Recap of La FrenchTech Shanghai Connect Event: "From Vision to Wrist: Manufacturing in China"

On November 14th, La FrenchTech Shanghai had the pleasure of hosting William Volcoff , founder of the designer watch brand WOLKOV , for an interactive event titled: "From Vision to Wrist: Manufacturing in China". Over the course of an hour, William shared his inspiring journey of designing and manufacturing exceptional timepieces, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in China.

A Deep Dive into the World of WOLKOV Watches

William guided the audience through every stage of his creative process, from the initial spark of an idea to the production of the final product. The audience, a mix of entrepreneurs, students and passionate watch enthusiasts, gained insight into his approach, his sources of inspiration, and the key lessons learnt throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

Back in 2014, William sketched his first concept for an automatic watch with one goal: to create something that would stand out on any wrist. After five years of refining and perfecting, this vision culminated in the launch of the W20 collection in 2019. Characterised by its bold, oval design and interchangeable straps, the W20 stands as a testament to his commitment to innovation and originality.

Addressing the Challenges of "Made in China"

William frankly shared the obstacles he faced along the way. Finding a manufacturer willing to produce small quantities of watches with such a distinctive design proved to be a significant challenge. After countless factory visits on his own, he finally secured a manufacturing partner in Hong Kong with the help of a local connection.

In addition to finding the right manufacturer, William had to overcome obstacles in securing high-quality materials and managing the complexities of production, where even the smallest detail matters. He gave details into his prototyping process, from early sketches to testing dials, all while highlighting the need of maintaining high quality standards.

A Lively Exchange with the Audience

The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session. Participants asked a range of questions about the technical aspects of watchmaking, the cultural challenges of doing business in China, and the pitfalls to avoid in the industry. To top it off, attendees had the opportunity to explore WOLKOV’s prototypes and final designs, leaving many in awe of the brand’s uniqueness and craftsmanship.

A Masterclass in Entrepreneurship in China

This event offered a unique perspective on entrepreneurship in China, exposing the specific challenges and opportunities of the watchmaking industry. William Volcoff’s authenticity, tenacity, and designer’s vision inspired the audience, proving that even the most ambitious ideas can come to life with passion and determination.

WOLKOV watches are now available on their website, continuing to captivate with their innovative design and timeless elegance. LINK: https://www.wolkov.design/shop

Thank you to William Volcoff and all attendees for making this evening unforgettable!

La FrenchTech Shanghai team Latyr Jean-Luc FAYE Cyrille 柏希睿 Berliat Boris C. Meltem Kuru

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