I Ranked the BEST Affordable Microbrands for YOU!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Heya everyone! I do hope you enjoyed as this video took FOREVER to make, and do be a bit lenient with some things, writing about 28 brands and editing it all a couple mistakes were made, for example spinnaker is Hong Kong based not uk based, and annoyingly at the end of the video I accidentally used vario footage instead of the Dan Henry footage by mistake, a few other little things wrong so I do apologise! Also there’s plenty more brands I could add into next years update video on this, as I’ll make that more like 60 brands! Last but not least, how are we feeling about the intro to the video? Where I show a few short clips of what’s later on in the video before going into the actual thing, just wanted to try it and if you like it I’ll do it for all future videos too! Best regards everyone and have a lovely week!!

[@dandanplaneman]

13:43 [koo-oh] Great video by the way. Well put together for a channel your size.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Much appreciated mate, took a long time to make but man do I love doing it! Glad you enjoyed, seeing that people enjoy my videos makes me wanna do nothing but improve! Appreciate the support and have a lovely week mate!

[@Horizontalvertigo]

Ku-o-e, not ku-oh, you're dropping a syllable.

[@dandanplaneman]

@@Horizontalvertigo I’ve heard it pronounced Koo-oh by nearly everyone online, including people who have been to Kyoto and met the founder of the brand.

[@Horizontalvertigo]

@@dandanplaneman & can those people speak Japanese?

[@markj5049]

I'm new to your channel but love the content. My favorite Micorbrand is Wise from Thailand. Exceptional quality and attention to detail with above par components.

[@TheBartdman]

So happy I chanced on your channel, a very high quality video, imho, and sparked my interest in several brands. Looking forward to more. And micros are my bros.

[@nicholassmith7723]

To each their own opinion, but Traska watches are fantastic. I've had my black enamel Venturer GMT for over a year and there isn't a scratch on the thing. Bracelet has a decorated clasp and on the fly adjustments for $720. Highly recommend anyone checking out their collection. Fantastic daily wear watches with modern classic design language.

[@nicholassmith7723]

I'd personally bump up Farer as well. But I agree Straum and AnOrdain are out of this world beautiful.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

A gorgeous piece my friend! And traska watches are fantastic, there’s only maybe 3 or 4 brands on this list I’d say aren’t! Nice taste mate :)

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Anordain probably has my favourite dials of any of the brands here!

[@liturgicalmusic2016]

Thank you for the video. Very good info!

[@TheBartdman]

So happy I chanced on your channel, a very high quality video, imho, and sparked my interest in several brands. Looking forward to more.

[@irenechristineyulo8836]

cool! Now I know how microbands work. I'm learning a lot from this channel. Also, would like to ask where I should comment for the giveaway. Thanks a lot

[@SkipPremium]

Excellent choice putting Maen in top tier. I’ve had my eye on them for a few years and recently decided to pull the trigger on limited edition Jade dial Manhattan 40. I’m even more over the moon at supporting micros by receiving confirmation I’m getting #01 of the run, you just don’t get that level of excitement and customer service interaction with a big brand at any level.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Incredible pick my friend! Maen make some of the best stuff in the price range :)

[@BB-mx9uq]

Thanks for a great video and for hosting a giveaway!

[@Thebstuart92]

Fantastic video! Found a couple of brands I hadn’t heard of which is always good… oh and Micros are my bros.

[@southbrit]

Nice run down buddy, another cool video. Its an exciting time with more choice from some genuinely interesting brands and you covered those I was hoping for.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Glad to hear that mate! Your support is always greatly appreciated and have a great week! More videos coming out soon of course :)

[@weezkidtube]

Good stuff, learnt a lot about microbrands just by watching your video. Thought you can incorporate Pitzmann next time.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

@@weezkidtube oh yes how could I forget Pitzmann! I have a watchmaking friend over in America who loves that brand! Oh well I’ll have to include it in next years update list haha sorry about that! Appreciate your suggestion and reminder though I’ll put that on the list of other brand to include in the future :) Glad you enjoyed and found it insightful! Have a wonderful week mate!

[@trippwickardwesley226]

Micros are my bros- great video! Love learning about these micro brands!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciated my friend! Glad you enjoyed, and I love learning while researching too! More in depth videos are my favourites to make though, I know so much in depth and niche brand facts and history xD

[@hitchhicker92]

Great recap of awesome micros and somewhat scary to realize how many of those I already own... 😅 As a main point of descent I will refer to the remarks equating Formex or Monta to Rolex; I love my Reef but, beyond being a Swiss dive watch, it has got nothing to do with my Sub. In general, I feel the comparison to be a moot point: if you are not an homage company, what will draw people (collectors in particular) will be you having a differentiated offering, which I feel both these brands do. Last, but not least, while they may be showcasing great finishing and have a luxurious feel in their own right, they are simply in a different league (one does not need to be a watchmaker to know that this too applies to the movements).

[@Stricek_Jura]

Nice, concise overview of microbrands!

[@corsair24160]

Thanks for the comparisons. Opened my eyes to a new World of watches.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciated but Don’t take just my opinion on it mate! You should look at other people videos on such matters as well and research a little yourself to formulate you own opinion! It’s also just really fun to do haha, I love researching watch related stuff Anyways I appreciate the support and have a lovely Sunday mate!

[@benfoulks4904]

Micros are my bros! Nice review thank you for putting me onto Maen

[@richardwysocki8300]

thanks for the reviews, Mate! Micros are my Bros.

[@user-deleted]

Quality video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

No thank you for taking the time to watch it mate, always appreciate the support! Have a great Sunday :)

[@kyleabcede7460]

It's great having a video that showcases quality watches at a price I can actually afford.

[@aristisimon]

From CW I really like their C63 Sealander GMT, because of the clean and moder looks. For 1000 USD do you think you can get better watches in terms of finish, movement and "modern" look?

[@denisakpro4620]

Solid list!!

[@DP185-h3x]

Nice selections of watches reviewed. Well done. Personally, I love the Baltic brand. I recently purchased the White Dial 39mm Aquascaphe. That watch is a great daily wearer. It has great build quality for the price point and looks great. Cheers.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Baltic is doing extremely well recently! In their history they have some questionable releases, but the last 2-3 years they've been doing great! You picked a lovely piece mate! Enjoy it and have a great weekend :)

[@eurocraftccr]

I really enjoy your video, Very well made with a very good content. There are many more watch brands considered as micro or independent that are still small enough to be considered micro. You just named those that are currently very popular and pretty young versus those older brands that are still very micro but family owned for close or over 100 years. The only argument I would have with you would be most (not all) Chinese watch brands that are not as small as we think, This is just few (if not one) big corporation with huge factory that produces parts for many watchbands all over the world and they also mass produce bunch of clone homages and just put those new branding logos on them and selling for profit. Yes, they are very good quality now along with good reliable movements because they also produce some of those movement for brands that we all like only because this days manufacturing became very advanced and they can easily clone 1-1 any high end watch that even pope who are professional having hard time to spot those clones.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciate the support my man! And valid and fair points to make, can’t really argue against that! Some people seem offended that I didn’t include certain brands or called some brands micros but it’s all just what works, some might not be the official definition of a microbrand but they’re close enough to fit in the video! xD

[@HansAndrist]

Fantastic content. Thanks!

[@pawerudas378]

Just found this channel...and i live it already!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Glad to hear that mate! I’m happy to have you and thankful for the support! Have a great week!

[@rcthor1066]

Interesting Video - will be looking at a few of these brands you've mentioned here :) You missed Erebus from your list. I have a CW C60 Pro Bronze (cosc) and it's a brilliant watch for just over £1k - For me it would be at the top of the list... Also have a WISE Adamascus AD8 Shades of Thailand... Really nice looking watch and the quality is up there with the best of them IMO.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Lovely pieces mate! Some nice choice, those adamascus are lovely and everything cw make are top end! I reviewed the c63 recently, really really nice! You have great taste mate, and have a lovely week!

[@MrZanzibar123]

Good list. Italian, I’d add Direnzo and USA, I’d add Nodus.

[@silkytp789]

It's a great collection of watches! At any rank. Good job.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciate the support and kindness my friend! Have a wonderful weekend :)

[@maxinahunt8652]

You’ve clearly never seen a Kuoe….. I have one. It’s one of my favourite daily watches.

[@arnosandoval839]

Great video very informative.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciate the support my friend! People like you are always welcome to the channel

[@Horizontalvertigo]

Echo/Neutra is Italian too & doesn't suffer from the same sordid past as Venezianico. Absolutely *insane* that Straum with their pressed dials are above handmade grand fue enamel dials at AnOrdain's price point. Kuoe are very underwhelming in person, at least their basic models are. Didn't even bother to try one on when I saw them. Did try on one of Knot's red lacquered watches though, gorgeous dial. The NE77 certainly seems to be a difficult movement to case well however. Sea-gull has some very high end, good stuff. The poor reputation for robustness & reliability mostly comes down to the third party factories using lower standard movements. Sea-gull keep all the good ones for themselves.

[@evinen]

I agree with almost everything you rate here though i would love to know what you think about henry archer

[@MatthewFriesen-r8n]

Really like what Brew is doing!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Really cool stuff, super retro in all the right ways!

[@dartbull24]

Own a few Zelos and a Straum and love them,but you forgot Awake! (I know there are countless microbrands and cant make a 2 hour video) but man, Awake has made one of the most beautiful watches on the market with their new Son Mai collection. To date my awake Son Mai and my Straum are my 2 favorite watches i own

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Fair enough mate! Yeah I’ve had so many people asking where certain brands are and it’s like, I can’t include 100 brands in one video man xD I’ll have a look into it though, there’s a few brands I’ve now got to consider for a future update on this video :)

[@dutchcoiner]

MAEN deserves it! Beautiful finished watches, great specs. Love the Manhattan, Hudson and Brooklyn. I love Baltic as well, but their quality is not even close to MAEN. Besides that, lots of their models have hesalite instead of sapphire crystal which is an absolute no-go for me.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Both great choices! Maen is one of my favourite brands personally, love what they are! Baltic I’m not a fan of until recently, their newer releases are nice but I’m not a fan of their previous stuff

[@abhis5255]

14:50 which model?

[@deethreekay]

I know the chronographs are the most popular, but it feels a bit inaccurate to say studio Underd0g mainly use seagull movements and are mainly between $500-$750 when that's only true for 1 of their 3 models.

[@TXLogic]

I think you might have meant “pounds” instead of “dollars” when you quoted the pricing for CW and Studio Underdog! :-) I wouldn’t exactly say micros are my bros, but I have several brands in my collection that are among my favorites!

[@griffn14]

That's a great list! Micros Are My Bros 👍

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

I’ve seen you on quite a few videos now mate, just wanna say thanks for the continued support, having regulars really helps build the channel and my core audience :) Glad you enjoyed the video and have a good one!

[@griffn14]

@WatchConnoisseurClub That's it, building the channel is the goal. Everybody wins. Keep up the good work 👍

[@maarteneh]

Studio Underdog, the opposite of timelessness. For now probably fun, but disposable in the long run.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

A fair thing to say! Similar to the funky 70’s stuff from seiko, cool and will always have its fans, but probably won’t last

[@Halvor00]

@WatchConnoisseurClub I would disagree, I'd say they're going to hold the same place in the mechanical watch market as a swatch holds in quartz currently, along with some other brands doing a similar thing. It's a fun, colorful, quirky watch that offers a less serious alternative but is still built okay. The movements make them somewhat disposable though, but so does the Powermatic 80s that use plastic parts(even though it's easier to get replaced).

[@robperkins2085]

A good video but a couple of comments: Spinnaker are based out of Hong Kong, not the UK as you said. Also, when you talked about Dan Henry watches, 95% of the video footage was of the Vario watch. Other than that, an enjoyable watch (pun intended).

[@jchiasson89]

Spinnaker is a Hong Kong based microbrand yes. I own 2 of them. He probably made a mistake on the origin of them.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Yes my apologies! I wrote the script and did the editing over multiple days so some minor things I was mistaken on, writing and editing 28 different brands with footage and a brief history and everything is tiring xD Next years update video I’ll proof watch an extra time or two to pick up on any mistakes! And I’m glad you enjoyed mate xD Have a wonderful week!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Yup just because the video took 25 hours to make over the span of 4 days so I was pretty packed with everything, don’t worry my shorter videos aren’t half the work this one was as they usually take about 10-12 hours to make haha! Much more manageable

[@MrLeandroRJ]

Good effort, but problematic video. First, Sea-gull is no microbrand, but a well-established brand in China. They are charging too much out of China, the reason why it is expensive and not a good value. Second, you should show the tier list after each mention. To end, there are so other wrong information. I own Yema, Sea-gull, Revelot, Spinnaker and Zelos. And have owned others.

[@hrumek]

Yaaay free sugees, looks nice!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciate the support mate haha!

[@taibawasim786]

Started with a banger Christopher Ward and kept it strong with studio underdog, San Martin and Spinnaker but where was Erebus? Islander is also killing it right now too. Good list would have been nice to see those two added on imo.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

I’ll keep that in mind for the future! Erebus is just so so very new and not very well known yet so I didn’t think of adding it just yet, on next years update list I’m sure I will though! Islander is one that didn’t even cross my mind, great suggestion mate! Have a good one and I appreciate the support :)

[@cb140067]

Keep an eye out for Jack Mason and Vertex too

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

@ both good brands, I’ll add those to the list for the future! Appreciate all the suggestions guys!

[@taibawasim786]

@WatchConnoisseurClub jack mason is really nice too. That Dr Pepper wow!!! Can’t wait for future videos. Good work

[@IndianMofo]

Henry Archer?

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

A good suggestion! I’ll add that on my list for next years update video! I have quite a few to add in with all your great suggestions so I appreciate that!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Great list man! I think my favorites on this list is either Yema or Formex! Hope you have a great one!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Both make lovely stuff!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

And always love to see you around mate, have a lovely weekend and hope all is good and well with ya :)

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@ Much appreciated man! Hope all is well with you as well! Take care and God bless!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@WatchConnoisseurClub They sure do man!

[@TheAussiePencil]

Henry Archer!!! Needs to be in at least Best of the Best. Micros are my bros?

[@pedromachado9677]

No phoibos?

[@RobMyself]

2:08 I'm not sure if that's true. Daniel Wellington make bazillions, and still do to a lesser extent, and they're utter crap. It also goes to show, just because something is popular, doesn't make it good

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

To an extent you’re correct! But you also have to look at things with context in mind, Daniel wellington doesn’t make much firstly, not compared to other watch brands, second the tierlist is based off of things that are popular in the watch community, the same community which call Daniel wellington a complete joke Though I perfectly understand what you mean, don’t forget context, these brands are all popular by a particular group of people that have passion and knowledge on the brands and their products, Daniel wellingtons customer base is 99.999999% people with no interest or knowledge in watches and definitely not the sort of people you could call a watch collector

[@EnriquePerezLaLE]

No, Spinnaker watches are not based in the UK. They are manufactured in Italy and Switzerland, and owned by Dartmouth Brands, which is part of a Hong Kong-based company (copied out of a google search), just information :)

[@mrbud8524]

Love the Studio Underdog watch brand there watermelon 🍉 is a show stopper draws attention everywhere l go will add another Studio Underdog soon to my watch collection.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

For sure! Their movements could definitely be better, but the main thing is those designs! Super out there and different they’re so nice, really attention grabbing and I think it’s safe to say if you have a watch box with a studio underdog it’ll catch attention faster than any other watch in that box! Watermelon is a good choice too! Nice one mate :)

[@zoobafornow]

So this list is based on dial and case design only?

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

I say at the beginning it’s specs, designs and pricing? It can’t be history because these are all microbrands and have none yet, it can’t be brand prestige because these are all microbrands and have none yet xD

[@RogerBaker-b2u]

Nice list! Micros Are My Bros

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciated mate! And heck yeah they are :)

[@Pianoman999]

I have two Wise watches. They’re quite awesome.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Seems like they were a wise choice :)

[@jkozol]

What about Erebus?

[@migramedic]

Micros are my bros 🤘🏽

[@reconteam91]

I'm here because someone from our large watch forum shared a link and though I'm all for "to each their own" your list isn't getting much love in the horological community.

[@kickstothehead3705]

Wise is established in 2008 actually I think you unrated them in my opinion they are using Swiss movements now aswell …. I think when you get one in hand you will see the quality. I look forward to a video I suggest the adamascus but they have new designs that look interesting.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Ooh thanks for telling me that! After researching 28 brands I didn’t dive too deep on each one because there was just so so much to do for the video and I didn’t have too long, I upload every 4 days but I had to push this video back a day due to the 25 hours it took to make! Appreciate the information though, I’ll keep that in mind for future videos! Appreciate the support and have a great week, I’ll look into getting the adamascus one in for review!

[@ifionlyhadaboat]

* I don't think there's a real debate over whether Homages are fakes . . . They're not trying to fool anyone about what they are. *I'm pretty sure it's not pronounced "ICKSDOW." IX is a numeral nine. DAO = banner or flag. Don't ask me what the nine banners are though. My Mandarin is limited

[@spacesailor2347]

micros are my bros

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

That they are my friend!

[@dnafty]

Finally landed a S.O. Watermelon mid 2024. Absolutely love it. Next up?... Lorier.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Both incredible choices mate, I see you’re a man of taste! Appreciate the support and have a great week mate!

[@Fred-rg5vw]

Studio underdog is 1 that i think is overrated. Your paying top $ for the design. Some are cool but too exoensive for what you get imo, considering the movement is cheap Thats a cool idea for a collection. A peice from every country. Spose it comes down to how much you think the dial / design is worth paying for..which is subjective. Great job covering a lot of brands well

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciated mate! And yeah as I said studio underdog has great designs and finishing and all is decent, they just use low end movements for the prices they ask which is a shame Have a great weekend anyways and I appreciate the support!

[@BulkersRuleZ]

As a Formex owner I agree with this tier list xd

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Fair enough! Best of the best quality, just depends if you like the designs!

[@torbensvensson2093]

Let me give you a tips on a watch brand you didn’t have on this show, SWC USA (Swiss Watch Company, USA), fantastic watches, a family owned brand by Stephen Roamer, a Swiss watchmaker who found the love in USA. Look them up!👍🏻🤩

[@stevehenrytagami4709]

Studio Underdog have changed their chronograph movements to Selita Sea-Gull is not a Microbrand , one of the biggest watch and movement sellers in the world and 70 years old. Neither are Yema who do have a in-house micro rotar movement

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Yes in their more higher end versions! I do see them going places for sure if they keep heading in the direction they’re going, all their newest stuff is improvements which is great! Lots of potential in the brand As for seagull though that is true a lot of people I know wanted me to include it in the video since most western people only know it as a small aliexpress brand and like 95% of my audience is from the west so I thought that was fair enough, I’ll go more in depth about them in the future for sure!

[@aristisimon]

Micros are my bros!

[@mesiuuuut5095]

Micros are my bros too!

[@EatDrinkRide]

So Maen is a Dutch brand using Scandinavian design?

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

My apologies! I wrote so much for this video some things just weren’t right haha! Ignore that my friend I do apologise! If you wanna know more in depth about maen my previous video goes more in depth :) Appreciate the support and have a great week!

[@EatDrinkRide]

@WatchConnoisseurClub 🙂

[@tonydilucente2342]

I can't complain about any of these brands. Own a number of them, would like to own a watch from each of them!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

I feel the same! Not a single brand here I wouldn’t buy a watch from for a good price of course! Best regards and have a great weekend :)

[@Ahmedtarek055]

nice vid'

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Much appreciated mate! Glad you enjoyed and have a great week :)

[@WatchWayOut]

Micros are my bros 🫶🏼

[@milkdoes]

Maen is far from 'True perfection,' with lots of QC and customer service issues. To their credit, it seems that they've improved quite a bit since their disastrous kickstarters in 2018/2020/etc, but you still see some pretty egregious customer service issues shared by users on WUS, reddit, etc. id argue that that yema is no longer a micro and doesn't belong on this list, but your take on it is straight unfair. if you trust your friends' claims that yerma's in-house calibers are (paraphrasing) 'basically modified, stolen designs,' then stand by it. don't shield yourself by saying youre not going to comment on the veracity of the claim, but still use it as justification to knock them down on the list.

[@JeremyStefaniak-b7k]

Panzera? Ever heard of them?

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Of course! But there’s about 15-20 brands along with them that I could have included, but I didn’t want to have quite too many watches, maybe in next years update video I’ll make it a bigger scale project!

[@ZIKOs7620]

i realy love baltic watches, hope to win the watch

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Baltic make some lovely stuff!

[@ownvideofootage]

Good one!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Appreciated mate :) Have a lovely weekend!

[@trailrunnermike]

I like that giveaway watch

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

It’s called the Merker Hill, very attractive piece!

[@watsondna]

Excellent video! I wouldn’t classify the acrylic crystal as bad but rather a design choice that not everyone agrees with. Thanks for the rundown on all of these brands.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

That’s a fair point! A lot of the time people just want sapphire for the safety but I get some people would like acrylic, end of the day it’s all about taste and preference!

[@izakaltamirano402]

San Martin i enjoy as admirer from afar! Would you ever consider grabbing one yourself? Micro Are My Bros

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Specs and finishing are just undoubtedly best in the price, if you want to wear a watch with luxury quality they’re a great pick, however I wouldn’t collect them I don’t think They’re great to have one high quality daily or beater watch, but as they’re a mainly homage brand I don’t think having a collection of them makes much sense, to me atleast!

[@MrEliwankenobi]

Microbrands is where is at

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Agreed, they’re the future of the affordable watch industry!

[@scottlewis2645]

Accuracy like a watch is important

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Sorry but this is confusing me what do you mean? xD

[@gm5216]

@WatchConnoisseurClubI think he's making a comment about the couple of mistakes in the video. Don’t sweat it. You already know accuracy is important, so his comment doesn’t add any value. He, and we all, should appreciate the ton of work you put into making this video for our viewing pleasure and say thank you. So, thank you!

[@James2001]

Wolbrook? Nodus? Nezumi? Marloe?

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

As I said in the beginning I kept it to only the 30 or so most popular, there’s about 50 brands I was thinking to choose from including nodus and Marloe! Nezuni and wolbrook are great suggestions though I didn’t even think of those! I’ll have to add them on my list for what to add next year in the update video!

[@romulopiazzalunga]

Micros are my bros =]

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

That they are mate!

[@rendullic]

how can sea gull be micro brand?!

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

It’s not but most people in my audience are from the western world, and in the western world seagull is generally seen as a small aliexpress brand not many people know, though it IS a massive brand in the east, where most of my audience come from it’s seen as a microbrand prettymuch so I just went along with that!

[@BigZsurfman]

Have you heard of scurfa?

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

One of the brand I was thinking about, but didn’t quite make the top 30ish for me, next years update video I’m gonna do 50 brands though so it’ll be in that one I’m sure!

[@petergerard8393]

Too many great Microbrands.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@CapatinMoondust]

Some fine brads there, but a few are not mirco

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Well there’s a handful like Christopher Ward and studio underdog that have sorta moved into independent discussion yeah, but I still thought since they were considered micros just a few years ago I’d add them! Appreciate the comment mate and have a lovely weekend!

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

Aliexpress brands are not microbrands. The term "microbrand" refers to small, independent watch companies that produce limited quantities of watches, often with unique designs and a focus on quality. These companies usually have strong personal involvement from their founders and rely on direct customer interaction or crowdfunding for sales. They do not compete with price. AliExpress watch brands rely on mass production, offering a wide range of models at very low prices, mostly clommages. Aliexpress brands are generally transactional, focusing on sales volume rather than fostering a brand culture or relationship.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Absolutely and that’s fair, but almost everyone I’ve ever talked to that likes and or collects microbrands lugs aliexpress stuff in there since they’re cheap, high quality smaller and lesser known brands! You’re completely correct on that, but most people don’t look for what’s the definition of a microbrand, they just look at what fits xD Best regards mate and I appreciate the viewership! Have a great week!

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

@WatchConnoisseurClub But you have the word 'Microbrands' in the title. If you meant affordable brands instead, that's either an error or a clickbait.

[@mikeberry662]

Why are you pricing the pieces in dollars? And I have to say, your pricing is way out on a number of the brands that you talk about, I know because I buy from a number of these brands...

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

They have watches above or below these price points, but that’s the general range of their most popular or well known stuff! Also prices are converted from my currency and then rounded up or down so not perfectly accurate, I do it in dollars as the vast majority of my audience is American

[@TheMauriciogonvi]

Hello🎉

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Heya mate!

[@GerardoAparicioRPDGA]

Most of these watches are Alix piece parts.

[@Horizontalvertigo]

Hate to be the one to break it to you, but most watch parts are made in China & similar countries these days.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

I understand what you’re saying but also I must say that brand like tissot, Hamilton, and seiko use a lot of Chinese manufacturing and parts

[@Horizontalvertigo]

@WatchConnoisseurClub it's not just the entry level, it's the entire industry.

[@JimDorey]

Aragon

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Excuse me but what? xD

[@JimDorey]

I'd say on par with Zelos

[@AMore429]

All subjective

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Well of course! It’s a person on the internet ranking what brands he thinks are better or worse, nothing gets more subjective than that my friend xD

[@AMore429]

@ it could slightly more rigorous than it ‘looks really cool’ 😄

[@johnnybegood9005]

You gotta learn the meaning of the terms "microbrand" and "in-house movement". Before making such videos, that is. It takes 65 seconds all together.

[@RobMyself]

I love micros, although CW really shouldn't be part of this list. Not because they're not great watches, they are. They're at the point of making their own movements and there are the models you mentioned that are far and above micro price. Not really a microbrand. It's a good list. We all knows these and are only watching watch porn. Just sayin'

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

I agree actually! I was debating if Christopher Ward should count as a micro since they’re so much bigger now, in fact in my last eat CW review I said they’ve moved more to an independent now, but I thought it’s only recently they’ve done that, and many people still think of cw when they think microbrand so I’ll include it anyways! xD Appreciate the comment and support mate, glad you enjoyed :)

[@gm5216]

Agree on the watching “watch-porn” bit, but disagree about knowing all the brands. Actually, that is the specific reason I clicked the vid: to hear about brands I might not know. From my perspective, mission accomplished.

[@walterschofield9153]

Maen is rated too high and Farer and Kuoe too low.

[@josephkelly1909]

Why can’t the big boys do what many micro brands do with clasps and lume? Kind of ridiculous

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

They’re lazy I guess! xD Microbrands listen to what customers want, sadly bigger brands don’t most of the time

[@Horizontalvertigo]

Microbrands are usually aimed towards the enthusiast market, not the mass market. The enthusiast looks at high quality clasps & think it's a value add even if it increases the cost of the watch because the high end brands use them. The entry level mass market doesn't really recognise on the fly & such as an important criteria, so adding it to that tier of watch is just reducing your profit margins for little gain. Lume is much the same, only enthusiasts really care that much about blindingly bright lume application, "minimum viable product" is fine enough for lume for most people.

[@ChristopherHelmstetter]

This guy should have done this video dressed up as Mike Myers dad in so I married an axe murderer. And just said if it ain't British it's crap. Why don't you contact Jody from JOMW. He can school you on just how much of your British and Swiss watch is from China. And let's talk about clomages. I find it interesting you pointed out that the Christopher Ward gmt. Since except for the markers it is an exact copy of a Rolex explorer 2 polar dial. Bahahahahahahahaha this is a joke

[@SNJ_F8T3]

Wow I couldn’t disagree more on like half of these lol.

[@SNJ_F8T3]

Christopher ward is perfection. Formex is Best of the Best. Studio Underdog is Incredible. Baltic and Venezianico are Incredible. Vaer and Lorier are Really Good. Kuono Tokyo is Incredible. Kuoe is really good. San Martin and Vario are decent enough.

[@lihanou]

studio underdog is so overrated. It's just a segull with a different dial. It's a quick fashion style and will be obselete in a few years.

[@WatchConnoisseurClub]

Fair enough if you feel that way, this is rated on current performance not potential, the list would be very different if that were the case!