The Micro Collector

Justin Dorfman
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. 13h ago

    Building EONIQ, DIY Watch Club, and a Made-in-Hong Kong Movement | Quinn Lai

    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

  2. 6d ago

    Monbrey: Inventing a New Dimension in Microbrand Watches

    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

  3. Aug 17

    Sunrex: From Watch Manufacturing to Building Their Own Brand | Ray Lin

    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

  4. Aug 11

    Vaer: Building an American Watch Brand for Everyday Adventure

    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

  5. Aug 3

    Take Your Time: The Story Behind Trafford Watch Co. | Nathan Trafford

    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

  6. Jul 27

    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

  7. Jul 20

    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

  8. Jul 13

    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

See All (33)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Justin Dorfman
  • Show Website
    The Micro Collector

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