Meet Laura Tarchini | Watchmaker, Artist & Founder of Tarchini

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Tarchini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It started with one question I kept hearing: did you make that watch? After over a decade as a watchmaker, I’d think, they don’t realize how much work it is. When COVID hit, I finally had the time, and decided to combine watchmaking with my other passion: painting. I hand-painted the dial (face) of the watch and assembled one for myself. The reactions were so positive that I turned it into a brand, with part of every sale supporting causes close to my heart.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I moved from Switzerland to Los Angeles to work for Richard Mille, a high-end watch brand, and now run Tarchini alongside my full-time job. Each timepiece is one-of-a-kind, hand-painted and assembled with care by me, and made with parts from Switzerland. I also sell my paintings, offering collectors another way to connect with my art. Building my brand alone has been a big challenge, learning and handling everything from the website and marketing to permits and taxes. But it’s taught me immense discipline and opened my eyes to infinite possibilities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d take her to one of my favorite beaches, El Matador, for a chill day, and then to Cielo Farms for a wine tasting with charcuterie and wood-fired pizza. We’d go downtown, not on the same day because I’m not that crazy, for happy hour on a rooftop like at Perch or Proper Hotel with the best views, and then to Koreatown for KBBQ and karaoke. I’d add at some point horseback riding in Griffith Park, my favorite hike Hastain Trail in Franklin Canyon Park, and jazz night at Bar Lis. Nothing beats a night at Hollywood Bowl, so we’d definitely catch a concert there too. And since we’re both very active, we’d either go paddle boarding in Marina Del Rey or join Venice Run Club for a long run. That’s one of the things I love most about LA, there’s so much variety and every neighborhood/city feels like its own little world.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can’t dedicate my shoutout to just a few people. I’m lucky to have many supportive friends, some of whom have inspired and encouraged me without even realizing it. I also have a loving family who supports me deeply, even if they worry and question my decisions more than anyone else. Feeling loved and cared for has been the greatest motivation of all.

Website: https://tarchiniwatches.com

Instagram: @tarchiniwatches @canvasbytarchi