Tom Clemence is the founder and creative lead of Clemence Watches, an independent British microbrand established in 2021. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Clemence transitioned into the horological industry from a professional background in ecology, a discipline that continues to influence his brand’s operational philosophy.

His interest in watchmaking was sparked during his childhood by a gold Universal Geneve watch that belonged to his late grandfather. This heirloom served as the primary inspiration for his vision to create mechanical timepieces designed for longevity and legacy, intended to be maintained and passed down through generations.

Clemence officially launched his namesake brand with the Photic Diver, a model inspired by mid-century skin divers and named after the ocean’s photic zone. He has since expanded the collection to include the Munro field watch and the Photic MKII. As a founder, he emphasizes a hands-on approach to design and quality control, ensuring that all timepieces are assembled and tested within the United Kingdom.

Under his leadership, Clemence Watches has become a member of the British Watch & Clock Makers Alliance. Reflecting his background as an ecologist, Clemence has integrated environmental sustainability into the brand’s core mission. This includes commitments to reforestation through tree-planting initiatives in Scotland and maintaining a climate-positive status by offsetting the carbon footprint of each watch produced. He remains a vocal advocate for transparency and accessibility within the independent watchmaking community.