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Wes Kwok co-founded Nodus with his childhood friend Cullen Chen after the two spent years playing music, building things together, and eventually developing a shared obsession with watches. In this episode of The Micro Collector, Wes shares how that friendship turned into Nodus, what they learned from launching their first watch, and why their ambitions quickly expanded beyond simply building their own brand. We get into Nodus’s broader vision of strengthening the independent watch ecosystem — from developing technology that other brands can use through Nodus Extension, to collaborative projects through Design Lab, and bringing brands and collectors together through the Intersect Watch Show. Wes also shares how Nodus is using AI agents throughout its operations, including identifying warranty issues shortly after a product launches, and gives his perspective on the changing watch manufacturing landscape — why China remains so important, the risks brands need to consider, and why countries like Thailand, India, and Vietnam could play a bigger role in the future. We also discuss why Wes believes it may be easier than ever to start a watch brand but increasingly difficult to grow one into a real company — and what Nodus is working on next as it explores a significantly higher-end level of watchmaking. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with the founders, builders, and operators behind independent and microbrand watch companies. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:20 How Wes and Cullen met 06:16 Launching the first Nodus watch 09:24 The original vision for Nodus 13:01 Why Nodus wanted to help other watch brands 17:08 Nodus Extension, Design Lab & Intersect 21:23 How the Nodus team operates across multiple businesses 23:37 Using AI to run a watch company 31:51 China, Thailand & the future of watch manufacturing 40:45 Why starting a watch brand is getting easier — and scaling harder 43:30 What’s next for Nodus Learn More About Nodus Website: https://www.noduswatches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noduswatches Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noduswatches YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaY-gUgkmcSOgyE-YjFwddg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@noduswatches Intersect Watch Show: https://www.intersectwatchshow.com/ #noduswatches #intersectwatchshow #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #watchmanufacturing

Guillaume Laidet is one of the key figures behind the modern revivals of Nivada Grenchen and Vulcain, while also co-founding something completely new with SpaceOne. In this episode of The Micro Collector, Guillaume shares his journey from working at Zenith and Jaeger-LeCoultre to launching his first brand, William L. 1985 — and what he learned when that business went from early success to excess inventory, supplier debt, and having to let his team go. We get into how those lessons shaped the revival of Nivada Grenchen, what makes a heritage brand worth bringing back, how collector feedback has influenced product decisions, and when a revived brand earns the right to move beyond its archives. Guillaume also talks about reviving Vulcain, why Excelsior Park proved more difficult, and why he believes independent and microbrand watch companies are gaining ground as the traditional groups continue pushing prices higher. We then dive into SpaceOne — how it came together with independent watchmaker Théo Auffret, how quickly the brand has grown, and the story of a €1.2 million Kickstarter campaign that effectively disappeared overnight. We also discuss what’s coming next for Nivada Grenchen, Vulcain, and SpaceOne. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with the founders, builders, and operators behind independent and microbrand watch companies. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:27 Meet Guillaume Laidet 02:37 From vintage watches to Zenith and Jaeger-LeCoultre 07:00 Building — and nearly losing — William L. 1985 10:08 The idea to revive Nivada Grenchen 12:06 Why Nivada was a strong revival candidate 14:15 Letting collectors help shape the product 17:48 Reviving Vulcain and the challenge of Excelsior Park 21:08 When does a heritage brand move beyond its archives? 23:16 Is there still room for more watch brand revivals? 24:18 Why independents are gaining ground on the big groups 28:52 How SpaceOne came together 33:16 The €1.2M Kickstarter disaster 38:17 How the crisis tested the SpaceOne partnership 40:00 What comes next for Nivada, Vulcain & SpaceOne Learn More About Nivada Grenchen Website: https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nivadawatches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NivadaGrenchenOfficial/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nivada.grenchen Learn More About Vulcain Website: https://vulcain.ch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vulcain_watches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vulcainwatches?_rdc=1&_rdr# Learn More About SpaceOne Website: https://spaceonewatches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spaceonewatches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArgonWatches TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spaceone.watches #nivadagrenchen #vulcain #spaceonewatches #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking

Wolfgang Heinrich is the founder of HEINRICH Watches, a German microbrand inspired by the bold watch design of the 1970s while developing a distinctive identity of its own. In this episode, Wolfgang shares how he got into watches and eventually built HEINRICH around a simple philosophy: create watches with enough character to make you look twice, while still being something you can wear every day. We talk about launching his first watch through Kickstarter, why he later moved away from crowdfunding, and what that taught him about building a direct relationship with customers. We also dive into the evolution of the HEINRICH collection, his design process, unusual materials including stone and American football leather, and how he balances vintage inspiration with creating something original. Wolfgang also explains the importance of German watchmaking to the brand, why he invested in bringing a full-time master watchmaker into the business, and his decision to open a showroom in Stuttgart while remaining focused on a direct-to-consumer model. If you enjoy the episode, subscribe for more conversations with the founders and operators behind today’s microbrand and independent watch companies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Wolfgang’s Journey Into Watches 03:56 Lessons From His First Watch Brand 08:23 Creating a Distinctive Design Language 11:29 Launching the First Watch on Kickstarter 14:04 Moving Beyond Kickstarter 21:27 Inside the HEINRICH Collection 27:34 Evolving the Design Process 32:44 German Watchmaking & Bringing a Watchmaker In-House 38:17 Opening a Showroom & Staying Direct-to-Consumer 41:55 Closing Learn More About HEINRICH Watches Website: https://heinrich.watch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heinrichwatches Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heinrichwatches YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WolfgangHeinrich #heinrichwatches #microbrandwatches #germanwatches #independentwatchmaking #watchdesign

Mickey Brown came to watchmaking from a very different world. A mechanical aerospace engineer by training, Mickey spent years working with additive manufacturing and designing lattice structures for aerospace applications. At the same time, watches had always been deeply personal to him, tied to a family tradition shared with his father and brother. Eventually, those two worlds came together to create Parivas. In this episode of The Micro Collector, Mickey shares the six-year journey behind the Exo.1 and why the team had to wait years for additive manufacturing technology to reach the level of refinement they believed watchmaking demanded. We go deep into how the Exo.1 is actually made, from its monolithic lattice case and integrated indices to the subtractive machining that follows the printing process. We also explore the customized movement and precision program developed with the Horological Society of New York, the unexpected Solar Dusted finish, and why Mickey and the team assemble and test the watches themselves. We also talk about what it means to enter watchmaking without knowing the traditional rules, how Parivas is building trust around a $7,500 watch from a new brand, and why Mickey believes additive manufacturing could open up an entirely new design landscape for watches. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Meet Mickey Brown and Parivas 03:12 Mickey’s personal connection to watches 05:24 From aerospace engineering to Parivas 09:48 Why the Exo.1 took six years to develop 12:49 Building the Parivas founding team 15:58 Additive manufacturing and how the Exo.1 is made 21:56 The movement and precision chronometer program 26:53 Discovering the Solar Dusted finish 31:05 Why Parivas assembles and tests watches in-house 33:27 The advantage of not knowing the rules 38:23 Building trust around a $7,500 watch 42:06 The era of additive watchmaking Learn More About Parivas Website: https://parivas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parivas_watches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parivaswatches YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parivas TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parivas_watches If you enjoy the episode, subscribe for more conversations with the founders and operators behind some of the most exciting microbrands and independent watch companies. #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #watchmaking #watchcollecting #parivas #additivemanufacturing

Mad and Connor Hudson spent more than four years helping build Projects Watches, learning how to translate the ideas of artists and creatives into functional watches. When that chapter came to an end in 2024, they decided to take what they had learned and build something of their own. In this episode of The Micro Collector, Mad and Connor share how that experience became the foundation for Mad Hudson Watches and why they wanted the new brand to feel broader, more playful, and less constrained by traditional ideas of what a watch should be. We talk about designs like the intentionally smashed-looking Broken Time and music-inspired CD Watch, alongside Mad Hudson Originals such as Eddie, Marshall, and Miami. The conversation covers how they find artists to collaborate with, how those ideas get turned into functional and manufacturable watches, and why the brand is attracting both seasoned collectors and people buying their first watch. We also explore their early move into clocks, the renewed interest in analog objects, and where Mad Hudson goes next. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to episode 01:14 Mad & Connor’s backgrounds and getting into watches 04:02 Building Projects Watches 07:07 From Projects Watches to Mad Hudson 10:20 What they wanted to do differently 14:37 What is Mad Hudson? 17:05 Broken Time and Mad Hudson Originals 20:12 Finding artists to collaborate with 24:18 Turning an artist’s idea into a functional watch 28:14 Who buys a Mad Hudson watch? 30:41 Watches, clocks, and collecting 34:25 The return to analog 37:05 What’s next for Mad Hudson Learn More About Mad Hudson Website: https://madhudsonwatches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madhudsonwatches/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadHudsonWatches TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madhudsonwatches If you enjoy the episode, subscribe for more conversations with the founders and operators behind some of the most exciting microbrands and independent watch companies. #microbrandwatches #watchcollecting #watchpodcast #madhudson #watchdesign

Dave Moggio started La Touraine Watches in 2018 at his dining room table with about $300 worth of inventory. Seven years later, after building the brand alongside a career in technology and product management, he’s made La Touraine his full-time focus. In this episode of The Micro Collector, Dave shares the practical, iterative approach he used to grow the business without betting everything upfront — starting with accessible catalog-based watches before investing in proprietary designs, using preorders to test market demand and manage inventory, and building in public to communicate with customers and build trust at scale. We also talk about Dave’s journey from watch enthusiast to founder, the family story behind the La Touraine name, how his product management background shaped the way he approaches watches, the evolution of the collection, and what ultimately gave him the confidence to leave the corporate world and focus on La Touraine full-time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to episode 01:39 Welcome to Dave Moggio 02:52 Dave’s background and first watch 05:05 From watch enthusiast to founder 07:20 The family story behind La Touraine 09:49 Starting with $300 in inventory 11:49 Catalog vs. custom watches 15:56 Applying the MVP mindset to watches 19:20 The La Touraine collection today 23:36 Using preorders to test demand and manage inventory 26:53 Building La Touraine in public 30:58 Leaving the corporate world to go full-time 33:43 What’s next for La Touraine Learn More About La Touraine Website: https://la-touraine.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@latourainewatches Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latourainewatches Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latourainewatches X: https://x.com/La_Touraine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@latourainewatches If you enjoy the episode, subscribe for more conversations with the founders and operators behind some of the most exciting microbrands and independent watch companies. #microbrandwatches #watchcollecting #watchpodcast #latouraine #watchbusiness

Christopher Ward has become one of the most talked-about independent watch brands in the world — evolving from an early online disruptor into a serious force in modern watchmaking. In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Mike Pearson, Senior Vice President of North America and Global Retail at Christopher Ward, to talk about his path into watches, his time at Bremont and Zodiac, and what brought him to Christopher Ward. We discuss Christopher Ward’s growth in North America, its direct-to-consumer model, showroom strategy, community, pricing transparency, and how the brand is bringing more physical, human experiences to collectors. Mike also walks through the current collection — from the Sealander, Trident, and The Twelve to the Bel Canto, C12 Loco, and True GMT — and explains how Christopher Ward has evolved from being seen primarily as a value-driven brand into one showing real creative and technical ambition. The conversation is also a great look at Mike himself: his approach to the industry, how he connects with collectors, and what he’s learned moving from being one of the most recognizable individual voices in the enthusiast watch space to building and leading one of its most impressive teams. If you're interested in microbrand watches, independent watchmaking, direct-to-consumer brands, watch retail, watch design, or how modern enthusiast watch brands are built, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Mike’s Watch Journey 02:46 Bremont, Zodiac, and Industry Lessons 10:01 Joining Christopher Ward 13:45 Building the Team 15:12 Showroom Strategy 19:58 From Value Brand to Serious Watchmaking 20:55 Sealander, Trident, The Twelve, and the Core Collection 23:37 Bel Canto, C12 Loco, True GMT, and In-House Movements 25:30 The “Power of Three” Pricing Philosophy 29:40 Customer Service, Community, and Personal Learnings 31:05 Delegation, Team Building, and Finding “Your Trey” 34:53 What’s Next for Christopher Ward 37:37 Closing Thoughts Learn More Mike Pearson: https://www.instagram.com/mikepearson6/ Christopher Ward: https://www.christopherward.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswardlondon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherWardLondon X: https://x.com/ChrisWardLondon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/christopher-ward-london-limited/ 🎙️ Subscribe to The Micro Collector for more conversations with the founders and operators behind the world’s most exciting microbrand and independent watch companies. #christopherward #mikepearson #independentwatchmaking #watchpodcast #watchcollector #watchenthusiast

In this episode of The Micro Collector, I’m joined by Quinn Lai, founder of EONIQ and DIY Watch Club. Quinn has built one of the most interesting and multifaceted modern watch businesses I’ve come across. EONIQ began as a platform for custom and personalized mechanical watches and has since grown into a broader expression of craftsmanship, personalization, and Hong Kong watchmaking. DIY Watch Club gives collectors the tools, components, and guidance to assemble their own watches at home. In this conversation, we talk about Quinn’s journey into watchmaking, the evolution of EONIQ, the story behind the Caliber 852 and his pursuit of a truly “Made in Hong Kong” mechanical movement, and how DIY Watch Club grew into a global community built around hands-on watch assembly. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with the founders, builders, and people behind independent and microbrand watch companies. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 03:47 Quinn's Journey into Watchmaking 06:59 The Evolution of EONIQ 09:40 Craftsmanship and Customization in Watches 12:26 The Significance of the Caliber 852 Movement 15:15 DIY Watch Club: The Birth of a Community 18:25 The Popularity of DIY Watch Kits 21:12 Iterative Learning in Watch Assembly 23:55 Future Innovations in Watchmaking 26:43 Conclusion and Future Directions Learn more: EONIQ Website: https://www.eoniq.co/ EONIQ Signature Website: https://www.eoniqsignature.co/en/home EONIQ Atelier Website: https://eoniqatelier.co/ EONIQ Workshop Website: https://eoniqworkshop.co/ EONIQ Store Website: https://eoniq.hk/ EONIQ Signature Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoniqsignature/ EONIQ Atelier Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoniqatelier EONIQ Workshop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoniqworkshop EONIQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EONIQ/ DIY Watch Club Website: https://diywatch.club/ DIY Watch Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diywatchclub DIY Watch Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diywatchclub DIY Watch Club YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/diywatchclub #microbrandwatches #watchmaking #watchcollector #watchcollecting #horology

In this episode of The Micro Collector, I’m joined by Austin Lee and Henry Kwong, co-founders of Monbrey, a Hong Kong-based microbrand with one of the most distinct visual identities in the independent watch space. Austin and Henry both spent years working behind the scenes in the watch industry before deciding to create something of their own. In this conversation, we talk about how they first got into watches, how they met, and what inspired them to start Monbrey after years of designing and developing watches for other brands. We also get into Monbrey’s slogan, “Invent New Dimension,” and how that idea shaped the brand’s approach to design. Austin and Henry share the thinking behind collections like the MB1 Wedge Era, MB2 Kenkyū, and MB3 Trinova, and how each collection starts with a different sense of time, place, and visual inspiration. Beyond the watches themselves, we discuss their design process as co-founders, why it matters for collectors to experience microbrand watches in person, the challenges and opportunities of building a brand from Hong Kong, and what comes next for Monbrey. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Monbrey and Its Founders 04:15 The Journey into Watchmaking 07:04 Inspiration Behind Monbrey’s Design 09:55 Exploring Monbrey’s Collections 12:46 Market Reception and Collector Insights 16:01 Design Process and Collaboration 18:44 Challenges in Manufacturing and Quality Control 21:32 Future Plans and New Directions 24:17 Community and Brand Presence in Hong Kong 27:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about Monbrey: Website: https://monbrey.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monbrey_watches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/project.monbrey If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe for more conversations with the founders, designers, and operators behind today’s most interesting microbrand and independent watch companies. #monbreywatches #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #hongkongwatches #watchpodcast

In this episode of The Micro Collector, I’m joined by Ray Lin, Co-Founder of Sunrex, for the podcast’s first in-person interview, recorded in Hong Kong from the Sunrex office and showroom. Sunrex has a fascinating story that traces back to Ray’s father, who started the business in Taiwan in the 1970s before later moving to Hong Kong and building a long-running OEM watch manufacturing business. After years of making watches for other brands, Ray and his brother Chi decided to bring Sunrex back as a brand of their own. In this conversation, Ray shares the family history behind Sunrex, the transition from OEM manufacturing to independent brand building, and what it has been like learning the brand, marketing, and collector side of the watch industry after decades spent behind the scenes making watches for others. We also talk about Sunrex’s approach to product design, quality, and materials; why the brand has focused on solar-powered watches; what collectors may still underappreciate about solar technology; and the stories behind the current Sunrex collection, including the Banana Reef, vintage-inspired divers, motorsport chronographs, and the small design details that make the watches distinctive. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with the founders and operators behind microbrands and independent watch companies. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sunrex and Ray's Background 04:10 The Journey of Sunrex: From OEM to Brand Creation 06:48 Identifying Market Gaps and the Solar Watch Concept 10:04 The Unique Features of Sunrex Watches 12:50 Building a Brand: Challenges and Community Support 15:31 Understanding Solar Technology in Watches 18:03 Exploring the Sunrex Collection 21:02 Future Plans and Upcoming Releases for Sunrex 23:36 How to Connect with Sunrex Learn More About Sunrex: Website: https://sunrexwatches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrexwatches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095213314238 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunrexwatches YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sunrexwatches #sunrexwatches #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #solarwatches#watchcollecting

In this episode of The Micro Collector, I’m joined by Reagan Cook and Ryan Torres, Co-Founders of Vaer. Vaer is one of the clearest examples of what makes the microbrand watch space so exciting: durable, well-designed watches with real specs, approachable prices, and a brand identity built around everyday adventure. In this conversation, Reagan and Ryan share how they went from working together at a tech startup in Santa Monica to building Vaer, why they saw an opportunity between low-quality fashion watches and expensive luxury watches, and how they used their own savings to fund their first production run. We talk about the lessons they learned from designing their first watch, the advantages and challenges of entering the watch industry as outsiders, and why they made the decision to bring assembly to the United States. We also get into Vaer’s expanding collection, from quartz and solar to mechanical, field watches, dive watches, GMTs, and more, as well as who the brand is built for — from everyday one-watch owners to collectors and enthusiasts. Finally, Reagan and Ryan share what they’ve learned from opening their first showroom in Venice Beach and how they think about building Vaer at scale. Chapters: 00:00 Designing the First Watch: Challenges and Triumphs 02:09 Learning Through Experience: The Importance of Trial and Error 05:11 Navigating the Watch Industry: Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Outsiders 07:54 Building a Unique Manufacturing Process: U.S. Assembly 10:48 The Collection: Understanding the Target Audience 13:34 The Showroom Experience: A New Chapter for Vaer Learn More About Vaer: Website: https://www.vaerwatches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaeradventure/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaerdesign YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VaerWatches Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/VaerWatches/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe for more conversations with the founders and operators behind the most exciting microbrands and independent watch companies. #vaerwatches #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #americanwatchmaking #toolwatches #watchcollector

In this episode of The Micro Collector, I’m joined by Nathan Trafford, Founder of Trafford Watch Co. — one of the most talked-about microbrands in the watch space. Nathan shares how he went from a design and advertising background to sketching watches, creating digital watch faces for smartwatches, and eventually turning those ideas into a physical watch brand. The conversation explores the early days of Trafford, the lessons Nathan learned from launching his first collection, and how he came to believe that the most powerful stories behind watches are often the ones collectors attach to them through meaningful moments in their own lives. We also talk about the evolution of the Trafford collection, the new Crossroads S line, Trafford’s distinctive approach to shapes and color, and Nathan’s design philosophy of balancing function and story. Nathan also shares the behind-the-scenes story of being featured on Teddy Baldassarre’s channel with Kevin O’Leary, how winning their microbrand competition impacted demand for Trafford, and the deeper meaning behind the brand’s motto: “Take Your Time.” If you enjoy conversations with the people shaping the microbrand and independent watch world, be sure to subscribe for more episodes of The Micro Collector. Chapters: 00:00 The Birth of Trafford Watch Co. 01:30 Lessons Learned in the Early Days 04:55 The Importance of Stories Behind Watches 08:14 Exploring the Crossroads Collection 11:52 Design Philosophy and Process 15:23 The Impact of Teddy Baldassarre and Kevin O'Leary's Competition 19:56 Take Your Time: The Philosophy Behind Trafford 22:35 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Trafford Learn More About Trafford Watch Co.: Website: https://www.traffordwatchco.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraffordWatchCo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traffordwatchco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trafford-watch-co/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@traffordwatchco #traffordwatchco #microbrandwatches #watchcollector #independentwatches #watchpodcast

In this episode of The Micro Collector, I’m joined by Nick Lehner, Founder of StrapHabit — a watch strap brand built by a collector, for collectors. Nick shares how he first got into watches, how his background as an engineer shaped his journey, and how StrapHabit grew from a side project into a full-time business. The conversation explores how watch straps are changing the collecting experience — from strap swapping and personalization to FKM rubber, sailcloth, deployant straps, hook-and-loop straps, quick-release, better sizing, and collaborations with watch brands. Nick also opens up about the personal story behind StrapHabit’s charitable work, including Men Wear Pink, Movember, cancer-related fundraising, and other efforts supporting veterans, first responders, and the broader watch community. If you enjoy conversations with the people shaping the microbrand and independent watch world, be sure to subscribe for more episodes of The Micro Collector. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to StrapHabit and Nick’s Background 01:03 Differentiation in the Strap Market 03:05 Exploring Strap Options and Customer Preferences 08:26 The Importance of Straps and Bracelets in Watch Design 12:19 Trends in Watch Straps and Collaborations 16:44 Navigating the Watch Business: From Side Hustle to Full-Time 22:39 Giving Back: The Heart of StrapHabit Learn More About StrapHabit: Website: https://straphabit.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrapHabit/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strap_habit/ X: https://x.com/StrapHabit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@straphabit TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@straphabit #straphabit #watchstraps #watchcollector #microbrandwatches #entrepreneurship

Nectere Watches is a Hong Kong-based microbrand founded by James Wong and Tony Yip, built around the idea of connection. The name comes from the Latin word for “binding” or “connecting,” and the brand brings together art, philosophy, and watchmaking in a way that feels deeply personal. What resonated with me about Nectere is not just the originality of their watches, but the fact that they come from Hong Kong. I grew up there, and it’s been exciting to see a new generation of Hong Kong microbrands move beyond the city’s traditional role in sourcing, manufacturing, and trade to create original watches with their own distinct points of view. Nectere is a great example of that. In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with James to discuss the story behind Nectere and its first collection, Order From Chaos — a watch inspired by chaos theory, the butterfly effect, and the unpredictable nature of life. We also talk about James and Tony’s 25-year friendship, the challenges of bringing an unconventional watch design to life, why they chose the hand-wound Seagull ST17 movement, what they learned from Kickstarter, how they navigated tariffs and fulfillment, and what’s next for Nectere. If you’re interested in microbrand watches, independent watchmaking, Hong Kong watch brands, product design, or the deeper stories behind the watches we wear, I think you’ll enjoy this conversation. Chapters 00:00 Inspiration Behind Nectere Watches 02:24 Design and Manufacturing Challenges 05:57 Choosing the Right Movement 09:14 Kickstarter Success and Lessons Learned 14:08 Navigating Trade Wars and Tariffs 17:38 The Hong Kong Watch Scene 23:01 Future Plans for Nectere Watches Learn More About Nectere Watches Website: https://nectere.watch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Nectere-Watches-61564920493313/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/necterewatches YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NectereWatches 🎙️Subscribe to The Micro Collector for more conversations with the founders and operators behind some of the world’s most exciting microbrand and independent watch companies. #necterewatches #microbrandwatches #hongkongwatches #independentwatchmaking #watchpodcast #watchcollector #watchdesign #kickstarterwatch #seagullmovement #themicrocollector

Geo Castro didn’t set out to build just another watch brand. After losing a watch, he decided to create one of his own—and nearly a decade later, Geo has grown into a distinctive Puerto Rico-based microbrand, blending colorful design, history, music, surfing, and storytelling into every collection. In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Geo to discuss his journey into watches, how getting robbed of a watch inspired him to start his own brand, the stories behind models like the Cofresí and Island Time GMT, why he chose fixed lugs, the philosophy behind his unique strap system, and how years of pop-ups have helped him build a passionate community around the brand. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Geo and His Brand 00:03 The Journey into Watchmaking 01:27 Design Philosophy and Storytelling 04:27 Diverse Collection and Popular Models 07:08 Community Engagement and Pop-Up Strategy 09:44 Innovative Design Features 12:34 Strap Development and Customization 15:29 Future Plans and Collaborations Learn More About Geo: Website: https://www.geoshop.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geoshop.co If you enjoy conversations with the founders behind today's most exciting microbrands and independent watch companies, be sure to subscribe for future episodes of The Micro Collector. #geowatches #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #puertorico #themicrocollector