3 Reasons Microbrands are better than Major Brands

Part 1 of a two part discussion on the benefits micro brands vs. major brands. Stay tuned for part 2 where I'll discus three reasons why major brands are better than micro brands.

To purchase some of the Microbrand watches shown in this video, please use the following links:

Spinnaker:
(Note using the above code and link will earn me a small commission on any purchases you make)

AVI-8

Swiss Watch Company

Mileneal

For a great selection of microbrand watches, also check out the Microbrand Store:

[jamesgarthur]

Looking forward to following this series as I have been collecting watches for half my life, so 23 years, so I have all the big brands as well as vintage pieces. But over the past two years I have become very interested in macro, micro, boutique & bespoke watch brands...adding several hundred to my collection & in the process I have discovered some really amazing brands that I have come to love.

[lion-zs]

I prefer the major brands .
Because
1, heritage
2, More stable and reliable and have a better resell value.
3, selection is normally a lot more to choose from than a micro brand.

[renepoche]

Great video! Good info here. Love my Spinnaker Cahill. Vintage look with Miyota automatic movement.

[SoCalWatchReviews]

From a specs perspective I agree with you. However for the most part microbrands copy a lot of aesthetics from the big boys, but to your point some smaller brands are very unique.
Your last point is valid, but for some wearing a “brand” that no one has heard off is actually a turn off. For me personally - heritage is important and knowing that I’m buying a brand that most likely be around for a while is as well!
Great video and topic my man!

[curwinsamuels]

Agree with your points, although each one can be countered with a point for major brand. Main thing for me is that last point, more often than not most people would not know about the brand, and it allows one to have a piece that's more unique or uncommon. That is until it becomes popular...😉

[craig]

Great topic and agree. MB usualyy offer more selections

[AltonJRuffRev]

Love the logo. I have a Dan Henry and a Spinnaker and wear them proudly. I don't find them to be better or worse than Seiko and Orient (same affordable bracket).

[blueonyx]

I like Microbands and have a few. However, I tend to enjoy the level of a Ball, Oris and Longines which are very well built, great deep long histories, and have the high end Swiss movements. I feel this level is the best bang for your buck. I also have a soft spot for Steinhart which, although doing some Rolex homages, out performs many of my much higher end watches.

[tennistron]

Perfect example would be Lorier. They do some very unique styles watches. I own the Lorier Neptune V2, it is gorgeous with bags of character.

[khairulhelmihashim]

Microbrands are able to respond quickly to niche collectors/enthusiasts market demand.

Major brands however, will look upon economies of scale to justify any new production/upgrade.

[williamsipe]

I have several microbrands and I am very happy with all of them. I would choose them over a Seiko any day, but they can't compete with the true fine watch brands.

[tomkhong]

Totally agreed, they have the characters and uniqueness which are the key why microbrands should have the attention from watch collectors. However, there are some companies misrepresenting their products, like the history or movements or even the origin. Got to be careful really.

[Andrew-J]

Agree with your points! However microbrands will never have heritage and perceived value for brand. Having said that I have several microbrands and enjoy them completely. Some brands are better that others in value and quality. Some offer a lot of bang for the buck while others exists to to grab a piece of the pie. Thank you for the video!

[mr.smitty]

I think it's a great way to get a really nice homage...

[-dh]

I owned a Tisell Vintage submersible.
Rolex Sub homage. But specs were amazing for 230$
1.Miyota
2.Saphire
3.Ceramic bezel insert
4.Great lume and so on.

3 times better than SKX.

But whenever someone asked me if im wearing a Rolex, a little peace of me died.

In the end I sold it and bought an SKX again.

[vitero]

To me, they just make sense. It's a watch from watch lovers, to watch lovers. And i even like the low resell value; means i can have something on my wrist with EXCELLENT build quality to last my lifetime without anyone even thinking of stealing it. Good for life companion watches, bad for serial flippers.

[gamezoneifictation]

For starters Seiko (especially the Seiko 5 line with hundreds of models to select from) is one of the most effordable brands and the best bang for your buck. It is not a microbrand but that´s the point of it.

[simonb]

I'm going with a micro brand, a watch maker that buys the movements (Chinese or Swiss) and builds the rest. Making it custom for even extra uniqueness. I'm extremely minimalist so doing one watch with several strap options. Cant buy another watch for 5 years. Those are the rules.

[possumsam]

I don't get why people complain about the resale value on Microbrands vs Established Brands.
The thing about microbrands is that you wear them and you wear them till they ceased to tick.
They are your daily, your chosen companion on your wrist.
You don't lose value, you don't gain value-
beauty is in the eye of the beholder yadayadayada


If you are going to bark about resale, chances are your watches are going to end up safe queens.
And that defeats the purpose of watches

[inkitatus]

Depends entirely on the microbrand- there's a zillion "microblands" out there churning out overpriced Sub homages, which won't hold their value & the "assembler's" will be long gone when/if the watch breaks...interesting video, I'm a Christopher Ward owner so I'm not anti microbrand & do agree, with the caveat that "some" should be put in front of your proposal. Look forward to your next video. Cheers 👍👍