Momentum Watches: The Success Story of Simon Pennell
When Vancouver-based entrepreneur Simon Pennell founded St. Moritz Watch Corp. in 1980, he set out to build something different – reliable, functional sports watches that focused on performance rather than prestige.
The Story Behind Momentum Watches
Simon and his brother had previously co-owned and run Chronosport Watches, with offices in the UK, USA, and Canada. They were also agents for top Swiss brands like Breitling. From these roots grew Momentum, now one of North America’s most respected sports watch brands.
Inspired by life on Canada’s West Coast – where the mountains meet the ocean – Simon designed watches meant to be worn hard and trusted everywhere. His philosophy is simple: no shortcuts, no gimmicks, just quality built to last… at prices anyone can afford.
Momentum’s Legacy and Iconic Models
Momentum quickly gained a reputation for ruggedness and honest value. Over the last few years, the brand has made another breakthrough, adding to its current collection modern re-creations of iconic models from the past. For example, Momentum has released the Sea Quartz 30, an updated version of the Chronosport Sea Quartz 30, the world’s first analogue quartz dive watch. This still fits seamlessly into the Momentum line: a sturdy, unpretentious dive watch that embodies the company’s commitment to durability and clean design. In the 1980th the watch achieved pop-culture fame when Tom Selleck wore it in Seasons 1–3 of Magnum, P.I., pairing it perfectly with his practical, athletic style. This visibility helped solidify Simon’s reputation for designing dependable, adventure-ready watches.
Working with his wife, Sofia, Simon has expanded Momentum from local dive, outdoor, and watch shops to a global customer base, now selling to dealers, distributors, and adventurers around the world. Despite this growth, the company continues to assemble small runs by hand at its Vancouver headquarters, where a close-knit team of technicians and watchmakers handles assembly, customization, and repairs.
Momentum has also designed and manufactured watches for notable partners such as Land Rover, REI, Roots Canada, MEC, the USAF Pilot Training Academy, The North Face, Sierra Designs, as well as a large number of fire, police, and coast guard units—underscoring the trust professionals place in Momentum’s craftsmanship.
After more than four decades, Simon’s mission remains unchanged: build watches that last, work as they should, and accompany people—whether on the job or on a glacier—through a lifetime of adventures.
A true Canadian success story, Momentum reflects the GCBA’s values of innovation, integrity, and sustainable craftsmanship proudly rooted in British Columbia.
GCBA SPECIAL OFFER
The German Canadian Business Association (GCBA) is proud to have Momentum / St. Moritz Watch Corp. as a valued member of our community, and we are very lucky to have Momentum Watches as our raffle sponsor at the GCBA Christmas Party for the second year in a row.
To celebrate this partnership, Momentum is offering an exclusive 20% discount
to all GCBA newsletter subscribers until December 31, 2025 – don’t miss out on their Special Holiday Return Policy for all orders by December 25, 2025.
Simply use the code “GCBA2025” at checkout.
THANKS – to Simon and Sofia!
