Who Owns Griffith Watch Company?

If you've found yourself wondering who owns Griffith Watch Company, the answer is simple:

I do.

My name is Ralph Griffith, and I'm the founder of Griffith Watch Company.

But long before I started a watch company, I was simply a collector.

Like many enthusiasts, I became fascinated by watches because they represented more than time. Watches accompany us through milestones, adventures, and ordinary moments. They become part of our stories.

Eventually, collecting turned into building.

From Professor to Entrepreneur

Before founding Griffith Watch Company, I spent fifteen years as a university professor teaching entrepreneurship and helping students pursue their dreams.

Throughout that time, I started and operated several businesses while maintaining a lifelong appreciation for watches and horology.

I've always believed that entrepreneurship isn't just about selling products — it's about creating something meaningful and serving others.

Family Heritage and the Sea

I grew up in a hardworking family and remain proud of my father's service in the United States Navy. Some of my earliest memories involve stories of ships, oceans, and service.

That heritage naturally influenced our maritime collection. Watches have always played an important role in navigation, exploration, and life at sea, and our diver and maritime-inspired pieces are a tribute to that connection.

Aviation and Aerospace

Before focusing full-time on Griffith Watch Company, I worked in aerospace and defense, supporting programs involving the legendary C-130 Hercules.

That experience left me with a tremendous appreciation for aviation history, engineering, and the professionals who keep these incredible aircraft flying.

It's one of the reasons I love pilot watches and why our aviation collection exists. These watches represent precision, utility, and the spirit of adventure that aviation has always embodied.

Endurance Racing and Chronographs

I've always been drawn to endurance racing. Whether it's Le Mans, Daytona, or Formula One, there's something inspiring about machines and people pushed to their limits.

Chronographs have long been associated with motorsports, and our racing-inspired models celebrate that heritage. They are designed for enthusiasts who appreciate speed, precision, and timeless design.

Family, Purpose, and Giving Back

I'm also the father of a son with autism, which has shaped my perspective on life more than anything else.

Because of that, supporting autism awareness has been part of our mission since the beginning. Business should be about more than transactions. It should be about people, families, and community.

Every watch we sell helps support that mission, with proceeds from every sale dedicated to Autism Speaks. It's our way of giving back and honoring the families and individuals who navigate the autism journey every day.

The watch community has been incredibly supportive of our journey, and we're grateful that each purchase allows us to combine a passion for horology with something far more meaningful.

Why I Started Griffith Watch Company

I founded Griffith Watch Company because I believe quality and value should go hand in hand.

Not everyone wants — or needs — a watch that costs thousands of dollars.

I've always loved classic watch designs and wanted to bring dependable, affordable watches with the look and feel of pieces costing many times more to everyday collectors.

As a young company, we intentionally began with many of these classic and homage-inspired designs because we genuinely love them. We know that approach isn't for everyone, but countless enthusiasts appreciate being able to enjoy timeless styles without luxury price tags.

As we continue to grow, we're investing in increasingly original projects like the Phoenix while remaining true to what attracted many collectors to us in the first place.

Built for the Life You Live

Griffith Watch Company isn't owned by a large corporation or private equity group.

It's owned by a lifelong watch enthusiast, former professor, entrepreneur, father, and son who believes watches are meant to be worn and memories are meant to be made.

We're still young, but we're building for the long haul — and every watch we sell helps support autism awareness through Autism Speaks.

Because watches aren't really about telling time.

They're about remembering how we spend it.

"Built for the Life You Live."

Frequently Asked Questions About Griffith Watch Company Ownership