A true story about an early love of timepieces, a difficult first lesson and the search for something genuinely worth keeping.
On his birthday, Alanwar received a rubber-belted watch with “woof woof” in 3D on the strap and little dog cartoons. It became his prized possession — only worn when going out, always anticipated. Even after it was lost, no later watch quite held the same connection.
While studying Business Administration at USIU, Alanwar saw Kenya’s emerging online market as something exciting. At the time he was running a tour company, enjoying wedding photography and writing about inspiring people in Kenya.
A friend of Alanwar’s father had left 12 Citron timepieces at the family shop. Alanwar photographed them on his phone, edited the images and sent them to friends on WhatsApp. By midday the next day, all 12 were sold.
A broken belt became six returned watches. Every customer was refunded and the idea almost ended there. Instead, it became the reason to research more carefully and try again with better products.
After months and a number of brands, Alanwar found the second timepiece he would “fall shamelessly in love with”: a leather-belt Casio Edifice with a square dial. It cost KSh 14,000 — enough to reshape that month’s budget — and made the direction clear.
While other sellers moved toward cheap Chinese watches, SaaZone chose to focus on watches Alanwar believed would endure. That decision became the foundation for bringing quality Casio timepieces to Kenya.
In the original story, Alanwar credits family, friends and customers for supporting the vision. That same personal approach — and the belief in a watch that can be handed to the next generation — remains at the centre of SaaZone.
“Casio is the only affordable timepiece maker that I assure and guarantee you on my life that you will hand it over to the next generation.”Alanwar · SaaZone Founder
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