I am really excited to see where this goes. It blends two hobbies / passions for me - watches and sports. More importantly, I am appreciative of Marc’s willingness to listen and interest in the idea. What a class act! Hopefully, if we do this right, people will be able to look down at their wrist, have colors remind them of positive experiences from their past and inspire them to keep moving through their day. #YourTeam #YourTime
As long as the school logos are *NOT* on the watches, I think it will work. People like me who support smaller schools can only hope to find one who's colors match and a logo will ruin that. Also no licensing fees without logos _plus_ they will have a broader appeal for fans of professional teams, international teams, corporate colors, orgs, etcetera. And I really don't think 4 is going to be enough.
Can I make a suggestion, about this proposed Varsity watch line? To really differentiate this from the Islander line ... ... have these watches use quartz movements. Yes, I know that watch collectors and enthusiasts like automatic movements, but quartz does offer better accuracy and durability, and I think people are willing to pay for that.
Maybe an idea would be to leave some open space on the case back to use it to engrave (by the user) the team’s name, logo, or a message in case it is a gift to a son, friend, relative, etc. who attends or cheers for that school.
I was thinking more for the buyer to do it if s/he wanted to. I don’t think Mark wants to add the team name or logo as that would kick in trademarks… but a user can do whatever it wants with the watch 🙄
Marc, this is brilliant. I already voted. Blue and orange - Syracuse, Florida, Auburn, Illinois, Boise State, Virginia, UTSA, Houston Baptist, UT Arlington, Savannah State, Morgan State, Pepperdine, Cal State Fullerton, Bucknell, UC Berkeley. Various conferences, east to west, north to south, public and private, large and small. C’mon now! I think most people who would buy these are sports fans, not so much watch enthusiasts so I recommend quartz movements to keep the price down and pull in the casuals who don’t own watch winders.
University of Tennessee here, we will buy literally anything orange and white. Anything. Varsity Watch sounds like someone you also buy your class ring from though. Spirit Watch sounds much better.
Rather than a new brand, better be a collection within the brand, perhaps the logo could be varsity, but the back still long island. Like Seiko black edition that could spanning of any models of Seiko line.
2 major passions of mine (college football + watches) and I've thought of this idea in the past. There's no competitor in the affordable automatic "college" watch segment, only extremely cheap quartz models or much more expensive Breitling Endurance Pro's (with a few college logos). This is an incredible idea.
Marc, I love the idea. Good luck with the venture! As a fellow CU grad (EE '95), I love seeing other Cooper grads succeed. BTW, I recently received my Northport ISL-195 and a BRAC-50 and love it. That combination is eye-catching and I have received numerous compliments on it. I can't believe the quality for the price. It is exceptional.
The University of Michigan , Maize (Yellow) and Blue (Navy) would definitely be a big seller, due to its large student body and massive alumni. Your creative team can assemble an aesthetically pleasing watch that would be loved, and enjoyed for many years to come , as it does with your array of Islander watches that you currently produce.!
I definitely think this way. Bought a black and gold kamasu when Purdue went to the national championship this year, and I'm always on the lookout for a purple and orange model to rep Clemson. I think it's a great idea.
Hi Mark, I graduated from NYU and I like watches. However I would not buy an NYU watch or a sports team watch. But I do think it is a good idea. Many people would buy them. Not me but many people would. Good luck with this business.
I think it is a great idea. Only change that I would consider is adding 1 color of their away game jerseys, for a total of 3 colors. It would add interest and not look like the opposing teams home colors, when your team is playing away game. Of course, this may only work, if you have only 4 specific teams in mind
I love UGA, and Red/Black are the colors or my DAWGS. I will 100% be buying that watch if you release it. This is a great idea. The Red/white looks great. I’m sure Ohio State fans would love it. I really hope this is a massive success, and you release more than just 4 colors
I own a couple islander watches And love them. I also own watches that have the University of Florida logo and University name on them with colors. I am not sure how your watches could compete with those. Thank you for a great product Marc. Best of luck on your endeavors.
I like this idea. My thought actually was for Bertucchi to do pro team colors with their composite cases and contrasting dials but this would be great as well.
I have no desire to have a watch with my old school colours, but I would think about one emblazoned with Black & Red, which are the official colours of the football team I support here in OZ. 👍
Not crazy! Just keep the quality and you'll nail it! My schools are orange/blue, garnet/grey, and blue/red/gold. So many classics. Good luck, Marc et al.!
I would buy a orange and green one. I have the orange and green G-shock and I also have a green dial Rotary Super 7 that now has an orange strap. Both I bought because of my school colors. Great idea. Can't wait.
Love the idea, reminiscent of the Build My Watch series from 2(?) years ago. Love that LIW Under Armour gear better!! Haha open a swag store for branded gear, your staff gets the best stuff.
If one of the colors is going to be Tennessee volunteers orange, keep in mind, anybody that wants a nice watch in bright orange can easily purchase any bright orange diver. Plus, if you're not going to get the actual licensing, I'm not sure I see a viable purchase decision. But, I do think the quality you offer would be a real bonus to any officially licensed merchandise.
You can get around the logo issue by having a silhouette on the dial of landmarks on campus. Or, USC's motto is 'Fight On'. Can that be trademarked? Also, colors like Blue and Gold is the color scheme form many Universities. One color scheme can be marketed to dozens of schools.
A deep red/scarlet dial is a must, this would cover at least Alabama, NC State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Louisville, Cincinnati, Kansas, Arkansas, Georgia.... I am wondering what style; I don't think a dive watch with a numbered, rotating bezel would be the most attractive UNLESS it is needed for a second color. A style similar to an Omega AT Seamaster, Rolex OP or Explorer, Hamilton Khaki with a smooth or flat bezel, no sunburst dial effect. Offer it on a leather or silicone rubber strap, with an upcharge for an Oyster style bracelet. ⌚
The idea is good... Just be certain that that day/date numbers are visible given the colors of the digits and background color. I have an Islander Greenport 39mm Dive Watch with Sunburst Green Dial. The date/date print is so small and colors are so similar that it's impossible to read even under the best lighting circumstances.
Love this idea. I recently saw marketing by M.LaHart&Co with college branded Tag Heuers. But these were 1) expensive and 2) terrible not fun designs that weren't even in school colors. If you ever do maroon and gold, I'm in!
Maize and blue. Wolverines diehard here. I would jump at the chance to have a maize and blue Islander. Marc, I seriously think 4 will not be enough. The passion for college athletics is growing, and this season with the expanded playoff is only going to add fuel to that fire.
It’s a nice concept, though probably US specific. But the red concept you show looks very cool! Please make sure there is at least an option to have it without any mention of the college etc on the dial. That way people that just like the color scheme will also buy it.
Bummer, no green and white or black. Seems like that would have been a good color scheme choice. You have Michigan State, Marshall, Eastern University, etc. Would have been a better choice rather than green and yellow as it would have gone for more universities in my mind. Oh well! What do I know lol. Great new venture. Good luck!
I like this idea and voted for my alma mater but was surprised to not see a royal blue and white for schools like UK and Duke- def some intense fan bases there
I really don't think you can go wrong with this idea and totally see you expanding in the future to professional teams. Any thing sport related is $$$$$$$. It will be a win-win for people.. their favorite school colors and a great watch by Islander. Cheers Marc. I have full confidence in you. PS: I think the Islander logo would be somewhere on the dial though. Personally I would like to see that for sure.
I think for this to really take off, licensing from major schools will help. I’m much more likely to buy a quality Berkeley licensed watch than just a generic blue and yellow watch. That said, this will probably sell as is but it would sell very well with licensing and some partnership with alumni offices and/or college sports.
This is super rad! I know you already have the survey set, but if you haven't already I'd think about matching the pantone colors of the schools. Also, I assume these will be suggestions of the university, but have you looked into official licensing as well?
Love to help but Google is requiring me to sign in to be anonymous. Your red and white example is perfect for my alma mater. I'd go with just a V logo on the dial because other folks will love the color combinations and may not want the varsity wording. You've kept your own logos very clean. Best of success.
I think it’s a wonderful idea!!!! I see comments about actual logos and licensing fees and that’s also fine if the time comes to do that, but honestly the colors alone is what I would prefer.
I think this is a terrific idea. And the fact we get to have a say in it is even a better idea. Looking forward to what the people say and what the final watch looks like. Thanks!
Consider color combinations for armed services. Much larger consumer base and much larger loyalty. Military men and women tend to wear analog watches whereas a relatively lot of alum are wearing apple watches with their own customizable sschool colors. Also a great way to honor their service.
I think it would do well with small runs. No logo will be a no-go for many. Breitling did an Endurance Pro with college logos before. On the same idea - what about flieger pilot watches in airline colors?
I am an Ohio State alumni and am interested. Not sure who the "scarlet and grey" will look in a watch, but will definitely consider. Looking forward to it!
I’m not a college sports fan, but I’m an Islander fan, and this is a fantastic idea from a business point of view. I’m just interested how these will be sold/marketed? Like say you do Penn State, does that mean you’re trying to sell in Penn State book stores? Is there any copyright concerns?
Maroon and gold are my school colors as well (Texas State) with a substantial alumi base. I would get three of them for myself and my daughter and son in law.
My kid really wanted to go to Cooper Union! He ended up at University of California (UCSB) and will definitely be interested in a blue and gold watch. There are many UC graduates out there…
It’s an interesting idea. However, a varsity watch is of interest if it has the logo of the university. Otherwise, it comes across to me as just another watch with colour scheme. You might be able to do the same thing if this works for you with sports teams. I hope it works out for you. I’m not sure what it would cost you to have the logo licensed from the university but to me it would be worth an additional $50-$100 on top of the cost of the watch just because it would have more meaning
Marc, certain color combinations like the red and white, gold and green, will apply to numerous universities as well as NFL sports teams sans trademark logos!
I'm buying red and white Ceramic bezel ....yes Keep date windows at six Keep numbers off dial No no never cyclops Solid quartz movement You can't scare me away with funky colors Go 40 mm and the ladies will grabbing them up
It's a good idea, I'd want one in my university colors but my university is too small to license to a good watch company. I voted for the blue and gold that most closely matches what I'd want. Even if it doesn't get into production in the first batch it could some day.
Hmm, my Swedish friend wears yellow and blue NATOs. Making the watch itself appeal to a target group based on its color scheme is clever. Do graduates still get watches as gifts? Like someone else said, I believe using only the colors of the school without the school logo would appeal to people who like the colors for other reasons than a scholastic connection. I wish you success with this project!
Most or all students I pick up from colleges like ucla or usc wear Apple Watches. I don’t really see it working but hey it’s my opinion. I would say maybe a graduation gift maybe like class of 2025 or something like that might work as something they can put on after school. Good luck Mark you know what to do.
Wondering if this is better pitched at alumni rather than current students? Money / Smart Watch Competition / Wanting to be different are all student factors I think. Might work for the athletics crowd of current students. G-Shock style for athletes etc. Alumni might find a more premium yet subtle reminder of their time at Uni more appealing than current students? Dial options or hand options with mascots on please 🤩
Many of those colors combinations will match basketball baseball and football teams... Which may be another source of interest in addition to colleges! This could be big!
Not to burst your bubble, but at least two companies do or have done this. Axia, and I believe Jack Mason does it or did at one time. Also, Nike's done it before. Good idea, just not sure if it has legs. 🤷♂️
If you take a look at Invicta, they fo something similar with a varsity team line. At first, it sounds promising on paper, but in practice, the watches looks like a cheap souvenir watch, imo. That said, take care to make samples, and tread carefully with production.
I think for the purple and gold, you could do a special edition for the college world series where the hand set is baseball bats and all the indices are jello shots... lol
Marc, you already use the light blue of the great school of UNC - Univ. of North Carolina, and I know you like blue, haha. if i have one suggestion (actually i have many but who cares what i think): i own a number of your watches and would like to move away from Seiko movements. even the 900x Miyota is a nice step up. just a thought. looking forward to see how this project develops.
I met Ryan when he came to Vancouver Canada for a watch meet up. Really nice guy that happens to be smart as a whip. 😊 oh yes and he’s kinda taller then I had expected 😮
Varsity is a solid idea. But since you invited other thoughts...I've been hoping for an Islander with the JFK case (200ft WR) including the onion-esque crown, miyota 9075 gmt, and awesome Islander design. Call it the "Port Washington" drawing inspiration from the original Pan Am Yankee Clipper base in Port Washington. The "Clipper" crews and passengers would require water resistance and travelers gmt. And, naturally, the elegant design of an Islander Watch while maintaing tool watch functionality and simplicity. I know, I know, I'm being "That guy." Thanks for all you do, Marc.
Jumping in to all this without some deeper market research, is certainly rolling the dice. Just because it sounds good in one's head does not guarantee any success. But hey, it's your money.
Great idea...let me suggest taking it a step further and use NFL, MLB, and NBA colors. OF COURSE you can not use the I.P., but you can use their colors. Chiefs or Royals colors and I am in for one of each!
The number one color, red, white, and blue. I think more schools in the state of Texas have that color than all other others. of course I live right next to SMU which I gotta go with the mustang
For a second I thought you were going to come out with an active resin watch band similar to G-Shock. I like the Varsity Watch idea too. That’s guaranteed sales. People are crazy about their alumni colors.
Definitely concentrate on a matching fabric strap to the Watch. I was thinking this before you mentioned it on the video. By fabric I mean durable nylon. As a Nato strap but make the strap as normal held by spring bars.
I am really excited to see where this goes. It blends two hobbies / passions for me - watches and sports. More importantly, I am appreciative of Marc’s willingness to listen and interest in the idea. What a class act! Hopefully, if we do this right, people will be able to look down at their wrist, have colors remind them of positive experiences from their past and inspire them to keep moving through their day. #YourTeam #YourTime
For party schools, like FSU or ASU, you can put 'beerproof' on the dial instead of 'waterproof'.
As long as the school logos are *NOT* on the watches, I think it will work. People like me who support smaller schools can only hope to find one who's colors match and a logo will ruin that. Also no licensing fees without logos _plus_ they will have a broader appeal for fans of professional teams, international teams, corporate colors, orgs, etcetera. And I really don't think 4 is going to be enough.
Yeah, no logos. . . yet.
Licensing is expensive.
@@islandwatchI’d say no logos at all, including “Varsity Watch” (which sounds like an adult movie title haha)
Can I make a suggestion, about this proposed Varsity watch line?
To really differentiate this from the Islander line ...
... have these watches use quartz movements.
Yes, I know that watch collectors and enthusiasts like automatic movements, but quartz does offer better accuracy and durability, and I think people are willing to pay for that.
Maybe an idea would be to leave some open space on the case back to use it to engrave (by the user) the team’s name, logo, or a message in case it is a gift to a son, friend, relative, etc. who attends or cheers for that school.
I was thinking more for the buyer to do it if s/he wanted to. I don’t think Mark wants to add the team name or logo as that would kick in trademarks… but a user can do whatever it wants with the watch 🙄
Marc, this is brilliant. I already voted. Blue and orange - Syracuse, Florida, Auburn, Illinois, Boise State, Virginia, UTSA, Houston Baptist, UT Arlington, Savannah State, Morgan State, Pepperdine, Cal State Fullerton, Bucknell, UC Berkeley. Various conferences, east to west, north to south, public and private, large and small. C’mon now!
I think most people who would buy these are sports fans, not so much watch enthusiasts so I recommend quartz movements to keep the price down and pull in the casuals who don’t own watch winders.
Holy Cross purple and white! Of course it is a small school but it has a ridiculously loyal alumni body, and purple is a hot and popular color!
University of Tennessee here, we will buy literally anything orange and white. Anything. Varsity Watch sounds like someone you also buy your class ring from though. Spirit Watch sounds much better.
Rather than a new brand, better be a collection within the brand, perhaps the logo could be varsity, but the back still long island. Like Seiko black edition that could spanning of any models of Seiko line.
Great idea Marc. This nintey old watch collector would love to see the orange and black of the Colorado Buffalos on my wrist.
2 major passions of mine (college football + watches) and I've thought of this idea in the past. There's no competitor in the affordable automatic "college" watch segment, only extremely cheap quartz models or much more expensive Breitling Endurance Pro's (with a few college logos).
This is an incredible idea.
That red and white looks great to this Badger alum!
I was stunned when I learned that Cooper Union had begun charging tuition. What a lost opportunity for those who most need it.
Very sad
Marc, I love the idea. Good luck with the venture! As a fellow CU grad (EE '95), I love seeing other Cooper grads succeed. BTW, I recently received my Northport ISL-195 and a BRAC-50 and love it. That combination is eye-catching and I have received numerous compliments on it. I can't believe the quality for the price. It is exceptional.
Very nice idea, I think it will work. I've made my choice, good luck guys.
The University of Michigan , Maize (Yellow) and Blue (Navy) would definitely be a big seller, due to its large student body and massive alumni. Your creative team can assemble an aesthetically pleasing watch that would be loved, and enjoyed for many years to come , as it does with your array of Islander watches that you currently produce.!
I definitely think this way. Bought a black and gold kamasu when Purdue went to the national championship this year, and I'm always on the lookout for a purple and orange model to rep Clemson. I think it's a great idea.
How do you get an Ohio State graduate off of your porch? Pay him for the pizza.
I was just gonna say OSU
LOLOL
Hilarious!
*THE*
My last pizza delivery guy was a U of MI grad! 😂😂😂
Great idea, Mark. I don't like "branded" watches (ala Invicta) but I would love a color-scheme watch that fits my alma mater.
great, thank you
Hi Mark, I graduated from NYU and I like watches. However I would not buy an NYU watch or a sports team watch. But I do think it is a good idea. Many people would buy them. Not me but many people would. Good luck with this business.
I think it is a great idea. Only change that I would consider is adding 1 color of their away game jerseys, for a total of 3 colors. It would add interest and not look like the opposing teams home colors, when your team is playing away game. Of course, this may only work, if you have only 4 specific teams in mind
I love UGA, and Red/Black are the colors or my DAWGS. I will 100% be buying that watch if you release it. This is a great idea. The Red/white looks great. I’m sure Ohio State fans would love it.
I really hope this is a massive success, and you release more than just 4 colors
I own a couple islander watches And love them. I also own watches that have the University of Florida logo and University name on them with colors. I am not sure how your watches could compete with those. Thank you for a great product Marc. Best of luck on your endeavors.
I like this idea. My thought actually was for Bertucchi to do pro team colors with their composite cases and contrasting dials but this would be great as well.
I have no desire to have a watch with my old school colours, but I would think about one emblazoned with Black & Red, which are the official colours of the football team I support here in OZ. 👍
Not crazy! Just keep the quality and you'll nail it! My schools are orange/blue, garnet/grey, and blue/red/gold. So many classics. Good luck, Marc et al.!
I actually really love this idea, I know so many UGA grads that are obsessed with UGA merch and would totally get it.
Cooper union is something to be proud of.
Thanks. I am, but I don't talk about it much.
Great idea coming from the uk no idea of college colours but do like colours in watches. Good luck Ryan and Mark
I would buy a orange and green one. I have the orange and green G-shock and I also have a green dial Rotary Super 7 that now has an orange strap. Both I bought because of my school colors. Great idea. Can't wait.
Great idea for a new watch project. Hope to see the Nittany Navy Blue and White of Penn State make the cut!
Me too, actually. LOL.
@@islandwatch cannot wait to see what the final version looks like!
Ya maybe put Sandusky on the case back.
Bunch of child molesters over there.
Love the idea, reminiscent of the Build My Watch series from 2(?) years ago.
Love that LIW Under Armour gear better!! Haha open a swag store for branded gear, your staff gets the best stuff.
My choice is red, gold and white. Mainly because the Kansas City Chiefs have those colors. In other words, NFL teams would be a good way to go too.
Super cool!! SDSU black and red PLEASE!
If one of the colors is going to be Tennessee volunteers orange, keep in mind, anybody that wants a nice watch in bright orange can easily purchase any bright orange diver. Plus, if you're not going to get the actual licensing, I'm not sure I see a viable purchase decision. But, I do think the quality you offer would be a real bonus to any officially licensed merchandise.
Love a number of the color combos, almost impossible to pick one!
You can get around the logo issue by having a silhouette on the dial of landmarks on campus. Or, USC's motto is 'Fight On'. Can that be trademarked? Also, colors like Blue and Gold is the color scheme form many Universities. One color scheme can be marketed to dozens of schools.
A deep red/scarlet dial is a must, this would cover at least Alabama, NC State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Louisville, Cincinnati, Kansas, Arkansas, Georgia....
I am wondering what style; I don't think a dive watch with a numbered, rotating bezel would be the most attractive UNLESS it is needed for a second color.
A style similar to an Omega AT Seamaster, Rolex OP or Explorer, Hamilton Khaki with a smooth or flat bezel, no sunburst dial effect. Offer it on a leather or silicone rubber strap, with an upcharge for an Oyster style bracelet. ⌚
I like the idea, colours and logo,
The idea is good... Just be certain that that day/date numbers are visible given the colors of the digits and background color. I have an Islander Greenport 39mm Dive Watch with Sunburst Green Dial. The date/date print is so small and colors are so similar that it's impossible to read even under the best lighting circumstances.
Love this idea. I recently saw marketing by M.LaHart&Co with college branded Tag Heuers. But these were 1) expensive and 2) terrible not fun designs that weren't even in school colors. If you ever do maroon and gold, I'm in!
Been out of college for a long time so not personally interested but sounds like a good idea, good luck sit.
Maize and blue. Wolverines diehard here. I would jump at the chance to have a maize and blue Islander. Marc, I seriously think 4 will not be enough. The passion for college athletics is growing, and this season with the expanded playoff is only going to add fuel to that fire.
No UNC colour scheme, I'm not an alum but that would be a huge seller. Granted, light blue and white isn't the easiest to work with.
It’s a nice concept, though probably US specific. But the red concept you show looks very cool! Please make sure there is at least an option to have it without any mention of the college etc on the dial. That way people that just like the color scheme will also buy it.
Bummer, no green and white or black. Seems like that would have been a good color scheme choice. You have Michigan State, Marshall, Eastern University, etc. Would have been a better choice rather than green and yellow as it would have gone for more universities in my mind. Oh well! What do I know lol. Great new venture. Good luck!
I like this idea and voted for my alma mater but was surprised to not see a royal blue and white for schools like UK and Duke- def some intense fan bases there
I really don't think you can go wrong with this idea and totally see you expanding in the future to professional teams. Any thing sport related is $$$$$$$. It will be a win-win for people.. their favorite school colors and a great watch by Islander. Cheers Marc. I have full confidence in you. PS: I think the Islander logo would be somewhere on the dial though. Personally I would like to see that for sure.
As long as my school colors are included in the final pic, I think this will be a winner! 😊
I think for this to really take off, licensing from major schools will help. I’m much more likely to buy a quality Berkeley licensed watch than just a generic blue and yellow watch. That said, this will probably sell as is but it would sell very well with licensing and some partnership with alumni offices and/or college sports.
This is super rad!
I know you already have the survey set, but if you haven't already I'd think about matching the pantone colors of the schools.
Also, I assume these will be suggestions of the university, but have you looked into official licensing as well?
Best of luck in your new endeavor.
Love to help but Google is requiring me to sign in to be anonymous. Your red and white example is perfect for my alma mater. I'd go with just a V logo on the dial because other folks will love the color combinations and may not want the varsity wording. You've kept your own logos very clean. Best of success.
UW here... having purple and gold make it is awesome!
I think it’s a wonderful idea!!!! I see comments about actual logos and licensing fees and that’s also fine if the time comes to do that, but honestly the colors alone is what I would prefer.
I think this is a terrific idea. And the fact we get to have a say in it is even a better idea. Looking forward to what the people say and what the final watch looks like. Thanks!
Thanks!
Consider color combinations for armed services. Much larger consumer base and much larger loyalty. Military men and women tend to wear analog watches whereas a relatively lot of alum are wearing apple watches with their own customizable sschool colors. Also a great way to honor their service.
I think it would do well with small runs. No logo will be a no-go for many. Breitling did an Endurance Pro with college logos before.
On the same idea - what about flieger pilot watches in airline colors?
I am an Ohio State alumni and am interested. Not sure who the "scarlet and grey" will look in a watch, but will definitely consider. Looking forward to it!
I’m not a college sports fan, but I’m an Islander fan, and this is a fantastic idea from a business point of view. I’m just interested how these will be sold/marketed? Like say you do Penn State, does that mean you’re trying to sell in Penn State book stores? Is there any copyright concerns?
Great idea and go Buckeyes!
Maroon and gold are my school colors as well (Texas State) with a substantial alumi base. I would get three of them for myself and my daughter and son in law.
My kid really wanted to go to Cooper Union! He ended up at University of California (UCSB) and will definitely be interested in a blue and gold watch. There are many UC graduates out there…
Great idea I’m a USC (Southern California) alum and have been looking for a watch that matches our colors - (red and yellow)
I love this idea Marc, LOVE IT
Good luck with this fun project.
I would be in the market for some tweaked, refreshed classic designs, more simple design wise, running Miyota 9xxx movements.
It’s an interesting idea. However, a varsity watch is of interest if it has the logo of the university. Otherwise, it comes across to me as just another watch with colour scheme. You might be able to do the same thing if this works for you with sports teams. I hope it works out for you. I’m not sure what it would cost you to have the logo licensed from the university but to me it would be worth an additional $50-$100 on top of the cost of the watch just because it would have more meaning
I’d get a red and white for sure! My alum here in Australia, Griffith University, is red and white ❤🤍
Marc, certain color combinations like the red and white, gold and green, will apply to numerous universities as well as NFL sports teams sans trademark logos!
I'm buying red and white
Ceramic bezel ....yes
Keep date windows at six
Keep numbers off dial
No no never cyclops
Solid quartz movement
You can't scare me away with funky colors
Go 40 mm and the ladies will grabbing them up
It's a good idea, I'd want one in my university colors but my university is too small to license to a good watch company. I voted for the blue and gold that most closely matches what I'd want. Even if it doesn't get into production in the first batch it could some day.
Awesome idea!
Great idea. 🎉
If you want to sell to college students, you may want to look into composite cases and quartz movements for affordability and possibly greater sales.
Hmm, my Swedish friend wears yellow and blue NATOs. Making the watch itself appeal to a target group based on its color scheme is clever. Do graduates still get watches as gifts? Like someone else said, I believe using only the colors of the school without the school logo would appeal to people who like the colors for other reasons than a scholastic connection. I wish you success with this project!
Most or all students I pick up from colleges like ucla or usc wear Apple Watches. I don’t really see it working but hey it’s my opinion. I would say maybe a graduation gift maybe like class of 2025 or something like that might work as something they can put on after school. Good luck Mark you know what to do.
Wondering if this is better pitched at alumni rather than current students? Money / Smart Watch Competition / Wanting to be different are all student factors I think. Might work for the athletics crowd of current students. G-Shock style for athletes etc. Alumni might find a more premium yet subtle reminder of their time at Uni more appealing than current students?
Dial options or hand options with mascots on please 🤩
Many of those colors combinations will match basketball baseball and football teams... Which may be another source of interest in addition to colleges! This could be big!
Not to burst your bubble, but at least two companies do or have done this.
Axia, and I believe Jack Mason does it or did at one time. Also, Nike's done it before.
Good idea, just not sure if it has legs. 🤷♂️
If you take a look at Invicta, they fo something similar with a varsity team line. At first, it sounds promising on paper, but in practice, the watches looks like a cheap souvenir watch, imo. That said, take care to make samples, and tread carefully with production.
I think for the purple and gold, you could do a special edition for the college world series where the hand set is baseball bats and all the indices are jello shots... lol
Marc, you already use the light blue of the great school of UNC - Univ. of North Carolina, and I know you like blue, haha. if i have one suggestion (actually i have many but who cares what i think): i own a number of your watches and would like to move away from Seiko movements. even the 900x Miyota is a nice step up. just a thought. looking forward to see how this project develops.
Good idea.
I met Ryan when he came to Vancouver Canada for a watch meet up. Really nice guy that happens to be smart as a whip. 😊 oh yes and he’s kinda taller then I had expected 😮
What a great idea Ryan! I only voted for LSU bc I think it would be more popular than USM but #SMTTT!
Go Hawks! U of Iowa Black and Gold. A lot of alums that spend a lot of money. I personally would like to know what's inside and sizes...
Varsity is a solid idea. But since you invited other thoughts...I've been hoping for an Islander with the JFK case (200ft WR) including the onion-esque crown, miyota 9075 gmt, and awesome Islander design. Call it the "Port Washington" drawing inspiration from the original Pan Am Yankee Clipper base in Port Washington. The "Clipper" crews and passengers would require water resistance and travelers gmt. And, naturally, the elegant design of an Islander Watch while maintaing tool watch functionality and simplicity. I know, I know, I'm being "That guy." Thanks for all you do, Marc.
Seems like something that should’ve been done by now. Cool idea
Super cool idea! I went to LSU, and I was super excited to see a purple and gold option! Best of luck!
Jumping in to all this without some deeper market research, is certainly rolling the dice. Just because it sounds good in one's head does not guarantee any success. But hey, it's your money.
Cool idea.
Great idea...let me suggest taking it a step further and use NFL, MLB, and NBA colors. OF COURSE you can not use the I.P., but you can use their colors. Chiefs or Royals colors and I am in for one of each!
Yup, thank you!
Maroon and gold. Norwich university. Roll Wick !!
The number one color, red, white, and blue. I think more schools in the state of Texas have that color than all other others. of course I live right next to SMU which I gotta go with the mustang
Love SMU but I’ve gotta go with burnt orange and white! 🤘
For a second I thought you were going to come out with an active resin watch band similar to G-Shock. I like the Varsity Watch idea too. That’s guaranteed sales. People are crazy about their alumni colors.
Good idea; maybe start with 6 or 8 color schemes?
Definitely concentrate on a matching fabric strap to the Watch. I was thinking this before you mentioned it on the video. By fabric I mean durable nylon. As a Nato strap but make the strap as normal held by spring bars.
Timex is already doing it. Might run into legal issues very quickly.
Let's go Penn State blue and white!!!