Micro or macro?

Micro!

Between those two watches, i infinitely prefer the Seiko but …

Given that the value proposition has drifted too far away from the customer with contemporary Seikos, I now generally prefer micro brand offerings to most of Seiko’s 2024 catalogue.

Dollar for dollar I think micro brands are giving better value for money while Seiko are now often taking the p1$$ ! The same is less true of other manufacturers but certainly Seiko and Seiko in particular have been at this for the last few years.

Both nice, but Seiko wins this round for me

yes

On one hand, quality microbrands usually seem to provide a better value for the watch itself. You may get more interesting finishing, dial decorations, and complications.

But, being in the industry (not watch industry) for close to 40 years, I realized that value is not only in the object that you are purchasing, but the support that is provided after the purchase. In many cases that support is as important as the object itself. If you buy an item, and things go wrong, does the company provide a solution for you. And will that company exist long enough, because chances of things go wrong increase with time.

So, always trying to play it safe, I would rather pay my money to an established brand that I know will be there when I need it, than a brand that I'm not sure will exist in the future.

Generally speaking I favor established brands. I am always a little concerned with micros going under in the next 5-10 years. I buy watches with intentions of keeping them forever and knowing that a brand has already been around for 50+ years gives me a little more faith that they will still be around in 50 more years. I do have a few micros, but I am a little concerned about long term parts availablity.

I have not been a micro brand owner, but I will be in June, once the pre-order sends me my Tuseno Shellback. So I would have to say that macro brand is my answer.

In this case, between the Seiko SARB017 and the VanBanner Adroit, I will go solidly with the Seiko. I have wanted one of those for quite some time now.

I'll go with the established brand that's been around over a century vs a brand that may disappear in a few years. Like someone said earlier, the post purchase support is important

I’ve had many established brands and micros but I find myself wearing micros more these days. With being active in my own training and coaching numerous kids sports I just feel more comfortable with micros on the wrist

You won’t be disappointed with the Tusenö 😊

Considering micro brands aren't using in-house caliber movements, I know that I can get mine serviced anywhere without too much concern.. these are using Sellita, NH35 or Miyota movements. I personally like having something that non enthusiasts know nothing about

VanBanner all the way!

Both. I look at the overall design and specs of each watch, and how it would look and fit on my wrist, rather than focus primarily on brand. As an example, I really like this Timex Marlin Chronograph (established brand)...

...and this Nivada Datomaster (microbrand).

Both look great, will fit nicely on my small wrist, and offer great value in their respective price tiers. But, I'm not so keen on aesthetics and bulkiness of the Seiko Speedtimer...

Tuseno: Yes, I am looking forward to it.

The reason I would not have picked the VanBanner Adroit is simply because I know nothing about that maker or the model, and again I have wanted the SARB017 for some time now.