Winter Garden couple launches business, creates timepieces with touch of home

WINTER GARDEN  Not too long ago, Winter Garden resident Kurtis Climer was a high-school senior who loved tinkering around with and taking watches apart. Last month, he officially launched himself into the watch business, creating classic timepieces with a touch of home.

Time flies when you’re having fun.

His company, Climer Watches, is on track to give prestige watch brands such as Rolex and Citizen a run for their money. It’s run by Climer and his girlfriend, Stephanie Griffith, both Winter Garden natives.

As a high-schooler, Climer often bought cheap watches on Amazon and was disappointed with the quality. But higher-quality watches never were affordable.  

“I’ve always had an entrepreneur mindset and always wanted to start a watch business, so this is really my first go at it,” he said. “One time, I saw my uncle’s watch, and it was a really nice expensive Rolex, and I was blown away by how beautiful it was. But most people can’t afford that type of watch. We wanted to find a creative, high-quality watch we could sell at a medial cost.”

Griffith also dreamed of one day owning a small business but never had a solid idea as to what she wanted to sell. When the two started dating and combined their ideas, strengths and weaknesses, Climer Watches was born. It officially launched Nov. 4.

Climer has a background in web and graphic design. He designs the watches, edits photos, creates graphics and manages the website. Griffith, an accountant, takes care of the finances.

Climer set out to create watches that would appeal to all demographics. He and Griffith designed one watch case and three different bands. The gold-accented case design is minimalistic and classic, and patrons have a choice of either a black or brown leather band or a gold mesh band.

Each watch is engraved with “Winter Garden” on the back — a nod to the company’s and the couple’s hometown. Climer sends the watch designs to a manufacturer, which produces and assembles them. Prices currently range from $55 to $60.

But running a business takes a lot of time, which presents a challenge for both. Climer works and goes to school full time, and Griffith also works full time. They then have to put time into filling orders, maintaining the website and social media and more. But even though they’re business partners, they’re a couple first.

“We have to make sure we’re a couple as well and not just business partners,” Griffith said. “Some people bike together, some people paint together. We make watches together. It’s good quality time for us.”

It all becomes worth it when the orders filter in. Already, the pair has sold out of and restocked the gold mesh watch, their bestseller. Their family and friends have been faithful supporters thus far, but seeing orders from unfamiliar names come in is thrilling.

“When we get orders come in from random customers or friends of friends, we write a customized thank you to each person,” Climer said. “Often, small businesses can struggle online when they’re not personal enough. People love that charm of service. We both used to work in the service industry, so we like to add a little note that says thank you for your business.”

Before sending the watches out, they inspect each one to be sure they’re sending out a product that is up to their standards, free of defects. Each watch is set to Winter Garden time, another way to be sure the inner parts are moving and working correctly.

Now that they’re building a customer base, the plan is to continue to add more cases, band designs and colors, and increase production. Climer wants to add products that cater to those in the market for sports and luxury watches, as well as keep prices affordable for all markets. Eventually the inventory might expand to include wrist jewelry. Climer and Griffith also have considered selling their products in one of the local shops.

And even though much of the thrill comes from seeing their hard work pay off as the orders are received, the best part of the business is being in it together.

“We work well together. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else,” Griffith said.

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].