Free Domestic Shipping over $150. Free International Shipping over $400+.

O.N.S CREATIVE LAB: LEONARD & CHURCH WATCH COLLAB

2

Leonard & Church is a crisp and classic, direct-to-consumer watch brand that’s bringing you genuine quality for the right price. The automatic and quartz movement watches have a sapphire crystal lens, real, supple leather straps, and an attention to detail that guarantees your watch won’t spontaneously combust after a couple of weeks of use. We’ve partnered up with L & C to bring a limited edition watch collab that combines their craftsmanship with our sleek design aesthetic, resulting in an elegant and minimal collection – perfect for the fall.

Below we caught up with co-founders, Jeff and Chris to learn more about their process and brand.

We’re really excited about collaborating with Leonard & Church, and adding a touch of modern craftsmanship to our Fall/Winter collection. How has this project been different from working on your own collection?

Partnering with the design and creative team at ONS on this limited edition collaboration has been so much fun. Frankly, the design process hasn’t been that different from how we typically do it: iterative, poring over mockups, prototypes, and materials and swatches for the bands. The ONS team has a strong and developed POV on modern minimalism, and we’re thrilled with how this design landed; we think there’s a lot here that the ONS and Leonard & Church fan will like.

How would you describe the overarching Leonard & Church brand ethos?

Simple. Handcrafted. Born in NYC.

3

What is the story behind the name Leonard and Church?

Since our launch in 2014, we’ve grown to over 60 different countries and now ship worldwide – but this all started in New York. The intersection of Leonard Street and Church Street in Tribeca is where a few of the co-founders first considered a small idea that would become L&C.

What are the biggest benefits of partnering directly with respected leather suppliers and watchmakers for your timepieces?

Our approach is the simpler and more transparent the supply chain, the better. We are vertically integrated and partner directly with our watchmaker, which enables more testing and design innovation, faster speed to market, and tighter collaboration through the entire design and manufacturing process.

ourprocess_carousel_06

Leonard & Church pays special attention to quality, using sapphire crystal over mineral glass, genuine natural leather, and surgical grade stainless steel over alloy. Can you talk a little bit about these considered production choices?

We’re not in the business of cutting corners. We fit every single watch with sapphire crystal, a gemstone known for its scratch resistance, durability and superior hardness. The hardness of a mineral is rated on Mohs scale, with 10 Mohs representing the hardest and strongest: diamonds rate at 10 Mohs; sapphire crystal is 9 Mohs. Using inferior, cheaper materials would bring down our raw material costs but otherwise contradict nearly every single reason we started this brand.

Why do you think there’s such a surge of interest for watches with men over the last few years?

We live in a hyper connected digital age where people are more likely to be staring into a screen than the world and people around them. A watch is a classic statement piece for any man (or woman): it’s a throwback, a way to bring it back to the basics.

1

There’s something so charming and special about handmade goods and supporting local artists. You are based in NYC and run small-batch production. Can you talk a little bit about what’s so attractive about handcrafted products?

Our fans love that we make our products in small batches (we often discontinue designs after they sell out). We think there’s something nice about an item you know was made carefully, over a period of time, with an expert’s touch and eye: whether it’s a leather bound notebook, a well-constructed shirt, or a classic watch.

What’s next for Leonard & Church? Are there any other projects/new products you can tell us about?

We’re excited about what’s around the corner. While we can’t share much now, stay tuned for more pop-up shops, more collaborations with like-minded brands we respect, and maybe even a product or two you don’t put around your wrist.

Want to See More?

View All Issues
New to O.N.S? Well, welcome.
Ollie's been waiting for you!

Sign up to our list and get 15% off plus lots of cool perks:

VIP Online Sales
In-store Parties & Events
Exclusive Capsule Launches
Art & Music Showcases
O.N.S Manual Features