Inks deal with watch company: USC goes for ‘timeless’ university memorabilia

CEBU, Philippines — In its hope to improve school souvenirs and memorabilia from the usual shirts and mugs to something more ‘timeless’, a new and local company has kicked-off its partnership with one of Cebu’s top schools in launching watches solely made for its students.

Owners of startup watch company, University Watches, and officers of the University of San Carlos signed last Saturday, Sept 28, 2019, a trademark license agreement, allowing the former to use the school’s official logo in its watches.

The signing of the agreement was led by Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD, USC President and University Watches Chief Executive Officer Eliel Barcelona.

Barcelona, a Filipino who was based in London before starting University Watches with two other partners, said USC is University Watches’ second partner in the country. The first is Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology— his alma matter.

Barcelona said he thought of the idea of having watches for universities since Ivy league schools in other countries sell all kinds of apparel and accessories with their logos, and people who are not even graduates of these schools buy these items.

With a lot of quality universities in the Philippines, he said schools here should also be proud by wearing their brand, not just on t-shirts or mugs, but items that can last a long time.

Barcelo said their main target market are the alumni of the school, but students and teachers, or anyone interested, can also avail of the watches.

He added that their main market are the alumni because the watches can be a bit pricey as compared to their local competitors but still much more affordable than high-end brands. Barcelona explained that they made sure their watches are of high standards by using quality materials also used in high-end, expensive brands.

“Our idea is that these watches will be worn by lawyers, engineers, architects—professionals. These are individuals who wear quality watches. Apart from quality watches, it would remind them of their school. This would help them connect with fellow Carolinians, wherever they are in the world,” said Barcelona.

The watches, priced at P9,700 for the men and P7,500 for women plus 12% VAT, are made of stainless steel and genuine leather straps and are scratch and water-proof. The watches for women are also embellished with Swarovski crystals. The logo of USC is imprinted on the watch’s main surface, with the name of the school engraved at the lock.

As a new company, Barcelona said the main challenge is that they have several established local competitors, but he is optimistic of the company’s success due to the high quality of the watches and because they cater to the schools directly.

He said they don’t even have to spend for models because the students, teachers and alumni who wear the watches already market the watches themselves.

More than the purpose it serves, the watches are made to help students and graduates to always connect with their schools.

“Even if you can afford high-end watches worth hundreds of thousands, this is special because this is about you,” he said, adding that they look forward to partner with more schools soon.

Fr. Generoso Rebayla Jr., USC’s vice president for administration, said the partnership came just in time since their logo, albeit the same, has just been digitally improved.

He said he is eager to see more Carolinians wear the watch so they can connect with each other wherever they are in the world.

Pre-selling of the watches is ongoing, with the first batch expected to be delivered by January. (FREEMAN)