The Micro Collector

Justin Dorfman
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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. 5D AGO

    The Story of Brew: The “Silent Success” Behind a Top Microbrand

    Jonathan Ferrer, founder of Brew Watches, joins The Micro Collector to share the full story behind one of the most recognizable microbrand watch companies today. What started as a creative experiment—designing a watch inspired by café culture—has grown into a globally recognized brand with a distinct design language and a deeply engaged community. In this conversation, we explore Jonathan’s journey from industrial design and early experience at Movado to building Brew into a standout name in the microbrand space. We discuss the origins of the brand, the breakthrough moment with the Brew Metric, and his approach to designing watches that feel both nostalgic and new. We also dive into the realities of scaling a microbrand, the tradeoffs that come with growth, why Brew avoided the traditional department store path , and what’s next as the brand looks to build deeper relationships with its community. For more conversations like this with founders in the microbrand and independent watch space, subscribe to The Micro Collector. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:02 Jonathan Ferrer's Background and Early Influences 06:11 The Birth of Brew Watch Company 08:57 Design Philosophy and Early Models 11:57 The Brew Metric: A Turning Point 14:50 Building a Recognizable Design Language 17:51 Growth and Challenges in the Microbrand Space 21:02 Maintaining Brand Identity While Scaling 23:55 Future Directions for Brew Watches Learn More About Brew Website: https://www.brew-watches.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brewwatches/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brewwatches Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrewWatches/ X: https://x.com/BrewWatchCo Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BrewWatches/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brewwatchco #microbrand #watches #watchcollector #watchcommunity #entrepreneur #founderstory #design #brewwatches

    33 min

  2. APR 28

    How Formex Builds Some of the Most Innovative Watches Today | Markus Wälchli

    If you’ve been following the microbrand and independent watch space, you’ve likely come across Formex. From their signature case suspension system to their on-the-fly micro-adjust clasps and innovative use of materials, Formex has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking—while staying accessible. In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Markus Wälchli (Brand Director & Co-Owner) to explore what makes Formex different—from their approach to innovation and product development to their direct-to-consumer strategy, engineering philosophy, and the realities of scaling a modern independent watch brand. One of the most interesting takeaways: Formex doesn’t just design in isolation—they build with feedback from their customers, feeding real-world input directly back into the factory. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Formex 01:50 The History and Evolution of Formex 05:16 Innovation at the Core of Formex 09:04 Marketing Strategies and Direct-to-Consumer Approach 13:32 Unique Features and Comfort Innovations 19:45 The Product Development Process 24:12 Testing Watches in Extreme Conditions 27:45 Challenges and Growth of Formex 30:14 Future Goals and Brand Vision 34:36 Where to Find Formex Watches Learn More About Formex Website: https://formexwatch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/formexwatch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/formexwatch/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Formexwatch Formex Watch Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/formexwatch/ Shows and Events: https://formexwatch.com/pages/watch-shows-events/ #formex #microbrandwatches #watchcollector #horology #watchcommunity #independentwatchmaking #swisswatches

    39 min

  3. APR 20

    From Submarines to Microbrand Watches: The Story Behind JWalker | Ryan Walker

    What does it take to go from watch enthusiast to microbrand founder? In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Ryan Walker, founder of JWalker—a brand inspired by naval history, Art Deco design, and a deeply personal connection to his father, whose name the brand carries. While researching naval history, Ryan came across a gold Waltham watch tied to the only enlisted submariner to receive the Medal of Honor. That discovery led him down a path that ultimately shaped the identity of JWalker. We also get into his design philosophy behind The New Deco, his decision to go quartz over automatic, and how his engineering and project management background influences how he builds. We also cover: - The moment he gave the first watch to his father - Why documenting the journey matters in the microbrand space - The philosophy behind “The struggle itself is enough” If you're into microbrands, design-driven watches, or thinking about starting your own brand—this one’s for you. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ryan and JWalker 03:04 The Journey from Enthusiast to Founder 05:55 Historical Influences in Watch Design 08:39 Engineering Background and Product Development 11:15 Design Choices and Aesthetic Inspirations 14:20 Movement Selection: Quartz vs. Automatic 19:53 Personal Connections and Family Legacy 25:35 Philosophical Reflections on the Journey 28:24 Documenting the Journey and Community Engagement Learn more about JWalker: Website: https://jwalkerwatch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwalkerwatches/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582344700874 Ryan’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Services-First-Hero-Submariner/dp/1036100413 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-c-walker-698aaa93/ #MicrobrandWatches #WatchCollector #WatchEnthusiast #JWalker #WatchPodcast #QuartzVsAutomatic #WatchDesign #Horology #IndependentWatchmaking #TheMicroCollector #ArtDeco

    37 min

  4. APR 14

    From YouTube to Storefront: How Clicky Bezel Became a Microbrand Watch Hub | Chris Tran

    In this episode, I sit down with Chris Tran, Co-Founder of Clicky Bezel—a San Francisco-based watch store specializing in microbrands, independents, and vintage pieces. Chris shares his journey from YouTube creator to opening one of the few physical retail spaces specializing in microbrand watches. We dive into the rise of microbrands, what makes them so compelling, and why a hands-on retail experience still matters in a direct-to-consumer world. We also get into: - How Clicky Bezel went from a side project to a full-fledged watch store - The growing demand for microbrands like Baltic, Kuoe, and Formex - Lessons learned from opening a retail shop in San Francisco - Why customer experience is broken in traditional watch retail - The opportunity in vintage Japanese watches (Seiko, Grand Seiko, and more) - What’s next for Clicky Bezel If you’re into microbrands, collecting, or thinking about starting your own watch brand, this is a must-watch. Learn more about Clicky Bezel: Website: https://www.clickybezel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clickybezel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/clickybezel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clicky.bezel Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clicky Bezel and Chris Tran's Journey 09:03 The Rise of Microbrands and Independent Watches 18:34 Opening the Clicky Bezel Storefront 27:42 Challenges and Learnings in Retail 33:42 The Future of Clicky Bezel and Vintage Watches The Micro Collector explores the people, ideas, and decisions behind today’s most interesting microbrand watches. Subscribe for more conversations with the founders building the next generation of watch brands. #MicrobrandWatches #WatchCollecting #WatchEnthusiast #IndependentWatches #WatchCommunity #ClickyBezel #TheMicroCollector #WatchPodcast #VintageWatches #JapaneseWatches #Seiko #GrandSeiko #KingSeiko #BalticWatches #Kuoe #Formex #NivadaGrenchen #Vulcain #KuronoTokyo #EchoNeutra #KiwameTokyo #Beaubleu #ChristopherWard #Spinnaker #Vostok

    34 min

  5. APR 7

    The Art of Watch Design: Yu Ando (AndoAndoAndo)

    In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Yu Ando, Founder of AndoAndoAndo—one of the most creative and original voices in the microbrand watch world. From his beginnings in Japan as an artist and designer to building a watch brand known for bold, distinctive designs, Yu shares the full journey behind his work—including the realities of launching a watch brand, navigating a failed crowdfunding campaign, and finding unexpected traction through the watch modding community. We dive into the story behind standout pieces like the A-1 Automatic and the Vinyl Record watch, his approach to collaboration, and how he thinks about design as both art and product. If you’re interested in starting a watch brand—or simply appreciate creativity pushed beyond the norm—this is a must-watch. Chapters 0:00 Intro & Discovering AndoAndoAndo 2:17 Yu Ando’s Background in Design & Art 5:41 Why He Started a Watch Brand 9:41 From Idea to First Watch (A-1 Journey) 12:04 Lessons from Kickstarter & Funding Reality 15:23 How the A-1 Actually Took Off 18:14 Creating the Vinyl Record Watch 20:59 Manufacturing & Finding the Right Partner 22:59 Collaboration Philosophy & Design Approach 27:20 Expanding Beyond Watches & What’s Next Learn More About AndoAndoAndo: Website: https://andoandoando.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andoandoando_design/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070516164087 If you enjoy conversations with microbrand founders, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more episodes of The Micro Collector. #microbrandwatches #independentwatchmaking #watchdesign #watchmodding #watchcollecting #watchcommunity

    33 min

  6. MAR 31

    The Story of Farr + Swit: From Classic Watches to Creative Breakouts | Adam Hodge

    In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with Adam Hodge, founder of Farr + Swit, to explore how a microbrand evolves—from classic watch design to bold, creative breakouts that define a brand. What started with more traditional pieces like The Seaplane gradually expanded into something much more distinctive—through experimentation, risk-taking, and a willingness to follow ideas that didn’t always feel obvious at the time. We talk through that evolution in detail, including: The early days of Farr + Swit and launching a first watchWhy Adam chose to avoid “catalog watches” and focus on original designThe shift from classic, safe designs to more expressive and creative piecesThe story behind the Vice—and how it almost didn’t launchThe thinking behind the Retro Digital Mix Tape and expanding into digital watchesHow different movements (automatic, quartz, solar, digital) fit into the brandLessons from building a microbrand watch company over timeThe role of community, local production, and giving back This conversation is a great look at the watch design process in practice—how ideas evolve, how products come to life, and how a microbrand finds its identity over multiple releases. If you’re interested in microbrand watches, independent watch brands, or how to start a watch brand, this episode offers a real, behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to build something that stands out. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Influences 05:55 The Journey from Collector to Brand 11:28 Designing Unique Timepieces 17:26 The Retro Digital Mix Tape and Expanding Horizons 23:15 Balancing Tradition and Innovation 28:54 Community Engagement and Charity Initiatives Follow Farr + Swit Website: https://www.farrandswit.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farrandswit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@farrandswit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarrSwit TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farrandswit X: https://x.com/farrandswit The Micro Collector is a podcast exploring the stories behind microbrand watches, independent watchmakers, and the founders building them—from design and manufacturing to brand and community. #microbrandwatches #farrandswit #watchcollecting #independentwatchmaking #watchdesign #watchcommunity #watchpodcast

    37 min

  7. MAR 24

    Building a Microbrand Watch Company Through Community | James Williams (Canuck Timepieces)

    In this episode of The Micro Collector, I sit down with James Williams, founder of Canuck Timepieces, to unpack his journey from watch enthusiast to microbrand founder—and why community and collaboration sit at the core of everything he builds. From assembling watches with off-the-shelf parts to launching a brand rooted in partnerships, storytelling, and a distinctly Canadian philosophy of “unity,” James shares what it really takes to build a microbrand from the ground up. We cover how James got into watches and why microbrands changed everything for him, the shift from hobbyist to founder, why collaboration is central to Canuck Timepieces, lessons from early releases and sustainable, real growth, the role of community in building a watch brand, and what’s next for Canuck—including upcoming releases. If you're interested in microbrand watches, watch design, or how to start a watch brand, this conversation offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to James Williams and Canuck Timepieces 02:46 James's Journey into the World of Watches 05:25 The Impact of Microbrands on Watch Enthusiasm 08:16 From Hobbyist to Brand Founder 10:59 The Role of Collaboration in Watch Design 13:33 Unity and Community in the Microbrand Space 16:22 The Evolution of Canuck Timepieces 18:50 Future Plans and Upcoming Releases Follow Canuck Timepieces Website: https://canucktimepieces.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canucktimepieces/ The Micro Collector is a podcast exploring the stories behind independent watch brands, microbrands, and the founders building them. Subscribe for more conversations like this. #microbrandwatches #watchcollector #independentwatchmaking #watchdesign #watchmodding #watchcommunity

    41 min

  8. MAR 17

    How a Community Chat Led to Two Watch Brands | Jayson De Castro (Flux & Valour)

    In this episode of The Micro Collector, Justin Dorfman sits down with Jayson De Castro, co-founder of Flux and Valour, to unpack how a simple community chat turned into two emerging microbrand watches. What started as a conversation between enthusiasts quickly evolved into a partnership — and eventually the creation of two distinct independent watch brands. Jayson shares his journey from collector and YouTube creator to building watches from scratch, including insights into the watch design process, supplier sourcing, and the realities of microbrand watch manufacturing. We also cover: How Flux and Valour came to lifeThe difference between the two brandsLessons from failed Kickstarter attemptsHow community feedback shapes product developmentWhat it takes to bring a watch from concept to production If you’re into microbrand watches, exploring independent watchmakers, or building your own brand, this episode is packed with real-world insight. Subscribe for more conversations with founders shaping the future of watchmaking. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Watchmaking: A Personal Story 08:45 From Community Chats to Co-Founding a Brand 16:06 Innovations in Watch Design: The Flux and Valour Brands 26:54 Future Aspirations: What's Next for Flux and Valour? Links Flux Website: https://fluxwatches.com/ Valour Website: https://valourwatch.com/ Flux Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flux_watches/ Valour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valourwatch/ Jayson’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designatelieraruba/ Jayson’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DesignAtelier Valour Lucent Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1601408832/valour-lucent-titanium-automatic-watch #microbrandwatches #watchcommunity #independentwatchbrands #watchmanufacturing #watchdesign

    36 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Justin Dorfman
  • Show Website
    The Micro Collector

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