HOW HZ WATCHES IS CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO
It might seem audacious to stake your claim with quartz in a world enamoured with mechanical artistry, where sweeping second hands are revered and automatic movements hold sway. Yet for Matt Zillmann, founder of HZ Watches, the humble tick of quartz represents not just precision but possibility. This approach challenges the norms of a community deeply rooted in tradition, proving that innovation doesn’t always mean breaking away from the past—it can mean reinterpreting it.
From Melbourne’s burgeoning micro-brand scene, Matt is quietly revolutionising horology with designs that are as personal as practical. His timepieces embrace the simplicity of quartz but with an artistry that elevates their appeal. They cater not just to the seasoned collector with a wrist heavy with automatics but also to the curious newcomer eager for a first foray into the world of watches. “There’s something freeing about quartz,” Matt explains. “It’s not about competing with mechanical watches—it’s about offering something different that fits seamlessly into modern life.”
Matt’s story is about passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to the community that inspired him to create. What began as a personal quest to fill a gap in his collection evolved into a brand with a broader mission: to resonate with collectors and newcomers alike. Quartz watches are more than watches; it’s about building relationships, sharing stories, and celebrating a love for the craft that transcends trends and time. For Matt, a quartz watch isn’t just ticking—it’s pulsing with potential.
PASSION MEETS PRACTICALITY
“It’s a bit embarrassing as a watch collector to have watches that don’t show the correct time,” Matt chuckles, recounting when he decided to design his watch. As a seasoned collector with over 80 timepieces, he longed for a dependable quartz watch—one he could throw on without the fuss of winding or resetting.
This was no ordinary impulse decision. Matt’s journey into watchmaking began long before HZ Watches launched in early 2024. “I’ve always been fascinated by watches,” he says. “I started as a broke university student, collecting Seikos for their incredible value.” What began as an exploration of affordable pieces soon turned into a thriving side hustle. He learned to disassemble, modify, and customise watches, creating bespoke designs for friends and eventually for a small but devoted clientele.
That passion and hands-on experience prepared him to create his own brand. “HZ Watches wasn’t born from a business idea,” Matt explains. “It was about making something I wanted to wear—something practical and beautiful.”
A COLLECTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Matt’s design philosophy is simple: he creates what he would want to wear. “It’s about filling gaps in my collection,” he says. This personal approach resonates with collectors who share similar frustrations and desires.
The brand’s debut model, the HZ.01, is a testament to this ethos—a sleek quartz timepiece with subtle vintage cues designed for ease and elegance.
One standout feature of HZ Watches is the medallion-adorned case back. Inspired by vintage watch design, Matt wanted to celebrate quartz timelessly.
“We worked with green resin to mimic the look of old enamel casebacks,” he explains. The result is a nostalgic and innovative detail—a hallmark of HZ Watches’ aesthetic.
Beyond aesthetics, Matt emphasises accessibility. “I want these watches to be for everyone,” he says. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or buying your first timepiece, HZ Watches aims to provide value, reliability, and charm.
COMMUNITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Melbourne has quietly become a hub for independent watchmaking, and Matt believes its culture plays a pivotal role in HZ Watches’ success. “There’s something special happening here,” he says. “The people are passionate, well-informed, and value craftsmanship over status.”
Contrast that with Sydney, where he describes the watch culture as more status-driven. “In Sydney, people buy brands; in Melbourne, people buy watches,” Matt observes. This nuanced appreciation has fostered a vibrant community of collectors and creators united by their love of horology.
Events like Wristwatch Check exemplify this spirit, offering micro-brands a platform to connect directly with collectors. “It’s a chance to show people what we’re about,” Matt says. “There’s something powerful about holding a watch, seeing the details up close, and sharing the story behind it.”
THE CROWDED MARKET
The world of watches is not for the faint-hearted. From established giants like Rolex to an ever-growing pool of micro-brands, the competition is fierce. Yet Matt remains undeterred. “It’s not about outcompeting Rolex,” he says. “It’s about offering something new and personal.”
Innovation is key, but it doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. “We experiment with materials, designs, and techniques,” Matt explains. “Even if something doesn’t work, you’ve learned from it.” For HZ Watches, creativity is in the details—like the vintage-inspired medallion case back or the brand’s commitment to celebrating quartz in a sea of mechanical dominance.
Customer connection is another area where micro-brands have an edge. “Every email comes directly to me,” Matt says. “People value that personal touch, and I love connecting with the community.”
THE FUTURE OF HZ WATCHES
As HZ Watches grows, Matt’s vision remains focused on the essentials: creating watches he’s proud of and building a brand that resonates.
“Success, for me, is doing what I love daily,” he says. He’s steadily working towards leaving his day job to focus on HZ Watches full-time, and with each new model, he’s getting closer.
Looking ahead, he’s excited about the potential for innovation within the brand.
“We’ve got some exciting designs and concepts in the pipeline,” he teases. But for now, he focuses on perfecting the fundamentals—quality, creativity, and connection.
WHY IT’S PERSONAL
HZ Watches isn’t just about timepieces; it’s about storytelling. Every watch carries a piece of that journey from the brand’s origins in Matt’s collection to its growing presence in Melbourne’s horological scene.
“Watches are about more than telling time,” Matt says. “They’re about who you are and what matters to you.”
For collectors, the appeal of HZ Watches lies in its authenticity. It’s not a brand born from marketing strategies or corporate agendas—it’s the passion project of a watch lover who understands the thrill of finding the perfect piece. And for newcomers, it offers an accessible entry point into a world that often feels intimidating.
HZ Watches proves that in a market dominated by giants, there’s still room for the personal, the practical, and the beautifully simple.
