How Marcel Benson Created an Empire and Iconic Watch Brand

THE BLACK OWNED WATCH COMPANY IS ONE TO REMEMBER

When it comes to watch brands, most people think of Swiss-made names such as Rolex and Patek Philippe. However, Marcel Benson is changing the face of the watch industry and brings customers affordable, stylish, black-owned watches that come from an American source. Starting in 2016, Marcel Benson created his watch brand, named 'Benson by Marcel'. By 2020, he had secured a key deal with Macy's and was projected to sell $1 million in watches by 2020.

This is massively impressive, considering the company is still relatively new. What's more impressive is that watch businesses are notoriously difficult to start, and most of them fail. In a world full of watch brands popping up almost daily, it seems that Benson did something that many couldn't. He didn't just survive, he thrived.

A modern entrepreneur, Benson originally financed the business through a Kickstarter campaign which is a common method in today's world. However, you could argue that even without the funding, Benson was always destined for success. Before his entry into self-employment, Benson was earning six figures as a consultant and lived a comfortable life. He said this wasn't enjoyable though, and lacked meaning...step forward the eventual creation of Benson by Marcel. Further adding to his credentials as a watchmaker, Benson was surrounded by watches as a child and says that he was fascinated by them. His first watch was a Kenneth Cole, and from then onward he was hooked.

So, what about the watches? Benson watches are typically priced under $200, meaning they are affordable for all. They're also stylish in design and follow a simplistic theme with little going on in the dial. These days, many watch fans are obsessed with over-the-top designs such as Richard Mille and Jacob & Co. However, Benson watches go for a less is more approach.

Such is the success of Benson by Marcel, it also featured on various watch websites with glowing reviews. The respect amongst the watch industry and through customers and sales speaks for itself. With this said, it seems that Marcel Benson has genuinely changed the landscape of the watch business, whilst offering hope for aspiring black-owned businesses along the way, that success can be achieved with a combination of wits and hard work. As Marcel was once inspired by Kenneth Cole, hopefully, one day someone is eventually inspired by Marcel Benson in turn.