CHP Caliber Brands
The coolest new(ish) kids on the block.
(I mean, not really "new", but you get it.)
These brands have been doing great work for a while, but ya know, maybe new to you if you haven't heard of them yet.
And trust us -
They're worth knowing (and owning).
Hampden Watch is a proudly independent, family-owned watchmaker rooted in Chicago. Now in its fourth generation, the business traces its American lineage back to 1922, when immigrant Hyman Wein founded the original company in Chicago. Over the decades the Wein family has maintained continuous operation, making Hampden the oldest family-run watch company in the U.S.
Hampden’s modern incarnation revives a long heritage. The “Hampden” name itself, originally from a 19th-century American watchmaker, was acquired by the Wein family in 1958. Through world events and changing markets the company adapted, and today it blends American heritage and design with high-quality Swiss movements.
What truly distinguishes Hampden is its emphasis on personalization and storytelling. Each timepiece is more than a watch; it’s meant to carry memories.
Their flagship Model 1 features the patented “Casecap®” system, a world-first innovation that makes it possible to swap between a sapphire exhibition caseback (showing the movement) and a deeply engraved back, turning the timepiece into a personal heirloom.
At its core, Hampden unifies a century-old tradition in American watchmaking with modern craftsmanship and individualized emotion.
Brand
Stats
Movement: Sellita, Ronda
Movement Types: Quartz, Automatic
Crystal: Sapphire
Materials Utilized: Stainless Steel, Gold PVD, Leather, Sculpted Steel
Median Price Range: $600 - $2,200
In CHP Caliber's words
Hampden really has CHP Caliber's heart, y’all. We are so in love with this brand, and here are just a few reasons why:
Their story is deeply tied to family. Family is everything, and the heritage of this brand began generations ago with Joe and Danny’s ancestors, and now continues through them in such a meaningful and inspiring way. They’re America’s oldest family-run watchmaking company, working out of Chicago. We’re all about supporting companies based in the US, and we were thrilled when Hampden wanted to partner up. There is so much opportunity for growth in American watch manufacturing, and Hampden is leading the charge with a strong Chicago foundation.
And honestly? They’re just great-looking watches. We’re not downplaying the heritage, but dang...These pieces are sharp. With prices from $600 to $2,200, they align perfectly with CHP Caliber’s ethos of featuring quality, entry-level luxury watches.
We’re also total suckers for a beautiful engraving. We believe watches and jewelry connect us to our pasts and help us imagine our futures; true heirloom pieces. And what better way to make something even more meaningful than with a special engraving? This is where Hampden shines. We can’t wait to see the projects we take on with our incredible retailers. It’s PERFECT for corporate gifting, and Hampden is fully equipped to handle the operations behind bulk engraving orders.
All watches tell time. Hampden watches tell stories.™
Briston is an independent French watch brand that blends refined watchmaking with a relaxed, sporty-chic spirit. Briston channels a distinctly British-inspired aesthetic—casual yet elegant, playful yet precise. Marrying French design flair with genuine horological credibility, Briston creates accessible, expressive timepieces for those who value individuality, craftsmanship, and a touch of irreverent charm.
Its designs evoke the atmosphere of Oxford campuses, polo fields, and rowing regattas, offering a balance of sophistication and approachability that sets it apart from traditional luxury watchmakers.
Briston’s signature lies in its creative use of materials and shapes—most notably the tortoiseshell acetate cases of its iconic Clubmaster line or its newest Streamliner square shape case. Each collection reflects a thoughtful evolution of style and function.
From the very beginning, the brand set out to combine artisanal quality with an intentionally stylish, slightly offbeat attitude — underpinned by a founder who amassed 15 years’ experience at major houses (such as Cartier, Zenith and others) before launching this personal creative endeavour.
Brand
Stats
Movement: Miyota, Seiko
Movement Types: Automatic, Quartz
Crystal: Sapphire
Materials Utilized: Acetate, Stainless Steel, Recycled Plastic, Leather, Nylon
Median Price Range: $300 - $2,200
In CHP Caliber's words
Briston stands for everything that CHP Caliber believes in - class, quality, and elegance at an affordable pricepoint. We are true believers of luxury for all, and Briston's beautiful pieces do just that; their designs are not only jaw-droppingly stunning (the acetate detailing? We can't get over it..), but they're a perfect watch for someone who is ready to dive into the world of watches without breaking the bank.
With a founder who has extensive experience in the world of luxury goods at the helm, you know this brand is destined for success (and already has had so much positive momentum in the marketplace). We CANNOT wait to get this brand in-stores for you to touch, feel, and fall in love with like we have. Whether you need a fun weekend watch to show your buddies at the Marina on your private yacht in the Hamptons, or a young professional that wants to wow your boss at that internship with your cool new watch, Briston is the truly perfect fit.
Briston, Elegant, French designed Heritage that is accessible for all -
Everyone deserves a beautiful watch. Especially you.
Tsar Bomba is redefining modern watchmaking with dynamic, transformative design. Featuring patented interchangeable bezels, straps, and crowns inspired by the choreography of atomic motion, each watch adapts seamlessly to any mood, style, or occasion.
A global team of in-house experts and international freelance designers ensures a continuous flow of on-trend, innovative creations, keeping the brand at the forefront of design evolution. Recognized with multiple international awards, Tsar Bomba has firmly established its reputation for excellence and innovation. With a presence in more than 50 countries, partnerships with over 300 retail outlets, and a growing Travel Retail footprint, the brand enjoys strong global visibility.
Coupled with strong tradeshow visibility, a substantial social media following, and hundreds of thousands of loyal customers, the brand delivers both high consumer appeal and strong commercial opportunity.
Tsar Bomba – YOU have the power.
Brand
Stats
Movement Origins: Japanese, Swiss
Movement Types: Automatic, Quartz
Crystal: Sapphire
Materials Utilized: Stainless Steel, Carbon Fiber, Titanium, Meteorite, Ceramic
Median Price Range: $250 - $2,000
In CHP Caliber's words
Tsar Bomba is just cool, y’all. When we saw these in person, we were blown away. The patented interchangeability technology isn’t just extremely functional (yes, it’s like having seven watches in one), but the locking mechanisms and colorway options make this timepiece a truly customizable wonder. They use boundary-pushing materials (Meteorite, Carbon Fiber, Ceramic, and more) at extremely reasonable price points. That makes this watch the perfect gift or starter piece for someone looking for something affordable with a sporty edge (and oh, the quality is insanely good).
Are you obsessed with functional design and quality in the watch world? Are you an indecisive collector who loves the idea of swapping straps, bezels, and even the crown based on your outfit or mood? Cool. This watch is for you. The possibilities are endless. We’re hyped about it. You will be too, as soon as you get one on your wrist.
Tsar Bomba, Challenge your Perspective,
Change up your watch. With ease. All the time.
Exaequo brings surrealism back to life with its iconic melting watches, inspired by dreamlike aesthetics and the concept of fluid, unconventional time. From the Latin for “equal merit,” Exaequo balances traditional watchmaking, innovation, and art. Founded in the 1990s, the brand quickly gained acclaim, worn by icons like Paul McCartney, Jim Carrey, and Jerry Lewis. Its celebrated Softwatch, created in homage to Salvador Dalí’s world-famous melting clock, became a surrealist symbol of creative expression.
Reintroduced in Spring 2024, Exaequo honors its 1990s roots with bold, vintage-inspired designs and a modern reinterpretation true to Dalí’s spirit. Praised by The New York Times, GQ, Bazaar, Esquire, and leading fashion voices, and now distributed in 38 markets worldwide, Exaequo seamlessly merges cultural heritage with commercial success—remaining both a timeless collector’s piece and a compelling retail opportunity.
Brand
Stats
Movement: Ronda 751
Movement Types: Quartz
Crystal: Mineral, Dome Glass
Materials Utilized: Stainless Steel 316L, Sterling Silver 925, PVD rose gold and yellow gold IP
Median Price Range: $700 - $2,800
In CHP Caliber's words
Oh man...being that our founder has a Salvador Dali tattoo on her back, CHP Caliber immediately fell in love with Exaequo at first sight. Listen...While it's on our grail list to own a Cartier Crash, that million-dollar price point seems entirely out of reach to some... But don't be fooled or think this is just a budget-friendly alternative; Exaequo has been around since the 90's. They've completely forged their own path in creating a stunning, mind-bending, eye-catching melting watch that have been spotted on celebrities, art-lovers, and folks that are infatuated with the surreal.
These top of the line, carefully crafted melting watches inspire a whimsy and humor, but the craftsmenship that is taken with these Swiss Designed watches are taken very seriously. Mark our words, Exaequo will be everywhere. Very soon.
Exaequo, Be Surreal. Be Bold. Wear your Weird.
EMBRACE UNIQUENESS.
