Which is a good first microbrand watch?

Now that the microbrand tournament is over, I wanted to make this post to get your opinion on what would be a good first microbrand watch for my collection. I’m in no rush to add a new watch but I wanted to get your opinion on what would be the best first microbrand watch. I’ve narrowed it down to 4 choices and they are below…

#lorier falcon II

#halios fairwind

#nodus sector deep

#baltic MR-01

Another note, I live in the Philippines and another concern of mine is shipping / customs costs etc. Are there any fellow Filipino Watch Crunchers who can advise on how their experience was when ordering / purchasing a microbrand watch? I would love to hear from you guys. Thank you. 🙏🏼

P.S. shoutout to Worn & Wound for the photos.

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I would be looking at what type of watch you want first; diver, field, pilot… then look for a micro brand that has that style/type.

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Clayton.M

I would be looking at what type of watch you want first; diver, field, pilot… then look for a micro brand that has that style/type.

I hear you, I’ve narrowed it down to those I’ve listed cause I wouldn’t mind having either a diver, field or dress watch so I chose my favorites from different microbrands

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Is there a way for me to view the votes without casting a vote myself?

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Yeah, like @Inkitatus said, have a look at what's local, you'll never know what you might find

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Adamasuta

Yeah, like @Inkitatus said, have a look at what's local, you'll never know what you might find

Thank you for the tip, I’ll give it a shot and explore what’s available locally 👊🏼👍🏼

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Baltic makes great watches but like any watch brand, be sure you focus on movement.

The MR01 and its movement are technically beautiful. But I don’t trust the movement from a longevity standpoint.

That being said, their Aquascaphe model is BOTH beautiful and has an amazing movement (same movement as the Lorier).

That being said, out of all the watches you mentioned, I chose Lorier.

If the Baltic Aquascaphe was an option, I would have chosen that.

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Donster_125

Baltic makes great watches but like any watch brand, be sure you focus on movement.

The MR01 and its movement are technically beautiful. But I don’t trust the movement from a longevity standpoint.

That being said, their Aquascaphe model is BOTH beautiful and has an amazing movement (same movement as the Lorier).

That being said, out of all the watches you mentioned, I chose Lorier.

If the Baltic Aquascaphe was an option, I would have chosen that.

Thank you for the advice, I was considering putting the Aquascaphe but I went with the MR-01 because of the beautiful movement and dial but now that you’ve given some insight on the movement of the MR-01 I will think on it further. Thank you for the advice

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WatchesandSneakers

Thank you for the advice, I was considering putting the Aquascaphe but I went with the MR-01 because of the beautiful movement and dial but now that you’ve given some insight on the movement of the MR-01 I will think on it further. Thank you for the advice

Again, I have 0 experience with that movement. But because it’s so new and not “tested” yet, you might run into issues down the line.

But again, you might not.

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Out of the choices listed, Lorier Falcon.

Yes I am a Lorier fan.

But to me it is the most versatile out of all of those specific options.

And honestly the waffle dial is very well executed, and with the acrylic crystal, it has some pretty cool depth, since there is no AR to get in the way.

The other options are all amazing watches, and in fact I own a Nodus Sector Deep as well.

I'd still close the Lorier.

Far as shipping goes, maybe try and see if you can snag one on eBay below MSRP? You can polywatch any scratches on the crystal if needed.

Not a great pic, and it's hard to capture but in person the extra white line curbing from 12 - 5 looked really cool. I mean I never take extra shots or just stop and admire dials, this actually caught my eye.

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WatchesandSneakers

Is there a way for me to view the votes without casting a vote myself?

Yes, he just posted an in-depth review of the tournament results last night.

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neloms

Yes, he just posted an in-depth review of the tournament results last night.

Yes, I saw it. What I meant was on my own post (this one) there a way for me to see the votes / results without casting a vote myself?

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solidyetti

Out of the choices listed, Lorier Falcon.

Yes I am a Lorier fan.

But to me it is the most versatile out of all of those specific options.

And honestly the waffle dial is very well executed, and with the acrylic crystal, it has some pretty cool depth, since there is no AR to get in the way.

The other options are all amazing watches, and in fact I own a Nodus Sector Deep as well.

I'd still close the Lorier.

Far as shipping goes, maybe try and see if you can snag one on eBay below MSRP? You can polywatch any scratches on the crystal if needed.

Not a great pic, and it's hard to capture but in person the extra white line curbing from 12 - 5 looked really cool. I mean I never take extra shots or just stop and admire dials, this actually caught my eye.

Image

Thank you for the tips! Your #lorier falcon looks real good on that nato! May I ask, is that a WOE Zulu Alpha Strap?

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WatchesandSneakers

Thank you for the tips! Your #lorier falcon looks real good on that nato! May I ask, is that a WOE Zulu Alpha Strap?

Watches of Espionage and ZuluAlpha straps collab.

Watches of Espionage is a watch blog by a former CIA Case Officer that talks about watches in the tactical/intelligence community.

ZuluAlpha is a UK veteran that makes an interesting take on single pass style straps.

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solidyetti

Watches of Espionage and ZuluAlpha straps collab.

Watches of Espionage is a watch blog by a former CIA Case Officer that talks about watches in the tactical/intelligence community.

ZuluAlpha is a UK veteran that makes an interesting take on single pass style straps.

Yes, I know who Watches of Espionage (WOE) and ZuluAlpha are. Just wanted to make sure I saw correctly. Thanks, cheers 🍻

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WatchesandSneakers

Yes, I know who Watches of Espionage (WOE) and ZuluAlpha are. Just wanted to make sure I saw correctly. Thanks, cheers 🍻

Of course. And yes you did.

Sadly not doing anymore collabs at this point, but eBay always has some for sale.

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You can’t go wrong with any of them. Great selection.

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ludwick

You can’t go wrong with any of them. Great selection.

Thank you for the advice! 🤝