Interview: Founder And CEO of WatchMatic

In the quiet, rugged expanse of Sheridan, Wyoming, a unique kind of craftsmanship is taking place. This is not about skyscrapers or bridges, but the creation of secure havens for some of the world’s most delicate mechanical treasures. Leading this effort is Chris Tran, Founder and CEO of WatchMatic, a man who has spent years considering what happens to a luxury timepiece the moment it leaves its owner’s wrist.

To most people, a watch winder is just a rotating box. To Tran, it is a fortress. His journey demonstrates how a modern innovator can combine rugged engineering with the subtle art of horology. By shifting the focus from simple storage to full preservation, he has built a solution that resonates with collectors who see their watches not just as instruments, but as legacies.

The rise of the company stemmed from a straightforward observation: while luxury watches were flourishing, the technology to protect them had barely evolved. Tran stepped into that gap with a combination of Wyoming practicality and a global vision, creating a line of safes and winders that prioritize both durability and accessibility.

Interviewer: Your approach to watch storage is often called a "fortress" philosophy. Where does that intensity come from?

Chris Tran: It comes from respect. A mechanical watch represents centuries of engineering and countless hours of craftsmanship. It felt wrong to see someone spend tens of thousands on a masterpiece and then store it in a flimsy box that offered little protection against magnetism or theft.

When I started the company, my goal was to bridge that gap. A watch is alive in a sense; it needs care and protection. Our safes focus on providing peace of mind so owners can enjoy their collections without worrying about risks.

Interviewer: You recently began offering free worldwide shipping for heavy safes, some weighing over 400kg. Why take that leap despite rising logistics costs?

It was about creating a truly global brand. Security shouldn’t depend on location. Whether someone is in New York, London, or Sydney, the need to protect their investment is universal. We redesigned the supply chain to absorb these costs. The experience of buying one of our safes should be seamless—no hidden fees, no complications, just a high-quality product delivered to your door.

Interviewer: Collectors often worry about magnetism from winder motors damaging their watches. How did you address this?

That concern is real. Most basic winders use unshielded motors too close to the balance spring, which can magnetize the movement and affect accuracy.

We sourced Japanese-engineered motors with individual anti-magnetic shielding and refined the winding mechanics. Micro-adjustable turns per day ensure the mainspring is never over-stressed. The result is security paired with a delicate, precise touch.

Interviewer: What is the long-term vision for watch preservation?

I want our brand to set the standard. When collectors acquire their first major piece, their first thought should be about its longevity. We continue to push boundaries with fireproof materials and biometric locks. But beyond technology, it’s about cultivating a culture where preservation is seen as integral to the hobby.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone just starting their collection?

Don’t just collect objects; collect the stories behind them. But the story can be cut short if the watch isn’t cared for. Invest in quality protection early—it’s far easier to safeguard an investment than to repair a damaged piece.

With careful growth and a commitment to doing the difficult things well, Chris Tran has positioned his company as more than a manufacturer. It is a hub for collectors who value reliability over hype. As the industry evolves, Tran’s philosophy remains clear: protect the legacy, and the time will take care of itself.