14 Awesome Microbrand Watches That Should Be On Your Radar 2020 (Blog With 40+ Brands)

Microbrand Blog: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Shop Watches: www.teddybaldassarre.com/coll...
Shop Straps: www.teddybaldassarre.com/coll...
In my space of watches, microbrands have become one of the fastest-growing aspects of the mechanical watch market where small shops can produce nice products that in some cases outperform that of titans of industry. In the past three years, I have handled hundreds of watches from different microbrands out there with many being good, and others, not so much. In this video, we look at a shortlist of some of my favorite microbrands.
My Instagram: teddybaldas...
My Second Review Channel: / @teddybaldassarrereviews
Astor Banks Sea Ranger: astorandbanks.com/
Brew Retrograph: www.brew-watches.com/
Baltic Aquascaphe: baltic-watches.com/en/collect...
Lum-Tec: • A Great Everyday Watch...
Traska Summiteer: • A GREAT Budget Everyda...
Monta Atlas: • The BEST Microbrand Wa...
Formex Essence: • An Awesome Everyday Wa...
Lorier Falcon: • A Great Looking Watch ...
Nodus Retrospect II: • A Cool Retro Style Div...
Oak & Oscar Olmsted: oakandoscar.com/pages/the-olm...
Zelos Horizons GMT: • Zelos Horizons GMT V2 ...
Ocean Crawler Great Lakes: • Ocean Crawler Great La...
Eza Sealander: • A Great Looking Made i...
AnOrdain Model 2: anordain.com/collections/all
Top Articles On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
50 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
10 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...

[@davids.2317]

The true definition of a microbrand is a brand who never have any watches actually in stock 😭

[@monicacarbajosa7840]

Yes

[@mijnbuisje]

So Rolex has become a microbrand.

[@farrandswit]

Haha that is good. We have stock...for now :)

[@daneg007]

im still not convinced that vaer has ever made an automatic dive watch. every time i go to buy one they've either just sold out, they are going to reveal a new one soon, or one is available for pre-order. except im impatient and want to buy something now and go to the next website. that last part may be partly my fault, if im being honest.

[@igorzzzz1]

try ordering a Borealis Adraga..... lol

[@unsortedjournal896]

I’ve just started focusing on micro brands. So much to love! It’s especially fun when you can get a watch made locally.

[@rickrounds2173]

Don't bother with Zelos, they never have any watches for sale. Perpetually sold out.

[@Ken-gv6sb]

Another GREAT video, Teddy! I personally love what micro brands bring to the table for design choices, often at relatively bargain prices.

[@zenojakobe1473]

Love micro brands ! They provide a large variety of non-traditional styles so you can get that watch that is just perfect for you. ... and I will admit... I love the boutique feel that I have something that very few other people will have.

[@bobgox]

an EXCELLENT overview and truly informative (for me personally and those of us unacquainted ), very much appreciated, thank you !

[@mrjasonrowland]

Teddy, spot on with your boutique experience explanation. In addition to getting something out of the the box, I enjoy communicating with many of the incredibly kind and giving owners/designers of micro brands like Brew, Dan Henry, Vario, Vaer, Straton, and more. Of course, I also enjoy my Alpinist and Khaki King as well for different reasons.

[@saulysw]

Great coverage and very slick presentation. I'm glad the background music was toned down a bit too, so we can all hear you clearly. Very easy to watch, great pace.

[@mariog7213]

I really like some of these brands, Lorier in particular because they’re one of the few companies that put out a dive watch under 40mm that can dress up pretty well. The only other one I can think of right now is Baltic and their designs are very similar.

[@idontcaresapo8233]

Yes that lorier looks amazing....looks expensive

[@scottlauren3145]

This was an awesome video. Got into microbrands heavy over the past 12 months.

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Loved this video! Thank you for putting it together!

[@peterwolf9071]

I love that there's room for microbrands on your channel, it's very helpful to know which ones are worth paying for since there are so many out there - great video.

[@rickyhou7684]

Hey @Teddy Baldassare, Just purchased the Maurice Lacroix Aikon 39mm! Thanks for chatting with me and helping me decide whether I should pull the trigger on my first luxury watch.

[@aidengonzalez615]

One of my favorite microbrands is Straton. I was very close to purchasing one, but ended up with a Marathon TSAR instead.

[@arkadipta6667]

such a great video! should all you the Micro-brand king haha!.... these videos are much better than watching a movie in the theatre... just to pleasing Quality.... great job Teddy!

[@gradywilson9213]

I am a subscriber, and old enough to be your grandfather. What I like about you is you are not a watch snub, you put your well informed opinion out there, and don't make anyone feel bad if the watch you are presenting is out of our budget. Thanks for that.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Some cool brands here! Anordain is my pick so far! Well presented Teddy :)

[@mccown12]

Teddy, another great video on micros, keep up the great work!

[@graeme0309]

What a great video. So much new watch info for me to consider. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@mrb317]

Great video Teddy, brands on here I haven't heard of before and will look into!

[@johnc4264]

Thanks for the overview of different microbrands. I love this class of watches as (the good ones at least) offer something that is very different from the mainstream. I'm surprised you didn't mention Visitor watches. They are doing design like no one else!

[@vicentelopez4738]

Thought you were going to say something about Farer, I instantly fell in love with their Oxley silver LE

[@joeygunz28]

I was waiting on him to bring up Farer too, I love their collection of watches.

[@maurolorenzotongco5521]

I'm so stoked to see your channel and blog becoming so successful man, keep it up! As for microbrands, I bought my first watch from the veteran-owned Avian Watch Co. As far as I can tell, they use Ronda and Seiko movements and their MkII Commodore line are lumed by Lüm-Tec.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

My Nodus Retrospect 2 is one of the favorites in my collection. Amazing Video Teddy! Thank you sir!

[@davebosworth9358]

Bravo. This should be the first of a series of videos. Excellent content. Please keep going with this theme!

[@Pilborg_]

your videos are always very objective but so informative. I love how much you service the under 1000 buyers too! excellent video and excellent channel

[@223raulh]

I always love all of your videos. This one is very informative and very spot on if you ask me.

[@starfighterusscv-6693]

Teddy, I absolutely love your channel. I'm subscribed. You are by far my favorite luxury watch reviewer!

[@raymondfoo9045]

Bought the Serica 4512 WMB for my first mechanical/automatic watch, it is very charming to me. Just love it so much. Don't care much about the heritage of a brand. Makes my heart beat everytime I see it, it is gonna be my one watch until I die. What you said about microbrand is so true, the deeper connection with the company and people in it. That itself has a charm too! That's my experience with Serica!

[@philfoggs5357]

These are beautiful time pieces and it’s great that some are truly affordable too. I was aware of micros but not how rich the part of the market is. Great education!!

[@danipapp786]

Great video, thanks for all the effort you put into this. Your watch shots look almost as good as the ones you can see in Watchfinder & Co's videos. Amazing! :)

[@davidtrachtenberg7095]

Just bought a Boldr Venture. I absolutely love it.

[@marcgirard7551]

Great video, Teddy! Loved the video and learned some new things and saw some things I might like to buy at some point. Very cool. Love microbrands and independents that are doing cool things. That, in fact, makes me wonder why Ming was not included here. I think they have some amazing designs out there and tremendous dials.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Teddy you've got one of the best watch channels out there !

[@smittysmitty481]

Great content Teddy. I really enjoyed this video

[@joseph_432]

Thank you. I’m in the market for an automatic watch in the $500 range and never heard of any of these brands. This was an eye opener for options.

[@sebastiangonzalezgonzalez2183]

Very nice video. Its what I needed

[@baricho4771]

Thanks for introducing some very interesting brands .. great vid 👍🏼

[@freedom55or95]

Microbrands to me are a fantastic blend of creativity, determination and courage in the competitive watch landscape. I've become a fan of Reise watches.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

How long have you worked there?

[@Wunderbaumsporting]

@@BariumCobaltNitrog3n get one and you’ll understand. 😁 medallion yellow endeavour is one of my very few keepers.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@Wunderbaumsporting I think Automatic watches should start at less than $200. Orient agrees and I love mine. What makes the RZE worth $500? Mine has the date.

[@Wunderbaumsporting]

@@BariumCobaltNitrog3n the fact that Rze products are all titanium. That is what adds up really quickly. I agree, japanese watches are really a great bang for the buck, but once you want something different material/designwise you may want to look elsewhere.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@Wunderbaumsporting How does titanium add up? It has no effect on the function of the watch. The design of their watches is very common and pedestrian. Spending $500 for a watch because "Titanium" is silly.

[@joshuaschoonover9867]

I'm new to the channel and with your recommendation I started looking at Brew watches. Really looking forward to seeing my retro technicolor when it comes in. Keep up the awesome content!

[@sotiris223]

I am in Love with this Brew Retrograph😍...it has a TagHeuer Monaco Vibe to it....I love that😍

[@ZENO357]

Well done! It's easy to view videos on Rolex, Omega, etc. etc., but this is the first one I've found to review great quality lesser known (in my case unknown) brands. Now I want one.

[@VinnyTheCuz]

Really good video Teddy, as always. Very informative, great photos/videos, and just the right amount of information about each brand. Did you actually review the Baltic or just had experience with one but didn’t make a video?

[@joeychase5224]

Another great episode Teddy. I have a bit of an affinity when it comes to Microbrands, so I love when you cover them. I know you have mentioned then in the past, but have you thought of revisiting the brands Martenero and Richard Legrand? Like the Bayshore and Oceanfarer, respectively. I'm expecting delivery of the new Bayshore dive model in a few weeks (I ordered 3 out of the 4 dials available), and just ordered the new Oceanfarer in Polor White. Would love your opinion.

[@michaelhargis7036]

Teddy, your review on the Orient Kamasu a few months ago inspired me to get one. I'd watched a few reviews on the watch but your video tipped the scales for sure. It is my absolute favorite watch. I will give these micro brands video a good look and maybe again pick up a great watch. Thanks for the awesome reviews and videos. They are wonderful....... Peace ☮️

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Happy to help Michael. Enjoy the watch!

[@herbmerced7780]

Great content Teddy! Lovely watches!

[@truebluemiata]

Hi Teddy. Another well done video. While I've cast my lot with vintage chronographs, mostly Seiko, I well could see myself going down the microbrand path. The Anordain dials are magnificent. How about a video on they independents?

[@rajendrakadam6042]

Excellent and useful information. Appreciate for telling price range of all models which you have spoken.

[@tranquilcoast]

I love that micro brands serve the sub 40mm market so well. just picked up an Aquascaphe GMT and there are not a ton of other options for smaller GMTs

[@natureboyricflair8555]

Acquascaphe gmt and especially the Blue Acquascaphe are some of the most unique and gorgeous watches on the market imo

[@yasasjaysundera1830]

Very insightful video Teddy👍🏽

[@kamelthorn]

Another great video Teddy.

[@jeep2221]

GREAT list, Teddy!

[@balesjo]

There are three things that made the AnOrdain watch stand out were the enameled dial, the numerals, and those beautiful hands (trying to think of the last time I saw such unique hands on a watch). Altogether an extremely impressive watch! The other watch that stood out to me was the Oak & Oscar Olmstead watch with those beautiful sandwiched numerals. Either watch I'd be proud to own (though if I had to choose, it would be the AnOrdain).

[@aragornx5036]

Very good video ! Thank you. I have a Farer watch and I love it ! I would also add a french microbrand called "Akrone".

[@AceSpaceSpades]

One of my favorite watch videos to date. The watch industry is lucky to have Teddy Baldassarre 😊

[@tmmjppsn]

Thanks for a great video. You really piqued my interest on a couple of those brands. I already have a Zelos but was unaware of most of the other brands here

[@mdunawaym]

There are some really gorgeous watches here! I hope you review the Vaer diver when it comes out. I pre-ordered it, and I can't wait to wear it! I'll check your blog to see if Vaer made the cut!

[@NinjaBeast4873]

Yes! More love to the microbrands! :D

[@dallaspymm6924]

Thanks for sharing. Brew and Baltic really look terrific. I love the industrial/coffee inspired pieces from Brew. Unique offering indeed.

[@georgerivera6970]

The Oak & Oscar Olmstead Auto! I might be in love. Heck I admire the micro-brands especially the ones featured.

[@Winniegee]

Nice summary of microbrands! Will be looking forward to my Zelos Nova in Adventurine arriving any time soon :)

[@Winniegee]

LOL it literally arrived 1min after posting this.

[@henriksrensen7228]

I hope you will do some of the Norwegian small brands I really enjoy your videos and am learning quite a bit by watching them Best: New watch entusiast

[@dparis2172]

Don't apologize for the length of the video when you are featuring so many cool watches! Great video. The Lorier Falcon is a stunner. Vintage inspired but completely up-to-date looking as well. So nice that they eschewed the faux patina trend and let the design shine through. The blacked out Eza looks badass. Oak & Oscar put out nice looking watches like the one in this video, but a $1,500 with a date window that Timex would be ashamed of... Come on. (Pleasantly) Surprised you mentioned Anordain. Not much info bout their watches, but check out their website. Beautiful pieces.

[@Thexaios]

I got a Vincero ad before this video. I'm just gonna take a wild guess and assume that's not one of the brands mentioned in the list.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Lol you guessed correct 😂

[@ARod3]

You 100% rightb

[@keepingitdownwiththepashas]

little lost here. Is Vincero a microbrand?

[@ARod3]

@@keepingitdownwiththepashas vincero is trash that’s all you need to know

[@Chris-de2qc]

@@keepingitdownwiththepashas no, it's mass production made in China

[@jon0328]

I saw your video on the Nodus Retrospect II last year. Looked into them and decided to pull the trigger. Really like my Retrospect II. I got the silver dial with the black bezel. Recently took it in to the water and it performed great.

[@dawg234]

Hands down the best watch channel. Love microbrands btw

[@alextomlinson1725]

Great video Teddy. It's a fascinating world and I'm afraid to say that I am hooked. The hard part is choosing. Monta, Nodus and Eza very attractive.

[@morganthedruid1]

Some very interesting watches in this really well put together overview of popular microbrands. Monta is the highlight for me but some stunners in this list, Lum-Tec is just utter blandness and not sure why it's here otherwise I'd probably happily own every other watch. Excellent stuff

[@mc3001]

Thanks Teddy. Very educational video review.

[@moncherias]

Hi Teddy. Thank you immensely for your entertaining, informative, and excellently produced videos. Do you have any comments, knowledge, or experience with Serica watches? I would love to know your opinion. Thanks

[@johnwarnock5354]

Hi Teddy, thanks so much for your content! To the point but detailed and really answers most of my questions. I was wondering what you thought about the Swiss Watch Company? THey seem pretty consistent to me but I wanted to make sure I'm right here!? Thanks!

[@evanlever1139]

This was a great video. Please do more reviews of micro brands. They are the hardest gauge in terms of quality.

[@Peachboobs]

Great video! thanks Teddy :)

[@goldensaxon152]

I just Recently purchased a Unimatic watch from Italy 🇮🇹 I love it

[@frwb3351]

great helpful overview this topic. interesting besides seiko and others

[@enguerranddsj5210]

Really great video

[@dinner_workingsly]

Two or three I’d never heard of...very cool selection man!

[@JasonSimonSmith]

Wow so many great microbrands out there !! Also nice to see so many sub 40mm cases.. and THIN @ ~11mm .. Lorier and Undone made the cut to my modest box..

[@gmotionedc5412]

I just my Traska diver today! Mint color dial!! Wow! That’s the one to get👍

[@josephzamer5802]

I'm complete in love with the Brew Retrograph!!

[@Wootguy238]

Owner told me he'll have more in stock around January. I want that Teal Retrograph.

[@Rog5446]

It's a rip off of a TAG Heuer Monaco. Get the real thing, they're only $7,300

[@josephzamer5802]

@@Rog5446 not quite true, the Monaco has a more "angular" shape, the brew is more spherical and a bit little, but I get the point heheheheh

[@EddyWoon]

I had bought a Lum-Tec Combat B series chronograph some years ago and its illumination is great. Unfortunately one of the chrono hands from the subdial separated from its pin. As I do not serve in any force and work behind a desk, I would wonder how well this watch would hold up in combat duties. Perhaps they have now addressed this flaw with their later chronographs.

[@scottlalonde2878]

Interesting video, thank you Teddy.

[@gbsprasanna]

A review of watches with a lug to lug of less than 45mm would be much appreciated!

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

Yes

[@lucapellecchia7427]

Great recap for most of all microbrand! I m really interested to formex and zelos. What do you think about Merkur? thank you

[@farrandswit]

Great video. Some really solid brands here.

[@davidcooper8621]

Impressive overview of some great watches - microbrands are offering some interesting pieces. Awaiting delivery of a Vario trench watch

[@lexusstefan927]

thanks to you i finally found a watch i want and its the Zelos Horizons V2 Teal, it just speaks to me, love at first sight i must admit

[@TinBin-Craig]

very nice collection of microbrands there did like most of them... cheers

[@VWatchie]

Great video, and I wasn’t aware there were so many US based micro brands. I do miss seeing the case backs though. I realise it would make a long video longer, but just a second or two where I can pause the video would be great 👍

[@exploringhistory5796]

I was shocked to hear you are from NE Ohio. I am also from NE Ohio. Good video. I hadn’t realized Lume-Tec is an Ohio company. Your video is informative-a few brands I’ve never heard of that are worth checking out.

[@drewg287]

Hi Teddy. Another great video. Do you consider Christopher Ward a micro brand or small independent and what are your thoughts on their watches?

[@robgeist5315]

I’m a big fan of the way Farer watches. Are they considered a “microbrand” or “independent”. Any thoughts on the brand?

[@peakrider4886]

I think what you can tell from this video is the benefit of choosing a microbrand. There’s lots of choice, loads of variety in design, and various price points to appeal to lots of customers wallets. And there are so many more out there in addition to those in the video. I have the latest Lorier Neptune and I love it, and I really appreciate the design and angle Lauren and Lorenzo are going with. I will most definitely be adding a Falcon and possibly even the Hydra II which is coming soon.

[@maxmeier532]

EZA watches are ok, but they only offer 41mm watches and bigger with really long LTL measurements. While many people crave for smaller watches aiming even as low as 34mm, watchmakers for some reason still cling to that idea that watches have to be at least 40 mm and all have at least 46mm LTL. There are exceptions, but that almost exclusively field watches and that does limit what you can expect. And we know watch nerds are particular about what they want and dont want.

[@samdavies6023]

My wife wants me to book a call with Teddy just to find out the shade of grey on the wall 🤣 ... I think she wants me to spend my money on decorating

[@larryp.450]

Would Christopher Ward be considered a micro brand?

[@Adrian-yd6vu]

@@larryp.450 yes but a really good micro brand lots of value and in house movements

[@starfighterusscv-6693]

The Lum-Tec's I own; X2 and C6. I really like them. I've only owned them a couple months but they both seem very accurate.

[@dubhlinn1000]

I have an AnOrdain model one in post box red and I have to say it is a beautiful dial, the font, the hands and of course the porcelain!

[@craigdlazarus]

No mention of Farer...? I suppose the list of micro brands is very extensive. Good coverage Teddy. Perhaps a Part 2 of the same is needed. Keep 'em coming...

[@jayshwa7275]

I've been interested in Lum-Tec for a few years now. Very cool to see them get a mention.

[@icolater27]

Just get a Seiko srpe55, probably the best looking watch ever created IMO. Love your channel BTW, just subbed.

[@AK-of9qx]

Hey man great video. Very informative.. What are your thoughts on the Helson shark diver?

[@robertofalcon7703]

I enjoy the channel and the point of views given.