The Micro Collector

Justin Dorfman
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

The Micro Collector is a podcast about the people behind today’s most interesting microbrand watches. Hosted by Justin Dorfman, a lifelong watch enthusiast and microbrand collector, the show features in-depth conversations with founders building independent watch brands around the world — from pre-launch projects to established microbrands with years of experience. Each episode focuses on the why behind the watch: the ideas, inspirations, and decisions that shape the final product. Conversations explore design philosophy, mechanics, materials, tradeoffs, and the realities of turning an idea into something you can wear on your wrist. Whether you’re a collector, a watch enthusiast, or considering launching your own microbrand, The Micro Collector offers a real-world look into what it takes to build a modern microbrand watch.

  1. 1 day ago

    How Watch Straps Are Changing Collecting | Nick Lehner, Founder of StrapHabit

    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

  2. 20 Jul

    Nectere Watches: Finding Beauty in the Chaos of Time | James Wong

    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

  3. 13 Jul

    How Geo Brings the Colors and History of Puerto Rico into Watchmaking | Geo Castro

    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

  4. 6 Jul

    How Jack Mason Evolved Into One of America's Top Enthusiast Watch Brands | Peter Cho

    Jack Mason's story is one of the most fascinating evolutions in American independent watchmaking. What began as a brand built for the traditional retail world successfully evolved alongside the modern microbrand movement by recognizing the shift toward direct-to-consumer, enthusiast-driven watch collecting—and having the conviction to completely rethink the business. In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Peter Cho, Co-Founder and Designer of Jack Mason, to discuss how the brand's journey mirrors the emergence of the modern microbrand watch space itself: the decline of traditional retail, the rise of direct relationships with collectors, and the growing importance of thoughtful product design, community, and brand storytelling. We also discuss Peter's early career designing watches at Movado Group and Fossil Group, launching Jack Mason out of a restored Airstream, landing Nordstrom as an early retail partner, the difficult process of repositioning the brand in the enthusiast space, and how the Miyota 9075 movement led to the creation of the Strat-o-timer GMT. What stood out most to me is the persistence it took to make that transition. Changing the product is one thing. Changing how collectors perceive your brand is another. Peter shares what it took to earn that credibility and why he's now focused on helping re-establish America as a global watchmaking powerhouse. If you're interested in microbrand watches, independent watchmaking, product design, entrepreneurship, or what it really takes to build—and reinvent—a brand, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jack Mason and Peter's Journey 04:21 Early Career and Influences in Watch Design 07:20 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 09:47 The Launch of Jack Mason and Initial Strategies 12:36 The Road Trip and Airstream Experience 15:06 Shifting Business Models: From Wholesale to Direct-to-Consumer 24:30 Transitioning to Enthusiast Space 27:40 Shifting Design Philosophy 31:07 Building Community and Brand Identity 34:06 Showcasing the Collection 40:07 Vision for the Future of American Watchmaking Learn More About Jack Mason Website: https://jackmasonbrand.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackMasonBrand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackmasonbrand/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JackMasonbrand WatchCrunch: https://www.watchcrunch.com/tags/jackmason Jack Mason Watch Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jackmasonwatches 🎙️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. #jackmason #microbrandwatches #americanwatchmaking #watchpodcast #watchcollector #independentwatchmaking #gmtwatch #watchdesign #watches #themicrocollector

  5. 30 Jun

    How Serica Is Building One of Modern Watchmaking's Most Distinctive Design Languages

    Serica has become one of the most respected names in independent watchmaking, creating watches that combine the rugged capability of true tool watches with a level of elegance and refinement that feels completely their own. In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with co-founders Jérôme Burgert and Gabriel Vachette to discuss how they built Serica from the ground up, the philosophy behind their distinctive design language, and why every detail—from the case and dial to the bracelet and clasp—is intentionally designed. We also discuss why Serica removed its logo from the dial, how the brand approaches expanding its collection while staying true to its identity, and get an early look at the new Serica Ref. 7505. If you're interested in independent watchmaking, product design, or branding, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Serica Watches 00:20 The Founding Story of Serica 03:08 The Evolution of Serica's First Watch 05:42 Roles and Responsibilities in the Brand 08:27 Craftsmanship and Quality Control 10:23 Overview of Current Collections 13:06 Design Philosophy and Brand Identity 15:45 The Unique Approach to Branding 18:25 Investment in Straps and Bracelets 21:09 Sneak Peek of the New Watch 23:41 The Boutique Experience 26:20 Conclusion and Future Plans Learn More About Serica Website: https://serica-watches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sericawatches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sericawatches/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@serica_watches Pinterest: https://fr.pinterest.com/SericaWatches/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sericawatches LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serica-watches/ 🎙️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. #serica #sericawatches #microbrandwatches #watchpodcast #toolwatch #fieldwatch #watchcollector #independentwatchmaking #watches #watchmaking

  6. 23 Jun

    Building Watches for Explorers, Adventurers, and Living Life to the Fullest | Michael Happé, Gavox

    What happens when an IT consultant decides to follow his passion and build watches for explorers, adventurers, and military professionals? In this episode of The Micro Collector, Justin Dorfman sits down with Michael Happé, founder of Gavox, to discuss his journey from IT consultant to watchmaker, the aviation roots that inspired the brand, and how Gavox became a trusted partner for military and air force squadrons around the world. Along the way, they explore the stories behind standout models like the Aurora and Legacy Ultima Necat, why engineering and storytelling go hand in hand, and how Michael approaches designing watches that are meant to be used—not just admired. But more than anything, this is a conversation about purpose, adventure, and making the most of the time we have. Michael’s passion for watches—and for living a life full of curiosity, exploration, and meaning—is truly inspiring. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gavox and Michael's Journey 03:56 The Influence of Aviation on Watch Design 07:01 Transitioning from IT to Watchmaking 09:47 Collaborative Design with Military Pilots 12:27 Exploring the Gavox Collection 15:18 The Story Behind Each Watch 18:03 Watches for Diplomats and Royalty 20:58 The Meaning Behind the Legacy Ultima Necat 23:25 Future Plans and Upcoming Events Learn More About Gavox Website: https://www.gavox.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gavoxwatches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gavoxwatches X: https://x.com/GavoxWatches YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gavoxwatches Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GAVOXWATCHES/gavox-watches/ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and let me know in the comments which Gavox watch you'd add to your collection. #gavoxwatches #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #militarywatches #pilotwatches #divewatches #toolwatches #watchcollector #themicrocollector

  7. 17 Jun

    How Farer Is Reimagining Classic Watch Design | James Mulvale

    Farer has built a reputation for taking classic watch genres — GMTs, world timers, moonphases, divers, chronographs, and pilot’s watches — and making them feel fresh through bold color, texture, materials, and thoughtful design. In this episode of The Micro Collector, I’m joined by James Mulvale, Content and Communications Manager at Farer, to discuss the story behind the brand, its design philosophy, the balance of British design and Swiss manufacturing, and how Farer has grown such a broad collection while maintaining a clear identity. We also get into some of Farer’s most popular models, the advantages of its direct-to-consumer approach, the role of events and in-person experiences, and what collectors can expect next from the brand. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Micro Collector podcast 02:30 James's Journey into the Watch Industry 05:35 The Origin Story of Farer Watches 08:15 Exploring the Farer Collection 11:04 Design Philosophy and Unique Aesthetics 13:53 Popular Models and Their Appeal 16:39 Quality and Value in British Design 19:37 Direct-to-Consumer Strategies 22:08 The Importance of In-Person Experiences 24:54 Upcoming Releases and Innovations 27:31 Conclusion and Future Engagement Learn More About Farer Website: https://farer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FarerUniversal/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FarerUniversal Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326984351476161 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDiNWw2T3gh9H5KnT7YzlTw If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your favorite Farer model. #farerwatches #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #watchcollecting #swissmadewatches #britishwatchdesign #themicrocollector

  8. 9 Jun

    Inside the Watch Industry: Market Trends, Microbrands & What's Next | Daniel Malins, Watch Insider

    What’s really happening inside the watch industry? In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Daniel Malins, CEO of Watch Insider, a media platform focused on the business side of the watch industry. Daniel shares his perspective on the current state of the watch market, the rise of microbrands and independent watchmakers, why collectors are increasingly embracing smaller brands, and what separates successful watch companies from those that struggle to gain traction. We also discuss the resurgence of heritage watch brands, changing consumer behavior, and Daniel’s predictions for where the watch industry is headed over the next several years. Whether you're a collector, founder, or simply interested in the business behind watches, this conversation offers a unique insider perspective on one of the world's most fascinating industries. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Watch Insider and Daniel's Background 09:28 Current State of the Watch Industry 18:19 The Rise of Microbrands and Independent Watchmaking 27:16 Consumer Trends and the Shift Towards Microbrands 35:57 Revival of Heritage Brands in the Watch Industry Learn More About Watch Insider Watch Insider Website: https://watchinsider.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchinsiderofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578754416471 Subscribe for more conversations with the founders, operators, and people shaping the world of microbrand and independent watches. #watchinsider #watchindustry #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #watchcollecting #watches #luxurywatches #watchcollector #watchpodcast #horology #watchenthusiast

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About

The Micro Collector is a podcast about the people behind today’s most interesting microbrand watches. Hosted by Justin Dorfman, a lifelong watch enthusiast and microbrand collector, the show features in-depth conversations with founders building independent watch brands around the world — from pre-launch projects to established microbrands with years of experience. Each episode focuses on the why behind the watch: the ideas, inspirations, and decisions that shape the final product. Conversations explore design philosophy, mechanics, materials, tradeoffs, and the realities of turning an idea into something you can wear on your wrist. Whether you’re a collector, a watch enthusiast, or considering launching your own microbrand, The Micro Collector offers a real-world look into what it takes to build a modern microbrand watch.

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Dorfman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Justin Dorfman
  • Show Website
    The Micro Collector

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