For twenty years, Towson Watch Company has been the only authorized watchmaker to repair and service Ickler-made watches, forging a unique partnership built on shared values of tradition and craftsmanship.
In many ways, the two companies operate as one, with Ickler specializing in watch components and Towson focusing on design and assembly here in America. This collaboration began in 2000, when Towson's workshops opened, bringing together engineering and design expertise in Maryland and precision manufacturing in Germany. The goal was clear: to create high-grade collectible watches that deliver luxury, exclusivity, and craftsmanship beneath a tool-oriented identity.
Towson's co-founder, Hartwig Balke, brought a unique background to the company. After spending years in the oil industry and engineering, including working on oil-rig blowout prevention and filtration systems, he moved to the United States in 1989 to open a subsidiary for a German hoist manufacturer. His move to Baltimore, driven by proximity to an active seaport, allowed him to explore his passion for horology further. With access to industrial machinery and strong manufacturing ties in Germany, he transitioned his expertise into founding Towson Watch Company, applying the same principles of precision and engineering from his previous career to watchmaking.
The collaboration between Towson and Ickler involves meticulous coordination at every stage of production. Every part of a Towson-Ickler steel case is designed in Towson and manufactured in Germany, with both teams working closely on design, prototyping, parts production, surface finishing, and assembly. Ickler's craftsmen utilize cutting-edge CNC machinery for ultimate precision, while the final touches—polishing, assembly, and quality control—are carried out by Towson’s skilled watchmakers, ensuring that the human touch and intuition are central to each timepiece.
In today’s interconnected world, location is no barrier to craftsmanship. The collaboration between Towson and Ickler mirrors the Swiss industry, where companies work together to achieve the highest product standards. This long-standing partnership has allowed Towson to standardize its processes, develop a distinct design language, and offer luxury watches with exceptional value—an exclusive relationship that sets Towson apart as an American watchmaker.