What draws us ⌚ enthusiasts to microbrands?
I could say that I started my interests in⌚ many years ago with an Omega Seamaster Chronograph from the early 2000s. I wore that ⌚ every day regardless of the setting until I bought a Seagull 1963 fifteen years later.
After subsequent investigation, I bought a Christopher Ward C65 Chronograph and Farer Cobb Monopusher. Then, I bought a San Martin GMT SN0016 followed by a Pitzmann 3 Chronograph. The sum of these ⌚ could have easily purchased a Grand Seiko SBGM221 or Omega Speedmaster 38 mm or Racing. Yet, I am left with a handful of ⌚ that I cannot sell to purchase ⌚ that I had wanted all along.
So, I pose the question: what draws us to consider microbrands? Any honest enthusiast will not deny at least an interest in a microbrand, regardless of how disciplined he or she may be. A vitreous enamel dial from AnOrdain. A playful dial from Studi0 Underd0g. A micro rotor from Baltic. The latter of the two with 🇨🇳 mechanisms.
For those who can resist microbrands, how does one resist them?
Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
A Swiss Army Knife.
All of the above but D. I would argue Monta offers a lot more than just being a familiar looking watch. After the Horage (which is an absolutely steal) the Monta (along with Formex) offers the most value for dollar spent.
For me it’s value and design, there’s something in microbrand that you don’t find in big brands or at least you need to pay way more for the same. My last piece explain all that.
I chose Homage, but really mean aesthetics or design ethos. For example, I don't think any Monta is a homage - EXCEPT for the Ocean King v3, which I think was a design mistake.
Design languages that speak to me more. Fair pricing is a refreshing change from the usual bs luxury markups.
Design.
At first value, then got tired of trying to get what I want, when I want.
I resist them for two reasons. 1) I owned a microbrand previously and it wasn't a great experience. I didn't like it and sold at a loss. 2) I don't have any spare wrist time and I'm satisfied with my collection. That said, I am considering a couple. We'll see what happens...
Recently I’ve decided to save up for watches that are really big on my list. Although I’d like to spend money to get some micro brand pieces, I always think that money could go to a watch I want more. Now, since I’ve been able to get a lot of the watches I’ve wanted, I’m looking at maybe adding a micro brand watch to my collection to add something different and unique. I like micro brand watches the most that have a unique design and don’t feel like a placeholder for a watch I really want
I've loved Horage for awhile, just can't afford them lol
It has to be value in most cases, but nothing particularly ever draws me to micro brands. I look for amazing watches that are durable, stylish, quality and desirable. But that can be any kind of watch, just so happens that there are a few we label as micro brands.
But what makes those good micro brands great is they accessibility to the watch parts inventory and services that only in today's world can allow these companies to at great things. And some of them do and some of them, most of them just don't.
I think of Traska, Baltic, Monta, Lorier and CW, even though I think some of them will transition out of the micro brand territory like CW has done. I feel like for the great ones, micro brand is where they start and eventually they move into major brand category.
Affordable complication is a very cool example here. Doesn’t necessarily apply to me, but I know the Bel Canto (not sure Christopher Ward counts) was a big aspect of this for many.
Love that world timer! Very tempted by the green one. My MR01 had the micro rotor be a big factor too. Though again, not always sure Baltic counts!
Microbrand is a "fluid" term. Theoretically, one could even group F.P. Journe into a microbrand depending on volume. Microbrand versus independent watchmaker starts to take capacity to make in-house movements, which disqualifies Journe, Parmigiani Fleurier, and even Horage. Ultimately, I was interested in polling about smaller manufacturers with lower volume and relative demand.
Generally not into microbrands, I've two which I bought out of patriotism.
Prefer established brands.
I think that microbrands are ok although I can't really say that I'm attracted by them. I mean there are some exceptions that offers outstanding quality and overall value but when it comes to homage watches and in many cases brands I rather choose to build my own homage as whatever logo or name they carry means nothing to me so why would I even bother to pay twice the price for something when I can have much better for half of the price with higher quality
Uniqueness of design and underlying story!