Meet Nathan Apodaca

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

Hi Nathan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Kingdom Watch Company was born from a blend of passion and purpose. I’ve always been drawn to craftsmanship, particularly watchmaking, and during my time stationed overseas, I found myself fascinated by the precision and heritage of timepieces. Over the years, I started modifying Seiko watches as a hobby. Eventually, I realized that what started as a side project had the potential to become something meaningful, not just for me but for others. I wanted to create a brand that honored craftsmanship, legacy, and personal identity all through a custom-built timepiece.

What should our readers know about your business?
Kingdom Watch Company started as a passion project. I’ve always been into watches not just wearing them, but understanding how they work, how they’re built, and what makes each one unique. When I was stationed overseas, I started messing around with Seiko mods in my spare time. It was something creative I could do with my hands, and it quickly turned into a serious hobby. Over time, I started building watches for friends and family, and eventually realized there was a real demand for thoughtful, well-built custom pieces.

What makes Kingdom different is the intention behind everything we do. These watches aren’t mass produced, each one is built with care, often for someone marking a big moment in their life: a promotion, a deployment, a wedding gift, or just something that means something personal to them. We focus on quality, but more than that, we focus on meaning. I’m proud of the fact that people trust us to build something that represents their story.
What I’m most proud of is the connection we’ve built with our customers. When someone reaches out to say their watch commemorates a deployment, a retirement, a milestone, or a loved one that’s when I know we’re doing something special. That’s what drives me.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started this while working a demanding corporate role. I had to learn e-commerce, supply chain logistics, social media marketing, and quality control, often the hard way. There were nights I wanted to quit and months where orders were slow, but I kept going because I believed in what we were building. I leaned on my faith, my wife’s support, and the values that guide our family: excellence, integrity, and legacy.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen by accident. You have to pursue it with persistence and humility. Listen to your customers. Evolve. Keep your standards high but your ego low.

What I want the world to know is that Kingdom Watch Company isn’t just about watches it’s about identity. It’s about reclaiming the value of time, of craftsmanship, of legacy. Our story is still being written, but we’re building it one watch at a time, with purpose, with quality, and with heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend was visiting us here in Cullman, I’d want them to experience the charm, pace, and people that make this small town feel so special.

We’d start the day out on Smith Lake, one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the South. Whether we’re cruising, swimming, or just floating, it’s the perfect way to soak up some sun and relax. Around lunchtime, we’d pull into Trident Marina for a bite to eat. Their laid-back atmosphere, good food, and view of the water make it an ideal spot to refuel and take it all in.

After the lake, we’d head home, freshen up, and then stretch our legs with a walk through Sportsman Lake Park — a peaceful trail with trees, water views, and just enough space to unwind. It’s simple, but it’s one of those places where conversations just flow.

We’d wrap up the day with dinner at All Steak, a Cullman classic. Great food, a cozy atmosphere, and that orange roll at the start — it’s the kind of dinner that feels like a reward at the end of a perfect day.

Cullman may be small, but it’s growing fast and full of heart. From lake days to good meals and better company, it’s the kind of town you leave feeling like you’ve truly rested and been welcomed.

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?
Kingdom Watch Company wouldn’t exist without the unwavering support and encouragement of my wife, Brittany. From the very beginning, she helped me to believe in this dream even when it was just research, tinkering, late nights, and scattered watch parts across the table. She reminded me of the why when I was overwhelmed by the how. Her faith in me and this vision gave me the courage to take the leap.

Website: https://www.kingdomwatchcompany.com

Instagram: nma_watchguy

Facebook: Custom Watch Mods

Image Credits
Chelsea Apodaca