Microbrand Watches Worth The Price | 10 Cool Brands to Check Out

[@VaerWatches]

We appreciate the mention Sam! We're very excited for the auto release as well, and we're here to answer any questions people may have.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I can't wait to see one in person!

[@thomastuinstra3251]

Hi Vaer! I just wondered if your nato straps will fit my 6,3 inch wrist. I really think the field watch looks good, but I don't know if the nato will fit.

[@daynerhoades]

I can't wait for Vaer to put out a sub 40mm watch. I love their field watch layout with the minutes, hours, 24 hours layout. I hope that they keep this if they make a sub 40mm watch.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I’m not sure the exact specs of the field mechanical but I cant wait to see one.

[@asorockwatches6076]

Hi all, please kindly checkout our watch brand www.asorockwatches.com .Some enthusiasts on here may already know us, but, we been in business for over a year now and sold out on our Speedracer collection (Once an asorock watch is sold out, it is never be made again, thus increasing its value for you in the future). We are currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter for the release of our FirstLadies watch. All names of backers/Pre-orderers will be engraved on a monumental pillar in the middle of the library complex we plan to build in a village in Nigeria by December 2020 regardless of the amount donated www.kickstarter.com/projects/asorockwatches/discover-africas-1-leading-luxury-watch-brand

[@drwindsurf]

I love that, even though your channel is still smallish, you bring other people and support the work they are doing; this is very generous. I loved seeing this list and wish Dave the best of luck with his new watch brand :)

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Jeffery, yes if I can do a little bit of good for a brand like Dave's that I believe in then its all worth having the channel!

[@davesergeant3185]

Thanks Jeffrey! I really appreciate the support :)

[@raserx63]

In the microbrand world, I have the VAER Field watch and a Zelos Swordfish. Both really good.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Rex, good to see you back in the comments! Really looking forward to seeing that Vaer for sure!

[@poppad1187]

The Vaer diver is looking damn good from the shots I’ve seen. Sharp and well built piece.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Its one of the watches I have been most looking forward to and I’m hoping to do a review very soon!

[@poppad1187]

The Casual Watch Reviewer Looking forward to the review. ✊🏼 I have a feeling that I’ll be grabbing one

[@rickdeskis]

Agree. I ordered one earlier this month. Looking forward to the review.

[@pepe_gomez]

I stopped buying microbands when I found out (the hard way) that these companies are not set up to sell parts.. if you need a bezel, break a link, need a crown or a dial or maybe hands. You're outta luck. I already know the movement parts are easy to find.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes, I can see your point there. I suppose for them it hard also to keep stock of parts they don't know how successful they are. But I think some microbrands are so eager to get the next watch out they end up having the successful ones out of stock for months. Working in sales for as long as I have that does not sit comfortably with me.

[@pepe_gomez]

The Casual Watch Reviewer yep... sometimes you never find parts.

[@avokevo5394]

CRONICAS DEL PEPE interesting, I never thought of this, thanks!

[@pepe_gomez]

I just did a review of some of my watches in my other channel and I have a watch that I can't buy a crown for unless I send it in and get charged whatever they want. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaqUfH6JmZusg8U

[@chriscahill7463]

What is that last brand with the bauhaus style? I cant seem to find it online by googling what I think it says on the dial.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Here you go! www.indiegogo.com/projects/retro-futuristic-watch-design-swiss-hand-wound#/

[@poppad1187]

Grabbed a Smiths PRS 25 Everest and it’s definitely one I have a hard time taking off. Super versatile piece that I highly recommend if you can order one when their in stock. All around cool watch. Definitely some cool microbrands around.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep I really like the look of those!

[@edwardcrater3591]

My favorite microbrand is Nodus. Great value for the money.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Juan, I have not heard of them before I will be sure to check them out!

[@edwardcrater3591]

@@CasualWatchReviews, you should check them out because they are in your area. These two guys who own Nodus are in LA. I guess you didn't attend the recent Los Angeles event. Rich did a video review of the company and they were also one of the featured companies represented. Anyway, give them a look I know that you will be impressed.

[@greggusan]

I'm a little late to this party I know, but I'm a big fan of that Vaer Dirty Dozen. Really true to the original aesthetic, but modernized in ways I like, in terms of dimensions and display caseback. Wish they would do another run of them (maybe this time with patinaed hands?)

[@speedwolf5212]

Interesting choices. Mine would be: Autodromo, Baltic, Halios, Smith’s, Precista, & CWC.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, yes I should have grouped Percista in with smiths. I own a CWC and love it but now its own by silvermans I think its absolutely outrageous what they are charging for these watches now. I think its honestly disgusting. I would love to get the Navy and maybe an SBS one but the prices are just straight up gouging in my opinion.

[@speedwolf5212]

The Casual Watch Reviewer I just noticed the price increases. Wow, that’s just absurd! You should make a video about it and send it to them. I’ll be writing an email as well.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

You know I should! in fact I will!

[@robertreinhardtsen9202]

GhostDiver .

[@edteach3r]

Theses are all fantastic watches! I am not very knowledgable of micro brands but, I have to say, these all do speak to my field watch/field watch-esque personal preference. Thanks for the great video (liked and subscribed). I have signed up for more info on Dave’s watch as well.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Eddie, welcome to the channel and thanks for subscribing!

[@dr.omar.insights2000]

After buying from Aliexpress and trying Steinhart I found that the Korean Tissel beats them all! I have both dress watches. Open heart and hand wound. Worth dedicating a video for review

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi, I have never seen a Tissel in person so thanks for sharing your experiences with them.

[@TedCornish]

Nicely done to you both. I'd love to know what other movements the micro brands could use instead of the 35, would be nice for someone to make a similar one just for there own brand.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yes I agree and I got the smiths one wrong its the 6r15... oops just realized!

[@TedCornish]

@@CasualWatchReviews no worries mate they look very similar

[@davesergeant3185]

The NH35 is one of the most commonly used movements due to it's workhorse reputation. very reliable! Other commonly used three-hand/date movements include the Miyota 9015, the ETA 2824-2 (becoming a little less common these days due to the phase out of supply from Swatch), the Sellita SW200-1 and the STP1-11. The Sellita and STP are pretty much like-for-like drop-in replacements for the ETA (same size, and use same hands) but they're not exact copies in terms of construction. The Sellita and STP have an extra jewel and both have a higher power reserve over the ETA too.

[@joshuawolfe8865]

Great video. Not all the same micro brands that we see over and over. I have the Neptune, which I really enjoy. Another brand I just discovered is Cincinati Watch Company. I got the P-40M on pre-order which should ship in a couple of months. If it's even half as nice in person as it is in the photos, I'll be one happy camper. Really looking forward to whatever they're working on next.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Oh that is a very interesting looking Pilots watch! And a free museum membership? All things you see included in a watch box these days that has to be a first!

[@graemefraser7347]

Smiths, Precista, Alkin and now LPW are my favourite microbrands. The blue Luna One LPW is gorgeous!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Really looking forward to seeing what Dave has been working on and getting my hands on the Luna one!

[@biscuitsalive]

Top tip. Some good watches here that I had not heard of. But too many long shots of talking heads. Stick some more shots/photos of the watches your talking about up.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, honestly it was like this because some of the watches were very hard to get photos of. A few of the manufacturers sent them, some I struggled with, especially the latter ones.

[@biscuitsalive]

The Casual Watch Reviewer fair enough. But even if it’s just a static shot left in corner of screen it helps the audience relate to what your talking about. Good selections though.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I think I just have to be true to the way I want to create content. At the time I made the creative decisions i did, if you watch any of my other stuff its mainly close ups of the watch only with a brief intro.

[@thomasshaw4173]

My microbrands of choice are Boldr and Phoibos. Great quality and durability for the money. Both brands also have beautiful styling.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I like Boldr as I mentioned here and I have owned a Phoibos, the one I owned I didn't love the design but the quality was awesome for the price.

[@pierresangeorg2286]

Phoibos is not a microbrand. They have their own factory.

[@thomasshaw4173]

@@pierresangeorg2286 No they don't. I know which Hong Kong factory they use and I have been there. I have a couple of friends who work there. Incidentally, the quality of watches being produced is excellent and many other companies of note use the same facility.

[@kellyrobinson8030]

I have a Monta Ocean King and it is a great quality microbrand. Recently I purchased a Heitis Okeanos. Another exceptional microbrand. Check out both companies.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Kelly I will check the out a few people have mentioned the. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@fraserp2377]

A list of European micro brands would be cool, import duty is a killer on a lot of these!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I’m not sure I know 10 European microbrands?

[@fraserp2377]

@@CasualWatchReviews I guess it's more a list of watches that are available to purchase from Europe so we don't get stung for import. E.g phoibos have a Europe store

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Oh right, hey if you think of any more let me know [e-mail]

[@andreaiacolina]

Great video! A lot of interesting brands. I had never heard about a few of them. I am waiting for my Hamtun H2 Kraken and I can't wait for the moment it will be on my wrist!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

It looks like a great watch that hamtun, if it turns out to be a quality watch it will really be showing up a lot of mainstream brands in terms of materials vs cost.

[@davesergeant3185]

The Kraken will be a great watch - I am sure of it!

[@lonewolf30531]

Steinhart, Helm , Vaer and Zelos the best micro-brands. I don’t own any micro brands anymore . Thanks for content .

[@CasualWatchReviews]

hey, well you know my view on Steinhart also Zelos the ones I have seen and handled I didn't love, to be honest, just personal opinion.

[@adibee88]

This review was a great intro for me, on the top reviewed microbrand watches! Thank you for discussing the aspects of each watch per brand!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ssvs0485]

I don’t own any micro brands and the only one I can see growing with a solid future that is going to support customer service with parts and repairs and future maintenance is Monta.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I would really like to get a monta in for review, I reached out to them a while ago actually.

[@ssvs0485]

The Casual Watch Reviewer even the harshest of critics seem to like the watches.

[@davesergeant3185]

I'd highly recommend checking out Seals. Michael has fantastic customer service and with regular runs of his watch models, there shouldn't be any issue with parts availability. The good thing with using the STP and the Miyota movements is the ease of servicing too.

[@jakepowers1833]

Good recommendations. I like Ocean Crawler, Zelos, and Helm. I like big watches.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I got to see a few of those in person at a local watch show.

[@tods.9947]

Good discussion Sam. I still really like my Borealis. I also have an ECA, but it doesn’t get much wrist time.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Tod, yes I would love to see that Borealis in person!

[@tods.9947]

The Casual Watch Reviewer - hey Sam, well I brought it with me to my trip to Italy, but if you like I can loan it to you when I get back.

[@stephentaylor6320]

Excellent video as usual,some very good choices all eminently wearable.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey Stephen, thanks appreciate you watching as always. Looking forward to seeing a few I have not seen in person hopefully up close and for a review.

[@jasonkeith1725]

Good luck to Dave on your upcoming venture. My favorite microbrands are Monta and MKll. Great dive watches.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Diego, yes it was hard to get down to 10, the original video was 40 mins long so we have a few special mentions that didn't make it in.

[@davesergeant3185]

Thanks a lot, Diego! Much appreciated :)

[@Gumby56]

I have the Vaer A7 Navy Swiss made in Switzerland and it's worth every dollar I paid for it.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Love my D5 still!!!

[@mh-do3pe]

Am I the only one that doesn't like drilled lugs? It bothers me so much I'm looking at Zelos and/or phoibos

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Phoibos you should look at because they are great watches also. But I for one love drilled lugs but Im way icky about other stuff so I can't judge 😂

[@MichaelAguila]

I'm waiting on one of those Tsao Baltimore divers, and I think I discovered it at the same micro brand show you went to. If you remember seeing a giant dude with longish brown/red hair and goatee, that was me. Haha Nice video. 👍

[@CasualWatchReviews]

We went fairly early in the day so I don’t recall seeing you but that would have been cool to meet in person. I’m hopefully going to get one in for review. Was impressed on the day

[@MichaelAguila]

@@CasualWatchReviews Yeah, Alan and his wife were very nice

[@davesergeant3185]

Tsao Torsk diver is a beaut. Can't wait to get it on the wrist!

[@cokchops_5231]

My personal favorites without a doubt have to be Monta, Farer and Pelton

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Mike, you have expensive taste. I have only ever heard great things about Farer from people I know who own them

[@gregalonzo747]

My microbrand favorites are Brellum out Switzerland and Tourby from Germany.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I like the look of the Tourby but they are expansive, probably worth it but it stops me from seriously looking at them to be honest

[@gregalonzo747]

@@CasualWatchReviews, they are expensive but worth the price. What is nice is that you can customize the watch to your own specifications.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

maybe when I get a bit bigger channel wise I could ask them if I could borrow one for review!

[@davesergeant3185]

I love Sebastian's work at Brellum. The most recent Wyvern is great and a lovely in-house movement too!

[@alexandermundy271]

I really like GMT watches. I have the Squale GMT and I just ordered the new Christopher Ward GMT.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I had the Squale and really liked it. I recently started looking at the Christopher ward and it does look awesome, like an Oris slightly but the colour pallet used is really cool. It's on my list for sure.

[@Wulliee]

I agreed with most of the choices, but was really surprised not to see Zelos on the list.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi, yep. I have seen a few Zelos watches in person and honestly, for my tastes, I feel the brands I mentioned in mine just top them. Its not a brand that personally stands out for me and what I look for in a watch

[@kevinslegg1576]

Out of the ones you revised there - my 2nd place would go to the Smiths PRS-40, seems a very unusual 'utility/tool watch'. However, 1st place must go to the Neucarl - again a truly unique style, with great attention to detail all adds up to a simply stunningly beautiful watch 👍

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Kevin, yes that was a new one on me and a great choice by Dave!

[@davesergeant3185]

Glad you like the Neucarl! Francois has really done something different to many of the microbrands out there at the moment. A lovely watch and a great value for the price too!

[@1richbish]

I've been following the progress of the Luna One, I look forward to seeing more of it...

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hey, you and me both. Dave and I are working on a new version of this for 2020

[@dirkstruan2999]

Lots of great recommendations. My personal favorites are Monta, Staton, and Stuckx.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I’m get to see any of those in person! But if I can get a hold of one I would be happy to review

[@brilliantradience]

The first original video on so many levels, enjoy it and got a bit informed. There's a microbrand called Vartislava Conceptum from Eastern Europe with some interesting and functional designs. I'm not subbed but trawl and watch interesting content from watch channels and your video was not a let down, FYI I won't blow $US750 or more on a watch.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Well thanks for stopping by and watching this one. I will check out that microbrands you mentioned thanks for pointing it out

[@davesergeant3185]

Love VC's Pan Africa. Beautiful dial and lovely vintage inspired case shape! Big fan :)

[@Mathew1985mathew]

I have Davosa Ternos bicolor and i love them 🔥

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Martin, I have not heard of that brand, I will check it out, thanks for letting me know.

[@Mathew1985mathew]

@@CasualWatchReviews You are welcome kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGm6pZehrt53gtk

[@garf6615]

Why no prices

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Yep your right maybe we should have been more clear on those!

[@chuckdukie4243]

Next time fellas could you show more pics of the watches your describing.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Charles, For some of the watches, there were that new I struggled to get pictures of them. This is why some are a bit sparse, well certainly at that time.

[@riffswatch1559]

Some great pieces there guys!

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Thanks Riff, its hard to get down to 10

[@riffswatch1559]

@@CasualWatchReviews Is that what you tell the missus? ;-p

[@Alithia451]

Phoibos with their new Eagle Ray GMT.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

I'm going to be reviewing another Phoibos on the channel soon, a newer diver style one.

[@chrismenes4995]

Monta and Ginault are quality microbrands.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

A few viewers now have mentioned Monta, they are getting a lot of love. thanks for watching g and commenting Chris

[@snapfitness1]

Most are really good watches, dont agree with the vaer others in my collection include Oceanica, Heitis and NTH.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Njama. I'm probably excited to see the Vaer the most out of all of them. I have not experienced NTH or the others to be honest so thanks for sharing your view on them

[@snapfitness1]

@@CasualWatchReviews I want to be excited for it but based off my current reaction to the field watch I have, it's not doing anything for me.

[@VaerWatches]

@@snapfitness1 Hey there! We always want to ensure that all of our owners are happy, and that we're doing everything we can to produce the best watch that we can for the price. We shot you a message, as we'd love further feedback on what you don't like about the watch. Thank you, Ryan

[@horlogehobby8646]

I really don't like too tiny watches.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

What’s your ideal size of a watch?

[@horlogehobby8646]

@@CasualWatchReviews 45mm atleast. My biggest is 52mm, doubt i want any bigger tho!

[@John-oz1do]

Incomplete without zelos....really

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Derek, I have seen a few Zelos in person and honestly I was not blown away by them. Also when I talked to the guy at the microbrands show he didnt have a lot of knowledge on them or watches in general. It was a purposeful omission not an mistake missing them off.

[@John-oz1do]

@@CasualWatchReviews hi. thanks for the reply, just so you know zelos manufactured the first titanium Damascus watch in the world. if you know that material you will know what an incredible achievement that is. the full case titanium Damascus watch looks amazing. even grail brands have not used this material which is used in high end knife making handles

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Derek, we may disagree on that Damascus material I thought it looked weird to put it kindly. The process may be spectacular for sure. I would have it on a knife but on a watch case it looked like thay had dipped the case in copper and blue paint. It honestly looked like something Invicta would make. If you have not seen it in person, I would see if you can before buying one. I will say the one with the meteorite dial looked good. For me they didn’t stand out that day I saw them at the microbrand show. Hey if you collect them or want to come on and talk about them on the show let me know.

[@John-oz1do]

The Casual Watch Reviewer , i own one, its really beautiful.....cheers. You cant buy them all sold out limited to 40pcs. The point is you have to salute them for using a material thats never been used before in the watch industry and a very difficult material to use for a watch case. We can disagree ,, no issue, all the best

[@CasualWatchReviews]

derek j yes of course they did a good job of using that material. Not to my personal taste but if you like it then that is all that matters! Appreciate you watching and sharing your view!

[@andriusduksta5744]

Stop showing your weird faces. It ruins entire video. Watches are enough, showing your face with camera pointing from down below adds 0 value and ruins experience.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Hi Andrius, thanks for watching. I honestly appreciate feedback on my videos, many suggestions people have made I have incorporated going forward. But what I can't understand is why you had to be so nasty about it. What is your goal here, you ruin any point you had by being so rude and nasty. You're a KZbinr yourself, you know how these types of comments effect creators.

[@seanm3226]

Yes. Show the watches.

[@CasualWatchReviews]

Sean M Hi Sean, watch my other uploads they are very watch footage focused. Most I don’t appear or just intro the upload. I struggled with most of these getting good images because some of them are so new.

[@vidgamplay]

Need watch faces