My Top 5 Favourite Microbrands For 2020!

[@VinnyTheCuz]

I would add Baltic to the list. I own a blue guilt Aquascaphe, my first micro-brand purchase, and I am fully in love with it.

[@jamesarthur6962]

Vincent Deschamps agree Baltic is one of my favourites as well.

[@WatchUnwind]

very cool watch, reminds me of a blancpain fifty fathoms while still having an identity of its on. Cool looking watch

[@filmoperationsgroup]

Love the Helm range, but I prefer my arms to be the same length at the end of the day...

[@RavenWindrunner]

"Go off like a frog in a sock" what a wild phrase

[@happydupa]

I've never heard that phrase before and honestly, I have no idea if it means good or bad!

[@roop366]

It's an old Aussie slang saying that you son't hear too much any more. It's a good thing

[@jkokich]

Oh, those wacky Aussies!

[@kenspear5077]

Nodus has been killing it with their last 2 releases.

[@TachiTekmo]

One of the reasons I love your channel is specifically *because* your recommendations are "a little out of left field"! I love the odd, the distinctive. Give me something that breathes life and ingenuity for a fair price, and I'm in!

[@tedblack2415]

That Direnzo.. what an absolute stunner ! Had seen it recently on another post but thought the profile of the case was a bit of a flat slab with zero curvature but still.. aesthetically i think its its love , the real thing.

[@markrobertson5200]

I have a 6 3/4 wrist and it fits just perfect with no obvious gaps. They are beautiful in the flesh too, with the nicest strap I've ever owned.

[@tedblack2415]

@@markrobertson5200 I envy you ...Hugely ! i think its one of those i'll be lusting after for ever (while things are currently tight )

[@deanspeer1]

HELM watches are great. The reason most people don't have one in their collection is they NEVER have any in stock to sell.

[@1SaG]

@Adam Bloody hoarder! ;)

[@TheSerbianG]

Tried three years in a row myself and finally got to order mine.... should arrive in May!

[@Mark225]

Same as Phoibos, I’d have bought one by now if they EVER had any stock

[@hades1127]

@Adam You are 1 reason I am waiting for months.

[@richardbriscoe8563]

Are they really a brand or company at all if they only make limited runs that are crowd funded. I’m not at all impressed with the business model.

[@1SaG]

The one thing that bugs me about micros is that they always seem to be sold out - at least the makes and models that I like. Zelos Swordfish: Sold out a few days after I made up my mind to buy one. Helm watches: Sold out and still no news on the next batch (which should've arrived by now according to Helm). I'm not blaming the companies, but being the impatient bugger that I am, I took my €400, drove 40 mins to a dealer and bought a 42mm Steinhart OVM two days ago. Largely thanks to you, BTW ... your channel and enthusiasm really re-kindled my interest in mechanical wrist-watches.. :)

[@mrki412]

Right on the point.

[@eggsII]

Direnzo is up and coming... DRZ 03 blew my mind as well... Again with the video editing work... lights on, then lume shot, then new watch when lights come up...

[@dialanddram]

Zelos, Direnzo, and Straton are real show-stoppers. Funky, distinctive, and definitely not for everyone! But I love them. I should give Helm a look.

[@laporte_haiku]

Jody - you have to look at Farer. A bit pricey for a micro, but I’ve got 2 and they are terrific. British design but Swiss made. Perhaps the favorites in my wide collection.

[@maxpower6356]

That Direnzo Eclipse, what a stunner! It also comes in a no date option. And... there goes my money.

[@saulysw]

Vaer. The new automatics they have are understated and well executed. The case design is fantastic and pleasingly thin. They have the potential to be future classics, possibly. Very happy with mine anyway.

[@CyberRabid.]

Helm is definitely on my hit list. That one in particular remind me greatly of a Seiko Monster.

[@pstamaria]

Look at those Stratons! Beauties! Thx Jodie and Happy New Year! How about a video on the Chinese specials for 2020?! Thanks again and all the best for 2020!

[@DrDan-ue9de]

Great video, Jodie. Thanks for the introduction and review. For your next list, NTH is my vote. I’m very impressed by my Odin. NTH carefully designs divers that are not 1:1 homages, rather borrow design elements from different classics and hybridizes them.

[@7inchwrist915]

I just got my Helm Khuraburi few days ago and love it. Can't wait for my Vanuatu to arrive in the next few months. Keep your eyes out for Secondhour watches. I'm not affiliated with the company in any way but I like the design and the effort the owner has put into the project.

[@marchills4131]

Sooo ... there you have it! Another cracking good video, Jody. Microbrands are indeed both edgy in design and offer bucket loads of value to boot. Surely, we're living in a golden age of watchmaking, aren't we?

[@kaypropertyinvestments6346]

Liv (got myself an LIV Rebel-AR Valencia Rose Gold) , Nordgreen( got a Pioneer), Helgray (want a panda model, my fav the pale blue has gone!), and Nardi (an idiot to miss out on one of these) - just got my hands on a Straton Speciale Automatic in the blue & polish - loved your run down and you have made get on the list for a Helm! And definatley consider a Zelos. Lock down has given me too much 'time' on my hands for researching and buying watches. I'm up to 5 now - also bagged a Casio GWG-1000-1A3ER. And reserved a Titanic X - II by OVD on Kickstarter

[@markbrophy1276]

Hello Jody. I just looked at one of your older videos. You started with a mild and quite "Hello and welcome to one more watch" You have come so far since then. Mark

[@mariog7213]

Jody, check out Lorier. Their watches are a great combination of vintage and modern with classic sizing and a improved buying system- you now enter a waiting list in which they tell you approximately when your watch will be available for sell and once it is they send you a confirmation email that gives you 24 hours to pay for the watch. Hopefully I’ll get mine by the first week of June.

[@tombroad3624]

Marloe watch company is one of my favourite micros. The watches are beautifully designed and Oliver who runs it is a great guy.

[@greamespens1460]

That brown Stratton reminds me of the Rockford files for some reason.

[@jamesarthur6962]

Greame Spens very retro 70’s inspired indeed, great watch though.

[@b.vonschnauser207]

Another great video Jody. I must say, you've come to be my favorite watch reviewer on KZbin. I love the content, your informative and light-hearted commentary, and actually being able to afford something I take a liking to after watching one of your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@Billeh556]

I’m so surprised you haven’t checked out Lorier, definitely top 5 micro imo.

[@mitchaelhollingsworth1698]

and they [lorier] are releasing a chronograph called the "gemini" this month as well! i have a second gen neptune and really love it

[@Billeh556]

Mitchael Hollingsworth yup getting it too....I’ve sold the falcon and Neptune v2 (black w gilt) I had but will definitely rebuy the Neptune (blue) in the future, get the Gemini and I think they will update the falcon to a slimmer case in the future or so I’m hoping

[@mitchaelhollingsworth1698]

@@Billeh556 that's awesome! i'd love too pick it up too, but the design cues are rather similar and i'd have trouble justifying it to myself without selling the neptune which i'm too attached to unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it. but the pics of the gemini look great, i hope it's all of that and more in person when you get it!

[@JL5290]

Just sold two watches to buy the Lorier Neptune V3 in Black/Gilt. Feels like a huge upgrade.

[@christianbastian3010]

I can't wait to get my first Straton. I've been following them for about a year and their homage to the 60's/70's racing chronograph is amazing!

[@philipadams3325]

I bought a Straton this year. Got one in new looking condition with the extra unused NATO straps for half price on Ebay.

[@christianbastian3010]

@@philipadams3325 that's awesome!

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

I think they are over priced for a Seiko mechaquartz movement. To me the only difference between Dan Henry and the pagani design daytona is one is an homage and the other is just "inspired" by past designs.

[@christianbastian3010]

@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 I think the sapphire crystal, two additional NATOs, and carrying case you get with the Syncro along with the stylized, funky look makes it worth the price

[@philipadams3325]

@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 Yes, I agree, but thye are nice and I have noticed them settling into the right price on ebay if you watch carefully.

[@Blair338RUM]

Glad to see Zelos made the list. Always interesting designs and Elshan is terrific to deal with. LOOK FORWARD TO HIS DRESS WATCH.

[@danjefferson3927]

I love my Zelos Bronze Hammerhead, a tank of a watch. Ocean Crawler is also a great Microbrand, my Core Diver Blacked-Out is stunning, however they're over the $500 threshold.

[@NATHANSFLETCHER]

I recently picked up a 2019 Boldr Expedition, so far I'm really impressed with the build quality. Quite keen on the look of that Zelos Mako V3. Thanks for the videos Jody, one of best watch review channels on the tube, if not, THE best:)

[@DC-uf6ve]

Good list. Still the best watch channel on KZbin Jody! Long may it continue. More mod videos please!

[@SWatchik]

Nodus had a crazy end to the year with two releases in a short time that both looked amazing. Would love to see one on the channel, and I think they're well on the up

[@happydupa]

Their Sector model is the most fresh design I've seen on a field watch in years.

[@SWatchik]

@@happydupa yeah love the skin diver version too. Couldn't pick between the two

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Thanks for this review - good to know there is great value still available out in microbrand land. That Direnzo looks wonderful! Two other microbrands for your consideration are Lorier and Scurfa. Thanks again for providing us with such good content.

[@ericdudley4169]

Great video! Thank you for introducing or reintroducing me to these brands! “Go off like a frog in a sock”... you are a verbal force of nature!

[@EfraKrajo]

What about Halios and Obris Morgan. I love the Direnzo by the way!

[@golly2561]

I would definitely add Maen to this list - the Hudson is a lovely retro diver and looks stunning with the blue dial, while the Skymaster is a gorgeous chronograph in a great range of colour combinations. They are also pretty svelte, which is great for guys with smaller wrists.

[@riverfishing2051]

The Direnzo dive watch is my favorite. Been leaning toward the lower profile watches lately. Very original as you said.

[@res00xua]

Wish you would check out the islander brand from Long Island watch. Swill movements sapphire and bracket with solid end links, screw links and machined clasp. $299.

[@SM-bw6go]

After a painful day at work I like to watch a Jody’s video. Thanks and Helloooo from France !

[@rayseaman6204]

I've heard TGV's channel recommend Dan Henry watches. I must admit, I am curious about the brand. As for me, I like my Vaer watches very much!

[@elarson312]

Great list. The problem with Helm is that they never have any watches for sale! They keep changing the time frame when models will be available for purchase. If you can’t buy one, what good is it?

[@WatchUnwind]

crazy , def a problem they need to figure out some how

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

Managed to pick up a 2nd hand Borealis Cascais. I know it wasn't listed, but what an amazing Micro. Movement, build quality and even lume blows most out of the water.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

Just picked up the traska freediver ll and I am really impressed. Excellent detail and the scratch proof coating is perfect for a klutz like me

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Jody amazing picks!! BTW my toddler ❤️s the way you say hellooo, he cracks up every time!! Be safe brother.

[@Blue_3rd]

That DRZ 03 is stunning!

[@jarodstevens2710]

Excellent video Jody I think the star here is Direnzo I mean I was taken aback just by how gorgeous that watch was. please do us a favor and give us an update when it does go to Kickstarter! It's not very often when I definitely know I'm going to purchase a watch lol, but the FP journe hands mixed with the Captain Cook look and then that special something just gorgeous... Cheers

[@robertstricker8535]

You should check out Magrette watches. Though they fall in the 500 - 1000 range.

[@scottlisson7055]

Great list. Love the channel. I have a Straton & Zelos. Great companies. Perhaps these three were omitted? 1. Lorier 2. Dan Henry 3. Magrette (your local NZ neighbor) Best.

[@jamesi.1195]

I love Lorier. I have a Hydra and a first gen. Neptune. Beautiful watches.

[@WatchUnwind]

Scott which model Zelos do you have? Im very interested in their watches their lume work is out of this world

[@csharpewalls]

My Komodo is one of my favorites, I ordered a Vanuatu and flipped it to another, and I’ll probably re-order one again.

[@ScottDreyfus]

You need to get your hands on an islander. It's from long Island watch. Seiko nh36 double domed sapphire, ceramic gmt or dive bezel. Comes with a variety of bracelet options from strapco and all for 300$

[@saintdave1877]

You could say that when Jody done the skx mod video , he kind of did what the islander does already and there's been loads of videos on the SKX range

[@AlanCheong]

i found Aragon watches to have good value and some of their watches are very well designed, with unique bracelets too. They are on the bigger side but suits my hand just fine. I haven't seen them being reviewed on your channel before.

[@willardhooton920]

Now that’s a hearty “Helloooowww”!! Special mention to Maen Watches - they’ve really worked the bugs out of the Hudson👌

[@discingaround]

That Traska looks a bit like a Ranger & Explorer hybrid reimagined. Super cool green and orange combo. Jody is always got one watch a week that I'm pretty interested in.

[@theoneandonlybosable]

Bought my first Zelos this past year and couldn’t recommend them more! Awesome service and the Swordfish is dope.

[@WatchUnwind]

congrats, love the lume work that zelos does

[@bigal7715]

Love the look of those Helm! I also love Nite watches. Gtls tubes & built like tanks.

[@hanzkammler6388]

Damn it Jordy, i'll go broke watching your top 5's

[@stusims6567]

I think Nautis should be on your list. And yes that is the way it’s spelled! I now own 4 of these, and I’ve never spent more than $90.00 for one. The latest I’ve bought is a Stealth diver which is absolutely stunning! The bezel is under the crystal and it looks more like a dress watch than a diver despite the fact that it has a 200 meter water resistance rating. They have at least three other new models that are on my wish list, but my collection is growing out of control. I just can’t bring myself to sell any! Great spot as usual Jody!!!

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Nautis wouldnt be considered microbrand. Its called junk big spender

[@AW-qm6tp]

I saw that MONTA will finally be sending you a watch to review. My favorite brand and my favorite KZbin channel meet alas!

[@wingi7722]

Great Vid! So I'm very keen on microbrands. My collection includes 3 Stratons, 2 Deep Blues, 2 Magrettes (from my country - New Zealand), and an NTH. All mechanical. I'm rather keen on the new swiss chrono range that Kyle from Straton is working on. I'd love to see Helm do a GMT. I reckon Direnzo is hot and I could well imagine one of these on the wrist of 007 Bond.

[@BlackJust-UsAllah]

Have you looked at Xeric? They have some cool & unique pieces.

[@WillEDC]

Jesus Turk love their Trappist design. Preordered one

[@onifrakimarq7663]

Dan Henry and Unimatic would be in my list!

[@WatchUnwind]

unimatic is a great suggestion

[@karlsenula9495]

Great brand but so are the ones in the video .. not sure which one it would kick off ... maybe it should be a top 6 video .. or Dan Henry as an honorable mention.

[@chrispeek380]

I got my 6 Helms and 2 Zelos Hammerhead watches because of your recommends!

[@jeffd3802]

Sell me a helm vanuatu

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

YOU are the reason no one can buy a Helm, Chris!

[@chrispeek380]

@@JustOneMoreWatch True, but that's over 4 separate buying windows over a few years where I waited online with everyone else to be part of the brief Helm quarterly purchase scramble. I learned after my first miss to have Paypal login queued up ahead of time and to have second choices in mind if your heart's desire is sold out. Also, buy extra straps before the units ship so they can be included in the package without a separate shipping cost.

[@TheSerbianG]

@@chrispeek380 I was just thinking of doing that right now to accompany my Vanuatu

[@WatchUnwind]

dam chris 8 watches your not playing around ! what else do you have in your collection

[@Bambi851]

Love the Direnzo 'Captain Cook'.

[@wi903060]

I am a happy owner of NTH Nacken vintage black - it checks so many boxes for me, 2 years later still loving it. Got the Prs-25 36mm from Timefactors 3 months ago, I guess one can call the watches sold by Eddie Platts a microbrand too?

[@kev-dm5388]

Time stamp 5:32 Traska 8:03 Zelos 11:09 Direnzo 13:51 Helm 16:37 Straton

[@Ace2021]

Doing gods work

[@errolmacdonald3256]

Loved this video. That Straton brown/orange Speciale was the highlight for me.

[@mdunawaym]

I just followed Traska, Straton and Zelos on FB. Thanks! Can't wait for you to get around to Vaer! I love my D5 diver!

[@BetamaxBabe]

Great choices, Jody! The only problem is deciding which of these to get!

[@taj101276]

Have you had a chance to look at Boldr watches? They are my favorite micro brand. I know Jory "The Time Teller" likes them. Keep the videos coming. My wife keeps catching me say Hello There in your Scottish accent.

[@tbanks777]

Visitor watch company. They have an outstanding line up, I own one, the Duneshore and no joke it’s my favorite watch design that isn’t a Royal Oak. The prices are not the cheapest but the quality is outstanding.

[@dparis2172]

Perhaps the most original, yet refined designs of the market segment.

[@jamesarthur6962]

Agree with you, Phil does a great 👍 job I have the Duneshore, Linden & my favourite piece is the Vale Park. But the bracelet option on the Duneshore is one of the best bracelets I have seen on a watch, let alone a microbrand.

[@unknowntraveller8633]

Love the Linden Snowfall a really beautiful looking watch

[@MegaGstout]

T Banks Thank you for mentioning Visitor, I had not known of them till reading your comment. The Dunshore looks wonderful, I am now on the waiting list.

[@WatchUnwind]

never heard of this brand im going to have to check them out

[@christopherlaidler8001]

Great video, again, nice work mate. I love how you pick up on the quality of these relatively inexpensive brands, that are there for all us enthusiast.

[@SeanBenson23]

You made the Zelos brand come alive for me. Have never even looked at the Kickstarter website, but I would for the Direnzo DRZ3. Any recs from anyone on how to make that pledge/purchase to get that watch for $499?

[@sergiogodoym4]

Erik Benson hello! Sergio here from Direnzo, just make sure to subscribe to my newsletter or follow on social media in order to get the link for the campaign February 12th, best!

[@briancarpenter1255]

Great video Jody as usual. I am a bid Micro-brand fan. Out of my 5 watch collection only one isn't a micro. That one being my Hamilton Khaki mechanical. I have the Baltic Aquascaphe in blue gilt, 2 watches from TimeFactors being the 36mm Smiths Everest and the other the Smiths PRS-29A which is an homage to the Smiths W10. Last but not least is my Serica WWW which Jori Goodman The Time Teller reviewedin December and I am really loving it. Thanks again Jody, Brian.

[@gaving1876]

great choices, cool list. Have you tried H2O watches? A little higher in price but great pieces, customizable too.

[@mikesmith5389]

Constantin Weisz is one of my favourite micro brands but they mix Chinese made watches with in house German made watches. They are very much a shopping TV brand but that gives you the chance to try before you buy, at least in the U.K. that is. They also seem to be popular in America too.

[@Wevaah]

Honestly one of if not the best micro brand is Monta the designs are unique and the movement is pretty good also have amazing customer service

[@bobcrane812]

The monta triump was my introduction into "luxury", and honestly I had no clue what reviewers meant when they talked about fit & finish before it. Thing just disappears on your wrist and every time I check my watch I get lost appreciating the features.

[@Mikey___]

Spot on Jody. And, for what it's worth, I got my Vanuatu (and Khuraburi on the way) because of you and everything you said about it is right

[@private464]

GREAT video...lots of good ideas. Thank you! I don't think I would have heard of Traska or Direnzo otherwise, though I've heard of Zelos. I will probably end up with all 3 of these great watches.

[@Thexaios]

Definitely glad I jumped on the most recent Vanuatu run. Looking forward to getting it in May!

[@jessepearson557]

Is there any love for Aragon? Their new Divemaster 42 has 42mm case, NH36 movement, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel insert, and lumed crown for $179!!! Incredible value for money and a perfect tool watch - love mine!

[@Bhethar]

Just got my Traska Summiteer and must say it is built like a tank. Seems like the perfect watch for adventuring.

[@christophernewman2817]

Excellent review Jody, really loved the 2018 version and this has been equally as good. I can’t argue with any of these. I might have nudged Dan Henry on there - but quartz not to everyone’s taste. Zelos and Stratton are really superb (I’ve got multiple versions of each). The Direnzo DRZ-02 is gorgeous but just a bit too rich at $700 - can’t wait for the 03! Great video though Jody - thank you 😊

[@jc944t]

Big fan of Zelos, got the GMT Horizons and Mako V2. I'd like to see you review the Islander from Long Island Watches ... what the SKX could of been. Nice review!

[@saintdave1877]

Heitis Panda chrono looks nice , surprised they haven't been on many channels.

[@ahmedsalim784]

Derinzo's designs look incredible..love it.

[@WatchUnwind]

very unique and unlike anything else on the market

[@anthonyodwyer3261]

Wicked Watch Co may be worth a look, Grimwood Mod channel reviewed prototype Pearl Diver, missed out on bronze model due March 2020

[@Ape76]

Review suggestion, Mondia Swiss GMT, in particular the all black version. Thanks

[@Hazybrews]

I own a phoibos sentinel, people either love it or hate it, can't deny it has great specs though and I personally think it's fantastic

[@7rslender]

Great listing as always Jody Would love to see: MK II Watches (by Bill Yao): high-end homages of some really rare stuff that is hard to get.Lorier: outstanding vintage-inspired, beautiful, honest watches.Sangin Instruments: microbrand founded out of the need for a durable watch needed in the harshest of conditionsScurfa watches: what the heck do you take for saturation diving if your issued Comex Rolex is just way to valuble to take into the water for your job. Well, there you have it! Cheers!

[@carl-ok9gn]

i do not think sangin was founded out of a need. the designs aren't any more or less durable than any of the other divers out there, just like ares. not dogging on him, but scurfa's will far outlast the sangin and for a more reasonable cost.

[@ZaDude1970]

That is a good assortment of micro brands you have picked here Jody, I might add Undone, how about a review on one of their models as they do seem to be interesting & growing quite well. If 3 micro brands deserve much credit here i'd say: Traska, Helm, Straton & that gorgeous Direnzo DR Z03 “Eclipse” (can just imagine what it'll look like in red).

[@jonathanbowman9920]

Just got my Helm Komodo today!! Awesome quality and the Khuraburi looks to be on sale this month. I probably shouldn't be saying this because I want to be sure to get one myself!!

[@sunildaniel1838]

Definitely recommend checking out Lorier and Baltic

[@markplayford5836]

Excellent Jody a fabulous video. Love the Helm Vanuatu and picked up a Baltic last year, with the Hamtun on its way soon. Love my micros and will be buying more. 😁

[@anthonysmithyman372]

BEST video Jody, I own 4 Zelos, Helm next year, Stratton soon also...looking forward to your review of the Zelos Mako 3.

[@CircassianRider]

love the microbrands you always review . It opens up a world of options . So many great designs and quality we dont know about and are worth buying instead of the usual suspects =)

[@private464]

I love this video! All 5 are winners and will probably make it into my collection... eventually! So informative and well done. All I can say is thank you for researching and making videos such as this. It really helps me out to find great watches I might not have known about.

[@seannew8930]

Hey Jody! I’d love to see you review some watches from Lorier! Great vintage inspired pieces that fit the JOMW price range.

[@paulfender2964]

Jody I recently discovered Sternglas, a new micro brand. I'm loving the look of the Bauhaus designed Naos with Myota movement. Would love to see a review on your channel

[@Hocfcbyt]

Can you review the new long island watch watches?

[@agilewolf]

Love your reviews. They are always very thorough. I picked up the Traska Freediver mint dial v1 after your review and flipped it for the grey dial v2 when It became available -better hands and I like the grey better. I think Traska makes a nice watch. Zelos- Still waiting for their Swordfish V3 or at least to work out their bracelet /clasp issues on an update. I like the look of that "Frog in a sock" Direnzo! Had the Helms and let em go as much as I loved the dials hands and lume the weight and thickness was keeping me from wearing often enough.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hey mate! Sounds like you have bought (and sold!) some great micros. Helm still #1 in my opinion under $300USD. Nothing else built like that for the money. Cheers!

[@bej0909]

Great piece this. Love a micro and the stratons are stunned. Divers wise I'd throw in an enoksen.