A Year of Analog Adventures

As we celebrate the first anniversary of Own The Watch, it's time to reflect on a remarkable journey that began with a simple yet powerful vision: to increase awareness of analog watches in an increasingly digital world.

What started as a personal quest down a YouTube rabbit hole has blossomed into a thriving community of over 10,000 watch enthusiasts, all united by the belief that we indeed have "too much digital in our lives already."

The Birth of a Vision

The inception of Own The Watch came from a gap in the watch collecting world. While diving deep into YouTube for information about watch collecting, it became apparent that there wasn't a single, comprehensive resource for newcomers to watch collecting. This realization sparked not just a newsletter, but also the creation of a book, laying the foundation for what would become a go-to resource for watch enthusiasts of all levels.

Crafting Content with Passion

Each Thursday's article is the result of 6-8 hours of meticulous work, beginning at the crack of dawn at 4 AM. This commitment to quality content has been a cornerstone of the newsletter's success, providing readers with in-depth, thoughtful analysis of the watch world. Coffee also helps…

Community-Driven Growth

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the engagement with the community. The use of polls within the newsletter has not only provided valuable insights but has also shaped the content direction. This two-way communication has fostered a sense of ownership among subscribers, making Own The Watch a truly collaborative effort.

Expanding Horizons

The growth from zero to over 10,000 subscribers in just one year is a testament to the hunger for quality content in the watch community. Looking ahead, the goal of reaching 20,000 subscribers seems realistic, given the passion and dedication driving this project.

Monetization and Future Plans

As Own The Watch continues to grow, so do the opportunities for monetization. The current model of ads and premium subscriptions has laid a solid foundation, but there's potential for more. The $9/month VIP tier, offering ad-free content and exclusive access, is an attractive option for dedicated readers looking to deepen their engagement with the newsletter. Your subscription helps cover website hosting for this newsletter.

Engaging the Community

The referral program, offering chances to win free items, has helped in encouraging organic growth. It taps into the community spirit that's so central to watch collecting, turning readers into active ambassadors for the newsletter.

Looking Ahead

As we step into the second year of Own The Watch, the future looks bright. The combination of consistent, high-quality content, community engagement, and strategic growth initiatives sets the stage for continued success.

The goal of doubling the subscriber base to 20,000 is ambitious but achievable, especially given the demonstrated appetite for in-depth, passionate coverage of the analog watch world.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a personal quest for knowledge to becoming a respected voice in the watch community, Own The Watch has proven that there's still a strong desire for analog experiences in our digital age.

As we raise our watches to toast this first year, we look forward to many more years of celebrating the art, craft, and community of analog timepieces.

Here's to another year of owning our watches, and letting our watches own a little piece of us in return.