What inspired you to start a wristwatch company, and what were some of the challenges you faced during the early stages?
I studied watchmaking and worked in a watch shop on the weekends. It was the time when vintage watches became more and more popular. I simply didn’t have the money as a student to buy one, so I decided to make a watch with a similar look myself.
What is your brand’s mission and vision, and how do you ensure that your products reflect these values?
Vision: Eza continues to write its story with an inspiring and desirable spirit while preserving its values, identity, and design.
Mission: To be recognized as the reference German watch brand within the retro watches universe.
Values: • Authentic: Eza has a real legitimacy due to its story and know-how • Uniquenes: Eza is a retro brand that takes value from its strong design and seniority • Accessible: Eza talks to all retro and watch lovers
We like to say that we pretend that the quartz crisis never happened, and we are continuing the brand like it is still 1979 with all mechanical movements and with the design inspirations from these years.
Can you describe your design process and how you ensure your watches stand out from other brands?
All the designs are very much inspired by the ’60s and ’70s. The Sealander and AirFighter collection has many elements from old EZA pieces, whereas the 1972 collection is a reinterpretation of a real piece from 1972 we found in Australia with a collector there.
What sets your watches apart from other brands in the market, and how do you keep up with changing trends and styles?
Eza is a perfect combination of genuine retro design, watchmaking know-how, and affordability. We believe that there are some brands that have some vintage-inspired timepieces, but we ARE retro vintage all the way. The vintage trend comes and goes from
time to time, but we will keep doing what we have been doing since the rebirth of EZA.
How do you approach pricing your watches, and what factors do you consider when determining the price point for each model?
We look of course to the competition and make sure we offer very competitive pricing compared to other brands which are sold through brick and mortor retailers. Furthermore, the package of a watch is very complete. With always an extra strap, tool, box, (watch roll), certificate of the 6 positions adjustment and an extra year of warranty on top of the standard 2 years.
What marketing strategies have you found most effective in promoting your brand, and how do you stay connected with your customers?
We keep communicating with our clients through social media and newsletters but also offline via our retailers and the EZA newspaper. A combination of all these ways of communication is most effective for us so far.
Can you share any new product releases or upcoming projects your company has in the works?
Oh my, we are usually very closed regarding new models. What I could share with you is that an extra complication will be made first of the Sealander, and then a completely new model next to the 1972-series based on an old EZA will be launched at the end of this year. To be continued….
How do you balance quality with affordability, and what steps do you take to ensure your products are durable and long-lasting?
We just focus on the best quality we can get. Business-wise, this might not be to the liking of corporate business people, but we are independent and can do what we believe is best for the clients. All models are tested before reaching the market. Not only by machines (think about shock tests, drop tests, power reserve, and precision) but also by the best test in our vision: on the wrist. We give the watch to colleagues and ask them to wear it daily. This gives the best feedback on quality and durability.
How do you foster innovation within your company, and what steps do you take to stay ahead of the competition?
The watchmaking industry is very traditional, and to be honest, we don’t focus much on innovation. We leave this more to the big brands. As said before, we act like we continue in 1979, and the quartz crisis (significant innovation) never happened. For example, we will always keep using mechanical movements and will never change to quartz or even a “smartwatch” type of timepiece.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own wristwatch company?
Do it! It is great to work with such beautiful products as watches daily. I decided to work full-time for EZA after my studies, but even when I studied and the company was much smaller I had great pleasure in working for EZA!