Major Micro
I’m curious to get some thoughts behind micro brands. I have a couple that I’m aware of that I have looked into, but I always live seeking perspective behind things. What are some good micro brands? I attached a micro Im familiar with, Haven Watch Co. But I’m interested to see what are some favorites out there? Best price, look, feel, etc. I am stuck in the “if I’m going to spend the money, why wouldn’t I get a Tudor, Rolex, Omega, etc” but I know that there are some absolutely beautiful, timeless and affordable micro brands out there. If you see this and you have a favorite, tell me what it is and why. I would love to learn more about some of the more niche watches out there that don’t have that massive exposure like the ones mentioned before.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
There are tons of micro brands out there depending on your style and budget.
Here's little list of some I'm familiar with in no particular order:
Lorier
Nodus
Helios
Brew
Islander
Geckota
Boldr
Or if you have the means... Rebellion 😯
Each have their unique designs and specialty. They offer tremendous value for money. Some are a bit quirky. Others simply out of this world.
I would love to own one of each in my collection!!! If there's someone from one of companies reading, I have an empty slot in my watch box! 😉😉
Haven is based in my town! 👌
I have an Islander, a Lorien and a Boldr. All great!
Zelos has some pretty cool watches as well!
Those are all good questions. I have both a Seiko and a citizen already in my collection. I prefer Swiss Auto, but the right quartz would be okay. Price range is what I’m not sure of. Anything more than $800 and I feel like I should just keep saving for a Tudor. Why micro brands? There are some out there that are just very appealing and niche. I think every collection should have one. That’s just my opinion. Really I was just putting feelers out, gauging thoughts and getting perspective. Maybe discover a few new brands along the way.
Haven is based in my town! 👌
Nice!
OMG, that is a beautiful watch with a unique design. I love how the logo is off-center, with random red lines on the bezel, there is way too much color, and my OCD is screaming at me but I love it! This way is like those spicy food that's going to give you a bad time but I can't stop eating. I've never heard of Haven Watch Co. so thanks for sharing that!
This one looks great! Never heard of them. Thanks for sharing.
I have U1 from Unimatic, micro from Italy. It looks like a sub designed by an Italian😁
These have unique designs too although I haven’t experienced them in metal.
Studio Underd0g
Mr. Jones
Farer
Brew
I have an Islander, a Lorien and a Boldr. All great!
Love my Islander
On the more affordable end of the Microbrand scale, I have a few Phoibos' (Phoibi?😝) and Revelots. Amazing quality and specs for under £300.
Check out WC Micro Tournament 2023 Champion Formex and 2022 Champion Farer and other finalists.
I think micro brands are great and in a lot of cases can offer something really unique that the big brands just don’t do.
Many great ones listed here already but I would second Studio Underd0g personally. I have a Go0fy Panda and it’s a fantastic watch for the money, although admittedly a little difficult to get your hands on, tending to sell out pretty quick when new allocations are announced.
Other microbrands I would consider; Farer, Fears, AnOrdain, Baltic, Oak & Oscar, and Yema. AnOrdain might be tough to get at the moment too, their current order/build queue is full until the end of 2027.
I am a huge microbrand fan. I currently have a couple of Christopher Ward, a Farer, a couple of Zelos, a Henry Archer, an Ugly Watch Co diver, a Phoibos, a Radcliffe and several 'one hit wonders' from Kickstarter (Phantasos, Nex, etc). I really appreciate the diversity and variety available from micros, and that they take a bit more risk with their designs while ticking spec boxes.
+ 1 for halios
I love microbrands for their playful designs and affordabikity! Too many to mention but here are a recent few from my collection