What are we looking for in a Microbrand?
The Micro Tournament got me thinking…what exactly are we looking for in a Microbrand? What differentiates one from another? Bold Design? Better than expected materials? Cost effective pricing? High bang for the buck? A brand you frequently see on the wrists of others?
I know for myself having recently gotten hands on with a number of them…there were some surprises for sure. A few of the brands I was convinced I would be leaving with fell short, while others were as expected or better…all part of the fun. Personally, I root for each and every one of them to succeed as they were bold enough to get into this business.
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Brian
LBoogie's other half, Father, Car Guy, Wine Guy, Watch Guy, Boston Sports Guy
NOVA
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Last active: 2 hrs ago
Mostly I wanna see fresh design ideas, bold flavors, and historical nods, at competitive prices. It’s nice to see something different and it’s nice to see the familiar as well, so a catalogue with some selection beyond one model is sort of crucial. A nice movement is cool, but not necessary, it just jacks the price up. Nice materials and good fit and finish are kind of par for the course if you’re gonna make it as a micro. Also if it’s at all possible, I don’t know how to judge this without experience, but customer service goes a long way.
This is currently my only micro. I chose it because of the quality and the pricing are really top notch. It is a OP homage but I know I'm never getting a real one because of the price.
Mostly I wanna see fresh design ideas, bold flavors, and historical nods, at competitive prices. It’s nice to see something different and it’s nice to see the familiar as well, so a catalogue with some selection beyond one model is sort of crucial. A nice movement is cool, but not necessary, it just jacks the price up. Nice materials and good fit and finish are kind of par for the course if you’re gonna make it as a micro. Also if it’s at all possible, I don’t know how to judge this without experience, but customer service goes a long way.
Agreed!
Mostly I wanna see fresh design ideas, bold flavors, and historical nods, at competitive prices. It’s nice to see something different and it’s nice to see the familiar as well, so a catalogue with some selection beyond one model is sort of crucial. A nice movement is cool, but not necessary, it just jacks the price up. Nice materials and good fit and finish are kind of par for the course if you’re gonna make it as a micro. Also if it’s at all possible, I don’t know how to judge this without experience, but customer service goes a long way.
Well put...I like "It’s nice to see something different and it’s nice to see the familiar as well"
This is currently my only micro. I chose it because of the quality and the pricing are really top notch. It is a OP homage but I know I'm never getting a real one because of the price.
My wife ordered a Seafarer...really like what they're doing
As people have mentioned I think that adds to the story...and maybe gives us a level of trust that the watchmaker knows what they're doing?
I like to see attention to detail. On the fly microadjust clasps, quick release bracelet spring bars, etc. I think many microbrands need to execute really well in order to have staying power, so you get more than when you pay for a similarly priced Seiko or citizen. The best examples of this are Formex and monta (and Christopher Ward if you consider them a microbrand).
If it’s a micro brand, I like it to be completely different from main stream brands with design and functionality.
I bought the #era timepieces for design and bang for the buck..
For me it is a combination of design, build quality, parts, and the harder to measure passion. Some brands may make nice watches, but could be a venture capitalist play to make money on a hot market, they will move on once it cools down. In contrast, other brands could be started by enthusiasts who do not necessarily have the capital and need to use presale windows to fund a launch. Those are two extremes obviously, but I think many of us struggle to truly define. Either way, like you, I want to see them succeed.
For me it is a combination of design, build quality, parts, and the harder to measure passion. Some brands may make nice watches, but could be a venture capitalist play to make money on a hot market, they will move on once it cools down. In contrast, other brands could be started by enthusiasts who do not necessarily have the capital and need to use presale windows to fund a launch. Those are two extremes obviously, but I think many of us struggle to truly define. Either way, like you, I want to see them succeed.
Absolutely…it was great talking to all the owners at the DC show…learning how they got into the business…something you could never do with major brands…would have bought one from all of them if I could
Classy, decent movement, under £100… no wait, that’s vintage.