343 Watches was founded by Jeff Broughton, a horologist with over 33 years of service as a firefighter with the Columbus Fire Department. As a second-generation watchmaker, Jeff has a lifelong passion for watchmaking. At the age of 14, he began repairing watches under the guidance of his father, Jim Broughton, a distinguished watchmaker with 53 years of experience, former president of the American Watchmakers Institute, and an esteemed watchmaking instructor.

From the age of 2, Jeff was exposed to the world of watch repair, learning alongside his father at the workbench. By high school, his path was clear, and his father encouraged him to follow the trade. Jeff further honed his skills by attending formal watch repair school and later became an instructor himself, continuing the legacy of expertise and precision.