21 Affordable Watch Microbrands Ranked: The 2024 Tier List!

In this video, I'm counting down the best and worst microbrand watches of 2024, featuring a tier list that will help you make an informed decision when choosing your next affordable timepiece.

0:30 -Christoper Ward
1:13 - Baltany
1:45 - Maen
2:11- Direnzo
2:38- Avi-8
3:18- San Martin
3:51- Spinnaker
4:21- Vaer
5:00-Tuseno
5:47- Baltic
6:37- Henry Archer
7:36- Beaucroft
8:14- Traska
8:58- Lorier
9:33- Wise
10:19- Trafford Watch Co.
11:02- Kuoe Kyoto
11:45- Farer
12:20- Venezianico
13:06- Sternglas
14:00- Cincinnati Watch Co.

[WatchEnclave]

0:30 -Christoper Ward
1:13 - Baltany
1:45 - Maen
2:11- Direnzo
2:38- Avi-8
3:18- San Martin
3:51- Spinnaker
4:21- Vaer
5:00-Tuseno
5:47- Baltic
6:37- Henry Archer
7:36- Beaucroft
8:14- Traska
8:58- Lorier
9:33- Wise
10:19- Trafford Watch Co.
11:02- Kuoe Kyoto
11:45- Farer
12:20- Venezianico
13:06- Sternglas
14:00- Cincinnati Watch Co.

[RodrigoPizarro-nh]

My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from MAMACOO

[TheFinalBoss]

One of those rare occasions that I agree with every ranking. Good video with a nice amount of detail on every brand and your ranking. Would love to see a lot more brands covered by you.

[SallaLaurila]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say— out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the MAMACOO's watches are the most intriguing.

[bartblommerde]

Nice list and well paced video editing! I'm happy to see Direnzo getting included here: an incredible microbrand, that's too often overlooked by other Youtubers.

[RobinzineCurley]

MAMACOO's always amazes me how much beauty and precision are added to the parts of watch 99% of people will never see.

[paultomaszewski]

You might want to look at a brand set up in Dallas TX, Jack Mason. They are making some nice watches these days. Some are regulated in house and some are now Swiss made.

[BoboSiebenschlaefer]

Very nice overview... I didn't even know a few microbrands yet. Thank you.

[mrtunga]

I have Wise. Excellent value definitely. My next watch would be Direnzo or Wise Damascus AD7.

[unbiasedreviews]

Good list! There were brands I saw for the first time. Still, you could've mentioned a few more... like Zelos and HELM, for instance, or Magrette. There's a wait list for HELM, and it takes quite a while to get one. As far as TRASKA, you're right that the brand name is kinda weird. I just got the newest gen. Freediver and the quality is really good. The steel used has a hardness rating of 1200HV, which makes it very tough to scratch. Their customer service is great, and the brand offers a 3-year international warranty. That's something to consider.

[ronaldchampagne]

Great video! Totally recognize that you’re limited with the vast number of micro brands to review/rate. I would have been interested in your opinion of Monta Watches. Thanks!

[prettek]

I bought the Echo Neutra Averau and am loving it.

[Bkesal]

Great video. Man, I've been so close to pulling the trigger on the Maen Manhattan 37...

[explorer]

Great video! I’m looking to purchase a Maen Manhattan, Wise Adamascus, Lorier Hydra and possibly Christopher Ward The Twelve. We shall see.

[arinascimentorosa]

What do you think about the RZE watches/quality ?

[SlimDonni]

Two Brands I would have rated a tier above where you placed them, that's Beaucroft & Traska.
So many Great Brands, it's really difficult to rank them, but you've done an excellent Job., my friend.
✌️

[IdeoFutura]

Nice video to see microbrands. Just a heads up, since you made your video 11 days ago, Trafford Crossroads watches are all sold out at $650. Microbrands are nice but producing small quantities and no longer following a model that works in the catalog means losing customers. And for $650 there are brands that produce. For example, I bought a CITIZEN Super Titanium Ref. NJ0180-80X - €334.00 with a discount from my watchmaker.
Maen Manhattan Mean 37 with the Selita movement is 1399 euros without VAT. With 1000 euro VAT inc. I take a Mido Big Date Powermatic 80 movement. Christopher Ward makes beautiful watches but at 2500-3500 euros I buy without problem a Logines Flagship Heritage Moonphase. That's what is beautiful with watches is that there is something for everyone, all tastes and all budgets.

[EluviaPurifoy]

I believe no man can say no to MAMACOO's watches

[snapfitness]

Can't believe no monta or nodus or swcusa. Agree with most choices, but that's life.

[Ben-bsod]

Traska offers a hardening on their watch which makes it scratch resistant. Unlike Wise. If you take a scratcher to Wise and Rolex, they will scratch. Not Traska. So I'm not sure why Traska wouldn't be the equal. Or the superior of Wise watches. The designs may be more simple, but this type of DLC-like diamond coating is normally only found on Swiss watches, or Grand Seikos. I would rather have a scratch resistant watch for the long-haul, than a watch with 903L steel. I prefer French companies like Herbelin, Charlie Paris that do all the assembly in house and also have some truly unique designs. The vast majority of these microbrands below are made in China, making them nothing but Chinese watches with outside branding. One winds up with a Chinese Corniche for $799 with a Chinese replica available the "Specht and Sonne" for $100, telling you everything you need to know about microbrands. The Chinese version is defined as "Woodpecker and Sons"- who would buy a name like that? The type of steel used is overrated. The type of hardening agent is a more rare and valuable feature. I myself will buy something like Herbelin and Charlie Paris that is designed and assembled outside of China, regardless of any of the above.