Next we meet Hamzat Balogun, Founder of SOVRYGN Watches. The brand was inspired by his fascination with time and the machines that represent its irrevocable essence.
Founded as an abbreviated form of the term Sovereign, the word SOVRYGN is a metaphor for high quality and craftsmanship.
Hamzat explains his mission to illustrate a lifestyle through the display of watches that most accurately reflect their patrons.
MWM: How is business?
HB: Business is going well, growing slowly but surely. Currently preparing for the Kickstarter campaign and trying to make sure that we deliver a spectacular product to our customers which has been keeping me extremely busy.
MWM: What are you currently working on?
HB: I’m currently working on the SOVRYGN Calendar which is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter on May 15th. This watch was inspired by my love for the AP Perpetual Calendar, I realised that it would be impossible at this point to create a Perpetual Calendar for the cost of microbrand watch so the Miyota 9100 premium automatic movement offering 5 complications which includes a triple calendar was my best bet.
MWM: Tell us something we don’t know about SOVRYGN watches?
HB: SOVRYGN Watches is one of the facets of my fascination with watches. The business aspect of it which became more public originally started as a job application and over time evolved into what it is now.
MWM: Which watch do you wear?
HB: I’m currently sporting the different references of the SOVRYGN Calendar but I’m by no means a ‘watch snob’. I have watches ranging from Invicta, 88Rue Du Rhone, Bulova and Citizen.
But when I have a new product release I need to do some testing, it’s almost impossible to find wrist time for some of the other pieces in my collection. In the last few years, I’ve had to sell most of them and the ones that remain are gifts which hold a sentimental value.
MWM: Which watch would you like to own?
HB: I have a few ‘Grail watches’ that I would like to eventually own. At the top of the list is the JaegerLecoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 (below), The Cartier Skeleton, A Rolex Sky Dweller, one of the AP references, and I have a new-found love for the Omega Speedmasters after seeing one in person at the District Time show early this year.
MWM: What do you like best about the Watch business?
HB: First thing that comes to mind, is the ability to put a smile on someone’s face when they open the box after receiving a watch. Also, this might sound like a cliché, but it’s one of the few things I’ve indulged in with regards to work where I get to lose the sense of time when I’m fully immersed. Finally, the ability to express my creativity and design a watch from scratch until it becomes a physical product is just exhilarating.
MWM: What don’t you like about the Watch business?
HB: I think it’s no secret that the watch community is full of good people and some people who don’t have the best of characters and that can be challenging especially for a business owner.
MWM: What is next on the horizon for you?
HB: After a successful Kickstarter campaign for the SOVRYGN Calendar, I plan on delivering more watches to the watch lovers and enthusiasts out there. I’m in this for the long run. I’ve also been getting a lot of messages regarding watches for women so that’s something else I’d have to look into especially because it poses a new challenge.
For more information please visit SOVRYGN
Hamzat Balogun is a Friend of MrWatchMaster