Nathan Trafford is the founder of Trafford Watch Co. He was a professional designer and marketer focused on storytelling in advertisements. He also liked to draw watch designs for fun. He eventually was asked to designed the face of a smartwatch. He then followed his gut instincts and started the Trafford Watch Co. in 2020, with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. The company’s focus is applying personal stories and unique color combinations to thoroughly modern — and affordable — timepieces inspired by the classics.

Classic Watches Inspired By Classic Guitarists

Distinctive precision-crafted Trafford watches have quickly become a must-have timepiece for watch lovers and collectors. With their new Touring GMT collection, Trafford delves into the stories of four inspirational guitarists. Naturally, to help promote this new series, they have partnered with AXE HEAVEN® — where inspirational guitarists and hand-crafted promotional products reign supreme. The Touring GMT Collection quickly sold out, as do most of Trafford’s new releases.

The Slowhand

Eric Clapton earned the nickname Slowhand early in his career, after a now-famous onstage ritual. When he broke a string mid-performance, he would stay on stage and calmly replace it, prompting the crowd to start a rhythmic, slow hand clap that would build to cheers when the string was finally replaced. That moment of dry British humor led to a name that stuck. This watch draws from the spirit of Clapton’s most iconic guitar — a custom Stratocaster™ built from his favorite vintage parts and played across decades of legendary shows. The dial design blends warm tones with crisp, balanced detailing. Slowhand is built for those who know exactly what they’re aiming for.

Buy Now: Eric Clapton Blackie Vintage Fender™ Strat™ Miniature Guitar Replica – Officially Licensed

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The Izabella

Jimi Hendrix’s performance at Woodstock in 1969 remains one of the most defining moments in rock history. Wearing a fringed shirt and red bandana, he reimagined the “Star-Spangled Banner” with distortion and feedback that captured the mood of a generation. Izabella takes its name from one of Hendrix’s later songs and the white Stratocaster he likely played at Woodstock. This watch channels that electric moment in time, blending the look of a flipped Olympic White Stratocaster with bold detailing and unforgettable presence.

Buy Now: Jimi Hendrix Woodstock Fender™ Strat™ Cream Reverse Headstock Mini Guitar Replica w/Jimi Logo

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The Lefty

While there are other left-handed legends in our lineup, it’s Sir Paul McCartney who gets the spotlight here. McCartney was the most visible left-handed musician of the early rock era, leading the charge with his iconic Höfner violin bass. That symmetrical silhouette and sunburst finish didn’t just change how The Beatles looked on stage; it helped shape their unmistakable sound and became one of the most recognizable instruments in music history. Lefty pays tribute to that legacy with a dial that fades from vibrant amber to deep brown, capturing the warmth and resonance of McCartney’s tone.

Buy Now: Paul’s Original Violin Bass Miniature Guitar Replica – Fab Four

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The Daphne

Kurt Cobain’s iconic Daphne Blue Mustang wasn’t just a guitar—it was a statement. A left-field choice in a world of glossy perfection, it came to represent the raw energy and emotional honesty of an entire movement. With Daphne, we draw from Cobain’s spirit, transforming the unmistakable color of his Mustang into a timepiece that balances soft tones with striking personality. It’s a tribute to those who play it their own way and leave a mark doing it.

Buy Now: Officially Licensed Mini Sonic Blue Fender™ Mustang™ Guitar Replica Model

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The Trafford Watch Co.

If you’re a fan of watches, check out this very interesting video podcast conversation with Nathan Trafford (with our mini guitars in the background): Trafford Watch Co., Starting A Brand, Building It, And Whats Next

Handcrafted Replica Collectible Mini Guitar Made From Wood and Metal

Each AXE HEAVEN® miniature replica guitar is 1:4 scale and is individually handcrafted from solid wood, with metal tuning keys. This 10″ model is packaged in an AXE HEAVEN® guitar case gift box stamped with silver foil. It includes a high-quality miniature adjustable A-frame stand.

More Info

For more info about Trafford Watch Co., visit www.traffordwatchco.com.

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