Interview with Elliott Haydon, Founder and CEO of Eldon Watches

Fashion - Interview

by Mehmet Kaplan

While preparing to go to work or a meeting, we wear clothes in different designs and colors and try to combine them in an appropriate style. However, when it comes to watches, some of us uses only one watch regardless of whether they wear or where to go, some of us take as many different designs and colors as possible and try to select the most compatible one for their clothes. Elliott Haydon came up with the idea of a modular watch to find a solution. He has designed a modular watch system, which consists of a total of 4 different parts, and on which the user can have a design choice of over 200 different styles. I talked to Elliott Haydon, Founder and CEO of Eldon Watches, to get more information about modular watches.

Elliott, could you tell us a little about your background?

I started my career as an apprentice civil engineer. Working on CAD (computer aided design) here I grasped a knowledge in technical design which later helped in the creation of our first watch line.

Eldon Watches

What inspired you to create Eldon Watches? Could you tell us the story behind the design process of modular watches?

I've always had a passion for watches. A new watch used to be my own personal gift. If I achieved a personal milestone or goal, I would probably buy myself another watch. Then, one day whilst window shopping I found that I liked certain aspects of a few different watches but not the watch on the whole. That's when I thought of the modular watch idea. It would be great if I could design my own watch, exactly how I wanted it.

What kind of challenges did you live on this project? Which was the hardest one for your team?

Our first initial challenge was simply creating the modular design, so that it worked easily, simply and with no tools. After that, it was just the usual challenges of finding the right suppliers etc.

Case + Bezel + Face Unit + Straps = Eldon Watches. The formula of the modular watch. How many different styles can be created in total with 4 different parts and options?

If you have one of every component from our Original Collection you can create over 200 different styles that can be changed at anytime.

Eldon Watches

Could you tell us about your brand new Slimline Collection?

Our new Slimline Collection was born from the feedback of our customers. We believe that everyone should be able to design their own watch and wear it with passion. Therefore, we like our customers to be involved in our development process. In turn, it was evident to us that our next collection must be slimmer than the first. We worked tirelessly to design our new Slimline Collection making it sit under 9mm on the wrist, whilst bringing through a more traditional, elegant style.

Is it easy to build different styles? How much time does it take to change all parts and combine for a new style?

Our goal from the start has been to make the process of swapping your watch components as easy as possible. Once you're used to it, you will be able to change from one style to the next in under a minute.

Eldon Watches

What do you enjoy most about using Eldon Watch?

The best attribute our watches have are that they are completely customisable. I know that I have a watch that will match every outfit in my wardrobe.

What is your prediction about the competition between analog watches and smartwatches?

I believe they will even out overtime. I don't see the analog watch disappearing (quartz to automatic). However, with things such as hybrid watches these days where you have a 'regular' watch aesthetic with smart technology, I believe these will probably be a dominant force due to the appeal to both markets.

Do you have any new design ideas related to smartphones?

It's something we're definitely considering and working on for the future. There's nothing imminent at the moment though.

Eldon Watches

What do you think about social media? How do you use it?

I think from a brand and companies perspective it's been an absolute game-changer over the past 5 years. So much so, it almost takes you by surprise when you see brands use 'traditional' marketing methods. The reach an audience you can get and engage with through social media is outstanding. It definitely helps us connect with our customers.

Apart from social media, what marketing and sales strategies do you use to reach new customers or retailers for Eldon Watches?

We've appeared at a few pop-up events but on a whole, we tend to stick to social media as all of our sales are online.

Eldon Watches

Where can our readers buy your watches?

You can find all of our watches or build your own custom watch on our website. www.eldonwatches.com

What are your growth plans for the future?

As I've already mentioned. Eldon was born out of the passion to offer people the most affordable and customisable watch on the market. We want our customers to be a part of the story and that's why we always look to them for inspiration on our next models. It's also important to us that we continue to offer new and various designs, so you continuously can grow and change your Eldon collection.

Anything you would like to add that I haven’t asked?

I'd just like to thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed for bontena.com and hope you find my answers insightful.

Thank you Elliott for this enjoyable interview.

For more information, please visit website of Eldon Watches

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Friday, August 17, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.