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Starting from Zero: How Cormac Hanley Built 47Zero After Adversity

At Microbrand Watches Business, we’re always eager to uncover the stories behind unique brands and their founders. Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cormac Hanley, founder of 47Zero, a French microbrand with a heartwarming story. From a successful career in advertising photography to rediscovering life through watchmaking after a life-altering stroke, Cormac’s journey is as inspiring as the timepieces he creates. Let's dive into the conversation.




Editor: Cormac, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about your background and what first drew you to the world of watches?

Cormac: Thank you for having me. Well, I’m Irish, and in 2007, my wife Gráinne and I moved to France with our three young children. I spent over ten years in Paris as an advertising photographer. Life was busy but fulfilling—until 2017. That year, I suffered a stroke at the age of 47. It was a devastating blow. I had to start all over again—learning how to speak, walk, everything.

During my rehabilitation, I discovered watchmaking. It was something I could take my time with, do step by step. It also helped satisfy my creative side, which was important to me. Watchmaking became a form of therapy, really.


Editor: That’s incredible. How did 47Zero come about, and what’s the meaning behind the brand name?

Cormac: After the stroke, it became clear that I couldn’t go back to my old profession. I had three teenagers to provide for, and I had fully immersed myself in horology during my recovery. So, Gráinne and I thought, why not turn this into something more?


I took an 18-month horology course in eastern France, right near Geneva, which is a watchmaking hub. By the time I completed the course in late 2022, we were already working on forming the brand. We named it 47Zero because I had to start again from zero at 47. It’s a reminder that, no matter the setback, you can begin again with determination.


Editor: That’s a powerful story. When did you officially start 47Zero, and how did you get it off the ground?

Cormac: We officially founded 47Zero in early 2023. After finishing my course in late 2022, we applied to a start-up incubator that provided us with affordable atelier space and business support. That gave us the foundation we needed. From there, we began designing and producing our first watches.


Editor: Every journey has its challenges. What obstacles have you faced as a small brand, and how have you overcome them?

Cormac: Oh, there have been plenty of challenges, the biggest one being getting our name out there. We’ve got the skills, the designs, the atelier, and the stock, but if no one knows who you are, it’s tough to grow.


We’ve been fortunate to have support from people like Tim Holzhäuser from the YouTube channel Caseback Watches. He’s not only reviewed our watches, but also stocks them in his online store. Social media is another key tool, though it can be tricky to navigate. We’ve been figuring it out as we go.


Editor: It’s great to hear about those collaborations. Has the North American market been a focus for you?

Cormac: Definitely. About 50% of our sales in our first year have come from the U.S. and Canada. We’ve made connections through Caseback Watches and watch forums, and we’ve even had media coverage. We’re also expanding into new markets like the UAE, which has been exciting.


Editor: How do you handle post-sales service, especially for customers far from your base in France?

Cormac: So far, we’ve been lucky not to have any major warranty issues, which I’m grateful for. We use high-quality Swiss movements and have strict quality control, which helps. Every watch goes through my hands before it’s shipped.

If something does come up, the customer can send the watch back to me, and I’ll take care of it. We chose movements based on the ETA 2824-2, which is widely known, so customers won’t have trouble getting repairs done wherever they are.


Editor: Financial management is always a challenge for small businesses. How have you handled that side of things?

Cormac: It’s been a gradual process. I started off as a hobbyist, buying inexpensive watches and tools to practice on. What began as a corner of the kitchen eventually turned into a fully-fledged atelier.


Gráinne worked in finance for 15 years, so she’s been instrumental in making sure we stay in the black. We don’t buy anything unless the sales are there to support it. It’s a cautious approach, but it’s kept us secure.


Editor: What advice would you give to aspiring microbrand watch owners who are just starting out?

Cormac: Start small and build up. Test your market, get involved in watch blogs and forums, and figure out what makes your brand stand out. There are millions of watches out there—why should people choose yours? That’s the question you have to answer.


Editor: What’s next for 47Zero? How do you see the brand evolving in the next few years?

Cormac: We’ve started participating in trade shows in France and Switzerland, and we plan to expand that internationally. I’d love to attend shows in the U.S., UAE, and maybe even Asia. Meeting our customers in person would be fantastic.

Our focus will always be on creating meaningful designs that resonate with people. Many of our customers already own multiple 47Zero watches, and we’re proud of that. We want to keep giving them something special — watches with stories behind them, made to be more than just another accessory.


Editor: That’s a wonderful philosophy. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Cormac. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you and 47Zero.

Cormac: Thank you—it’s been a pleasure!


Cormac Hanley’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and passion. With 47Zero, he’s turned a personal challenge into a thriving microbrand that reflects his determination to start anew. Each watch carries a story, and each customer becomes a part of that story. As 47Zero continues to grow, there’s no doubt that Cormac’s watches will find their way into the hearts—and onto the wrists—of enthusiasts around the world.



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