Yes Man Watches are as much about how to spend your time effectively as they are about telling the time. The guys behind the brand want the wearer of their watches to squeeze the most out of every living moment and live the Yes Man lifestyle. We asked Nathan Resnick of Yes Man Watches to tell us more about the watch and the passion to make the most of every minute life has to offer.
1) Please tell us more about yourself and why you arrived at the Yes Man watch concept.
NR: My name is Nathan Resnick, currently a University of San Diego undergraduate student, and the founder of Yes Man Watches. The Yes Man concept originated from an innovative watch buckle idea, and was combined with my passion for a 'Yes Man' lifestyle after realizing who I am; I try to make the most of my time, and consider the use of my time. Time is invaluable and everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, yet so few actually consider how they spend their time. Our watch isn't just a timepiece. It is a way to consider your use of time. By wearing our watch we strive to empower people to realize It's Your Time. Everyone has a dream, but why do so few chase their dreams? We say don't go about life wondering what you could have been. You and I, we don't want to be those guys. Regardless of your past or present, there is still time to do what you desire. As a student, I am always trying to get the most out of my days. Upon completing the school year, I was excited to start what I thought would be an amazing internship. Little did I know, the tiresome 9-5 job was not how I envisioned my summer, nor the rest of my life. I felt constrained at work by a monotonous daily routine. But instead of procrastinating after work, I was up till 3am balancing the time zones of four different cities (Shen Zhen, Budapest, San Diego, DC). I taught myself the keys to outsourcing, patent application, website design, non-disclosure agreements, manufacturing contracts; the list goes on. The start-up process has been a learning experience and I continue to progress on a daily basis. I am a firm believer in the saying, "one who thinks they know all the answers, has not been asked all the questions."
2) The term 'Yes Man' normally refers to one who unquestioningly obeys commands. What made you decide on this name for your watch brand?
NR: Though this seems to be the connotation of 'Yes Man', I believe the words have a different meaning. When my team and I use the phrase 'Be A Yes Man' we are trying to empower each other to make the most of our time. This includes considering every opportunity and weighing the potential outcomes. Even when people tease, "Nathan, you must say yes" it makes me consider the given situation, which is better than overlooking it completely. A great brand revolutionizes the way people act, think, or interact. Yes Man Watches is striving to do just that; revolutionize the way people consider time.
3) The Yes Man logo looks like a Martini glass to some and a Y-man to others. Which one is it and why?
NR: Our logo is what you make of it, just how time is what you make of it. Our goal is to empower people to realize It's Your Time. Whether you would like to look at our logo and feel relaxed through the depiction of a Martini glass, or if you see it as a Yes Man motivating you, the decision is yours.
Making the most of your time means cherishing every moment you have. I enjoy surfing, hiking, and biking, and can more often than not be found adventuring outside of the classroom. Though when it comes down to hitting the books, I strive to limit distractions and efficiently get work done. The same can be applied for when I have fun; I make the most of my time when I hike by cherishing the moments I share with others, limiting distractions (cellphones), and focusing on having an awesome time at that given moment. Being a Yes Man can and should be applied to all aspects of life.
4) Your logo is positioned at 5 o'clock; this denotes the freedom hour when work finishes and fun begins. What do you want people to think about when they see that time on their Yes Man watch?
NR: Having our logo positioned at 5 o'clock came from the feeling I had after getting off from a tiresome day of work. I realized too many people feel constrained by the 9-5 workday. Life is full of constraints, but truly there isn't anything holding you back but yourself. Your potential is limitless and maybe you won't need that 9-5 job anymore. After 5 o'clock, It's Your Time, so do something with it!
Though my original inspiration for this logo positioning came from the 9-5 workday, after talking to friends and family I realized this could denote the saying, "It's five o'clock somewhere." In other words, it's okay to have a drink now. It is also extremely ironic as our logo was originally designed as a Yes Man, but older people most often seem to see it as a Martini glass. It's your call whether the positioning of our logo motivates you to chase your dreams after work or have a drink. Both can be rewarding as long as you're making the most of your time.
5) Where are the watches assembled?
NR: One of the most challenging parts of this whole start-up has been finding a reputable and trustworthy manufacturer. For a while most of my time went towards this pursuit because it is key when going from idea to product. After a seemingly endless amount of research, I was able to connect with a reputable manufacturer in Shen Zhen, China. I now feel as though I understand the keys to outsourcing and converting an idea to actual product. Feel free to reach out to me, as I'd be happy to help anyone being a Yes Man to turn their ideas into a reality and further share my outsourcing adventure.
6) What movement powers the watches?
NR: Our watch is powered by an ultra reliable Japanese Miyota 2035 quartz movement. I went with a fairly simple movement because I wanted to first focus on our patent-pending buckle design. In the future, this movement may change but for now that is what we are working with.
7) Please tell us more about your hole-less leather strap and the buckle.
NR: Our new patent-pending buckle has nearly twice as many sizing options, guaranteeing a comfortable fit. Instead of holes in the leather, we have a row of notches sewn into the back of the leather. When you put our hole-less buckle on, you slide the strap through the buckle, and the buckle catches on these individual notches, making for an abundance of sizes.
Traditional watch buckles that catch on the holes in the leather, not only restrict the wearer to a certain number of sizing options, but damages the leather every time the wearer adjusts their watch. Never rock a worn out leather strap again with our hole-less buckle that will always keep the leather looking new by taking pressure off the strap.
8) Yes Man Watches originated from your own passion to do more with your lives. Will you be including a manual with the watch to tell people how to do more with theirs?
NR: Though we will not be including a manual to tell people how to do more with their life, we will be striving to empower people to realize It's Your Time. By rocking a Yes Man Watch, you will be taking a step towards making the most of your time. Furthermore, you will be connected to like-minded thinkers who are striving to do more with their lives.
We are also launching a Yes Man of the Month contest in which every month we will be featuring someone that immensely fits the Yes Man lifestyle. No matter what you dream is, we want to hear it, and know how you are taking action to reach it. Share your Yes Man story with your friends and family, and believe in what you're doing. At the end of every month we will choose someone and help that person become closer to living their dreams.
9) Will there be other models in the Yes Man watch range and who is your target audience?
NR: This is just one of many models to come. We are actively working with our designers and manufacturer to produce models that will further inspire people to consider their use of time. We are open to suggestions, so if any Watchuseek readers are interested in becoming involved, let us know!
Our target audience is anyone that is looking to make the most of their time. Typically this attracts college students and recent graduates, however our concept has no limit. We plan to revolutionize the way people consider their time, and hope to empower as many people as possible to do so.
In the near future, a subset brand called Yes Women Watches will be launched to inspire women to consider their use of time. This brand will have its own models designed specifically for women looking to revolutionize the way they consider allocating their time.
10) And the vital question for Watchuseek readers, what is the price point?
NR: We are planning on a price point of $150 for our 'Yes Man Original' watch. This special limited-time price will be available to the backers of our crowdfunding campaign. Our current timeline to get watches to you is as follows:
October- receive prototypes.
November- launch crowfunding campaign.
December- Crowdfunding finished (hopefully successful)/ First production run scheduled.
January- Get your watch!
For now please connect with us to ensure you are kept up to date, inspired to make the most of your time, and linked to a community of innovative thinkers yearning to revolutionize the way people consider their time.
We would appreciate your support by checking out our website below and connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@yesmanwatches).
By becoming a Yes Man, we hope to empower you to realize It's Your Time. Do something with it!
Nathan, thank you for talking to us!
Visit the Yes Man Watches website