From a young age, Spencer Shattuck was captivated by the luxurious gifts his father, Mayo Shattuck, a former energy executive, received. This fascination led him to start a collection of luxury pens, including Montblanc and intricately designed writing instruments from China. His passion for luxury items eventually steered him towards high-end watches. “The concept of luxury and collecting intrigued me, especially the transformation of raw materials into art,” Shattuck, a 2021 graduate, explains. “I am enamored by the mechanical movement of a watch, with its 207-plus components, creating a mechanical sculpture for the wrist.”
Recently, Shattuck elevated his passion for timepieces by acquiring the Towson Watch Company. Established in 1998 by German engineers Hartwig Balke and George Thomas, the company is renowned for being one of the few in the U.S. that manufactures mechanical watches in-house.
Shattuck’s journey with Towson Watch Company began in middle school when he shadowed its watchmakers, thanks to a family connection with Kevin Plank. Plank’s company, Sagamore Ventures, had acquired Towson Watch Company in 2016. During high school, Shattuck flipped watches and designer goods on eBay, amassing enough capital to start his own watch collection.
Located in Baltimore’s Port Covington at City Garage, the company’s showroom is a hub for designing, assembling, modifying, and restoring bespoke timepieces. This setup offers customers a unique opportunity to witness the craftsmanship behind each original watch. The space also hosts clients, events, and tours.
“We aren’t just a brand that slaps a logo on pre-made dials,” Shattuck asserts. “Our watchmakers are in the workshop daily, a claim even major Swiss brands can’t always make.”
Guidance and Vision
Balke has played a crucial role in mentoring Shattuck as he steps into his role as president of Towson Watch Company. “He taught me the importance of customer service and treating clients like family,” Shattuck shares. The company has also started bringing in apprentices from Baltimore to learn the craft from seasoned experts.
“My role is to narrate the story of these watchmakers who have dedicated their lives to their craft,” Shattuck states. “The luxury and premium value of mechanical watches should reflect the labor and meticulous attention to detail involved in their creation.”
Shattuck aims to uphold the company’s tradition of crafting custom timepieces. He has initiated an influencer program, collaborating with watch enthusiasts like professional golfer Kevin Streelman and members of the band supporting country singer Morgan Wallen. As a proud Baltimore native, Shattuck aspires to create local jobs and contribute to area charities and nonprofits.
Lessons and Aspirations
When asked about advice from Plank on managing the company, Shattuck responds: “Kevin taught me that passion is the driving force behind everything. If you love and are fully committed to your work, success will follow.”
Bucket list watch: “I’ve always desired a skeleton watch, where the movement is visible through the face and dial. I recently commissioned one from Towson Watch Company, and it’s now my daily wear.”
Favorite travel destination: “Germany. It boasts some of the world’s finest artisans.”
Preferred Baltimore restaurant: “Petit Louis in Roland Park. It’s authentic and timeless.”
In five years, Shattuck envisions himself continuing his current endeavors, with a broader awareness and appreciation for independent watchmakers like Towson Watch Company.
