Bajer has expanded its range of watches aimed at raising awareness of the culture of Kurdish women.
The young brand was founded by Leyla Uysal, who grew up in Turkey and recalls how as an oppressed minority they were not allowed to travel feely between cities.
Now based in the US, in 2022 she started a watch brand in her people’s honour, with a view to making their voices heard.
The name Bajer is derived from a Turkish word for “city” that has come to have a deeper significance for Kurdish people, more akin to “refuge” or “homeland”.
She wants the brand to “showcase the talent and strength of Kurdish women” and many of the designs feature patterns that echo the intricate rug weavings that are very important to women in the Kurdish culture.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of watches goes to charities supporting women and children in rural Turkey.
The watches come in different styles, all reflecting Kurdish culture and heritage in some way.
They are mostly time only watches, with a few chronographs, all with stainless-steel cases and Swiss-made quartz movements.
The watches have a clean style that Bajer describes as “sophisticated minimalism”.
With a tagline of Swiss Precision Meets Environmental Responsibility, Bajer has wristbands made in low-impact workshops, using leather that is a by-product of the meat industry.
They also use sustainable packaging.
There are four main watch collections, each taking inspiration from a different city.
From $1,290 thebajer.com
