My first microbrand was a Kickstarter find, a simple field watch with a clean dial, a Miyota movement, and a price that didn’t make me sweat.

There’s a perfect storm right now: collectors are more open to small brands, the retail landscape is more accessible, and the global supply chain shake-up has leveled the field in ways we didn’t expect.

Trump’s administration has imposed a 39% tariff on imports from Switzerland, sending shockwaves through one of the country’s most iconic industries: watchmaking.

Independent watchmaking is not a trend. It’s a philosophy. These are creators who work without the backing of corporate giants. Some are solo artisans who assemble, polish, and adjust every component themselves.

With microbrands leading the charge and Chinese movement makers enabling the affordability, more collectors than ever before can now experience the magic of a tourbillon on their wrist.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of independent watchmaking.

America’s watch renaissance isn’t looking for hype—it needs hands that can overhaul a minute-repeater. With EB-1A, EB-1B and NIW visas, proven master watchmakers can swap bench skills for a U.S. green card—no English test, no lottery.

The decline in consumer spending has had a tangible impact on luxury watch brands operating in China. 

De minimis thresholds in Europe and many Asian countries remain untouched. Nurture those regions while you retool the U.S. supply chain.