Ask A 2025 30 Under 30(ish) Honoree: Advice for Building a Stronger Community

It’s fair to say that the watch world has undergone a few major shifts in the last ten years. One of the biggest changes, of course, has been the growth of online platforms: not just for buying and selling timepieces but also for building community.

That is why it’s worth noting that many members of Watchonista’s 30 Under 30(ish) class of 2025 (Part 1|Part 2) – all digital natives – have been busy traveling the world visiting watch fairs. We talked to three of our honorees to hear their perspectives on the importance of in-person meetups.

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When we caught up with Hamzat Rotimi at the Toronto Timepiece Show in September, he was visiting as a civilian, not an exhibitor. And while he was able to give us an embargoed peek at the next horological offering from his brand, Sovrygn Watches, he did share his thoughts on community building.

“I was born in Nigeria and moved to Canada for school,” explained Rotimi, who trained to be an engineer. “My philosophy is that all watches tell time, but people also want to see something of themselves in their watches. They want to have something unique. It’s a way to stand out.”
 

Sovrygn is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, so the internet has allowed Rotimi’s small independent brand to thrive away from horological hotspots like Geneva, New York, and Tokyo. Still, he also recognizes that collecting watches is about expression, which is a big part of the human experience. “People who look like me want to see themselves,” added Rotimi, “It’s not just for the flex.”

That is why he came to Toronto to meet with other creators. “[The Toronto Timepiece Show] has been very incredible. Having a community like this in Canada makes a big difference,” said Rotimi, adding that having a watch fair outside of the major centers allows smaller makers the opportunity to get their products and their stories in front of the public and the press.

He also appreciates the collaborative nature of these independent shows: “I’m not in competition. I feel like my design style is not very traditional. But when I’m designing, I like to get second opinions.”
 

Watch shows are also a surprisingly effective way to reach out to the international community. “I’m overrun right now,” Rotimi told Watchonista. “I’ve got orders from over 20 countries.” Considering that, at the moment, Sovrygn is a small operation, having a global support system is invaluable. “You’re inventing your own destiny, not following somebody else’s. I appreciate the support.”

Check out Hamzat’s Instagram page: @rotimidewatchman
 

As AI and a proliferation of digital platforms make getting watch-related information more convoluted, Watchonista contributor Bazemore is convinced that building authentic relationships can keep us together.

Despite her youth, Bazemore has been in journalism for over ten years. She has worked in print and digital media, witnessing the rise and fall of many magazines, blogs, and TikToks. So, we had to give her a call to talk about the importance of storytelling.
 

While Bazemore is writing her own take on the recent Windup Watchfair in New York for Watchonista, we did talk briefly about the current trend toward smaller spin-off fairs and pop-ups. “It’s a balance. Each platform serves a purpose,” she told us. At the end of the day, however, they should all be about making connections – and not just for the objects themselves.

It can be a challenge for microbrands, in particular, to get their wares into brick-and-mortar retail. “Brands doing their own events outside of things like Watches and Wonders, for example, gives people in smaller markets a chance to see the watches in the metal,” added Bazemore.
 

Face time is also crucial for building a bond with your timepieces. When you meet a maker in real life, the passion is contagious. As a consultant, for example, Bazemore worked with Brew on a New York pop-up last summer. The value of in-person experiences, be they events sponsored by publications or brands, lies in helping attendees realize they have value as well, which brings new enthusiasts into the fold.

“This connection point builds community,” Cait said.

Check out Cait’s Instagram page: @caitbazemore
 

Speaking of face time, it took us three days before we were able to get the chance to speak with Leonardo Tsai at the Toronto Timepiece show. Why? Because the booth for his microbrand, Selten Watch Company, was always mobbed.

If you haven’t had the chance to experience a Selten in person, the Hong Kong-based micro brand has the most exquisite dials. From Grand Feu enamel to the CNC-machined guilloché-style “mountain” pattern and black Tahitian mother-of-pearl of the Ho & Co. x Selten Jui, curious enthusiasts were lining up to try these watches on.

When we finally got our chance to admire the shifting colors and exquisite textures in person, Tsai told us about his family’s history of dial-making and how he likes to play with different techniques.
 

In recognition of his relatively small-scale business, Tsai is committed to bringing his offerings to as many communities as possible. Thus, the brand also had a booth at the recent Windup Watchfair in New York and is gearing up for more international shows in the coming months. Check out the brand’s Instagram page (linked to below) for more details.

Tsai says that independents need to be collaborative to thrive. In the instance of the Jui model mentioned above, Ho & Co. is a collector’s group. Meanwhile, that piece’s strap comes from Hong Kong strap maker Has No Bounds, which is owned by another class of 2025 30 Under 30(ish) honoree, Kristine Lam.

Another reason for all the hubbub around the Selten booths in Toronto and New York is the insane affordability of the watches (the Jui is priced at around $1,099). According to Tsai, this is because the marketing is budgeted for these smaller-scale events.
 

The new generation of watchmakers must hustle, but they are also resilient and able to navigate the ever-changing economy. That is why we believe the “Under 30s” are the future.

Check out Leonard’s Instagram page: @seltenwatch