Helicon Watches is one of the few watch brands co-founded by a husband-and-wife team, and while I’m more than happy to let Jonathan handle the talking, the concept, design, engineering, and visuals of the brand are very much a joint effort.
I’ve been part of the watch industry for over 15 years, and I can tell you firsthand that it hasn’t always been easy for women to have an independent voice. I’ve designed pieces for renowned brands such as Sinn, Laco, Zodiac, Squale, and Fortis, but Helicon is much more than another watch company to us—it’s a culmination of our years of experience, passion, and energy.
At the recent Manchester Watch Fair, which was a huge success for us, a customer suggested I share more about my journey in the watch world. So here’s a little about my story, my connection to watches, and my views on the watch industry.
From Graphic Designer to Watch Enthusiast
I started my career as a graphic designer in Soho, London, long before the days of desktop publishing. Back then, designs were laid out by hand—literally cut and pasted with scalpels, crop marks, and glue. It was the “OG” version of design. I worked on video covers for films like Top Gun and loved being part of the creative energy in the UK’s film industry.
When the first Macintosh arrived in our office, it changed everything. While most saw it as a passing fad, I immediately recognised its potential and embraced the new world of digital design.
Even then, watches were always part of my life. Growing up in a house full of boys, watches were a big deal. My first watch was a Timex SSQ, one of those 1980s models with red LED numerals that lit up when you pressed a button—it felt like the future at the time! Later, I bought a TAG Heuer Formula 1 with a mix of stainless steel and blue plastic. It was quartz, but I loved it. Eventually, when servicing became pricey, I switched back to a trusty Timex.
Falling in Love with Watches
My real love for watches blossomed around 2005 while I was working with Oakley in the United States. Oakley was on a design roll, pushing boundaries with bold, innovative products. One day, they introduced me to the Oakley Jury watch. It was cohesive, organic, and unlike anything I’d seen. I immediately fell in love with it. To my surprise, the team gifted it to me—a moment I’ll never forget.
A couple of years later, I found myself in Las Vegas, wandering through a mall, when I stumbled upon a Zodiac display in a Fossil store. This was long before Zodiac’s revival as a historic brand. At the time, their designs were quirky, mid-century inspired, and offered in a range of vibrant colours. I couldn’t decide which one to choose, so Jonathan suggested we get them all and share. And that’s exactly what we did!
From then on, my fascination with watches grew. It was a privilege to see my designs move from concept to production and even sell out—a real thrill that deepened my love for this industry.
My Collection and Views on Women’s Watches
Today, my personal collection is quite small because my focus is on Helicon, but I still treasure some special pieces, including vintage watches I inherited from my mother. She was a glamorous woman, and her watches pair beautifully with an evening gown.
That said, I’ve never been a fan of traditional women’s watches. To me, they’re often too small, dainty, and designed by men for women. While there’s certainly a place for dress watches, I prefer something bolder. My sweet spot is between 38mm and 44mm—a trend I’ve seen growing since the 1990s.
I love that more women are embracing larger watches and joining the watch community. Many of our customers are women, and it’s inspiring to see them choosing watches that express their personal style.
Thank You for Supporting Helicon
Helicon Watches is more than a business to us—it’s a family passion. None of this would be possible without your support. To all our customers, past, present, and future (many of whom we’re privileged to call friends): thank you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my journey. If you’d like to connect, I share some of my collection on my personal Instagram page, @mrshwatches.
Warm regards,
Danielle
