10+2 Years of HORANDO: From eBay to an International Watch Platform
The two founders, Christopher Fischer and Stefan Sebök, have accompanied HORANDO from the very beginning – from the first eBay sale to the company as it stands today.
What began with a single eBay listing and a good measure of courage is today an established platform for luxury watches with customers all over the world. Our history is shaped by a passion for watches, a clear digital focus and the tireless pursuit of trust and quality. In our anniversary magazine "10+2", we take you on a journey through HORANDO's eventful early years.
The Birth of an Idea: One eBay Sale and a Vision It was late summer 2013 when a customer ordered a Rolex Submariner via eBay, paying 6,500 euros in advance. The watch had not even been purchased at that point – the customer's trust was the starting signal for everything that followed. The first profit was invested in the development of a dedicated online shop. The name? A blend of "Hora" (Latin for hour) and the typical ending of successful start-ups: HORANDO was born.
From a Corner of a Warehouse to a Showroom Address
What followed were years of improvisation, courage and growth. The first "offices" were located in the warehouse of an auction house, later in a shared office in Bamberg together with an estate agent and an insurance agency. The first showroom was created at Lange Straße 37 in Bamberg – a location with a watchmaking history of its own. Combining online business with a physical retail experience quickly became part of HORANDO's DNA.
Personal Encounters, Major Steps Whether at BASELWORLD, in Tel Aviv, Geneva or Hanover – the founders Stefan Sebök and Christopher Fischer pursued their vision with determination. From a two-man operation to the first financing round, from crowd investment to a Series A with renowned partners: step by step, HORANDO developed into a brand with international appeal.
A Look Behind the Scenes: People Make the Brand In the magazine, we do not merely look at figures and data, but also introduce the people behind HORANDO: from logistics experts to sales specialists, from the concierge service to the tech side. Because at HORANDO, behind every watch there is a team that works with enthusiasm and expertise.
What the Future Holds Looking ahead, one thing is clear: HORANDO continues to evolve. With new processes, AI-supported services and a growing international network, the future will be no less exciting than the early days. The chronicle "10+2" is therefore not only a retrospective, but also a statement: we remain in motion.
Conclusion: A Story of Trust, Vision and a Feeling for Time The HORANDO chronicle does not tell a linear success story, but a story full of turning points, decisions and genuine passion for timepieces. Anyone who would like to know how two founders, one vision and a single eBay listing gave rise to an international watch retailer will find the whole story in our anniversary magazine.
To the magazine:
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