“Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is the ideal venue for companies looking to introduce new products and expand their customer portfolios.”

Hello Mr. Çevik. Could you introduce yourself briefly, and tell us about your journey into the industry and the experience you have gained so far?
I am Ercan Çevik, born in 1973 in Akseki, Antalya. I entered the family business of watchmaking as a second-generation representative. The international trips and fairs I attended from a young age greatly broadened my horizons and helped me develop a global vision. These experiences made me realize that our business should not be limited to Turkey alone. Today, the expertise we have gained at every step, from the initial design of a product to its delivery to the final consumer, forms the foundation of Essa Group’s high standards in quality and service.

Essa Group has held a strong position in the watch industry for over 50 years. Could you tell us about the story of your company and where it stands today?
Essa Group’s journey began in a small 7-square-meter shop in Tahtakale, Eminönü. This modest start quickly grew into a professional structure thanks to our family’s work discipline and determination. The branding journey of our flagship brand Daniel Klein began in 1998, and with the worldwide registration process starting in 1999, we obtained official registration both in Turkey and in 36 countries by 2000. This step became a milestone for our international expansion. Today, we have transformed into a global brand exporting to over 85 countries, with nearly 1,000 points of sale and 25 retail stores. The key factor behind our success is maintaining an honest, transparent, and dedicated work culture with the philosophy of Fashion for Everyone.

Essa Group continues to grow by exporting to more than 85 countries. What strategies are key to managing this successful global structure?
Operating on a global scale requires a flexible and forward-looking management model. Therefore, we prioritize strategic planning, visionary leadership, and a digital-focused approach. We continuously optimize our international supply chain and logistics processes to maintain a cost-effective and seamless operational structure. Through localized marketing strategies for each market, we position our brands correctly and develop communication models that are sensitive to cultural differences. We support our human resources with competency-based training programs and career development opportunities. Customer feedback is placed at the center of our product development cycle, and through digital management systems, we develop proactive solutions to potential risks.

In recent years, you have embarked on a new journey extending from watches to eyewear. How did your decision take shape?
Over the years, our global experience and local strength, combined with our commitment to quality and a customer-focused approach, encouraged us to expand beyond watches into other elements that complement personal style. The watch industry provided us with strong knowledge in design, production, and global brand management. This experience created a natural foundation for moving into complementary style items. Eyewear, like watches, is not only a functional product but also a fashion statement reflecting a person’s identity and style. We observed that consumer trends increasingly favor brands that offer both function and aesthetics. With this in mind, we established a professional eyewear department, entered the optical sector with a strong team, and quickly secured a solid position.

You have a strong brand portfolio. Could you tell us about your brands and the main characteristics of their collections?
Daniel Klein, which started with the motto Fashion for Everyone and reaches millions of users worldwide, continues this philosophy in its eyewear collection. The brand appeals to anyone who follows fashion and wants to express their unique style with quality at an affordable price. Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, with roots dating back to 1886 and representing American polo culture, is a global style symbol for those who embrace a classic and sporty lifestyle. Its eyewear collection reflects this elegant yet cozy style. Valentino Orlandi combines Italian design heritage with modern sophistication and represents a unique sense of luxury in its eyewear collection. Each model is crafted with the precision of a design object, featuring eye-catching details and a sophisticated structure. In short, Daniel Klein offers trend-focused accessible fashion for broad audiences, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club provides sporty elegance, comfort, and daily style, and Valentino Orlandi is the perfect choice for those who prefer luxury and grandeur.

Your brands cater to different tastes and needs in terms of design language, functionality, and affordability. How is this variety received by consumers?
Each brand in our portfolio addresses distinct expectations and lifestyles. Daniel Klein is preferred by users who say they closely follow fashion but do not want to stretch their budget. Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club receives positive feedback from customers who value quality and comfort combined with understated sporty elegance. Valentino Orlandi appeals to consumers seeking luxury, elegance, and unique design. This variety is a tangible reflection of Essa Group’s Fashion for Everyone vision.

You place special emphasis on quality in your eyewear series. What criteria do you consider from material selection to production processes?
In our eyewear collections, long-lasting comfort is as important as aesthetics. Lightweight construction, ergonomic design, and skin-friendly materials are carefully selected. We define quality not just as stylish appearance but as a flawless user experience that feels comfortable throughout the day. This approach ensures that our products are confidently chosen in international markets, because for us, quality is not only about looking good but about providing the right product that feels comfortable all day. 

How do you manage your relations with the stores and opticians you collaborate with in the optical channel? What kind of support do you provide them?
When bringing our products to customers, we always stand behind quality and trust by offering warranty assurance. At the same time, we provide our suppliers with payment flexibility and offer great deals to them, aiming to establish long-term and sustainable collaborations. Having faced similar challenges during our own establishment, we understand the needs and expectations of our suppliers very well. Therefore, we consider supporting them at every step as a fundamental principle. We believe that growing together is the key to true success.

What are Essa Group’s near-term goals? Are there plans for new investments, partnerships, or expanding product ranges?
Essa Group continues to grow each year by increasing its investments. In all our operations, we shape our production processes with a consumer-focused approach, taking into account market dynamics and customer demands. With our strategic investments, our primary goal is to contribute to the development of our country, and subsequently to increase the global recognition of our brand. In this context, we place great importance on strengthening our human resources by increasing the number of competent and qualified employees. Our aim is to provide the highest quality service to all our stakeholders without leaving any market unexplored. Guided by this vision, we continue on our path with a development program based on sustainable growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

What are your views on the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair? How would you assess its contribution to the industry?
Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair is one of the most prestigious events in the optical sector. By bringing together many industry stakeholders from both domestic and international markets, it serves as a platform where the latest innovations are showcased. In this respect, it is the ideal venue for companies looking to introduce new products and expand their customer portfolios. With our overseas customer network covering more than 85 countries and over 1,000 domestic clients, we have a strong presence. Leveraging this experience in the optical sector, Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair provides an ideal stage for us to make an impactful entry into the market. The fair offers a valuable international environment for promoting our brand and establishing new business connections.

Thank you for your valuable interview. Finally, what are your thoughts on our magazine 4 your eyes?
4 your eyes is an important platform with a wide network of stakeholders in the optical sector, both domestically and internationally. Its structure allows direct communication with professionals across different areas of the industry, creating unique opportunities to enhance brand and company visibility. For this reason, collaborating with 4 your eyes is extremely positive for us, and we are very pleased and excited about this partnership.

November 2025