My name's Weston Cutter. I’m a college prof (I teach English), and I write stuff—poetry, fiction, reviews, interviews, etc. I really, really like well-made work: a good sentence should be able to bring you to your knees, and a killer final line in a poem should ring you like a bell.
My dad's Wes Cutter. He's a retired watchmaker, and I got into watches because of him. I bought and sold vintage watches and as much as I loved them, I hated that they kept getting more expensive. The midwestner in me was offended that, adjusted for inflation, a decent TAG Heuer or Omega or even Rolex should've been around $2000. It seemed like something worth trying to fix.
So I texted Steve Reidell. He's been one of my best friends since 7th grade, and we grew up going to shows together, playing in bands, swapping books. While I wrote poems and stories, Steve made songs and was the art director at Metro in Chicago. I asked if he'd translate my garbled ideas into a coherent watch. If you like how what we do looks, it’s because of him.
Essential to the enterprise was that we'd be doing as much as we could here in the midwest. So: we cut our own straps, and the folks at Leather Works MN skive+stitch them for us. Our watches come in recycled cardboard boxes from Indiana, and the inserts are made here in Fort Wayne. The phenomenal Donovan Paradise (CW21) assembles+regulates+pressure tests all our watches.
Haven is, above all else, a midwest watch company. Meaning: we're as driven by thrift and stoic excellence as we are by the perennial midwest traditions of incredible art and wild experimentation.
+ Are Havens limited edition watches?
Given that you can get limited edition Snickers and Doritos, we're not even sure what that phrase means. We buy as many components as we can afford (notice we’re not Kickstarter funded—all this is out of our own pockets), and we’re continually interested in new stuff, so if you dig one of our watches, get it: when we run out, we’ll likely change things. I’m glad to sacrifice sales in the name of trying new stuff rather than letting everyone get the same watch for years.
+ How often should I get my Haven serviced?
You're wearing a brand new, fresh-from-the-factory watch, and you should have a good 5-7 years in front of you with your Haven as a daily wearer (if you really beat the thing up, start a friendship with a watchmaker so they can check the gaskets). That said, we're happy to help—always email or call with concerns or questions and we'll get you squared away.
+ How do you ship watches?
FedEx is the most reliable we’ve used, so we stick with them. International sales will go through FedEx but overseas buyers will be responsible for international shipping and customs/duties. Please note that all Haven watches will require a signature for delivery.
+ What’s the Warranty?
All Haven watches come with a 3 year limited warranty; we're happy to cover any manufacturing defect on any of our watches. This warranty doesn't cover normal wear-and-tear from regular use, nor does it cover accidents from misuse. Finally, the warranty doesn't cover damage to the case or bands (further, we personally think Havens look better with miles on them). After 3 years are up, we’re happy to help you find a watchmaker to service your Haven, or to service it for you at market rates.
+ Return Policy
We're happy to accept returns on unworn watches within 7 days of receipt of the watch; drop a line and we’ll get a FedEx label to you. Watches will have to be returned in unworn condition for a full refund.
+ Do you really have art and poetry on your watch manuals?
If there's room for blank space, there's room for interesting art, and we'll take every chance we get to include and feature the writers and artists and musicians who make the midwest the rad place it is.