A WATCH designer whose venture was inspired by a teenage hobby is now crowd funding for £20,000.

Kingsleigh Viollet, 27, an Essex University law graduate, has for the past year been finalising the prototype for his range of luxury men and women's watches.

The tagline being, 'One watch, twice as colourful' which represents the brand's unique selling point - a Swiss movement watch face with two different coloured calf leather or metal straps.

The concept grew from Mr Viollet's indecisiveness over what colour watch to wear, which he felt other men could empathise with.

After the "incredible" discovery he would be the first brand to do this, K Viollet watches was born.

He said: "I've always found watches fascinating and began customising them at around 13, when my parents bought my first.

"When the strap wore out, I'd order new ones and replace them myself so it was like new again. Or I'd buy a cheaper watch and change the dial."

Gazette:

Mr Viollet joined forces with Lee Owen, 39, a computer designer who instantly loved the concept and was illustrating children's books when they partnered.

The pair have done their own marketing and amassed nearly 5,000 Facebook likes as well as investing £1,500.

Those who gamble in their Kickstarter campaign, which launches on Tuesday, November 15, will able to pre-order up to two watches at a discounted price with £99 being the most expensive. Afterwards they will retail online for up to £160.

He said: "£20,000 is a lot of money but the more money we can secure in advance, the better price per unit we can get.

"Two years ago I'd lost a watch my dad bought me for my graduation and couldn't replace it because it was too expensive - I was gutted - which is why I wanted to make something with distinctive quality at a price for everyone."

And for Mr Viollet, who is currently a trainee lawyer for the European Commission in Brussels, this venture is the beginning of forever.

He added: "I'd love to do this for the rest of my life. I've always had a watch and I genuinely think they're the most important accessory in the world because they allow us to function.

"And I love the idea of starting a business that in the future could potentially create jobs for others."

Go to www.facebook.com/kviollet.