The World's 25 Best Microbrands!
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- Опубліковано 25 чер 2024
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My goodness, what a whopper! And having said that, it could have easily been a Top 50! What do you think? Did I miss your favourite? Long Live Microbrand Watches! Cheers, Jody
Dear Jody, Thank you so much for mentioning my small brand among this great group of Micros! As you said, I think we all pour our heart and soul into creating something unique, hoping our passion resonates with someone out there who will enjoy our creations as much as we do. Thank you once again for supporting us Micros. Sergio
that green wandering star is on my list!
It surely resonate with me at least. Keep up the good work and try to stock more watches 😂
Sergio, I eyed buying a DRZ-04 Mondial for literally *years* after watching Jody's review of it and being mesmerized by the bowled dial and overall stunning design. I finally was able to pick one up second-hand, and it has remained the only watch that I've kept through a lot of ups and downs in life, because I just know that literally nothing could ever replace it. Thank you for bringing such stunning-yet-clean and consistent watch designs to the market at an affordable (for Swiss!) price.
@@K1ngfunK that’s very kind of you! Thank you for sharing your experience and glad to know you are enjoying it 😃
Fantastic video, Jody! Appreciate the effort for keeping the watch community alive.
Holy smokes!!!!! Thanks so much, Jody!
Hi, Marc. I just bought one of your Casio Duro bracelets, and it is absolutely awesome. I feel like it makes the watch and worth every penny. Thanks!
Agreed, I recommend these over Uncle, bit better pricing and loyalty. Have bought two of your jube bracelets for Orient and Citizen BN Eco-Drive, makes the watches much more premium and what they should be. Keep up the good work!!
Well deserved Marc. Congratulations! Marc knows exactly what the customers want. Nobody can be disappointed with his vision, accomplishments, and the quality of his performance. With the best price/performance ratio.
Grabbed the LumeShot x Islander a couple years back (along with some big brand watches from Island) and I couldn’t be happier with it. Planning another Islander soon
Hi Marc
Surprised Wise wasn't mentioned, They make a bunch of different styles and you can semi custom order certain models. Have the Hitman 66 SE and it's a nice watch.
I second that. I was disappointed in the miss on Wise. They have some creative designs and build quality pieces.
The new name of my band Lizard man and the Nepo babies
I agree, My Wise Adamascus is on my wrist the most. Love it and I will be getting more.
I went back and skimmed it to see must be bad blood because they are top 10 easy
The most important qualifier was he had to have reviewed a model from the brand before, has he reviewed a Wise before? If not, it explains leaving it off. I genuinely don't know if he has, just know that's a reason a lot of favorites could have been left out.
Thank you for the mention, Jody. We're thrilled to be included ❤
Very nice watches, If the diver Gin Clear MkII would be a tad bigger like 42 mm or 43 I would gladly buy one Tomorrow. I do understand the production methods. Keep it up you doing a good work on the design and quality.
Not the first here to say Lorier deserves a look at on the channel, but I’m loving my Hyperion GMT with the traveler’s Miyota 9075. All my other watches have been gathering dust in the cupboard-I can’t stop wearing the Lorier!
Loving the Hydra S3!
My falcon III is on my wrist the most in the year I've had it. Just picked up the Astra when it restocked. Really does feel like a new 1960's sports watch.
The Neptune does it for me.
Really enjoy my Zephyr! They call it a dress watch, but I put mine on a mesh bracelet and it works well for daily wear.
I have the Skyward II with the C125 and loooove it.
Another micro that needs attention is Henry Archer.
Agreed...considering my 2nd
Yes, love my HA. I got the glacier blue and it absolutely glows in the light. Unlike any of my more staid watches and summer perfect.
@@robertnorth1681 How is it on alternative straps?
@@DanGaskell To be honest, I’m still in a honeymoon phase with the bracelet. But I would imagine it would wear fine on rubber. I’m partial to tropic. I’ve just not ever gotten into NATO, though I prefer a Zulu.
Vaer is making some really nice pieces at great prices. The american quartz movement used in some of their watches is fantastic.
I bought their DS4 solar Diver (came with a rubber and nylon strap) 6 months ago for $199. Easily one of the best deals and watches I've ever bought. THey already shot up a bit in price since then. But I get lots of compliments on it and the time is always perfect and can just throw it on with the solar movement. Customer service is great. highly recommend them.
I love my DS4. Vaer should be on the list for sure.
Solar divers aren't produced enough. Vaer makes a very nice version.
I've own some rather nice watches, and I bought a Vaer recently and have been extremely impressed; numerous friends and watch nerds have asked to have a look.
@@bani_niba yeah I was on the “automatic train” for a while. And I get why people like them. But purely for convenience sakes I’ve really been drawn back to solar. I don’t want to have a collection and have to reset all the functions Everytime I want to wear a different watch. Just want to grab it and go. No worries for service or anything either. If I buy a really nice watch that I could pass down. Then sure I’ll buy a nice automatic
Things I've learned from the comments: 1) Every microbrand watch belongs in the top 25.
Exactly. There are what, a quadrillian different micro's out there but each and every one of them should be included in a list of 25. SMH.
I only wear grass fed, free range, small batch, Micro Brands, that give 2.89% of their profits to Horologists Without Borders.
*sips soy latte*
Only if they were assembled by Mayan sun-god worshipping organic yogis
Mmm, grass-fed dry-aged watches are so yummy!
Hi Jody! A micro from Germany that should have been mentioned is Damasko. My friend bought one from Mark at LIW about a month ago. Case made of scratch resistant Submarine Steel with a Swiss movement. If you want a bracelet, you have to buy it separately. That has to be the most difficult changeover I’ve ever done. The bracelet and clasp are very unique. It almost completely invisible when on wrist. It is put together with very tiny torx head screws that are anti magnetic. If you drop one, it’s gone forever. I would highly suggest to put the bracelet in a box or plastic bag before removing any screws. I covered a very large area of my floor with duct tape after trying other methods to find it. No luck. Awesome watch!
Love Damasko but I don't think they are considered as a Microbrand?!
@@jayck6736 I've never ever heard anyone mention the brand in anything that has to do with microbrands anyway. I don't know why they should belong on a list like this. I completely agree with you.
Dan Henry has some great vintage styles designed by the collecter himself. Pretty solid spec on all of his pieces for the price
Some of my favorites are Signum (dive), Spinnaker (dive), Bertucci (field), Marathon (military), Lum-Tec (military and field), and AVI-8 (pilot)
. Each have their own style and won’t break the bank.
Great list! Lorier is a microbrand that deserves representation on it. I realize that you haven't yet reviewed one, Jody, but once you do, I think you'll agree that it belongs. Thanks for all the good work!
Yes! Otherwise Lorier definitely worthy of a place. Cheers!
I love this video. A lot of creators talk microbrands, but seeing them compiled this way is brilliant. And don't downplay the Erebus. They are stunning.
Jody, I am so happy you are re- focusing on Microbrands… it seems that lately most watch reviewers are constantly reviewing AliExpress brands and endless sales. From an audience perspective, they are starting to all blend in and quite honestly, it is becoming highly repetitive. More microbrands content means focusing on brands that are bringing creativity to the industry (instead of endless clomages!?) . Keep the flame alive!👍
Those people have an addiction to Ali express, its stupid with their hauls, time for another watch, cough cough..😂
Preach!
Agreed - I'm rather tired of many of the other watch UA-camrs posting AliExpress 'top tens' etc, not just occasionally (which is absolutely fine), but every day of the week (sale or no sale) and twice on Tuesdays!
@@NicholasSadlier one of the appeal of Microbrands is rarity/excusivity/small production runs… AliExpress brands are overexposed and keep pumping out versions after versions. While some of the stuff maybe appealing, after awhile you feel like it’s being pushed and mass marketed!?!
Love my Khuraburi! Was on the wait-list for 2 years, and it was worth it! As soon as it came in, I jumped on the list for the Vanuatu Titanium!
"I'm surprised [insert favourite obscure brand] wasn't included"
I am so glad you mentioned Islander! They are great watches from a great owner
Love my Xeric Trappist moonphase. Just bonkers enough to make me smile without making me confused
Awesome! Was not expecting to be included, a very nice surprise. Thanks Jody!!
Waited 4 years for the Helm Komodo since watching Jody's review and it's finally on it's way!
Really surprised Phoibos wasn't mentioned. They make excellent super high quality watches.
Great divers for the money. And very well finished!
Agreed. Was actually expecting a mention as it was Jody's review that convinced me to buy one.
Where was ‘Mysterious Code’?! 😎
Its a mystery 😜✌🏼🇺🇸
This is one of my favorite videos of yours so far! Thanks for showing us these great brands, Jody!
Jody, this was a great service to your viewers! Both interesting and useful. I’m sure we all appreciate the time and effort you must have put into preparing it.
Two additional microbrands I would like to have seen mentioned are Alkin in the UK and Trafford in Texas.
There needs to be a part two of these!! I’m discovering so much right now. Thanks Jody!
Fantastic list. Thanks for putting this together Jody. That Marloe Astro 🤩🤩🔥🔥
As a massive microbrand fan, I did mis a certain number of my favorites. In no particular order:
- Phoibos
- Venezianico
- Mr. Jones
- Holthinrichs (though that's more of an independent than a microbrand)
- Studio Underd0g
- anOrdain (is that still a micro?)
- Circula
- Bausele
- Elka
- Bamford
And I could continue like that for a while. This is no criticism of course- as you said, this list could have easily contained double the number of brands- but I just wanted to mention them anyway. And yes, I'm well aware that some of these fall (far) outside the usual price range for the channel ;-)
One of the greatest episodes ever made here - THANK YOU for this very interesting cruise around variety of Micros, one better / more interesting than other. Explorative, informative, and funny - as ever. Keep it up, Jody!
Great overview of some lovely offerings. Thanks for putting this together!
Héron. Although they only have a pair of watches in their catalog as a young microbrand, they knocked the Marinor out of the park and quality speaks for itself. (Especially when compared to other divers from notable microbrands with similar specs and price point).
I genuinely wish I had kickstarted a Marinor. It looks amazing.
Speaking of Yema, they recently released a beautiful 40 mm stainless steel Flygraph Bi-compax chronograph equipped with Seiko's VK61 meca-quartz caliber and hesalite glass. As it was made in collaboration with the French Air Force, the watch contains field and flieger watch DNA and, in my opinion, looks incredible for the price of €429 at which it is being sold. Interestingly, no one has reviewed it yet, so there's an opportunity for Jody to rectify this situation.
That sounds right up my street, I’ll check it out. Thank you.
Love my Baltic Aquascaphe gmt, wearing as I type this! The Soprod C125 keeps plus 1 second a day or flat zero!!! Have worn it a week straight and it was so hard to notice a 2-3 second difference!
Glad Xeric made it as the Halograph was very fun and really easy to read!!
Thank you Jody ! I think heinrich watches is missing in your list because Wolfgang do a great job with high quality and affordable watches and probably have the best customer approach I ever seen
Thanks so much 🙌 Maybe we'll make it next time 💥
Really good informative video Jody, without the self indulgent over production of some I could mention 😮 very much appreciated!
Was expecting Kuoe as a Japanese brand.
Thanks you so much for the mention!
Surprised that Ginault wasn't on the list. They make the best Sub homage to date with almost Rolex level quality, and ower TC is a legand, a talented watchmaker.
Thanks for the video Jody. I had no idea you've reviewed all these brands already, very cool
I have a Xeric Halograph III. Happy to see them included!
Same here!
I’ve discovered some new micros I love, all of them. So much on offer. Great list Jody!
Islander is definitely top 3 microbrand for me. I have two of Mark's pieces and my wife has 1... absolute banger worth the money.
Great video Jody. So many awesome brands and watches mentioned I didn’t knewn. Keep up the good work.
Great video Jody,so many great microbrands out there.Personal favourites currently are Schofield,I love the signalman but the others look great.
This was a GREAT VIDEO FROM YOU!!!! So many watches, so little time to buy them all. See up the great work, Islander is personal favorite!
👏👏👏 Many I have never heard of. Presented as only you can Jody. Thank you❗️
Love the established micros but there are tonnes of "micro" micro brands that I personally prefer and who will never get on your radar for perhaps being too small such as Lesablier, Golby, Alato, MMI, Pedral, Benjamin James, VEJRHØJ, Satori to name but a few.
Jody, really enjoying your channel mate and thank you for introducing me to these unique brands. You are costing me a small fortune! Cheers Joe
Zelos, WISE, MAEN, and Nodus are my absolute favorites. These brands all make fantastic watches that punch way above their price range. How did WISE not make the list?!?! The AD7 is incredible!
How did Lorier not make it? Hahaha
@@timefliesby-jleo474 a great qu! Maybe Jody's never reviewed one?
Awesome video Jody! One of my favorites.
Thanks so much for the video - lots to love here! I'm very much enjoying my Maen... fantastic watch and great value, as you mentioned.
Whenever you mention Helm Vanuatu; I smile, look at my Vanuatu on wrist, and thank Mark in Christchurch for thinking it was too chunky for his wrist.
Thanks. That was really interesting. KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1). The dive watch market is saturated. 2). There's a shortage of good dress watches. 3). Vintage art deco style watches are currently winning.
For dress watches Beaucroft is one that stands out to me.
Really nice video, Jody! My eyes were opened a few times.
Amazing video Jody! A lot of brands I’ve never heard of! Loved Brew Watches, perfect size for my small wrist and the case shape is different in a good way. This video says a lot about who you are Jody. You have your own micro brand, yet you’re promoting watches from other “rival” brands. That means there’s camaraderie and respect among this community. Well done!! 👍🏻
This was great video. Nice to see something different but still informative and fun…
Definitely need a Part 2
Another great vid Jody! Thanks!
Great video Jody, very informative. Only since you asked, my favorite micro not mentioned is Wise. I like that they don't seem content to put out the usual fare, and they make a lot of thoughtful design choices. Looks like there is abundant support for this brand below. Cheers!
The Namica Okami is a fantastic looking watch. I hadn't heard of them before this, so I've missed out on getting the Kanji version, but I've just ordered the non-Kanji version. Thanks for the recommendation Jody!
Oh man , I have got a soft spot for pillowcase microbrand watches . those old Seiko vibes fascinate me
Excellent video. I really like that you recognized the watch makers
I own three of these brands, and have handled a lot of the others. Microbrands certainly offer a unique twist on the hobby, oftentimes with insane value. I've met a lot of the owners of these brands at various watch shows, and they're all very passionate about their craft.
A great list! I also love Heinrich, Beaufort, Nivada Grenchen and Phoibos.
Thank you 😇💯
The helicoprion will be a classic for years to come!
@@griggsbuild really appreciate 👍🙏
Thanks for mentioning Halios. I have been lucky enough to get a brand new Fairwind and I'm loving it.
Big fan of Traska and Lorier here. The finishing on my Traska is quite good and the hardness coating is awesome.
Excellent list! Thank you
Greetings from St George Utah ,25 Microbands some few to mention Dan Henry's & Loreir, I have 2 ,the compressor and the Falcon ,what fantastic piece...great content as always my friend until next time awesome choices, yup easily could go all way to 50 so many out there...
Lorier? Specific design language and been at it a while. Nice and interesting list otherwise. A few I’d not heard of!
Excellent review Jody!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Thanks!
Just got a new watch in yesterday and you release this? Why do you hate my wallet! Must say I've enjoyed my Zelos, Islanders, and finally my Helm arrived and it's a chunky beast. Excited to check out Nodus as they are local and their clasps looks awesome. Keep up the good vids
Just ordered a Meraud Bonaire - Moss Green , stunning watch.
Great list! Very useful.
Such a cool list
Thanks Jody - awesome content
Sooooo many watches with six o'clock date windows under 1k. LOVE IT THANKS JODY!
Probably your best video yet. ( Much better than the Ali express nonsense) Great coverage of as you said ...amazing micro brands. UK brands my favourites.
I do like me a microbrand. In fact, it was a microbrand watch that got me started with this whole UA-cam thing. I have a few from the brands mentioned in this video, including not one, but two Second Hour Mandalas. As I love the design so much.
There are almost two levels of microbrands really, possibly even three. You've got brands like Christopher Ward , Phoibos etc. That you could argue aren't even microbrands anymore. Then there's the like of Zelos, Vario etc. Then you have the really small ones such as Relio, MAS etc.
So much splendid design. This was fun.
An amazi g video. I cant imagine how much time and effort went into it. Many thanks
Jode, a great selection of microbrands. I am sure that took a lot of time to think of all those brands and display pictures of them.
You missed the original micro Dan Henry who kinda started the micro craze over a decade ago maybe longer
This is what I was hoping to see Jody!
Good stuff! Enjoy and thanks for watching!
I’d love to see your top 500, and binge watch it on the weekend.
I could toss out a few un-mentioned brands out there too....but it was made clear that an exhaustive list would take at least twice the time!
But I wanted to say that despite not TRYING to be a micro focused buyer, I somehow became one. There really is much more interesting variety in the micro world than in the established brands!
This is very true! If I were thinking of starting up a UA-cam watch-related channel, micro brands would provide a much richer vein to tap for content than the big traditional brands which hardly ever seem to do anything particularly innovative or daring. I'm constantly finding new and exciting watches in the micro brand arena - Jody's excellent video is testament to that!
Solid list. Glad to see Formex and Monta on it. They are doing some next level work.
Direnzo and Traska also have excellent finishing
So many great brands, thanks Jody. I would also include Phoibos.
Cracking Video. Enjoyed this one!
Thanks Jodi for bringing us all these waches over the years! Direnzo has had my eye since you introduced us to the DRZ-02 Kickstarter. Ive gotten one or two of each of his models since. I like the others, but I guess I am a 😂Direnzista!
Great list Jody. My favorites not mentioned here are;
Feynman
Visitor
Behrens
Oak & Oscar
Albert Villa
Corniche
I've been watching your videos for years, and more recently I've watched several other prominent watch UA-camrs' videos on Microbrands, and something I want to point out that's often missed or only barely touched on in the videos themselves: the amount of support for one-another among these brands! I sense genuine support and appreciation among the owners of these companies, which feels unique for any consumer-driven industry, but especially where things feel so elitist at the top end.
You did not leave any out. Its your channel. Great picks!!
Thanks for another great and different video Jody. Another brand I think worthy of mention is Escudo which are of Portugese origin. Also I'm surprised there was no mention of Phoibos.
I really like Hemel. I own three and happen to be wearing my Hydrodurance today
Thanks for the feedback on all those micro-brands.
That was a lot of work! Thanks Jody.
I have a Raven custom shop model. It`s an excellent watch, and Steve is a great guy to work with.
Agree, I have a Raven Solitude; the build quality, looks and support from Steve are second to none. I want another!
Great choices. I recommend all check out your video on the Xeric NASA watches. I have one and LOVE it!!!
👏👏👏 Many I have never heard of. Presented as only you can Jody. Thank you❗️Was hoping the watch I’m wearing would make the list, NTH, but alas it didn’t.
I'm super early today. Great review of all the brands and seeing what's out there in a longer video. Definitely some keepers and others to keep an eye on. Are you loving the new studio?
Yes mate, so much more space and much better set up than the old one. And Mrs JOMW loving no watches in the house! Cheers.
Usefull as always!