Shore Projects is a watch brand inspired by the beauty and fun of the British seaside. Launched by a group of friends who one day noticed that none of them actually wore watches, their goal was simply to create a timeless, quality product that could be worn every day.
All the watches are influenced by vintage designs, combined with strong modern day build quality. Using precision manufacturing processes allows the watches to withstand the demands of everyday use. They are made with stainless steel cases and have crystal sapphire glass. The leather on the straps is of the finest quality sourced from Italy and all are waterproofed to 100m which means they are designed for swimming in the sea.
These are truly timeless watches that can be dressed up or down. Yet, as much as they are inspired by vintage wares, they are innovative in design. You can update and swap out the bands easily. Their innovative strap mechanism allows for an easy removal. With just the slip of a small button, the look of the watch can change in just a few seconds. The idea is to allow the wearer to create as many colours, styles and pattern combinations as possible. That way you never get bored wearing the same strap over and over again. Although, many of the bands offered are classic looks that won't go out of style too quickly.
1. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself; your background and what led you to pursue launching Shore Projects?
I am James one of the co-founders of Shore Projects. Shore was set up by two friends and myself, who met at Bath University in the UK, where we studied business (pretty much because none of us knew what we wanted to do with our lives). Two of us left after the third year of a four-year course and set up an online travel business and the other graduated and went into marketing. We have always been good mates and one day the timing was right to start something ourselves. With a combination of online experience, marketing and branding we make a good team!
2. Can you tell us more about the brand, who it caters to, how it’s grown over the years and how you are differentiating from other accessories brands?
Shore Projects is a watch brand inspired by the British seaside. We have interchangeable straps which means you can change the look of your watch in just a few seconds. We have grown domestically through big retailers such as Topshop and Asos and are now fortunate to be picked up by US retailers such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
3. What does the development/design process look like when you are creating and has it changed as you have grown as a brand?
We sit down and design watch faces that are true to our classic, minimalistic style but for our straps we look at what colors and textures are popular in that moment and see if it is possible to get them made. We road test each of our straps thoroughly before launching – it can’t just look good, it has to last.
We are always looking to bring out new strap ranges and we are looking to do a good collaboration or two this year as well. Be on the lookout!
6. Are there any suggestions or words of advice you could share with people looking to launch their own e-com business or pursue entrepreneurship?
Keep it lean – you can achieve a lot with a small, focused, hard-working team.
7. The fashion/product type industry seems to be going through an evolution, why do you think the industry is changing from the typical fast/cheap fashion format to something new-focused on local makers and sustainable production. How do you think this evolution will affect your brand?
I think the barriers to starting up a business and the ways you can market that business have completely changed, so you get a lot more smaller businesses entering every market who can actually compete for sales against the bigger ones. I think a while ago you could just make a product and sales would happen regardless whether a brand has a story to tell. Now, people respond to a product and a brand they can relate to and with Shore Projects we have certainly put a lot of focus on our brand and appealing to people with similar principals.
8. Were you prepared to take on the role of a business owner when you launched Shore Projects and how has running a growing brand changed your life?
It’s stressful, interesting and fun all at the same time. We were all business owners before we started Shore Projects, but this is the first retail business any of us have been in! So, a lot of it's new to us and we are all learning on the job.
9. Finally, where can our readers learn more about Shore Projects and purchase?
Readers can learn more about Shore Projects and purchase our styles via usa.shoreprojects.com.
The Salcombe watch showcased features the following specs:
Outer Casing: Rose Gold Plated 316L Stainless Steel
Movement: Miyota Quartz Movement
Glass: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Water Proof: 100 meters
Dial Diameter & Thickness: 39mm & 7.9mm
Strap: Tan Suede Leather
The Halfstack team recently had the chance to learn more about this brand and speak with James, one of the co-founders about their journey, the brand, what goes into the design process and so much more. Keep reading for the full interview.
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| Featuring the Salcombe -Brushed Rose Gold |
1. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself; your background and what led you to pursue launching Shore Projects?
I am James one of the co-founders of Shore Projects. Shore was set up by two friends and myself, who met at Bath University in the UK, where we studied business (pretty much because none of us knew what we wanted to do with our lives). Two of us left after the third year of a four-year course and set up an online travel business and the other graduated and went into marketing. We have always been good mates and one day the timing was right to start something ourselves. With a combination of online experience, marketing and branding we make a good team!
2. Can you tell us more about the brand, who it caters to, how it’s grown over the years and how you are differentiating from other accessories brands?
Shore Projects is a watch brand inspired by the British seaside. We have interchangeable straps which means you can change the look of your watch in just a few seconds. We have grown domestically through big retailers such as Topshop and Asos and are now fortunate to be picked up by US retailers such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
3. What does the development/design process look like when you are creating and has it changed as you have grown as a brand?
We sit down and design watch faces that are true to our classic, minimalistic style but for our straps we look at what colors and textures are popular in that moment and see if it is possible to get them made. We road test each of our straps thoroughly before launching – it can’t just look good, it has to last.
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| Inspired by the British Seaside - Made to Stand the Test of Time |
4. Where do you all find the inspiration behind your product lines and how do you work to combine form and function in your collections?
In the straps we will look at what is trending, because we want to keep the product interesting and relevant, but the watch faces are very much classic looking and we think that combination is what makes Shore Projects special.
5. What are your goals for the Shore Projects line in the upcoming year? Is there anything readers should be on the lookout for?
In the straps we will look at what is trending, because we want to keep the product interesting and relevant, but the watch faces are very much classic looking and we think that combination is what makes Shore Projects special.
5. What are your goals for the Shore Projects line in the upcoming year? Is there anything readers should be on the lookout for?
We are always looking to bring out new strap ranges and we are looking to do a good collaboration or two this year as well. Be on the lookout!
Keep it lean – you can achieve a lot with a small, focused, hard-working team.
7. The fashion/product type industry seems to be going through an evolution, why do you think the industry is changing from the typical fast/cheap fashion format to something new-focused on local makers and sustainable production. How do you think this evolution will affect your brand?
I think the barriers to starting up a business and the ways you can market that business have completely changed, so you get a lot more smaller businesses entering every market who can actually compete for sales against the bigger ones. I think a while ago you could just make a product and sales would happen regardless whether a brand has a story to tell. Now, people respond to a product and a brand they can relate to and with Shore Projects we have certainly put a lot of focus on our brand and appealing to people with similar principals.
8. Were you prepared to take on the role of a business owner when you launched Shore Projects and how has running a growing brand changed your life?
It’s stressful, interesting and fun all at the same time. We were all business owners before we started Shore Projects, but this is the first retail business any of us have been in! So, a lot of it's new to us and we are all learning on the job.
9. Finally, where can our readers learn more about Shore Projects and purchase?
Readers can learn more about Shore Projects and purchase our styles via usa.shoreprojects.com.
The Salcombe watch showcased features the following specs:
Outer Casing: Rose Gold Plated 316L Stainless Steel
Movement: Miyota Quartz Movement
Glass: Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Water Proof: 100 meters
Dial Diameter & Thickness: 39mm & 7.9mm
Strap: Tan Suede Leather
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