My Top 6 Microbrand Watches To Look Out For - Q1 2021!

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I have so many nice pieces coming in for review in the first quarter of the year, that I thought I would preview 6 of them here. I think this lot more than live up to my hopes that 2021 will see some crackign micros, full of design innovation and quality, but retaining great value for money. Which do you like? Which did I miss? If this goes well, then I might make a series out of it. Cheers, Jody

[@xvoltik750]

I catch myself saying “Hellooo and welcome to just one more watch” every time

[@tobiasfischer7921]

Same man, same

[@educarmar]

A clear effect of having been self-brainwashed ; - )

[@tobiasfischer7921]

@@educarmar but what a nice self-brainwash it is, hahaha

[@Geminoduro]

So does he.

[@borbetomagus]

@@Geminoduro It sorta makes me wonder if he's seen this -- /watch?v=bjmgzLVuWLU

[@mrjasonrowland]

More than half of my watches are micro-brands. I love that these small businesses are knocking it out of the park with style, quality, and affordability.

[@gervers]

RLG absolutely killing it for me! That’s a 2021 purchase assuming I can sneak another watch past she who must be obeyed!

[@jeffm0518]

Jody, LOVED the video. I am looking very forward to 2021 and the additions I'll be making to my watch collection this year! You ALWAYS provide so much value in your videos. Time is our most precious commodity and I NEVER feel like I've wasted any when I watch your videos. They are always enjoyable and educational. Keep up the GREAT work. I look forward to watching you all the way through 2021.

[@chaschbe4564]

I really enjoy these vids. They keep me updated about the world of microbrands. 👍

[@TimeForAnotherWatch]

That's a great selection, thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to all the reviews, especially the Traska, it looks really well made.

[@Kydos37]

"I've got a bit of a cheatsheet" *picks up War & Peace

[@eggsII]

Just wanted to share that I finished my first SKX mod project!!! I changed out the movement to an NH36, replaced the crown with a knurled one, changed the hands to turtle-style hands, and replaced the crystal with a sapphire top hat! Not sure I would’ve had the guts to try it without watching your videos. It’s so satisfying! Thank you!!!

[@hgr.7857]

💯 Congrats on what sounds like a job well-done. 👍 Those top hat crystals are awesome (great vintage vibes). I squeezed an blue AR coated top hat onto my blue Orient Mako II, along with a vintage Sub style ceramic bezel insert & coin edge bezel. Red pip mark matches the red on the seconds hand. Looks totally BOSS, right at home band, but pretty much lives on a black/grey/blue 5-stripe NATO. Would like to see it on a waffle dive strap (but have a Steeldive SD1962 that is hiding that look down for now) Edit: Happy continued modding! It becomes it's own while thing...

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great video! Looking forward to all the reviews!!

[@poulwinther]

The Mandala looks fantastic! Now that's finally something really different. RLG seems to be getting it right also, but I just hope it's not too late. Great trend with shorter lugs all around - perhaps in some 200 years the likes of Longines and Hamilton will start to notice!

[@mikesheehan5946]

Great video. Just got myself a Lorier Falcon 2 and it's amazing what these micro brands are coming up with. Looking forward to your reviews

[@jrfloresbyu]

Very exciting video of what’s to come! I really enjoyed that you took the time to “dive” into these (see what I did there) and added a few of these to my list for 2021. Please keep up the good work and looking forward to seeing these reviews as they come out. Cheer!

[@DC-uf6ve]

Excellent vid, looking forward to most of those reviews!

[@hlb979]

finally! smaller and (in my eyes) I'd say more elegant and original/innovative watches! and the fully articulated bracelet looks interesting.

[@earlpickles68]

Thanks for giving us a 2021 watch year to look forward to. Great style, quality, and value will win customers. I can’t wait to get the full details on these micro brands.

[@poppad1187]

The Salmon dial Secondhour Mandala is beautiful and it’s at the top of my list after the Burgundy Orion Hellcat that I just ordered. Solid video J

[@enguerranddsj5210]

Excellent video ! That's what I was looking for !

[@johnnybgood7812]

Really interesting preview Jody and that Traska looks an absolute killer to me. Thanks.

[@grahamcawthorne3720]

Jody!!! That's what I was waiting for! Keep at it and good luck in the new year 👍

[@craig2100]

BAM....nice way too bring in 2021 with these 5. Nicely done mate!

[@davidokeefe8346]

Just watched your review absolutely top notch mate thank you

[@simonbailey2151]

Whilst a swiss movement adds prestige to a microbrand’s spec sheets it’s actually a really bad idea. Failure rates (and consequent warranty claims!) run about 5-6% on the ETA 2824, slightly higher on Sellita and about 10% for the STP 1-11 clone. Compare with the Japanese movements where the failure rate is negligible (typically 0.2%) and you can understand why the NH35/36 is so popular.

[@80barlo80]

Thank you for sharing this interesting piece of information. I recall having issues with ETA and Sellita movements, no issues at all with Seiko, Citizen and Orient movements. May I ask where you sourced out those figures?

[@1973retrorabbit]

I think a lot of people don't pay attention to the "don't be rough on your winder" warning on the Sellita 200 movement, adjusting the time too quickly can cause wear and eventual failure and the same applies when hand winding. I also see a lot of people winding them backwards to adjust the time which is a no no on most, if not all movements and certainly not good on the Sellita 200 and ETA 2824. (It's not a huge issue for adjusting 5 or 10 minutes but because of the gearing, can be an issue for larger adjustments). I like to download and read the service sheets for my watch movements, they always have care advice and typical failure notes which supplement the manual, that so many people seem to ignore.

[@simonbailey2151]

@@80barlo80 NTH Watches.

[@simonbailey2151]

The information was in the context of a discussion on the STP 1-11 2824-2 clone: “I've used them in 650 watches to date, so we've got a reasonably large enough number to form an opinion about them. The good - On paper, they offer a fantastic bang-for-the-buck proposition. Purchased in bulk, they cost slightly less than a standard grade ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200, but have a longer power reserve, adjusted to 5 positions, have incabloc shock protection, the higher grade of nivarox hairspring, and are beautifully finished. They compare to a top-grade ETA 2824-2. The bad - we found a higher defect rate with them, around 10% on the 650, but at times it seemed like it might have been higher (we made two batches, one 300 pieces production, and one 350 piece production, the 10% is an aggregate figure). To put that 10% number into context, I've had several watchmakers tell me they expect a 5%-6% defect rate with ETA's, and slightly higher with Sellita's, but our defect rate with Japanese movements is close to 0% - we replace maybe 1 in 500, if that, so a rate of 0.2%, at most. It seems that they are most likely a "Swiss" movement which starts out with some portion of Chinese production. The good units perform very well, but the bad ones we've found had some issues which were fairly surprising. Before buying a watch with an STP, I'd just make sure I had confidence in the seller's post-sale support, in the event I need to return the watch under warranty. It wouldn't hurt to inquire about the company's testing/QC pre-shipment. Once we discovered the defect rate, we made it a point to test them more thoroughly during QC. One thing which may be worth consideration - long term maintenance. Like most entry level movements, including the ETA's and Sellita's, it will almost certainly be cheaper to replace the movement than to have it serviced by a watchmaker in 5-7 years, but whereas most parts suppliers currently stock ETA's or Sellita's, I've yet to see any stock replacement STP's. The good news is that an ETA or Sellita is a drop-in replacement, but assuming your STP was a unit which performed well, you'd be getting an ETA/Sellita with a lower power reserve, adjusted to fewer positions, etc - in other words, you'd be dropping in a movement which isn't "as good". Lastly - as STP is owned by Fossil, my observation of the anecdotal experience people report suggests that Fossil brands (primarily Zodiac) may be getting the better quality units, whereas non-Fossil brands which buy the movements may be getting the lesser quality units. So again, it's important that companies using them do good testing before shipping them to customers.”

[@SkyNikita322]

yes...except i have like -25/-30 sec per day with my seiko watches, that is very annoying

[@MrRoRoWe]

Love this kind of video! Thanks!

[@Kicksplode]

I literally want every single one of these, but the Phoibos is probably top of the pack. I've come close to buying several different models over the past year and this seems like the one.

[@markplayford5836]

WOW love my microbrands so this video really hits the mark. The light blue RLG is wonderful, but best till last for me as I truly love the Hamtun and that’s nicer still. 2021 could turn out all right after all, nice one Jody. 😁

[@Azeria]

I was just hoping for a video like this!

[@johnmmuoio4633]

I really like that you did a micro pre release vid, it seems like by the time a proper review comes out they're usually sold out. Hope this turns into a regular thing!

[@stusims6567]

There’s a lot of lookers in this list! I like a lot of them too! Great video as always Jody!!!

[@luppino1965]

Happy new year Jody.. looking forward to all the reviews.. that red phiobos thought.. looks amazing 😛.. keep up the good work.. love it!

[@chrismountbatton5260]

Great video. All really interesting looking watches with the Traska being my favourite. Well done, Jodie, keep going!

[@BongoManal]

Great concept, great video, thank you!

[@ordinator2008]

Jody, love the "preview" nature of this vid! It gives viewers a chance to get in on the early pricing!

[@0907GC]

That linen dial is stunning! It’s always good to see brands do something a bit unique

[@beermathuang3874]

Excited for these reviews, good sir! I am happy to be following a channel that reviews these micro brands! 💯💯Appreciate the videos!

[@erikbasil2787]

My goodness, that's a lot to look forward to and feels like "Good News". This was a good idea; thank you for doing it.

[@1minutewatchguy]

Wow great video, thanks Jody

[@propblast82nd]

Love your videos Jodie !

[@haroldcastle]

such a nice informative video Jody!!! cheers from Venezuela!! thanks

[@juliogil565]

Cool! Your review videos helped me decide on my new Phoibos Wavemaster (MOP dial) and i am very pleased with it. I'm very happy i received a perfect version with zero QC issues.

[@chrisready1904]

Picked up a Teal Reise Resolute watch in the kickstarter campaign...really impressed with the titanium bracelet! Looking forward to seeing more details on the RZE Endeavour now. Thanks Jodie :)

[@eldritchweather]

I.Love.Your.Vids :p honestly great content!

[@KillerNoob2001]

Honestly a microbrand I've had my eye on is Farer Universal. Beautiful use of colors. Astor banks is also nice

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

YES! Love Farer's colours and also Astor and Banks.

[@thomowatch6349]

Great video, very interesting seeing some up and coming micro brands. Hopefully you will be able to get some of them in for full reviews.

[@drwindsurf]

This is a great video...Thank you Jody 😊👍

[@edwardgreenaway1808]

Good morning Jody, What a great lineup of watches to come. The Phoibos and Traska look very interesting.

[@BCallum]

Thank you for this!!!! Great info. LOVE the T-Shirt!!!! Love that new compressor blue Phoibos!!

[@du315h0k]

Nice to see what's out there and coming out. None of these really thrill me as a must have but I enjoy keeping up with the micro designs.

[@noice9709]

Cool stuff, Jody. The microbrands are ahead of the curve. Finally, quality, innovation, and attractive design that's available to modest budgets.

[@davelowey3074]

Seeing some really good things from microbrands, exelent stuff thanks Jody.👍😷

[@williamhill7312]

Another stellar video

[@garethsigrist8714]

Over 4 years of videos and only now needing a cheat sheet! I feel like I need a cheat sheet just remembering my kids names sometimes 😂 Awesome video as always Jody. So many watches to be excited about in 2021 ⌚️

[@Gary-li7ib]

Placed a pre-order for the Traska Commuter in white and considering the Mandala too. One thing I wish more micro brands would offer is toolless micro adjustment and/or quick release spring bars on the bracelets for ease of swapping from bracelet to a strap.

[@PaulewingStHelens]

Much as I like homages, it's great to see the microbrands up there. The riesse looks fantastic and in a great price bracket. I quite like the RLG too. Excellent vid Jody

[@gimbydude491]

Great set of brands with novel designs and giving us a little something different in 2021. Thx for sharing!!

[@johnzimmerman1819]

Great video - love knowing what’s available BEFORE they’re sold out!

[@curtisxxu]

Interesting format for a video, pretty neat

[@skipdennert]

Just started saving for a Mandala. Great video Jody!

[@khronokraze]

Certainly a lot of cool watches with great value to look out for on the horizon for 2021

[@antsfur]

Very enjoyable video I love the blue dial watches

[@DancingMalik]

Excellent video Jody. RZE and second hour look exciting. Also looking forward to coast watches explorer and batavi architect 👌🔥

[@TheSlatman83]

Any chance of a full review of the RZE before pre order? Full titanium is on my wishlist and this looks amazing.

[@desmobc]

Christopher Ward with the C65 line is killing it. The Dartmouth is such a stunning watch Swiss movement COSC certified 41mm vintage style diver watch under $1000 is a winner

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Punch way above their weight for the money.

[@theoneandonlybosable]

Arguably not a micro brad though

[@thetruth495]

@@theoneandonlybosable It's a micro-brand as they don't use dealers - this is the definition of a micro-brand.

[@philspencelayh5464]

Great watches but their price rises are getting silly. Bought an Elite 1000 for just £1250 a few months ago it's over £1700 today. My Trident 2 was £350 ish in the sale a couple of years ago. The Dartmouth is over $1100 in the UK today.

[@theoneandonlybosable]

@@thetruth495 Not really, IMO they have been around too long and make too many watches to be a micro-brand.

[@tomfritz1391]

I have the Gin Clear diver and have been wearing it for a couple weeks. Second Hour attention to detail and quality seems truly top notch. The Mandala, I expect to be equally AMAZING!!

[@sandylman8219]

Well done on getting the new RZE on your wrist. I've had a Resolute since just before Christmas and it's a cracking watch. Looking forward to hearing about the Endeavour.

[@mrbubbles6961]

Great video!

[@saevans63]

Thanks for your thoughts on these watches Jody. I backed the Gin Clear Diver from Second Hour watches and I’m very happy with it. It’s an excellent high quality piece. If the Mandala is as good as its predecessor Peter will have another winner on his hands.

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Beautiful Titanium piece, the price is incredible, looking forward for the full review on this piece, great content as always 👍

[@eberbachl]

Great video Jody. Thanks for putting me on to some Aussie watch brands. I think I can see a Second Hour Gin Clear in my future! 😍

[@denisdaly1708]

The Traska looks great. The size is perfect for me. I'm going to order it. Thanks for the preview.

[@joeychase5224]

Hey Jody, absolutely great video. I'm already set to preorder the Traska tomorrow and thank you for the date heads up for the Richard Legrand. Been waiting for the newer release of that beautiful Pastel Blue. My question is, for that awesome RZE, what is the case height?? It looked a little chunky. 14-15mm???

[@biollante879]

The shirt is fantastic Jody! As a fellow Kaiju and Watch enthusiast I approve!

[@martintaylor4572]

Great watch, the new Phoibos Eagle Ray Compressor looks amazing. Missed out on the GMT so going to hope I can get my hands on one. Hopefully the Red and Black one it looks fantastic. Thanks for the heads up, much appreciated.

[@TinBin-Craig]

very nice collection there... now which one to choose cheers

[@neriel0326]

Hi, I'm interested with the Phoibos that you mentioned here, but I'm also choosing between the Phoibos and the Islander ISL-18, what would you pick if you if you have to choose 1? Your reply is highly appreciated. Thanks

[@JonGH33]

I'm a picky small wrist guy and most of thoses got me up in my seat. Great watches and video!

[@thatdude2526]

Omg just watched this video and the shirt is epic!

[@user-xf7nn9zt4z]

Would the RLG with sapphire bezel insert with the upgraded miaota movement be any better than the Zelos that had the sapphire bezel insert?

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Nice lot! I'm particularly interested in the Traska Commuter and the John Roberts.👍

[@lastofmykind8]

Jody broke out the notes!! Haha loved that. Very cool list!

[@nolanpick6906]

Really looking forward to the Traska Commuter review!

[@grahamyoung622]

Hooray, you've discovered second hour watches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This Mandala looks STUNNING. I have known about this for several months now and Peter is going to divest me of some of my hard earned cash when these beauties are released. The green and blue look fantastic. TWO FOR ME PLEASE!

[@thehrethgir679]

That second Hour Mnadala is nice, I like it! And as an Oakland A's fan, the green and gold colorway sings to me!

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

I'm loving Second Hour as a watch company. Their designs seem fresh and have neat little details that those into sacred geometry and numerology find fascinating. I'm thinking of getting the green/green Gin Clear.

[@SecondHourWatches]

Many thanks!

[@yuran1907]

Where did you get that clock? 😎looks so nice btw!

[@Alanlewis59]

I have been dealing with Peter at second Hour Watches for over a year now, and I can honestly say he is one of the nicest most honest watch brand owners I have ever dealt with in my 20 years of watch collecting.. I have the Gin clear diver and it is one of the best most accurate watches I own.. Its a real keeper.. As for Peters campaign on kickstarter it was real lesson to all on how to run a perfect campaign... The level of updates and communication throughout was incredible.. If only all companies were this good... I can't wait for the new releases from second Hour, I'll definitely be ordering again, with total confidence 👌

[@saevans63]

I’d second that. The Gin Clear is a very well executed timepiece. The specs are incredible for the price

[@Alanlewis59]

@@saevans63 really is a great watch isn't it, and the build quality is amazing... Superb overall package from an awesome company /guy

[@grahamyoung622]

Agreed. Communication was outstanding. I had to wait some months after I got my first Gin Clear (the gorgeous black sand dial with green bezel), as there was an issue with the pastel blue dial which I had also ordered. There were repeated delays, none due to Peter, but he kept everyone updated throughout the process. He forked out some serious coin from his own pocket to fix the issues , the end product was well worth the wait. Peter answers all emails from second hour watches in a very timely and highly professional manner. I will be purchasing at least a couple of Mandalas when they launch on kickstarter, and maybe one more gin clear from his website (finances permitting).

[@Alanlewis59]

@@grahamyoung622 well said sir, a pleasure to deal with great companies isn't it. And Second Hour are definitely one of those👌

[@patch9113]

I've been looking for a reasonable or cheap watch with the full 24 hours on the front i.e. the 12 o clock at the bottom. I see the Phobios had on e and also the Vostok kommanderskie has one but are there any others.

[@anonimushbosh]

Cracking round up. Took me well over an hour to get through this one though what with following half the links and a few trips to various marketplaces. So nice of RZE to delay releasing those details just so I can have me supper & get to bed on time!

[@jasonlax4112]

Love the 12-4-8 ...love love love

[@NoizeTank]

Any chance of a review of the final production model of the Dailos Waveform? I believe they start shipping in March

[@rudy_ariff]

Great video as always Jody 👍🏻👍🏻 I was actually expecting to see a Pancerna watch featured here 🤔 perhaps they couldn't send out a sample in time for the video

[@leoberg2390]

Rlg is amazing, I've been eyeing them for some time

[@ozludo]

I think the Rvlvr SD-1 is pretty cool, if only for the NH70 movement. On Kickstarter right now. And the Mandala - only problem is stopping at one. That dial is glorious. I'm in the same city as Peter and thanks to Covid I haven't bought him a beer yet. To be remedied soon I hope. Happy New Year

[@SecondHourWatches]

Damn straight! Mines a negroni 😎😉

[@robertb925]

Great video! Please do another one in March for 2021 Q2.

[@uniqu3xperience965]

Gosh darn jodi. That phoibos black and gold hands is excellent I kinda screened shot the watch and the 10 percent discount code to don't forget the future buy. Thanks Jodi I like all the watches really lol Trask is awesome but too expensive for me. Cheers well done!

[@IskanderVFX]

Do keep applauding the traska photographer... really terrific photos

[@MrAlcmj]

Yep Traska nailed it. Everything I wanted the summiteer to be

[@OriginalBreezy]

So glad to see micro brands move away from homages.

[@robedmunds7163]

This was a very cool vid, lots to think about there. I really fancy a Swiss movement, how about a similar review of best price Selita and ETA movement watches

[@HorologyinSanity]

That's a pretty sweet lineup to look forward to! I really like that linen dial one. Almost got the Zelos Nova with the linen dial, but went with the salmon dial instead.

[@kiwimark3875]

Hiya JOMW. Is it just me or is there no info on the RLG site about the Mk4?. Assume you're referring to a subscription and they'll advise when it's available? The bracelet looks better from the pictures.. not so blingy and female end link?