OverTime: The Podcast

In this episode we break down what it really takes to design, build, produce and launch a watch brand, step by step. Joining Praka for this conversation is reoccurring guest James from the WatchingJames YouTube Channel and Tony from Ikara Watches, as we pull back the curtain on the realities of starting a watch company in today’s market.

This episode was released both on OverTime: The Podcast and on WatchingJames’ YouTube channel, which you can watch here: WatchingJames – Full Episode.

Wristchecks
James is double wristing with the new Direnzo Mondial DRZ04R and the HZ.03 from HZ Watches. Tony is wearing the debut Ikara Watches prototype, while Praka is wearing his RZE Resolute Stratos.

Recap
We unpack the full journey of what it takes to start a watch brand from scratch, covering everything from early design ideas and prototyping through to production realities and launching a finished product. Tony shares real-world insight from building Ikara Watches from the ground up.

We discuss the importance of defining a clear design language early, choosing the right suppliers, understanding production constraints, and making smart compromises without losing your original vision. The conversation also gets into pricing realities, timelines, and why patience is critical when trying to do things properly.

We also touch on the often-overlooked business side of watchmaking, including intellectual property laws, trademarking, and brand protection, and why getting these foundations right early can save a lot of pain down the track. We talk about common mistakes new brands make and how to avoid them.

Contact Us
Make sure to follow Ikara Watches on Instagram at ⁠⁠@ikarawatches⁠⁠ to keep up with Tony’s journey and future releases.

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WatchingJames: https://www.youtube.com/@WATCHingJames

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast⁠⁠

In this episode we sit down with Alexandre, watchmaker and founder of Favre-Bulle, an independent microbrand based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Wristchecks

Alexandre is wearing the Favre-Bulle Three Peaks in White, while Praka has on his Nomos Club 703.1.

Recap:

Alexandre first studied law and economics before becoming fascinated by mechanical watches. That interest led him to pursue an internship and ultimately enrol in watchmaking school in Geneva, where he completed a diploma. He went on to work in CAD modelling, designing movement modules, and later spent three years at Rolex working on indices and the ceramic line. A move to Lausanne provided the spark that pushed him to start his own brand.

We discuss what motivated him to leave Rolex and build Favre-Bulle, before shifting to his debut model, the Three Peaks. Inspired by Swiss nature, the watch reflects essential life moments—slowing down, appreciating quality over quantity, and reconnecting with one’s roots. The design follows these values, with a grained dial evoking natural textures, and flat, angled subdials with brushed detailing.

Alexandre shares his experience running a successful Kickstarter campaign and explains how he approached improving the production model, including a reduced thickness for the automatic chronograph—no easy feat. We explore his decision to launch the brand with a chronograph and what future complications may look like. His first assembled movement was the ETA 7750, so reimagining a chronograph in his own vision felt natural. The second model will introduce another complication aligned with Favre-Bulle’s philosophy, a jumping hour that offers a new perspective on time.

We talk about the Favre-Bulle name and its family origins, and whether there’s watchmaking history within his lineage. Alexandre also shares plans to attend global watch fairs, including MicroPraha in Prague at the end of November, with hopes of showcasing prototypes and new dial variations.

We close out the main conversation by discussing his vision for the brand’s future. Alexandre aims to build a strong design DNA that is recognisable but subtle—not loud, but distinct. He hopes to develop different collections in the future—casual, relaxed or more complex models—all while staying rooted in Favre-Bulle’s core identity.

Something Interesting:

Alexandre discusses current issues around tariffs in Switzerland and the broader uncertainty affecting the industry and people within it. We also chat about pieces from his own collection, including a Rolex GMT-Master II Rootbeer, a Tudor chronograph he purchased for 100 CHF, and the Yema Microrotor. Praka shares an update on his own collection to wrap things up.

Contact Us:

You can find more about the brand at the Favre-Bulle website, or reach Alexandre directly at [email protected].

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast⁠⁠

In this episode of OverTime the Podcast, Praka is joined by Paul for part 2 of "You Know What Really Grinds My Gears!" We talk honestly about the things within watch culture that drain excitement rather than fuel it — from hype cycles to QC dismissals, influencer exhaustion, and the way some brands handle criticism. A bit of therapy, a bit of comedy, and hopefully a bit of perspective.

Wristchecks:
Praka – Seiko Lord Marvel (Gold)
Paul – Lorier Olympia Chronograph NE88 (Series 1)

Recap:

We kick things off with the Zelos cycle and the constant “sold out!” or “why didn’t it sell out?” chatter — it’s never-ending: https://zeloswatches.com/collections/all
Then we get into a recent run-in with a brand, where feedback turned into deleted comments, burner accounts and pressure for glowing coverage. It sparked a bigger conversation about how community, brand transparency and fair critique should work.

From there, we dig into forum and hobby culture — yes, every brand has QC issues, but brushing off legitimate concerns because a watch isn’t $10k is wild. If it’s sold for money, QC matters.
We also talk about influencer fatigue — that wave of “everything is perfect” content. It’s okay to say something isn’t great. Not everything has to be a masterpiece.

We revisit the infamous pumpkin/patina watch listing: cracked bezel, grime literally packed between the case and bezel… for $16K. Clean your watches, folks.

Ginault comes up, along with mod culture and the double standard between what’s considered “customisation” and what’s considered “ruining a watch”:
https://www.artisansdegeneve.com/fr/challenges/absolute-ruby/

And of course — watches listed as “only one under $X!” priced $1 under… crowns at 10 o’clock (especially on these): https://wolbrook.com/collections/skindiver-ii-professional-diving-watches
The Albishorn Type 10 where you basically need to take the watch off to use the buttons.
Plus the Kaventsmann Hadal II — a ~$5K watch with a genuinely cool Instagram presence: https://www.instagram.com/kaventsmann_watches/?hl=en

We talk about respect in forums — most of us aren’t here to make money, but no one needs to take advantage either. If you’re selling or buying, be a decent human.

Something Interesting:
Paul brings things full circle with a nod to the Ginault, Lorier and AAWF story — shoutout to Tom for being part of that chapter.
Praka shares his experience at the recent RedbarWA meetup at Fire & Time — watches intersecting with cars, art, sculpture and design. A reminder that this hobby often connects with broader culture and creativity.
Also — if you have a Traska Freediver, get in touch. Paul wants to buy it.

Connect With Us

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast⁠

In this episode we sit down with James from Canuck Timepieces, a young Canadian microbrand built on unity, creativity and national pride. We explore his journey from sneakers and skate culture to vintage Soviet watches, modding Seikos, and eventually creating his own custom builds that evolved into his own brand. Make sure to check out Canuck Timepieces on Instagram at @canucktimepieces and visit their website at canucktimepieces.com to see their latest releases and projects.

Wristchecks:
James – Nature Collection: Origins – Nature Collection
Praka – Formex Essence 39 Black: Formex Essence ThirtyNine

Topics Covered:

We talk about early inspirations, experimenting with mods, his first collaborations, the impact of creators like TheDanSome, and building unique dials with Surfite in partnership with Juxtaposed Watches.
Surfite example: Surfite Dial Showcase

James also shares insights from working in ecommerce, the importance of maintaining brand identity, QC, and plans for a 2026 release featuring the NH38 with an eventual move toward Miyota 9000 series movements. Upcoming projects include a broader 50–100 piece launch with a target date of April 26 and a potential Kickstarter. His collaboration with ANDOANDOANDO leads to the Black Hole release via Spring Sprang Sprung.

Brands that shaped his thinking include Selten, Brew, and Lima.

Something Interesting:
James shares his time in Disney World and immersive nature of them check out the following links – Pandora – The World of Avatar
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Praka shares a technique done on Titanium Dials (anodising) and how his latest watch features a very special one! Titanium Anodised Dials

Connect With Us

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast⁠⁠

In this episode, Praka sits down with Chloe, founder of Minim Watches, to discuss her remarkable journey from passionate collector to watch designer. From her first ICE Watch Netherlands World Cup Edition at just nine years old, to falling in love with horology through brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Chloe’s story is one of curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Her collecting journey deepened after moving to the UK — attending RedBar meetups, appearing on Scottish Watches, and experimenting with watch photography and reviews. What began as a hobby soon became a community. With encouragement from peers like Kevin from Pedral Watches, she took the leap to design her own watch — and thus, Minim was born.

The Minim MN01 marks Chloe’s debut creation — a timepiece that bridges the traditions of watchmaking with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Conceived between East and West, it reflects her personal journey: from Hong Kong roots to a new chapter in Great Britain.

Described by Chloe as “a meridian that connects cultures,” the MN01 celebrates balance — between heritage and innovation, artistry and precision. Every element, from the dial patterns to the assembly location, tells a story of thoughtful craftsmanship.

Drawing inspiration from Chronoswiss, Breguet, A. Lange & Söhne, and Glashütte Original, Chloe has created a neo-vintage-inspired watch with contemporary clarity. The MN01 features a 36.5mm stainless steel case, onion crown, and elegantly curved lugs — a nod to classic proportions that wear beautifully on the wrist.

This week, Praka is joined by two special guests from RZE Watches, the Singapore-based microbrand known for their ultra-tough titanium tool watches — Huiy and Andrew

Wrist Checks

Huiy – UTD-8000

Andrew – RZE Urbanist Solar

Huiy and Andrew share their personal journeys into the world of watches — from Huiy’s early fascination sparked by his father’s collection in Canada to Andrew’s creative path from photography to community management at RZE.

They discuss the brand’s origins, its focus on durability and adventure, and how RZE’s identity has evolved since its founding in 2020. The conversation also covers the brand’s dual connection between Singapore and Canada, and how that global perspective shapes RZE’s storytelling and design ethos.

We chat RZE's UltraHex™ titanium coating, exploring what makes it so distinctive compared to regular titanium, before chatting about the UTD-8000 — RZE’s bold move into the digital watch space, inspired by icons like the Timex Expedition and Suunto.

The team also touches on RZE’s recent collaboration with fellow Singaporean brand Vario, reimagining their Trench model with RZE’s rugged twist, and hints at future innovations and materials in the pipeline.

In a fun segment, Huiy and Andrew share their dream collaborations — from a Red Bull x RZE partnership to a modern Super Compressor with an alarm function inspired by the JLC Memovox and Vulcain Cricket.

Something InterestingHuiy – Modding an iPod to ditch subscriptions + exploring Recession Pop Songs on ⁠ihavegreattaste.substack.com⁠

Andrew – Glass Heart, a Japanese drama series on ⁠Netflix⁠

Praka – The Science of Happiness with Professor Bruce Hood — ⁠Thought Economics⁠

Links discussed in episode:

• ⁠RZE Watches – Project Forest⁠

• ⁠RZE Sustainability Initiatives⁠

• ⁠Toyo Steel x RZE Collaboration⁠

• ⁠Vario x RZE UltraHex Trench⁠

Connect With Us

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast⁠⁠

This week, Praka is joined by two special guests from RZE Watches, the Singapore-based microbrand known for their ultra-tough titanium tool watches — Huiy and Andrew

Wrist Checks

Huiy – UTD-8000

Andrew – RZE Urbanist Solar

Huiy and Andrew share their personal journeys into the world of watches — from Huiy’s early fascination sparked by his father’s collection in Canada to Andrew’s creative path from photography to community management at RZE.

They discuss the brand’s origins, its focus on durability and adventure, and how RZE’s identity has evolved since its founding in 2020. The conversation also covers the brand’s dual connection between Singapore and Canada, and how that global perspective shapes RZE’s storytelling and design ethos.

We chat RZE's UltraHex™ titanium coating, exploring what makes it so distinctive compared to regular titanium, before chatting about the UTD-8000 — RZE’s bold move into the digital watch space, inspired by icons like the Timex Expedition and Suunto.

The team also touches on RZE’s recent collaboration with fellow Singaporean brand Vario, reimagining their Trench model with RZE’s rugged twist, and hints at future innovations and materials in the pipeline.

In a fun segment, Huiy and Andrew share their dream collaborations — from a Red Bull x RZE partnership to a modern Super Compressor with an alarm function inspired by the JLC Memovox and Vulcain Cricket.

Something InterestingHuiy – Modding an iPod to ditch subscriptions + exploring Recession Pop Songs on ihavegreattaste.substack.com

Andrew – Glass Heart, a Japanese drama series on Netflix

Praka – The Science of Happiness with Professor Bruce Hood — Thought Economics

Links discussed in episode:

• RZE Watches – Project Forest

• RZE Sustainability Initiatives

• Toyo Steel x RZE Collaboration

• Vario x RZE UltraHex Trench

Connect With Us

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast⁠

In this episode, Praka chats with Mike Pearson, North American Brand Director for Christopher Ward, about his journey into the watch world, CW’s growth, and the brand’s bold new direction.

Wrist Checks

Mike – Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumiere

Praka – Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT

Topics include:

Mike’s background and entry into the industry

How the Christopher Ward opportunity came about

Keeping pace with growth after the Bel Canto, Twelve, Lumiere, and Loco

Evolution of CW’s vision with recent models like the Twelve 660

Bespoke collaborations with groups like RedBar

Sports & Sponsorships:

Christopher Ward’s partnership with Everton Football Club

Support for Team BRIT and Shields & Stripes

Case design inspirations tied to Aston Martin

The latest release: The Twelve 660 and what’s next (materials, sizes, LOCO projects)

Mike’s Picks:

Popping Crowns (Chris)

A Tale of Two Wristies Podcast

Superman & Lois (Show)

Praka’s Picks:

Cuervo y Sobrinos – Chrono24

Cuervo y Sobrinos (Official)

Alien Earth – Disney+

Connect With Us

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast

In this episode, we dive into some of the questions in watch collecting that aren’t often asked. Together with WATCHingJames we get into some questions that we have been discussing over the last few weeks and months!

Wrist Checks

Questions Discussed

Links Mentioned

Connect With Us

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast

In this weeks episode, Praka welcomes Jason — a veteran designer with 10+ successful Kickstarter campaigns, former founder of two watch brands, and since 2021 the creative force behind Loresum Watches.

Wristchecks:

Jason shares his journey from graphic design to watchmaking, how he built a reputation for creating unique complications at incredible value, and why Loresum feels like the culmination of his design philosophy.

We discuss his early inspirations, the reasoning behind the Loresum name, and the philosophy behind developing bespoke in-house modules like true moonphase, regulators, and jumping hours. Jason also talks through the challenges of balancing aesthetics with technical engineering, and hints at complications he’d like to explore in the future.

The conversation builds up to the big reveal — the LS06, launching on Kickstarter 21 August 2025 (4:00 PM EST / 9:00 PM London). This latest release features an ellipse case, stone dial, and micro-rotor mechanical movement, continuing Loresum’s tradition of pushing boundaries in design and accessibility.

Check it out - ⁠Kickstarter – LS06 Ellipse Stone Dial⁠Something Interesting

• Jason – Talks tech: the Samsung Fold and the Nothing Phone.

  Nothing Phone

  Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

• Praka – Reminisces on the glory days of Android modding and the XDA forums. https://xdaforums.com/

  
  

Connect with Loresum & Jason - Loresum Contact Page

Connect With Us

Thanks for tuning in! If you have any feedback or just want to chat, you can find us here:

Praka: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kinda.average.watches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

OverTime Broadcast Channel (Instagram): ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbYuJN0yPDu4UXZk/⁠⁠

OverTime The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree – OverTime The Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Us

If you’d like to support the show, you can buy us a coffee here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/overtimethepodcast