Founder's Journey

 

 

Beaufort's Founder, Robert Kwok, in the Ponsonby showroom, 2024.

 

In 2018, while pursuing a BComm degree at the Auckland University of Technology and simultaneously working at a startup, I found myself shopping for a watch to treat myself with the first bit of money I had ever earned. However, I quickly found myself unable to afford a watch that matched my taste. This was the very challenge that ignited a passion that inevitably led me to embark on a journey into watchmaking.

 

Without formal design training, I immersed myself in the craft, learning and experimenting to bring my vision to life.

 

Early prototypes of the first Aerotimer model, from 2018.

 

In 2019, I officially launched Beaufort Watches, named after the Bristol Beaufort. A torpedo bomber operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the early 1940s. Beaufort's debut model, the Aerotimer, drew inspiration from watches of the 1940s and resonated with enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its blend of vintage aesthetics, modern reliability, and value-for-money specs.

 

Final prototypes of the Aerotimer, picture taken just prior to the launch in 2019.

 

As Beaufort evolved, so did the design philosophy. In late 2023, I embraced a more industrial aesthetic, heavily influenced by Brutalist architecture. This shift culminated in the 2024 release of the Pulsatimer, a hand-wound chronograph inspired by neo-vintage medical watches, featuring design elements reminiscent of brutalist structures.

 

Opening day at Beaufort's boutique in Auckland’s Ponsonby suburb.

 

Beaufort has always been about pushing my own understanding of design and watchmaking. Every new release is a reflection of what I’ve learned—whether it’s experimenting with different movements, refining case proportions, or exploring new materials. My goal is to create watches that feel considered and well-executed, without being out of reach. I want Beaufort to be a brand that keeps evolving, drawing from the past while finding new ways to keep things interesting. At the end of the day, it’s about making watches that people enjoy owning, wearing, and talking about.

 

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Sincerely,

Robert Kwok

Founder and Designer