Thanks for including us in the list! It’s an honor to be mentioned among all of these brands as a relative newcomer (at least in the watch brand game).
In your opinion and experience, will automatic and quartz watches disappear and smart watches will rise, or will automatic watches remain stronger than smart watches and will remain and not disappear??????
YES on Jack Mason. My new Strat-O-Timer is easily my favorite, most satisfying timepiece in my collection (which includes more than few rather famous luxury watches at 5-to-10 times the price. This Strat-O-Timer blows me away!) Just *so detailed and so much fun to wear every day.
I visited the Jack Mason showroom in Dallas recently and ended up really liking the brand even more. Each collection had a touch quality in terms of dial, bracelet/leather band, movement, etc given the price tag and other alternatives. I ended up buying a green Canton from the visit and it’s lovely to wear + very accurate (+2 secs/ day). I thought the Strat-O-Timer was a beautiful watch but I already have a GMT watch (Longines Zulu Time). Personally think many of the commenters posting negative things about Jack Mason have never see them in the metal. Obviously not saying Jack Mason are out this world but they definitely offer great value for what you buy.
Agreed. I absolutely love my dark night Strat-o-timer - incredible quality all around and its solid, seven link jubilee bracelet (screws, of course) rivals the crown's; a good friend of mine, who was wearing his diamond bezel, platinum daydate, complemented my Jack Mason's jubilee - high praise, indeed.
A lot of micro bands seem to be switching to La Joux-Perret’s G100 movement but I haven’t seen many reviewers discuss the incredibly loud rotor noise. I collect mostly mid-tier Seikos and I was really surprised at how loud my Airain was compared to my other watches. I’m happy to trade a quieter watch for better accuracy, a higher beat rate and a greater power reserve but just thought I would mention it since I know it’s a deal breaker for some.
I have owned a formex essence 43 for about a year now and it's remained on my wrist about 90% of that time. Truly a great piece, especially so considering the money. Great video!
I am impressed with the quality of my Lorier Hyperion SIII. Lorier are a New York microbrand that offer high quality vintage inspired pieces at affordable prices.
As an MR01 owner, I don’t agree that Baltic feel like a luxurious brand. Weight, chinese movement, generic crown, simple very polished bezel, plastic crystal.. yes some of those things I knew I was getting when I paid for it but it does not feel like a substantial watch. More cost-saving measures than value there.
My watch was purchased 2 years ago from MAMACOO and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
I have six automatic watch of Seiko , Invicta and boddery voyager.I do lots of cycling and biking wearing my automatic watches. Can cycling and biking make any harm with the watch?
Awesome list! As someone who is new to the watch game, I really appreciate videos like this that introduce me to new brands I haven't heard about that won't break the bank at the same time.
Hi Chris. I enjoyed your micro brand video. One brand to consider for a future video would be Nezumi, the Swedish design company whose watches are made in Germany. Keep up the good word.
I have the Straum Opphav and the Zelos Blacktip Also have the Christopher Ward C60 #Tide Not sure I would call CW a microbrand anymore rather simply independent
Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops!MAMACOO watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.
Great list of brands, didn’t know 3 of them…so learn some new one. Here’s a few extra of my favs: AVI-8, spinnaker, Islander, hemel, TSAO Baltimore, and Farr and Swit.
Hi Chris, a very nice video, thanks. Would be thankful if you could also put down as to where should the watch be purchased and the best time to buy at reasonable cost..( Christmas sale) as there are some hoax sites which need to be avoided. Thanks.
The ultimate luxury micro brand was/is Pelton. Unfortunately, they are no longer made. But wow, I have to say, the Pelton Perseus feels better in hand than my Rolex of my AP. No joke! If you have ever handled one you will know exactly what I mean. Every link on that thing is solid steel and fitted so exactly that there is zero rattle in the links. Every bit of the bracelet and case is machined right here in the USA from American steel. It really, really does feel like a million bucks in the hand. Too bad he stopped production.
In your opinion and experience, will automatic and quartz watches disappear and smart watches will rise, or will automatic watches remain stronger than smart watches and will remain and not disappear??????
Informative video Chris Since my discovery of independent brands I have felt like they are all the luxury I will ever need personally. So many brands to look at so videos like this help. Cheers.
Hello and thanks for this video. All these microbrands are interesting, but there are so many microbrands actually. I was happy to discover one I didn't know avout before, Wren, and a bit surprised to do not see Direnzo, Wise, Dan Henry or Venezianico.
This is a very good selection and all are good recommendations in my eyes for someone looking for affordable luxury. I would add the following three brands to the list, I own some of their watches, so I have a good long-time experience with them: Wise watches (Thailand) make very nice watches with original design and attention to detail / RZE: They specialize in high grade titanium watches, they are very well made and have a certain no-nonsense tough look to them / Venezianico: really well made generally slim watches with interesting materials, for example tungsten bezels and mother-of-pearl dials, the Arsenale is just coming out and I am getting a purple one.
Good looking watches, I like the Baltic titanium however it is 41mm I have a small wrist, might go with the classic aquascape. Depancel good design, but the movement is a chinese movement. Paulin striking colors and eye catching design but with acryclic lens not sapphire.
I like Depancel but I don't understand their way to do business regarding their prices that are always the same number but with a currency different depending from where if you are checking their website, exemple 595€ in Euro Zone, become 595 usd outside euro zone. Also french Vat of 20% have to been paid even for export ( included in the price) and add to that your local taxes and duties ( mandarory, if any). I found a similar situation with Yema, it's maybe a speciality in France. The Germans are good for that, Like Laco or Sinn for exemple, Price will be excluded of VAT at check out, all is transparent, clear, fair,simple, legal. Squale also very good.
I actually think this list could be much longer and I saw already various brands mentioned. When really pushing for outright quality in comparable types of watches (so not those that offer quality in really quite unique designs, such as Makina), I think Direnzo, Bravur, and Pitzmann shoukd be on this list. Judging by other's critiques Second Hour probably too.
I absolutely love watches, the high end watch brands are out of my budget but the MAMACOO has literally an almost duplicate of every single watch on the market . Always a great but no matter your budget.
I have a jack mason, because of you. The hydrotimer. You said first jack mason is American.. Then you said it's a Swiss made watch. It's a Texas brand isn't it?
Nobody ever mentions Xemex, the Swiss watches designed by Herr Külling (I can't remember his first name.) I have a chronograph model, and it's simply gorgeous.
The hands on that Jack Mason are extremely messed up and don't look "very high quality" at all. Lots of dust and scratches on many of the other ones as well but the Jack Mason stands out.
Sorry but that new Saint Martin is better than that Jack Mason that they're trying to charge all that money for okay so they're using some obscure Swiss Movement that's fine most people don't care about that. But the actual watch itself under $300 and the finishing is just as good it has a premium for 9000 movement
The comments are really showing people don’t understand the point of this video. He said “luxury-quality” micro brands folks. Not $300 el cheapo microbrands that are just Rolex copies with a different (and usually terrible) logo.
Thanks for including us in the list! It’s an honor to be mentioned among all of these brands as a relative newcomer (at least in the watch brand game).
How about Wise from Thailand?
Was expecting Wise to be in the list
Yes Wise
Agree
Another vote for Wise.
In your opinion and experience, will automatic and quartz watches disappear and smart watches will rise, or will automatic watches remain stronger than smart watches and will remain and not disappear??????
I think Nodus,Traska, Brew, Studio Underdog, Maen, Yema and Farer brand really doing great in micro segment
I like Traska and Maen as well
YES on Jack Mason. My new Strat-O-Timer is easily my favorite, most satisfying timepiece in my collection (which includes more than few rather famous luxury watches at 5-to-10 times the price. This Strat-O-Timer blows me away!) Just *so detailed and so much fun to wear every day.
I visited the Jack Mason showroom in Dallas recently and ended up really liking the brand even more. Each collection had a touch quality in terms of dial, bracelet/leather band, movement, etc given the price tag and other alternatives. I ended up buying a green Canton from the visit and it’s lovely to wear + very accurate (+2 secs/ day). I thought the Strat-O-Timer was a beautiful watch but I already have a GMT watch (Longines Zulu Time).
Personally think many of the commenters posting negative things about Jack Mason have never see them in the metal. Obviously not saying Jack Mason are out this world but they definitely offer great value for what you buy.
Agreed. I absolutely love my dark night Strat-o-timer - incredible quality all around and its solid, seven link jubilee bracelet (screws, of course) rivals the crown's; a good friend of mine, who was wearing his diamond bezel, platinum daydate, complemented my Jack Mason's jubilee - high praise, indeed.
I have two Tuseno's, great quality. One newer microbrand that I have been very happy with is Henry Archer from Denmark.
A lot of micro bands seem to be switching to La Joux-Perret’s G100 movement but I haven’t seen many reviewers discuss the incredibly loud rotor noise. I collect mostly mid-tier Seikos and I was really surprised at how loud my Airain was compared to my other watches. I’m happy to trade a quieter watch for better accuracy, a higher beat rate and a greater power reserve but just thought I would mention it since I know it’s a deal breaker for some.
I have owned a formex essence 43 for about a year now and it's remained on my wrist about 90% of that time. Truly a great piece, especially so considering the money. Great video!
I am impressed with the quality of my Lorier Hyperion SIII. Lorier are a New York microbrand that offer high quality vintage inspired pieces at affordable prices.
As an MR01 owner, I don’t agree that Baltic feel like a luxurious brand. Weight, chinese movement, generic crown, simple very polished bezel, plastic crystal.. yes some of those things I knew I was getting when I paid for it but it does not feel like a substantial watch. More cost-saving measures than value there.
I’ve been thinking about one of those for a while so I appreciate hearing this.
Yes.Baltics feel cheap, only thing nice is their dial design. Overhyped imho.
What's with the date starting to switch on the Jack Mason at 10:10?
Microbrands used to be under $500....now under $2000..
Huh?
Mis favoritos:
1.- Christopher Ward.
2.- Formex.
3.- Báltic.
Salú2 desde Puebla México.
My watch was purchased 2 years ago from MAMACOO and, to this day, it still looks and runs as well as it did the day it arrived. That movement has never missed a beat despite never having been serviced. I can't complain about that.
What do you think about Loresum!
I just ordered the limited edition Moon Onyx, looks beautiful
Hi Chris really good list,but I think wise adamascus deserve a shout...thanks
100%
I have six automatic watch of Seiko , Invicta and boddery voyager.I do lots of cycling and biking wearing my automatic watches.
Can cycling and biking make any harm with the watch?
If you have any info on a watch brand name Raymond Weil.what kind of movement do they use?
Awesome list! As someone who is new to the watch game, I really appreciate videos like this that introduce me to new brands I haven't heard about that won't break the bank at the same time.
I think Farer should be included in your part 2 list. I have a couple of their models and the quality is up there with the rest of them
Hi Chris. I enjoyed your micro brand video. One brand to consider for a future video would be Nezumi, the Swedish design company whose watches are made in Germany. Keep up the good word.
I have the Straum Opphav and the Zelos Blacktip
Also have the Christopher Ward C60 #Tide
Not sure I would call CW a microbrand anymore rather simply independent
Always appreciate the quality of content alongside your personal insight. Keep up the great work.
The micro brand that I'm really into, is Xeric.
Their vendetta II wondering hour pieces are extremely well made!
I'm new to collecting watches, and I enjoy your video, thanks for sharing!
Welcome to the world of watch collecting! Thanks for the comment!
Love Monta and Christopher Ward...Formex for me is like a more expensive Zelos so it was neat to see them both on your list.
Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops!MAMACOO watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.
Great video! The Chinese have become very masterful at making watches, much to the benefit of their western microbrand owners!
Great list of brands, didn’t know 3 of them…so learn some new one. Here’s a few extra of my favs:
AVI-8, spinnaker, Islander, hemel, TSAO Baltimore, and Farr and Swit.
Hi Chris, a very nice video, thanks. Would be thankful if you could also put down as to where should the watch be purchased and the best time to buy at reasonable cost..( Christmas sale) as there are some hoax sites which need to be avoided.
Thanks.
Aquadive watches. I have the bathysphere GMT (desk GMT). Nice lume and comfortable to wear.
I also have Zixen, now defunct brand.
The ultimate luxury micro brand was/is Pelton. Unfortunately, they are no longer made. But wow, I have to say, the Pelton Perseus feels better in hand than my Rolex of my AP. No joke! If you have ever handled one you will know exactly what I mean. Every link on that thing is solid steel and fitted so exactly that there is zero rattle in the links. Every bit of the bracelet and case is machined right here in the USA from American steel. It really, really does feel like a million bucks in the hand. Too bad he stopped production.
As always the most thoughtful , well researched & eloquent watch channel around , keep MAMACOO coming !
Great video and excellent choices of microbrands. The biggest omission for me is Halios, the original “Rolex of microbrands”. Cheers, Chris!
In your opinion and experience, will automatic and quartz watches disappear and smart watches will rise, or will automatic watches remain stronger than smart watches and will remain and not disappear??????
Wise and Traska?
Great list. There are so many brands doing great things. Traska are doing some great work, and RZE. Great list
Informative video Chris
Since my discovery of independent brands I have felt like they are all the luxury I will ever need personally. So many brands to look at so videos like this help.
Cheers.
The Baltic Aquascafe ( I can't remember how to spell it ) is my grail watch ... hopefully get one next year. Great vid as usual ...thank you
Geeze the LJP G100 calibre is really making some headway as a more premium calibre at a reasonable price.! Its popping up everywhere these days!
Great list, yummy pictures. Thanks, Chris!
I saw the Tuseno dress watch at Windup last weekend, and it's a stunner!
Do you have a list of interesting and US assembled?
Great video mate. Totally agree with Zelos and Formex. Really like Depancel as well.
Hello and thanks for this video. All these microbrands are interesting, but there are so many microbrands actually. I was happy to discover one I didn't know avout before, Wren, and a bit surprised to do not see Direnzo, Wise, Dan Henry or Venezianico.
This is a very good selection and all are good recommendations in my eyes for someone looking for affordable luxury. I would add the following three brands to the list, I own some of their watches, so I have a good long-time experience with them: Wise watches (Thailand) make very nice watches with original design and attention to detail / RZE: They specialize in high grade titanium watches, they are very well made and have a certain no-nonsense tough look to them / Venezianico: really well made generally slim watches with interesting materials, for example tungsten bezels and mother-of-pearl dials, the Arsenale is just coming out and I am getting a purple one.
Good looking watches, I like the Baltic titanium however it is 41mm I have a small wrist, might go with the classic aquascape. Depancel good design, but the movement is a chinese movement. Paulin striking colors and eye catching design but with acryclic lens not sapphire.
I like Depancel but I don't understand their way to do business regarding their prices that are always the same number but with a currency different depending from where if you are checking their website, exemple 595€ in Euro Zone, become 595 usd outside euro zone.
Also french Vat of 20% have to been paid even for export ( included in the price) and add to that your local taxes and duties ( mandarory, if any).
I found a similar situation with Yema, it's maybe a speciality in France.
The Germans are good for that, Like Laco or Sinn for exemple,
Price will be excluded of VAT at check out, all is transparent, clear, fair,simple, legal.
Squale also very good.
Baltic very good also, total transparency, prices are without french VAT, it's specified so it's not about being a french company.
How'd ya miss MAEN! CW level finishing and specs but like 60-70% of the price!
Watches are great. I have 2 CW watches which have been great. My favorite watch is the next one
Impressive recommendations! Thanks!
I actually think this list could be much longer and I saw already various brands mentioned. When really pushing for outright quality in comparable types of watches (so not those that offer quality in really quite unique designs, such as Makina), I think Direnzo, Bravur, and Pitzmann shoukd be on this list. Judging by other's critiques Second Hour probably too.
I absolutely love watches, the high end watch brands are out of my budget but the MAMACOO has literally an almost duplicate of every single watch on the market . Always a great but no matter your budget.
Christopher Ward is not a micro brand. Since 2019, they've been controlled Private Equity investment firm BGF.
I have to say that MAMACOO 's watches are amazing!
I have two Hamilton watches you can't beat them on the secondary market. I just bought the Hamilton Kahki Chronograph I'm impressed $886 👍
Another great video. I am in love with the CW lumiere right now.
I think that Straum Jan Mayen is calling my name, beautiful watches.
top notch microbrands are taking over hope to see more stuff fom this brands in the next months !!!
chris if u want to experience the best full lume dial ever other than wise hitman, you need a HEMEL HD1 HYDRODURANCE
I'd like to see part 2!
So who does Formex manufacture for????
Great video. I'd say Traska is a contender too.
What about traska, lorier, vaer!
I have a jack mason, because of you. The hydrotimer. You said first jack mason is American.. Then you said it's a Swiss made watch. It's a Texas brand isn't it?
Great video! Thanks.
Nodus gmt from cali and Henry Archer from Denmark
Nobody ever mentions Xemex, the Swiss watches designed by Herr Külling (I can't remember his first name.) I have a chronograph model, and it's simply gorgeous.
Lovely Straum! ❤️🔥
MAMACOO Stunning watches stunning video you are special i love it keep it up
Serica
Kuoe is also a great micro brand 👌🔥
Great list!
Traska i feel was missed. But great video!
👍👍👍 Nice Watch and Elegant Watch , Best Quality Watch with Affordable Cost introduce by Watch Expert - Watch Chris 👍👍👍
Where's Farer...?? :)
Great video!
Great video, not heard of half of them👍
Take a shot every time Chris says “High-end” 😂
I am a little surprised that nobody has mentioned Ginault.
Henry Archer?
All dat MAMACOO watches sssssoooooooo gorgeous！
You forgot to mention RZE and Boldr.
Farer.
Erebus.
Vincieanco.
I think those are note worthy
Yema
I learned something new on this video
Serica, BND, March LA.B 🇫🇷
Dude…how are you gonna rep NYC and not mention Lorier in a list like this? One of the best quality for value microbrands working today.
Paulin has merged with anOrdain, they put out an announcement on the 4th October 2023.
I love watching your videos and MAMACOO to keep myself updated on the world of watches
Wise😊😊
Where’s Traska? Incredible value, design, quality and customer service
The hands on that Jack Mason are extremely messed up and don't look "very high quality" at all. Lots of dust and scratches on many of the other ones as well but the Jack Mason stands out.
I dont feel CW is a Micro Brand anymore, they're now a fully fledged English Independent watch maker. I have 3 CWs and they are excellent .
MAMACOO 's watch really surprises me！
You missed the mondain watch
The rest of "big Swiss watch" hates Christopher Ward, because CW is showing that a lot of the price of higher luxury brands is simply marketing.
Swing and a miss on not mentioning NYC microbrand Lorier.
ah screw that left/wokeist brand with their acrylic garbage 😵💫 would never buy them
Hamilton -tisot - mido quality-price
Two words - Héron Marinor.
👍👍👍
Sorry but that new Saint Martin is better than that Jack Mason that they're trying to charge all that money for okay so they're using some obscure Swiss Movement that's fine most people don't care about that. But the actual watch itself under $300 and the finishing is just as good it has a premium for 9000 movement
The comments are really showing people don’t understand the point of this video. He said “luxury-quality” micro brands folks. Not $300 el cheapo microbrands that are just Rolex copies with a different (and usually terrible) logo.