Makoto Watch Company Returns With The Stone-Dialed Kodawari Watch Series
For Ryan LeClair, founder of Makoto Watch Company, building a watch brand took shape in the aftermath of personal upheaval. After spending 15 years running a furniture business, a life-altering trip to Japan following his wife’s cancer diagnosis and the passing of his father set him on a new path. Immersed in Japan’s culture, beauty, and sense of calm, LeClair, who is an admitted watch collector and enthusiast, returned to Canada with a renewed sense of purpose. The result is Makoto Watch Company, a Canadian brand based in London, Ontario, but informed by Japanese values and aesthetics. “Makoto” is a Japanese word that translates to honesty, authenticity, and integrity — three ideals that define the watches and the philosophy behind them. After debuting a pair of well-received dive watches and a successful first showing at the Vancouver Timepiece Show, the brand is now gearing up to unveil its latest collection, the Makoto Watch Company Kodawari watch series, which launches on Kickstarter, June 3, 2025.
At the heart of the Kodawari range is a focus on stone dials and wearable proportions. The collection includes six models in total — four in 39mm and two in 37mm — with dials crafted from natural materials. The 39mm models are available with malachite, lapis lazuli, red agate, or meteorite dials, while the 37mm editions offer the option of turquoise or pink mother-of-pearl. Regardless of the material, each dial is one of a kind, with natural textures and color variations that give every watch its own character.
The 39mm Kodawari models feature curved stainless steel cases that are water-resistant to 50 meters, measuring 11.25mm total thickness (10mm without the crystal) and 47mm lug-to-lug. They are fitted with 20mm-wide lugs with quick release spring bars for easy strap changes. Each model comes with both a suede strap and a matching stainless steel bracelet, furnished with on-the-fly micro-adjustment clasps.
The four dial options of the Kodawari 39mm lineup — Shino (malachite), Sora (lapis lazuli), Hono (red agate), and Ryusei (meteorite) — all feature faceted hour markers, accompanied by luminous numerals at 3, 9, and 12. Other luminescent details on the dial include the arrow tips of the skeletonized hour and minute hands, as well as a glowing ring around the periphery. At six o’clock sits a round, framed date window whereas at just under 12 o’clock, lies the the Makoto logo, a stylized “M” inspired by the Torii gates of Japan, marking a passage from the everyday into something more sacred.
The 37mm Kodawari watches follow the same design language as their larger counterparts but slightly scaled down for smaller wrists, measuring 44.5mm lug-to-lug and featuring a 19mm lug width. The dial choices — Sakura (pink mother-of-pearl) and Aomidori (turquoise) have similar layout and details as the bigger versions.
All six Kodawari watches run on the tried-and-true Miyota 9015 automatic movement with quick-set date, hacking seconds, and 42 hours of power reserve. Operating at 28,800 bph and visible through the display caseback, this reliable and ubiquitous Japanese movement offers an accuracy rating of ｰ10 to＋30 seconds per day. However, the factory regulates Makoto’s movements and an accuracy rating of +3 to +5 seconds per day are seen on many of those regulated movements.
In addition to its brand ethos, another way that Makoto wants to distinguish itself is through its clear commitment to delivery and transparency. While many Kickstarter campaigns come with long wait times and uncertain outcomes, Makoto is placing its full production order just days after the campaign launches, meaning the watches will be produced regardless of campaign performance, removing any risk for campaign backers.
Combining distinctive natural stone dials with solid, everyday-wearable specs, the Kodawari watches offer a thoughtful balance of individuality and practicality, backed by a design story that feels both personal and purposeful. The Makoto Kodawari Kickstarter campaign goes live on June 3, 2025, and runs for 30 days. For those looking to take advantage of the best deal, the campaign will include a launch day special of 30% off, but it’s limited to just the first 18 watches. After that, most tiers will offer solid discounts off the eventual retail price of $979 CAD. For more information on the Makoto Watch Company Kodawari watches please visit the brand’s website or Kickstarter campaign page.
