Well here's what could be called an up to the minute report.
Literally.
The Swiss have a new competitor in the rarified industry that is watchmaking. And that competitor is not marking time, but rather measuring it in watches that are being made in Belfast.
Belfast was once one of Europe's most industrialized cities. But industry does not rest alone on big things such as ships, planes, bicycles and the like.
Peter McAuley
Nevertheless, the makers of Nomadic Watches say they are inspired by Belfast’s rich shipbuilding heritage as they work to put Ireland on the international watchmaking map.
Founded and led by former mechanical engineer Peter McAuley, Nomadic, according to a release, has already garnered critical acclaim and a loyal international customer base.
Stated the release: "In the past year, the company has won funding, received awards, and is now launching its Irish HQ at the historic Scottish Provident Building in Belfast City Centre.
"These achievements are made all the more impressive considering the competitive nature of the watchmaking industry and the sheer number of quality ‘microbrands.' Nomadic has distinguished itself with a blend of contemporary design and distinctly Irish heritage, appealing to watch enthusiasts worldwide with high-quality and accessible timepieces. Its flagship model, the Maraí 401, has now been sold across 32 countries and on all continents of the world except for Antarctica."
Nomadic’s growth and success have helped it to secure funding from Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) through the Ambition to Grow programme.
Announced in October 2022, the £1.3 million package offers regionally focused support to assist ambitious and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nomadic was awarded £30 thousand enabling it to create three new jobs, accelerating development and brand growth to serve a global market through direct-to-consumer sales.
Continued the release: "In addition to securing funding from Invest NI, Nomadic has been shortlisted for a prestigious Belfast Telegraph Business Award. The panel of judges, led by chair Clare Guinness, Belfast City Council innovation district director, pored over a record number of entries to come up with a shortlist of 101 companies across 17 categories.(Peter) McAuley went on to win the 'Young Leader of the Year' award from the YLNI, a coveted award with a prestigious line-up of former winners, highlighting Nomadic's growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
To boost its production capacity and retail presence, Nomadic has now launched a Belfast headquarrters. This site is not only home to a boutique retail experience but also a state-of-the-art watch assembly facility, to enable the brand to produce its timepieces locally and offer clients the opportunity to see a little bit behind the scenes.
“At a time when most businesses are retreating from the high street, Nomadic HQ shows our passion and commitment to the city and our craft. We're on a mission to put Belfast firmly on the horological map," said Peter McAuley.
"We have built up so much momentum over the past year and to receive this level of interest, support, and recognition from industry experts, Invest NI and multiple business awards is humbling. It’s undoubtedly recognition for all the hard work and perseverance that has gone into the creation of the Maraí 401 and the Nomadic brand - combining Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage with hardy, modern watch design at an accessible price point.
“The global watchmaking industry is particularly challenging and competitive, but I’m a big believer that a watch doesn’t just tell the time, it tells your story. Delivering that connection, a story my clients feel proud to talk about, whilst exceeding expectations on quality, has been my key focus from day one. Seeing our early success and the direction we are now heading; I am very excited for the future.
"I believe the best is yet to come, the creation of our watch assembly facility puts Nomadic amongst the best in the world, and I’m eagerly anticipating the launch of our next watch later this year – two big steps forward for Nomadic and the Irish watch industry.”
That next Nomadic watch should be making its debut before the end of 2023.
Concluded the release: "With this new collection, the company aims to further showcase its unique blend of Irish heritage and robust, contemporary design, appealing to watch enthusiasts worldwide."
"Worldwide," with timing and luck, might well include Antarc-tick-a.
