My Top 5 Favourite Microbrands 2018

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I love microbrands! Don't get me wrong, I love the big brands as well, but there is something about owning a watch from a smaller company that I get a kick out of. Perhaps it is the rarity, perhaps the fact that some smaller companies take bigger risks with their designs, perhaps it is the value they offer. And there are just so many of them to choose from, literally hundreds! I don't claim to have tried them all, but I have certainly reviewed a few. So here are 5 of my current favourites.
As you will see, if you want one of these, you are going to have to display a degree of patience! Not all are available for purchase right now. Small companies tend to do smaller production runs. So pick a company you like, sign up for a newsletter if available, and wait for the next run.
And in case you were wondering, none of the companies that I mention have ever paid me a penny/cent/euro, and none of them know that I'm making this vid. I made it because I think they are all worth checking out. Cheers, JOMW.
Helm - helmwatches.com/index.html
Zelos - zeloswatches.com/
Straton - www.stratonwc.com/
Borealis - www.borealiswatch.com/
Nezumi - www.nezumistudios.com/

[@AtomMartin]

Please do a 2019 update!

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

Wondering that you forgot Phoibos... Another interesting microbrand would be Meccaniche Veneziane...

[@adaptivekalman]

I love watches but they don't agree with my bank account.

[@sidneysnyder9181]

Good choices!!

[@halflife103]

AMazon has some low budget options...

[@silverstaralchemist]

Hey there Jody! I'm a fairly new subscriber and wanted to say thanks for all the quality content! Picked up a couple of Chinese autos on your recommendation and love them as beaters! Also, my girlfriend and I watch your videos while eating meals and I thought you'd be amused by the idea of people watching your channel as they do television. 😂 Cheers from the USA!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hey Ryan! That is awesome to hear! Makes me smile. Cheers mate.

[@williamsipe1151]

I got my hands on a Vanuatu a couple months ago through an exchange group. I absolutely love it!

[@SylvainDuford]

Excellent video! Helm, Zelos and Borealis would also be on my list. I would add Halios, Magrette and Dan Henry as an honourable mention.

[@adamdorney5143]

I can vouch for your first choice. I Bought the Helm Vanuatu after watching your review. So well made and gets more comments on public transport and at work than most of my other timepieces. Thanks again Jody.

[@joshbarrett5648]

I have had a Helm Vanuatu for about 3 years. A great timepiece. I purchased one of the "oyster" style bracelets and I love it even more. Matt warranted the dial and a handset issue. Great microbrands. A+

[@jeffm0518]

As ALWAYS you make the journey so enjoyable. Thank you for all you do!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for your kind words! Cheers.

[@bbldrizzaay]

I enjoyed every second of this video, especially the nizumes! The sword fish caught my attention too, the lume is just glorious on that one. thx for reviewing and have a good day, chap!

[@01nwalker]

This right here, I love this video! This is why I don’t miss an episode. Question for you Jody... I want to pick up an auto diver with great lume (look and lasting ability) and I’ve narrowed it down to the Vanuatu and the Swordfish. Which would be your pick? Another watch boxing video perhaps?!

[@scottsj4625]

Thank you so much for sharing your views on these microbrands. So many watch channels only have the high dollar watches in many thousands. It is refreshing to see microbrands as they bring something different to the table. I also like the fact you have a 7 inch wrist because that is the size of my wrist and I can imagine what the watch will look like on my wrist from your video footage which is really nice because most have larger, and you have proven that even some larger watches with smaller lug to lug will fit well on the wrist which I would not have thought without seeing it.

[@ats7485]

I have been eyeing the Vanuatu ever since seeing your previous review on it. I just now caught the open window of available stock and purchased one. Am looking forward to it. Thanks for the reviews.

[@larsvercelli1015]

Great to see Nezumi Studios here! Just received a grey dial Corbeau and very impressed with the overall package. Really love the case finishing and height, domed sapphire and those syringe hands.

[@magilla808]

I hadn't been familiar with these except the zelos. I love the Helm and Borealis! Thanks for introducing them.

[@robertmarshall72]

Jody, fantastic brands, fantastic watches. As brands go there are just so many to choose from thanks for giving us a glimpse into five of the best.

[@pm3272]

Thanks for the great content and enthusiastic delivery on your Videos. Love your accent by the way. I learned about micro brands through you and both me and my wallet salute you. Cheers

[@stantopp5874]

Still absolutely wrapped with the Helm. I have larger wrists and the black bezel and dial make it versatile enough. Great quality too

[@jwags24]

I have a Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo Chronograph panda that I’m happy with. You’re right about the exclusivity of micro brands. Great video!

[@naufalazhar7508]

Great video again, Jody! But you know that our favourite 'microbrands' has recently been the Guanqin, Cadisen and Starking! 😂

[@MM-cr7dq]

Great coverage Jody, thanks for all the hard work.

[@KatanaSwordMaster61]

I have to agree that Zelos is amazing. I found them thanks to one of your reviews and I’m super impressed with the quality of these timepieces. Elshan is awesome too!

[@DrFrankLondon]

What about Phoibos? Long time since I have seen anything new from them.

[@kwilson1865]

Great video! I loved all the micro brands, a couple I have heard of and others I have not but glad I know of them now !

[@Clambelly]

Couldn't agree more ! I have HELM & ZELOS. Definitely very strong micro-brands, setting the trend in "tool" style dive watches.

[@Todd_Whitehouse]

Pontvs Watch Co makes two great brass dive watches. Love my black Hydra. Thanks for yet another great video!

[@siamwatchaddict9072]

Another cracking video Jody. I have to concur ..My Helm Vanuatu was my favorite purchase of 2018. Matt is a pleasure to deal with .Hassle free buying experience. And the highest quality for the money.. Other worthy mentions . Marc & Sons 300m diver with blue to black gradient dial.. Phoibos eagle Ray.. Although a little pricey... Top value my Harrods edition Neymar 300m diver looks stunning on a mesh for 159Bucks USD. Ordered my sea storm way back in August 2018. I might get my hands on it. February 2019... I have also payed 50% on a Tudor BB58 ,but with every update the waiting time is getting longer .... And thats via a UK based A.D.

[@chaghxiong7612]

Hey Jody! Going to pull the trigger on my second watch, first diver, first micro, Helm Komodo! I say it will be a safe bet! Last watch I adored this much was the Zelos Mako. Keep these videos coming. Cheers!

[@tynungester2543]

Some of my favorite micros, in no particular order are Bernhardt, NTH, BOLDR, and Scurfa. All 4 of these are exceptional.

[@bubbab7792]

Good vid, content, and narration Jody, thank you. You are the man who knows the priceless bargains. Keep up the outstanding work! Find us a Breitling Navitimer homage. 🤔😉

[@ajgross67]

I’m surprised that Ginault, the company that launched the channel, didn’t make the list. Great video as always! Also when are you going to review a Hamilton?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I have bought (and sold) two Hammys. Have a look, I reviewed their hand winding Khaki in June/July. Not a massive fan tbh. I reckon my dial was off. See what you think of the close up shots..... Cheers!

[@anasaly2549]

Out of all the five, I have the Zelos Swordfish. I cannot recommend it enough.

[@BillSaintJohn]

Great video as always, man. Best watch channel on KZbin. Cheers brother!

[@davebridge4]

Well done my friend. I think you hit the right ones. Helm is by far my favorite at the moment. Hoping for a movement upgrade on the next Helm. Take care Jody.

[@tods.9947]

Thank you! Waiting for my Borealis SS hopefully in Jan in its full 50 Fathoms homage form.

[@thewatchloungechris]

Couldn't agree more. Bought my first Zelos the swordfish aquamarine dial and love it . Boldr is another company that's great I have two Travis and the team over at BOLDR are always friendly and helpful. Have an Ocean Crawler Core Diver otw on pre- order and Christain has been really communicative the whole time . Also have a Monta Skyquest GMT on pre order and Justin over at Monta is always friendly like you said you don't get that with Seiko or any of the big brand names.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Skyquest is on my 2019 hit list mate. Let me know how you go with yours!

[@thewatchloungechris]

@@JustOneMoreWatch will do ! I'll do an unboxing and review video when it comes in :)

[@thewatchloungechris]

Yes sir. My buddy has had two the Triumph and the Ocean King. He raves about them so figured I'd give the Skyquest a shot.

[@theJimmy2]

Vanuatu looks great and the bracelet really looks high quality!

[@Dave062YT]

The 2 best looking, micro brand watches I've seen this year are the Nodus Contrail and Contrail 39 . Dont see the value in assembling them in the States but still very tempting ,

[@jamiecheslo]

Another excellent video, Jody. Thanks so much! Have you looked at Undone? They also utilize the Seiko Mechaquartz movements and are highly customizable! Cheers!

[@magicaardvark1]

I got a Vanuatu on Jody's recommendation. Brilliant piece, regularly on my wrist

[@floridian9897]

Great review, always like your presentation style and content. Looking for a Helm and Zelos to add to my collection when available. Thanks again!

[@charlesfoo4594]

Jody. Nice review again. Enjoyed your reviews a lot. Do review some BOLDR watches. You will love it.

[@fattmatt200]

One advantage of these limited edition watches from start ups that might fail, is the fact they use the parts bins of the big boys, so servicing will be just removing the automatic movement and replacing with new.

[@MrLeandroRJ]

I love my Manufaktur Waldhoff. Excellent watch!

[@TheBearCave]

I absolutely love the Straton you got!!! I am looking everywhere for one like it.

[@Clambelly]

FYI: Straton Watches are $249 - $499 onsale featured watches as of the date of this post. Thanks for all the info, great reviews.

[@timeintheuk]

Love this Channel so helpful . Trying so hard to build my fighting fund up and sometimes your featured watches are so nearly bought

[@raserx63]

Just got the email today...my Swordfish is swimming to New York! 😁👍 Can’t wait.. A Nezumi chrono is next on my radar..

[@wj00312]

Great video! I've been learning towards more of these microbrands. I always enjoy looking for something a bit different. I wonder, what's your take on Undone brand? I think the idea of a customizable watch is really cool.

[@americanbreed5116]

I’m liking the Helm myself,gonna hav to give to a look.great vid. As usual,thanks

[@robertjaster2k]

I was waiting for Phoibos but it wasn't there.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

Digging the T-shirt Jody! Goes with your Oris 65. 😊 And as for microbrands... The one I really, really love the look of is Halios. But they're almost impossible to get your hands on...

[@dnafty]

Great choices! Love my Zelos... eyeing that 3rd Borealis 🤔

[@mbonifate2]

Big J, Lorier is a micro brand that I think you would find “cracking” also!

[@psmith136]

As usual a top video, that Straton though, like having a Ford Cortina instrument cluster on your wrist ! (In a good way, I grew up in the seventies/eighties too)

[@BigThumpr1]

Great job man. If I may, I had a Breitling Super Avenger 2, and while it was incredible, too many people had it. So I sold it to fund a new watch, I was lucky enough to stumble across a company that is a micro brand that has most of their watch components made in Switzerland, and finally assembly done in Australia. The company is called Creux Automatiq and the owner of the company is a former Kiwi, Dane Rumble. I chatted with Dane on Instagram and he is super nice and friendly. While being a microbrand, the craftsmanship, attention to detail, the technology used to make his watches is rivaled only by big name company’s in the double digit price points. I am getting his Ghost CA-05 Forged Carbon Fiber model. The entire case is Lamborghini Grade Forged Carbon Fiber, the same quality that both IWC and Audemars Piguet uses in their forged carbon fiber cased models. Lamborghini being the pioneer of the forged carbon fiber process and product. It boasts a 45mm case width not including the crown, 50 mm lug to lug. The movement is a skeletonized SwissTech S24-SK8 33 jewel, 38 hour power reserve beating at 28,000A/H, has a forged carbon fiber dial, Super Luminova on the markers, chapter ring, hands, double anti reflective coated sapphire crystal, and see through case back. Has a 10atm 100 meter water resistance, on a FKM grey rubber strap with the removal tool, 2 year warranty, comes on a and cost me $2900 US Dollars. Only 100 pieces being shipped world wide, 50 of them only being offered online on his website. While that is a pretty expensive price for a microbrand, I feel the quality, attention to detail, the QC and the customer service is all in line for that price point. Give them a look www.creuxautomatiq.com. I don’t think you will be disappointed. Best microbrand I have seen to date. Cheers.

[@musanetesakupwanya1050]

Watched the whole video! Always love your stuff.. I bought the Spinnaker Bradner after watching you. It's my favourite watch. (out of 3). 😁

[@stephentaylor6320]

Great video Jody,some belters there mate!

[@paulandrews7622]

Just paid fifty quid more for a used Khuraburi , than i could have got a brand new one from Helms site.....problem is, as you rightly pointed out, i couldn't get one. The watch is only a few months old and immaculate, and more importantly, also, as you pointed out..............Fantastic !!! Amazing quality for the price. Thanks for all the great reviews.

[@adventure-martialarts-watc1045]

I love Zelos, you should look at MING, the watches they designed are dressier than sporty, but quite a departure from conventional

[@77cjam]

Good video mate and some very nice microbrands. Whilst I'm pretty confident I won't run into someone on the street wearing the same Seiko or Orient I'm wearing, I understand what you mean about that exclusivity of these

[@SPANCHEZ1]

I like them all but my favorite is the Straton, child of the 70s ✊🏽

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Love these brands you showcase. Really opened my eyes to microbrands. To be honest, I'm very biased coming in. I absolutely loathe cheesy NH35 kickstarters that clearly blow their money on paying for Instagram ads. But these seem to take it very seriously, offering great packaging and machined clasps etc. Just really nice pieces

[@AW-qm6tp]

Monta is the brand that has won me over. It’s doing big things in the entry-level/mid-tier luxury market. I would love to see what you think of their lineup. But great video like always. You’re the best watch reviewer out there and I follow many.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate! The Skyquest is on my list for 2019......

[@SJM954]

Great video! Which micro-brands make good dress watches or simple 3 hand designs? Also the Baltic Aquascaphe looks awesome

[@allthestroke88]

Great video. Lorier do some great looking vintage diving watches. Straton is another brand I'm looking to get into in 2019.

[@christophergustafson3942]

Great list - I love my Zelos Mako Bronze :)

[@zaky811]

Nice review there. Recently there is a microbrand that caught my attention; Evant. One model in particular is the decodiver. Really hope you can do a review about it sometimes soon.

[@joppie100]

I like Kronaby, a swedish microbrand. They make hybrid smartwatches. So yes, they only make quartz watches, but the quality is really nice. I got the kronaby sekel a month ago, and I love it!

[@ghenghiskhan39]

You had me reaching for my wallet with the first watch. Then you said that they're out of production. 😭 Then I realized I'm broke anyway. Crisis averted. Great channel Jody. Keep it up. 👍👍👍

[@JohnnyParanoid]

I've been waiting for the Vanuatu to come back in stock for what seems like forever now. I can't wait to get one!

[@NathanChisholm041]

Good luck! I've been waiting too and February seems along time off!

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

My favorite is Lorier.

[@arnelpadillac6969]

Can you please make a review on LIV watches?

[@YounanPhoto]

OMG! You're a watch dude! I love your photography stuff dude.

[@jigunawa]

Straton is my microbrand of choice. Truly love what they're doing for the line ups in general and the Speciale in particular. Been eyeing the blue or green dial for a while but sadly the price is a bit out of my range. Waiting for more discounts before pulling the trigger. The up and coming GMT model is not my cup of tea so if Kyle would come up with maybe a Speciale 2.0 I will put on the pre-order straightaway, no hesitation.

[@jonathanstefani9961]

Damn! Great video! I LOVE brands like the HELM. I will be eagerly awaiting their re-stock!

[@DrDan-ue9de]

Another great video, thank you. I hope you consider reviewing NTH soon!

[@zovers1922]

Are there any more micro brands besides MAEN that offer divers in smaller sizes? I absolutely love micro brands bcause they normally offer... - great value for money, - new experimental designs or interpretations of classic ones - watches that not everyone owns /knows of - an experience of exploring the new and unkown - many different variants (to attract more target groups and because the growing market has abolished fordism where all cars had the same colour) The only thing I should look out for are smaller sized watches since they compliment my small wrists. So if you know any smaller micro brand divers, please don't hesitate to recommend me some!

[@frederickkincaid2800]

Great one once again, Jody! Do you or any of your viewers know of any Microbrands that focuses on dress-style watches?

[@johntonelli5930]

Oak & Oscar, Lum-Tec, Gruppo Gamma and eone are a few worth looking at too.

[@thedemonnemo]

Your best episode (yet)!

[@cameronaitkens5317]

You should check out Vario if you haven't already. They also send a written thank you with orders, started out by making straps and has just released their second watch.

[@andreaiacolina]

Well done Jody! This was a very interesting video. Thanks!

[@paulanthonyjohns]

nice reviews. well put together. Have you come across the fonderia navale? Looks impressive but haven't seen a review I like.

[@Staggo_L]

Mondaine's Railway Watch Giant at 42 mm. I love it.

[@pauldelarzac615]

Jody, would be great to see a review of a Visitor Watch Co - Vale Park it's not a watch I would normally consider, but just looks like the attention to detail is through the roof and might be a nice dress watch

[@SHENTONRG]

Love my borealis. I have the seafarer 2. It is everything I look for in a watch

[@devleschouderenicolas3045]

Cool selection, Jody, thanks! :-)One of my top goals for 2019: grasp a Straton Syncro Auto…(say good luck)My favourite Microbrand so far, Marloe, especially for their stunning Lomond chrono!Greetings from a happy owner of an Amant Côte d'Azur, ;-)Nicolas

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Nice one mate! Good to hear from you.

[@robin3463]

I am extremely picky when buying watches and can spend up to a year plus before I pull the trigger. Never been a huge fan of homage watches, mainly because I view some of them like 'copys'. But I finally found a microbrand watch I really like: Lorier Neptune. Super clean design and not to many elements from one spesific brand + nice size 😎😎 Those Zelos watches are really really nice, too bad they are too big for my baby sized wrists 😥

[@baba65lou]

Please look at Deep Blue watchs. They will be a bit big for you, but they have high value for money and have excellent customer service. Love your channel!

[@johnkollias6782]

Hi Jodi, It's been a year since this video was made. I feel certain if you were to do another naming the top 5 microbrands there would be new entries. For instance, I'm surprised the name of Bernhardt Watch Company was not mentioned. You want to talk about bang for the buck they definitely have that covered. You have done at least one of their watches that I know of, but I feel they deserve one or two more reviews. Their great selection of the watches in their inventory are so well made and only the best parts are used, and the bracelets are some of the best out there regardless of the price as you have acknowledged. Thanks for your excellent reviews of so many products. Always ready for your next. Take care.

[@LeeFly]

Don't own, but have always admired Hemel watches.

[@fattyharrybasset]

Huge fan of the Helm Vanuatu, but NTH are my favourite micro! Have you not had your hands on one Jody?

[@eyeontime6136]

Some pretty amazing and different watches. A welcome change, thumbs up!

[@markbyrum4743]

Nice video, Jody. Have you considered / reviewed Unimatic watches from Italy. I've got one on order. Looks like a winner, to me.

[@surfitli]

I have watches from Zelos, Helm, and Borealis. They are great watches. Here are some others. Helson, Armida, Scurfa, Crepas, Zenton, and Tempest.

[@ajbcruz]

There were a few times that I messaged a microbrand (not on your list here, but a very, very well known microbrand which you just reviewed very recently) about their product, and their replies left much to be desired in terms of common courtesy. So much for "personal connection". They just lost a potential customer. Thanks for the vid!

[@LikeABoss464]

Great list. I wonder what you'd think of the Baltic aquascaphe given that you liked that Borealis/Blancpain watch. Also did you ever get around to that Hamilton review?

[@pauldelarzac615]

I got the helm a few months ago based on Jody's review and reco. I emailed Helm directly and Matt emailed me back and told me he would let me know when they were doing a new run of the Vanuatu. I waited a few months and then got an email from Matt in August and ended up buying a watch directly. I absolutely love this watch, and wear it all the time! I cannot recommend this brand enough!! Now I'm really want a Ventus Mori in bronze and emailed Elshan at Zelos (he owns Ventus as well) and started a dialogue with him too - I'm still waiting for that one though... A production run is coming...

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Helm Vanuatu #1 Can't wait for the Komodo.

[@chiz9906]

Check out Helm - Info - Product News for pictures of two of the three new Komodo's.

[@Mhonlumo1]

Hi Jody, can you please check out the Geckota E-01 from WatchGecko. My small wrist would love the size but I can't find a review anywhere. The pics of the watch looks lovely..

[@Dave062YT]

Out of my league but would love to see you review the Subphotique from French microbrand Triton .Re birth of 60 s classic and a truly unique case design ,

[@sbarclay62]

Any opinion on Marchand Watches? Like the look of them but not sure if it's a decent piece or another potential 'Filippo Lorreti'?