A diaspora based entrepreneur introduces Zimbabwe's first brand of luxury timepieces, Mutapa Watches, which honor ancient heritage and are made to preserve history while redefining African luxury for generations to come.
In a world where heritage often fades with time, a diaspora-based entrepreneur has embarked on a remarkable journey to capture Zimbabwe's rich history on the face of a watch. Darlington Makovere isn't merely creating timepieces—he's crafting vessels of cultural preservation that ask: What if greatness, bravery, pride, and ancient history could be translated into timeless heirlooms passed from generation to generation?
The story of Mutapa Watches begins with the magnificent Great Zimbabwe ruins—ancient walls meticulously constructed on granite without mortar, each stone carved using only rudimentary Iron Age tools by the Mutapa people. These architectural marvels, standing resilient through centuries, sparked something profound in Darlington.
"Too much of African history has been lost, undocumented," Darlington reflects. "There is a lot of story-telling within our history and within the Great Zimbabwe walls themselves but the magnificent stories of bravery and heroism have vanished in the oral tradition. I wanted to create something tangible that honors this legacy and merge it with my passion for watches."
The result is Zimbabwe's first line of luxury watches—each a condensed narrative of artistry, impeccable workmanship, and rich cultural significance. The collections speak to different aspects of Zimbabwe's royal heritage: the Nyatsimba and Hombarume lines for men, and the elegant Mambokadzi collection for women.
"These heirloom timepieces are symbols of pride, power, and presence."
"These heirloom timepieces are symbols of pride, power, and presence," Darlington explained. "They honor Africa's past while actively shaping its future. Our watches exist to preserve history, celebrate identity, and redefine luxury through the lens of African excellence."
The brand name itself—Mutapa—draws inspiration from the regal heritage of the Mwenemutapa Kingdom that flourished from the 15th to 17th centuries in the Zambezi River valley. This powerful kingdom dominated regional trade in gold and ivory until Portuguese interference and civil wars led to its decline.
For Darlington, a serial entrepreneur who previously created the Kwilo app before diversifying from tech startups to consumer brands, this venture represents something deeper than business. It stems from the realization that younger generations of Zimbabweans or Africa as a whole risk becoming disconnected from their magnificent heritage.
"The Mutapa brand serves as both a reminder of where Zimbabwean people come from and an encouragement to embrace our history," he says. With characteristic ambition, Darlington envisions his luxury brand competing internationally—not just within Zimbabwe but alongside established watchmakers from countries like Switzerland and France.
As Zimbabwe's first luxury watch brand takes its place in the market, it offers something many didn't realize they needed: a chance to wear their identity and history proudly on their wrists—keeping time not just with the present, but with centuries of excellence.
