2nd Shot is a unique Canadian watch brand that has carved a distinct niche for itself in the microbrand space by blending luxury timekeeping with the raw, expressive energy of skateboarding culture. Founded by artist and former skateboarder John Gibson, the brand is a testament to the power of creative reinvention, transforming discarded materials into highly personal and sustainable pieces of wristwear. Operating out of Ontario, 2nd Shot embodies a philosophy of giving new life to the broken and forgotten, creating timepieces that are as rich in story as they are in craftsmanship.
The genesis of 2nd Shot lies with its founder, John Gibson. Based in Canada, Gibson is a full-time artist with over 15 years of professional making experience. His passion for skateboarding, which he has pursued since the age of ten, became the authentic cultural and material foundation for his watchmaking venture. What started in 2011 with handmade accessories eventually evolved into a focused practice of creating high-end custom guitars and micro-batch, all centered around a singular, sustainable material.
The brand’s signature feature, and the reason for its widespread recognition, is the meticulous use of recycled skate decks for its watch dials. Skateboards, typically constructed from seven layers of compressed maple wood, are prone to breaking. Gibson collects these used and broken decks from local skaters, skate parks, and skate shops, occasionally receiving boards from enthusiasts as far away as Australia. This reliance on used material ensures that no two dials are exactly alike, creating a unique, one-of-one art piece for every watch owner.
The name, 2nd Shot, is a direct articulation of the brand’s core philosophy. It refers to the process of giving a “second shot” of life to the compressed wooden decks that otherwise would be discarded. This sustainable approach is highly valued in the modern consumer landscape, appealing to buyers who prioritize ethical sourcing and ecological awareness without compromising on luxury aesthetics. Furthermore, for skateboarders, the watch represents an enduring connection to the time and effort spent mastering the craft, transforming a symbol of a board’s demise into an object of enduring value.
The creation of these dials involves an intensive, handcrafted process. Once collected, the used decks must first have their grip tape meticulously removed. The vibrant, multi-layered wood is then cut, sanded, compressed, and glued by hand. Skilled artisans, proudly designing and assembling the in Grand Valley and Shelburne, Ontario, oversee this process. This commitment to local, hands-on craftsmanship ensures that every timepiece reflects a high standard of quality and attention to detail.
Beyond the unique dials, 2nd Shot are built as robust, everyday timepieces. The typically feature durable 316L stainless steel cases, ensuring resilience and longevity. Many models are equipped with scratch-resistant ceramic bezels and reliable Japanese quartz movements, which are favored for their accuracy and dependability. With a water resistance of 10 ATM (100 meters), these are designed to withstand daily wear, blending artistic craftsmanship with practical specifications.
The are liked by collectors not only for their distinctive appearance but for the compelling narrative they carry. They appeal to a cross-section of consumers: the watch enthusiast seeking genuine novelty and quality microbrand work; the environmental advocate who values recycled art; and the former or current skateboarder who appreciates the authentic piece of culture on their wrist. The blending of bold color-blocking and intricate wood grain with refined metal finishes makes the genuine conversation starters.
While every watch is essentially a unique piece due to its one-of-a-kind dial, the core model is simply referred to as the “Skate Watch.” These timepieces anchor the brand’s offerings and serve as the most direct expression of their material and design ethos. They range in aesthetic from minimal to vibrant, but all share the foundational element of the recycled skate deck dial, often priced around the CA$800 to CA$950 mark for the quartz versions.
Among the brand’s most recognizable models are its limited-edition statement pieces that elevate the concept with premium components and unique collaborations. One such piece is “The Tre,” a limited-edition watch built for daily wear but designed to stand out. Another notable example is the Stainless Steel Skate Watch – Heroin Skateboard Edition, which was a limited run crafted from a specific brand’s used deck. These special editions typically feature enhanced specifications like a larger case size (e.g., 42mm) and are the pinnacle of 2nd Shot’s luxury sustainable timekeeping, with prices for certain editions reaching CA$2,500 and higher.
Ultimately, 2nd Shot’s success stems from its ability to honor the culture it borrows from. John Gibson’s dedication to craftsmanship and his authentic connection to skateboarding culture ensure that the are not mere novelty items. They are instead meticulously engineered objects with soul, successfully merging the worlds of haute horlogerie and street art to deliver luxury, sustainable, and truly unique timepieces from the heart of Canadian watchmaking.
