Used Luxury Watch Commerce 'Whatime' Operator Taming Lab Secures Seed Investment from Kakao Ventures and Others

Used luxury watch commerce platform 'Wattime' operator Taming Lab announced on the 26th that it has secured seed (early-stage) investment from Kakao Ventures, Mashup Ventures, and Seoul National University Startup Network Angel Club.

Wattime is a service that assists with the entire transaction process from purchasing to appraisal and repair of used luxury watches. By selling pre-owned luxury watches directly purchased by the company, it has established a compensation system for counterfeit issues. Watch information such as dial restoration status and number of links is also transparently provided. After purchase, customers can receive repair services at reasonable prices from affiliated master watchmakers.

Wattime has expanded its sales range not only to limited edition or highly liquid models but also to vintage and minor brand watches. Beyond simple sales, it provides content that conveys the unique historical value of watches, helping customers understand and appreciate the value of luxury watches before purchasing. Its reasonable pricing structure is also a strength. Wattime’s inventory holding period is about half that of competitors in the same industry. Some models are even sold at prices lower than peer-to-peer transactions.

Based on this investment, Wattime plans to enhance its service and strengthen a trust-based used luxury watch purchasing environment. It is currently collaborating with the official consignment appraisal office of Incheon Customs. The company also aims to develop its own appraisal and repair capabilities to manage the entire lifecycle of luxury watches, not just sales.

Taming Lab is a team composed of CEO Yoo Hoyeon, who has experience owning and trading over 200 types of watches, and team members with a deep understanding of the luxury watch lifecycle. CEO Yoo has built expertise in luxury watches through ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) watch production experience and apprenticeship training under Korea’s top master watchmaker.

Senior Investment Manager Cho Hyun-ik of Kakao Ventures said, “Taming Lab is a team distinguished by rapid execution, deep obsession with customers, and high professionalism in the industry,” adding, “Based on these capabilities, I am confident they will achieve significant growth in the used watch market.”

CEO Yoo Hoyeon stated, “Through Wattime, we aimed to solve the opacity and lack of trust issues in the existing used luxury watch market and create an environment where enthusiasts can safely purchase the watches they want,” adding, “With this investment, we will expand the trust-based used luxury watch market and develop into a global-level luxury commerce service.”