More than 1,000 early adopters worldwide, including backers from the US, have pledged support through Kickstarter, with first deliveries of the UNA Watch – which retails at just over £260 – expected in August 2025.

Orders continue to flood in as the campaign, which runs until May 2, builds momentum for a new era of sustainable wearables that lasts. Some 15,000 people pre-registered ahead of the campaign launch, and more than 3,000 placed deposits.

The UNA Watch team is already pressing ahead with development and production, with advanced discussions with manufacturing partners ongoing, and longest lead time components on order.

Unlike traditional smartwatches – which often become e-waste when a battery dies or a screen cracks – UNA Watch allows users to swap out, replace, and upgrade individual components, extending the device’s lifespan. The device, designed to be repaired and upgraded as easily as a child builds LEGO, also features USB-C charging, eliminating the need for proprietary cables.

The Edinburgh-based startup aims to disrupt a £2 billion industry dominated by planned obsolescence – where products are intentionally designed to be replaced. It’s a practice that 54% of UK consumers believe is widespread, according to a new survey commissioned by UNA Watch to coincide with the campaign launch.

The survey, conducted by independent insights agency Opinion Matters, also found that nearly half of Brits (47%) say they’d rather buy a new device than repair a broken one – a practice UNA Watch Founder Lewis Allison says shows the burning need for alternatives.

UNA Watch’s launch also comes at a critical time, with the UK the world’s second-largest producer of e-waste per capita, generating 24kg per person annually – second only to Norway.

Allison, an experienced wearable electronics engineer working in the sports industry for more than 10 years, said: “We’ve been blown away by the response – £200,000 in less than two days proves there’s a huge demand for sustainable, repairable wearables.

“Customers are tired of replacing expensive tech every few years. We’re showing the industry there’s a better way. There’s a growing right to repair movement in the electronics industry with companies like Fairphone and Framework leading the way. At UNA we want to set an example to larger, more established companies of how tech can and should be built. This backing will supercharge our efforts to achieve it.”

UNA Watch had already secured £300,000 in investment from SFC Capital, backers of UK success stories including Fussy and Hope & Glory, as well as winning the top £100,000 prize from Scottish EDGE last year

Beyond the consumer market, the company is exploring B2B opportunities, with interest from safety and fatigue monitoring industries. It is also developing an ‘UNA for Developers’ programme, allowing third parties to create custom modules.

The company is actively seeking further investment, with a strategic focus on the US market, where it is investing in digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and potential celebrity endorsements. Discussions with world-class athletes for endorsement deals are already underway.

With the global running watch market valued at $2 billion and growing at 5.6% annually, UNA Watch aims to capture 5% of the market within five years, equating to $50 million in revenue.

The long-term vision extends beyond watches, with plans for modular bike computers and adventure wearables.

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