286: From Lawsuit to Legacy: R.T. Custer’s Watchmaking Revolution

What happens when a small-town entrepreneur takes on an $8 billion global giant—and wins?

In this powerful episode, Jason Duncan sits down with R.T. Custer, founder of Vortic Watch Company, to talk about what it really means to bet everything on a vision, fight Goliath in court, and still come out swinging.

From getting sued by the Swatch Group (the world’s largest watchmaker) to almost losing his business, business partner, and life partner, R.T. shares the unfiltered journey of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to the American dream. He also opens up about the dark side of entrepreneurship and how he’s building more than a business—he’s building a legacy rooted in craftsmanship, transparency, and asking the right questions.

🔑 Takeaways from this episode:

How Vortic Watch Company started—and why it almost didn’t make it

What it’s like to go to court against a billion-dollar company

The financial and emotional cost of standing your ground

Why asking for help is the most underrated business skill

How R.T. balances multiple brands without losing focus

The future of American manufacturing and skilled trades

How to build a mission-driven company that employees are proud of

👉 If you’ve ever felt like the underdog, this episode is your reminder that persistence pays off.

Who is R.T. Custer?

R.T. Custer is a serial entrepreneur dedicated to building a legacy through his products and services. In 2014, he co-founded Vortic Watch Company with Tyler Wolfe, transforming antique American pocket watches into unique wristwatches through their American Artisan Series. Their mission to "preserve American history one watch at a time" nearly ended when they were sued by the SWATCH Group in a six-year legal battle. In 2021, they won, setting a legal precedent for upcycling.

Born on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania, R.T. comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and believes in the power of nurture over nature. His core values—Respect, Integrity, Empathy, Freedom, and Wealth—guide his business and life. He is now writing American Dreamers: The David v Goliath Story Defending The Right to Upcycle, first as a YouTube docuseries before turning it into a book using AI and expert copywriters. His favorite quote, “Plant trees under whose shade you’ll never sit,” reflects his commitment to long-term impact.

R.T. Custer’s Website Link: vorticwatches.com

R.T. Custer’s Social Media Link:

https://www.instagram.com/vorticwatches

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices