One year ago, Sundarbans Watches was just an idea—a sketch on a notepad, a dream to create something meaningful in an industry where we didn’t see ourselves represented. Fast forward to today, and we’re proud to say we’ve launched, grown a community, and shipped watches to customers around the world.
But let’s be real: it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Like any microbrand, our first year came with a mix of small wins, hard lessons, and a whole lot of figuring things out. Here’s a transparent look at what went right, what went wrong, and what we’ve learned.
✅ The Wins
1. We Launched. That’s a Win in Itself.
Bringing a watch from concept to wrist is no small feat—especially as an independent founder. From sourcing reliable movements to fine-tuning prototypes, every step tested our patience and passion. But in 2024, we officially launched the Keora Automatic—inspired by the wild beauty of the Sundarbans—and that alone felt monumental.
2. We Introduced Bengali Numerals to a Global Audience
One of our proudest moments was releasing a dial that features Bengali numerals—a bold move in an industry that often defaults to Eurocentric designs. As a British Bengali founder, it felt like carving space for cultural identity in a space where it’s often absent.
The response? Overwhelmingly positive. Customers told us they felt seen. Some bought their first mechanical watch simply because it “looked like home.”
3. Built a Small but Passionate Community
From social media DMs to customer emails, we’ve had the privilege of hearing stories from people across the globe who resonated with our mission. Every wrist shot, review, and unboxing video reminded us that you don’t need a massive following—just a meaningful one.
❌ The Fails
1. Underestimated Production Timelines
We learned the hard way that watch production never goes exactly as planned. Supplier delays, quality control issues, and miscommunication led to longer wait times than we’d hoped—especially for our early supporters. We were transparent with our backers, but it was a lesson in managing expectations and building margin into every timeline.
2. Tried to Do Too Much Alone
As a solo founder, it’s tempting to wear every hat—designer, marketer, customer service rep, logistics manager. But that led to burnout. In hindsight, we should’ve outsourced or automated sooner. Delegating doesn’t mean losing control—it means staying sustainable.
3. Marketing Misfires
We spent too much time trying to “go viral” and not enough time doubling down on the audience we already had. Some early ads flopped. Some campaigns didn’t land. We learned that for a microbrand, slow and steady community-building beats flashy short-term wins.
💡 What We’ve Learned
1. Authenticity Wins
People don’t just buy watches—they buy stories. And when we shared ours—about the Sundarbans, about identity, about why representation matters—people connected with it. We’re doubling down on authenticity and storytelling.
2. Focus Is a Superpower
We don’t need 10 models. We need one or two done really, really well. We’re focusing on refining the Keora, collecting feedback, and letting our product evolve with our community.
3. You Have to Show Up Every Day
There’s no secret hack to growing a microbrand. It’s consistency, grit, and care. Answering every email. Packing every box carefully. Listening. Learning. Repeating.
What’s Next?
We're working on:
-
New dial variations with subtle nods to Bengali heritage
-
Exploring sustainable strap materials
-
A second model (👀 still under wraps, but it builds on everything we’ve learned)
And most of all, we’re continuing to build something that feels human in an industry that sometimes feels too polished.
Thank You 🙏
Whether you bought a watch, shared a post, or just believed in our story—you’re part of this. Truly. Sundarbans Watches wouldn’t exist without you.
Here’s to year two. Wiser. Braver. Still ticking.
—
Stay wild. Stay curious. And always make time for what matters.