Great stuff Russ! Heron Marinor - Everything about it, the logo, look of quality and scratch resistance - 8/10 Hemel - Amazing, let it glow, let it glow, let it glow - 8.5/10 RZE - I like it, similar to the Erebus, lot of dial space, but all round great and on the fly micro - 8/10 Duckworth - Very nice, gives me Farer vibes - 8/10 Isotope - I like it but the seconds hand is a bit off, shape and colour doesn't match the dial, I'd prefer different colours - 7.5/10 Maen - Stylish and sophisticated, this brand is doing great things - 8.5/10
Hey Russ, Awesome review of some lovely micro brand goodness!! Being from Atlantic Canada, I’ll be getting on the Heron website later! Keep up the great work, Happy Christmas and I can’t wait for the Sherwood watch reviews when you upload them. Cheers!!
Hello, and thanks for this video. Micro brands from Québec, USA, Sweden, Singapour, England, Swiss ... this vid was a great journey. I especially liked the Héron and the Duckworth Prestex. About this last brand, do you know which year it was born?
Isotope is the ONE for me. Like its overall look and colour, attention to details… Would be interested to see more models from this brand within a next review maybe? Thanks for the video !
Great video - thanks! A lot of fun discovering new brands for me (except for the Maen, which has been on my wish list for a while). Absolutely love the Maen - I do believe it's the Brooklyn 36, however, not 37
😮 Jeeeeez... Didn't even know half of these existed! Some real beauties here!.. REALLY tempted by most of these... Thanks Russell.. Thats me skint next year now!😂
Two amazing microbrand you should (could?) review are echo/neutra: Italian made with swiss movement. Amazing products with amazing quality. I got the Cortina chronograph and it is just fantastic. The other is Dan Henry. I know some people are complaining about them "copying" some models but MAN they are doing sooo nice watches. I got the 1975 model and it is gorgeous! They took the real deal to normal people. 300 usd for amazing watches. You can even choose smaller diameters also (finally!!). They even have a warehouse in Europe so we can spare those customs taxes! The 1972 "maverick" model is sick!! Seriously I am in love with this brand.
what was really nice about the iscotop watch, was noticing that the indentations on the screw in caseback weren't just circles, but cutouts of the iscotope logo - subtle detail but functional as well
I have been dailying the Brooklyn for 3 months since I got it. It is by far the best watch I've owned. The dimensions are prime, it wears so well you forget its there, and the dial spared no bit of attention to detail. Oddly enough, it is marketed as a sport watch by Maen but it is sportable in pretty much any situation.
Hi I am from New Jersey in usa. Got into watches in the last couple of years period probably shouldn't have. LOL I am a very funny guy and appreciate other funny people. Just wanted to say you are really funny and I enjoy watching your Channel. Keep up the great work❤😊
I'm offended Russ! As a Frenchmen, you did not review not one french micro brands 😢. You have to checkout "Charlie Paris" with the Concordia model. You have "Lip" that have excellent diver watches and finally checkout "Beaubleu" with their circular hands. Last but not least is "Yema" with their iconic chronograph watches. Scour more my friend. Cheers mate and my holiday greetings to everyone.
Another great video Russ and some lovely watches there. My favourite is the Heron, looks amazing, if you want it dive tested, just let me know!! Have a great Christmas.
Have to say I’m a huge fan of MAEN Watches especially the Manhattan 37 and now the Brooklyn after watching this, a Lot of watch for the money especially now with the Sellita SW200-1 movement upgrade option, only thing putting me off pulling the trigger on a salmon dial date is the import side
Wow great review Russ, some very nice choices, just want to say I have an RZE Aspirare and it is one of my favourite watches, I highly recommend RZE, that Isotope looks amazing ! wow
I can’t believe I’ve not heard of any of these brands. Well done for searching them out. Really nice selection if you have the budget. Merry Christmas you old nutter!
Love seeing the RZE one in here. I am a absolute huge fan of their watches, I have 3 different ones from them. Im a sucker for anything titanium and them having some great ones made in Ti for pretty good prices just hits several marks for me. My favorite is the ascentus GMT, I got the new bracelet with the on-the-fly micro adjustment on it and it made it even higher on my list of watches. Wear it at least 2-3 days out of every week.
Love the Lorier (currently on my wish list). RZE make great watches. Love MAEN as well. I quite like the Heron although I'm not sure why it's got the name 'Marinor' on the dial and an image of a Mariner on the back? - did the Chinese do the spelling? (I can't really criticise, I often wear my Guanqin 'Cheronometer' 😉). Great video Russ - I wish Hamtun were still in business, I feel they would've made your microbrand list.
Microbrands are fun for collecting watches. My latest two new watches has been from two brands called About vintage and Jack Mason. Really nice watches for their affordable prices!
These are great watches, I'm a new fan of this channel. Always looking for new microbrands. I'm looking for a new GMT and have been looking at a Lorier.
There are several true gmts that have a quick set date (sellita movement?) And I think a true - adjustable hour GMT is a traveller GMT. One that lacks that functionality is known as a desk GMT. Great content as always.
The Heron looks especially nice. I came across a new Ball watch. The Marinemaster GMT Moon Phase (42mm) with easily movable GMT hand and 2 moon phase complications. I'm pretty tempted on this one.
Man, Jack Mason's fantastic Strat-o-timer gets absolutely no love from any channels; it's a shame because it's an amazing, high quality luxury timepiece. I've owned my Dark Knight (Batgirl) on its fantastic seven link jubilee for a few months and absolutely love it. It's got a 9075 inside, sapphire front and back, 200m and regulated to +/- 5spd. It's an homage to the GMT MASTER II but has its own design language - cushion case, no crown guards and a very vintage vibe. If you love the GMT MASTER II and want something inspired by it yet has its own unique look, check it out - you won't regret it.
A really excellent show (watched it a second time on the big TV in the living room when the wife was out). A very, very nice selection. I take it back by the way regarding the Heron it is seriously pretty and I love the picture of Popeye on the caseback.
Six beautiful watches indeed. Does anyone know of a GMT where the hand is even more blended in with the dial? You'd have a little floating triangle round the outside, so even less distraction for normal time readability.
Hemel had big problems with the fully lumed version and were not happy with the quality control process . They ended up paying everyone back. Shame as it looked a great watch. But he was very up front with keeping us all in the know,so big up Hemel 👍🏻
Love the retro vibes of Isotope - Austin Powers should strap one on his wrist 😂 Another micro brand that I have tried in 2023 and thoroughly impressed - Traska. Their commuter and venturer series oozes Rolex OP vibes but have their own distinct DNA. Anyway, a great episode on micros 👍
Gave this a chance even though strangely I lost interest in microbrands. Thanks Russ for the video, they're all nice in their own way, but in the big sea of watches none stands out imho. Maybe I'm a bit tired after obtaining my grail watch (a Cartier Tank XL, sorry, I know you're not into it). Almost stopped wearing all my other watches, as to me it is beautiful in any environment and dress style. But I'm still watching every single episode of your channel, you're just doing a terrific job! 👍😜🧡 ps. I could imagine buying a Breitling Superocean Heritage 42 in green as a contrast.💚 Cheers!
I like Pook Watches from Finland. They make some really great timepieces which are usually limited to 100 per edition. Definitely worth checking out.👍🏻
The main issue with microbands is they don't tebd to do lume or movement regulation well. Also its difficult to service them by when there aren't many authorised sealers of then nearby I really don't advise getting a microbrand, especially as you don't have the easy option of reselling then as there isnt much demand for them
The lume on all these watches are done to a high level. All the movements are well known by all watchmakers and are easy to service. There aren’t any bespoke modules added? Just all negativity here from you Mark for no reason??? The resale I agree to a point but if you buy a watch and just think about the resale you’re best buying a necklace instead buddy. Come on!
@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR You're correct that there are exceptions. You can service the movement easily but not the watch case from the actual brand that much. You're also correct that a necklace would be better for investment, but id feel better knowing that I'd save at least 80% of what I paid than 40%. Microbrands might appear cheaper, but they aren't easily sellable unless you lower the price a lot so they are the elephant in the room. Sorry for the negativity, ps I love your content
The Hemel is my favourite but not being an automatic movement irks me, I dont why exactly but it is a factor that'd hold me back from parting with my money.
That’s impressive what Heron did with that scratch resistance.
The RZE is the one for me. Every time I've reviewed one from them, it's left me wanting to buy it.
Nh35 movement not put you off?
Thanks for the feature Russ, we're glad you're enjoying the Marinor. We wish you and your family beautiful holidays!
Will be buying a Marinor - Atlantic Blue soon. It may just be the perfect vintage dive watch I'm looking for.
The RZE would be at the top of my list.
That titanium looks amazing
Great stuff Russ!
Heron Marinor - Everything about it, the logo, look of quality and scratch resistance - 8/10
Hemel - Amazing, let it glow, let it glow, let it glow - 8.5/10
RZE - I like it, similar to the Erebus, lot of dial space, but all round great and on the fly micro - 8/10
Duckworth - Very nice, gives me Farer vibes - 8/10
Isotope - I like it but the seconds hand is a bit off, shape and colour doesn't match the dial, I'd prefer different colours - 7.5/10
Maen - Stylish and sophisticated, this brand is doing great things - 8.5/10
Can't say that I disagree with any of them ratings... Some crackers there.
See where you are coming from 👍@dellwright1407
Hey Russ, Awesome review of some lovely micro brand goodness!! Being from Atlantic Canada, I’ll be getting on the Heron website later! Keep up the great work, Happy Christmas and I can’t wait for the Sherwood watch reviews when you upload them. Cheers!!
Hello, and thanks for this video. Micro brands from Québec, USA, Sweden, Singapour, England, Swiss ... this vid was a great journey. I especially liked the Héron and the Duckworth Prestex. About this last brand, do you know which year it was born?
That ISOTOPE watch looks stunning, the colours and VERY clear and clean bold design just looks amazing.
I can attest Isotope makes some great watches. I have 4 of Jose's models and had the pleasure to meet him at the NYC Wind Up Watch Fair. A class act.
Isotope is the ONE for me. Like its overall look and colour, attention to details… Would be interested to see more models from this brand within a next review maybe? Thanks for the video !
Grest video. What a set of absolute bangers! The hits just kept coming! The Heron and Hemel might be my faves but that Duckworth! Very nice.
Great video - thanks! A lot of fun discovering new brands for me (except for the Maen, which has been on my wish list for a while). Absolutely love the Maen - I do believe it's the Brooklyn 36, however, not 37
😮 Jeeeeez... Didn't even know half of these existed! Some real beauties here!.. REALLY tempted by most of these... Thanks Russell.. Thats me skint next year now!😂
All great, love the Hemel, Maen and Isotope!
This is great video! About time that the micro manufacturers gets some UA-cam love. Good work!
I bought a Duckworth Prestex recently and was so impressed I placed another order, the Salmon Coronation watch
Rze is a great watch. original desig, very durable, interesting colours. i have one and like it. feels like u50 a bit
Wow, they all look great. The Heron is my favourite! Superb review.
Two amazing microbrand you should (could?) review are echo/neutra: Italian made with swiss movement. Amazing products with amazing quality. I got the Cortina chronograph and it is just fantastic. The other is Dan Henry. I know some people are complaining about them "copying" some models but MAN they are doing sooo nice watches. I got the 1975 model and it is gorgeous! They took the real deal to normal people. 300 usd for amazing watches. You can even choose smaller diameters also (finally!!). They even have a warehouse in Europe so we can spare those customs taxes! The 1972 "maverick" model is sick!! Seriously I am in love with this brand.
I think my favorite by a narrow margin is the Duckwork Prextex. I also, really like the Heron, Hemel and RZE.
The Maen is my favorite of the bunch. Looks amazing!
what was really nice about the iscotop watch, was noticing that the indentations on the screw in caseback weren't just circles, but cutouts of the iscotope logo - subtle detail but functional as well
Great video as always, thanks. The Maen would be my first choice, followed by the Heron and Hemel.
Loved the MAEN and would be my choice. Couldn’t help a childish snigger at Duckworth name. Jack & Vera popped up in my head!
Wahey! I really liked this one. I want that Heron. And the Duckworth. And the Isotope. Well, all of them really.
That Heron was quite surprising!!
Halios is also a good Canadian company.👍
I just love the delivery of ‘what the wife said’ cracks me up every time.
The RZE reminds me alot of the Oris Pro Pilot X. I really like it
Love that Heron….all of them really.
Microbrands to consider reviewing: Straton and Jack Mason. Both impressive design and value for money.
I have been dailying the Brooklyn for 3 months since I got it. It is by far the best watch I've owned. The dimensions are prime, it wears so well you forget its there, and the dial spared no bit of attention to detail. Oddly enough, it is marketed as a sport watch by Maen but it is sportable in pretty much any situation.
Hi I am from New Jersey in usa. Got into watches in the last couple of years period probably shouldn't have. LOL I am a very funny guy and appreciate other funny people. Just wanted to say you are really funny and I enjoy watching your Channel. Keep up the great work❤😊
Adore the Maen. I love angry Owl’s.
I'm offended Russ! As a Frenchmen, you did not review not one french micro brands 😢. You have to checkout "Charlie Paris" with the Concordia model. You have "Lip" that have excellent diver watches and finally checkout "Beaubleu" with their circular hands. Last but not least is "Yema" with their iconic chronograph watches. Scour more my friend. Cheers mate and my holiday greetings to everyone.
I’ve reviewed the Concordia my friend! Loved it! Yema is on the cards very soon!!!!
Sorry, I missed that. I always watch your Casio review because I'm a lover of this brand my friend.@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR
Do love my micro’s and you picked some belters there. Faves are the RZE the Isotope and the Duckwoth Prestex. 👌
Another great video Russ and some lovely watches there. My favourite is the Heron, looks amazing, if you want it dive tested, just let me know!! Have a great Christmas.
Have to say I’m a huge fan of MAEN Watches especially the Manhattan 37 and now the Brooklyn after watching this, a Lot of watch for the money especially now with the Sellita SW200-1 movement upgrade option, only thing putting me off pulling the trigger on a salmon dial date is the import side
That MAEN looks gorgeous
Wow great review Russ, some very nice choices, just want to say I have an RZE Aspirare and it is one of my favourite watches, I highly recommend RZE,
that Isotope looks amazing ! wow
I can’t believe I’ve not heard of any of these brands. Well done for searching them out. Really nice selection if you have the budget. Merry Christmas you old nutter!
Nice video, I enjoy these gems that you find that I would otherwise never know of.
Love the Heron! Very spiffy!
Love seeing the RZE one in here. I am a absolute huge fan of their watches, I have 3 different ones from them. Im a sucker for anything titanium and them having some great ones made in Ti for pretty good prices just hits several marks for me. My favorite is the ascentus GMT, I got the new bracelet with the on-the-fly micro adjustment on it and it made it even higher on my list of watches. Wear it at least 2-3 days out of every week.
I have the RZE 38mm titanium field watch in obsidian black it's a very tough and durable piece of kit I'm absolutely chuffed with it!:)
Hemel and Heron are lovely watches
that
case on the MAEN...is stunning
Spectacular bezel faces on this one Russel 🤓🤣 love th3 Heron & the Duckworth
Great review , and collection. Want one of each! Duckworth makes a square orange dial on leather. Handsome!
I love Hemel designs, and the beauty of the Sea-Gull movement, but always hesitate because of the reliability concerns of the movement. Any thoughts?!
Holy Horology Batman! That Maen is stunning… although the other 5 are all winners also.
Been following Duckworth Prestex for a while. If they made a smaller watch with the same spec. I think it would fly off the shelves!!
The wife's called Betty, right....Ooooo! 😂 ( For those of us who remember Frank)
Great work again!
Love the Lorier (currently on my wish list). RZE make great watches. Love MAEN as well. I quite like the Heron although I'm not sure why it's got the name 'Marinor' on the dial and an image of a Mariner on the back? - did the Chinese do the spelling? (I can't really criticise, I often wear my Guanqin 'Cheronometer' 😉). Great video Russ - I wish Hamtun were still in business, I feel they would've made your microbrand list.
Hey Chris, thank you for the kind words, Marinor comes from the combination of Mariner and North star, hope it makes more sense now
@@heronwatchco.6870 I understand now, that explains the star at the '12' - nice. Many thanks.
Wifes Comments are wonderful & funny, 😂 Great content as usual chap, on the web as i type lol 👏👍👌✌🤘🖖🤙
The Duckworth is awesome looking!!
Wears great too
I like the look of the MAEN but not keen on the name! Love the Isotope watches. Will definitely look to get one one day!
Well, thanks a lot. Now I've got four additions to my already-too-long wishlist. That Hemel wins for me. Awesome video!
Microbrands are fun for collecting watches. My latest two new watches has been from two brands called About vintage and Jack Mason. Really nice watches for their affordable prices!
"what's with the star of Bethlehem at the top" 😂😂😂😂😂
Brilliant
Geepers creepers Russel… I had to watch the Duckworth Prestex section a few times… the orange and baby blue is something sexy…
Great 6 watch set! 🎉
Great finds. The RZE would be my winner - looking for a bright yellow diver.
These are great watches, I'm a new fan of this channel. Always looking for new microbrands. I'm looking for a new GMT and have been looking at a Lorier.
There are several true gmts that have a quick set date (sellita movement?)
And I think a true - adjustable hour GMT is a traveller GMT.
One that lacks that functionality is known as a desk GMT.
Great content as always.
That HERON MARINOR is nice!
That Isotope watch is pretty cool! The case shape reminds me of a Marathon i saw recently, can't remember which model
The Heron looks especially nice. I came across a new Ball watch. The Marinemaster GMT Moon Phase (42mm) with easily movable GMT hand and 2 moon phase complications. I'm pretty tempted on this one.
Your wife's first impressions are priceless. Awesome content as always!
Man, Jack Mason's fantastic Strat-o-timer gets absolutely no love from any channels; it's a shame because it's an amazing, high quality luxury timepiece. I've owned my Dark Knight (Batgirl) on its fantastic seven link jubilee for a few months and absolutely love it. It's got a 9075 inside, sapphire front and back, 200m and regulated to +/- 5spd. It's an homage to the GMT MASTER II but has its own design language - cushion case, no crown guards and a very vintage vibe. If you love the GMT MASTER II and want something inspired by it yet has its own unique look, check it out - you won't regret it.
That Heron is a stunner....
RZE all the way for me, one in the bucket list.
Was the greatest micro brand watch of them all The Spaghetti Scametii lost in the post 😂
I like the watch your wearing in this video I've tried to find it for a good price but not quite yet. Is it called the rally ? 70 80s style.
A really excellent show (watched it a second time on the big TV in the living room when the wife was out). A very, very nice selection. I take it back by the way regarding the Heron it is seriously pretty and I love the picture of Popeye on the caseback.
Six beautiful watches indeed. Does anyone know of a GMT where the hand is even more blended in with the dial? You'd have a little floating triangle round the outside, so even less distraction for normal time readability.
My Jack Mason Strat-o-timer (dark knight) fits this description perfectly - beautifully incorporated, subtle GMT hand. I absolutely love mine.
Rze is a great Explorer like watch .I’ll definitely check it out
Cracking video. 6 brands that I'd never seen there and they all look top draw value for money. This is top quality content well delivered. Cheers!
Excellent selection, surprising and refreshing.
The Heron is incredible for the price.
Love that Isotope, and really glad they took the athletic cup off the dial! 👍
LOL, now I can't unsee it on my other models.
The Hemel and Maen are exquisite ..
Long time fan Russ, Do you ever sell or trade any watches you get? Would love to get the opportunity to get one from you.
Of course my friend!!!
Hemel had big problems with the fully lumed version and were not happy with the quality control process .
They ended up paying everyone back.
Shame as it looked a great watch.
But he was very up front with keeping us all in the know,so big up Hemel 👍🏻
I love them all! Great picks! Our wives should have tea while we hit the boutiques. Then again we would probably be in big trouble when we got back 😅
With Heron diver we got inspiration from Vostok Amphibia. Cool!
The Isotope is spectacular!
Heron or Hemel for me. If I had to choose between the two then I'd probably go for the Hemel as I already have a diver.
Love the retro vibes of Isotope - Austin Powers should strap one on his wrist 😂 Another micro brand that I have tried in 2023 and thoroughly impressed - Traska. Their commuter and venturer series oozes Rolex OP vibes but have their own distinct DNA. Anyway, a great episode on micros 👍
Most of these brands I haven’t heard of. I like the Hemel. Thanks for sharing some micro brands with not so micro prices.
Gave this a chance even though strangely I lost interest in microbrands. Thanks Russ for the video, they're all nice in their own way, but in the big sea of watches none stands out imho. Maybe I'm a bit tired after obtaining my grail watch (a Cartier Tank XL, sorry, I know you're not into it). Almost stopped wearing all my other watches, as to me it is beautiful in any environment and dress style. But I'm still watching every single episode of your channel, you're just doing a terrific job! 👍😜🧡 ps. I could imagine buying a Breitling Superocean Heritage 42 in green as a contrast.💚 Cheers!
"Star of Bethlehem" Well it is Christmas time, you know😁
Russ, which tickles your ivories more, the Heron or the Lorier Neptune?
think your channel becoming one of my favourites for watches lol
I like Pook Watches from Finland. They make some really great timepieces which are usually limited to 100 per edition. Definitely worth checking out.👍🏻
Yes more different interesting and colorful dials plz
Love your content (and delivery)! Keep it up, please.
There are some stunning watches there!
can you do a video on lorus rl445bx9...and lorus in general.
The main issue with microbands is they don't tebd to do lume or movement regulation well. Also its difficult to service them by when there aren't many authorised sealers of then nearby
I really don't advise getting a microbrand, especially as you don't have the easy option of reselling then as there isnt much demand for them
The lume on all these watches are done to a high level. All the movements are well known by all watchmakers and are easy to service. There aren’t any bespoke modules added? Just all negativity here from you Mark for no reason??? The resale I agree to a point but if you buy a watch and just think about the resale you’re best buying a necklace instead buddy. Come on!
@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR
You're correct that there are exceptions. You can service the movement easily but not the watch case from the actual brand that much.
You're also correct that a necklace would be better for investment, but id feel better knowing that I'd save at least 80% of what I paid than 40%. Microbrands might appear cheaper, but they aren't easily sellable unless you lower the price a lot so they are the elephant in the room.
Sorry for the negativity, ps I love your content
The video I was waiting for
The Hemel is my favourite but not being an automatic movement irks me, I dont why exactly but it is a factor that'd hold me back from parting with my money.
Wow great episode Russ👍
Great choices! Thank you!
Absolutely nice and practical video. Well done 👍