Handmade Horology: Watchmaker Crafts Timepieces By Hand

Watchmaker Love Hunter is eschewing modern technology, opting instead for a traditional, hands-on approach to crafting luxury timepieces. About five years ago, he began building his brand with the determination to manufacture the vast majority of watch components himself, using vintage machinery rather than computer-operated tools.

Hunter lists every wheel, screw, spring, and dial as being made in-house, with only minor exceptions like crystals and mainsprings sourced from American suppliers. His brand, Love Hunter Watches, is set to deliver its first model this month – a classic round watch with an Art Deco-inspired dial, available in titanium or gold.

These bespoke timepieces are priced between $50,000 and $115,000, with five preorders already secured. The workshop, located in a modest storefront, is equipped with about two dozen vintage machines, including lathes and gear cutters, operated by Hunter and his one employee, his son Mick.

Hunter's journey into watchmaking began in childhood, leading him to attend a vocational watchmaking school after working in sales at luxury retailers. He honed his skills at Breitling before dedicating himself to his own brand, self-financing the venture through sales of his personal watch collection.

His unique methods and dedication to traditional craftsmanship are precisely what attract collectors like Richard Duckett Jr., who finds Hunter's process compelling. Hunter, who identifies as a watchmaker rather than solely a Black watchmaker, aims for his horological skills and brand to be his primary recognition.