Should You Avoid Watch Micro Brands? | Watchfinder & Co.

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@777thejesusfreak777]

“Backordered until 2020” Me: Me: “wait that’s now”

[@jp4431]

Lucky you, you can order it now

[@johnpalcon7570]

Whoa... i said damn thats a long time still in my mind... wtf its already 2020

[@stinkystealthysloth]

Me: woa that was a year and a half ago

[@rsr789]

The correct title of this video is: 'Ming Watches: A Love Letter'.

[@dariodeagostini]

because they deserve that love

[@vondahe]

I’d go even further and say a fan letter.

[@almeladze]

100%... almost gave it a thumb down... Misleading title and a watch about I would say - I've seen better... Underwhelmed...

[@IansModRite]

Alternatively, “Microbrand Watches Are Shit Unless They’re Ming”

[@3xoticG4m3r]

@@almeladze its a fitting title. These videos are always a story and this is one of the best youtube channels. Its a good title that gives you something to think about and then he tells you a very interesting story about a watch brand. You really don't have to watch this channel if you don't like it tho

[@flatsixcyl]

Been following MING's photography for years before he started making watches. An incredibly talented fellow

[@Newerasamearea]

A polymath

[@tomsmith70]

Lorier is the only one I have any experience with and it’s absolutely fantastic!

[@Dave062YT]

As we all know Rolex was just a micro brand run from a small shop in London .They did ok

[@elmohead]

Never heard of the brand. Micro alright.

[@noobzrule]

@@A_Friendly_Robot He wear a fake Rolex cause its no longer affordable 😹

[@noobzrule]

@Andrew Lim Wrong as those oysters back then doesn't worth more then 4 figures tops...know ur history first.

[@noobzrule]

@Andrew Lim Rolex wasnt a microbrand during that war 😹

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

The way Rolex’s fanboys talk you’d think they’re still a small mom-and-pop operation struggling to keep the lights on in their own gold foundry. “It was such an _honor_ to buy this piece at MSRP, Mr. AD. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. 😘😘😘 Here have my wife for the night as a token of my appreciation.”

[@walterkiebart9728]

I have 6 Microbrand watches in my collection and I personally like them all. 2 Spinnaker a Fleuss and a Hull, a Lorier Hydra, a Boldr Expedition,a Undone Basecamp and a San Martin 62 Mas. All of them are well manufactured and the Movements are running accurate. I use them as my Daily Rockers and I can recommend them without a doubt.

[@Michael-tc9fm]

I love my Boldr Venture

[@brianafuang463]

The video's title should have been "Should we avoid Ming watches?"; this isn't about micro-brands, right?

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

I thought he'd show a few brands like those using Seagull and Miyota movements.

[@3xoticG4m3r]

Ming is a micro brand and he always has these interesting titles

[@mattilatvala4164]

There are micros with Vaucher microrotor movs (like in Parmigiani, RM) and dials by Voutilainen. Serious stuff.😎

[@4034miguel]

Rolex started as a micro brand. Bought the case, bought a high quality movement, encased it and sold it under their brand. It would be interesting to see if there is a potential next "Rolex" around us.

[@kirillgribov4380]

It was century ago... world and people changed, customers became more selective and in the same time stupid. Today big manufacturing spend almost 80% of budget on marketing by doing minor updates to products what makes almost impossible to young innovative companies to compete. Sad

[@iivv_nn]

I think farer

[@Mike-rm1lb]

​@@iivv_nn Thinking the same thing. Farer is the horse to bet on.

[@henrythomson3427]

Micro brands are brilliant for the 99% of people that can’t afford the top end Swiss, you’ll probably find micro brand are more relevant than so of the “Swiss brands” we see in the shop windows today. Look at Doxa and Sinn arguably some of the best dive watches available, just because it’s not a Rolex doesn’t mean it’s not got a story or character. Feels like this video had a different agenda, god forbid you recommend something that would effectively take money from your own websites pocket

[@scotthayes2652]

Rolex was a micro brand buying in parts and assembling before where they are now. I think they still buy in parts. Totally agree that other watches have a story and character, you never know a micro brand today could be big in 10-20 years.

[@Dylan-xj8tb]

Wouldnt at all consider sinn a microbrand....I also wouldnt consider them to have better dive watches than rolex, blancpain, or even omega

[@henrythomson3427]

Dylan your missing the point

[@mightbesherwood1313]

I think the video was much more benign than that. An attempt to legitimize micro brands, but yes, you have to use skepticism as your starting point in order to point out how Ming and others ride above it all.

[@scotthayes2652]

A company that’s buying in ETA movements regardless of the company size is in essence a micro brand

[@dvduadotcom]

$12,000 USD, ouch, somehow this watch has jumped in price several times in just a month... I think it's to the point of overpriced by miles at this point.

[@hoanglevu6116]

12k is a ridiculous number. I would go for a pre-owned patek 5110G at this price point

[@Cripinub1]

Too much! Rather a Rolex day date

[@sushimshah2896]

Wow, really love that ring glow around the bezel

[@mitchd1963]

Monta is a microbrand I love I recently purchased a triumph and I'm very happy all there watches get high praise

[@arunghadi]

Lorier is great too... Especially their Neptune

[@mitchd1963]

@@arunghadi agreed probably my favourite diver style they done a good job on it

[@ZeroSOFInfinity]

Never thought I heard about Ming Tien on Watchfinder..... (Malaysian here)

[@juliuslim3000]

Malaysia boleh

[@TheAlucard900]

Ayyy proud malaysian!!!

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

@@TheAlucard900 only proud of this watch

[@NathanChisholm041]

Never heard of him! Watch does absolutely nothing for me but looks well made.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

@@NathanChisholm041 neer heard of him either, but must be one rich bloke to start all this. watch looks really nice

[@Mans1810]

This watch caught my entire attention. The mouvement is so beautiful. And that dial, otherworldly. I think I'm in love. 😍🤤

[@highflying19]

I have a bronze Laventure Sous Marine and I love it. In the pricier level of micro brand but the fit and finish is luxury level.

[@thomasmoll8822]

Joe Martinez - Correct. WH&T comes to my mind as well. And then there are those MBs that offer about the same intrinsic value as the entry-level luxury brands, but for a fraction of the price. TBH, this video’s introduction sounds a bit like WF is afraid that some of their potential future clients might not leave the MB space.

[@Flxz0r]

I highly recommend the podcast with Ming on Hodinkee. He's been designing movements since he was 16.

[@ScottishWatches]

Yes, not sure saying he was a photographer turned watchmaker is exactly fair...he was arguing over movements with captain jack as a teenager

[@valebliz]

@Temple of Ridicule yep, hipsters with hipsters values. Hodinkee became a joke in the last 2-3 years.

[@Aramis_Production]

Temple of Ridicule So true

[@markomarin3414]

Hodinkee is one pretentious brand/platform journalism.

[@DaMhillz]

Lmao “designs movements since 16”, then starts a brand with Sellita watches

[@bongkem2723]

is that a Pentax camera on the table ?

[@chrispenn715]

Plenty of good micro brands around - agreed they don't have the R&D, heritage etc.of more established brands, but they also don't have the overheads of a large workforce, factory marketing budgets etc - they also don't generally add a massive mark-up on their prices to reflect 'heritage' I like more expensive watches like Omega and Tudor, but I also enjoy micro brands like Phoibos and Vaer. Each has its place.....

[@danielloera25]

chris penn I usually steer clear of microbrands but must say...Vaer is a great first micro!

[@sethkaufman2107]

I'm a big Phoibos fanboy

[@A-Tango]

Do you consider Stowa a micro brand?

[@bobcortez4427]

I just got my first micro brand watch, a Zelos Hammerhead 2 in bronze with bronze bezel with the ETA movement so it has the display case back. I must say, I love it and would have been happy to pay more for it, it is a great value!

[@marcgains6605]

Friend of mine has the original 17.01 limited edition and it's a beautiful watch and so very different to anything out there. A decent sized collection all told but it's the Ming that gets the most attention.

[@andrewstohr]

I've been hoping to see a Ming on here. I love my mings, well above micro brand standards.

[@SwissWatchGang]

Agree! Love my copper😊

[@joshs3916]

Which ones do you own?

[@VectorPowers]

What a wonderful way to start the year

[@sadteeto]

the decade*

[@ottowes]

Time won't let me wait that long. It's been a long time coming. Time is on my side. Time, oh, time, where did you go? Time to shut up. Happy New Year!

[@STOFLI]

Bucherer from Switzerland and Wempe from Germany, two jewelers in the upper price segment, have an own watch collection that would be worth a video.

[@STOFLI]

@@S-A-M. Wempe is a family-owned company with a history that lasts for more than 100 years. Currently, Kim-Eva Wempe is running the company.

[@richardsmegma5081]

@@S-A-M. Saw what you did there ;-)

[@Keckegenkai]

@@STOFLI Haha I'm german and I cant understand jokes.

[@STOFLI]

@@Keckegenkai Not sure how your missing sense of humor relates to me. Anyhow, I tried to be informative and polite. Good night.

[@Itsdamnitjeremy]

Nothing like a new Watchfinder & Co. video to start the new year!!

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

I'd be curious what you make of Zelos. Looks like great quality at a decent price...

[@_PGleo86]

SirLoinOfsteak85 as the owner of two Zelos watches (soon to be three) as well as Rolex, Omega, JLC, and others, I say they hold up a lot better than you may expect; I too would be very interested to see a Watchfinder video on them!

[@EventHorizonMK]

Jacob Holtman their sky raider skeleton is absolutely beautiful

[@NathanChisholm041]

Their to snobbish to look at fine watches as such!

[@Itaza1]

I would love to see you talk about Doxa. Thank you. Have a great new year!

[@ScottishWatches]

Probably the best bang for buck around at the moment

[@pablorages1241]

There are plenty of microbrands using eta movements with a level of features and finish as good as the big names for almost half the price

[@RedloxBeats]

name some?

[@aknonnerd]

I would love for a review of the IWC Porche Design compass watch. It is such a crazy unique watch with its aluminum body and bracelet. The different compasses that are out there for it also like the its rare qibla compass would be so amazing to see done by you.

[@davidvenegas6401]

Watchfinder: Not just anyone can make a high end luxury mechanical watch. Ming: Hold my camera.

[@bboooobbyy]

This watch is mesmerizing. That dial is something else!

[@kurtnunn6116]

I thought this would be a presentation about microbrands out there worthy of more attention, since the title has the word “Micro-brands” in the title. Rather it was an advertisement for Ming. I found myself waiting for the presenter to “turn the page” and begin discussion of the next watch. This channel has been a source for excellent information in the past.

[@rousseau327]

A lot of these points are also applicable to other microbrands. It doesn't take much to read somewhat between the lines here.

[@x3mperformace]

2:47 There's a hair in the movement. That's a guarentee for poor quality control. Can only guess what's else inside.

[@konishiwoi]

x3mperformace Where?

[@x3mperformace]

@@konishiwoi At 2:47 it's visable in the bottom right. If i remember correctly.

[@rajeevarts398]

@@x3mperformace lint*

[@x3mperformace]

@@rajeevarts398 Meaning what???

[@kamranmalik1707]

Well spotted 👍😂

[@alexandredeoliveirapenna198]

Wow amazing watch! I did not know this microbrand and it is an amazing watch. Thanks to present us this hidden gem as 1st video of 2020!

[@58bradster]

"On back order til 2020" *uploaded 2020* Oh no such a wait

[@birjub9647]

it means those who ordered it will get in 2020.. if you order one now in 2020 you will get the watch in 2021

[@khalidalamin8069]

Could you do G shock ...a G Steel to be exact🙂

[@SengLeeKoh]

Despite Watchfinder's best efforts, the video surreptitiously highlights the artistry of Schwarz-Etienne co. than the watch itself. Agree to disagree.

[@ZaibJ]

You only covered one watch in this video though, I think you should do a broader video on the topic

[@HGSolberg]

Interesting that it says Model 19.01 on the rear cover on this particular watch, when it is in fact a 19.02. It says 19.02 on all the watches on Ming's website, and also on all the other pictures I can find on the net. I assume this particular watch is a pre production one. Nevertheless, a beautiful watch.

[@kaypee1972]

Great to start 2020 with some great Watchfinder video with great content

[@andersjensen1499]

Love the design of the hands

[@jonas1015119]

I'm not sold on the fading dial, but overall I really like the design (and smaller diameter)

[@SergeantMoetz]

I've been thinking about getting a Baltic Aquascaphe for months now and I can't get over the fact that if I get fed up with the watch in the future and wanted to sell it I'd either won't be able to sell it at all or sell it at a extreme loss because most people won't even know about the brand even if the watch itself is finely crafted and beautifully designed and not at all a bad micro brand.

[@zeo99]

Pride of Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@markomarin3414]

malaysia boleh ! btw how much is the watch in RM ?

[@MrBloopt]

@@markomarin3414 1701 at 1000 gbp and 1901 at 5000. You can miltuply that by 5.something for MYR price

[@piranias]

movements are developed by Switzerland.

what do you think of the newer carl suchy and söhne watches?

[@belacsako1985]

I never heard about this brand. Very tastefully designed micro rotor movement. Overall is a well made piece.

[@amanx13]

What You would advice regards Eterna?

[@ili4707]

A review to the: Sternglas Naos Automatic and/or a video displaying the differences between a "fashion" watch and not-"fashion" watch at the same, or cheaper price point.

[@levinschmidt3841]

Iliad Poth My gradpa got one, nice buildquality though and a solid eta movement and really good support at least in Germany. Greetings tho

[@alexanderpa2868]

step 1: discover you can order customized watch copies on alibaba for less than $10 step 2: crowdfund your order with a literal 2000%+ markup step 3: profit step 4: get sued by the design owner step 5: repeat watchfinder will never even mention brands like that, it's a scam and has nothing to do with horology.

[@Kydos37]

Title of video: Should You Avoid Micro Brands Actual content of video: A look at one single micro brand.

[@felixmich1]

Orion you must be new here

[@johnleclerc8806]

I must be new here as well.

[@CptnWinkee]

I must be as well

[@Wvk5zc]

I am happy with my Stowa flieger and marine small second

[@luke6818]

Check out Alexander Shorokhoff. Idk if they're considered a micro brand but definitely arent super popular. Beautiful pieces and keeps them relatively limited

[@enriqueali]

Beautiful movement and finishing. But a gold-plated movement isn't solid gold (a la F. P. Journe). It would have felt more honest ( to me at least) to leave it in stainless steel. But hey, seems like he knows his intended market, what with the waiting list and all. Nice to hear of a success story in such a competitive field.

[@trampolinetricksguys]

Can someone explain how this watch tells the time in multiple cities?

[@mrbookends]

For the record, the Ming 19.CR Monopusher is probably one of the most interesting looking watches I've seen outside F.P. Journe...... holy smokes, what a beautiful timepiece!

[@garyggarner7738]

I think this is a Beautiful Timepiece! The term “Micro Watch Brands” is new to me. Excellent Presentation and Review! Thank You!

[@endadalton]

Have a look at the BMW automatic digital watch. Thanks.

[@NothingVideot]

*”But this is just a Ming Thein advertisement”* The title may be a bit misleading, but if you were to actually see their website, they don’t sell any Ming watches (and due to low availability most likely never will).

[@mightbesherwood1313]

You mean, like Rolex?

[@howdepressing2495]

I think you'll get the attention of the watch community if you have: In house movements(or very reliable movements from other brands), quirky design notes, great value for money, and pristine finishing.

[@gelmibson883]

Lorier is so fkn awesome microbrand baltic as well if u like vintage diver look.

[@craigroberts5965]

They've actually done a video on Baltic. Recommends them

[@ViewtuberOG]

Thanks for not posting another shitty Rolex or patek video. Originality is so refreshing.

[@thatdutchguy2882]

With the Internet, and if you are media savy, you can cut out the marketing part, which is in most products 40% or more of the price tag the end user pays for a unit produced by any and all companies.

[@adlanhaziq]

Hooray from Bolehland! 🇲🇾

[@DJWenlowe]

Love this review. Is there any chance of you reviewing any of the Brera Orologi range ?

[@kennethkostyniuk4906]

Would you explain why I do not see many Breitling B-2's for sale? Is it a bad watch or rare? Thx.

[@borjastick]

I've just bought from a micro brand. I bought a MAEN Greenwich from the first 300 pieces made. I was cautious about spending 800 euros not because that's a huge amount but because, having never bought in that price range before, I had no idea what to expect. I usually spend much more on watches. I knew what I wouldn't get was special materials or an in house movement but I had no idea what it would represent in terms of build quality or value. What I got was and is a very stylish and well made watch which oozes quality right through. The clous de Paris blue dial is a pleasure to look at in all light as it reflects and shimmers from the cobblestone finish. The legibility is as expected off the scale and the feel of the functions from the screw down crown to the gmt movement are a delight and reassuringly solid.

[@freen773]

Where would one bring them to have them serviced?

[@nathantw]

Congrats to Ming. I’ve been following him for years. I’m so happy to see he used SFO instead of LAX.

[@duhbiyung]

and MEL instead of SYD :D

[@mazenawad6304]

Can you please review Omega’s Grey side of the moon? Thanks.

[@syddiqueshaw5071]

Please please please record in 4k! Your camera work is sublime I just need to see these watches in full 4k.

[@EventHorizonMK]

Review the tissot t complication squellette. Would like to see what you think of a beautiful budget mechanical watch

[@Bippy55]

Q: Is a timepiece company not owned by The Swatch Group now a Micro Brand?

[@VersedNJ]

Well in this case Richemont, maybe the bought or invested in Ming?

[@Skyrise369]

I want this man to narrate my funeral... It would be glorious😊

[@bradle4162]

He has a voice that would lead me into battle.

[@tikkathreebarrels]

But he might suggest that you're rubbish just because you aren't of Swiss parentage?

[@chandanh.s7924]

Thanks for covering a Micro brand. 1902 is a Very nicely made watch indeed.

[@mathijs1144]

Christopher ward?

[@solstar4778]

Who sells Ming in the USA ?

[@kristoferpenseyres4957]

What do you think about Micro watch brand Kurono Tokyo by Hajime Asaoka?

[@lukespector5550]

Can someone please give me an accurate opinion of Waldhoff watches? (the automatic ones with Miyota movement). Should I buy, or spend better on something Seiko or Citizen?

[@pillowspam]

i'd love to see a look at a van brauge watch. it's a micro brand that costs north of 3k but seems quality

[@CrimFerret]

I like it. It was very smart basing their watches on movements that can be serviced by almost any decent watchmakers, you know in case the company goes belly up by the time servicing is needed. I like the design of the dial as well. I hope they succeed.

[@arfandijaafar853]

What a surprise to see a review here on a watch brand fron Malaysia. I love it. Thank you Watchfinder and thank you Ming!

[@amcluesent]

Ming is merciless on flaws in the finishing.

[@ahmedsallam1179]

I came across Ming two years ago and I was surprised

[@matthewstonesax]

Well, that’s one way of getting a watch :-)

[@vedichitesh]

Can you do a review on Devon Tread 1 and Tread 2

[@Garrycamden]

Another great video! The next video should be on the top 3 microbrands to keep an eye on

[@simiscorpio]

Please review the Helm Vanuatu

[@incyphe]

that is a lot of extra milling over the stock movement. How will it hold up?

[@rodrigogutierrezreyes4702]

Would love to see more micro brands here. Good micro brands. Christopher Ward, Zelos, Halios, Autodromo, etc. This video was amazing, and Ming watches are beautiful. I like that they have their own design language.

[@lophiomys]

Habring from Austria, e.g the "Jumping Second Pilot" or "Erwin"

[@ScottishWatches]

Habring are great watches...the 5min repeater is remarkable

[@tommyvictorbuch6960]

The Art Deco vibe gives it some classical vintage values. A well made time piece, indeed.

[@gizmofactory]

Lets review christiaan van der klauw and grohnefeld please!

[@kyb7795]

This channel is now therapy for me

[@keithsada1380]

I have a small collection and they're not expensive watches. My Philosophy on watch buying is this. Not too big, have a legible dial both day and night, (tritium or backlight) built like a tank, and able to withstand depths. And I like them to be nice looking. But that's all in the eye of the observer.

[@nonamegarage6721]

Thanks for the Ming commercial......how about a video about a variety of Mico Brands....

[@timmyhakansson8519]

Time for an updated version of this video maybe? ;) Zelos comes to mind.

[@tsh139]

Hope to see a video on the new Ming 27.02

[@_PGleo86]

If you’re doing micro brands, Zelos next please!

[@bobcortez4427]

Just got mine! Hammerhead 2, ETA, all bronze. LOVE IT

[@VersedNJ]

@@bobcortez4427 Oh they're shipping? The new Mako V3 looks good too.

[@tankt13]

Oh man that is one episode i won't want to miss. I was wondering what all the fuss was about so I ordered one and now Im hooked

[@karlsenula9495]

Helm is great too ...

[@rustyshackleford17]

Given the caliber of watches this channel reviews, it will be a cold day in hell when Zelos or any sub $5k microbrand gets noticed.

[@CJ-rb3do]

I’d say it depends. I’ve bought a Christopher Ward and it’s been okay. Wasn’t for me and I passed it on to my younger brother. I also bought a Mercer and it lasted for a week before it broke, the minute hand dropped off, no joke. I’d never buy another one.

[@misterman1371]

Since when is CW a microbrand

[@Hutton2k10]

CW sells 20,000 watches a year....

[@snowman01]

It uses Melbourne instead of Sydney to represent AEST 😍

[@hambone988ubet]

Hoping for the copper dial model :(