Watching for 15 years

It has been 15 years since Leonid Khankin purchased Ernst Benz North America, 177 S. Old Woodward, in Birmingham from Ernst and Chuck Benz in 2005. The timepieces, from tradition to contemporary, includes special edition models and chronographs, and are inspired by “the spirit of travel and the art of watchmaking.” Each watch is designed and manufactured in the traditional Swiss manner. Khankin, who was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, is a second-generation watchmaker, said he was first captivated by watches as a child while watching his father, a prolific watchmaker. Khankin then had the opportunity to work in collaboration with Ernst Benz for many years before acquiring the company and becoming CEO and president. “My passion for the collection and the brand is boundless,” he said, as he works to make sure each timepiece meets his exacting criteria for precision. Business Matters for the Birmingham - Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.