Tobias Ericsson

Co-founder Triwa

Tobias Ericsson

Tobias Ericsson co-founded TRIWA in 2007 to transform the watch industry. He leads the brand's focus on Scandinavian design and sustainable innovations.

Brand
Triwa
Brand founded
2007
Read the biography Updated 25 October 2026
Biography · 2 min read

The story of Tobias Ericsson

Tobias Ericsson is a Swedish entrepreneur and co-founder of TRIWA, an independent watch and accessory brand based in Stockholm. Established in 2007, the company was born from a collaborative effort between Ericsson and three friends: Harald Wachtmeister, Didrik Wachtmeister, and Ludvig Scheja. The brand’s name, an acronym for Transforming the Industry of Watches, reflects the founders’ original mission to challenge the traditional status-driven nature of the horological world.

Ericsson and his co-founders started the venture with a rebellious spirit, inspired by the concept of creating playful, affordable alternatives to luxury timepieces. Their early success was built on colorful, fashion-forward designs that positioned the watch as a style accessory rather than a mere timekeeping tool. This approach allowed TRIWA to expand rapidly, moving beyond traditional watch retailers and into fashion and lifestyle boutiques globally.

Under the collective leadership of the founding team, TRIWA underwent a significant design evolution, transitioning from its initial playful aesthetic toward a minimalist Scandinavian style characterized by clean lines and functional simplicity. This shift helped the brand gain a strong foothold in international markets, particularly in Japan and broader Asia. Ericsson has been instrumental in maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality and contemporary design while ensuring the company remained independent.

In recent years, Ericsson has been part of TRIWA’s strategic pivot toward sustainability and social responsibility. This is exemplified by the Time for Change vision, which includes the Time for Peace collection—featuring watches made from Humanium Metal (recycled illegal firearms)—and the Time for Oceans collection, which utilizes recycled ocean-bound plastic. These initiatives have redefined the brand’s purpose, transforming its products into symbols of environmental and social advocacy.

Throughout his tenure at TRIWA, Tobias Ericsson has remained a key figure in the brand’s growth from a small Stockholm-based startup to a globally recognized label that has sold over 1.5 million watches. His professional journey is defined by a consistent focus on innovation, accessible design, and the ongoing transformation of the modern watch industry.

Every watch has a maker

Find the watch that carries their story.

Watch Explorer lists every watch on Watcheers with its full spec sheet. Filter by brand, size, material and budget.