Susan Galvin’s Loimu Collection captures the mesmerising dance of the Northern Lights, a phenomenon that transcends nature. Growing up in Finland, Susan often gazed at the vibrant auroras illuminating the winter sky. “The Northern Lights were a huge part of my childhood,” she reflects. “Their magical beauty stayed with me, and I wanted to capture that vibrancy in my watches.”
The Loimu, which means “glow” in Finnish, is a watch that transforms this extraordinary natural spectacle into wearable art. Its guilloché-style dials shimmer like the auroras, with intricate textures evoking dynamic light waves. Vivid gradients of colour—deep greens, radiant purples, and icy blues—mimic the ever-shifting hues of the northern sky. “It’s about bringing the vividness and magic of those lights into a design that people can wear every day,” Susan explains.
The effect is both captivating and deeply personal, reflecting the beauty of the aurora and Susan’s connection to her homeland. The watch’s design mirrors the balance of boldness and serenity in nature, offering a piece that feels alive with light and movement.
THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT
Susan’s journey to delivering such high standards in her craft is rooted in her background as a professional watchmaker. Her training at the Finnish School of Watchmaking laid the groundwork, while her tenure at Omega and TAG Heuer refined her meticulous approach to quality control. “Working with chronometers taught me the importance of precision,” she explains. “Everything—from the movements to the smallest components—has to meet rigorous standards.”
This attention to detail is evident in every Galvin watch. Susan’s decision to use Miyota premium movements reflects her commitment to reliability and affordability. “I wanted to create an entry-level luxury watch that doesn’t compromise on quality,” she says. Balancing these elements is no small feat, yet Susan consistently achieves it through experience and dedication.
Her customers’ satisfaction is paramount. “The best customer service is a great product,” she states simply. This philosophy has earned her a loyal following, and buyers appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into every piece.
EMBRACING SIMPLICITY
Scandinavian minimalism lies at the heart of Susan’s designs. It’s a style that values function and form in equal measure, stripping away excess to reveal the beauty in simplicity. Yet, as Susan points out, minimalism doesn’t mean plainness. “I’ve always been drawn to minimalist designs with a twist—something unique that catches the eye,” she says.
This philosophy is exemplified in her first collection, the Alku (Finnish for “beginning”). The Alku set the tone for Galvin Watch Company’s aesthetic with domed dials, clean lines, and subtle details. Over time, Susan introduced bolder colours and more intricate textures, elevating her minimalist approach while staying true to its principles.
The Loimu continues this evolution. By integrating vivid gradients and dynamic patterns, Susan balances tradition and innovation. “I wanted to honour the classic elements of watchmaking while adding something fresh and contemporary,” she explains.
A PIONEER IN HOROLOGY
Susan’s achievements are a testament to her skill and determination in an industry dominated by men. She offers a unique perspective as one of the few female watchmakers designing and assembling her collections. “Being a female watchmaker can draw attention, but my goal has always been to create watches that speak to everyone,” she says.
Susan’s approach is inherently inclusive. Her designs are not gender-specific, and she considers wearability for all when crafting each piece. “I think about what I would wear and what my husband would wear,” she says. This versatility has broadened her appeal, attracting collectors who appreciate her thoughtful approach.
Her journey into horology began at a young age. Susan recalls her time at the Finnish School of Watchmaking, where she designed her first watch as part of a graduation project. This formative experience ignited a passion that has guided her ever since. Years later, she turned that passion into reality during the pandemic by launching the Galvin Watch Company.
“It’s something I’d always dreamed of doing,” she reflects. “The timing wasn’t ideal, but it gave me the push I needed to start.”
IT’S NOT A SPRINT
Susan’s philosophy of “slow and steady” growth has shaped Galvin Watch Company’s trajectory. “It’s not a race; it’s a marathon,” she says. This approach allows her to maintain control over every aspect of her business, from design to assembly to customer service.
Her journey began modestly, with Susan assembling watches from her home in Sydney. Over time, she has expanded her operations while staying true to her values.
“My goal was to fully employ myself, and I’ve achieved that,” she says. Looking ahead, Susan aims to establish a more substantial presence in the US market, where demand for microbrand watches is growing.
“There’s so much potential in the US,” she notes. “I’m exploring partnerships to help me reach a wider audience.”
Despite the challenges of running a small business, Susan remains optimistic. Her success is built on perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
“Positive things are happening,” she says. “It’s all about moving forward, step by step.”
THE ROAD AHEAD
As Galvin Watch Company grows, Susan remains focused on her craft. She constantly explores new materials, refines her designs, and seeks innovative ways to tell stories through her watches. “Each collection represents a part of my journey,” she says. They’re deeply personal but also meant to connect with others.”
The Loimu exemplifies this connection. Its luminous dials and intricate textures invite wearers to carry a piece of the Northern Lights wherever they go. For Susan, this is the ultimate expression of her vision: creating meaningful and beautiful timepieces.
Susan’s story is one of resilience and creativity, a testament to what can be achieved with passion and determination. Her watches are not just tools for measuring time; they are works of art that capture moments, memories, and dreams. As she continues to innovate, one thing is clear: Susan Galvin is a name to watch in the world of horology.
