How to Design, Build, Produce & Launch a Watch Brand — Step by Step with WatchingJames & Ikara Watches

In this episode we break down what it really takes to design, build, produce and launch a watch brand, step by step. Joining Praka for this conversation is reoccurring guest James from the WatchingJames YouTube Channel and Tony from Ikara Watches, as we pull back the curtain on the realities of starting a watch company in today’s market.This episode was released both on OverTime: The Podcast and on WatchingJames’ YouTube channel, which you can watch here: WatchingJames – Full Episode.WristchecksJames is double wristing with the new Direnzo Mondial DRZ04R and the HZ.03 from HZ Watches. Tony is wearing the debut Ikara Watches prototype, while Praka is wearing his RZE Resolute Stratos.RecapWe unpack the full journey of what it takes to start a watch brand from scratch, covering everything from early design ideas and prototyping through to production realities and launching a finished product. Tony shares real-world insight from building Ikara Watches from the ground up.We discuss the importance of defining a clear design language early, choosing the right suppliers, understanding production constraints, and making smart compromises without losing your original vision. The conversation also gets into pricing realities, timelines, and why patience is critical when trying to do things properly.We also touch on the often-overlooked business side of watchmaking, including intellectual property laws, trademarking, and brand protection, and why getting these foundations right early can save a lot of pain down the track. We talk about common mistakes new brands make and how to avoid them.Contact UsMake sure to follow Ikara Watches on Instagram at ⁠⁠@ikarawatches⁠⁠ to keep up with Tony’s journey and future releases.Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WatchingJames: https://www.youtube.com/@WATCHingJamesSupport UsIf you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast⁠⁠