WT AUTHOR WATCHES
Epigraph Studio partnered with WT Author Watch Co. to design, build, and optimize the digital presence and campaign presentation for their landmark crowdfunding campaign. By translating traditional horological craftsmanship into an immersive, high-impact digital showcase, we helped WT Author launch their limited-edition automatic tool watch series, surpassing their funding goals and cementing their position as trailblazers in the microbrand watchmaking industry
Client
WT Author
Industry
Horology
Service
Design
Marketing
Advertising
Duration
6 Week
OverView
WT Author Watch Co. emerged in the microbrand watch sector with a bold, uncompromising vision: to create a limited-edition series of automatic tool watches that combine exceptional craftsmanship with a highly distinctive aesthetic. To bring this ambitious vision to life, they needed a digital platform capable of generating the funds and enthusiasm required for production. Kickstarter was chosen as the ideal launcher to connect with a global community of passionate, highly discerning watch enthusiasts and collectors. Epigraph Studio stepped in to craft the comprehensive brand implementation and digital campaign pages, ensuring that WT Author’s unique watchmaking story was told with maximum visual impact and technical clarity
The Challenge
The primary hurdle was translation: how do you convey the heavy, tactile, and precision-engineered feel of a premium, hand-assembled watch through a digital screen? WT Author watches are defined by intricate physical details—premium materials, custom engineering, and the delicate balance between traditional British design and cutting-edge technology. Our team had to design a digital narrative that could build immediate trust with backers, clearly conveying the level of skill and rigorous precision behind each timepiece. Furthermore, the campaign needed to elegantly display a diverse, complex archive of watch designs and series (such as the historical progression from the Nº 1905 Original through to the military, pilot, and racer collections like Nº 1914, Nº 1940, and Nº 1980-89) without overwhelming potential backers
The Solution
We met this challenge by developing a rich, visually driven campaign experience that highlighted the "art of watchmaking" at every level. 1. Immersive Storytelling & Visuals: We highlighted the intricate design process, from original hand-sketches to technical production, emphasizing the use of premium materials and the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. 2. Navigable Collection Architecture: To showcase the sheer breadth of WT Author's creative history, we built a structured showcase of the various models within the limited-edition series. This allowed backers to seamlessly browse through distinct historic aesthetics—from the retro-inspired Nº 1929 Art Deco and Nº 1934 Classic to the robust Nº 1973 Diver and Nº 1980-89 Tool watches—making it easy to choose a design that matched their personal taste. 3. Optimized Digital Touchpoints: Every element of the campaign page was meticulously engineered for engagement, utilizing stunning interactive layouts and clear, accessible copy to keep the user focused on the story of the build
The Result
The digital campaign was met with an overwhelming, groundswell response from the global horological community. Watch enthusiasts from every corner of the world rallied behind WT Author's vision, eager to secure their own piece of limited-edition watch history. Surpassed Funding Goals: The campaign successfully exceeded its financial targets, securing the capital needed to move the limited-edition series into full physical production. Brand Validation: The massive backing validated WT Author's unique design philosophy and established them as innovative, respected trailblazers in the world of bespoke microbrand watchmaking. An Entrepreneurial Model: The project now serves as a textbook success story and a case study for aspiring watchmakers and entrepreneurs worldwide, demonstrating what is possible when dedication, technical innovation, and digital-first design work in harmony
