The people
Founders
The independents behind the brands we cover — the designers, tinkerers and obsessives who build microbrand watches.
Vishal Tolani
CEO
United Kingdom
Vishal Tolani is the CEO of AVI-8, a brand he helped establish in 2012. With extensive experience in the watch industry, he has led the brand in creating unique timepieces inspired by military aviation. His vision emphasizes the integration of storytelling and craftsmanship in watch design.
Robert Owens
Founder & CEO
San Francisco, United States
Robert Owens is the founder and CEO of Kinetic, a company focused on making electric vehicles more accessible and practical for adventure travel. He has a background in construction and technology integration, which he has leveraged to create solutions that enhance the EV experience. His vision includes making electric vehicles a preferred choice for consumers looking for sustainable travel options.
Frieda Lacher
Co-founder
Pforzheim, Germany
Frieda Lacher was a co-founder of Laco Uhrenmanufaktur, originally established as Lacher & Co. in 1925 in Pforzheim, Germany. She played a significant role in the early development of the company, which began by assembling watches with Swiss movements. After some years, Lacher shifted her focus to the production of precision parts for wristwatches, establishing a legacy in the watch manufacturing industry.
Peter Sargison
Founder
Melbourne, Australia
Peter Sargison is the founder of Second Hour, a Melbourne-based microbrand established in 2019. After 45 years in corporate and government roles, he shifted to watchmaking and design, leading the brand's creative and manufacturing processes. His passion for mechanical timekeeping is reflected in the production of high-quality, limited-run watches.
Notan Tolani
Founder
London / UK
Notan Tolani is the founder and majority shareholder of Spinnaker Watches, a brand that operates under the umbrella of Dartmouth Brands Ltd. With a significant background in the global distribution of watches and consumer goods, Tolani has been instrumental in establishing Spinnaker as a nautical-themed watch brand since its inception in 2013.
Matthew Mercury
Founder
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Matthew Mercury is the founder of Matthew Mercury Watches, a luxury watch brand dedicated to honoring the legacy of a hobbyist watchmaker named Matthew from the town of Mercury in France. The brand focuses on producing high-quality timepieces using Swiss movements and handcrafted designs, continuing the tradition of excellence and craftsmanship that characterized the original Matthew's workshop. Under his leadership, the brand emphasizes not only quality but also a commitment to timeless watchmaking.
Mike Airaudi
Founder
San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States
Mike Airaudi is the founder of MINUS-8 and serves as the CEO. He aims to innovate watch design by creating ultra-durable, modern dive and field watches that cater to active lifestyles. Under his leadership, the brand focuses on unique and visually striking pieces that stand out in the market.
Qi Feng
Founder
Australia
Qi Feng is the founder of Rogue Watches, a brand known for its rugged and customizable timepieces. With a background in mechanical craftsmanship, he aimed to create watches that balance performance and aesthetic appeal. Qi Feng has left the brand in 2021, indicating a transition in leadership but remains a notable figure in its early development.
Bill Yao
Founder
Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA
Bill Yao is the founder of Mk II Watches, a brand known for its high-quality military-inspired timepieces. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and worked as an investment banker before transitioning to watchmaking, where he successfully combined his passion for watches with entrepreneurship. Mk II was established in 2002 and gained recognition for its meticulous craftsmanship and homage designs, particularly the flagship Kingston model.
Dustin Fontaine
Founder
Hamburg, Germany
Dustin Fontaine is the founder of STERNGLAS, a watch brand established in 2016. He discovered his passion for watches while working in a watchmaking factory at 16 and later founded STERNGLAS to create minimalist watches with Bauhaus design aesthetics. Under his leadership, the brand has become a significant player in the watch market, known for its affordable and stylish timepieces.
James Fields
Founder
London, England
James Fields is the founder of Swan & Edgar, a watch brand that draws inspiration from his family's long-standing connection to horology and British heritage. After leaving a career in investment banking, he partnered with his father to create timepieces that embody craftsmanship and meaningful design. The brand is deeply connected to the history of the Swan and Edgar store, renowned in London's West End.
Javor Ninov
Founder
Sofia, Bulgaria
Javor Ninov is a lifelong watch collector and the founder of Ninov Watch Co, which he established to create Bulgaria's first independent watch brand. His passion for watches transitioned from collection to creation, leading to the launch of their first model, the NV01, featuring guilloché dials and modified Miyota movements, all assembled in Bulgaria.
Jakob Schneider
Co-founder
Grenchen, Switzerland
Jakob Schneider was a Swiss entrepreneur and watchmaker recognized as one of the founding figures of Nivada, a watch manufacturing company founded in 1926. He co-founded the firm Wullimann, Schneider, Nivada S.A. in Grenchen, alongside Otto Wullimann and Hermann Schindler, and played a crucial role in establishing the brand's reputation for producing high-quality functional timepieces.
Ben Küffer
Founder & CEO
Nidau, Switzerland
Ben Küffer is the Founder and CEO of NORQAIN, an independent Swiss watch brand established in 2018. Coming from a family with a rich heritage in watchmaking, he previously gained significant experience at Breitling and has a strong passion for creating authentic and innovative timepieces that embody an active lifestyle.
Thomas Earnshaw
Founder
London / United Kingdom
Thomas Earnshaw was a British watchmaker known for his pioneering work in the development of marine chronometers. He founded the Thomas Earnshaw watch brand in 2012, inspired by his legacy and the desire to create elegant timepieces that reflect vintage watchmaking techniques.
Ivan Castro
Founder
United States
Ivan Castro is the founder of Nubeo Watches, a brand he launched in 2003 that emphasizes innovative design inspired by nature, particularly jellyfish, reflecting his background as a jewelry designer and naval engineer. His approach integrates unique aesthetics and high-quality materials to produce luxurious timepieces.
Steven Lan
Founder & CEO
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Steven Lan is the Founder and CEO of Tsarbomba, a luxury watch brand dedicated to making premium timepieces accessible to everyone. He leads the company's vision of combining innovative design with exceptional craftsmanship. Under his direction, Tsarbomba has aimed to redefine the watch industry with versatile and customizable timepieces.
Shami Kalra
Founder
England
Shami Kalra is the founder of Omologato, a watch brand inspired by motorsport. With a background in designing watches for automotive companies, he started Omologato in 2015 to combine his passions for racing, watchmaking, and design. Kalra's journey began during a challenging financial period, leading him to create a brand focused on bringing affordable, quality watches to motorsport enthusiasts.
Andrew Herman
Co-founder & CMO
Sydney, Australia
Andrew Herman is one of the co-founders of PANZERA WATCHES, established in 2009. He is responsible for the marketing and strategic vision of the brand, which focuses on creating accessible, high-quality timepieces. With a passion for watch design and international sales experience, he has played a key role in PANZERA's growth and innovation.
Pawel Rachelski
Founder
New York, USA
Pawel Rachelski is a law graduate and entrepreneur who founded Paul Rich in 2017. With a focus on e-commerce and innovation, he shifted from studying law at Columbia University to becoming a leading figure in the watch industry. His brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship and modern design for adventurers and visionaries.
Jonathan Kamstrup
Founder & CEO
Copenhagen, Denmark
Jonathan Kamstrup is the co-founder of REC Watches, a company he started in 2014 that specializes in unique luxury timepieces made from recovered materials. He has played a pivotal role in the brand’s evolution, focusing on the fusion of iconic automotive history with watchmaking. Based in Denmark, Kamstrup brings a passion for both watches and cars to the brand.
Ron Green
Founder
California, United States
Ron Green is the founder of RGMT, a watch brand known for its tactical timepieces engineered to meet military standards. The brand emphasizes quality and dependability, catering to those who seek robust and reliable watches for various environments. RGMT focuses on creating watches that are more than just timepieces; they are designed as pieces of equipment.
Fritz Meyer
Founder
Wallbach, Aargau, Switzerland
Fritz Meyer founded the Roamer watch brand in 1888 in Solothurn, Switzerland. He started as an escapement manufacturer and later expanded the business to create high-quality timepieces under the Roamer brand name. Meyer's partnership with Johann Stüdeli significantly shaped the company’s development, leading to innovations in watch manufacturing.
Thomas Stafford
Founder
Stamford, United Kingdom
Thomas Stafford is the founder of Stirling Timepieces, a brand he started while serving in the British Army. With over a decade of military service, he turned his frustrations with modern digital watches into a mission to create reliable, affordable analogue timepieces tailored for soldiers. His vision emphasizes practicality, durability, and support for military charities through the brand's sales.
Shuajb Berisha
Founder
Wokingham, England, United Kingdom
Shuajb Berisha is the founder of Berisha Watches and currently the Head of Watchmaking at FARER. With extensive experience in the watch industry, he is also a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in London and has served in various capacities within the British watch community.
Maël Oberkampf
Founder & CEO
Lausanne, Switzerland
Maël Oberkampf is the founder of Timeless Swiss Watch, a contemporary watch brand that integrates neo-vintage design with contemporary aesthetics. With a background in graphic design and experience collaborating with prestigious luxury watchmakers, he launched Timeless in 2018 to offer high-quality Swiss mechanical watches at accessible prices. Maël's vision incorporates elements of early 20th-century industrial design into modern timepieces.
Ben Berkow
Founder
USA
Ben Berkow is the founder of Imperial Watch Co., a brand he started in 2022 after years of involvement in the watch modding scene. His passion for watches ignited after completing basic training in the United States Coast Guard, leading him to design and build his own watches, culminating in the launch of the vintage-inspired Royal Guard 200. Berkow combines his love for horology with modern manufacturing techniques.
Florentine Ariosto Jones
Founder
Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Florentine Ariosto Jones was an American engineer and watchmaker who founded the International Watch Company (IWC) in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. His vision combined American manufacturing methods with Swiss craftsmanship, aiming to produce high-quality watches for the U.S. market. Despite facing various challenges, he was a pioneer in watchmaking, significantly influencing the industry until his departure in 1875.
Joe Cirincione
Founder
Staten Island, New York, USA
Joe Cirincione is the founder of J.Ciro Watches, a brand named after his grandparents' hair salon that emphasizes quality and style in its timepieces. With a deep appreciation for watches, Joe aims to create unique and affordable designs that resonate with the legacy of his family. He has a background in marketing within the watch industry, which influenced his decision to establish his own brand.
Richard Paige
Founder & Owner
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Richard Paige is a 4th generation watchmaker and the founder of Rpaige Watch Co. He has previously owned several high-profile watch stores in California, with his signature store being Paris 1925 in San Francisco. Richard is also known for founding TimeZone.com, a leading website for watch enthusiasts, and has launched various watch-related projects throughout his career.
Marcella Dolan
Co-Founder
New York, United States
Marcella Dolan is a co-founder of Stella Watch Company, alongside Stephen Rowley. With a strong background in watch design and a passion for horology, she contributes the creative aspects of the brand. Her commitment to excellence drives her to ensure every project is perfected to her standards.
Ryan Torres
Co-founder
Los Angeles, California, USA
Ryan Torres co-founded Vaer Watches in 2016 alongside Reagan Cook. He was inspired to create affordable and durable watches after struggling to find a suitable timepiece for surfing. Ryan is involved in various aspects of the company, including product development and design, marketing, and customer service.
Peter Cho
Co-founder & Designer
Dallas, Texas, USA
Peter Cho is a co-founder and designer of Jack Mason watches. He has a background in industrial design, which has informed his approach to watchmaking. Cho aims to create watches that reflect American culture and traditions, embodying a sense of Texas pride.
Hayden Mater
Founder
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Hayden Mater is the founder of Mater Made, a micro brand watch company designed to create everyday watches suitable for various environments. With a background in innovation and a passion for quality and functionality, he seeks to blend style with durability in his timepieces.
Kenji Uchimura
Founder & CEO
Kyoto, Japan
Kenji Uchimura is the founder and CEO of KUOE, a watch brand based in Kyoto, Japan. He established the brand in 2020 after being inspired by a visit to an antique watch shop in London. His vision combines timeless design with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, and the brand's name reflects his initials and birthday.
Andrew Trumpold
Founder
Naugatuck, Connecticut, United States
Andrew Trumpold is the founder of Shipwrecked Watch Company, launched in 2025. His passion for the ocean and horology inspired him to create rugged and purposeful timepieces. He has a background in maritime operations and previously worked in various roles related to seafaring.
Ivan Chua
Founder
Singapore
Ivan Chua is the founder of VARIOeveryday, a micro-brand that specializes in watch accessories and timepieces. He started the brand in 2016 after launching a successful line of NATO straps on crowdfunding platforms. With a background in motion graphics design, his passion for creating unique watch designs has propelled VARIO into a recognized name in the watch community.
Marc Frankel
Founder
Long Island, New York, USA
Marc Frankel founded Long Island Watch, which started as a hobby in 2003, stemming from his passion for watches and a desire to provide affordable, quality timepieces. With a background in mechanical engineering, he transitioned from engineering to the watch industry and has grown the company into a respected online retailer and watch brand.
Mr. Lin
Founder
Vietnam
Mr. Lin is the founder of Lucky Harvey, a brand recognized for its unique approach to modern automata watchmaking. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and joy in watch design, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative elements to produce extraordinary timepieces.
Danilo Villanueva Jr
Founder
Manila, Philippines
Danilo Villanueva Jr is the founder of MAKINA, a Manila-based watch brand established in 2017. With a background in advertising, he created the brand as a design outlet to build a unique visual identity for watches, focusing on originality and craftsmanship. The brand is known for using local talent and custom components in its watch production.
José Salas
Co-founder
Santurce, Puerto Rico
José Salas is the co-founder of Santurce Collection, a microbrand based in Puerto Rico that focuses on creating watches inspired by the local culture and community. Along with his wife Anita, he launched the brand to represent Santurce and foster connections among watch enthusiasts in the region.
Ryan Chan
Co-founder
Not specified
Ryan Chan is the co-founder of Monomods, a company that specializes in modding solutions for various platforms. He has a background in robotics education and has previously led championship-winning robotics teams. His expertise in AI and robotics underpins the innovative approach taken by Monomods in their product development.
Matt O'Neill
Co-Founder
London, United Kingdom
Matt O'Neill is a co-founder of Monro Adventure, an independent watch brand launched via Kickstarter. With nearly two decades of experience in the watch industry, he has previously served as the Head of Design at Rotary Watches and has a strong background in product design and development.
Mick Jelsdal Jørgensen
Founder
Copenhagen / Denmark
Mick Jelsdal Jørgensen is the founder of Nordic Marine Instruments, a micro-brand known for its versatile and elegant tool watches inspired by Scandinavian design. He has significant experience in the horological industry, previously launching the retailer WatchBandit. His vision for Nordic Marine Instruments encapsulates the calm and serene essence of the Nordic sea, reflected in the brand's designs.
Steve Laughlin
Founder
Overland Park, Kansas, USA
Steve Laughlin is the founder of Raven Watches, a brand he established in 2008. He has a background in visual arts and has been involved in watch design and production since then. Steve is passionate about travel, adventure, and photography, which he integrates into the design of Raven's watches.
Richard Benc
Founder
Brighton, United Kingdom
Richard Benc is the founder of Studio Underd0g, a UK-based watch brand established in 2020. He initially worked in character watch design before launching his own brand, aiming to deliver playful and distinctive timepieces. Under his leadership, the brand has grown rapidly and gained popularity for its affordable and fun designs.
Sachin Velmurugan
Co-Founder
Nottingham, England, United Kingdom
Sachin Velmurugan is the Co-Founder of Montera, a micro-brand launched as a final year project during his studies at Sheffield Hallam University. Along with his partner, he developed a watch brand aimed at creating affordable and stylish timepieces, achieving significant success shortly after their launch.
Jason Lim
Founder
Vancouver, Canada
Jason runs Halios solo from Vancouver, designing tightly-focused dive and travel watches released in small, fast-selling drops that have earned a near-cult following.