Interview: Building Watches in Brooklyn — A Conversation with Independent Watchmaker Elise Moran

Lead-in: Elise Moran runs a small atelier in Brooklyn where she designs, assembles, and finishes limited-run mechanical watches. Her approach combines traditional watchmaking techniques with modern design sensibilities. We sat down to discuss craft, community, and the future for micro-atelier watchmakers in the U.S.

Q: How did you get into watchmaking?

A: I started as a metalsmith and jewelry designer. Watches felt like the next logical step — they combine metalwork with engineering and offer endless opportunities for small-scale innovation. In the early years I apprenticed with a watchmaker and learned to respect the tolerances and patience required. That educational arc shaped how I think about design: every line must have a purpose.

Q: What are the advantages of making watches in Brooklyn?

A: The local creative community is invaluable. We collaborate with small suppliers, makers, and finishing specialists nearby. That proximity shortens feedback loops when prototyping and helps with quality control. There’s also an audience in New York that appreciates objects with a strong local identity.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge?

A: Cost and scalability. Running a workshop in a major city means higher overheads, and sourcing quality components at volume is difficult. We intentionally keep runs small to maintain quality, but that choice makes pricing and distribution a delicate balance.

Q: How do you think micro-atelier watches fit into the larger industry?

A: We complement it. Large manufacturers offer precision and scale, while ateliers like mine provide narrative, customization, and design risks. Collectors often want both: a reliable daily watch and a unique piece that expresses personal taste.

'Small-runs let us experiment with finishes and complications that may never scale — and for many collectors that experimentation is the point.' — Elise Moran

Q: What advice do you give buyers interested in independent makers?

A: Ask questions about who assembled the watch, where the parts come from, and how service will be handled. Warranty and repairability matter. Also, respect the timeline. Small ateliers need time to produce pieces to the right standard.

Closing

Elise's atelier is a microcosm of a larger movement: watchmaking that prioritizes story, craft, and local collaboration. For buyers who value personality and design over brand status, ateliers like hers are an exciting and authentic alternative.