Microbrand GMT Comparison: Farer Lander IV vs. Monta Atlas vs. Baltic Aquascaphe GMT

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In this video, I'll take a look at three of my favorite GMT watches from microbrands. Compared to major Swiss or Japanese brands, all three of these watches present an incredible value and unique designs that make them excellent alternatives to the major players to consider.
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[@balesjo]

The Farer may not be for everyone, but I love it, especially the dial and dialhand color.

[@ThoughtGum]

I absolutely adore Farer.

[@sinesaii]

Farer makes a very nice watch. I strongly recommend them. AnOrdain and Fears are two other extremely good microbrands.

[@sinesaii]

@@ThoughtGummany of us do

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

It's worth pointing out that a) Baltic comes in several color ways, not just the blue and grey, and b) that the typo on the caseback was not only corrected for future versions, but Baltic sent all previous owners new casebacks and offered to cover the cost of replacing them.

[@theexcaliburone5933]

well that’s nice

[@karlsenula9495]

Love the look of the Farer. However the longer you look at them they all have lovely elements and looks.

[@jimlittle5769]

All three are impressive but I like the Farer thr best. Love the dial and the dimensions.

[@constantine5312]

Me too. Love Farer

[@annonymouslibertairian9120]

I have a Farer 3 hand, a bezal gmt, and their manual chrono. My next watch is their new mono-pusher. I want to be more diverse in my collection, but they keep making pieces I have to have.

[@andreaiacolina]

Three very nice and interesting watches here. Probably my favorite in terms of design is the Farer. I honestly don't know very well this brand, but it deserves more attention. I have to take a look to their catalogue.

[@TomSchmitzLP]

Love at first sight with the Farer Lander IV...astonishing color, incredible balance. What a beautiful piece.

[@BellaARE]

I own the Farer Lander now, and I am mesmerized by the dial. Such a fantastic watch, it gets so many compliments

[@CharlesRuggiero]

I bought that Baltic (same colorway even) after seeing your review on it last year. I LOVE IT! everything about it is so, so great. I don't even mind that it's not a "TRUE" GMT. Like the OG Rolex GMT I use the bezel for the second time zone and only have to fuss with the GMT hand when needing to track a 3rd time zone - which isn't that often. I looked at the other two when I was shopping for a GMT but the Baltic won out for me... Thanks Teddy.

[@JuanLopez-kw9of]

The Farer is my pick. The dial will always be the 1st consideration for me when i select my watches, all other things being equal. . The Farer's clean, simple design just stands out The other 2 look more derivative and for some that's the safe choice. Don't be afraid of a little color! When done right the results can be stunning.

[@JuanLopez-kw9of]

@WhatsApp ‪➊➋⓿➏➑➐➎➐➋⓿➍‬ Wow! really excited thanks!

[@dthoma128]

The Baltic is sharp ... I will be sure to explore that one further. One micro-brand I am surprised is not on your blog list is "Vaer" ... I love their style coupled with rugged outdoor's durability. Not sure where they stand on the scale of rising micro-brands, but I hope they continue to grow and survive ... they seem like they are making watches for all the right reasons.

[@tranquilcoast]

I have the baltic GMT and have really enjoyed wearing it and traveling with the watch. Definitely considered the Farer and Monta, too, when I was shopping!

[@yankeesandgiants1886]

I have a Baltic Aquascaphe with the blue dial and it's a winner. I also have a GO SeaQ blue dial and a VC Overseas Deepstream and I don't feel like I'm losing anything when I wear this. So comfortable, well-sized, and the bezel action is so smooth.

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great video as always. New big fan of Farer having just bought one of their chronos. If I wanted another GMT that would be the clear winner for me.

[@edteach3r]

Great video, thanks Teddy. Please keep ‘em coming! I like all three these watches; but, for me, the ability to track a third time zone is preferred. My daily watch is the Islander Republic GMT that, at $695 with a Sellita SW330-2 movement, offers unbeatable value.

[@VivekSingh-hy1dk]

Glad you mentioned farer. Please make a dedicated video on this brand and it's offerings

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

We can investigate them more. They make some great pieces.

[@markharrison2484]

Yes please. The 3 handers are stunning.

[@ilovemikerogers]

@@TeddyBaldassarre I just got their Bradfield and absolutely love it. I've become a huge fan of their brand.

[@gregnatividad8345]

Teddy, thanks for this comparison, especially highlighting the lume! As plenty of channels don’t do it. I was suppose to get a sky quest, but after seeing this, with its weak lume, I would have to review some options.

[@patricktettero5964]

I would go for the Monta Atlas . It have the whole package and I like a good quality bracelet 🙂👍

[@tjfish9683]

Great review as always. I've been tempted by the Baltic Aquascaphe and and the Aquascaphe GMT. I agree with other comments that Vaer is something to consider (I have a D5 Diver) and they've recently introduced a GMT. I recently purchased the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT which I'm currently wearing. My watch collecting started only a couple of years ago and so far I've been able to resist spending much over the 1K for a watch. There seem to be a lot of interesting options below that. But as with all addictions there is a risk of greater cravings.

[@botroselemy2165]

The baltic is absolutely stunning

[@malikknows3510]

Excellent video! I own the Farer and your point about the similarity of the gmt hand and the sweep seconds is absolutely correct! I love the watch and the company, but I'd probably not opt for this model again.

[@adamvk1]

Have owned two Baltic watches now (OG aquascaphe and now the Aquascaphe GMT), and very impressed with wearability and quality. Only criticism-I wish they offered an oyster style bracelet. I find the BoR bracelets uncomfortable. The tropic rubber strap is great though.

[@res00xua]

Informative and well photographed as always. Thanks

[@davida8407]

The Monta with the white silver dial is absolutely amazing. Combined with the top tier case finishing and unique design, that's the winner for me.

[@anthonystevens8683]

I love these options. They offer an individuality far away from the established brands at a decent price with mostly well proven movements, I'd guess all will be fine with the Soprod with the only niggle being easy service at a sensible price but that's just a guess. I'd still go for the Baltic even though it has this movement closely followed by the other two. If a microbrand can make stand out watches they could turn into a mini brand and that ups the competition for the major brands and should be great news for the consumer. Great review Teddy.

[@diamondbed86]

I love the look of Farer but tend to buy watches closer to Casio or Timex price range. Thanks for the reviews!

[@kevinmccalister8197]

Almost bought the Baltic last year. Ended up spending a bit more and getting the BB58 blue.

[@friendlynomad9840]

Great episode. I'm a big fan of Farer. How many different filming locations do you have? It would be cool to make a "behind the scenes" or "how it's made" episode on the channel.

[@Mik01ist]

😅I needed this few months ago - I actually landed on the Farer (MIDNIGHT colour) as the design and the movement made the difference for me. The Midnight colour has even more details than this in the video. Lume is just like Teddy said. I'd also point out the quick release bracelet which is a nice thing for me. So far love the Lander! Second place for me was the Monta in the opalin dial. Thx for the video Teddy

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Great video, would like to see more videos reviewing high quality and high value microbrands.

[@ryejack]

I absolutely love the look of the Farer Lander IV. Unfortunately, it's out of my current price range. Sigh. I'm also a fan of Baltic watches. The have a great vintage look that speaks to me.

[@jordankirkbride4612]

Take a look into San Martin watches

[@tayne5009]

I bought a Farer GMT last year. It’s the Crooms model that I found when looking for a watch with a red dial. I’d pick the Lander if I had to choose from these three.

[@williamdwyer3856]

Have the Farer for about a month now, great watch! and fast shipping from England to the USA.

[@ilovemikerogers]

I just got a Farer Bradfield. I absolutely love the brand.

[@216baja]

Love this content and will be looking into the brands featured in this video.

[@joelsk7149]

YES!!! Been looking for a vid like this one for a long long time 🤌🤌🤌

[@Keeperofthekey13]

I have the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT. 39mm x12.25mm with 47.5.lug to lug. Has a male end link though bringing it out to an actual 50mm.Sellita 330.2 & 56 hours reserve with display case showing the excellent finishing of the movement. Cheaper than both Monta & Farer, it’s a class act all the way. Sits beautifully on my 7in wrist. Finishing sublime, bracelet is perhaps as good or better than all of them. Quick adjust dive extension just press & pull. Applied indicesOrange GMT point. Stainless even Arabic 24 hr bezel. Honestly, I love this watch . Even with import duties from UK, it cost me about US$1,300? & with the discounts offered can be found considerably less.

[@LordTwaddle]

I have a Lorier Hyperion and a Zelos Horizons GMT, both I’d highly recommend too.

[@dariusgwathney8055]

was wondering how long it would take for someone to say something about the Lorier Hyperion. I own one too and absolutely love it. I highly recommend it also!

[@chriscon8463]

@@dariusgwathney8055 I’ve got a Lorier Falcon 2 & it’s a great watch! I really like the Hyperion, but I have a Squale GMT that checks the box.

[@RyanBofMKE]

Farer has to be my favorite out of these three. But have you ever checked out Aragon (formerly known as Android)? They're my favorite microbrand, and they pack quite the bang for your buck. If you haven't, check them out. Wing does a great job designing and showcasing his timepieces. And they're customer service is next to none.

[@rockon21ful]

All great watches but Monta is in a whole other league, guess they are considered a microbrand but their products are on par with Tudor and better than brands like Oris, IMHO!

[@eric21881]

That farer has been something I wanted for years and I may be able to make it happen in the next year or so Just stunning Catches my eye just as well today as it always have

[@whitenikkor]

I'll go for the Baltic, I like the classic look and colors. Good review of microbrand GMTs.

[@gerardogarcia-trio3572]

As a retro and vintage watch guy, I love the Baltic. I think they nailed that retro design without going even close to an homage.

[@ginalopez2641]

The Lander. I purchased one recently and it’s a stunner.

[@96corvette9]

Love Monta. Have an Oceanking (not Sea King Teddy! Lol) the Atlas though is probably my least liked design from Monta. I think they have an opportunity to play around with the dial colors more and have some fun with that to really take their watches to the next level. Combine Farer dial and color themes with Monta finishing and bracelet and I think it would just be amazing

[@HRM.H]

Amazing selection to compare , ive been eyeing the Farer for a while now.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

These seem like the definitive trio for micro gmts. All very solid.

[@angusanning1341]

@@TeddyBaldassarre How about the Zelos Horizons GMT or the Yema Superman Heritage GMT? I'm really curious about how they compare to these three.

[@larryfishkind5387]

Aplina, certina , mido , monta. I love them all ! Maybe my next watch purchase if I had the money I’d buy them all lol .. I just bought my first Hamilton broadway chronograph automatic I love it! Looking into longines for my next watch along with these micro brands

[@HiroNguy]

The Baltic has a classy, simple style to it. Despite prices it's the best looking of all 3.

[@KabobHope]

All hi-beat smallerish GMT watches I know nothing about. They're all beautiful. Thanks for educating me.

[@KabobHope]

Hey, Teddy. Thanks for choosing me in the random giveaway. I've been subscribed and watching your channel for a year or so. I appreciate the Rolex I won, but I was hoping that it would be one of these microbrands. That Baltic looks pretty sweet and that Monta is a pretty good looker too and I like smaller watches. Now, about that shipping charge of $150 for international shipping or $100 for standard shipping. I'm really not in a rush. Would you mind sending them C.O.D. I'm good for it. Promise.

[@isaiasrivas7431]

Farer is the best … I had to purchase a couple … the Ponting and Lander Midnight (luckily before it sold out!) beautiful watches…

[@alexeyvoko]

Great review as always, curious what gear do you use for those close up shots

[@pbuehner]

These are three very nice watches. I would add the new Christopher Ward Sealander GMT into the discussion too.

[@chrisdavis8399]

Baltic is all about the dial design and they do look great, but the bracelets are weak and their QC is spotty to say the least. The finishing, movement and build quality is no where near the other 2….overpriced IMHO. Great comparison video Teddy!

[@karlsenula9495]

What I'm really looking for is a decent yet inexpensive World Time. Citizen seems to have a lovely one I've been looking at.

[@devinnelson]

What specific light modifier is your videographer using for the watch glamor shots? They always look so good!

[@evh4611]

To me, a fantastic high quality bracelet and high quality micro adjustment clasp is a must.

[@Tizianv]

Love the Monta and the Farer! For me, the Farer is just a little more interesting with this dial.

[@Csibu89]

The Atlas is an all round amazing watch. I would love to see the Farer with a Monta quality bracelet too.

[@96corvette9]

I have an Oceanking and I want to see it the other way around. I want Monta to be more playful with dial colors and color themes. I think they can take Monta to a different level by getting outside the blue, white, and black

[@imcarlover3911]

38.5 mm, solid dial, brush finishing, comfortable bracelet with micro adjustment. Monta is definitely my favorite this time. GMT with elegant feeling is so versatile

[@sladegt40]

Need to add Lorier Hyperion to your list of competitive GMT micro brand offerings.

[@Beachvibe85]

@ teddy, would you recommend the Farer watch as an everyday watch? I really love the look of this watch! Thank you!

[@betog.6229]

Glad to see micro brands get represented.

[@profpigeon5441]

I like the wa the farer looks, and before the video I was into that, but the monta def feels greats, but the issue is one you are in the 2k range it opens up some other options.

[@deedee8568]

Farer are fantastic with their colour palette and stand out for that reason.

[@PixelVogue]

I love the Farer Lander defo going to get one in the collection

[@jinbaepak611]

Should’ve also compared the C63 Sealander GMT from CW!

[@jroark101]

I’d be happy to have any of these

[@carrickrichards2457]

Thoughtful as ever. Thank you

[@trafiak8]

I’ve got a Farer Lander. Easily my most favourite watch that I own

[@bigdog9006]

Hey Teddy, have you reviewed a Christopher Ward? I love my Trident Elite 1000. Great videos, thanks.

[@arcadevampire]

Farer watches, to me, are near perfect on size, design, movement, materials, cost. Just one very small thing. I just wish you could choose the colour of their second hands. Just too funky for me

[@rajdixit1605]

Love that Farer! Would you recommend the Lander IV over the Exmoor?

[@sailingblacklotus]

Hey Teddy. I was talking to a fellow sailor who happens to be an Astro-Navigation Master and having an accurate watch is critical in ensuring accurate position on a map when paired with a navigational tool called a sextant. Is there something you could recommend in this regard? He gave me a clue of where to start and mentioned that he wants his timepieces to have an accompanying "COSC" certificate. I was about to do a deep dive into this but I figure I would you have the reigns as you maybe able to better research this area more than I can ever do.

[@danielmelendez9943]

I think formex should have been up there with these 3 brands mentioned. The monta does look expensive and few watch makers provide ua with usable, purpoae oriented bracelets. I hear Christopher Ward also offers great bracelets. Any thoughts on that?

[@willbrink]

I review the Farer GMT Bezel here with a shout out to Teddy B: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKi8YWWYjc5_nas

[@jaimegonzalez799]

Would love if you covered Traska! Love your content btw.

[@SMH24.7]

Anybody else notice the position of the regulator on the Monta? Teddy said it was running at -4 to 0 seconds per day. Makes you wonder.

[@philspencelayh5464]

I don't like leather straps so it would have to be changed but the Farer just has something special about it, so that's the one I'd choose

[@riverfishing2051]

Farer... fantastic. Great overview.

[@SpindlyScoudrel]

Farer simply have the best (subjectively) designs, the only watches that have excited me since I was a youngster!

[@stileshumphrey4195]

Would pick the Monta Atlas👍

[@Lorenzo-bl2ss]

the Farer is a beauty. I love it!

[@bitta3084]

For quite some time, I have been intrigued by the NODUS Sector GMT. Any thoughts?

[@thebeanstalker631]

That farer is something else.

[@yukonthornsaengsanoh7942]

Some mid-luxury brands that use only ETA 2824-2 / SW 200 but they have higher prices than microbrands that use the same calibers. May you advise how the difference is? Do they deserve that price range?

[@jasoncong9599]

Omg!! Love the Baltic and Farer 😍 ... I'm gonna forget about Rolex 😅

[@jasoncong9599]

@WhatsApp ‪➊➋⓿➏➑➐➎➐➋⓿➍‬ ohhh really? 😲 how I can DM you?

[@emilwinklaar5374]

Hi Teddy I’m 14 and I’m super skinny. I have a 5.5inch wrist and can’t seem to find any watches that fits me well but I really enjoy them. What are sum watches that you would recommend me buy. Hope you see this

[@jonboy8181]

Hey Teddy, I’ve noticed Ben Napier from the show Home Town wears some pretty cool watches. You should maybe look into doing a collab vid with him!

[@Lupos-F]

the old Seiko navigator GMT 6117-6410had the same stepped gmt hand.

[@res00xua]

Got a first like on your excellent channel. Best wishes with Courtney, and congratulations.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you, my friend!

[@MrValve-fr8hd]

I have a Monta noble and you are right, the finishing is superb. I would put the Monta on par with my Omega seamaster (finishing wise). I actually like the Monta bracelet MORE than my omega bracelet.

[@michaelwf3893]

Could you do a review on the new titanium Endeavour 2 if you can get your hands on it that be great thanks again for all the Informational videos

[@davidlashmanov4386]

Teddy, thank you for the video. Owning Farer Lander IV it's just fun. I love to take them to sunny weather, like Miami. Wonderful colors of the dial! Could be great if you could do the same video divers. Like: - Christopher Ward (GPHG) - Zelos - Stowa - Both Baltics and Farer have amazing dual-crown divers - As for dual crown - Mitch Mason could be a great addition. Is there a chance that you will do a "German under 5K watches" video?

[@zambonidriver42]

Wouldn’t have minded seeing the Christopher Ward in here. Or Yema? Been debating this very topic as I scout for a GMT. Farer, I like their dial design, but they missed it with the case. For an eye-catching dial, that bezel is… off. And the lack of a deployant clasp makes it cheap. Baltic, if you’re going to use sapphire for the bezel insert, give it some pop. It looks bland, the last thing I’d expect from something using sapphire. Monta, they did a phenomenal job on the case and bracelet, and even the dial/hands. I’d really like to see this same style of review on the big brands under $2000. Seiko’s Sharp Edge GMT, Longines’ GMT, Mido, Hamilton, maybe Zodiac.

[@aisyitme]

Please make a review on Omega's newest Constellation

[@bigwilliearmitage]

FYI... Two years later, Monta Atlas GMT is now $2385. That's more than a 22% price increase since this was posted. Wow!

[@DavidSmith-xc2xz]

Hey Teddy, thanks for the content. Any thoughts on Phoibos? I was thinking about picking up a Microbrand diver as a summer "beater" and they are a consideration.

[@shawn1928]

Phoibos makes a good watch, with unique designs (they're based out of Hong Kong I believe), decent lume and nice finish across all their watches. I own their Eagle Ray in red, I really like it. But as you might already know (depending on deep you're into your own watch journey), there's so much choice out there, that includes the micros. Other options/brands I would consider (to rattle off a few): Vaer, Nodus, NTH, Hemel, Helm, RZE (and they're all U.S.-based micros). Marc at Long Island Watch also makes a decent watch in his own Islander line of watches (and his YT channel is quite good), and he's an authorized dealer for other brands, including Phoibos

[@TheZoog15]

what was that short piece of music at the beginning!?!? 0:35

[@iliminator1000]

Thinking of getting the Baltic, any impressions from those who have it?

[@rodrigoquinonez2615]

The Monta’s GMT hand is similar to the Seiko World Timer of the sixties.