Wilbur
New York, USA · Est. 2018
Founded by Jason Wilbur
Wilbur is an independent watch brand producing contemporary timepieces with a focus on quality and design. The brand operates within the growing independent watch community.
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- New York, USA
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Type 1 — Wilbur's foundational collection, featuring a 36–38 mm case with clean, vintage-inspired dial layouts that draw on mid-century American and Swiss watch design. The Type 1 is a no-date dress-casual watch aimed at collectors who appreciate understated elegance and proper proportions, using reliable Swiss automatic movements. It is produced in small batches and sold directly to customers.
- Type 2 — Wilbur's field and utility watch variant, featuring a slightly larger case, more robust construction, and a dial designed for easy legibility in varied lighting conditions. The Type 2 carries forward the brand's commitment to properly proportioned, classic American watch design while adding practical features for everyday adventuring.
Timeline
- 2018 — Wilbur is founded as a small American watch brand with a focus on proper proportions and vintage-inspired design.
- 2019 — The brand releases its first watches, gaining attention in the micro-brand community for its considered design and quality movements.
- 2021 — Wilbur expands its range and builds a small but loyal following through direct engagement with the watch collecting community.
- 2023 — The brand continues refining its collections, maintaining a small-batch production philosophy that prioritises quality over volume.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilbur
- What is Wilbur's design philosophy?
- Wilbur is committed to producing watches with correct vintage proportions — typically 36–38 mm — in a market that has trended toward larger cases. The brand draws inspiration from mid-century American and Swiss watch design, emphasising clean dials, appropriate lug widths, and reliable Swiss automatic movements over novelty features.
- How can I buy a Wilbur watch?
- Wilbur sells its watches primarily through its own website on a direct-to-consumer basis, with occasional releases in limited batches. The brand has a small but engaged following in online watch communities, and new releases are typically announced through social media and the brand's mailing list.