Van Speyk watches, a new Dutch watch brand

The new watch brand Van Speyk watches is now online and available:

To provide you with a more profound understanding of the background of your Van Speyk watch, we hereby invite you on a brief journey through the prosperous history of The Netherlands since the 17th century

In the Golden Age the current Kingdom of the Netherlands occupied a global perch in terms of Trade, Science, Art and Military Power (especially at sea). This period of time formed an important part of the foundation of the wealth, both economically and culturally, that we in present time Netherlands find ourselves in.

Economic decline and turbulent years is what The Netherlands in the 18th century had to endure. Amidst this social rumble Jan Carel Josephus van Speyk was born in Amsterdam on the 31st of January, 1802. Although educated as a tailor, Van Speyk was fascinated by the adventures that go with the life of a sailor. He followed his heart and in the years that followed, he became a marine lieutenant and conducted many naval trading- and combat missions across the globe and even acquired the "ridderkruis der vierde klasse van de Militaire Willems-Orde"; the Dutch equivalent of the Medal of Honor.

On the 5th of February 1831, Van Speyk (29) became a Dutch national hero when he headed for the Antwerp harbor in Belgium to examine shiploads. A year prior, the Belgium Revolution led to the dissolution of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and the proclamation of an independent Belgium. Upon arrival in Antwerp, a furious party of Antwerp workmen boarded Van Speyk's gunboat "No.2". Van Speyk then spoke the legendary phrase: "…and going down in history as an infamous Dutchman? I rather blow this ship and myself to smithereens, than surrender". By throwing a lit cigar into a barrel of gunpowder in the ships armory, the ship exploded. Van Speyk did not survive his act. Because of his reluctance to comply and as a result of his display of devotion to his flag, he is considered an important hero in the history of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. He inspirited the Dutch civilians.

Today, more than two centuries hereafter, we follow our hearts in the spirit of Jan Carel van Speyk by manufacturing these splendid Van Speyk watches. Van Speyk precisely unifies the feeling of a majestic Dutch history and our national pride. A watch brand with an international allure, as well as an undeniable Dutch identity.

Your Van Speyk watch is equipped with solid mechanical clockwork, sapphire glass and a brilliant classic look.