A Legacy of Adventure
Since our inception in 1945, Dakota Watch Company has been dedicated to providing reliable timepieces for those who lead an active and adventurous lifestyle. From outdoor enthusiasts to the everyday worker, our watches have accompanied individuals on their journeys and professions around the world.
Our legacy of adventure is rooted in our love for the outdoors and a deep understanding of what it takes to create a watch that can withstand any challenge. We continue this tradition today by producing durable and dependable watches that are built to last.
Our Heritage
In the wake of World War II, Air Force veteran Albert Cooper embarked on a mission that would leave a timeless mark on the watch industry. In 1945, Albert began renting counter spaces within department stores to offer watch and jewelry servicing. This modest beginning was the foundation of what would evolve into a tradition of watch craftsmanship, innovation, and affordability.
Over the following decades, Albert's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction created a following of loyal customers. Recognizing the unique growing value of timepieces, Albert's sons Martin and David shifted the company's focus towards watch design, importation, and sales. This decision marked the birth of a new era for the company, leading to the establishment of 225 retail stores across the United States, renowned for their friendly service and extensive selection of watches.
Innovation Meets Outdoor Enthusiasm
In 2005, inspired by Martin’s passion for fly-fishing, the Coopers introduced a groundbreaking series of watches designed for the outdoors. These innovative timepieces were not only stylish but functional, equipped with attachments for a belt loop, fishing vest, or pack, and designed to accommodate simple tools and gear. The overwhelming interest from the outdoor market propelled the watch retailer to venture into wholesale, thereby launching Dakota as a distinguished stand-alone brand.
Today, Dakota continues to combine precision and reliability with outdoor enthusiasm. The brand's collection includes digital and analog timepieces that are specialized watches for activities such as heavy work environments, fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, and camping. Their unique features such as built-in compasses, stopwatches, bottle openers, and flashlights
Today's Dakota Watch Company
Fast forward to today, Dakota Watch Company’s retail stores continue to operate in the United States, keeping the Cooper family’s legacy of service and craftsmanship in men’s and ladies’ fashion watches as well as outdoor timepieces. Over the last two decades, Dakota has emerged as a leader in outdoor watches, known for quality and sold across all seven continents in trusted retail channels across the globe.
Drawing upon our rich retail heritage, Dakota maintains an unwavering commitment to customer care, ensuring that every product reflects our mission to provide the best for less. Our goal is to make high-quality outdoor watches accessible to everyone, embodying the spirit of adventure and reliability that our brand stands for.
Marty Cooper and the Spirit Behind Dakota Watches
In the world of timepieces, tradition often overshadows innovation, Marty Cooper stands out not just as a watch enthusiast but as a visionary entrepreneur who has blended his love for watchmaking with his passion for the great outdoors. His remarkable journey in product design is a testament to his dedication, ingenuity, and connection with his customers.
Crafting the Brand: Dakota
Choosing the name Dakota was a deliberate nod to the brand's American roots, emphasizing not just the geographic inspiration behind the products but also their spirit of adventure, resilience, and exploration.
Legacy and the Future
Today, Marty continues to mentor both aspiring entrepreneurs and blossoming business leaders. As Dakota continues to grow, his legacy goes on—as an innovator, a product designer, and most importantly, as an entrepreneur who became captivated not just with watches, but with the people who wear them.
