Detroit Décor
The DWC logo is visible on the rotor.
FOUNDED IN DETROIT IN 2013 BY THE DESIGNING
duo of Amy and Patrick Ayoub, the Detroit Watch
Company recently introduced the latest addition to
its collection with the M1 Woodward automatic with
a custom-decorated Valjoux 7750 chronograph
movement showcasing the DWC Fleur de lys logo.
Visible through the sapphire crystal back, the Fleur
de lys decoration adds a subtle touch that speaks
to the local provenance of the brand as the same
patterns grace the flag of Detroit.
WHY “M-1” AND “WOODWARD”?
According to founder Patrick Ayoub, the
M1-Woodward Avenue is a highway notably
referred to as Detroit’s Main Street and follows
the route of the old Saginaw Trail that linked
Detroit with Pontiac, and at the time, Flint and
Saginaw. Originally created after a devastating fire
in 1805 and one of five principal avenues in Detroit
devised by Augustus B. Woodward, it derived
the “M-1”designation thanks to its heritage as the
location of the first mile of concrete roadway.
The watch itself is a full-figured stainless
steel 44mmx14.5mm beauty and one of the
best values on the market for such a beautifully
designed and well-built structure framing a fan
favorite movement within. Even though offered
in very limited editions, if this watch was put
to market by ANY big Swiss name brand you
could fully expect to see the price as double
the $1,895 that the Ayoub’s ask for their work.
www.detroitwatchco.com
The Fleur de Lys rotor decoration
echoes the same patterns found on
the flag of Detroit.
SPRING 2020 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 105