Detroit Watch Co. Watches

Detroit Watch Company

Detroit Watch Company proves that American-made doesn’t have to mean oversized or overdone. This husband-and-wife-run brand blends European design cues with

Detroit grit, turning out small-batch watches that feel personal, purposeful, and refreshingly well-proportioned.

If you want something under-the-radar but thoughtfully executed — this is a brand worth knowing.

A Little History

Founded in 2013 by Patrick and Amy Ayoub, Detroit Watch Company started with a simple mission: build elegant mechanical watches with design integrity

assembled in the U.S., and rooted in the soul of Detroit.

Patrick, a former auto industry designer, brings the same clean-line aesthetics and proportion-driven instincts to watchmaking. The watches aren’t trying to mimic vintage

American tool watches — instead, they lean into dressy-casual modernism with nods to Detroit’s architectural and cultural history.

Every model is assembled and tested in Detroit, often in limited numbered runs of 50–150 pieces, using Swiss automatic movements and custom dial work.

What Collectors Love

Detroit Watch Co. pieces are wearable, clean, and considered — with thoughtful typography, crisp printing, and real attention to detail.

Popular models include:

  • Ponte Vecchio — their signature dress piece: 39mm, minimal dial, slim lugs, very European

  • M1-Woodward Chronograph — 42mm auto chrono with strong wrist presence and a nod to Detroit’s famous boulevard

  • Avenue Series — includes the L’Horloge, with stylized Arabic numerals, moonphase variants, and Art Deco casework

  • 33mm and 39mm Ladies Models — well-designed, not just shrink-and-pink versions

Common traits:

  • Miyota or Sellita movements, depending on the piece

  • Domed sapphire crystals

  • Applied markers, luminous hands, and detailed chapter rings

  • Custom caseback engravings often referencing Detroit architecture or automotive heritage

Why Detroit Watch Company Deserves a Spot

Because it’s one of the few true microbrands doing original design — not just parts-catalog mashups or logo-swapped field watches.

The dials are distinctive. The typography is custom. And the watches feel like they were made with intention, not rushed out to ride a trend. You get a little European flair

a lot of Detroit pride, and strong everyday wearability — especially in the 39–42mm sweet spot.

Plus, they’re assembled stateside, with customer service that feels like you’re talking to the people who actually built your watch (because you are).

What’s Out There Now

DWC’s catalog rotates with small-batch drops, but generally includes:

  • Ponte Vecchio and 1701 Series — dress/casual pieces in 39mm

  • M1-Woodward Chronograph — Sellita-powered auto chronograph, 42mm

  • L’Horloge / Gotham — stylized dress watches with big numerals or moonphases

  • Limited Editions — often with color tweaks, new caseback artwork, or special numerals

Pricing ranges from $895 to $2,500, depending on movement and model. Pre-owned pieces are rare due to the low production numbers — but when they show up, they tend to sell quickly.

Fed’s Take

Detroit Watch Company is one of those quiet winners in the indie space.

Every DWC I’ve handled has felt solid, refined, and well-thought-out. The Ponte Vecchio wears like a budget-friendly Nomos alternative. The M1-Woodward chrono has

legit presence. And the dials — especially on the Avenue series — have design depth most microbrands don’t touch.

If you want a well-made, good-looking watch with personality and real design DNA, DWC delivers — no hype required.

Check Out Our Detroit Watch Co. Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Detroit Watch Co. pieces — especially Ponte Vecchio, M1-Woodward Chronograph, and limited Avenue Series models.

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