FASHION EDITORZINVO has become an established watchmaking influencer currently sold to watch collectors to over 100 countries. Committed to continued experimentation and innovation to bring something fresh to the market while creating and fulfilling a new niche for watch enthusiasts all over the world. ZINVO’s founder Borys Khudomaka was struck by a lifelong intrigue for high quality timepieces, savoring the intricacy and mechanics as one might a work of art.
Interview: Chad Groom
Talk to us about your background… what led you to watch design?
I was always passionate about creating a unique product. Since my huge interest was in wristwatches, I decided to pursue my desire. I have always had a strength in product design, and I love to experiment. The greatest experiment to date has been my decision to start ZINVO. I connected some creative dots and slowly grew an amazing team. We started developing the brand, that now has a very enthusiastic fan base of customers.
The brand seems to be very prevalent with retailers in The Middle East and the United Kingdom. You have a few stockists in the U.S. (one on each coast). What are your plans to break the North American market?
Zinvo is very popular online, and that is where our focus is predominantly. 65% of our clients reside in the US actually, meaning it is very easy for domestic digital orders, rather than shop for ZINVO in brick and morter stores. Outside of the US, we’ve noticed more elevated concerns about delivery, currency conversion, etc. Therefore, we now more aggressively target the US market, without neglecting international customers. We are indeed expanding our US retailers in 2016 to include the Bene Rialto Townhouse in Midtown, Manhattan (www.BeneRialto.com.)
You have watch models that are both elegant and sporty. Who is your target demographic?
Our most popular timepiece is ZINVO BLADE. It is easily our most multi-purpose watch in that it works well against any outfit. Our latest release, ZINVO RIVAL is equipped with a rubber strap, our first! And is made with amazing attention to elegance and casual lifestyle.
Our target demographic are stylish personalities in an 18-35 years old range (mostly.) These individuals are looking for something unique and new, that no one else might have. We offer such an ideal and support this esthetic with high quality production and materials.
You use gunmetal, gold and rose gold in some of the watches. Are there plans to expand the materials you use with future designs (to perhaps platinum, rhodium and other precious metals)?
All of our watches are made of 316L Stainless Steel. We then plate the watch in Gunmetal color or Real Gold. We are experimenting with Platinum BLADE now, but white gold is very temperamental when plating. Platinum BLADE will most likely be a limited edition of 50 pieces. Another upcoming release will be BLADE Phantom, which will have a matte black case, matte black Turbine, matte black hands and date.
Additionally, we have another exciting release in the works. For over 14 months, we have been testing new technology to incorporate and are eagerly awaiting that launch. We continue to hone in on the quality of our timepiece components. We are planning to release this new product in June, 2016.
The company is founded in Geneva, Switzerland- a part of the world which is known for its timepieces. How are the watches being received there by the public?
The company is based in Geneva, Switzerland. However, our main market at the moment is the US. I am located here most of the time to ensure and maximize company growth.
We have been humbled by an amazing public response to our brand and the watches we produce. I must say, ZINVO became very popular after we released the BLADE a year ago. Since then, we have delivered a variety of BLADE versions to our audience. The feedback has been very impressive. Funny enough, we have a 0.0084% return rate, which means that ZINVO timepieces offer a great value for its customers.
We have recently built a great supply chain. We have 2 shipping facilities at the moment – the US, and the UK. We will also have Hong Kong and Australia within the next month to ensure faster delivery.
In addition to watches, you also make other beautiful accessories for the arm (bracelets with fantastic metals and leathers, etc.) What’s next for Zinvo in terms of accessories?
ZINVO is mostly focused on timepieces. Our philosophy about the bracelet extension is to offer an accessory that compliments our watches. We have no current plans to expand the line. In addition to the idea of accessories, we are in the process of launching a strap store, where customers can order replacements or other strap style options. Materials will include a variety of leather (Grade A, Python, Alligator Stamp; as well as Suede Alcantara and Stainless
Photo Sailey Williams . Wardrobe Chad G . MUA Shawn Lumaban