The Philippine watchmaking scene may not be well-known yet, however, a handful of brands are determined to change that. They even have a private group chat to support one another and foster industry growth. One standout is Argos Philippines, founded by millennials Gregory Yu and Ivan Jeff Soberano.
I recently chatted with Greg, who shared insights into this emerging industry and his journey as both an entrepreneur and a watch collector.
“We founded Argos in 2021, as the world began to emerge from the pandemic. My passion for watch collecting began in 2014, and when Ivan, a former colleague, approached me for a partnership, we started by reselling branded watches. Eventually, we decided to create our own brand, and Argos was born,” Greg explained.
The goal was to design a world-class watch suitable for everyday wear and built to last. Their timepieces can be worn with anything—from suits to casual shorts—and are unisex.
Quality was non-negotiable from the start. The movement is sourced from Japan, similar to a well-known Japanese brand, but all parts are custom-made for Argos and assembled in the Philippines, meticulously following their unique designs.
Odyssey and Asteri Collections
The name Argos pays homage to Odysseus’ loyal dog in Homer’s epic. The team aimed for their watches to be as reliable and enduring.
Their first collection, Odyssey, launched in 2022, draws inspiration from Homer’s The Odyssey. It blends ruggedness with elegance, ensuring versatility for any occasion. Designed to withstand harsh environments, it guarantees reliability and durability. The initial release features colors reminiscent of the Philippine beaches—cream and blue, invoking “the sand and the sea.”
The second collection, Asteri, meaning “Star,” comes in midnight blue and green, inspired by the Sierra Madre mountains. The colors reflect nature—the blue symbolizes the night sky, while the green evokes the lush landscape.
“We aim to instill a sense of pride in our customers, showing them that this beautifully crafted, world-class watch is made right here in the Philippines,” Greg said.
What’s next
“Our vision is to place our products on par with internationally recognized brands. Through Argos and other local brands, we aspire to establish a vibrant Philippine watchmaking industry. We believe this will be realized in the near future,” Greg added.
The market is increasingly receptive to micro-brands, moving away from traditional names. Argos has already attracted clients beyond Philippine shores and is gaining international attention, making them optimistic about the future, including plans for free international shipping.
“For us at Argos, anything truly worth doing takes time. It’s this belief that has kept us going, even during the toughest times. In building a company and shaping an industry, you have to embrace the struggles and sacrifices as much as you enjoy the highs—they’re both essential parts of the journey,” Ivan Soberano noted.
To learn more about Argos Philippines, visit www.argos-watches.com or check out their Instagram at Argos.Philippines.
You may reach the author at joba.botana@gmail.com.
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