Second Hour: Where Dedication Meets the Defining Moment
Second Hour is an independent Australian watch company founded on the belief that true value lies in enduring craftsmanship, not disposable consumption. We are guided by the enduring principles of traditional horology: passion, creativity, and an uncompromising dedication to the mechanical craft.
Established in Melbourne in 2019, the name 'Second Hour' holds a profound and dual significance. It is, of course, a nod to the fundamental units of timekeeping—seconds and hours—but more importantly, it is a tribute to the defining moment it represents for founder, Peter.
After 45 years dedicated to working for others in corporate and government environments, Second Hour marks a 'second chance'—the commencement of the 'second hour' of Peter's life, dedicated entirely to creative pursuit and the enduring art of mechanical watchmaking.
Our philosophy is a deliberate rejection of modern throw-away consumerism and the obsession with constant novelty. We champion the timeless arts: complex mechanical engineering and the sublime beauty of finely crafted dials and hands. Every timepiece is brought to life using the highest-grade movements and materials, designed not for fleeting trends, but for a lifetime of rigorous wear.
Husband and wife duo, Peter & Akira, bring to Second Hour a wealth of skills and experiences from vastly different arenas, to enrich Second Hour with something greater than the sum of its parts. Together they share their dreams and passions with a world for which many of the great innovations of the past have become victims of digital technology and throw away consumerism. Second Hour shuns the modern fetish for constant novelty by embracing the timeless arts of complex mechanical engineering and the sublime beauty finely crafted dials and hands , embracing the use of the finest materials and high-grade movements in every piece we bring to life.
Peter is a former contractor in both government and corporate environments, working on technology and transformation projects, turning in midlife to teaching himself the art of watchmaking and manufacturing. Akira brings a wealth of experience and skills through studying and working in the fashion industry, paired with a strong desire for providing Second Hour customers a friendly and attentive customer experience.
Since early 2019, the husband and wife duo have slowly and carefully built a collection of watches that embody those rich individual histories, that capture the imagination, and provide a platform for Peter’s midlife change of direction. Personal involvement in the complete process is of utmost importance to Second Hour, and we create and oversee the complete lifecycle of each model created: from in house design, to manufacturing, assembly and quality control.
We deal directly with every part maker, performing site inspections to assess adherence to quality standards and ensuring what we produce excels without compromise. In this way we ensure every piece is worthy of your consideration and capable of meeting the rigours of long term wear. We spend quality time with suppliers of new and exotic materials in order to provide something truly beautiful and unique.
As a result, Second Hour has gained recognition for its commitment to quality design and components and caring, attentive service.
The Craft and the Custodians
Second Hour is a passion project led by the husband-and-wife duo, Peter and Akira, whose diverse expertise ensures the company is greater than the sum of its parts. Peter, transitioning his skills from a career in technology and transformation, personally oversees the manufacturing process and horological design. Akira, drawing on her background in the fashion industry, cultivates a customer experience that is attentive, friendly, and deeply personal—ensuring you feel valued from the moment you discover us.
We maintain unwavering control over the complete lifecycle of every model. Our commitment to quality begins with in-house design, extends through manufacturing, and culminates in final assembly and rigorous quality control. This dedication defines our supply chain: we work directly with every part maker, conducting site inspections to ensure strict adherence to our quality standards. This hands-on, uncompromising approach guarantees that every watch we produce is worthy of your consideration.
Second Hour is not just a watch company; it is a commitment to enduring quality, passionate craft, and the belief that the finest things in life—and in oneself—deserve a 'second hour' of dedication.
With easy returns that let you experience the quality and design of our watches in person, there’s never been a better time to discover that Second Hour really is where design and quality intersect.