How much more value do we get from buying micro brands?

Good video and question! For me, Islander is the microbrand that offers big bang for your buck. Perhaps the best example of that is the Islander Hi Beat Dress Watch series. There are a number of variants on this model. I have the #ISL-38. It has a Miyota 9015 movement, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, sapphire exhibition screw-on case back, and 100M water resistance. Not bad for a 39mm dress watch that is only 11mm thick and only costs $349.

Great video, thanks.  

I don't get it when people say "GS is just a Seiko, why would I pay so much for it?"  Different name, different movements, different level of finishing.  I do however think this Seiko is a Seiko, and I'm wondering why it costs $5k?  Sorry, but for that much money, it can't wear the same name as $100 watch.  It just can't.  For that much money, you've got to put the GS name on it and polish the heck out of it.  Seiko didn't do either.  You can imagine where I think the value lies.

it is a beautiful watch, i would say i choose wise watch over the seiko. the case shape is beautiful

agree about the Islander, especially that they are expanding designs and movements.

Very Good video Peter, i really enjoy your content. I sold 5 seiko's and a couple of microbrands to get the SLA 043 and i can tell i have no regrets its that good it has blown me away, its the Boss Seiko Diver to rule them all. I agree though that although the micro market is saturated with similar divers there is great value to be had. Its great as enthusiasts we get so much choice. I am a sucker for anything with a 62MAS vibe.

Thats a fair comment.

I suppose the finishing and detail on this watch is probably a notch down form GS, if that. And the movement even though it is a GS base, is not regulated. Well  the price as we all know is marketing (limited edition etc etc)

Omega has been doing to for ages, Seiko is taking a page out of their book 😂

I would say Christopher Ward but I don't believe it's really a microbrand, probably more of an independent. As far as microbrands that offer lots of bang for buck, that I have experience with, I would say Traska and Helm. 

Yeah I got one of the new Bayports and I love the new case he had designed for it.

I Got a great price on mine. South of 5k Ozzie. I am delighted with it tough as nails too. 

the microbrands took off from the fake market as the fake producers can sell all the parts going into a fake legally. China probably makes all the parts going into the microbrands. Islander parts are only put together in Arizona. His factory video didn't show any part production. All the parts are off the shelf but he has the volume to get custom dial sets.

I see what mark puts out there with his islander line and he puts in all the elements that the consumer wants in a watch. The price point you can't beat. Great watch pal!!

I would compare the Islander to my Orient Kamasu.   The latter is still $100 less. Something about economy of scale.  But I like them both much.

Second Hour Mandala. $500 with bracelet and leather. Miyota 9015, has the finishing and look of a more expensive watch, great value. Yeah I'm sure a lot of the parts came from China, the same is true of many Swiss brands, and I like them too. It's a global economy. Nothing against trying to source something made a specific place either. 

And good for them (both Omega and Seiko) if they can pull it off.  I’ll fully admit there are no end of watches that just aren't for me. 

I wanna love the Islanders, but just not in love with the logo. I wonder if other people feel the same?

Lots of them! Look at the Islanders with Flieger-style dials. they are without the logo.

I don’t love the logo either. However, now that he’s doing some more original designs I’ll likely pick one up I the future. Interestingly, the logo is why I haven’t tried a Wise yet either. Previously I always felt Islanders where  pretty much the equilvant of what I built as a modder and I enjoy building so had no interest in buying one. Lately though he’s been adapting will be interesting to watch the company grow.

I have Phoibos and Revelot autos and they are both much better quality than my two tags that are six times the price and quartz.  More fool me for buying Tags I guess, I probably won't be again.  Unless of course one day I can afford the Steve McQueen Monaco then I'm all over it like a tramp on chips. 😁

I cannot tell the difference between a $1400 Seiko and a $5000 Seiko, especially knowing they are both unregulated movements.

I‘d like to see how this comparison is different between the Wise and an SPB143. 

Great video comparison.  I have been very impressed by this Wise from afar and needed an excuse not to buy. Fortunately, you pointed out the stiff bezel which is a no-go for me.

My wallet is spared!

Microbrands that are largely raiding the parts bins in Chinese factories, but sprinkling some fairy dust on top with a good name, excellent marketing, and the odd gimmick can delight me, or piss me off. Delight if they're being honest with their pricing. Piss me off if they're charging well over what they're really worth. 

Some microbrands really resonate with people, however, which is often largely due to the marketing, and get away with asking stupid money for what they are, eg: it might be genuinely worth $300, but they're aiming for $650-$850. In that range there are tons of great name brands to choose from instead.

Great video @PeterKotsa . I think it is important to factor in "brand equity" when comparing the two watches. We all buy watches for many reasons, and one of the reasons I buy a watch is because I am able to connect with the messaging/branding of the watch; buy wearing this watch,  I want to be associated with all of the things that brand stands for. (or in the case of Rolex, all of the baggage associated with the brand is a reason for me to NOT buy a Rolex). 

As for best bang-for-your-buck microbrand, I would have to put Formex there. I was all on board with getting an Omega SMP 300 until I saw a Formex Reef in person; the Reef, at a fraction of the cost of the SMP300 more than holds its own. Movement aside, I would argue the Reef is the superior watch (especially the bracelet). 

I can’t do micro brands. Lacks character and pedigree. 

Great comparison. I'm right there with you on all the marks. Thanks for sharing. Always great to see your videos and those images are fantastic!

Keep 'em coming my friend! 

Completely understand your point but you may be missing out on gems. #openmind

Thats a fair call 👍

Completely agree 100%