A Wedding, a Watch, and the Birth of Milestones
An Unforgettable Summer
This past summer, just a week after wrapping up my master's degree at Carnegie Mellon (Go Tartans!), my family and I embarked on a much-needed adventure. We visited family and friends across Mexico and Texas, but the highlight of our trip was the wedding of Nathaly's best friend, Mary, near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nathaly, my amazing wife, was one of the maids of honor, and my brother and his wife were the photographers—a family affair in the truest sense.
Little did I know that this trip would spark a pivotal moment for Milestones.
The Quest for Something Meaningful
As I approached the end of my master's program, I found myself reflecting on the journey—balancing a full-time job, family life with two kids, and the relentless demands of academia. It was a whirlwind, to say the least. I wanted something to commemorate this chapter of my life, to honor not just my efforts but also the sacrifices my family had made.
So, I did what any watch enthusiast might do: I bought an expensive Swiss mechanical watch. It was beautiful, with a classic design and impeccable craftsmanship. But after the initial excitement faded, I realized something was off. The watch didn't represent me or the journey I'd been on. It was all about the brand's legacy, not my own.
That's when the gears in my engineering mind started turning (pun absolutely intended). Why not build my own watch?
Pro Tip: If something doesn't feel quite right, maybe it's a sign to create what you're truly looking for.
Building My First Watch
Amid finals week chaos—because why not add more to the plate—I dove into the world of watchmaking. Between coding projects and studying for exams, I assembled my first mechanical watch. It was both a challenge and a joy, demanding precision and patience. Every tiny screw and gear was a step toward creating something deeply personal.
But at that point, Milestones was just a seed of an idea. I was too engrossed in finals to fully explore it. (Spoiler alert: that was about to change.)
The Wedding That Changed Everything
Fast forward to the wedding in Santa Fe. The venue was breathtaking, the atmosphere electric, and love was undeniably in the air. Over the days leading up to the ceremony, we got to know Andrew, the groom. It was clear he and Mary were perfect for each other.
As the ceremony concluded and everyone was mingling, I noticed Andrew wasn't wearing a watch. Maybe it was the engineer in me, or perhaps the universe nudging me forward, but I felt that familiar tingling sensation—the kind that says, "You have five seconds to act before this moment slips away."
5...4...3...
I took a deep breath. 2...1...
"Hey Andrew," I said, walking up to him. "I noticed you're not wearing a watch. I actually made this one myself, and it matches your outfit perfectly. Would you like to wear it?"
(It really did—you can check the photos for proof. Coincidence? I think not!)
“Fortune favors the bold”
A Leap of Faith
Andrew looked pleasantly surprised. "You made this? That's incredible!" he said, admiring the watch. He accepted my offer with genuine appreciation.
To be honest, I wasn't sure if he'd actually wear it, but during the reception, I saw him glancing at the watch, a smile on his face. My heart did a little happy dance. Something I had created was now part of someone's incredibly special moment.
Later that evening, as the stars began to dot the New Mexico sky, Andrew approached me to return the watch. I shook my head and said, "It's yours. I made this watch for a moment as special as this—it's the watch of your wedding."
He seemed genuinely touched, and we shared one of those brief but meaningful hugs (the kind where two guys pat each other on the back to keep it manly).
In that split second, everything clicked. The joy I felt in creating something that became part of someone's milestone was indescribable. That's when I knew I had to bring Milestones to life.
The Birth of Milestones
Returning to Seattle, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened. That small act of giving had ignited a spark. Milestones was no longer just an idea—it was a calling.
I realized that watches could be more than just timekeepers; they could be storytellers, companions that celebrate life's journey. Each watch could symbolize a personal milestone, a cherished memory, a step in someone's unique path.
Milestones isn't about selling watches. It's about celebrating people, acknowledging their moments, and embracing the journey with all its twists and turns. It's about being a "rebel" in a world that glorifies the grind, choosing instead to pause, reflect, and appreciate the now
Did You Know? The "five-second rule" isn't just for dropped food. It's a psychological hack to overcome hesitation. Count down from five and take action!
Embracing the Rebel Spirit
In today's hyperconnected world, choosing to slow down is almost an act of rebellion. We live in a culture that celebrates constant hustle, where success is often measured by how busy we are. But what if success is actually about finding balance, about savoring the moments that make life meaningful?
Our watches are mechanical, requiring you to wind them, set the time, and, in doing so, be present. They're not collecting data or pinging you with notifications. They're silent companions, reminding you that "The Effort is the Reward."
By embracing the analog, we're choosing mindfulness over mindlessness, presence over productivity, and quality over quantity.
“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”
A Toast to What's Ahead
So here we are, several months later, and Milestones is growing in ways I couldn't have imagined. Each watch we craft tells a story—not just of its wearer but of the moments and efforts that define them.
To Andrew and Mary, thank you for letting me be a small part of your big day. That experience was the catalyst that turned a dream into reality.
And to you reading this, may you find joy in your journey, celebrate your milestones, and maybe, just maybe, embrace a little rebellion along the way.
Final Thoughts:
This experience taught me that sometimes, all it takes is five seconds of courage to change the course of your life. It's about seizing the moment, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing the possibilities that unfold.
At Milestones, we celebrate these moments—the bold steps, the quiet reflections, and the milestones that define our journeys. Thank you for letting me share this story with you.
Challenge: Next time you feel that tingling sensation urging you to act, don't hesitate. Count down from five and go for it. You never know where those five seconds might lead you.
If this story resonates with you, I invite you to explore our collection. Each Milestones watch is crafted to celebrate your unique journey and the moments that make life extraordinary.
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Thank you for being part of the Milestones story. Remember, it's not about the watch—it's about the moments it represents.
Thank you for being here. Let's celebrate the journey together!
