Canadian watch brands are few and far between. But, if you’re looking for something unique and well-built, they’re a good place to turn to.
The Great White North is known for a lot of things. There are a lot of things I love, actually. Canadian hockey. Moose (and moose steak). Poutine (on carb days). Canadian politeness. But what I don’t often associate our lovely neighbors up north with are their Canadian watches.
Some of you might even be wondering: Do they even have major brands?
Even the US had a moment in watch history with Connecticut’s Naugatuck Valley — the Switzerland of America. In fact, notable Canadian watchmaker Jordan Post trained and worked in New England before setting up shop in York, now Toronto.
Still, every country needs timekeeping. And in the past, most towns needed a local horologist. Let’s take the road less traveled and learn about Canuc watches.
Canada Watches: A Brief History
People have spent time in Canada since the beginning of time. However, clock and watch manufacturing likely started in the colonial era. Still, most of the watchmakers in the 1700s didn’t make their movements.
Skilled craftsmen made movements most often in Europe (either continental or England) but in the United States, as well. As mentioned, the Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut was a bastion of American watchmaking.
Canada’s two most famous clocks, the St. Sulpice Seminary Clock in Montreal, were imported from France in 1701. The Old Town Clock in Halifax, however, came from Britain in 1805.
Back then, in Canada and most places, watchmaking had ties to silversmithing. Even today, watches and jewelry are highly connected. In fact, at high-end auction houses, jewelry and watches are often linked departments.
Local Canadian horologists would finish the basic movements from abroad, and he or his silversmith would stamp their signature on it.
Some notable 18th-century Canadian watchmakers include Jean Filiot and Thomas Gordon. As mentioned, Jordan Post, who studied in Connecticut, came to Toronto in 1767 and started making true Canadian watches.
Now, let’s look at some cool Canadian watch brands you can consider today!
8 Canadian Watch Brands
Here they are, in no particular order!
Marathon Watches
Though today, Marathon watches are mostly Swiss-made, their designs are fully Canadian. Few Canadian brands actually make their watches domestically.
However, Marathon is arguably the most well-known brand in Canada. They’re a go-to for honest, well-built military watches of all price points.
And they have an important history.
They started in Montreal in 1939, and they even built watches for the Allied Forces during the war. That’s definitely a feather in Canada’s cap. Plus, the combination of Canadian design and Swiss know-how is compelling.
I love how line-forward and efficient their divers are. However, you can also go for a quartz General Purpose Model. Especially if you want a stylish, durable beater with a unique tritium lume.
Whitby Watch Co.
Whitby Watches Co. is a micro brand that builds limited edition sublines, each honoring Canadian heroes and achievements. I love a good concept watch, and this is truly a cool concept.
If you’re looking for a Canadian watch that reps the country’s heritage in a cool way, look no further.
Their aviators are dynamic, employing different textures and accents, usually on a classic onion-crown silhouette. Meanwhile, their divers are classic but distinct with a multi-floor aesthetic and chicly angled lugs.
This is why so few people are willing to part with the red and gray Whitby Intrepid. So, good luck finding one to buy!
Bradley Taylor Watch
Here’s a rare example of a Canadian watch brand that actually makes its timepieces in Canada. The namesake watchmaker of Bradley Taylor Watch studied in Le Locle, Switzerland. All of his watches are handmade and assembled in Vancouver.
And boy, the detail on these watches is truly a marvel. They’re Canada’s microbrand answer to the Pateks and APs of the world. There are flawless applications to the most beautifully polished feuille hands on Taylor’s Paragon watch. You don’t need a big brand name on these dials to know they’re true pieces of luxury.
Tense Watches
Another line of true-blue Canada watches (as in made in), Tense hand-manufactures its pieces in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The brand name refers not to the state of being strained but to the state of time — past tense, present tense, and future tense. Without getting too deep, the brand itself creates manifestations of Canada’s epic terrain.
The men’s collection features beautiful wood constructions, textured textiles, and even vegan-friendly options. Like Canada, they’re a mix of crunchy and chic.
Wilk Watchworks
The gent behind Wilk Watchworks has been making custom watches for over a decade. As such, they have a genuine artisanal quality to them. And I never use the word artisanal lightly.
You can choose one of the pieces available on his website, pick from the tiers of customization, or go full custom. Truly, it’s like working with an artist’s direct studio rather than the gallery that represents him.
Momentum Watches
Simon Pennell founded Momentum Watches. He used to sell to outdoor sports stores. So, it’s no surprise that Momentum Watches, made in Vancouver, builds some hard-wearing sports watches.
The mountains and oceans of Canada are some of the best places to test durability and water resistance.
Looking for a handsome timepiece to wear while climbing, diving, wakeboarding, or any of the above? I highly recommend Momentum.
Their Aquamatic is a classic dive, while their Atlas Black Ion has that commanding all-black aesthetic. I also enjoy how their Splash Eclipse Solar comes in a variety of fun colors.
NOVO Watch
An undeniably unique brand, Novo Watches makes timepieces from reclaimed items. I’m talking about anything from a branding iron to a professional sports helmet. I know a lot of watchmakers say this, but Novo watches literally have stories to tell.
That being the case, you get some exceptionally distinct, often antiquey but not always, models. These are models that you’ll never find in any Canadian watch stores.
Heron Watches
Heron Watches Co. is based in Montreal, though it doesn’t make its timepieces in Canada proper. Of course, each of its watches is domestically-designed. It flaunts a remarkable combination of modern designs with tried-and-true constructions.
So, if you want something more interesting than a standard design but don’t want to go for a fashion watch, Heron is a great place to turn.
The Marinor in Caribbean blue is a good example. The star 12 index and lively color are bold. However, the hardened stainless steel construction, 300 meters of water resistance, and impeccable bezel brushing ensure it’s a legitimate sports watch.
Conclusion: Don’t Forget to Check Out Canadian Watch Stores
Now you know that Canadian watches are truly worth investigating. What strikes me the most about them is that you’d never find them in any other country.
My next big tip is to look into Canada’s domestic watch stores! I’m talking specifically about the small, independent ones. Even if you aren’t physically there, you can check out their website, get detail shots, and have it shipped.
And if they don’t have a website, they’ll likely still have a Google listing with an email or number. Sure, not having a site might be a sign of bad business. But, it could also be a sign of a local gem of an old-fashioned watch shop owner who might have some hidden treasures.
Do you have any experience with Canadian watches? Which of the brands here do you like or not like? And let me know if I missed any of your favorites!
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