MrWatchMaster Meet . . . Johnny Deng
- Details
- Category: Haute This Issue
- Published on Friday, 07 March 2025 10:05
- Written by MrWatchMaster
Today, we meet Johnny Deng, founder of ATOWAK, an independent watch brand founded in Hong Kong in 2019, and is inspired by the ancient Caesar cipher, symboliaing the imaginative reconfiguration of mechanical timepieces through unique designs.
The name, ATOWAK, is derived from shifting the letters of UNIQUE by six positions and Johnny offers us his fascinating views on the business, his favourite watches and what the future holds for his company.
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MWM: How is business?
JD: Business is a little better than last year. ATOWAK is steadily growing. We've expanded our global distributor network and seen strong growth in worldwide sales. This year, we participated in several major exhibitions, receiving great feedback from both the industry and customers. The positive momentum reflects the growing recognition of our unique designs and craftsmanship.
Image courtesy of Mr WatchMaster.
MWM: What are your current business priorities?
JD: Right now, we're focused on developing new products and designs, exploring innovative watch structures, and trying out new materials. At the same time, we're expanding our presence globally by opening more physical stores to connect directly with customers. We're also building partnerships with media outlets and influencers to enhance brand recognition and engage with a broader audience. These efforts aim to strengthen ATOWAK's position as a leader in unique and innovative watchmaking.
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MWM: Tell us something we don't know about ATOWAK watches?
JD: What people usually see is just the finished product, but making an ATOWAK watch is a complex process that takes over two years for each model. Along the way, there are so many stories—improving designs, innovating manufacturing methods, making mistakes and fixing them, and more. One thing I'm proud to share is that in the high-end watchmaking field, we're working on building an ecosystem in certain areas. This includes breakthroughs in precision machining and nurturing talented watchmaking engineers. Around the world, many people associate Chinese manufacturing with being cheap and low-end. ATOWAK is changing that perception by delivering high-quality watches.
MWM: Which watch do you wear?
Image courtesy of Mr WatchMaster.
JD: I wear the Cobra Venom (above) because it's lightweight and comfortable. The Cobra series is one of ATOWAK's most iconic collections, known for its bold design and distinctive craftsmanship. The Cobra Venom takes this to the next level with its upgraded carbon fiber case, which enhances durability while keeping it incredibly lightweight. It's a perfect blend of advanced materials, meticulous design, and everyday wearability.
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MWM: Which watch would you like to own?
JD: There are so many I love and want to own, but the one I want most is the Zeitwerk by A. Lange & Söhne (above).
MWM: What do you like best about the Watch business?
JD: I really enjoy the process of design and creation. Turning an idea on paper into a real, tangible watch is incredibly exciting.
MWM: What don't you like about the Watch business?
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JD: I'd say the most challenging part is the unpredictability of the market. We put a lot of time, energy, and resources into designing and developing every product. Despite this commitment, market shifts can sometimes be difficult to anticipate, and not every design may resonate as expected. After their lifecycle, certain pieces may remain unsold, highlighting the importance of aligning creativity with market strategy. It's a valuable reminder of how crucial it is to stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry.
Image courtesy of Mr WatchMaster.
MWM: What is next on the horizon for you?
JD: Our next big step is to develop our own high-quality in-house movement. We've been working on it for a while now, but it's not quite where we want it to be yet.
As for new releases, our next project is the Manta, which is set to launch in the first half of 2025, so stay tuned!
Johnny is a Friend of MrWatchMaster
Bio: MrWatchMaster (MWM) presents a uniquely authoritative resource, covering news, opinion, reviews, and entertainment about the watch sector. We share our opinions and new 'points of view' from a range of leading watch makers, industry professionals, collectors, and other practitioners of horology. We keep you updated with the most interesting developments and provide our own take on new watches, trends, and anything else that will define the future direction of the sector. Andrew Canter is the Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of MrWatchMaster and a hugely passionate horologist and collector of watches and clocks. His fascination with watches started at an early age and purchased his first watch when still at school. He is a member of the Alliance of British Watch & Clock Makers, British Horological Institute (BHI), Antiquarian Horological Society (AHS), National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), Horological Society of New York and RedBar Group.
