I´ve been gradually changing my view on watch collecting...

Yes, I also think so, like the one I'm wearing today, a Spanish micro brand that makes very good watches.

Precisely... I enjoy "diving" into these new brands! Beautiful dial!

I have also been looking into microbrands as well. I think the $ you mentioned is about the sweet spot. Around $500 for me personally. Almost every time I come on WC I see one I like a lot. One thing I noticed is that as a microbrand becomes established the prices start to go north. Christopher Ward is an example of this as I was buying their watches when they started. Who is on my radar.... lots ! I do like Nodus (a lot) Zelos, Helm, Spinnaker, Steinhard. A fair few I have forgotten to bookmark from WC !

I’m a big fan of independent brands including micros. Here’s a selection of some of the microbrands in my collection just now.

I think you generally get more bang for your buck with them andre main argument against them that they don’t hold their value holds no water for me, as it’s rare that any watch will hold it’s value, especially if like me you like wearing your watches, and not keeping them locked up in a vault. Most watches like me are like most cars; the value drops hugely the minute it’s off the shop floor.

Value = the watch you really like and that you can afford.

Yes, if you can differentiate buying a watch for the name, versus for the watch the watch itself, then the whole watch world shifts. There are many cool and interesting watches that don’t carry a luxury name, a.k.a what is marketed as the meaningless term “Heritage”.

And if you are not into watch trading, you can give yourself the freedom of choosing watches that are not appealing to everyone and that probably will not gain market value over time...who cares...

I agree with you. I think micro brands have more flexibility than big brands. They can produce some edgier products. I think Wise is one brand to give a serious look to.

Totally agree…

I’m pretty new into watch collecting and quickly adopted a similar mindset. As you said, the big brands are always aspirational and rightfully so, but I enjoy the adventure of searching through the endless micro brand pool looking for options that best suit me!

Serica and Traska have joined the chat

Yes I’ve noticed it! 🤣

I like hopping around like a caffienated rabbit. Micro then luxury, then budget, then high end.

Love the one in your pic - what is it? I’m sure Teddy Baldassare showcased it recently

I am just now getting to this state of mind as well. I own 2 watches that were above $3,000 and they are awesome, no doubt, but the rest of my collection (generally under $1,000) gives me just as much joy and it helped me to realize that bigger price tag does not necessarily equal more satisfaction.

#minase JAPAN

https://minasewatches.com/

#kuoe JAPAN

https://www.kuoe-en.com/

#knot JAPAN

https://en.knot-designs.com/

#naoyahida JAPAN

https://naoyahidawatch.com

#saint

https://saintautomaticwatches.com/

#swc

https://swcusa.com/

#serica

https://www.serica-watches.com/en/

#aragon

https://www.aragonwatch.com/

#doxa

https://ch.doxawatches.com/

#halios

https://halioswatches.com/

Titan watches is an Indian company that has been producing watches for some decades now. It is not a Microbrand as such as it is owned by a big conglomerate.

This is an example of Titan watches:

https://www.titan.co.in/product/titan-mechanical-blue-dial-stainless-steel-strap-watch-for-men-90110qm01.html?lang=en_IN&plp=true

#oakandoscar

https://oakandoscar.com/collections/all-watches

I think he just liked it, it was a brew watch I doubt that co. could pay him. the money he normally gets for endorsements !

Exactly!