BRUTALLY Ranking 50 Watch Microbrands

TODAY we rank 50 of the worlds BEST watch microbrands on one tier list. From Baltic to San Martin, let's see how all these brands stack up against eachother.
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[@pauliewalnuts5241]

I like the fact San Martin provides affordable and quality homages. Imo they are top tier.

[@JohnLilley]

i think Vaer needed a mention, but great video.

[@myownbiggestfan]

Islander Watches needs to make their logo about 30% smaller. I've seen watches sold as sports merch where the team logo was smaller than Islander's.

[@cheesychester9647]

Henry Archer is so good tho

[@cy9nvs]

I never had one, but from what I heard, Formex watches are seriously good in terms of quality. The Essence is actually pretty affordable, for a chronometer certified watch with such a good level of finishing, and I think the bracelet can be removed and micro-adjusted without tools as well. Also, the family of the CEO owns Dexel SA, which is a company that builds all sorts of components for other watch brands, including bracelets.

[@jessem_i31]

Yes, the Essence is a fantastic watch, a proper chronograph.

[@EnglishTMTB]

I have an Essence Chronometer - great watch for the money, very solidly built and incredibly comfortable... Looks and feels twice the price, in all honesty - COSC certification is a bonus, I'd have paid that without it!

[@petersimonsen1976]

In my opinion, Henry Archer is easily one of the best microbrands of 2024. They are excelling with their recent releases, especially Nordsø and Vesterhav. The last thing I would call their designs is 'boring' or 'bland.' Have you seen their purple or meteorite dial models? Also, for what it's worth, San Martin and Phoibos are not microbrands-they're both Chinese factory brands. 'Smiths' is another microbrand with a strong heritage, and you are completely leaving out one of the most beloved microbrands "Direnzo". The point of this video doesn't make much sense if you're 'rating' brands you haven't even tried, but have only looked at on a monitor. A title like '50 Budget-Friendly Watches on My Shopping List' would be more fitting. Anyway, that's just my two cents. :)

[@FlorderreyVello]

So you know it better now. Then the Phoibos Microbrand Story is fake? Now the real microbrands make their watches in the basement? Most of them have connections to watch factories. Which other way do you have to start a brand?

[@lucien8476]

Henry archer should be top tier easily

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll check them out in person 🙏

[@matthewpringle1978]

Agreed, great watches and even better customer service

[@kenrob4965]

missed the 2 best Microbrands out there mate, Direnzo and Tuseno.

[@TopTierTicker]

Apologies 🙏

[@walterschofield9153]

I agree, DiRenzo is one of my favorites as well.

[@jeffreyweiss1160]

Yep, I was thinking the same thing.

[@FontanellaNorville]

There's no need to spend thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on designer bags. Many fakes are almost identical to the real thing. You won't be able to tell the difference without going to a professional appraisal agency. I bought over a dozen fake bags at *hotdups* for the price of one genuine bag. You can't tell the difference. The difference between the real thing. You no longer need to worry about damaging your bag or getting mugged on the street.

[@krvav1]

CW is not a microbrand anymore, Traska is definatly a top tier micro,

[@Zotrax1946]

Well, I mostly agree about everything, except Henry Archer. Don’t own one yet to say their offerings are boring is a big stretch. I thought there would be more points of contention with so many brands..😉

[@TopTierTicker]

I guess people really do love Henry Archer! Wow. I just find their current options a bit bland... I'm sure the quality is high though

[@bosco1603]

some of these micro brands charging $500+ with nh34 movements are wild. you can literally build your own nh34 gmt for half that (with well finished cases), or just get a seiko gmt for under 350. i'm glad to see more micro brands embracing the miyota 9075. i was almost ready to pull the trigger on the nezumi, but i think i'll hold out to see what other brands come up with the movement before picking up my beater travel watch.

[@MrLeSa95]

seiko gmt is not going or 350 or under 350....

[@stevens1041]

"San Martin" is a ridiculously annoying name. Its like someone that traveled to Spain and Italy once and stuck random names together, poorly inspired by their quick trip. The hype for them on youtube also rubs me the wrong way. Otherwise, a lot of great choices on here. I want to try Nezumi, they look interesting.

[@TopTierTicker]

It's an awful name, but still somehow better than most other aliexpress brands 😂 I've seen some absolute shockers on there 👌🤣

[@EnglishTMTB]

Yea it's not the best name... Yet somehow wouldn't put me off nearly as fast as a Henry Archer or particularly Christopher Ward would. And TBF, they're really well built for the money - lazy on the design side, with most being copies, but they're more than capable of building their own designs really well now (even if they're a minority of their catalogue!)

[@cheesychester9647]

Love this video though. Keep up this kind of content. Exploring microbrand is so overwhelming.

[@cheesychester9647]

One last thing, have you tried Monta? Any thoughts on the brand? They're right up there with Formex in price, but man, the quality on my Monta is up there with my Omega Aqua Terra.

[@TopTierTicker]

Designs look beautiful. Prices look high 😆 you have to get hands on with models that are that price range to get a look at the details to really understand them.

[@WaterJake]

They are pricey for a microbrand but not for the quality. On the quality side they beat out every single brand on this list. On the design side, they are pretty straightforward but done very well.

[@voidifremoved]

Really enjoyed this. Some microbrands I never heard of and will be checking them out. I dont agree with several of your placements but everyone is different.

[@orzjr]

Great specs, good designs, insane prices... Thats why PD is exactly for me. Greetings from 🇧🇷

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@winc06]

I think for watched based youtubers you are a Must Try.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thank you my friend 🙏 too kind

[@adrewTakio]

Watch Yourself Jorge did a great micro brand tier list for anyone that's interested

[@chinckennugget2015]

Great video mate👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks mate 🙏🙏🙏 hope all is well

[@grahamwallace]

Fantastic video! One of the best pieces of watch content I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@jschoenzy9416]

This was a helpful introduction. I've always ignored micro brands and now I have a map to all the catalogs.

[@marcussimmons7388]

Can’t believe you don’t include Scurfa! Alright I know there are more than 50 Microbrands, but their story is great.

[@marcusmcewen9654]

I have a Scurfa. it is a great value . The only problem is they’re sold out all the time.

[@marcussimmons7388]

@@marcusmcewen9654 Lorier can be pretty tricky too

[@zosothezephead837]

I wonder if there's a microbrand called Dan Druff?

[@pgrtwitto3783]

Excellent! Love it!

[@TopTierTicker]

Many thanks!

[@noduswatches5980]

Fun video! Amongst some heavy hitters too!

[@reconteam91]

Thank you for this. I'm relatively new to microbrands and this helps my purchasing decisions!

[@TopTierTicker]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with the decisions

[@dejuanmcguire9348]

@6:35 I bought that Dan Henry 1937 secondhand earlier this week and it arrived in my mailbox around the time I watched this video. Beautiful watch!

[@bagelbutternut]

BOLDR is my favorite microbrand of choice, especially their venture lineup.

[@neilwade9870]

Nice one, very interesting 👏👏

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for watching

[@dmcc6280]

Thanks for introducing a plethora of less known brands.

[@paulgardner6388]

I think you are wrong on Henry Archer (which FYI is the owner's name). All you have to do is handle one in person or wear it for a week and I am sure you will put it in can't go wrong.

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll definitely give them a try at some point 🙏

[@larrycross4114]

Is somebody that owns one Henry Archer now and has another one on order. How dare you not validate my choice:) I have one question before I jump off the nearest cliff, why is John Henry a more exciting name than Henry Archer? Or even Mr. George really?😄

[@TopTierTicker]

I was simply offering an explanation as to why they maybe haven't caught my attention yet. I'm sure the quality if fantastic with them, but the designs they currently offer don't appeal to me. Also, you're correct, most other names are boring too!

[@larrycross4114]

@@TopTierTicker I get it, just having some fun. Definitely going to check out some of the brands on your list wherever they fall.

[@SpaceG95]

Henry Archer watches are fantastic. I had some hands on time with them at the District Time Watch Show in DC a few months ago. They are definitely brave and bold with the colors. Good quality feel. Very underrated 😊

[@sinjinadams2862]

I really liked this video because I'm being introduced to a lot of watch brands I've never heard of.

[@osPA78]

FANTASTIC video! What are your thoughts on LIV watches?

[@KidsInCombat]

San Martin good, Henry Archer bad? You can’t really speak on HA without having tried one, and in terms of design I really think you haven’t been looking very much for it. I’ve noticed that you mostly like diver or field watch styles so I really don’t agree with which watches are “good looking” in your opinion

[@TopTierTicker]

But I didn't comment on the quality of HA, just the fact that the designs are a bit bland to me? Which is a diver btw so that ruins your argument. I can absolutely speak that the designs aren't for me, that doesn't take away anything from the brand.

[@jvduckmanton7162]

Great vid mate. One of your best. Agreed with about 90%. I know you can’t add all the brands, but, ZeroWest and Helm make great watches as well. Cheers

[@TopTierTicker]

Cheers mate!

[@j1d7s]

That was serious fun and not too controversial for me, thanks! Because you asked, here are my views on some of the branches and mostly only those from which I owned or own watches: I would put Wise next to Zelos. I own watches from both brands and I must say Wise is up there quality-wise, my only bronze watch is their Adamascus Bronze and it is stunningly beautiful. What is even better than with Zelos is that you don't get completely stressed out trying to get one of their watches in the few seconds they are available in the online shop... Good point regarding the cases of Mister Jones watches, they really are super-boring. I own and love two of their watches, but it is all about what goes on behind the glass. I would love if they could get just a bit adventurous with their cases, too. I think that Isotope watches have a unique and recognizable look and I am sure the build quality is great (as it should be for the price). But they come off as a bit too playful and gimmicky with those round shapes especially for the hands, so I would put them into the decent category just because of personal aesthetics. I have an RZE watch and another one coming my way. These are extraordinarily well made, the Titanium 5 case is great, I have an RZE Resolute Pro with a yellow enamel dial and this color is just beautiful. I would have put RZE one higher. I find pure Bauhaus aesthetics quite boring and would have put Sternglas one lower, I am also getting way too many ads from them, that is another reason... I would put Henry Archer in the decent category, I have seen some reviews and they seem to be well built, the design is also quite recognizable, I was considering getting the Nordsø Iris on the beads of rice-y bracelet.

[@Xxblaze191x]

There's sooo many microbrands now but imo Zelos, Traska, Baltic and Halios are all top tier and exceeded my expectations. Interesting to hear your take on CW and Formex, those are 2 brands I've been wanting to check out

[@thewholecut]

Great video Kieron! That Geckota you showed was very cool gonna have to check it out!

[@TopTierTicker]

Beautiful isn't it! They have a few on their website as 'nearly new'...

[@thewholecut]

@@TopTierTicker Oh awesome decent price too for the specs!

[@wi903060]

Thank you for the fun video! Halios (must try) and Helson (decent) are worth a mention IMHO. Maybe next time =) Cheers!

[@she_loves_watches]

A couple thoughts… most of the Chinese brands reviewed are pretty much total homage shops. I think Henry Archer pieces are pretty original & well made making them a solid value. IMO, Furlan MARRI very good but take their design cues from Patek. I have enjoyed my Serica pieces (French microbrand not mentioned). Thanks for sharing your opinions with us!

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll definitely check out a Henry Archer at some point soon. I'm sure they're great, the deisngs aren't appealing to me?

[@she_loves_watches]

@@TopTierTicker I get that. We all have diff taste which is what makes life more interesting!

[@user-oe9po2oj3o]

Great video! What about Yema or Serica?

[@TopTierTicker]

Yema is a legacy brand (love them BTW) and Serica look cool!

[@alexsavutube]

Confirmation bias or not is worth a subscribe. got a Zelos and a Phoibos, planing to get a CW - 12 after I sell a couple of corporation watches. I transformed a period corect pocket watch into a trench watch and I'm not sure Vario Versa would scratch the Reverso itch so the brand is on stand-by for me. Totally agree about San Martin, however I enjoy so much the panda Tudor clomage that Rolex will just have to find a way to survive, I'm keeping it. My wife is happy to hear that you aded Dan Henry, SWC and Straton on my wish list.

[@sweetcorn1968]

I'll need to watch it again, but I think you're generally spot on. You should've called it "Fifty more watches you'll want to buy!"

[@MrBacchus18]

I just received a white dial Helm Komodo in the mail today. Super impressed with the total package and I know I can resell easily for what I payed for it if I want to (I don't) I would put it in the "can't go wrong" tier. What do you guys think?

[@martijnp4313]

Nice list! Lots of interesting brands I've never heard of. Also some brands that are not on the list, like Steinhart, Magrette and Vratislavia - I own those. No disrespect of course, because you can't list them all. But do you have any thoughts on those?

[@patrickhartmann1540]

Excellent and comprehensive review of micros. I would put Traska and Maen in the must try.

[@dmitryw.2209]

I feel like you could take a look at Straum. Is Anordain no longer a microbrand? Great video... agreed with almost all your choices - in particular I think Vario are some of the coolest watches for the price.

[@brewwatchco]

‘Can’t go wrong!” Fantastic - thank you very much for the appreciation! This was a great video.

[@TopTierTicker]

Keep up the great work 🙏

[@mohammadabdullah6707]

I must say, I enjoyed your list (almost wrote lust!) as well as your non nonsense approach. Truly well done. I have a question : As someone who prefers practicality, I love watches with large (NOT hardly readable) subdials with the most common needs (which, to me are) the day of the week, the month, and the day of the month. Sadly, so very, very few watches have this...but seeing your video makes me realise how MUCH is out there. Do you, please sir, have a list of said features? The Tokyo Calendrier is perfect, but is out of stock. Any (please!) Suggestions?

[@dopenerd]

Great tier list. Although I’d have Farer up at the ‘Must Try’ tier…but I get it they’re kinda pricey.

[@zosothezephead837]

I bought 2 and sent them straight back. The videos make them look much better than they are, which is kinda cheap.

[@laurencehogg6010]

Watches were rated more highly than others sometimes based on design, sometimes on value, sometimes on quality, sometimes on price, sometimes on familiarity. A barely consistent mess.

[@TopTierTicker]

Well, each brand delivers highly on some elements and lack others. I weight each of those categories (on the spot I might add) and try and create some sort of order. It's no easy task. I'm happy with how the listed turned out though. Generally, you'll find brands that deliver originality, quality and excitement at the top... Brands lacking those things at the bottom.

[@Not_me9791]

You are spot on!!! And this is more or less what I wrote before! Zero consistency in the review! And a lot of important micro brands missing (to put several very similar)… but it is his opinion (or other thing) and we just need to accept or not… I rather not!

[@TopTierTicker]

@@Not_me9791 like I said at the start of the video, this is my opinion. Feel free to share yours. I covered 50 brands, I can't cover every single one on the planet 🤣 it was already 38 mins long. Give me a break man 😂

[@gillyharwood]

I agree but it is his own opinion .. bit dangerous though for novices who are new to watches. Dan Henry and Furlan Marri base there watches on old vintage styles .. nothing original so why so high on the list ??

[@laurencehogg6010]

@@gillyharwood Your point about novices is a good one and the main reason I commented. Apart from the opinions not being consistent, I think what poked my waspnest the most was ranking watches owned, handled and viewed online in the same list. The comments about Henry Archer and Aaragon after looking at the web sites weren't fair.

[@jimmcmellen986]

Next time maybe think about reviewing Lillienthal Berlin?

[@zosothezephead837]

I own two and they're excellent.

[@simonpringle3219]

Neither Phoibos nor San Martin are microbrands for starters. NTH have several completely original designs apart from their submariner and Tudor influenced pieces. Henry Archer is widely acknowledged as a designer of original high quality watches. I know these lists are subjective but it helps to get categories right to have real credibility.

[@TopTierTicker]

Phoibos is 100% a microbrand. The NTH and HA designs didn't appeal to me. Correct, it's subjective. Therefore, you shouldn't be upset when someone you like gets ranked low. That's typically how these things work.

[@FlorderreyVello]

Some people here are disappointed because their watch is not in first place. I'm grateful for your video. I know a lot of brands, but not all of them. I will check every single brand I didn't know before and even the ones mentioned in the comments. I'm always looking for the special watch. Not so important to be Tier 1or Tier 4. It just has to catch my taste.

[@rtb_21]

Great vid mate, I've really enjoyed it! But why no Spinnaker on the list?? Now, since we've hit the 1k likes mark you've asked for no problem, please include Spinnaker on that 100 brands tier list. I own 2 of their limited editions and since I consider you to be the top tier expert on affordable watches around here, I really would like to hear your take on them as a brand. Thanks in advance and keep up the good work! Cheers!

[@jerroljulian]

Aside from the leather on the strap being way too thick and hard to break in, I absolutely love my Hemel.

[@leepotter3562]

I love henry Archer. Great dials, on the fly adjustment,quick release bracelet, and great movements. Sapphire crystal front and back 200m water resistance, around £500 take a look.

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll try one out at some point. Again, never dissed the quality or value, just said the designs don't appeal to me.

[@D3ZG1978]

Been waiting for this, great video! A few aren’t micros though although many have stated.. Phoibos aren’t a micro either 😉

[@TopTierTicker]

Why's Phoibos not a microbrand? And who's the person deciding what a micro is and isn't? 😂

[@D3ZG1978]

@@TopTierTicker it’s a micro brand database

[@RageAgainstTime]

Nice video! Funny thing, my Islander and Vaer watches both broke within the 1 year mark. I don't see myself buying their products for a while. My Chinese watches (SM, PD, Baltany, Phylida, Tandorio and Corgeut) none had any issues so far. 🤣 Zelos are beautiful, but I did end up selling 2 out of 3 from my collection, I don't see them as long term watches. They look cool at first but get old very quick in my opinion. I have 3 Venezianicos and I still don't see them going for sale, I like them. My next on the list to try is Baltic and Lorier

[@TopTierTicker]

Nice, sounds like you've had some good experience with some cool brands. I'm surprised at the islander breaking! Contact Mark? Should still be under warranty....

[@RageAgainstTime]

@@TopTierTicker yeah, I did... Unfortunately, they were already sold out of the watch I had so it was either trade in with something from their current listing or refund.. I got the refund this time.

[@Arabisc]

Is the final list posted somewhere ? I watched the video but i would like the actual end ranking

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Interesting! Having worked with many brands must give you a unique perspective as to how the quality and overall value differ between these! Out of curiosity where would you put a brand like Draken? Hope you have a great one Kieran!

[@TopTierTicker]

They look pretty cool! the designs don't jump out at me and make me want to buy, but I like the style. Value seems decent too. Cheers Johan, hope all is well!

[@esmeraldadevries9182]

Totally agree with Phoibos. Stunning watches, great specs, great quality, affordable prices 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Love a Phoibos. I highly recommend them for anyone!

[@TheLute70]

Really interesting video. I was unaware of most of those brands. Have you heard of Orion. Great designs but a little expensive.

[@SecondHourWatches]

There's only one way to remedy your perceptions and discover what so many of our customers rave about

[@mikecollings2808]

I love the phoibos designs, bought the eagle ray and put it on a matching nato, great lasting lume too, will be looking to buy a different model soon

[@joanjo8465]

In general terms I agree with this classification but in micro brands the quality is usually similar...so the choice of one watch or another is based mainly on esthetic preferences. Good video!

[@chrislyall6251]

Well where do i start,thank u 4 putting Koue an Baltic on the same level,but Pagani Design come on, i hear all the chat but Really..... Anyhow great review,my Brother keep up the fantastic work.

[@TopTierTicker]

Again, I see the value in them. I appreciate what they offer... Just not for me. I'd much rather have a Casio at the price 🙏 but again, enjoy your Pagani, I see the value. Appreciate you watching mate, hope all is well 👍

[@chrislyall6251]

@TopTierTicker All good my brother 🙏

[@progguy10]

you did traska dirty. they are a comfortable must try

[@davidfrew5450]

As a novice watch collector, I will definitely be screenshotting the final grid and keeping an eye on some prices on these brands. Thanks for taking the time to make this! 💪👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Be sure to try some of the brands I don't like too though, you might love them! That's the beauty of watch collecting... One man's trash is another man's treasure. Visit authorised dealers as much as possible. Get hands on with as many watches as possible. That's how you'll really develop your own taste 🙏

[@bikerd72]

Don't...make up your own mind and Google for more actual Micro Brands ! This Evaluation is just waaay too subjektive ( actually tempted to call it ludicrous quite frankly)

[@TopTierTicker]

​@@bikerd72 I've literally advised him to check out all the brands regardless of what I say. Read before you speak.

[@pwmaudio]

Traska as "decent" is an insult to their quality. I have a small collection of 30 watches, mostly micro brands but also Seiko, Panerei, Alpina, and Traska is right at the top. Finish, attention to detail and nearly unscratchable are the reason my Traska are my favorites among my collection

[@user-ke6xt1yl1l]

Hello and thanks for this video. Microbrands tier liste are not so usual to see. Of course I do not agree some of your choices. For example, in my opinion, Alkin is just boring, OutOfOrder or Undone are way not decent and if you put CW on "Must try" then Baltic should be at the same place. But that's all about taste, and I really liked the job you did. Finally, I only regret some missing micro brands like Direnzo, About Vintage, Fears, Awake, ... Perhaps will you do a chapter two. 😉

[@markwright2674]

Thanks for this list, I think you're spot on with many of these, but hope you spend more time with Maen (pronounced maan) and Henry Archer and allow them to change your mind and move up on the list. Maen, in particular, is very well made for the price and beautiful - more original than I think you give them credit for!

[@opticvisuall]

What's that sound in the very beginning when he says "crazy"? It is from the song, right?

[@TopTierTicker]

It's just a random mysterious / spooky sound effect I found. I don't think it's from a song

[@zosothezephead837]

I no longer understand the blind love given to Dan Henry, when one of the Miyota movements they use - and continue to use - has a faulty crown, as reported by at least 2 reviewers, including The Urban Gentry. In short, you CAN go wrong with a Dan Henry.

[@TopTierTicker]

They're beautiful watches. Surely beauty is one of the most important factors, no? I happily 'sacrifice' a couple of specs for a good looker'

[@kevinmccalister8197]

''Today, lets do something crazy"'' Tierlists like every other KZbinr and their mother. Lol.

[@TopTierTicker]

How many of them rank 50 brands?

[@NCSheriff7]

Nice video

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

How dare you say my Second Hour Mandala Burst is "lacking something". Just look at it in that great picture of mine at 0:46 😉 Having San Martin in "Missing Something", but then having Baltany and Sugess in "Decent Watches" seems a little harsh to me. Especially now that San Martin are focusing more on original designs too. Which really got started properly with the San Martin SN0131G, which you can see another great picture of at 2:45 😉 Really interesting video anyway mate.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for the photos mate 🙏 you've had some great titles and thumbnails recently 🤔😂😉 I'd absolutely rank the San Martin original pieces higher... But they're one the worst offenders when it comes to copying (IMO). I see much more originality in the Sugess and Baltany catalogue. Even vintage copies are more tasteful IMO. I'm going to get a couple of SM's in soon and give them a chance (including a clomage). Thanks for watching mate 🙏🙏🙏

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@TopTierTicker Thanks for noticing the new thumbnails and titles 😉😆 Fair enough. That makes sense when you put it like that.

[@ulig12]

Good selection but sure you were missing some of the best: Tusenö, Draken, Borealis, Clemence, Helm, H2O, Steinhart, Dekla, Circula, Marc & Sons, Heinrich, Botta. The latter seven all German. But you had Sternglas, which in my eyes is not even worth mentioning.

[@zosothezephead837]

I bought 2 Bottas some years ago and although the watches are fine, they wouldn't fit in the boxes 🙄

[@eggbertwyatt1287]

Draken are god tier ❤

[@AndreiLucaa]

What’s wrong with Sternglas? I haven’t seen any Junghans wannabe microbrands that go for the Bauhaus aesthetic

[@ulig12]

@@AndreiLucaa There is nothing “wrong” with Sternglass. If you like boring Bauhaus designs in mediocre watches for too much money shoved down our throats by influencers, then go for them.

[@supaflymicros]

Huge list of micro brands and Chinese brands.

[@kleanovodust-bin69]

Aint most of those micro watches are made in China too? 😅

[@supaflymicros]

@@kleanovodust-bin69 I'm sure there are one or two. Most Asia micro brand I can think of is from Singapore. Also fun fact, Islander is neither of the two categories.

[@jessem_i31]

I bought a couple of the Depancel chronograph watches and I'm extremely happy with them. They're another brand that is unapologetically themselves. All vintage inspired racing watches. I for one love them.

[@stuartdavies7351]

The only Welsh micro-brand I am aware of is Shoreham Watches. They only have a range of three original designs in their collection at present. Each watch is named after a place in Wales. I have the dated Pembroke and extra straps. Worth a look/mention if you compile a UK only list. Another brand that rarely gets a mention is IWI Watches based in Darwin, Lancashire. I had the pleasure of a guided tour of his establishment with founder Ian Walsh sometime in the late naughties.

[@mariosoprano777]

From all of the watches you mentioned. CW, Baltic and Studio Underdog are basically the holy trinity. Untouchable

[@edmccracken7378]

you are so off with Henry Archer / maybe the best one of the bunch they are what Chris Ward was before they blew up

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll absolutely try one out soon. I'm more than happy to have my mind changed on them

[@edmccracken7378]

I do agree that some of the colors are to loud for myself but I hit the Green Vesterhav and the finish and over all look and size plus the excellent bracelet with quick adjust reminds me of Zelos quality or CW for that matter for right at 500.00 you can’t beat it / also with the Myiota 9019 movement to keep it slim below 11mm is amazing for the price

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

Well done a good list and pretty fair Not entirely accurate for me but honest which I appreciate Monta?

[@traffordwatchco3603]

Need to get a Trafford watch out to you ;)

[@sneakyscorpia]

Thanks for the video - I had not heard of many of these microbrands until this video, it's crazy the sheer volume of brands around nowadays! P.S I want to see "Brew" utilize the "perfect" drink timer in a dive watch so I can have good vibes with dolphins

[@JAKTEE]

I was really excited for this upload, and it delivered. Nice to see an amazing array of micro brands, well done!

[@TopTierTicker]

Glad you enjoyed it! This one took a looooong time to make 😆 thanks for watching

[@FontanellaNorville]

Thats so funny, we used bought a LV bag at a LV store (..yes with a sales concierge) and the LV handbag cane with the fancy box, but with the cheap cloth bag... no drawstring! BTW... Palm Beach Gardens LV very snobish till you buy something... Now I always get the dupes from *hotdups* . I’m too poor for designer. I love seeing what’s in fashion, then putting it in my price range.

[@adamoliphant4570]

Include Proxima watches. Their ETA clone movement is fantastic

[@jarosawmigowicz1314]

First of all great video. I would like to see some lesser known brands like Direnzo, Second Hour, Valimor or SÖNER but that's not the main point. The thing is I'm very sceptical when watch lovers say, that a chinese watchbrand watch is boring, has no identity or is just a clone of a more known watchbrand watch, but when it comes to some big watchmakers or other microbrands that release a watch that looks identical, the response is that they are always inspired by those watches, even if they are produced in the same chinese factories. That is a bit crazy.

[@D3ZG1978]

How on earth have you missed Henry Archer…. 😅

[@nintendokings]

Is that the OEM Casio Edifice bracelet you’re wearing?

[@TopTierTicker]

yes, factory bracelet

[@blueonyx7628]

Is Monta considered a micro brand? I would be interested in your thoughts regarding this brand.

[@climatecypher]

Red = stop. Green = go. Why are tier lists backwards?

[@TopTierTicker]

It's a good question, never understood it either 😂

[@rikdriscoll2160]

The most comprehensive list of microbrands! There's so many I've never heard of, which is great because it means I get to do some research on them. Dan Henry stands out for me, they've produced some lovely watches. Thanks Kieron, great video as always 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks Rik, it's nice to see a friendly face in the comments 🤣🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rikdriscoll2160]

@@TopTierTicker That one definitely got them going!! 🤣

[@maxinahunt8652]

I have no Scandinavian relations but I feel sorry for them today. Henry Archer watches with great colour, nice dials, great reviews,big blobby markers 😎, a dive watch with a thinness only matched by Venezianico, got bottom tier. Then About Vintage and Tuseno never got a mention. Have you seen the new issue of the Shellback dive watch?! It’s gorgeous and no one’s homage. Great video again!

[@TopTierTicker]

I just said that I thought their designs are a bit bland 😂 that's not too harsh is it? I'm sure that they're great quality! Top many brands, not enough time! 😂 Thanks for watching Maxina 🙏

[@maxinahunt8652]

@@TopTierTicker hmmm. I wouldn’t say bland. Maybe only one good one. (Beaucroft, our beautiful Beaucroft, only has one…) The rest are like Sternglass which IMO is bland. Then of course their women’s watches are awful.

[@birdytiger]

Happy to see the furlan take. The people who brought them to prominence have a big overlap with people who complain about homages. It irks me.

[@Psysso]

This is actually a pretty good ranking list. Id switch up a few though, Phoibos absolutely two tiers down and Traska two up. Also Vario is just decent for me. Also think Maen, Henry Archer, Smiths and Formex to go up and CW down atleast a tier, the pricing and branding is horrid, but i do get a Brit would be a CW fanboy ;) Good video.

[@TopTierTicker]

That's fair enough my friend! Good to hear your opinions. I try to be as unbiased as possible. But I do genuinely think Christopher Ward is top tier on almost any list

[@Psysso]

@@TopTierTicker Yes i know the reviewers and i guess most of the community loves it. Its just not for me as you say :)

[@snail4376]

What do you think about about thorn?

[@TopTierTicker]

They look like exceptional value... But they're all copies. Not for me

[@nedflanders3769]

You literally can’t go wrong with San Martin. Most of these brands borrow designs from other watches. So I don’t think that’s a good criteria for rating. But great video nonetheless!

[@chrisbaker7760]

There's a difference between borrowing design language and making a one for one copy but with a different logo.

[@TopTierTicker]

I appreciate your take. For me there is a difference, and that's what I appreciate. But, I understand people love them. I'm going to get some in for review soon

[@krisztianhodossy8848]

There is a brand in Hungary called Evolvens worth a look at.

[@MrDownRater]

Exactly what I wanted to say. It's made by a watch enthusiast engineer who is doing the work himself in a small studio and you can customize the watch on their website, definitely worth to check out. Also the brand is pretty popular between luxury watch collectors because they are making the best watchwinder boxes out there, 90 degree/quiet/modular/well built etc.

[@Jonzoman]

There’s a couple of the Geckotas you like on Watch Gecko nearly new for £299 at the minute. Also you went to British Watchmakers and didn’t include Clemence!! Enjoyed the video though.