I Don't Buy Microbrand Watches

On this video a briefly explore why I don't really end up purchasing microbrand watches and I turn to the audience (you!) to suggest some makes and models that I could consider as an alternative to my general outright avoidance.

All Images Used Under Fair Use

Join the 99¢ Club at:

#watchcollector #watches #orientwatches #microbrand

[HHPS]

Got a few: 1) Isotope, though they seem to sell for 500-600 on ebay when they pop up, any model honestly. 2) OTSUKA LOTEC is having another lottery for a spot to buy his watches right now, and I am sure you would not lose much/any if you move it along. 3) Serica with California dial. 4) Typsim NOIR. I have never seen one in the pre-owned market...

[JamesMercer-fths]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion(s), and we all purchase watches for different reasons. I personally love microbrands, and enjoy purchasing them. Yes, they may be somewhat derivative, but that statement is just as accurate when discussing the big brands. When I look at microbrands I am much less worried about resale value than I am the potential need for servicing. I stick with brands that use Sellita, ETA, or the Miyota 9 series movements as getting them serviced is easy. I personally think that there are great brands out there doing really fun things with colorways, dial textures, etc. In the sub-1000 range I am very impressed with Zelos and with Wise. Own several of both brands and have been VERY satisfied. The fit and finish of my Wise watches is on par with Longines and Omega, the movements are well regulated, and overall the watches are my favorites to wear.

[Redondo_dom]

Farer as a brand is one my favorites. Use of color much different than other brands and they are getting more improved movements with each new line.

[BrettRubin]

I agree with you that the only real reason to buy a microbrand is design. The vast majority are homages, like you say, but Farer, AnOrdain, Nodus, Baltic, Straum, Studio Underd0g and a couple others have their own strong design languages and (mostly) decent movements. Some others that are derivative, like Vario, Vaer, Baltic, Oak & Oscar, Formex, Lorier, either make those designs their own, or because of price or high quality finishes, are worth trying out. The best of these, though, are competing with Longines, Oris, Nomos and other mid-priced luxury watches, which makes it hard to go with t6e microbrand.

[threethrushes]

I exclusively buy microbrands, e.g. Farer, MeisterSinger, Sinn, Marathon.

[WrongTimeWatch]

I dont mind microbrand watches, as long as they are not too much of a homage. Some are almost copies, but just with a differnt logo. I do however find myself more often wearing watches from mainstream brands. I have also received a number of microbrand watches in exchange for video content. I have kept a majority of them.

[edteachr]

Agree, wholeheartedly. Started collecting Seikos as a teenager in 1974 because that is all I could afford. I dearly would have loved to buy a Heuer, Longines (the most expensive at the time) or Omega; but they were far beyond my reach. The irony is that many of my early Seikos, which cost far less $100, are now worth 20 times what Payed for them. Not that it matters as I never sell any watches, but it speaks a lot for even cheap watches that have an authentic history. That is an amazing, Orient, by the way. Is it a Kanno? JDM? I have not seen that specific layout before.

[thecoldnovrain]

You’re missing out! My favorite micro is Direnzo. I own both the Mondial and Solaris. Great designed watches and the founder of the brand, Sergio, is a pleasure to deal with. They also don’t seem to take a huge hit secondhand. I think a lot of people keep them.

[WINDINGCROWNS]

Good video Dennis. I kinda agree. I run a small watch channel and review all kinds of watches. Any free watches i get i usually intend to keep but end up selling. I have bought some microbrands but i have also sold those too. The only one i think i will buy soon is a SWC Bunker. I tend to like the established brands for my collection. Recently purchased two Panerai and a Hamilton Ventura. (Vids coming soon) 😉

[allanandrews]

I like Formex and own two. Not sure if Formex is a micro brand or a Swiss independent?

[timandrews]

Nice video. I have a couple of points:
I'd reckon that Zelos and Halios are probably the top two microbrands as far as desirability and selling out their stock fast.

One brand to check out would be Vario. They specialize in vintage-inspired watches and their Empire line just looks amazing with the Art Deco style that they have going on.

Farer is another brand that people really seem to like. Their use of color is just really good. I see that an Aquamatic recently sold on ebay for $952, whereas it goes for $975 new. I do like their Aquamatic dive watches and their Lander 36mm GMTs. It looks like a Lander, which goes for $1465 new recently sold for $1370 on ebay. So there are definitely some brands out there that have good resale value.

[SamrayGTR]

Love my Baltic MR-01 salmon dial and I think you would too. The only microbrand watch I have currently.

[daintiestquarters]

I mostly agree with you. My reasoning is... why would i buy a microbrand watch for 1000 dollars, when i can get a Stowa or a Junghans or a Hanhart Pioneer for almost the same amount? But I made some exceptions, thinkiing exactly like you: if the watch is weird, unusual or has a great design, and it is completely different to other microbrands, I try to get it if the price is okay. So, I have a cheap Mr Jones Mare Adesso for Summer; a Möels 528, which to me is the most beautiful microbrand watch i have seen; two colorful Farers (London and Mansfield); the Lorier Tonneau burgundy; and the orange Duckworth Prestex. All of these, but the Lorier (which is based in NY) are English watches because the britons are having a lot of fun creating microbrand watches. I would have bought myself a Studio Underdog watch, but they are always sold out. Now... do these fun watches compare to my German watches in terms of quality and looks? No; my Nomos Club or my Stowa Marine look more solid and beautiful, honestly. But i am happy with my choices. In 10 or 20 years, i think my collection will be very interesting.

[aaronmichael]

The only microbrand watch I bought so far is the Studio Underdog Series 2 in Stefany Blue. I really like what the brand is doing so I'm glad to help them out by voting with my money. The build quality is fantastic and i really like everything about the design/specs.

[mattsa]

I have several microbrands that I really enjoy. They’re not simple everyday watches and are only worn for a particular occasion or mood.
I note you have 2 Mr Jones Watches and so have I. ‘Perfectly useless morning’ is a reflective watch for an autumn day. Pinball is dazzling fun for a party.
Vario 1918 trench on the bund is bold and charming.
Studio Underdog watermelon is summer fun (on a forest green rubber strap).
Baltic Aquascaphe black and cream is a derivative homage but irresistible, especially on nato straps.
I have Omega, Rolex, Ulysse, Oris which are beautiful, more sombre and more everyday. Microbrands can be more design specific. I recommend them but choose carefully.

[catsteeth]

I totally relate to that. I have a small collection of two halves. Mainstream non-affordables, and a fun affordable half. I used to buy microbrands for the affordable half, but with the rise of the super clone brands - San Martin - I bailed completely. My fun affordable half is now entirely Seikos, five of them.
Plus, at ~£750 you can buy an excellent mainstream entry level Swiss brand.
However, I am drawn to Japanese brand Kuoe, and English brand Isotope.

[megasoid]

Transylvania based Peren Watches is a brand I enjoy. Each watch is powered by a Sellita SW200-1 in-house regulated movement and hand built in Switzerland. I own two.

[climatecypher]

Crepas Cayman 1200. Yes, it's a diver, but it brings together a skin diver case, Swiss quality, modern proportions, and a near perfect dial layout. Has an excellent bracelet and clasp. It feels real nice to wear. They're collectable, so no need to worry about losses.

[Nicholas-V]

Technically Mr Jones works be a micro brand? I know why you like the ones you’ve got though. If you get the opportunity to buy an AnOrdain at MSRP the dials are amazing but get the manual wind version, the rotar on the La Joux-Perret G100 Is louder than I’ve ever heard.

[underachievingwatchcollect]

I loved the design of the original Seamaster 165.024 but don’t want to spend $10k for a decent example. Helson Sharkmaster 300 is almost a copy and it’s well made. If Omega ever remakes that watch I’d buy it.