This episode is a very frank and unfiltered conversation with Aren Bazerkanian, founder of Havid Nagan – the upstart independent brand that took the watch world by storm in 2022 with its debut watch the HN00.

We recorded this conversation in January of this year at a time when Aren was navigating challenges with Swiss watch production. In particular, one of his key suppliers experienced a leadership change and increased costs, rendering the economics of his second project the HN01 Lucine unsustainable. As a result, Aren did what many start up businesses have done time and time again – pivot. In particular, he refunded all customers who placed pre-order deposits, while he identified new suppliers and productions partners, and not to mention developed an all new watch. Aren documents this in greater detail and transparency at his site havidnagan.com.

As Aren navigated this uncertainty, Asher and I debated whether to air this episode at all. However, now that Aren has set Havid Ngan on fresh footing, we all agree – including Aren – this conversation sheds greater lights on and insight into the realities his business had to navigate and the principles he used to do so.

Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-founders of Collective Horology, Openwork goes inside the watch industry.

You can find us online at collectivehorology.com. To get in touch with suggestions, feedback or questions, email podcast@collectivehorology.com.