INSIDE THE WORLD OF BEAUFORT WATCHES
Watches are gateways to a world of deep personal meaning, craftsmanship, and even philosophy. Their appeal lies in the intricate interplay of history, design, and technology, often leading enthusiasts down paths they never anticipated. For Robert Kwok, the director of Beaufort Watches, the fascination with timepieces began in his youth and has blossomed into a career founded on personal desire and a creative urge to push boundaries.
“At 19, I found myself immersed in tech startups during university,” Robert recalls, reflecting on the origins of his journey into the watch industry. “But after several failed ventures, I pivoted, not only out of necessity but from a spark of passion—designing something personal, something that had no existing template.” This passion ignited when Robert, after designing user interfaces as a hobby, turned his attention to watches, an industry whose complexity was both challenging and inviting. It began, simply enough, with an attempt to find the perfect watch for himself.
WATCHES AND THE ART OF DESIGN
Beaufort’s journey is a story of blending old and new—a narrative that starts with Robert’s designs and ties them directly to the deep-rooted influence of vintage aesthetics, particularly the 1930s and 40s.
However, his approach was never about reproducing what had come before but infusing those classic elements with a modern twist. “Beaufort was named after the Bristol Beaufort bomber, a nod to my New Zealand roots,” Robert explains. “I wanted my designs to evoke the rich history of vintage timepieces, but with a fresh perspective.”
The first piece, the Aero Timer, was a product of that philosophy—an elegant blend of aviation heritage and the timeless appeal of mid-century design. But as Beaufort grew, so too did Robert’s approach.
“Each model looks to a different decade. For example, the Sea Tracker takes cues from the bold and unique designs of the 1970s yet retains that modern Beaufort edge.” The intersection of the past and future is not just an aesthetic choice; it reflects Robert’s ethos and the growing narrative of his brand.
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
For anyone who has ventured into watchmaking, the journey often feels like descending into a rabbit hole. For Robert, the complexity and depth of watch design have always been a source of both inspiration and occasional overwhelm. “It’s a rabbit hole, man,” he laughs. “When you get into it, you realise how deep the world of watches really goes.” Indeed, as any enthusiast will attest, what starts with an interest in a single timepiece can quickly unravel into an obsession with movements, materials, and mechanics.
Robert’s first steps into watchmaking were born from curiosity, much like any collector’s. “I started looking for a $500 watch, completely naive about the differences between quartz and automatic movements. But as I dug deeper, through YouTube reviews and discussions, I learned about the finer details that define a good watch.” He admits that this process was not immediate; his first attempts at watch design were far from refined. “They were ugly. I wouldn’t even show them to anyone now,” he chuckles. “But it was part of the journey.”
THE DESIGN DILEMMA
When balancing innovation with tradition, Robert is conscious of the tension between what is timeless and what feels fresh. “I’ve got a folder full of designs that will never see the light of day,” he confesses.
There’s a fine line between something that speaks to you as a designer and something that actually works for the market.” The watches that make it through this rigorous filtering process combine what Robert loves with what the market demands. The result is something unique yet familiar.
“The trick,” he explains, “is learning how to balance those influences. What do I want to see in a watch, and what will people actually buy? The light playing on a dial, the textures—it all comes together in a way that feels balanced but exciting.”
This balance of innovation and tradition is a matter of design and a larger philosophy that defines the Beaufort brand.
A BORN ENTREPRENEUR
As Robert will attest, creating a watch brand is no small feat. “Launching Beaufort during COVID was tough. We had just started manufacturing when everything shut down. It was nerve-wracking,” Robert admits. Despite the challenges, the launch of Beaufort was not just about selling a product—it was about creating a brand with purpose and passion. “It was about making something that wasn’t just a watch, but a piece of myself, my journey, my history.”
While the challenges of launching a brand during a global crisis were daunting, they were not deterrents. “Logistics were terrifying at first,” Robert says. “The shipping costs tripled, and I thought, ‘What have I done?’ But, in the end, the passion to create something unique pushed me through.”
REFLECTING CULTURE
For a brand born in New Zealand, Robert’s designs are deeply influenced by his homeland’s culture—a place known for its understated elegance. “In New Zealand, we’re not flashy. We just get on with things,” he says.
“That culture has shaped Beaufort, influencing how we approach design. It’s about making something that catches the eye without being overt. It’s about creating a story that doesn’t scream for attention but commands respect.”
This philosophy of subtlety and elegance is present in every Beaufort watch. They may not demand your attention, but once you notice them, they stay with you.
SUCCESS ON HIS TERMS
Robert’s answer to his definition of success is refreshingly grounded: “For me, it’s about creating something that I’m proud of. And if it connects with people, if it becomes part of their lives, then I’ve succeeded.” Beaufort Watches may still be in its early stages, but Robert focuses on the journey rather than the destination.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever stop,” Robert reflects. “Even if Beaufort is self-sufficient, I’ll still design watches for fun. It’s what I love doing. And I think, for me, success is just doing what I love every day.”
As for future collaborations, Robert’s eyes are firmly set on the horizon. “A collaboration with Lotus, now that would be something,” he muses. “Their design evolution is inspiring, and their cars are just amazing. To work with them would be the pinnacle for me.”
In the world of watches, as in life, it’s not about the destination but the moments of enjoyment along the way. For Robert Kwok, every tick of the clock is a chance to push his craft further, explore new boundaries, and design watches that, much like the time they measure, never stand still.
