Major or Micro?

I have a mix of major, minor and micro brands. This isn’t a binary hobby.

So far I mostly own micro brands but my remaining purchases will be the big boys.

I like both too! This was really just something fun to ask fellow watch enthusiasts. I’ve been all over the place in my collecting. Do you save for a big brand or pick up 4-5 microbrands? Both are fun ways to participate in this habit haha!

It depends on the big name, and depends on the micro. I put a lot of stock in history and heritage, but I have an appreciation for the underdog

I won’t lie, I have a couple big brands but I think if I ever buy another modern watch it will be made by someone who gives a shit about what they’re doing. It’s hard to get excited by a product that isn’t made with some kind of passion for me anymore

this is the way!

I have come to the conclusion that I would rather have quality vs. quantity. I decided I have more enjoyment with ~4-5 quality watches that I can rotate more frequently than a box full of micros that leave me still wanting the majors. Just a personal choice. I do have 2 micros and 3 majors currently...but currently only considering a major for my next (maybe last purchase for a while).

On the whole, I like the creativity from independent brands. I’m not opposed to buying stuff from larger brands at all. Seiko is the biggest one. And I would like to have a Rolex or two one day, even if it’s that is unlikely

I have a mix but I think micros can offer more value per dollar if you buy the right one. That’s one reason I like WC. If a bunch of people like a micro, it’s probably a safe bet.

After buying a rail master ive realized the difference between micros and the big boys isn't as stark as i thought unless you are looking at movements or heritage both of which on the whole i don't care as much about. I think for most people microbrands are where the value is at.

What about both?! I buy both…

I have a mix. Most of the micros I bought because they’re doing something the big brands aren’t.

Big brands have their short comings for well, but I have faith down the road or for customer service they’ll be there and they have the infrastructure.

Also, value retention if I ever find myself up the creek.

I own both but majority are from major brands. I like the long history behind the brand names and also it's a bonus when strangers recognize your watch's brand name and compliment you on it.

I like both for different reasons. Obviously the big brands come with many advantages: a dealer network being the most important, but also there are a few that actually still innovate and have access to technologies the micros don't. Seiko epitomizes this for me. I also respect the (VERY) few brands still around that have been operating continuously for generations (as opposed to the ones who've been absorbed into conglomerates and gutted) and bring real tradition to their goods.

Micros, however, is where the the real creativity in design is happening and I love the idea of supporting the watchmakers who are doing things by hand and creating beautiful works outside of the constraints of mass-marketing and mass production. 47Zero epitomizes this approach for me.

I hate the majors and micros who play in the middle: Major brands who parts-bin source their components for generic designs with no human manufacturing (i.e. most of Swatch's brands) or micros who just offer cheaper variations of played-out styles (i.e. homage brands or the endless parade of "vintage-inspired [insert name of outdated tool-watch genre]" watches coming from every bro around the world who thinks we're all waiting for his take on the Pelagos).

Just starting out the hobby so going with the ‘safer’ brands first. Do look to add 1-2 microbrands into the watch box as I get to know my own taste a little better

I love mirco brands but "big name" brands tend to be more reliable over time. It doesn't need to be Rolex or Patek. Even with Hamilton or Longines, it'll take years (sometimes decades) before you need to have it maintained. With micro brands it's more common to have an issue within the 2 first years if you wear it daily. At least that's my experience.

I buy from big brands when the watch is $1k+

When it’s less than that i prefer microbrands. A $500 Tissot doesn’t give me the same special feeling a Studio Underdog or Baltic does.

C: whichever one that the stars align for or not :)

I like the history and the story of the brands I buy. If it doesn’t have an intresting story I’m not really that interested in the watch. For sure there are many great watches by small brands out there but I want something more than just nice looking watches. I’ve tried a couple and while the watches were great they just didn’t engage me. I’ve just bought an Erebus assent because I’ve been watching Jody for a long time now and I want to support them and while the story behind the brand is very short I find it intresting because you get to follow Jody and Steve’s journey as they build a brand.

I enjoy watching watches from microbrands but I stopped buying from them because it's a rabbit hole on its own. After 2 consecutive purchases from microbrands, I knew unless I stop it now I would be buying a watch every month, putthing my grails further away.

It’s big names for me because I like to buy in person and go into a shop try them on and chat with the sales people what you can’t do with a lot of micro brands don’t really like buy online unseen you can watch all the reviews on YouTube but nothing beats having it in your own hands. The only “micro brand” watch is my islander/TGV and to be honest when I got it in my hand I was a bit disappointed it felt cheap but I was stuck with it now and had already bought it at least with big names you can try before you buy as they have been plenty of big names that felt that way too but I could simply hand it back to the sales person and say no thank you

I like any brand that wants to sell me a watch I like. That’s most brands. I want all brands to do well (whether or not I’m their target customer or not). More brands means more choice for me. Just because a brand doesn’t make anything that I like today, doesn’t mean I won’t be a client/fan in the future.

I like micros because it’s exciting to see people starting out and building their brand. It’s interesting to see how they can engage and interact with customers/fans in a way some bigger brands don’t/can’t.

I like major brands because they have the experience in making nice watches. They have the added historical element which furthers my education.

I don’t think one is better than the other. If they make the effort to reach out and make appealing watches (to me, at least) then I’ll make the effort and take an interest

Here I pick Lorier, since I dislike Tudor's bulky snowflake hand, and also because Lorier sports a beautiful and well-chosen retro design that speaks to me. I will get a Lorier Astra soon, despite its rather low-quality Myota movement.

In general, I look first at the design and then at the quality of manufacture, not the size of the manufacturing company.

As a whole I gravitate towards the more established, major brands. Mostly for the peace of mind about long term serviceability. Nothing guarantees any brand will be around in 10-20+ years but a big brand is much more likely to be around after all that time than a smaller brand is. I have a few micros and enjoy them just as much as any other watch brand but up to this point I’ve avoiding spending big bucks on micros.

I strongly prefer the big brands (aka cheaper Japanese stuff) because I know what I'm getting (including misaligned bezels).

I've been against micro brands because I'm not sure how polished their products are but having said that, I bought a micro brand watch and was hugely impressed by what I'm getting for such a low price.

I don't buy watches any more but if I was in the market, I would look more closely at micros.

Resale value/depreciation can be pretty brutal with a microbrand. Mainly due to the niche market you end up trying to sell to.

R&D / QC is often, and understandably lacking for microbrands. I've had wobbly crowns described as 'quirks of the movement'. I've had hour hands spinning independently of the minutes hand (NOT a GMT complication!). I've had crappy crown threads, alignment issues etc.

Customer service can be very hit/miss with microbrands. Some are fantastic, some not so much. It's a bit of an unknown which is a risk.

I've certainly had my share of issues with Tudors, but it's never been a question of whether it'll be resolved under warranty - more an excuse to go and visit the nice people at Rolex HQ.

Major brands make up the majority of my collection, Rolex, JLC, Omega. I am considering to pick up a Hamilton Khaki in the very near future. Gotta scratch that itch.

Currently I'm really into micro brands. Not that I ignore the big companies but micros are more interesting to say nothing of more affordable.

I only buy microbrands