A COMPANY founded by a man from Goose Eye has taken its product to the skies to make what it says is the first delivery of a watch by drone.

Weird Ape was set up by Stefan Kozikowski and sells its own branded watches.

The company used a drone to deliver two of its watches to a customer in Oakworth at the end of last month. (Oct)

Mr Kozikowski said: “Watches are small, light and high value making them ideal candidates for drone deliveries.

"One of the most challenging parts was building the payload delivery system.

"At first we were integrating a receiver and servos to open the hatch. This all needed additional power and added weight.

"Seeing us struggle with the design our accountant, who is an avid fisherman, suggested we create a much simpler design based on a bait dropper.

"This clever design didn’t require any of the complicated communications equipment, saving us cost and weight.”

He described Weird Ape as being a "truly innovative business", which had decided to trial a drone delivery of two watches to a customer to see if it was possible.

After placing the order the customer agreed to let the firm deliver his goods in this way.

Mr Kozikowski lived in Goose Eye for 30 years, and moved to Halifax two years ago.

He first set up his company, which designs and markets its brand of watches, while living with his parents four years ago.

Mr Kozikowski said Weird Ape has carried out detailed market testing and extensive research, with the results showing drone delivery is a method customers want.

He said it is currently best suited to rural and relatively remote locations.

Commenting on the successful trial in Oakworth, he added: "We managed to deliver the watches in just 45 minutes after ordering.

"We can notify the customer by text or e-mail that they have a drone delivery approaching so they can lay out a landing marker in a safe place.

"This drone is capable of delivering up to two watches at once. To carry out the test, we had to get a Civil Aviation Authority license to fly the drone and get insurance.

"The drone can travel at 20-mph in a straight line, which means it can reach remote locations much quicker and cheaper than conventional methods.

"Using our unique delivery system that’s been designed in-house, the items are dropped automatically when the drone touches down."

He acknowledged that there is some way to go before delivery via drone becomes routine, with legal and technical hurdles still to be overcome.