Time, Honoured

In the world of horology, few names carry the legacy and trust that Watches Unlimited has built over the past three decades. Owned and run by Bryan Maehler, a man whose passion for watches knows no bounds, Watches Unlimited is not just a business; it has been a testament to resilience and dedication under the most trying circumstances.

After more than 30 years of ownership, Bryan has decided to sell Watches Unlimited. “This has not been an easy decision, as the company has been a significant part of my life and that of my family and one that, by the grace of God, I have been privileged to build alongside you, my Watches Unlimited family,” he shares.
“The decision to sell is a personal one and comes at a stage of my life where I feel it is the right time to hand over the responsibility of ownership to a new custodian who can continue to build on the strong foundation that we have created,” Bryan continues.

 
As a family-owned business itself, the new custodian, Treger Group, is committed to preserving and building on the legacy that Bryan and the Watches Unlimited team have established over more than three decades and is well placed to be the ideal long-term enterprise of that legacy going forward.

Understanding Bryan Maehler

Bryan’s journey began with an enduring love for timepieces and inspired him to buy his first Watches Unlimited in The Pavilion with his brother, Ivan, in 1994. Bryan’s vision and commitment have grown Watches Unlimited from a single shop to a thriving enterprise of four shops, each dedicated to bringing the finest watches to their customers. Today, Watches Unlimited is synonymous with quality and variety, stocking top international brands that cater to both luxury and everyday wear. But the store offers more than just sales; it prides itself on offering exceptional watch services, ensuring that every timepiece can be cherished for years to come. Bryan’s dedication to his craft has not only allowed his business to endure but to flourish. 

As Watches Unlimited celebrates this monumental 32-year milestone, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Bryan shares some of his treasured memories and insights from his remarkable journey: “My career began in the jewellery trade in 1974 with my brother, Ivan, at Durban Wholesale Jewellers, which later led to the purchase of Watches Unlimited. Watches were always my preference; I guess having previously been in the fashion world, watches offered a similar perspective.” Bryan says stand-out memories are working with so many wonderful people in the world of watches, both locally and internationally – especially on his annual trips to the Basel Watch and Jewellery Fair in Switzerland, which he has attended for 30 years.

Holding a special place in his heart is the loyalty and commitment of his Watches Unlimited team – most of whom have served with him for between 10 and 25 years. “I am eternally grateful to them. They have stood the test of time through good times and bad.”

 
“What gives me great comfort is knowing that the business is being passed on as a successful and respected enterprise,” Bryan explains. “What gives me further joy is that the transaction is structured to include the employment of every member of the team; the new owner will not just inherit the business but the team that built it.”

 
He laughs as he speaks about the first watch he ever owned: a Timex, purchased from OK Bazaars in his early teens. “This was a rolled gold analogue watch on leather for the princely sum of R9,95. I remember their slogan: ‘If it doesn’t tick, it’s not a Timex.’ How times have changed. We have evolved into a world of sophisticated timepieces in both fashion and luxury.”

The Future

As he looks to the future, Bryan says that, at this stage, although it is an unknown quantity, the world of watches will always be close to his heart. “Who knows what tomorrow may bring? That I leave in God’s Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent Hands.”

In Conclusion

On behalf of the entire Watches Unlimited family, I would like to thank our customers for their loyal support over the last 32 years. It has always been our intention to offer each and every client the best service they deserve. – Bryan Maehler

Website: www.watchesunlimited.co.za 

Email: wv@watches.co.za 

Tel : 031 202 9450