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Cheap Watches Are Getting Good...
Microbrands, high on design aspirations, low on build quality... That's how I used to feel.
But every year I see a tangible improvement, to the point this year that I said we need to talk about this industrial revolution in the cheaper end of the market. From design to fit and finish, what these guys are able to do with very little cash is starting to blow my mind.
What's your fav micro?
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Max, you’ve been hitting the gym too hard. The buttons on that shirt are holding on for dear life
Microbrands make up the bulk of my collection the one I’m paying a lot of attention to just now is Italian brand Echo/Neutra I’ve got their Averau Big Moon and am keeping an eye on them.
Also just got a Farer and I’ve been wanting one of those for a while.
Microbrands make up the bulk of my collection the one I’m paying a lot of attention to just now is Italian brand Echo/Neutra I’ve got their Averau Big Moon and am keeping an eye on them.
Also just got a Farer and I’ve been wanting one of those for a while.
Farer is one of those brands that makes me question what microbrand even means . . . I feel like there needs to be a term for brands like this (and Christopher Ward etc etc.) that have obviously graduated in many ways to some other tier. Micro ---> Mini but Mighty
Yes! If I could start over again, per @DixonSteele's post, I think I might just buy micro brands, and that's it.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/DixonSteele/posts/what-if-you-could-do-it-all-over-again-34995#comment-462076
I mean, the machining and fast prototyping techniques really are so good that if you slapped an Omega or Rolex label on many of them, and told me this was their latest offering, I would have no idea!
And, of course, compared to vintage Omega and Rolex, modern micros are probably 8,000x better built!!!
Something @mjosamannen wrote recently:
I'm still haunted by the image of Markus on the toilet!
Max, you’ve been hitting the gym too hard. The buttons on that shirt are holding on for dear life
It was chest day
Microbrands make up the bulk of my collection the one I’m paying a lot of attention to just now is Italian brand Echo/Neutra I’ve got their Averau Big Moon and am keeping an eye on them.
Also just got a Farer and I’ve been wanting one of those for a while.
I've been eyes those echos 👀
Farer is one of those brands that makes me question what microbrand even means . . . I feel like there needs to be a term for brands like this (and Christopher Ward etc etc.) that have obviously graduated in many ways to some other tier. Micro ---> Mini but Mighty
I know what you mean. I would say Chris Ward are slightly ahead of Farer as I think Farer are still producent in smaller batches but CW seems to constantly have their released pieces in stock but they are bigger than most other micros.
Farer is one of those brands that makes me question what microbrand even means . . . I feel like there needs to be a term for brands like this (and Christopher Ward etc etc.) that have obviously graduated in many ways to some other tier. Micro ---> Mini but Mighty
Minibrand 😂. I don't know if that's any less condescending
Yes! If I could start over again, per @DixonSteele's post, I think I might just buy micro brands, and that's it.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/DixonSteele/posts/what-if-you-could-do-it-all-over-again-34995#comment-462076
I mean, the machining and fast prototyping techniques really are so good that if you slapped an Omega or Rolex label on many of them, and told me this was their latest offering, I would have no idea!
And, of course, compared to vintage Omega and Rolex, modern micros are probably 8,000x better built!!!
Something @mjosamannen wrote recently:
I'm still haunted by the image of Markus on the toilet!
He's right, modern watches are big heavy and cold. I want someone to make a modern stretchy bracelet!
I have yet to buy one that disappointed.
I'm a huge Nodus fan! I'll most likely buy another Avalon before the end of the year. I'll justify it by telling my wife it's Version II..... 😉
There are so many to choose from now! Islander, Vaer, Bertucci, Axios, Zelos, Helm, Nth, Hemel...you get the idea. I would definitely say that Islander is my favorite, especially now that they are releasing more original designs. I collect more towards the budget/entry level, and you get a lot of bang for your buck with Islander, along with great customer service. I know many don't consider Islander a real microbrand, and some even refer to it as a house brand in a derogatory fashion, but I admire what Marc has done with the brand and a couple of my Islanders are among my favorites in my collection, including the somewhat divisive Rangemaster, his collaboration with The Urban Gentry.
I’m going to through you a curveball. Yema Superman Heritage, Ronda 515 quartz, 39mm. With discount, it’s in the $450 range. Checks the boxes — design, heritage, reliable movement, affordability and responsive customer service (based on several customer posts). While the in-house caliber is an attractive option I think this is a nice way to leg into the brand.
Would recommend looking at the Nodus Sector Field - Malibu if glacier is not your thing.
During this tournament:
https://www.watchcrunch.com/tags/microtournament
What's your fav micro? ->Almost all brands that have a model below $750 among these participants ;-)
Is Islander considered a Micro? If so, I go with Islander.