Henry Kwong

Co-Founder & Lead Industrial Designer

MONBREY WATCH CO.

Henry, you and Austin began your journey designing watches for other brands. What first sparked your personal fascination with watch design?

Both Austin and I have been in the watch industry for over two decades. I've spent time at Seiko, and Austin at Fossil. Over the years, we developed a strong desire to create something of our own. It became clear that we wanted to build a brand that truly reflects our vision of modern watchmaking. That passion for innovation and personal expression in design is what really sparked our fascination with watch design.

Was there a defining project or moment in your early career that made you realize you wanted to create your own brand one day?

As designers, we thrive on creativity and often find ourselves hesitant to follow strict rules. Early in my career, I noticed that some big watch brands focused heavily on maintaining their own design language, training their designers to adhere to those standards. While this approach benefits the brand, it can stifle a designer's unique voice. I realized that this could lead to a lack of character in the designs. This experience fueled our desire to create our own brand one where we could truly tell our story and embrace our creative vision.

After spending nearly two decades behind the scenes, what key lessons or insights shaped the foundation of MONBREY?

After nearly two decades behind the scenes, we’ve learned that both design and technical expertise are crucial to what makes MONBREY stand out. We’ve dedicated a lot of time to selecting the right movement and meticulously addressing all the technical details to ensure the watch case is perfect and incorporates all the features we envision. We also focus heavily on the materials and finishing of each part, which really helps our watches stand out in the microbrand space.

MONBREY’s tagline, “Invent New Dimension,” speaks to a strong design philosophy. How do you interpret this phrase in your creative process?

We believe great design is felt, not just seen. Every detail of our watches lines, angles, and finishes is crafted with intention. Our distinctive design language features angular styles and sharp forms that play with light. The watch dial is our focal point, where textures and geometry create a strong visual impact. We aim for our dials to stand out bold yet refined, minimalist yet multidimensional.

‘Invent New Dimension’ isn’t just a tagline; it’s our design ethos. We continually explore how angular styles can evolve across materials and cases, pushing the boundaries of what a modern watch can be.

The MB1 marked a bold debut  angular, antimagnetic, and minimalist. What were the biggest creative or technical challenges in bringing that design to life?

The biggest challenges with the MB1 were definitely the straight lug design and the Faraday cage. We spent a lot of time researching and experimenting with different lug designs using 3D printing to find the best fit. We wanted the straight lugs to reflect the angular style of 70s and 80s cars.

As for the Faraday cage, figuring out the right material soft iron was tricky. We had to find the perfect thickness to protect the movement without compromising the internal structure, balancing it just right.

The MB2 Kenkyū collection draws clear inspiration from Japanese aesthetics. What motivated this direction, and how did it influence your design language?

Growing up in Hong Kong, we were surrounded by Japanese culture comics, video games, anime, fashion, and, of course, watches. This influence shaped us in many ways. For the MB2 Kenkyū collection, we drew inspiration from ancient warrior armor patterns and swords materials to create a unique dial design. Our goal was to offer a fresh perspective that sets us apart in the market.

Collectors often praise MONBREY’s intricate dial textures and refined case finishing. Could you walk us through your process of achieving such precision and depth?

With our extensive experience in the industry, we know how to create precise designs while avoiding technical pitfalls. We’ve learned from past mistakes—like when we experimented with brushes for the indexes and realized they didn’t produce the same rainbow effect as micro-scale lining.

For the hands, we chose a three-faced design because it adds more volume compared to a two-faced option. It's all about finding that perfect balance of depth and detail.

Looking ahead, how do you envision MONBREY’s evolution through new collections, materials, or perhaps future collaborations?

With our latest release, the TRINOVA MB3, we introduced natural gemstones and lab-grown diamonds on the dial, paired with a more elegant case design and cutting edges on the bezel for a grand look. For collaborations, last year we launched the Hong Kong limited edition HOI TONG dial and we plan to continue with limited editions, possibly focusing on Hong Kong themes or unique materials. Our goal is to create designs that are not just visually appealing but also resonate emotionally with collectors.

Finally, what advice would you give to emerging designers who aspire to bridge industrial design and horology as successfully as you have?

Thank you for considering us a successful brand! My advice for emerging designers is you have to have passion, and believe what you are designing was right. start with a unique idea, but keep it grounded, innovative yet producible. Good design is just the first step; you also need to tell your story. Share the concept behind your brand and the inspiration for your designs, as that connection resonates with people.

Networking is key, too build relationships in the industry and seek feedback from mentors. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes; that’s often where the best ideas come from.