Best Kickstarter Watches

Among the many niche products available on Kickstarter are watches. In fact, Kickstarter has become one of the most popular destinations for watch enthusiasts and collectors looking for unique and innovative timepieces.

When it comes to watches, Kickstarter offers a range of options for backers, from affordable entry-level watches to high-end luxury timepieces. The platform has also become a popular resource for independent watchmakers who want to launch new products and connect with a larger target audience.

Key Takeaways

• The impact of Kickstarter on the watch industry is undeniable, as it has enabled designers and manufacturers to introduce some of the most groundbreaking designs to the market.

• Watches are an excellent product for crowdfunding on Kickstarter because they are a popular and highly sought-after accessory.

• LaunchBoom can advise watchmakers on how to crowdfund their new and innovative watch ideas.

One of the benefits of Kickstarter is that it provides a platform for watchmakers to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship to a massive audience that is eager to support new and unique ideas.

Backers can support their favorite watchmakers and participate as new and groundbreaking ideas are brought to life. Backers may also be given an opportunity to own limited edition watches or other perks not available in traditional retail settings.

Kickstarter has ushered in a turning point in the watch industry by offering levels of accessibility and transparency previously unheard of.

It has allowed watchmakers to bypass traditional funding and distribution models and connect directly with consumers, creating unique and innovative watches that would not have been possible otherwise.

Read on to discover how Kickstarter continues to revolutionize the watch industry as we explore whether or not Kickstarter is the ideal choice for crowdfunding watches and highlight some of the most popular and successful Kickstarter watch brands, including our top some of the top campaigns on the platform.

A quick look at the best Kickstarter watches (jump to links here).

What Makes Watches Perfect for Crowdfunding On Kickstarter?

Watches are the perfect product for crowdfunding on Kickstarter for several reasons:

• Watches are a popular and highly sought-after accessory in which people are willing to invest.
• Watches are versatile and can cater to many customers, from casual wearers to serious collectors.
• Watch production requires a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, which resonates with Kickstarter’s audience of creative and innovative individuals.

Crowdfunding allows watchmakers to test the market and gauge product demand before investing in production. But, most importantly, Kickstarter provides a platform for watchmakers to share their stories and showcase their creativity, allowing them to connect directly with their audience and build a loyal following.

In addition, Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing funding model incentivizes watchmakers to deliver their best work, ensuring that backers receive a quality product. Plus, the limited edition nature of many Kickstarter watch projects makes them highly desirable and collectible, increasing their value and appeal to enthusiasts and collectors.

How Crowdfunding a Watch Project on Kickstarter Works

Crowdfunding on Kickstarter has emerged as a popular way to raise funds for various creative and entrepreneurial projects, including watch projects.

The process of crowdfunding a watch project on Kickstarter is relatively simple.

First, the watchmaker creates a project page on Kickstarter, providing all the details of the watch project, including its design, features, and price point. They also set a funding goal and a deadline for the campaign.

Once the project goes live, people interested in supporting it can pledge their money in exchange for various rewards, such as discounted prices on the watch or exclusive perks.

If the funding goal is met before the deadline, the project is considered successfully funded, and the watchmaker can move forward with production and delivery to their backers.

Whether alone or with the help of a crowdfunding agency, crowdfunding a watch project on Kickstarter is an excellent way for watchmakers to gauge interest in their product and raise the necessary funds to bring it to market. It can also be an exciting opportunity for watch enthusiasts to support innovative and unique timepiece designs.

The Top Ten Best Kickstarter Watches

Kickstarter is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms for watchmakers, helping bring countless watch projects to life.

Our Top Ten Picks for the Best Watches on Kickstarter

#1 Pebble: The Most Funded Watch on Kickstarter

Pebble is a pioneering smartwatch that started as a Kickstarter campaign in 2012. The Pebble watch featured an e-paper display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of customizable watch faces and apps.

Pebble was designed to work with both iPhones and Android phones, and its long battery life and water resistance made it a popular choice for people on the go.

The Pebble Kickstarter campaign was a massive success thanks to the watch’s innovative features and sleek design. It was also one of the first smartwatches available at an accessible price point.

Pebble has since released several new versions of its smartwatch, including the Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel, which also received funding through Kickstarter campaigns.

Despite its initial success, Pebble ultimately struggled to compete with more prominent tech companies and was eventually acquired by Fitbit in 2016. However, the Pebble legacy remains a trailblazer in the industry as one of the best Kickstarter smartwatches in history.

Pebble by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2012

Funds raised: $10,266,845

Backers: 68,929

Original goal: $100,000

#2 Danielius & Matas Filippo Loreti: The Best Luxury Smart Watch Kickstarter

Filippo Loreti is a luxury watch brand that launched on Kickstarter in 2015. The brand offers a range of high-quality timepieces at an accessible price point, and its innovative approach to watch design quickly gained a loyal following.

The initial Kickstarter campaign for Filippo Loreti was massively popular, partly because it was the first time luxury Italian watch design met smart technology and partly thanks to the brand’s unique marketing strategy.

Filippo Loreti leveraged social media and influencer partnerships to generate buzz around the launch of its initial product offering, which garnered significant media attention.

Since its Kickstarter debut, Filippo Loreti has continued to grow in popularity with various new collections and collaborations. The brand has expanded its product offerings beyond watches to jewelry and accessories.

Today, Filippo Loreti remains a favorite among watch enthusiasts looking for stylish, high-quality timepieces that won’t break the bank.

Danielius & Matas Filippo Loreti by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2015

Funds raised: €3,534,663

Backers: 16,077

Original goal: €20,000

#3 Liv: The Best Swiss Watch on Kickstarter

Liv is a Swiss watch brand that has created quite a lot of buzz on Kickstarter.

The company was founded by Chaz and Esti, a husband and wife team passionate about high-quality watches. They set out to create a timepiece that combines Swiss craftsmanship with modern design and affordability.

The Liv watch is a stunning piece of engineering, with sapphire crystal glass, Swiss automatic movement, and a durable stainless steel case. It has a minimalist design that is both elegant and functional.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Liv watch is its price point. Typically, Swiss-made watches of this caliber can cost thousands of dollars, but Liv has offered their watch for a fraction of that cost.

Liv has made Swiss timepieces accessible to a wide audience and has allowed many people to experience the beauty and precision of a Swiss-made watch for the first time.

The Liv watch is an impressive achievement in modern watchmaking and a great example of how innovation and affordability can go hand in hand on Kickstarter.

Liv by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2014

Funds raised: $1,119,029

Backers: 2,169

Original goal: $40,000

#4 Hamtum Watches H1: The Best Titanium Dive Watch on Kickstarter

Hamtun Watches is a UK-based watch company known for its innovative designs and high-quality construction. The company’s flagship watch, the H1, is a Grade 5 titanium automatic dive watch that combines classic style with modern technology.

The H1 features a unique dual-crown design, which allows the watch to be worn on either the left or right wrist. It is also water-resistant to 300 meters, making it suitable for diving and other water sports.

One of the standout features of the H1 is its use of Grade 5 titanium, known for its strength and durability. The watch also features a Swiss-made automatic movement, which ensures accurate timekeeping and a long-lasting lifespan.

The H1 debuted on Kickstarter in 2017, quickly gaining a following among watch enthusiasts and collectors. The campaign was a huge success.

Since then, Hamtun Watches has continued to release new models, each building on the success of the H1 and cementing the company’s reputation as a leader in modern watchmaking.

Hamtum Watches by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2017

Funds raised: £146,757

Backers: 610

Original goal: £20,000

#5 Bangle.js: The Best Open Source Smart Watch on Kickstarter

The Bangle.js is a revolutionary open-source smartwatch launched on Kickstarter in 2020. Unlike other smartwatches on the market, Bangle.js is designed to be completely customizable and open to user modification.

One of the critical features of Bangle.js is its open-source software, which allows users to develop their own apps and features for the watch. That has led to a vibrant community of developers and enthusiasts constantly pushing the boundaries of the device’s possible possibilities.

In addition to its open-source software, Bangle.js also features a range of advanced sensors, including a heart rate monitor, GPS, and accelerometer. It also has a long-lasting battery, with up to two weeks of use on a single charge.

The Bangle.js campaign was a massive success on Kickstarter. Since then, the watch has continued to gain popularity among tech enthusiasts and developers and has even been used in research projects and scientific studies.

Bangle.js is a game-changing device that has the potential to revolutionize the world of smartwatches and wearable technology.

Bangle.js by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2020

Funds raised: £101,516

Backers: 1,345

Original goal: £12,500

#6 Meccaniche Veneziane Nereide GMT Dive Watch: The Best Watch for Diving on Kickstarter

The Meccaniche Veneziane Nereide GMT Dive Watch is a premium watch for diving enthusiasts. The watch is built with high-quality materials and features a range of advanced functions, including a GMT hand and a unidirectional rotating bezel.

The watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters and has a helium release valve, making it suitable for deep-sea diving. It also features a Swiss-made automatic movement, which ensures accurate timekeeping and a long-lasting lifespan.

One of the standout features of the Nereide GMT is its elegant design, which is inspired by the art and architecture of Venice. The watch features a brushed stainless steel case, sapphire crystal glass, and a range of colorful dials to choose from.

The Nereide GMT debuted on Kickstarter in 2017, quickly gaining a following among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Since then, Meccaniche Veneziane has continued to release new watch models, helping to boost the company’s reputation as a leader in the world of luxury dive watches.

Meccaniche Veneziane Nereide GMT Dive Watch Bag by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2017

Funds raised: €497,988

Backers: 805

Original goal: €15,000

#7 Xeric Apollo 11: The Best Collectible Watch on Kickstarter

The Xeric Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Automatic Watch Collection features a series of unique and innovative timepieces celebrating the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. The collection includes several different models, each with its own distinctive design and features.

One of the standout features of the collection is the moon phase display, which accurately tracks the moon’s phases and gives each watch a unique and mesmerizing appearance. The collection also includes models with a power reserve indicator, a 24-hour time display, and various other advanced functions.

The design of each watch in the collection is inspired by the iconic moon landing, with dials that resemble the lunar surface and case backs that feature engraved images of the lunar module. In addition, the watches are powered by high-quality Swiss-made automatic movements, which ensure accurate timekeeping and a long-lasting lifespan.

The Xeric Apollo 11 collection debuted on Kickstarter in 2019, quickly gaining a following among watch collectors and space enthusiasts. The collection continues to be popular among collectors and enthusiasts, with each watch serving as a unique and collectible piece of history.

The campaign was a huge success, raising over $1.8 million in funding from over 9,000 backers.

Xeric Apollo 11 by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2019

Funds raised: $5,405,412

Backers: 17,974

Original goal: $10,000

#8 Werenbach Earth Collection: The Best Kickstarter Chronograph Watch

The Werenbach Earth Collection features unique and innovative chronograph watches crafted from authentic rocket material. The watches are made from pieces of the Soyuz rocket, which was used to launch astronauts into space and travel to the International Space Station.

The design of the Earth Collection is inspired by the beauty of the Earth, with each watch featuring a dial made from a unique piece of rocket material, cut and polished to highlight its natural patterns and textures. The watches also feature a range of advanced functions, including a chronograph and a date display.

The Werenbach Earth Collection first debuted on Kickstarter in 2019.

Pieces in the Earth Collection represent more than just a watch; they are unique and collectible pieces of history that celebrate the beauty and wonder of space.

With innovative designs and advanced functions, Werenbach Earth Collection watches are a must-have for anyone who appreciates the art and science of horology.

Werenbach Earth Collection by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2019

Funds raised: CHF 768,039

Backers: 1,231

Original goal: CHF 40,000

#9 Sequent: The Best Self-Charging Watch on Kickstarter

Sequent is an innovative self-charging watch that harnesses the power of motion to keep the watch running without needing batteries. The watch features a kinetic self-charging system that converts the wearer’s movements into energy, which is then stored in a high-capacity capacitor.

The Sequent watch is designed for modern lifestyles, with a sleek and stylish design that is functional and fashionable. The watch features a range of advanced functions, including fitness tracking, smartphone notifications, and a heart rate monitor.

With its innovative self-charging technology and advanced functions, the Sequent watch is the perfect accessory for anyone who wants a reliable and stylish watch without the hassle of changing batteries.

Since the watch’s debut, the Sequent team has remained committed to creating high-quality watches that are both sustainable and technologically advanced, making it a brand to watch in the world of smartwatches.

Sequent by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2017

Funds raised: CHF 1,043,330

Backers: 3,981

Original goal: CHF 80,000

#10 Linjer: The Best Minimalist Luxury Watch on Kickstarter

Linjer is a luxury watch brand that combines minimalist design with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The brand was founded in 2014 and has become known for its sleek and sophisticated timepieces.

The Linjer watch collection features a range of minimalist designs inspired by classic watchmaking traditions. Each watch is crafted from high-quality materials, such as Italian leather straps and Swiss-made movements, ensuring durability and precision.

The Linjer watch debuted on Kickstarter in 2016, quickly gaining a following among fashion-conscious consumers and watch enthusiasts.

With its commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship, the Linjer watch is the perfect accessory for anyone who appreciates minimalist design and luxury.

Since 2014, the brand has since expanded its product line to include a range of accessories, such as bags and wallets, all of which embody the same ethos of simplicity, quality, and style.

Linjer by the Numbers:

Originally Funded: 2016

Funds raised: $965,758

Backers: 4,771

Original goal: $15,000

Where Can You Buy Kickstarter Watches?

Kickstarter watches can be purchased directly from the project creators through the Kickstarter platform while the campaign is still active.

Once the campaign ends, the watches may become available on the brand’s website, online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay, or through select retailers.

Researching the brand and its products before purchasing is vital to ensure authenticity and quality. Additionally, some Kickstarter watches may have limited availability, making them a highly sought-after collector’s item.

What These Successful Kickstarter Watche Campaigns Have in Common

These successful watch campaigns on Kickstarter have many commonalities:

• Each Kickstarter watches on our list offers unique features, modern designs, and affordability, appealing to a broad audience of watch enthusiasts.
• These campaigns were wildly successful, partly because they leveraged social media and influencer marketing to generate buzz and media attention.
• These incredible timepieces were created by passionate and experienced watchmakers who understand the importance of high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
• These campaigns were supported by an engaged and loyal community of backers who became invested in each project’s success.

Can You Run an Indiegogo Watch Campaign as well as a Kickstarter?

Yes, running a watch campaign on both Indiegogo and Kickstarter is possible. Both platforms are popular choices for crowdfunding campaigns, including those for watches.

Let LaunchBoom show you how!

If you liked the Pebble Smart Watch and want to learn more check out the video below: