About Hilts
A Counterforce to Modern Culture
Hilts began as a commitment to do things differently.
To create watches for those who value character over recognition and discipline over display. For those who measure success not by applause, but by the small, unseen things they do every day.
For people who live this way, time isn’t something to fill. It’s something they carry.
When you first hold a Hilts watch in your hand, that intent can be felt immediately.
Exceptional balance through meticulous design. Every detail crafted with care, consideration and integrity.
These values shape every watch we make. Never rushed. Always designed with intent. Each one the result of considered decisions, patient refinement, and a refusal to compromise.
A Hilts watch is created to accompany you through the moments that matter, not as a passing accessory, but as a lasting companion.
Your Watch Is an Investment.
And We Take That Responsibility Seriously.
A watch isn’t something you buy casually. You make a considered choice, wear it often, and trust it over time.
At Hilts there are no shortcuts: Every Hilts watch is designed around real lives, real responsibilities, and real moments. People are at the heart of everything we do. To those who explore, build and persevere; whose lives remind us that purpose gives time its value.
Our ambition is to grow a business that values patience, responsibility, and a belief in what endures. To create watches that reflect not just the passage of time, but the values of the person who wears them
We value character over recognition. We care about responsibility taken seriously and standards upheld.
If we won’t wear it, we won’t make it. This is our standard. We stand by it.
Your Watch Should Evolve With You, Becoming Unmistakably Yours.
We started with the simple idea that we wanted to make watches that we’d like to wear.
Classic designs reimagined with distinctive detailing and bold color palettes.
Hilts was founded during the pandemic in 2020 by three friends; Stephen, Jivan, and Paul. A time when the world slowed and left an opportunity for us all to reflect.
We talked about our love of watches often. Not just as an accessory, but as something deeply meaningful that stays with you, and marks the important moments in your life.
We understood immediately that every watch we make must be the result of carefully considered decisions and patient refinement. This is our unwavering commitment to you.
These principles were tested early. Our first manufacturing partner failed to meet our standards. Walking away cost us a lot of time, but strengthened our resolve. We chose to protect our standards and integrity, even when it was costly to do so.
Once we established a relationship with the very best partners, we recovered lost ground. Our visions were aligned and expectations met. That was the moment Hilts truly moved forward.
Every Hero Starts With A Name.
The name Hilts was suggested by Stephen. Inspired by Captain Virgil Hilts, Steve McQueen’s enduring character in The Great Escape.
It was a film Stephen watched many times with his father, George, and held very fond memories of the time they spent together.
When Stephen lost his father during the pandemic, the name took on greater significance and became a quiet tribute to their relationship and many others like it. A reminder of what time truly carries; memory and responsibility, character and legacy.
The inspirations for our watches took hold here. They are firmly rooted amongst classic watch genres. From racing and aviation to field and dive watches.
Influenced by the style and counter culture of the 50s, 60s and 70s, combined with modern innovations and the very best craftsmanship. The result is a watch that feels familiar, yet unmistakably original.
A Hilts watch is designed for people who understand that time well worn is time well spent.
Iconic By Nature, Modern By Design.
Our watches honor the legacy of classic watch design: Precision timekeeping and exceptional durability updated with distinctive finishing and bold color palettes.
The result are watches with a strong sense of heritage but a character that’s entirely their own.
Our designs are guided by this deliberate balance of opposing principles to create watches that are both striking and functional. We combine:
Artistry with Engineering: Every watch must be as aesthetically compelling as it is technically robust.
Boldness with Balance: Our designs make a confident statement, but are meticulously balanced for timeless style and wearability.
We craft Hilts watches with the highest quality components, sourced and selected with uncompromising care. Every element is chosen for its performance, resilience, and aesthetic. This commitment to excellence ensures not only longevity but also an enduring connection that deepens with time.
We Are Shaped By The People Around Us.
Our community plays an essential role in everything we create, from the ideas we explore to the decisions we make.
The insight, feedback, and shared passion of those who wear our watches helps guide us forward. Ensuring what we do remains grounded, relevant, and meaningful.
We believe strong relationships are built through genuine engagement. We listen closely, communicate openly, and value conversation as much as creation.
Our community isn’t just an audience. It’s a group of like-minded individuals connected by shared principles, curiosity, and respect for thoughtful craft.
Clear communication and considered service are fundamental to how we operate. From first contact to long after a watch is on your wrist, we’re committed to being responsive, approachable, and dependable. Our aftercare is handled with the same care and attention as our watches, because service doesn’t end at the point of purchase.
At its heart, our community is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a belief in doing things properly, together.
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