Experiencing one’s appreciation for horology’s cutting-edge engineering and fine artisanship beyond the world of wristwatches remains a considerable challenge for watch enthusiasts. Montreal-based Charles Simon, established by Charles G.Tremblay and Simon Maltais, set out to develop a line of watch accessories that can match the level of refinement of those special timepieces they hold.

UNESCO has added watchmaking to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Charles Simon inherently recognizes the culture and passion that has driven watch collecting for centuries. However, collectible watches spend a lot of their time stored away or, ideally, displayed, rather than worn — and yet, this essential element of watch collecting and appreciation rarely receives the same level of attention as the process of how fine timepieces are chosen, purchased, and cherished.

To measure up to the challenge, the co-founders applied their career backgrounds in aerospace and aeronautical engineering so that watch accessories by Charles Simon exhibit the company’s uncompromising devotion to quality, design-driven functionality, and boldly minimalist aesthetics — the same values that define some of today’s greatest watchmakers. Cutting-edge engineering is combined with artisanal savoir faire, and this distinct blend of expertise allows the label to create its unique watch accessories.

Charles G. Tremblay, explains: “When we started this project in 2014, we knew that to make an impact in a space as time-honored and established as horology, we would have to go above and beyond. Our engineering experience allows us to find innovative ways of augmenting the design of our products. It is this interrelation of design and engineering that really sets us apart from conventional accessories and enables us to bring new value to the world of watches.” The Canadian brand debuted its first accessory with its Mackenzie watch case, now complemented by various other watch case models, watch travel cases, and watch stands, as well as limited-edition versions created in collaboration with various prominent institutions in the watch industry, including popular online watch platform IFLW and luxury boutique and online retailer Perpetuel in Dubai.

From product design to assembly, everything is done in-house. Premium materials like French young bull leather, soft Alcantara®, anodized aluminum, and a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber (used in yachts and luxury planes for their combination of low weight and immense robustness), are crafted with high-precision machines and are refined and assembled by hand, displaying the deepest respect for the art of watchmaking and artisanal excellence.

The Mackenzie watch case holds 10-12 watches and is constructed to fulfill all tasks, from storing and transporting to displaying up to a dozen of a collection’s most cherished pieces. The case is equipped with a lock and personalized code to ensure that the contained timepieces are kept safe.

“We wanted to create a case that protects without taking away from the contained watches’ beauty. We at Charles Simon believe that watch storage should elevate a watch, not just hold it, which is why our accessories are both highly functional and elegant,” says Tremblay.

The Mackenzie watch case is available in a range of color and material combinations. The Mackenzie Original features wooden accents from rescued and recycled logs of Canadian timber, reinforced by a robust aluminum and carbon fiber frame, securely closed by a lock and personal code. All Mackenzie Original cases are made to order, engraved with the customer’s name and unique serial number, and a Bespoke Service allows for further personalization. Due to the laborious process and the fact that Charles Simon’s products are handmade, the manufacturing process requires between three and four months.

Design-driven functionality is also represented in the brand’s bestselling Eaton watch travel case. This semi-rigid case, crafted with soft, young bull leather, three removable Alcantara® cushions, and a sleek aluminum frame clasp, safely and conveniently carries up to three watches while traveling — and makes for an elegant display to showcase collectors’ favorite pieces at home or at get-togethers. It is a compact yet safe case that makes for the perfect travel companion.

Inspired by contemporary art and modern architecture, the Hudson watch stand artfully displays one to three watches and seamlessly integrates them into the home’s interior design. Made from solid aluminum that has been covered in soft nubuck by hand, the watch stand features padded display areas to optimize watch placement. Available in a variety of configurations designed to hold up to three watches simultaneously, this sculptural piece adds a touch of bold minimalism to any home interior.

Utilizing their experience and expertise as former aeronautic engineers, the co-founders of Charles Simon hold all their creations to the highest possible standard when it comes to fit and finish, security, and ease of use. Driven by a shared passion for all things high-end watchmaking, the company continues to aim for exemplary attention to detail in every one of its watch accessories, and that is only ever possible by nurturing artisanal savoir faire techniques — just as it is done in haute horlogerie.

Charles Simon products are available online at the brand’s website and at various renowned online and brick-and-mortar retailers around the world, including the UK-based luxury platform Mr. Porter, Xupes in London, Wristcheck in Hong Kong, and Perpetuel in Dubai.

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