The watch industry is perceived as a male-dominated industry, from founders to CEOs, designers and auctioneers. However, more and more female personalities are making headlines, and the founder of the Galvin Watch Company is one of them
For people in the know, it is obvious that Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex and that the Dutch Grönefeld brothers launched their eponymous brand. Likewise, it is no secret that Aurel Bacs is the man with the hammer at Phillips Auctions, banging a full year of white-glove sales in 2021 [white glove sale means all lots were sold, which is rather unusual]. Lesser known, however, are the many women entering the horological industry and making a name for themselves. CEOs, collectors, founders and auction insiders, all traditionally male endeavours, are seeing a seismic shift. Women are making their mark on the world of watches.
In a series of articles for Vogue Scandinavia, I will interview the women that make a difference in an otherwise male-dominated industry. The first interview is Finnish born watchmaker and founder of Galvin Watch Company in Australia, Susan Galvin.
Although women in the world of watches are far and few between, she was not the only girl in her watchmaking class. Trained in her native Finland, she says that the students in the Finnish School of Watchmaking came from all kinds of backgrounds. "I graduated in 2010, and after graduation, I started working for LVMH in the UK, Galvin reminisces. "I was offered an opportunity of relocating to Manchester with three other newly graduated watchmakers, both female and male,” she says.
After spending three years in Manchester, Galvin’s inner cosmopolite drew her to Australia. “After living in Manchester for three years, I had an opportunity to relocate from the UK to Sydney," she says. "I continued working for LVMH Sydney for two years and then worked for Omega as a boutique watchmaker." Galvin's attention to details was further refined as a boutique watchmaker, receiving training at the Omega headquarters in Bienne.
In October of 2019, having worked at Omega for three years, Galvin went on maternity leave. "I was planning to go back to work in the following year from the beginning of November," she says. The Pandemic, however, put her on another course. When she was preparing to return, she was made redundant with a few other watchmakers and colleagues.
I’d love to see more watch brands funded and created by females. Even more by other female watchmakers
“That, of course, came as a bit of a shock at first," Galvin says. "But ultimately, it allowed me to follow my long-held dream to start my own company." From there, the Galvin Watch Company was created. In an unconventional move, Galvin decided to use crowdfunding platforms Kickstarter and Indiegogo to launch her first collection, Alku. “I purchased my first stock order with the funds collected," she says. "The crowdfunding worked so well for launching the collection that I decided to use the same platform for my new collection Loimu.”
With a brave mentality and embracing the future of her unique position, Susan Galvin also has her eyes on other women in the watch industry – a group she finds too small as it stands. “I’d love to see more watch brands funded and created by females. Even more by other female watchmakers," she exclaims.
When studying in the Finnish School of Watchmaking, Galvin tells us how she saw a short clip from a Swiss manufacturer, where a Finnish female watchmaker was interviewed about her work. "Her speciality was working with the tourbillons, which was very inspiring to me," she reminisces. "Since starting Galvin Watch Company, I have had many female watchmakers contact me with questions about my brand.”
After a disappointment from her redundancy, Galvin admits that creating her own watch brand has given her a lot of pride and confidence. “I feel empowered by starting my own watch brand, especially when going through a difficult time with the redundancy during maternity leave," she says. "I feel privileged that I have this opportunity of following my dream to start my own watch brand." Using the skills and knowledge learnt by working as a watchmaker for a decade, she finds it incredibly rewarding to create something new and use her creativity to design the watches. "I hope it will give inspiration and ideas to other fellow female watchmakers and watch-minded people."
When asked where she sees the future of female watchmakers with their own brands, Susan Galvin says: “I think right now, there is a big demand for micro watch brands. Consumers are looking for unique products and brands; that’s where micro-companies fit in," she explains. "Being a female micro-watch brand owner is creating interest, especially in a male-dominated industry such as the watch industry. So I hope to see an increase in female watch brand ownership in the future.”
Galvin's horological voyage is just beginning. One of the industry's talented women, and a great inspiration to the aspiring women who dream to follow in her footsteps, we applaud her for paving a path and creating something special in their own name, crafted by their own hands.
The new Loimu Collection will be launched from Kickstarter in March 2022.