Must-See Microbrands at UK's Biggest Watch Fair

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We had the opportunity to both exhibit and attend one of the biggest watch fairs in the UK - World Time UK. This is a great opportunity for microbrands to showcase their new timepieces to watch enthusiasts as well as for watch geeks to try out a ton of new and unique watches.
It was a fantastic day and we had the chance to interview some of our favourite brands at the show, to see our favourites check out the video chapters. Which is your favourite watch brand?
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0:00 Intro
1:08 Apiar
2:25 The founder of World Time UK
3:30 Echo/Neutra
4:18 Elliot Brown
6:10 Havaan Tuvali
7:14 Heinrich
8:17 Isotope
9:24 Studio Underdog
11:06 Venezianico
12:02 Zero West
13:40 H20
14:32 Bragdur
15:24 Ball
15:54 Subdelta

[@watchgecko]

Book Your Free Tickets for World Time UK 2024 on Eventbrite - www.eventbrite.com/e/world-time-uk-the-london-watch-event-2024-tickets-827496593587?aff=oddtdtcreator

[@paulszabo-davie8936]

I found this brief introduction to British and Foreign Microbrand Watches refreshing. It’s fascinating how much talent there is out there.These guys deserve our support.

[@daqiancheng4336]

For those who are not familiar with the term, additive manufacturing means 3-D printing.

[@MrNeegsafro]

God i was cracking up at this part. All i was thinking was, so you are 3D printing watch cases

[@michaeleckstut7470]

Exactly!!@@MrNeegsafro

[@garybrown4671]

​@@MrNeegsafro3d printing a titanium watch case. I'm kinda impressed.

[@grunt5074]

In all fairness SLS is quite a bit more complex and much more precise than what you'd typically think of when you hear 3-D printing.

[@14wntr]

Being very new to the watch scene, I did not know Ball was considered a micro brand. After almost 3 months of deliberation and study, my first mechanical watch is a Ball Engineer III Marvelight White Dial! I am very happy to own it and it is on my wrist daily! Thanks for a great video

[@jinxUKBK]

I was there with a friend. It was a very eye opening event. I can definitely say micro brands offer pound for pound more value than any established watchmakers

[@craigriley9892]

The dial on that Venezianico!

[@Another_User_Name_]

I own that watch and it's even more stunning looking with the stainless steel bracelet.

[@pattisondom]

Apiar: How do we market towards engineers? DMLS Watch? Me: Yes please!

[@ScratchyBaws]

The Bragd Poseidon and the star of the show Ball were two stunning watches i'd wear.

[@cedarcanoe]

Supreme video. Thanks for letting us outside the UK enjoy the watches at the show as well 🙏🙏

[@hs3982]

Which brand is the orange watch in the thumbnail?

[@Lucious_Skywalker]

Bragdur “The Orange”

[@casualsuede]

Microbrands are like the craft beers of the watch world. They're niche and serve a specific market but as craft beers became more mainstream, so will indy brands.

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

Those zero west watches are really nice, the watch editions are only sold in very limited numbers. Thay make very nice hand made custom leather straps to go with them.

[@1vegasdood]

Thanks for this video....I am new to understanding my watch buying interests for the last 40 years....and, as a working creative I love how many of these microbrands allow me to acquire various watches at a reasonable price but still high quality.

[@OG_BioHax]

Love my Dan Henry watch 👍🏼

[@Akstergrind]

Wow, never heard of this brand but they look great and a really reasonable price, too! Nice one!

[@Jobie86]

Just Great to see some previously little known brands. Thank you.

[@andreicraciun7870]

thanks a lot for covering an event nobody outside knew about. Shout out to the organizer for keeping it secret!

[@Giuseppe_De_Bellis]

I just bought a echo/ neutra "Cristallo" diver last week. With deep blue and Black dial. Wonderful watch, with beefy bracelet and clasp( with slide adjust regulation), Cant take my eyes off it, crisp design, very high quality for the price. Love the power reserve indicator. Well done, echo / neutra. As a designer myself, I just can say nothing but "Bravissimi!"!!! ☺

[@TimRobertsen]

As a norwegian, it's fun to see a norwegian watch brand :)

[@johnmonachelli5256]

The tuvali cigar piece is gorgeous i like his way of just doing whatever

[@kestonwright9881]

He really does some amazing stuff.

[@AwkwardHorology]

I love the micro brand scene at the moment! So much variety and choice! I’m rocking my Geckota Airstream whilst watching this by the way!

[@garybrown4671]

That Beachmaster changed my heart rate. Thanks, for this look at some brands i didn't know about. Definitely gonna be looking. My wife might get suspicious....

[@dorinpopa6479]

Great video. I did not know Ball is a microbrand, surprised to see them here.

[@DC-uf6ve]

I'd have gone to this event had I known it existed!

[@nickmorgan2990]

Was gutted to miss this years show !! been previous 3 years and brilliant show !! next year I wont miss it !!! H20 for me is awesome, just a shame you cant purchase them on the day !!!

[@4245italy]

Great ! My favorite microbrand so far is WISE watches out of Thailand.

[@LimitedWard]

That Isotope chronograph looks killer!

[@theclocker7406]

Fabulous to have the chance to see the microbrand scene over in the UK. Great choice and designs too, so refreshing to see such innovation too. Sadly these are all way beyond my price range, as almost all of them were well into four figures (in CAD$); it would have been amazing to see some of the more affordable microbrands, and seeing the new innovations available to those of us with more modest budgets. Thanks for sharing the video though, really enjoyed it!

[@street2030]

Thanks for this video. these watch designs are so much cooler than what i see in shops from famous brands right now. Would love a few of the Studio Underdog watches.

[@didymostraps]

Glad to see one of my straps, the 4L'MENTS, in an Isotope watch! Thanks Jose for exhibiting it!

[@chrisenchemin7183]

As a micro-brands' over, it's always a pleasure for me to discover a new one. And, with your video, I discovered not one but three new micro-brands : Apiar, Subdelta and Bragdur!!! THANKS!!!

[@jlo4252]

Loved your video, very refreshing and interesting, thank u

[@lwood5375]

Microbrands are starting to charge premium luxery watch prices 😮

[@thewholecut]

Some very interesting brands here. Thanks for bringing them to our attention!

[@Hemebean]

Fantastic video. As for microbrands, other than those mentionned here, I would recommend Phoibos. They have some great designs. Cheers!

[@spike6487]

I just received my Phoibos Wavemaster GMT today. My 3rd Phoibos watch. Impressive at their price point.

[@street2030]

Echo Neutra that white dial is nice

[@mbingham10]

Went to the show and I can honestly say that Zero west was the star of the show

[@indiefansexplode]

I liked the Echo/Neutra watches the best, but this was very interesting. Haven't heard of any of these besides Ball and Studio Underdog. I saw Farer and Doxa in the video as well.

[@johndoe-ep7qk]

looks like a lovely event, not too long, refreshing smaller brands from across the world, not insanely overcrowded...going to have to put it on my list next time i'm across the pond

[@tiffer67]

I picked up a Desert Sky today & I'm looking forward to the new watch Studio Underd0g are launching in 4 days. The 1st album is going to be a difficult one to follow but I think that Richard is a really smart young man & I wish him every success.

[@WeaCkArK]

Where did you get your desert sky from if you dont mind me asking? Ebay?

[@tiffer67]

@@WeaCkArK No, I bought it from the only authorised dealer that Studio Underd0g have in the UK. James Porter & Son, jewellers in Glasgow. They have limited stock still available but it's only for in store pick up, you'd have to travel to Glasgow to get it.

[@markgreenhalgh943]

Oooooooh yeah...just looked up that desert sky watch. Mmmmmmm, nice choice. Gorgeous colours. Thanks for the info.

[@antiquefreak3128]

Micro brands are awesome 👌

[@yurixanderp]

Venezianico I love it!

[@hortehighwind8651]

As someone with a 15 cm / 5 "9 wrist, thank god for microbrands selling small watches. Edit: very interesting watches :)

[@Artificial-Stupidity]

This is great! So much passion and creativity, puts a smile on my face.

[@fredo1070]

That cigar dial watch looks cool, like something Roger Moore would have worn in the 1970s

[@BAF605]

My Watermelon arrives this month but I'm interested to see if Studio Underdog can repeat the trick of making a field watch that is a different as their chronos are.

[@Commander_Chief]

Great video. Thanks

[@johnswatchjoint]

That was an awesome round up of some fantastic watches. Really enjoyed it :)

[@firminshepherd4834]

Excellent video, so good to see these brands and products. Thanks!

[@fuloplehel]

Very interesting watches, microbrands are the best when it comes to unique designs and features. 👍👍👍

[@nedhourani]

Contacted Eric after this was posted, great guy to communicate with, lovely pieces. Purchased the Duodecima Malachite Green, super stoked to add it to my collection. 🙌🏼

[@Rasukix]

that tungsten bezel insert seemed interesting

[@Intredo]

Wow amazing video glad to discover so many new brands.

[@RL1able]

thanks so much for covering H20! liked and subscribed.

[@kestonwright9881]

Very enlightening. You highlighted some of my favourites. I may consider visiting next year. Hopefully I may see some of my other favourites like Zelos, Feynman, Behrens and Visitor.

[@timetowatch_francois]

Very nice roundup. Nice to see great upcoming brands. I'm personally keeping my eye on Subdelta & Elliot Brown (both blue and orange "Broxworth" watches look fantastic!!). Thanks for sharing.

[@thegorn]

It’s not every day you get to see a watch inspired by an ancient shark. Glad to see Raph and team Formex there.

[@moddaeng]

Steinhart one of my favorite microbrands. Traska too. 😊

[@imranhusain1657]

Excellent presentation! Great to learn of under the radar work.

[@xPhilz0r]

So many interesting brands, definitely saw a few I would consider purchasing in this video

[@gergemall]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@med-3000]

Great show and watches. Thank you.

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

Great video! I love that Zero West. Thanks!

[@rimlandrealist7679]

I have now purchased 5 Venezianicos... Becoming an addiction

[@pimeye]

I'm not sure availability is a feature of some microbrands. Some announce a new watch that is sold out almost immediately.

[@STROND]

British microbrands are buzzing at the moment, with some cool brands at the show. However, I would consider Ball wtches to be outside the microbrand category!

[@CatGPT_]

some insanely beautiful watches here

[@gmichaelhall]

Brilliant video WG. Some really spectacular looking products, however the recurring theme of such small dials really excludes us larger wrist enthusiasts. A 43mm case just looks disproportionately small on wrists over 7 1/2 in my experience and adversely affects the aesthetic of the designs themselves. A couple of the 41mm designs were really appealing to me, only to be excluded due to the size. All that aside, it’s a great era for thin wrists and smaller people so congratulations to that lot! Be interested in any coverage of micro band builds for ladies too, that demographic seems confined to the known brands with their very limited design options Thanks for the video, I’d love to attend one of these expo’s one day soon! ✌️

[@garmin1488]

There's no shortage of 44mm dive watches out there.

[@gmichaelhall]

@@garmin1488 in my experience, 46mm is ideal for 8” wrists, depending on the lugs to lug but also based on how much gap(if any) between case and spring bars. A gapped space between the case and spring bar mount ruins it for me, to my eyes it wobbles the aesthetic balance too noticeably. I’d rather have the tighter spring bar to case gap than have a strap monster where that gap serves that desire. I prefer bracelets on a diver but the one watch I see that does rubber and bracelet really well is the Oris Pro Diver, which is a beast but I really am drawn to that watch. The Longines divers are another line done so very well it’s hard to ignore! As for a 43, maybe if it had a 24mm bracelet/strap could work. I’ve found it’s not just a matter of case size, it’s the whole design. A 43 diver with a puny 20-22mm strap dimension to me looks absurdly too delicate and dainty. I have a rather flat wide 8” wrist so my thoughts are probably well outside the thoughts of those with a more typical 6 1/2-7 1/2” wrists. Example is I adore my Lunar Pilot 45mm but the 21mm bracelet just bothers me yet the case size and wear of the case is near perfect! A 24mm bracelet and the Lunar Pilot would be the kippers knickers for me!

[@tigerv88]

Like the Venizianico watches, the bezels really compliment the dials and like the new one they showcased at the event.

[@Roddy1965]

Wow, super gorgeous watches!!

[@deannoble673]

Really enjoyed this one Refreshing change from the usual suspects of the watch world

[@thomaswendt9271]

Great video! echo/neutro watches are awesome!

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

Excellent review. Microbrands show more imagination and very often better quality control than some of the major players. I didnt realize Ball was a microbrand. Are these shows open to ordinary public enthusiasts?

[@verykeen2please]

very good video, some brands ive never heard of before

[@KurtSimmons]

I love a lot of micro brands, but most never have anything in stock.

[@markplayford5836]

Wow I love love love microbrands and was fortunate enough to attend a show in Birmingham last year and met some of the brand owners too. However there were plenty in the video I have never heard of but Very interested in. So really just wanted to say a massive thankyou. Just find them so much more interesting than some of the main brands. 👌

[@otto16121970]

Thanks for this video.

[@megasoid]

Excellent!!!

[@gerardwalsh2369]

Great video......and it looks like a brilliant show..... favourite brand.....I think just about everyone I saw in your video....but maybe tops was Zero West!!!....they all were so innovative.

[@DrDjDD]

Lovely watch... then I saw the price😮

[@kit22brady]

Bragdur orange peel -- best new watch

[@watchgecko]

That's actually a prototype, we don't know when the watch will be available for purchase.

[@robberlin2230]

Now the Erebus is released i think its now a matter of who is going to keep up

[@j1d7s]

Thank you, that was a nice selection and presentation! It would be nice to have a list of all the exhibitors to go and visit their online shops.

[@watchgecko]

Thanks for your feedback, for the next World Time UK event we'll try to integrate the exhibitor's list into the video!

[@RetiredAtenPilot]

where can i find info on a bragdur watch, or sales ?

[@Flappatackle]

14:22 You can't. The deepest point in the ocean is Challenger Deep at just over 11000 metres.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

This was cool

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Great review, thank you. Would love to have seen Serica, Cabot Watch Company and Terra Cielo Mare

[@watchgecko]

Thanks for the feedback! It was our first time doing something like this so unfortunately we couldn't interview as many brands as we wished but we've learned a lot so next year we'll try to get more brands in the video.

[@donfoley1590]

I want to buy a Havaan Tuvalli. Can't find their website?

[@watchgecko]

They are based in Taiwan and from what we heard, it's mostly just one guy and his wife working on the business. Possibly they haven't had a chance to build a proper website?

[@donfoley1590]

@@watchgecko Thank you 😊👍👍

[@legionnairegonk4425]

​@@donfoley1590No, they have a website. Just Google it!

[@Jack908r]

I think so. Because the established luxury brands have priced themselves out of the regular man market. And they just keep going. Mind you, they’ve cornered the Saudi Prince market. So they’ve got that going for them.

[@garythomas3150]

Great video

[@threethrushes]

Some interesting brands let down by unfathomably poor websites. I like the look of echo/neutra and the Heinrich watches - but I'm saving up for my grail...

[@oliverlm7630]

Anybody got a link to the ball marvelite rainbow with that dial. I need it

[@AtheistOrphan]

I’ve never heard of this event. I’ll definitely follow and try to attend next year. Can watches be bought/ordered at the show?

[@rolandlickert2904]

Great to see that the Micro Brand have such a variety and creativity. If I stayed in Europe for sure I would pick up one of them(Kind of think out of the Box). But as I stay In Bali service if needed is not available! Anyway, it's nice to see the Mainstream gets some competition.

[@monicelson5732]

Ah! A fellow watch lover from Ball. I agree about the servicing, but some of these microbrands use good Swiss movements, unique designs and in my opinion worth a risk.

[@rolandlickert2904]

I have owned some 20 Watches during the last 60 years mostly from Switzerland, one German and all the big Brands from Japan. I gave most of them away to my family because they break faster if you do not use them regularly. Now I prefer Eco drive or solar it is convenient and they are more precise in regards to time. If service is needed it is available but so far all is fine.@@monicelson5732

[@tynchytemper9618]

This really needs to be promoted more and extended

[@rogerscat]

Anyone know what happen to FORZO?

[@street2030]

love the subdelta designs, so cool - all sold out :( Studio Underdog - all sold :(

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

Whats the watch in the thumbnail?

[@watchgecko]

That's actually a prototype from Bragdur but we don't know when the watch will be available for purchase.

[@garmin1488]

I really like the design of Venezianico and would buy one if they only used a different movement. I'm tired of all the NH 35 movement watches out there. Surely they can source Sellita movements. I'd even buy one with a Seagull ST2130.

[@Harpreet06]

I would go to watch fairs like these if I knew about them. When's the next one? How do you find out about them?

[@watchgecko]

World Time UK is a watch fair near the end of September, it's free entry but you'll have to follow them to know when the next one will be. Next year we will be attending the British Watchmakers' Day on the 9th of March, but you'll need a ticket for it if you wish to go.

[@jdferris4]

Cigar dial.. ❤

[@Pwj579]

Zero West seems pretty cool. Was Christopher Ward there ?

[@thegorn]

I saw a Farer sign, but couldn’t see any Christopher Ward. Maybe they are too big for this now?!!

[@watchgecko]

Christopher Ward have attended previous shows but unfortunately, they weren't exhibiting this year. But look up British Watchmakers' Day, they will be at that watch fair next year in March.