Are Microbrand Watches Worth It? (2018) | 10 Cool Companies to Check Out

[@TautologyTechSystems]

A miyota 9015 movement costs $80 new. You would have to have some pretty big balls to put it in a stainless case and try to charge people $1000.

[@omarmabbadi]

Dr. Tautology 80 bucks is retail price they cost around 25 $ bulk

[@Shino2600]

So is citizen big balls when they use that in their Signature line? I thought those were supposed to be good autos

[@TautologyTechSystems]

Shino2600 I don't know much about their signature line, but if they are using the 9015 I wouldn't pay more than $300 for the watch.

[@Shino2600]

Dr. Tautology Good to know. MSRP goes for $995-$1,200 and discounted to $500-$800 when on sale at Macy’s or other gray market . Some are really nice looking too like the grand touring.

[@TautologyTechSystems]

Shino2600 If you like the watch it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. I would NEVER pay that much. There are so many Swiss automatics in that price range, it just wouldn't make sense.

[@jasonJones-ks5co]

I like Micros so long as there affordable. These $1500-$2000 micros are ridiculous

[@n.a.792]

jason Jones I know right? We are talking Omega, Sinn and pre-owned Rolexe here.

[@jasonJones-ks5co]

Nazim Agabekov exactly. For the price that some of these microbrands are charging you can get some really really nice preowned pieces,.

[@Marc-xk1rb]

Way over priced you could have anyone of those watches built for $400- $500 maybe not the brew watch's bracelet.

[@jasonJones-ks5co]

Panis Angelicus ok, but Sinn has been in the game since the early 1960s. They have a history and pedigree. Unlike a micro that’s only been on the scene for a few years pricing themselves in the sub $2000 range.

[@flp2635]

Totally agree!

[@DerpEye]

My problem with microbrands are the lame names for the most part. Being italian myself, i see the names they borrow as utterly ridiculous more often than not. Thats because many of these manufacturers are english speaking, and think that borrowing a random mish mash of words from a latin language makes for a cool name. It does not.

[@solidus1995]

Phuck me dead mate

[@r3dsnow757]

alright let me invent brand names, Huska Watch Yuwervale Operhaz Everbeen Calti Volta Di Benera .......

[@kxish]

Lol i just posted the same thing, one year later.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Nice selection of left field, interesting micros! Cheers.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Just One More Watch thank you so much, my friend. I am a big fan of your content.

[@jeremyrockler246]

Teddy what can you tell us about the production process of these microbrands? Something like Halios or Martenero, are they transparent about where the watches are made or assembled?

[@rgama78]

I've owned a Baltic and a Halios and both are solid quality watches that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Excited about the new Baltic diver in pre-production.

[@dragonmaster7841]

Some of these micro prices are out of their mind. Anything over a 1,000 for a Miyota or NH movement is comical. Most mainstream brands will offer you a ETA for less.

[@Gotallofthem1]

So I understand you correctly, what you are saying is that the cost in parts and labor on these watches are about 100-150 bucks? And they are marking them up to 1K?

[@cy4624]

@@Gotallofthem1 they are over priced crap shoot for most part with very very few exceptions ..you can get Tissots, glycine, hamiltons all day for under $500 with actual eta/sellita movements vs miyota/Seiko.. another bonus is these established companies will be in existence for a while vs microbrands which may seize operations in short order. Basic advise is to stay away unless you really like the style and know what you are getting

[@林漢-i3g]

I'm not sure if this has been done before, but I would really like to see affordable and good bang for buck options for clothing brands, that are not fast fashion brands. Keep up the good work!

[@MikeOBrien1945]

Glad to see that sizes are coming down, and that they are getting away from the diver watch craze. Good video...as always.

[@GeoffSilkey]

Thanks for the quick summary Teddy. I think you really undersold Damasko- many WIS would not have include them with micros, and the technology they put into the cases and movements is pretty darn impressive- even more notable in this group where most (all?) of the others are largely differentiated by their looks.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Good point. I should have mentioned their scratch resistant cases. I was watching a video of someone taking scissors to the case. Really impressive.

[@voidifremoved]

I own a Dan Henry 1964 and love it it's my favorite watch $250 yeah sure it's quartz but I think it still offers excellent value. You also get a nice Leather Pouch and 2 watch straps which fit very nicely and are comfortable

[@NahyerAraved]

What do you think about SevenFriday? Its pretty popular right now in my country

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I am not familiar with them. I’ll have to check them out.

[@alexsdg3441]

I am super glad to see that you have picked some of micro branded watches with original designs and concepts. Not Steinhart, Ginault, Tisell, Squale..etc which are mostly homage watches to big name brands. It is not easy to make a micro brand because of their limitations. since they do not have the marketing budgets nor in-house movement capability, they have to come up with some special designs, mainly the dial and casing. I guess that is about 90% of micro brand watch's capability. They really can not use quartz movements because no one will take them really seriously (but Shinola, Undone and some other companies are doing it with quartz....) and if they want to make Chrono, they can not use Valjoux movement due to high pricing which will push the cost upward quite a bit. So, i see that most of micro brands are targeting between $400 to $1000 range using ETA, NH, Miyota movements. And some does modify the movements to be more accurate (like Ginault & Pelton...etc) or even decorate the rotors..etc. Then, their sales pricing goes more than $1000 which is again difficult to market. Anyway, if micro brand goes up more than $1000, automatically it is a tough sell. there are A LOT OF good & mid range big brand names, selling their very good and reputable watches from $1000 to $2000 range, such as Certina, Baume & Mercier, Alpine, Tissot... hundreds of them. In your video, I saw a lot of (actually most of them) brands with unique design concepts. However, I wonder how far they can go. Aesthetics and designs are like fads. (like Colareb watch band design being so popular currently....) Consumers will move on Unless they can come up with something really substantial, such as in-house movement with different complications. (THAT would be almost impossible for micro brands... Not almost. Just impossible). So, I am guessing that after few more years, about 80% of micro brands will be gone and another new wave of micro branded companies will replace them....

[@JohnClarkW]

Maen is one I keep looking at, they have a new diver coming next month, which is an ETA-2824 watch under $500. Not all of the micro-brands have to be expensive. -- I have recently picked up a couple nice Seiko NH35 watches recently. The expensive one, the Aquatico Sea Star 300M, was $240 and came with a sapphire crystal, screw down crown, solid end links, an extra ISOfrane style rubber strap, and is a 300m diver. The Spinakker Fleuss was another good pick up, also sapphire crystal, screw down crown, a lumed bezel, and a nice leather strap. I picked up strapcode bracelet for it, and am really happy with this one.

[@jaredcampbell]

Great Video! I love the Halios watches and being they are from my home town of Vancouver Canada I would love to get my hands on one. But as you said they are hard to get. But in my search for other watches from Canada I came across two other micro brands that I bought a watch from and love. Momentum, they are also based out of Vancouver and have been around for I believe 30 years and make a lot of very robust tool watches ranging from $100+. I highly recommend them. Aevum watches - they are based out of Toronto Canada and are a newer start up. I bought the GT model and I love it. It is a racing inspired watch and looks amazing. For under $300 you get a NH35 movement, saphire, 100m WR, ceramic bezel, and the best leather strap I have every seen. I highly recommend them as well.

[@stevejukic8166]

Is ETA restricting supplies? Have a look at Swedish Calypso but unfortunately again with Myota:-(( Squale and Steinhart use ETA and are priced lower

[@Rahul-dl6ct]

Can you pls look at Farer?

[@johnmoreno3178]

Nice reviews! I think Zelos, Boldr, Maranez watches are nice microbrands as well.

[@ztobe3822]

Teddy, in mentioning the Oak and Oscar Jackson, you missed an important detail; it's a *flyback* chronograph...and it might be the least expensive flyback chronograph currently on the market.

[@thewatchloungechris]

The Eza while a nice piece reminds me of the Squale 1521 a good bit.

[@ssvs0485]

I would not consider Damasko a micro brand. Interesting video though.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Yeah microbrand is a term surrounded by grey lines. I just heard someone call Christopher Ward a microbrand. I am not sure where the line should be drawn

[@porschephile2k3]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Christopher Ward already has its own movement. I wouldn't consider them a microbrand.

[@lifeisgood2884]

Is agelocer a microband? Sorry im new on horology

[@TopPrelude]

Teddy honestly by far you are the most professional and interesting Watch Channel to view (In my opinion). The content is high quality, production is also a high standard. Well done and keep them coming! Really like the innovative straps you are producing. Best of luck!!

[@HonoluluBlue81]

Monta, Borialis, NTH, Nodus, Archimede are a few more great micros.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I am not familiar with a couple of those. I will check them out!

[@laguna172]

Spartan75 : I have a Monta (with a second one on preorder). They make exceptional watches both in quality and design. I'm not familiar with the other brands you mentioned but I am definitely going to check them out.

[@riseuplight]

Yeah I like nth but everything is sold out

[@neilpiper9889]

Autodromo looks like Swatch designs. Nh35 a is a $40 movement. Longevity is doubtful but the accuracy when new is good.

[@oviatb]

What do you think about Atlantic Swiss watches?

[@macmac8122]

Nice video! But does Chicago really count as "mid west"? Damasko would be my favourite there, it seems to be a Sinn-Substitute Nr.1, but are not much cheaper than Sinn. They have a few vintage style watches which look great and have a very good reputation because of their "scratch resistance".

[@Alteranas]

Hey #Teddy Baldassarre, what are your thoughts on Geckota watches, more specifically G-01 vintage style automatic, regarding the quality of manufacturing, are they worth the money? Few years back I bought some Vincero watch, and I would like to avoid burning myself once more. Thank You, you are doing amazing job there.

[@neuromancerXL]

If you really love the style (Dan Henry, Reverie) or craftsmanship and material (Steinhart, Chris Ward) I say go for it

[@mb-watches]

I like the Helson Shark Diver a lot, very tooly divers with lots of Lume and a very sturdy look. Nice to see the damasko, too, the white dial Brew was my favourite though. Great video Teddy 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@paulanthonyjohns]

Excellent channel and review of micro brands. One MB I have discovered recently is the fonderia navale. Wondered if you'd come across or ever reviewed. I have been impressed with it.

[@thegorn]

Man the micro's have improved so much in the last 5 years. Looking at this old video lets me know how far we've come.

[@StatelineSportsPod]

There are a lot of micro brands making great affordable watches that arent mentioned here. A lot of them can be found on Long Island Watches. Some of my favorites: Aristo, Aeromatic, Mesherschmitt, Avi-8, Brillier, etc. most of these have automatic variants for 300-500 dollars.

[@ManishLamba41]

I'm surprised not to see Christopher Ward or Zelos on the list. Two brands very much worth checking out. I don't know if CW's own movement is worth it since you can get a name brand for that price.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Do you think CW fits the description as a microbrand? If so, I think they should be included.

[@ManishLamba41]

I guess it depends on your definition of "microbrand". I consider the "microbrand" watches to not be sold to standard channels like Authorized Distributors or retailers, and don't really have the name recognition of the "major brands" like Longines, Tag Heuer, Tissot, Hamilton, etc. I unfortunately do not know what CW production capacity is per year but it is a brand that if you are novice on watches, you most likely haven't heard of them in the US. But I guess it kinda of goes back to what defines a "microbrand"?

[@ManishLamba41]

Strangely Brown I believe Teddy mention brands on his list that make their own movements. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[@simontyrannes1829]

What about reviewing the Timefactors watches?

[@a97b18b]

First time buying a MB. Just backed Maen Watches for their Hudson. It’s perfect at 38mm for my small wrist. Hopefully it’s worth the $400

[@constantinehorozov4321]

Great video, what is your thoughts about Monta watch

[@ItsTimePictures]

Unfortunately the sellita is a heavily compromised ETA clone. It won't last as long and has too many flaws to keep it going long term. Therefore it should not be used in any watch that costs more than $500.

[@timgraley7091]

Like your video, but the prices are way out of the affordable range. In case you were not aware, Damasko is not a micro brand. They have been well established for years being established in 1994. Keep up the good work.

[@elopezw]

Hi Teddy what are your thoughts on UNDONE watches??

[@marktuyet]

Damasko and Esa .. very nice just wish they offered smaller sizes . Please someone have the courage to offer 36mm watch option ..

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I totally agree with you here!! The eza did wear pretty small for 41mm but I am a small watch guy like you so I agree!

[@secularpilgrim1372]

I would like to hear your opinion on Pinion. Thanks for your videos, really enjoying them.

[@wvi1966]

The Belmoto is the Magrette Dual Time in a different colour. Why change the brand name?

[@edmundgoh450]

Hey Teddy, what do you think about Azimuth?

[@philipsdefreville6138]

Great points! Personally for obscure and great value, nothing beats vintage.

[@ben_3256]

Teddy, what do you think of the Oak & Oscar Humboldt? Would like to hear your opinion on the price. Thanks.

[@ben_3256]

PS This is Ben from Sheetz lol. I'll shoot you an email at your website.

[@porschephile2k3]

You also have to be mindful of customer service/support from these microbrands. From my experience, Nodus does provide excellent customer service. Had a problem with a watch I bought from them, one of the owners sent me a shipping label on a Sunday of all days for a 2 day shipping from SF to LA. Turnaround time was 1-2 days and I got my watch back fixed in less than a week. On a different note, you'd be lucky to get a response from Astor + Banks with any questions or problems you have with their watches.

[@phillipesmart]

Love the Detroit Watch Company and Geckota as well as Szanto

[@goldendawn7]

2 quick points on microbrands, one its not so much the initial cost that deters me, its the idea of having to have it serviced that does. Some of these might catch your eye at first, and you can maybe convince yourself to shell out like $500-$800 for one instead of saving that towards a blue chip brand, or buying a sweet Seiko now, but are you going to love it enough to pay $100 + in the next however-many-years to keep it running? Sure Miyotas and Seiko movements might have reputations for lasting years and years service free, but thats when placed inside cases that are manufactured to the big boys standards, in the case of dive watches in particular, iso standards as well. When the threaded crown tube on your Eza Sealander fails a year and a half in, how much are you going to want to pay to get it fixed, and how hard will you kick yourself for not just buying a Prospex instead? Second point, I do believe some of these will appreciate/have real collector value in the future, particularly the Halios. But the ones that do will be in the minority. Honestly, great video Teddy, cheers!

[@PokePresto]

I have a microbrand deepblue master 1000 44mm and absolutly love it.

[@theoneandonly7213]

What about Steinhart? Swiss microbrand with eta top grade movement (in most of their watches) with Seiko prices

[@MidEnginedFan]

Thanks for highlighting some of the "other" brands, it's nice to see what else is out there. Love the Eza Sealander Blue and their quilted straps.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

It’s a great watch! Thanks for watching, my friend.

[@tobias_dahlberg]

Hi, cool video. I saw you used my footage of the Bravur BW003. I don't have a problem what so ever with other KZbinrs using my content, however it would always be nice to get a little credit in the description or some other place. /Tobias

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

My fault brother! You are certainly correct. All the other footage was either from the brand itself and or have the brand logo in the corner. I will add you to the description of this video here. Great shots and my apologies!

[@tobias_dahlberg]

Thanks Teddy! :) Keep the good work up!

[@ervinsensendorf4367]

I am surprised that you did not mention Straton. Those 70's style race chrono watches are simply gorgeous.

[@timemachineeddie1146]

Aragon is my favorite Microbrand. They make amazing watches as well. Great Video and thanks for sharing.

[@WaitingforUlcers]

I have owned four of them, have two currently, and I love them. Enormous watches with time tested movements which fit my personality and taste. I think they get a bad rap because Wing constantly churns out new stuff, which oddly enough is what people want from almost everyone except watchmakers.

[@jimbeam4140]

I wanted an authentic Bahaus watch and no well known brands offer affordable Bahaus style watches. I bought a Bahaus watch from Sternglas in Hamburg, Germany and if you include customs and shipping I paid just under $200 US. The watch is spectacular and really fills the special niche I was looking for. Thats what good micro brands do and Sternglas is a very good micro brand.

[@J.Bradley.]

I just saw a Brathwait. Thoughts Teddy?

[@romanopeterj]

Great video Teddy, big fan of the channel. I'm new to my interest in watches even though I am a middle age guy. I'm considering the Christopher Ward c65 Trident Diver. Also considering the Oris 65 Heritage Diver.

[@xubairhanif963]

Few of the divers are really nice but lack bracelet options... Or it's just that you choosed to show only with straps?

[@Youcantleavethisempty01]

Where is the form? I'd be happy to participate. Also, I don't get the reluctance toward sponsorship. You can remain authentic while being sponsored, right?

[@mikeoconnor1819]

Great video, micros are really putting out some nice stuff. My own favourite is the Visitor Vale Park Officer.

[@carlitobrigante330]

I love micro brands, but am bothered sometimes by the difficulty in trying to determine (aside from movement) where exactly the watch itself is manufactured. I don't mind if something is manufactured in China or Hong Kong, as long as it is openly disclosed or can be easily researched. Any watch that doesn't indicate provenance anywhere on either the dial or caseback (for example) is highly suspect to me.

[@stratonwatchco]

Subscribed, nice content and thanks for giving micro brands some love :)

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks for watching, Kyle. I am a big fan of microbrands. I hope to start my own in the near future possibly.

[@mikes1929]

Ever look at the Farer Universal brand?

[@OFD]

Excellent content, so glad to have discovered your channel!!

[@michaelbedford8017]

The main problem with micro brands is that they are expensive for what you objectively get. Combine that with the huge bath you're going to take when you sell it in 95% of cases. Imagine trying to sell it 3-4 years when everyone's forgotten the name with it's myota movement that you paid 6k for.

[@stever7097]

Have you looked at Van Brauge watches??

[@brandonboudreaux9177]

I am particular to the Helm Vanuatu. It’s an amazing watch for $300, assuming they’re in stock. I bought mine for just over $300 on eBay and am in love. Seiko hackable movement. 300 meter water proofing, ISO certified. Best lume I’ve ever seen on a watch. Beautiful design. Great on NATO straps, rubber dive straps, or the multi link bracelet it comes on. The list can go on. The only downside might be the chunkiness, and bulk of it. I have no problem with it’s size, seeing as I have 8” wrists

[@akiole7356]

Teddy can you do wrist watch checks?

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Simba Lee i always thought it was cliche. But I’ll start doing them.

[@shakchatthapa6664]

you thought right, from my point of view. but do them anyway because curiosity​ kills the cat. and hey, what do you really think of the Baltic Bicompax oo1? Im thinking of getting it, but this video makes me think.. 'It is a little steep on the price point especially considering the movement". anyway, do lemme know your thoughts when available. cheers!

[@samyoo1678]

dont do it Teddy i hate it

[@Youcantleavethisempty01]

After enjoying my Hamilton Boulton and Mondaine Helvetica, both good looking but quartz movement watches, I just bought a mid-size SKX to enter into the mechanical field. My next purchase will definitely be an Eza once I can scrounge up the cash!

[@DonCacomixtle]

To me some microbrands sometimes have even better options. Undone Tropical is awesome, Spinnaker Bradner, so is Dan Henry 1970.

[@howardflies]

Damasko is one with pretty short but rich heritage. Made metal for the German navy, and also makes the chronograph for EADS test pilots. The DC56.

[@burkholdst.rudderberg3574]

How about Swiss brands ATLANTIC, VULCAIN, WEST END WATCH, ZENO WATCH BASEL?

[@xavieralonzoparedes]

Hi Teddy, your straps look cool. I would include a quick release and butterfly clasps to make them stand out more.

[@ISAIAH-yu1gi]

I just purchased a Dan Henry 1962 Panda Chronograph. It's worth looking into.

[@hectormartinez100]

Micro brands range $350/500 in mi humble opinion. all this feature watches are way over priced.

[@arindambasu9850]

Please make vintage distressed leather straps at a reasonable price. Big lacuna in the market for those.

[@tynungester2543]

While you do have several nice selections, there are several that you missed that I do believe to be mentioned and discussed. My list includes but is not limited to Bernhardt Watch Company, Lew & Huey/NTH (Janis Trading), Melbourne Watch Company, Mercer Watches, Visitor Watche, and Phoibos Watches.

[@danielfernandez5721]

I just discovered your channel and I am a huge fan of it. I really like your presentation.

[@NovemXI]

I would never pay $1000+ for a microbrand watch - beautiful as they may be! Most of them are powered by NH35 and Miyota movements. My recommendations: Lorier Balticus (not Baltic) Dan Henry Zelos Visitor Traska

[@metalmann7]

Wow, you missed some good ones. My three favorite US Made / Assembled microbrands are Minuteman Watch (ETA Quartz and Miyota Autos - donate a portion of profits to Veterans Charites - assembled in the USA), Smith & Bradley (Quartz and Automatic ETA mvmts - assembled in the USA!) and most importantly WEISS WATCH CO (Under $2k for 99.99% fully designed manufactured and assembled in Los Angeles, CA!! Or a Swiss mvmt for under $1k, still assembled by Cameron Weiss in LA). You need to check these brands out, along with Oscar and Oak, that are bringing watch making jobs back to the United States!!!

[@Texas240]

Regarding Demasko, Long Island Watch is now a dealer for them, so no extra import fees (and great customer service) if you go through that dealer. I disagree with the assertion that micro brands are more expensive than similar level item from a mainstream brand. I have experience with Steinhart and Borealis. Both of these brands offer good quality and value, in their price points, in addition to good customer service. These 2 brands also hold their value remarkably well on the secondary market. So, trying one won't hurt so much if you change your mind or decide to move up. Archimede is a German brand that also looks to have a strong background. I'm a little disappointed that you touch on micro brands without looking imto these 3 solid brands that don't have the potential micro brand drawbacks. There are plenty of sketchy micros, though.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Great to know that Long Island watch added damasko to their offering. I guess I never associated steinhart with microbrands. I’m sure I will do another video in the future about this topic. Thanks for watching.

[@slavakim25]

Dan henry 1964 is one of the best price-quality watches Ive bought. quality to its finest for 250$.Simply a stunning watch. That being said, I would never spend more than 1000$ for a microbrand watch.

[@williamthurston6007]

How do you feel about Spinnaker watches

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I can’t say that I am familiar. I will look into them

[@tasheeralam2186]

Tissot and Hamilton can be mine for less ,why should I go for micro? Overall good work.

[@AlexanderBoothe]

That Eza was definitely a favorite of mine from these select micro brands!

[@bmf97ss1]

Same here! Think I'm about to order one up

[@bbh5700]

A brand i reccomend is Jacques LeMans. Most of their watches use swiss quartz mvt but they are in the $10 to $200 price range and are EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY

[@sebgallegos]

Hey Teddy! A microbrand I think is worth checking out is Klokers. The watches themselves are pretty neat for my taste, but what also makes this brand interesting is their ideas behind their watch straps and accessories. I'd love to know what you think!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Very interesting watches. I don’t know if they are my style but really intriguing. I might have to give them love in a future video

[@AsianImage]

How about Weiss based here in So Cal and Shinola from Detroit?

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I was not familiar with Weiss. All in house movements? Pretty impressive. I will have to give them a closer look. Shinola I think gets a bit too much hate. I think they are but overpriced for what you get, but I love the look!

[@AsianImage]

Yes take a look. He just literally this year went to an in house movement. Before that he use eta but of course all hand built including case and straps in Los Angeles. He is in my opinion way ahead of Shinola. Definitely peruse their website.

[@andygeiger963]

Shinola is not worth the money! Also they got in trouble by stating they are made in the US when in fact they were not.

[@andygeiger963]

Some of the Weiss watches are listed at $8k... I'd rather by a Rolex for that amount!

[@waldi2302]

How cool that that Video just popped up today. I live on the countryside our comunity have 800 people and I learned today that we have a Microbrand since 6 years. So I will take a hand full of money and go for a Coffee tomorrow.

[@shughes911]

U really like how the micro brands are throwing their hat in the ring! I like Helios and the Demasko!

[@ellehaan]

What about rotary watches teddy?

[@misteragb7558]

You know eterna is eta right?

[@diegoog3654]

Props to the one company that sent a watch for you to review.

[@lionkingmatiouz3441]

Interesting to discover multiple brands in one video. Thx man

[@stefpix]

Nodus Trieste is nice and also Helm Vanuatu. they are around 300 USD. Not sure if Damasko is a microbrand. Looks nice.

[@MrAdjaize]

I would'nt call Damasko a micro brand either.

[@stefpix]

yes, I feel microbrands make a couple of pieces and may fold, or are 2 3 years old. Hasn't Damasko been around for some decades?

[@jamesdadamo649]

I absolutely love the cognac leather strap, really nice

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you so much man! I have another batch of straps that I am going to show in another form soon.

[@jamesdadamo649]

Teddy Baldassarre where can i get some of these ?

[@thomasdusiniuskronevald4792]

Great reviews and great selection of Microbrands

[@malthus101]

There is a fine line between "micro-brand" and a fashion watch. Just chucking someone else's movement in a pretty case.... can that really be called watch-making? The movement IS the watch. When we start seeing micro-brands making there own movements.... that's something worth taking note of.

[@watchalot919]

Not sure if I totally agree. First of all we have to determine what a micro brand is. Most micro brand watches come out of the same factories as other micro brands, so are they really micro brands? Like you say, most micros brands have a third party movement, which isn't bad thing though. Let's take San Martin. A Chinese micro brand, but made in the same factory as other Seiko homages, but perhaps with better QC and spec. Technically better than Seiko, from the crystal to the bracelet, but at a fraction of the price. How about Christopher Ward, far from cheap, but as good as larger brands charging considerably more. Let us not forget, regardless of where the company is based, most micro brands are made in Chine, that said I don't have any problem with that !