Time is of the essence for David and his team

This autumn marks the fourth anniversary for luxury watch brand Olivier Meylan.

It has been an exciting journey for founder David Meylan, who counts rapper Snoop Dogg, celebrity chef Michael Caines, Harlequins rugby player Marcus Smith and, DJ Nathan Dawe among his wearers.

His timepieces have also been recommended in the Best Watch Brand guide on the Independent newspaper website.

Despite boasting a heritage steeped in traditional Swiss watchmaking, the business is strongly rooted in East Devon.

In 1995 David moved to Exmouth with his parents and older brother having spent eight years living in Switzerland, where his grandfather, Alfred Meylan was born.

Alfred lived and studied the art of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, starting with an apprenticeship at Jaeger-LeCoultre and later being approached by Smiths in the UK.

And his legacy lives on with Olivier Meylan being invited to become a member of The Alliance of British Watch & Clock Makers.

The organisation was established in 2020 following the resurgence of watchmaking in the British Isles.

Today, the Alliance boasts a membership of 80 British watch brands, ranging from large to small and traditional to innovative.

Earlier this year, members of the Olivier Meylan team, founder David, pro rugby ambassador Josh Hodge and head of sales Ed Chia-Croft, attended the British Watchmaker’s Day organised by the Alliance at Lindley Hall in Westminster.

David said: “The British Watchmakers’ Day exhibition was a platform to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of British watch brands, and we were honoured to be a part of this prestigious event.

“To mark our participation, we unveiled five unique pieces, collaborating with the artistic legend LP EDITS who crafted five limited-edition hand painted dials, decorated and assembled here in Exeter. I’m proud to say we sold all of them during the day.”

More than 1,300 people attended the show and 45 exhibitors showcased timepieces, including many special editions and one offs.

David said: “Loyal buyers were so keen not to miss out on these that hotels were booked to ensure they were present as soon as the doors opened at 10am.

“A long, orderly queue formed around the block prior to opening. It was a pleasure to engage with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for horology. We look forward to the next event and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals once again.”

David added that he was proud to have continued the family tradition with Olivier Meylan. 

He explained: “As a child my father would take me to visit all of the leading manufacturers of luxury watches in the Vallée de Joux. This was the spark that ignited my life-long fascination and passion for watches.

“Watches have always been in my blood. The Meylans have married into the Audemars, LeCoultre and Piguet families, a family connection first established in 1620.”

David’s decision to launch his own business was sparked when his first son, Olivier, was born in 2016.

He said: “His arrival fuelled my desire to launch my own watch brand, named after him and celebrate the history we both share.”

However, despite his roots being 775 miles away, David is passionate to reflect the place he now calls home in his creations.

In 2020, he teamed up with England rugby star Jack Nowell to design and manufacture a limited edition (now sold out) chronograph watch, which featured his trademark shirt number 14. Each model was also signed and numbered.

Another collaboration resulted in a watch designed by multi-award winning artist Laura Wall who has an art gallery and studio in Teignmouth.

It just goes to show that in business every second counts.

Visit https://oliviermeylan.com/ for more information.