My Top 6 Microbrand Watches To Look Out For - Q1 2021!

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I have so many nice pieces coming in for review in the first quarter of the year, that I thought I would preview 6 of them here. I think this lot more than live up to my hopes that 2021 will see some crackign micros, full of design innovation and quality, but retaining great value for money. Which do you like? Which did I miss? If this goes well, then I might make a series out of it. Cheers, Jody

[@xvoltik750]

I catch myself saying “Hellooo and welcome to just one more watch” every time

[@tobiasfischer7921]

Same man, same

[@educarmar]

A clear effect of having been self-brainwashed ; - )

[@tobiasfischer7921]

@@educarmar but what a nice self-brainwash it is, hahaha

[@Geminoduro]

So does he.

[@borbetomagus]

@@Geminoduro It sorta makes me wonder if he's seen this -- /watch?v=bjmgzLVuWLU

[@mrjasonrowland]

More than half of my watches are micro-brands. I love that these small businesses are knocking it out of the park with style, quality, and affordability.

[@gervers]

RLG absolutely killing it for me! That’s a 2021 purchase assuming I can sneak another watch past she who must be obeyed!

[@eggsII]

Just wanted to share that I finished my first SKX mod project!!! I changed out the movement to an NH36, replaced the crown with a knurled one, changed the hands to turtle-style hands, and replaced the crystal with a sapphire top hat! Not sure I would’ve had the guts to try it without watching your videos. It’s so satisfying! Thank you!!!

[@hgr.7857]

💯 Congrats on what sounds like a job well-done. 👍 Those top hat crystals are awesome (great vintage vibes). I squeezed an blue AR coated top hat onto my blue Orient Mako II, along with a vintage Sub style ceramic bezel insert & coin edge bezel. Red pip mark matches the red on the seconds hand. Looks totally BOSS, right at home band, but pretty much lives on a black/grey/blue 5-stripe NATO. Would like to see it on a waffle dive strap (but have a Steeldive SD1962 that is hiding that look down for now) Edit: Happy continued modding! It becomes it's own while thing...

[@hlb979]

finally! smaller and (in my eyes) I'd say more elegant and original/innovative watches! and the fully articulated bracelet looks interesting.

[@Kydos37]

"I've got a bit of a cheatsheet" *picks up War & Peace

[@poulwinther]

The Mandala looks fantastic! Now that's finally something really different. RLG seems to be getting it right also, but I just hope it's not too late. Great trend with shorter lugs all around - perhaps in some 200 years the likes of Longines and Hamilton will start to notice!

[@simonbailey2151]

Whilst a swiss movement adds prestige to a microbrand’s spec sheets it’s actually a really bad idea. Failure rates (and consequent warranty claims!) run about 5-6% on the ETA 2824, slightly higher on Sellita and about 10% for the STP 1-11 clone. Compare with the Japanese movements where the failure rate is negligible (typically 0.2%) and you can understand why the NH35/36 is so popular.

[@80barlo80]

Thank you for sharing this interesting piece of information. I recall having issues with ETA and Sellita movements, no issues at all with Seiko, Citizen and Orient movements. May I ask where you sourced out those figures?

[@1973retrorabbit]

I think a lot of people don't pay attention to the "don't be rough on your winder" warning on the Sellita 200 movement, adjusting the time too quickly can cause wear and eventual failure and the same applies when hand winding. I also see a lot of people winding them backwards to adjust the time which is a no no on most, if not all movements and certainly not good on the Sellita 200 and ETA 2824. (It's not a huge issue for adjusting 5 or 10 minutes but because of the gearing, can be an issue for larger adjustments). I like to download and read the service sheets for my watch movements, they always have care advice and typical failure notes which supplement the manual, that so many people seem to ignore.

[@simonbailey2151]

@@80barlo80 NTH Watches.

[@simonbailey2151]

The information was in the context of a discussion on the STP 1-11 2824-2 clone: “I've used them in 650 watches to date, so we've got a reasonably large enough number to form an opinion about them. The good - On paper, they offer a fantastic bang-for-the-buck proposition. Purchased in bulk, they cost slightly less than a standard grade ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200, but have a longer power reserve, adjusted to 5 positions, have incabloc shock protection, the higher grade of nivarox hairspring, and are beautifully finished. They compare to a top-grade ETA 2824-2. The bad - we found a higher defect rate with them, around 10% on the 650, but at times it seemed like it might have been higher (we made two batches, one 300 pieces production, and one 350 piece production, the 10% is an aggregate figure). To put that 10% number into context, I've had several watchmakers tell me they expect a 5%-6% defect rate with ETA's, and slightly higher with Sellita's, but our defect rate with Japanese movements is close to 0% - we replace maybe 1 in 500, if that, so a rate of 0.2%, at most. It seems that they are most likely a "Swiss" movement which starts out with some portion of Chinese production. The good units perform very well, but the bad ones we've found had some issues which were fairly surprising. Before buying a watch with an STP, I'd just make sure I had confidence in the seller's post-sale support, in the event I need to return the watch under warranty. It wouldn't hurt to inquire about the company's testing/QC pre-shipment. Once we discovered the defect rate, we made it a point to test them more thoroughly during QC. One thing which may be worth consideration - long term maintenance. Like most entry level movements, including the ETA's and Sellita's, it will almost certainly be cheaper to replace the movement than to have it serviced by a watchmaker in 5-7 years, but whereas most parts suppliers currently stock ETA's or Sellita's, I've yet to see any stock replacement STP's. The good news is that an ETA or Sellita is a drop-in replacement, but assuming your STP was a unit which performed well, you'd be getting an ETA/Sellita with a lower power reserve, adjusted to fewer positions, etc - in other words, you'd be dropping in a movement which isn't "as good". Lastly - as STP is owned by Fossil, my observation of the anecdotal experience people report suggests that Fossil brands (primarily Zodiac) may be getting the better quality units, whereas non-Fossil brands which buy the movements may be getting the lesser quality units. So again, it's important that companies using them do good testing before shipping them to customers.”

[@SkyNikita322]

yes...except i have like -25/-30 sec per day with my seiko watches, that is very annoying

[@chaschbe4564]

I really enjoy these vids. They keep me updated about the world of microbrands. 👍

[@Kicksplode]

I literally want every single one of these, but the Phoibos is probably top of the pack. I've come close to buying several different models over the past year and this seems like the one.

[@KillerNoob2001]

Honestly a microbrand I've had my eye on is Farer Universal. Beautiful use of colors. Astor banks is also nice

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

YES! Love Farer's colours and also Astor and Banks.

[@desmobc]

Christopher Ward with the C65 line is killing it. The Dartmouth is such a stunning watch Swiss movement COSC certified 41mm vintage style diver watch under $1000 is a winner

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Punch way above their weight for the money.

[@theoneandonlybosable]

Arguably not a micro brad though

[@thetruth495]

@@theoneandonlybosable It's a micro-brand as they don't use dealers - this is the definition of a micro-brand.

[@philspencelayh5464]

Great watches but their price rises are getting silly. Bought an Elite 1000 for just £1250 a few months ago it's over £1700 today. My Trident 2 was £350 ish in the sale a couple of years ago. The Dartmouth is over $1100 in the UK today.

[@theoneandonlybosable]

@@thetruth495 Not really, IMO they have been around too long and make too many watches to be a micro-brand.

[@IskanderVFX]

Do keep applauding the traska photographer... really terrific photos

[@poppad1187]

The Salmon dial Secondhour Mandala is beautiful and it’s at the top of my list after the Burgundy Orion Hellcat that I just ordered. Solid video J

[@Azeria]

I was just hoping for a video like this!

[@Alanlewis59]

I have been dealing with Peter at second Hour Watches for over a year now, and I can honestly say he is one of the nicest most honest watch brand owners I have ever dealt with in my 20 years of watch collecting.. I have the Gin clear diver and it is one of the best most accurate watches I own.. Its a real keeper.. As for Peters campaign on kickstarter it was real lesson to all on how to run a perfect campaign... The level of updates and communication throughout was incredible.. If only all companies were this good... I can't wait for the new releases from second Hour, I'll definitely be ordering again, with total confidence 👌

[@saevans63]

I’d second that. The Gin Clear is a very well executed timepiece. The specs are incredible for the price

[@Alanlewis59]

@@saevans63 really is a great watch isn't it, and the build quality is amazing... Superb overall package from an awesome company /guy

[@grahamyoung622]

Agreed. Communication was outstanding. I had to wait some months after I got my first Gin Clear (the gorgeous black sand dial with green bezel), as there was an issue with the pastel blue dial which I had also ordered. There were repeated delays, none due to Peter, but he kept everyone updated throughout the process. He forked out some serious coin from his own pocket to fix the issues , the end product was well worth the wait. Peter answers all emails from second hour watches in a very timely and highly professional manner. I will be purchasing at least a couple of Mandalas when they launch on kickstarter, and maybe one more gin clear from his website (finances permitting).

[@Alanlewis59]

@@grahamyoung622 well said sir, a pleasure to deal with great companies isn't it. And Second Hour are definitely one of those👌

[@OriginalBreezy]

So glad to see micro brands move away from homages.

[@russellsmith3966]

Liking the John Roberts Archetype, and the jubilee may be what makes it the first watch purchase of 2021

[@markplayford5836]

WOW love my microbrands so this video really hits the mark. The light blue RLG is wonderful, but best till last for me as I truly love the Hamtun and that’s nicer still. 2021 could turn out all right after all, nice one Jody. 😁

[@jeffm0518]

Jody, LOVED the video. I am looking very forward to 2021 and the additions I'll be making to my watch collection this year! You ALWAYS provide so much value in your videos. Time is our most precious commodity and I NEVER feel like I've wasted any when I watch your videos. They are always enjoyable and educational. Keep up the GREAT work. I look forward to watching you all the way through 2021.

[@johnmmuoio4633]

I really like that you did a micro pre release vid, it seems like by the time a proper review comes out they're usually sold out. Hope this turns into a regular thing!

[@MrAlcmj]

Yep Traska nailed it. Everything I wanted the summiteer to be

[@rogexpo9430]

I actually ordered a Richard LeGrande Odyssey because it was so good looking but I canceled the order because I did not like having Richard LeGrande on the dial. It’s like having Calvin Klein or some other designer on the dial but now it’s definitely worth reconsidering with the rebranding.

[@Gary-li7ib]

Placed a pre-order for the Traska Commuter in white and considering the Mandala too. One thing I wish more micro brands would offer is toolless micro adjustment and/or quick release spring bars on the bracelets for ease of swapping from bracelet to a strap.

[@0907GC]

That linen dial is stunning! It’s always good to see brands do something a bit unique

[@veloway]

Wow Jody! You knocked this one well out of the park. I usually don’t lament my socioeconomic Situation but today I want every single one of those and that is not going to happen.

[@garethsigrist8714]

Over 4 years of videos and only now needing a cheat sheet! I feel like I need a cheat sheet just remembering my kids names sometimes 😂 Awesome video as always Jody. So many watches to be excited about in 2021 ⌚️

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

I'm loving Second Hour as a watch company. Their designs seem fresh and have neat little details that those into sacred geometry and numerology find fascinating. I'm thinking of getting the green/green Gin Clear.

[@SecondHourWatches]

Many thanks!

[@r.9451]

An amazing affordable linen dial: Aevig Thor. (Not quite as affordable as the one you highlighted, I think, but still a lovely watch.)

[@dparis2172]

Have had my eye on this hand cranker for a while.

[@mikesheehan5946]

Great video. Just got myself a Lorier Falcon 2 and it's amazing what these micro brands are coming up with. Looking forward to your reviews

[@MrRoRoWe]

Love this kind of video! Thanks!

[@saevans63]

Thanks for your thoughts on these watches Jody. I backed the Gin Clear Diver from Second Hour watches and I’m very happy with it. It’s an excellent high quality piece. If the Mandala is as good as its predecessor Peter will have another winner on his hands.

[@lilyfoubisou]

I literally don't even care about watches I just love Jody hahaha

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Ha! 😍😍 Maybe you should get into watches as well? 🤣

[@cherryg2210]

His smile and body language is so infectious....lol

[@thehrethgir679]

That second Hour Mnadala is nice, I like it! And as an Oakland A's fan, the green and gold colorway sings to me!

[@mupparna0]

Bought a SARB035 a couple of months ago and I have to say, I'm not as tempted by to buy new watches any more, I'm sure this video will change my mind though 😉

[@dparis2172]

The SARB033/35 tend to have that effect. It's such a good watch in so many ways. You have to go way up the ladder to do better.

[@pb8876]

I had both the 035 and 033. Bought them a few years back and then sold them for nearly triple I paid.

[@ordinator2008]

Jody, love the "preview" nature of this vid! It gives viewers a chance to get in on the early pricing!

[@jasonlax4112]

Love the 12-4-8 ...love love love

[@paulanthonyjohns]

Damn it man... I just convinced myself I dont need one more watch and now there are at least THREE here I want :) That Phoebus and Traska for sure..

[@tomfritz1391]

I have the Gin Clear diver and have been wearing it for a couple weeks. Second Hour attention to detail and quality seems truly top notch. The Mandala, I expect to be equally AMAZING!!

[@earlpickles68]

Thanks for giving us a 2021 watch year to look forward to. Great style, quality, and value will win customers. I can’t wait to get the full details on these micro brands.

[@80barlo80]

With these microbrands it's becoming increasingly difficult for the big brands to justify their prices!

[@Trex100]

Alberto Barea agreed

[@robertkotevski9649]

Most big brands are way over priced and' the micro brands know this, and take advantage

[@DancingMalik]

One things Microbrands can't compete with is movements, they generally have a choice of 4-5.

[@Svenskadoktorn]

@@DancingMalik Not necessarily a bad thing.

[@DancingMalik]

@@Svenskadoktorn I hear ya, but if you want more thank 40 hours PR or an independent hour hand GMT you still have to pay.

[@bravowhiskey4684]

That red Eagle Ray compressor gives me major Spectre vibes.

[@erikbasil2787]

My Google skills are lacking: I couldn't find the darn thing on their site.

[@juliogil565]

Cool! Your review videos helped me decide on my new Phoibos Wavemaster (MOP dial) and i am very pleased with it. I'm very happy i received a perfect version with zero QC issues.

[@chrisready1904]

Picked up a Teal Reise Resolute watch in the kickstarter campaign...really impressed with the titanium bracelet! Looking forward to seeing more details on the RZE Endeavour now. Thanks Jodie :)

[@johnzimmerman1819]

Great video - love knowing what’s available BEFORE they’re sold out!

[@JonGH33]

I'm a picky small wrist guy and most of thoses got me up in my seat. Great watches and video!

[@noice9709]

Cool stuff, Jody. The microbrands are ahead of the curve. Finally, quality, innovation, and attractive design that's available to modest budgets.

[@dosprompt5418]

Let's do this every quarter. Very helpful!

[@MontresMoi]

I love the SHIRT ! I Am a Godzilla Fan :)

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Time to start putting some dollars away… Well actually a whole lot of dollars away… And I’ll be sending kick starter campaign’s a whole lot of pledges this year! Thanks for the list Jody.

[@stusims6567]

There’s a lot of lookers in this list! I like a lot of them too! Great video as always Jody!!!

[@haroldcastle]

such a nice informative video Jody!!! cheers from Venezuela!! thanks

[@DC-uf6ve]

Excellent vid, looking forward to most of those reviews!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great video! Looking forward to all the reviews!!

[@craig2100]

BAM....nice way too bring in 2021 with these 5. Nicely done mate!

[@BetamaxBabe]

Wow, ALL of them appear to be bangers! My three favorites are the Traska, Reise, and Phoibos.

[@erikbasil2787]

My goodness, that's a lot to look forward to and feels like "Good News". This was a good idea; thank you for doing it.

[@switzknight]

Second Hour Mandala and RZE divers are looking good. Here’s three other ones that should draw our attention IMO: Direnzo DRZ04 40mm with integrated bracelet, Echo/Neutra Averau 2 with moon phase at 38mm, and Atticus Meteora with a linen dial and 39mm.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Nice lot! I'm particularly interested in the Traska Commuter and the John Roberts.👍

[@grahamyoung622]

Hooray, you've discovered second hour watches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This Mandala looks STUNNING. I have known about this for several months now and Peter is going to divest me of some of my hard earned cash when these beauties are released. The green and blue look fantastic. TWO FOR ME PLEASE!

[@georgehave]

Normally tend to blue but red is calling my name.

[@AustinBachman]

Make sure you check out the Heimdallr Sea Ghost if you haven't, titanium with a gorgeous tophat sapphire

[@raymondrichardson6061]

Yellow dials. Ray’s prediction for 2021.

[@BCallum]

Thank you for this!!!! Great info. LOVE the T-Shirt!!!! Love that new compressor blue Phoibos!!

[@ozludo]

I think the Rvlvr SD-1 is pretty cool, if only for the NH70 movement. On Kickstarter right now. And the Mandala - only problem is stopping at one. That dial is glorious. I'm in the same city as Peter and thanks to Covid I haven't bought him a beer yet. To be remedied soon I hope. Happy New Year

[@SecondHourWatches]

Damn straight! Mines a negroni 😎😉

[@beermathuang3874]

Excited for these reviews, good sir! I am happy to be following a channel that reviews these micro brands! 💯💯Appreciate the videos!

[@du315h0k]

Nice to see what's out there and coming out. None of these really thrill me as a must have but I enjoy keeping up with the micro designs.

[@grady60]

Your t shirt collection is the SOTC we need!

[@enguerranddsj5210]

Excellent video ! That's what I was looking for !

[@jrfloresbyu]

Very exciting video of what’s to come! I really enjoyed that you took the time to “dive” into these (see what I did there) and added a few of these to my list for 2021. Please keep up the good work and looking forward to seeing these reviews as they come out. Cheer!

[@chrismountbatton5260]

Great video. All really interesting looking watches with the Traska being my favourite. Well done, Jodie, keep going!

[@adamszostek]

Traska comuter looks awesome 😋

[@quentinthatcher40]

The problem with this review is its not " just one more watch", I liked all of them so perhaps a name change, LOL.

[@chriscon8463]

“Just Six More Watches”...

[@edwardgreenaway1808]

Good morning Jody, What a great lineup of watches to come. The Phoibos and Traska look very interesting.

[@skipdennert]

Just started saving for a Mandala. Great video Jody!

[@gigayami]

Bonus like for Godzilla vs Mothra!!

[@tommym1966]

Those Traska's are very very handsome watches. Picked up a Dan Henry 1970 over the New Year. Very happy with it so far.

[@thomas181212]

That RZE in yellow, i think that looks so sporty and special. I love it There goes my money next month 🥳

[@blingblingstarmie-5294]

Dont listen to the hate on second hour watches in the comments, its one guy trying to discourage you from buying one

[@SecondHourWatches]

Yes it's one very mixed up person running multiple accounts and with a bit of an identify crisis

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

I really liked the John Robert. I wish it had succeeded on Kickstarter.

[@alfonso4955]

Red Phoibos for me if I can get my hands on it before it sells out. Fantastic review as always.

[@MADHIKER777]

Impressive array of new watches! Not sure that's a good thing as 2020 was a pandemic buying spree that I hoped would end! LOL

[@JD-wi5zd]

LOL same here. In 2020, I doubled my watch collection. And now that I'm tuned in to the watch community, I'm aware of the new ones and just want moooore

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Beautiful Titanium piece, the price is incredible, looking forward for the full review on this piece, great content as always 👍

[@_guillermo]

Loving the Mothra shirt

[@gregorybarry4564]

That "Mandala" looks nice.

[@gimbydude491]

Great set of brands with novel designs and giving us a little something different in 2021. Thx for sharing!!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

The Mandala is one I'm hoping to get in for review too. It looks absolutely stunning.

[@jollyrob]

The RLG logo looks very like the San Martin one....or vice versa.

[@biollante879]

The shirt is fantastic Jody! As a fellow Kaiju and Watch enthusiast I approve!

[@johnnybgood7812]

Really interesting preview Jody and that Traska looks an absolute killer to me. Thanks.

[@michaelsprance35]

Add to your list anything coming out of Long Island Watch. The amount of watch you get for the price is amazing!

[@anonimushbosh]

Cracking round up. Took me well over an hour to get through this one though what with following half the links and a few trips to various marketplaces. So nice of RZE to delay releasing those details just so I can have me supper & get to bed on time!

[@denisdaly1708]

The Traska looks great. The size is perfect for me. I'm going to order it. Thanks for the preview.

[@davelowey3074]

Seeing some really good things from microbrands, exelent stuff thanks Jody.👍😷

[@marc4199]

Kingston is worth looking at.

[@thebaldwatchcollector]

All of them complete bangers, especially that black and gold Phiobos and white Traska

[@kailen98]

Wow that Traska commuter looks great

[@foldinoscopy5341]

Came for the video. Stayed for the Godzilla shirt.

[@airportworker_fra]

Now thats what I like to see more often. Thanks.

[@SirLouisTheThird]

I like the San Martin pasta blue, unrelated I heard on the radio that Etsy said that the hot colour this year was going to be sky blue