Presenting the Story Behind Terranova: From Creation to the Launch of Copacabana

Terranova’s journey will be told in a special series of chapters, offering an in-depth look at the essence of the brand. In this first chapter, we explore the beginning of this story, highlighting the birth of the Terranova concept and the inspiration behind its founder, Douglas Emerich , a passionate watch enthusiast and admirer of the rich Brazilian culture.

Part I: My First Steps in Watchmaking

In late 2022, while living in the United States, I bought my first mechanical watch: a Seiko 5 Sports SRPD55 . The decision was inspired by my brother, who had just acquired a Hamilton Khaki Field Murphy . Until then, the best watch I had ever owned was a Casio Illuminator , a gift from my mother for one of my childhood birthdays.

I remember perfectly the feeling I had when I unwrapped the Seiko. It was a mixture of admiration and delight. Despite its robust construction, the watch conveyed a unique delicacy. I spent long periods just looking at its dial, shaking it to see the hands come to life and turning it to admire the escapement in action. It was at that moment that I fell in love with watchmaking.

When I started wearing Seiko, my perception changed. I started noticing the watches on people's wrists, hoping to find someone who shared my new passion. I also looked at the watches worn by friends and acquaintances in Brazil on social media, trying to understand why, at 34 years old, I had never seen an automatic watch up close .

What I discovered was surprising: almost no one around me wore automatic watches, and many didn't even know what they were . Most opted for digital watches, smartwatches or so-called "fashion watches", commonly found in shopping malls and airport stores.

Diving into the World of Watchmaking

Determined to learn more, I immersed myself in the world of watchmaking through online content, exploring social media and YouTube videos. This journey introduced me to new brands, models and movements. At the same time, I noticed a growing interest in watches in Brazil, with the production of more specialized content and the emergence of a vibrant community in the digital environment.

It was then that I discovered the fascinating world of microbrands – small, independent watch brands known for their creative designs and close ties to their communities. These brands often outsource production, focusing instead on the concept and identity of their watches. Some notable examples include Nodus, Brew, Roue and Statera.

In addition to microbrands, larger independent brands such as Nomos, AnOrdain and Carl F. Bucherer have also become sources of inspiration. Unlike microbrands, these companies have a long history, robust infrastructure and the ability to produce many of their components in-house.

Who Am I?

My name is Douglas Emerich , I am from Várzea da Palma , a small town in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. I am 36 years old, I am an engineer by training, married to Laila , father of Lucas and anxiously awaiting the arrival of Ana . I have lived in several cities in Brazil and the United States.

Today, I am starting a new chapter in my life: the creation of Terranova , a watch microbrand dedicated to original designs inspired by the vibrant culture of Brazil, offering high-quality pieces at a fair price.

In the next chapter, I will share a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Terranova , from the concepts that shaped the brand to the creative process behind its first model, the Copacabana .

Follow this journey and discover how a dream became reality, celebrating Brazil and the art of watchmaking!