Our History
maes·tro /ˈmīstrō
a master usually in an art, an eminent composer or teacher
2014
Fabio Manfré, a young representative in Retail Finance, unknowingly began a journey in 2014 that would go on to become; Maison Maéstro.
It starts at a vintage watch auction, where one particular timepiece stood out. The watch had once belonged to an iconic figure—an individual whose influence stretched far beyond music. This man was not only known for his artistry but also for shaping the art of living itself: how to dress, how to act, how to enjoy life. His watch, a symbol of sophistication, was being auctioned off for thousands—far beyond the reach of Fabio’s modest budget.
Unable to find a similar timepiece on the market that embodied the same style and craftsmanship, Fabio made a bold decision: to create a 1-of-1 watch to his exact specifications, within his means. The next question was what to label it. He briefly considered putting “Manfré” on the dial, but rejected it—as it didn’t quite feel appropriate. Then, in a flash of inspiration, he thought of a name that paid homage to the inspiring icon, a true teacher of gentleman—the Maestro. Although a small subtle nod to himself was needed, so he added the accent, "é," a gentle reminder of his personal connection to the timepiece and the life it represented.
The watch was never intended for sale. It was his personal creation, and he wore it with pride, frequently switching between leather, metal, and nylon straps to match his style. However, as he wore it, friends, clients, and strangers began asking where they could also get one. The answer was simple: it didn’t exist beyond his single, bespoke piece. Realizing the potential demand, Fabio decided to bring the concept to life. But there was one major obstacle—funding. With no capital to produce the watches, Fabio turned to the growing world of crowdfunding in an attempt to bring his vision to life.
2015
On July 31, 2015, Fabio unveiled his refined creation: Maéstro. The concept was simple yet powerful—offering finely crafted timepieces that were both accessible and exceptional.
The response was nothing short of overwhelming. Within hours of launching the pre-order campaign, more than 100 orders came pouring in. What began as a modest idea—born from passion, quickly transformed into a movement.
From that pivotal moment, the journey of Maéstro had begun, and the legacy of its founder’s vision—one grounded in excellence, design, and the art of living—was now on its way to redefining the way the world experiences time.
2016-2018
With meticulous in-house designs, carefully selected components, and a clear strategic vision, the brand rapidly evolved, establishing itself as a distinguished name in the world of boutique time. This growth led to partnerships with prestigious retailers, securing a physical presence in some of the most respected stores in North America.
Notable Accolade: Rated #1 on Patryn's Ultimate List of Gentlemen's Watch Brands
2019-2023
What began as a singular ambition, expanded across more than 40 countries, with hundreds of thousands of timepieces finding their way into the hands of individuals who truly value the art of craftsmanship, precision, and style.
As demand grew, so did the brand’s reputation, earning accolades from the industry and enthusiasts alike. This meteoric rise was further cemented when the brand was recognized as a top player, by being listed #1 in GQ Magazine.
Notable Accolade: Listed #1 in GQ Magazine
2024
The Vision Evolved
Rooted in a profound passion for refinement and the art of distinguished living, the vision deepened with time. Over nearly a decade, we have honed our expertise, refining not only our craft, but also the very essence of what it means to live with purpose and style. With this realization, we have expanded our horizons, evolving into a Maison that offers more than just timepieces, but a curated selection of luxury goods designed to elevate your lifestyle.
By uniting both modern and classic design principles, we have achieved the ultimate goal of delivering a seamless balance of functionality and style through our curations. Each item is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, design, and the refined art of living well.
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"The journey of Maéstro has been built on passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
What we've achieved together is just the beginning—looking forward, the future holds even greater possibilities, where craftsmanship and innovation continue to shape the story ahead."
- Fabio Manfré