Famed Scotch Whisky maker, Bruichladdich, has teamed up with Nashville, Tennessee-based Weiss Watch Company.
Hodinkee just announced a unique partnership between Bruichladdich and Weiss Watch Company. This is part of a new documentary-style ad campaign entitled “The Changemakers”. Part 1 of the limited series just released on Hodinkee’s website and YouTube channel, with social media campaigns surely to follow.
The unique collaboration (geographically speaking) isn’t the first time we’ve seen whiskey-makers team up with watch-makers in sharing the labor of their crafts. We couldn’t help but think that this is part of a growing trend. And, frankly, we’re here for it!!
Earlier this year, Maker’s Mark announced a Limited Edition Solios Watch with the Canada-based solar watch company. Buffalo Trace has also been leveraged as a wood barrel supplier and partner of Original Grain watches who turns used oak barrels into heirloom quality timepieces. And in yet another unique partnership, Casio recently released a Kentucky Bourbon-inspired G-SHOCK watch as part of its 40th Anniversary celebration in collaboration with Kentucky-based Oneness Sneaker Boutique.
The best way to experience the story is to watch the nearly 5 minute piece entitled “The Changemakers: Part One”. However, we’ve also shared some highlights on the collaboration below. We’re already looking forward to what’s in store for Part Two and possibly beyond. Perhaps a custom-made whisky-inspired Weiss timepiece, a special release Bruichladdich whisky, or hopefully both?
More Details on the Bruichladdich x Weiss Watch Company Collab:
At first, a Scottish whisky distillery and a small American watchmaking company may not have that much in common. Sure, they do both tend to appear on Father’s Day gift guides with some regularity – they share a common reverence for history, generally, and when it comes to Bruichladdich x Weiss Watch Company, a love and commitment to the people and place that make their work possible unites them. Both brands do things slowly in order to do them well, blending time-honored traditions with innovation in order to make something wholly unique.
About Bruichladdich Whisky:
Bruichladdich is a bold, award winning single malt Scotch whisky. Their aim is to challenge preconceived notions in Scotch whisky in the pursuit of flavor while reconnecting land, community and dram. Bruichladdich’s Classic Laddie, their signature bottling, is unpeated which is unusual for an Islay whisky, more commonly known for peated whiskies. To them, Islay is its home, not a flavor profile. Today, the distillery bears all the hallmarks of a progressive brand.
Our commitment lies in fostering a connection between the land, the community, and the enjoyment of a good dram. Islay isn’t just a flavor, it’s a community. Islay is our home.
Adam Hannett, Head Distiller
About Weiss Watch Company:
Across the pond, in Nashville, Tennessee Cameron Weiss makes “everyday heirlooms” with Weiss Watch Company. Each piece is crafted by hand, taking over 60 hours. Part of that is dedication, part of it is necessity. As an American watch brand, many of the materials Weiss’ Swiss counterparts use aren’t available in the U.S., so rather than cut corners, Weiss steps in and creates what he needs.
Two different companies, making two different products a world apart, united by a love of doing things well, disrupting the status quo and letting the so-called limits of their locations serve as the wellspring of innovation and a commitment to their community.
When I was in watchmaking school, I had this thought in the back of my head of trying to make my own watches. And I didn’t honestly think it was possible to do anything like that in the U.S. and I thought I’d have to move to Switzerland to do it.
There are many watches out there, but I really find myself connecting with the watchmaker or the people behind the company and why they’re doing what they’re doing,” Weiss says. “And it felt like people were paying a little more attention to the story. And to me, American watchmaking is an amazing story.
Cameron Weiss, Watchmaker
Both Bruichladdich and Weiss Watch Company know they rest on the shoulders of those who came before them. But they are just as concerned with the here and now. Cameron Weiss is part of the American watchmaking revival, merging time-honored techniques with new technology to bring objects that last to a modern audience. Bruichladdich knows that they owe who they are to the island of Islay, and they want to be good partners to not just the land but the community as well. They want to leave a positive, lasting legacy on Islay; on the lives of their employees, the local farmers they work with, and the economy of the island as a whole, with as little impact on the environment.
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