My Top 5 Favourite Microbrands For 2020!

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I made a version of this video about 14 months ago, so I felt it was the right time to update it. Two new entries , three old favourites, all with something in common; they make great watches! Cheers, Jody

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@kenspear5077]

Nodus has been killing it with their last 2 releases.

[@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.

[@DC-uf6ve]

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

[@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.

[@SM-bw6go]

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

[@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 )

[@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.

[@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!

[@riverfishing2051]

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

[@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. 😁

[@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

[@filmoperationsgroup]

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

[@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...

[@maxpower6356]

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

[@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.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Love microbrands! Great choices all. Thanks Jody!

[@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.

[@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?

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@blaircalvin5025]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@CyberRabid.]

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

[@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.

[@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:)

[@nartlambaz]

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 =)

[@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.

[@genc6348]

Been looking forward to this one, Jody :)

[@Blue_3rd]

That DRZ 03 is stunning!

[@errolmacdonald3256]

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

[@Thexaios]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@BetamaxBabe]

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

[@hanzkammler6388]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@tombroad3624]

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

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Another excellent video with some very interesting pieces. I really like the Stratton chronos

[@micheleraist6916]

Great list of Microbrands, I've already tried 4 of them and I totally agree, they are awesome watches!

[@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

[@bigal7715]

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

[@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 😊

[@MrKayDeeJay]

Would have loved to have seen Maen on this list, definitely my favourite microbrand!

[@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!

[@Bhethar]

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

[@willardhooton920]

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

[@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

[@chaosmatic404]

I love these types of videos, thank you so much for this video!

[@Bambi851]

Love the Direnzo 'Captain Cook'.

[@anthonysmithyman372]

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

[@brianmason744]

Stratton oh so beautiful oh so exclusive...best wishes for 2020 JOMW

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@rioriggs3568]

Amazing list my friend! As usual... spot on!

[@jeffwertz2953]

Thank you Jody!. I'm still loving my Richard LeGrand watches. The Odyssea diver is my everyday watch. Durable, accurate, and great looking! Hope you're not struggling too much with fires down there. That looks horrible.

[@gregwallace9035]

Great stuff Jody. Zelos bronze 👍

[@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!!

[@ahmedsalim784]

Derinzo's designs look incredible..love it.

[@WatchUnwind]

very unique and unlike anything else on the market

[@michaelbest5505]

This year I’m trying to pay more attention to microbrands myself. Two I’ve recently become interested in are Nodus and Ming, which are about as different from one another as two brands can be.

[@jmetzler04]

Jody, so happy Helm is still on your list! Based on your recommendation my Vanuatu will be here in May! Whooo can’t wait! Love your show! I’m driving my wife crazy though because I am starting to talk like you now 😳

[@rarome1]

Would love to see a review on the micro brand Brew Watches. Have one and love it. Btw, love the channel!👍

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

Congratulations, you have been monetized. I got 2 ads during this video. Great channel, Jody.

[@bej0909]

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

[@wholenutsanddonuts5741]

Bought a swordfish bronze based on Jody’s review, and love it! Thank you!

[@kev-dm5388]

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

[@Ace2021]

Doing gods work

[@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.

[@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.

[@MrKordel7]

I love my Helm Khuraburi! An absolute beast!

[@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).

[@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

[@RondelayAOK]

Love my Helm. It thrashes the banjo of my mind.

[@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.

[@robvk6001]

Hi Jody, great video I really enjoy these new micro brands. I have two wonderful Panzeras, the Flieger 47 and the Aquamarine. You probably already know this brand, I would love to see one of your videos on this micro brand company, please. Keep up the great work always entertaining and insightful.

[@ericsherer3505]

Got my Mint Traska Freediver II first of the year. Really like it and gets noticed.

[@targaflorio3239]

Another Great video. Love Straton. Owned a Curve Chrono for many years. Still gets More wrist time then the Speedy Pro. Peace ✌️

[@craig2100]

Excellent job Jody!!

[@Nigel-nar53]

Pleased to see you've got Helm on the list as I'm the proud owner of the two K's still need to pick up a Vanuatu some time 👍

[@qazifaisal5]

I wear a watch from diefendorff the Cornelius 1776 with the carbon fiber black dial it has a swiss movement amazing micro brand . The craftsmanship is superb. The design is unique and has a nice swiss movement i absolutely love it also you get a card thanking you for your purchase.

[@anthonydevono8833]

Those traska watches look very good I can’t buy anything else at moment but they both look fantastic 👍

[@frederickthompson8686]

Another winner, Jody!

[@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!

[@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.

[@crvols]

Great video Jody, appreciate learning about new micro brands. Thought I heard you say you were going to review the new Odyssey III Wayfarer from RLG? I have one and like it.

[@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