What's Your Favorite Microbrand?
Over the past few years, I have been collecting microbrands via Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and other small independent distribution channels. Really my collection of these microbrands is more about supporting watch enthusiasts and those who have a passion to bring their idea to market.
I'm not about trying to find a microbrand that will sell out its offering and increase in value on the secondary market based on the hype of YouTubers and influencers. Those watches have enough support already.
I look for something creative and different to add to the collection including prototypes when I can get my hands on them.
So which are your favorite microbrands and what references that they released have you added to your collections?
I'd love to see the cool stuff out there that I might have missed.
BTW - the line between microbrands, commercially funded small businesses, classic brand reissues, and independent watchmakers is a really fine line - your definition might be different.
Here's a selection I've picked up over the past few years (Dan Henry 1970 was my first) - all of these for less than the price of a Rolex (I know my money would have better invested in a Rolex, but all of these are way more fun.)
I really like chronographs especially vintage ones.
Quite a collection there! I haven’t tried too many microbrands yet, but I’ve enjoyed owning watches from Dan Henry, Islander, Alsta, Zelos, and Cincinnati Watch Co. so far.
Quite a collection there! I haven’t tried too many microbrands yet, but I’ve enjoyed owning watches from Dan Henry, Islander, Alsta, Zelos, and Cincinnati Watch Co. so far.
Thanks for sharing - I have seen a number of daily wrist checks with the Cincinnati Watch Company watches - I know nothing about them. What's has your experience been with them?
I love the Alsta divers - those are the ones modeled on the "Jaws" watch right?
Very cool selections - that new Dan Henry is awesome - you definitely get the Orfina Military chrono feel on that one.
I did reviews on the Cincinnati Watch Co., Alsta, and Dan Henry here on WC. Here are the links if you're interested.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/gbelleh/reviews/cincinnati-watch-company-guild-review-5824
https://www.watchcrunch.com/gbelleh/reviews/alsta-nautoscaph-superautomatic-review-7179
https://www.watchcrunch.com/gbelleh/reviews/dan-henry-1972-maverick-review-3581
Dude your are a Microbrand Connoisseur. I consider myself fairly familiar with most Microbrands but there are pieces in your collection I've never heard of with some very cool looking design elements. I personally think your collection is awesome!
everyone loves the underdog well done.fine collection
I see you share my affinity for salmon dials. I could kick myself for not grabbing the chrono when it was in stock.
I don't own any micros as have always found issues that I could not tolerate with every brand I have tried.
That said, this is really a well chosen, diverse collection. Kudos!
Thats a lot of watches! What was your thoughts on the Bravur Grand Tour? I had my eye on the Grand Boucle (green) for a time.
The two microbrands on my radar right now are Maen and Baltic, but I’ve liked several Farer, Monta, and Halios models!
that’s such a collection 👍
I'm quite a fan of microbrands and must admit a soft spot in particular for American microbrands (of course assuming I feel they are making watches worth it). I see a couple watches you and I share actually. I hesitated and missed out on that Lorier Safari. My WRUW for today was an Astor + Banks with a MOP dial. And my profile picture is actually a lume shot of my Nodus Duality.
I don't have wrist shots for all of them. And I have to admit Nodus is brand I'm a big fan of, its probably my favorite. I have four of them. Both NTH and Astor + Banks are other microbrands that I own and have really impressed me a lot as not just great values but great watches. I also have several pieces from VAER that although I would say their designs are a bit safe but are solidly built, finished and priced well for what you get.
Microbrands really are great values and some have exciting designs. Great way to find enjoyable, truly well made pieces. Maybe you miss out on a little bit of history and heritage but maybe you're buying into a new history and heritage.
Dude - I love Farer but didn't include them as a microbrand as they seem next level - same as AnOrdain. Fantastic watch design. The British are coming!
They seduced me with the Barena reference and I had a custom rally strap made to accentuate the blue and the red.
I see you share my affinity for salmon dials. I could kick myself for not grabbing the chrono when it was in stock.
I don't own any micros as have always found issues that I could not tolerate with every brand I have tried.
That said, this is really a well chosen, diverse collection. Kudos!
Love salmon dials!! Maybe I'll work up a post on salmon dials. I have some really cool ones from the 1940s/50s.
Yeah - I jumped on the Baltic x Revolution Watch as soon as the email came out - figured that wouldn't last with the salmon dial especially since it was relatively affordable for what Revolution Watch normally releases as joint ventures.
Dude your are a Microbrand Connoisseur. I consider myself fairly familiar with most Microbrands but there are pieces in your collection I've never heard of with some very cool looking design elements. I personally think your collection is awesome!
Thanks! Really appreciate it. Would love to see what you've got in the microbrand space.
You have a awesome collection! I love the variety of styles and colors. I'm super into that Astor + Banks. And your Baltic: 🔥🥂
Personally, I'm a fan of Farer. I have a gmt Ponting model. It was my first "nice" watch. 😝 I like Oak and Oscar, particularly their chronographs, which, unfortunately, are all sold out. Let's see...oh, Lorier! I picked up a Falcon a few years back. I love Fears, but they're a bit more expensive. I've never owned a Vero, but they're definitely on my radar.
I'm quite a fan of microbrands and must admit a soft spot in particular for American microbrands (of course assuming I feel they are making watches worth it). I see a couple watches you and I share actually. I hesitated and missed out on that Lorier Safari. My WRUW for today was an Astor + Banks with a MOP dial. And my profile picture is actually a lume shot of my Nodus Duality.
I don't have wrist shots for all of them. And I have to admit Nodus is brand I'm a big fan of, its probably my favorite. I have four of them. Both NTH and Astor + Banks are other microbrands that I own and have really impressed me a lot as not just great values but great watches. I also have several pieces from VAER that although I would say their designs are a bit safe but are solidly built, finished and priced well for what you get.
Microbrands really are great values and some have exciting designs. Great way to find enjoyable, truly well made pieces. Maybe you miss out on a little bit of history and heritage but maybe you're buying into a new history and heritage.
Great choices - that Astor+Banks is a beauty. I've seen a number of the Nodus and NTH in the wrist checks, but haven't popped for one yet.
Nice looking selection - thanks for sharing!
Thats a lot of watches! What was your thoughts on the Bravur Grand Tour? I had my eye on the Grand Boucle (green) for a time.
The two microbrands on my radar right now are Maen and Baltic, but I’ve liked several Farer, Monta, and Halios models!
I think the Bravur Grand Tour is an excellent watch - solid Sellita movement and really well made. A little small for my wrist at 38.2mm, but perfect vintage chrono size choice.
I decided to swap out the black rally strap for the red rubber strap to really cause the dial to pop - guess I was feeling a little Kevin O'Leary-like in my strap choice.
Baltics are great but a little overpriced for the components used - very well put together and great designs.
Can't wait to see the Maen Manhattan - have mine pre-ordered with the salmon dial, of course.
Haven't tried Monta or Halios yet. Halios seem to sell out pretty quick.
Thanks for sharing....Some really neat timepiece designs there, at really reasonable prices.
When I see your posts I know that you spend no time whatsoever contemplating the perfect one or three watch collection. It is quite refreshing to see the other end of the spectrum.
When I see your posts I know that you spend no time whatsoever contemplating the perfect one or three watch collection. It is quite refreshing to see the other end of the spectrum.
Well said!
That being said, if you forced me to give up all my watches but for three - one dress, one sport and one vintage/vintage reissue - then I would definitely have a hard set of choices, but I would choose as follows:
Dress
Sport
Vintage/Vintage Reissue
I see you share my affinity for salmon dials. I could kick myself for not grabbing the chrono when it was in stock.
I don't own any micros as have always found issues that I could not tolerate with every brand I have tried.
That said, this is really a well chosen, diverse collection. Kudos!
Just posted on the Salmon dials...
https://www.watchcrunch.com/ChronoGuy/posts/anyone-else-afflicted-with-salmon-ella-8499
Halios is an incredible microbrand
Teddy Baldassarre produced a great resource on microbrands that you will find really useful.
Here is the link:
50 Best Microbrand Watches - 2022 Complete Guide | Teddy Baldassarre
The article discusses the microbrands, contains links and gives you an idea on pricing.
You should be able to find a pretty nice watch for around 500GBP.
Here are my suggestions by category (be aware that the top microbrands usually sell out really quickly so it can be tough finding them in stock):
Sporty Dress Watch - Astor+Banks Fortitude is a great choice for around US$600-700
The Shop – Astor + Banks (astorandbanks.com)
AP-style Integrated Bracelet - Dumoreau DM01 is a really nice choice for around US$450
American Luxury Sport Steel Watches | Dumoreau Watches
High quality Dress Dive Watch - WISE Adamascus models are beautiful for around US$600
ADAMASCUS AD8 – WISE (wisetimepiece.com)
For chronographs under $700, there are really limited choices for true mechanical chronographs. You will likely need to look at solar quartz or mecaquartz models.
My two favorite microbrands for mecaquartz chronographs are Nezumi and Straton - both are race inspired designs. Nezumi is based in Sweden and Straton in Switzerland.
Nezumi - All Nezumi Watches - In Stock - Ready to ship - NEZUMI ® Studios (nezumistudios.com)
Straton - Straton Watch Co. "Style created through passion". (stratonwc.com)
For vintage style dive watches, you cannot beat Lorier for the price - usually around US$500
SHOP – LORIER (lorierwatches.com)
I'll end on a fan favorite - for amazing dial modern dive watches - there is no better than Zelos!
Zelos Watches : Mechanical Sports and Dive Watches
@ChronoGuy
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I watch a lot of you tube videos of Teddy Baldassare and have read a few of his blogs. Not sure if I had come across the microbrand guide from 2022 so will definitely review this to short list some options.
I really appreciate you sharing your own personal views, this is what I was really interested in as I felt your choice of watches in the microbrand category in your personal collection were excellent and mainly stayed away from safer styling which I liked!
Many of the brands you shared I was aware of, however I had not come across that Dumoreau DM01, its lovely and definitely going on the short list although its a shame that some of the colours appear to be sold out.
I owned a Zelos hammerhead V3 with the white lumed dial but I sold it and bought a Phoibos eagle ray instead.
That WISE Adamascus is also incredible and will definitely go on my short list. I really like the bronze one but its sold out!!!
I am watching some straton and Nezumi chronos on ebay at the moment.
I had heard of Lorier, but hadn't really checked them out and they also have some lovely watches.
So out of the stuff you shared, I think I am going to add the following to my short list.
Will also then review the TB blog and see if anything falls out of that.
Thank you!!
helm, traska, astor, Sel, nodus
Thats awesome! I love micro brands myself.
in fact I am probably going to pick up a new one and might make a separate post about this. But since you clearly have so much experience I thought I would ask you directly.
I have a budget of no more than 500GBP for my next one. Am very open to second hand market and I don’t have a Chrono in my collection yet. So perhaps should get one?!?! Not 100% fixed on that though.
is there any brand or even piece in your collection that you would recommend that I explore?
looking for most bang for the buck in terms of spec, don’t mind quartz / mecaquartz.
Here is your chance to pickup a great microbrand chronograph for under 500GBP.
The TC-9 Lunarscope uses the Seagull ST19 manual chronograph movement. The regular price of 499GBP is now discounted by 60% plus they are throwing in a free strap (they're straps are fantastic).
They also have some great dive and pilot watches.
A deal not to be missed - see details below - discount code is: 60ks20201.
I have a number of TC-9s in the collection and happy with all of them. Great British microbrand.
The Big TC-9 May sale and giveaway
60 percent off all watches for two days only! It’s very rare for TC-9 to have a sale…. So we are making it a great one and going all in. 60 percent of all watches and every purchase gets a free extra horween strap worth £50.
Plus some of our out of stock classics, like the Deck watch, the Titanium skeleton and the 1950s watch are back to be made to order. They will sell out very quickly so get going!
Use code
60ks20201
At checkout
Always wanted the critically acclaimed Lunarscope …. They are now reduced from £500 to £200! Fill your boots!
Also all orders will come with the original horween leather strap plus an extra free chromexcel horween strap worth £50. Colour will be black or brown depending on stock. These straps are the absolute best quality USA horween.
Stocks are low and selling out fast so please act quickly
Here is your chance to pickup a great microbrand chronograph for under 500GBP.
The TC-9 Lunarscope uses the Seagull ST19 manual chronograph movement. The regular price of 499GBP is now discounted by 60% plus they are throwing in a free strap (they're straps are fantastic).
They also have some great dive and pilot watches.
A deal not to be missed - see details below - discount code is: 60ks20201.
I have a number of TC-9s in the collection and happy with all of them. Great British microbrand.
The Big TC-9 May sale and giveaway
60 percent off all watches for two days only! It’s very rare for TC-9 to have a sale…. So we are making it a great one and going all in. 60 percent of all watches and every purchase gets a free extra horween strap worth £50.
Plus some of our out of stock classics, like the Deck watch, the Titanium skeleton and the 1950s watch are back to be made to order. They will sell out very quickly so get going!
Use code
60ks20201
At checkout
Always wanted the critically acclaimed Lunarscope …. They are now reduced from £500 to £200! Fill your boots!
Also all orders will come with the original horween leather strap plus an extra free chromexcel horween strap worth £50. Colour will be black or brown depending on stock. These straps are the absolute best quality USA horween.
Stocks are low and selling out fast so please act quickly
Wow!
Just bought one! Thanks for the tip! Will post some pics when it arrives!
even got some cash left to buy a g shock or something!! 😂
Astor+Banks are offering a special pre-order...Just received this email this morning.
If you wanted one of the Fortitude models and ended up disappointed because they have been sold out...now's your chance.
Here are the details from the email:
https://mailchi.mp/18920913d33a/pre-order-now-live?e=d1627fa004
Love your REC
Love your REC
Thanks!
It's a cool Danish brand with some great designs. Really high quality packaging and extras.
I added a couple more:
Omg I've been eyeing the Green Hornet. But the price tag is abit hefty and left with just #178
I'm in LOVE with this burgundy dial.
Omg I've been eyeing the Green Hornet. But the price tag is abit hefty and left with just #178
You can usually find a discount code for about 20-25% off the full list price. Sorry just seeing your post now.