle area.
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Our Story
Our founder is a self confessed watch-nerd. Collecting, restoring vintage watch finds, and memorising references is his passion.
The aim was simple - to design a protective band that could be worn over a watch to help protect it.
In 2019 a design was drawn that joined two layers of fine wool together to protect both the watch case / crystal, and the buckle and strap. The top of the two layers could be opened to ‘reveal’ the dial.
Sharing his first prototypes with fellow watch collectors, it became clear that there was an existing need and desire for this novel idea.
WATCH-MINDER was born.
Over the next four years, many different wool fabrics were tested. Merino / Spandex blends, and 100% merino knits of different weights and microns were investigated. The softness, durability, stretch, and wearability were evaluated and balanced.
The design had to be able to perform its intended function across a wide variation in watch case designs (e.g. round vs rectangular) and watch case sizes.
Merino wool was chosen for its natural performance properties:
•Lightweight
•Breathable
•Odour resistant
•Anti-bacterial
•Soft and itch free
•Quick drying
The improvements with the design engineering and manufacturing techniques have been patiently executed to ensure we achieve both goals of function and aesthetics.
Many samples were made in Australia, New Zealand, China, and Vietnam.
After assessing all of the options, a decision of both heart and mind was made to make WATCH-MINDER 100% Australian.
Our wool is sourced from MTK Australia (Melbourne Textile Knitting Pty. Ltd.). The 100% Superfine Merino Wool is Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified. This means that animal welfare, land management, and social requirements as set in the standard have all been met.
We have partnered with Creation Collective Co. to manufacture WATCH-MINDER.
Each WATCH-MINDER is individually cut and sewn, and embroidered in Melbourne to the highest standards.
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our company
WATCH-MINDER PTD LTD is an Australian company, registered in Melbourne, Victoria.
Australian Business Number (ABN) 40 675 588 664
2019
A passion for watches created an idea, and drawings began..
2019-2021
Many more drawings were done
Prototyping & sample making began
Feedback led to continued product design and fabrication development
Various wool fabrics tested from different suppliers
Manufacturing options explored
March
2023
WATCH-MINDER.COM registered
WATCH-MINDER PTY. LTD registered
April
2024
Creative Collection Co. is contracted to advise on design development and to manufacture WATCH-MINDER.
August
2024
100% Superfine Merino Wool ordered and fabric dyeing commenced
Australian Made License Certification with Australian Made Campaign Limited (AMCL)
September
2024
Manufacturing commenced for our First Release.
November
2024
WATCH-MINDER.COM goes live