Introducing Watch Gecko - Our Newest Retail Partner

Please join us in welcomingWatch Gecko to our circle of NTH retail partners! Founder and owner, Jonathan Quinn, is our latest retail partner, helping NTH to serve locally in the UK, as well as shipping out to North America, Australia, Asia and Europe!

What began as a small online eBay shop selling replacement watch straps in 2010 has expanded to grow into a thriving independent e-commerce store. Watch Gecko creates and designs their own high-quality replacement straps that sell alongside a selection of watches from hand-picked watch brands. From mesh metal straps to sport leather straps, seat belt NATO straps, and more, they’ve got whatever you’re looking for.

We got the chance to catch up with Jon recently to get to know a bit more about Watch Gecko. This is what he had to say.

What made you want to open an online watch boutique?

We have been selling replacement watch straps online since 2010. I was an engineer originally but got fed up and wanted a change. I have always been interested in watches and saw an opportunity to turn a hobby into a business and decided to give it a go. Selling watches alongside the straps now feels like a natural progression.

How do you decide which brands you want to carry?

We don’t want to sell every possible brand. It’s the same attitude with the watch straps, we only stock styles and products that we really believe in. With the straps, we are selling our own range of products which is great as we can do whatever we like and are not restricted by, or are answerable to a brand owner. The watches are different though, we have chosen a small number of brands, less than 10, that we want to stock and that we feel will work well alongside each other.  

What’s your “grail” watch? And why?

I’m not sure. I have an Explorer 1 and as anyone who knows me will tell you as far as I am concerned - it’s the best watch there is. But aside from that, for something quite different, I like Lange and would also go for an older Daytona. A Nautilus would be a nice addition, too, I suppose.

Tell us an interesting fact about your business.

I started the business as a hobby in my spare time. I would sit in front of the TV with my family in the evenings and pack up that day’s orders, then drop them off at the post box on my way to work in the morning. We now have a full time team of 5 people that pack the orders up every day.

What buying trends are you seeing internationally?

In relation to the product, I think it’s the same as it’s been for a long time, our customers want something that’s made in small numbers, they prefer mechanical watches and value good online content. Fast shipping is important too so we send all international orders out by express courier now.