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

[@flatsixcyl]

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

[@Newerasamearea]

A polymath

[@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

[@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.😎

[@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

[@Mans1810]

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

[@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.”

[@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

[@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?

[@sushimshah2896]

Wow, really love that ring glow around the bezel

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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?

[@belacsako1985]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@bboooobbyy]

This watch is mesmerizing. That dial is something else!

[@OmiP42]

Something about these videos always makes me wanna relax with a glass of nice scotch before I click.

[@A-Tango]

Do you consider Stowa a micro brand?

[@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!

[@ZaibJ]

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

[@centrallyintelligentagency]

Zaib Javed I found this too. Good call!

[@ahmedsallam1179]

I came across Ming two years ago and I was surprised

[@matthewstonesax]

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

[@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)

[@syddiqueshaw5071]

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

[@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!

[@reezevlog]

im a Malaysian 🇲🇾and im impressed with this...

[@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.

[@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.

[@georgiboyadzhiyski4163]

Anyone else thought of Doug DeMuro when he said "CNC"?

[@devsite8020]

Who ?

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

Mr. Doug who gives Doug scores to car

[@jochem1986]

For more of my thoughts on the advancements of CNC Motors, click the link below to visit Autotrader.com/Oversteer, where I've compiled a top ten list of the greatest microbrand deals. And now on to the quirks and features of the Ming watchbrand.

[@georgiboyadzhiyski4163]

@@jochem1986 Lol, yes, yess! Encouraging to see it's not just me :D

[@snooze_v]

I have a lot of watches coming from micro brands and honestly, I'm very happy with

[@shreister]

anything in particular you'd recommend?

[@snooze_v]

@@shreister yup but, it depends of the price you want ton pay😅 For example, there is Code41, the model I have cost around 700$ (anomaly01 brown) Or for 2000$ you can find some nice chronographs, like the Blackout Concept stratos with a valjoux 7753, And if you want you can have Vaucher Manufacture or Romain Gauthier but... Gauthier is very expensive 😅 If take your time, you can't be wrong😉

[@clive1539]

Chosen carefully, you can get exceptional quality and value. Far less likely to get a fake even 2nd hand from a microbrand...... plenty fake rolexes etc out there

[@snooze_v]

@@clive1539 sure but like I said, take your time. But an other thing you should do, is asking people about theirs experiences with the model you want 😁

[@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

[@007-i6z8v]

A real beauty of a watch, and that movement just as you well said it cherry on the cake! I really like this brand, and if one day I'll manage to break away from my Rolex addiction i will surely add one to my watch box...Thank you for this great video, my favorite storyteller;)))

[@nandi123]

This is the beginning of a legend.

[@ghostindamachine]

Such a stunning watch! Executed nearly perfect; the timezone wheel needs to be re-aligned, but that’s it really. Very cool that WatchFinder is showcasing a microbrand like Ming Thien... next up a microbrand like Grönefeld?

[@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

[@gizmofactory]

Lets review christiaan van der klauw and grohnefeld please!

[@KandKo]

Cool looking watch. However, I'd never consider wearing a watch (especially an automatic) without a second hand. Unpopular opinion?

[@LordArioh]

Most recent micro brands are buying a bunch of standard cases, movements, slap some standard dials of different colors and call it a luxury watch for fraction of a price, which in reality is mass produced garbage by someone who wears Rolex.

[@pithyginger6371]

wow that watch really speaks to me

[@johnkollias6782]

Can't say your video answered the question of whether we should avoid micro brands. There are literally hundreds, maybe thousands of micro brand companies out there. One company will not provide any representation to make a judgement. Besides, I happen to really like Bernhardt Watch company, which I'm sure fits the definition of a micro brand. Their watches are superb using some of the best parts and movements from all over the world. The customer service rates at the top and the prices are unbelievable for what you are getting. So, I guess I'm saying I will not avoid micro brands. Instead I will do due diligence in researching before buying. The watch you showed was definitely different, but I'm sure it's going to be a winner like the earlier models from Ming.

[@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 👍😂

[@chinchinche]

It's a good day when watchfinder releases a new video.

[@TommyRibs]

The narrator should do other videos besides watches, because I just love watching these. If he did stuff about old cars or history, I’d watch those too.

[@khalidalamin8069]

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

[@tomkhong9828]

Frederico Talked Ming too. Love the other one 17.06

[@joelhenderson4450]

AnOrdain review would be interesting.

[@DaveMGmovies]

Recently bought a Model 2 and I absolutely love it. Wonderful enamel dial, great case, running beautifully and excellent customer service. I believe they are revamping the Model 1 this year too. I might be tempted to break my New Year resolution and get another one ...

[@ScottishWatches]

Great company....but then we would say that

[@ScottishWatches]

@@DaveMGmovies lots to come from them this year.

[@beckwithtl]

You really put out great videos. I’d love to see one on the JLC Master Compressor Extreme Lab 2. Keep up the great work!

[@mukhiddinbakhranov9708]

Very nice watch, but I guess it's for people who already have Rolex and Omega in their collections. Not sure if I would skip those around the same price and start with this as my first luxury watch.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

A small register with an indication that the movement is running (does not have to be a second hand) would be reassuring. Awesome watch nevertheless.

[@Veshon]

How many of you guys just watched an entire advertisement?

[@zewill87]

It's the whole point of this channel to be honest... watch finder does not hide the fact that it sells watches. At least, it shows that advertisement that are made in an eloquent fashion and provides beautiful details appeal to some. Maybe tv advertising should take a hint.

[@kennethkostyniuk4906]

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

[@manulakhanpal6568]

Business analyst is a good job

[@AMATERASU_888]

I sadly have to say, that I don’t really feel the watch, but you still get a like, cause you’re on point!

[@808jspekeg6]

Looking at my JLC MUT moon on my wrist right now. Now why in the world would anyone but this gosh darn ming?

[@endadalton]

A visual feast. A beautiful watch. Would be a pleasure to set and watch this movement for an hour or two.

[@endadalton]

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

[@elshazlio]

Incredible. Now I want one.

[@darealrulezbreaker9493]

the watch looks good and is what made me click this video but that strap also looks amazing. does anyone know where/how to get a strap like that?

[@ChaOmI100]

There are many good quality micro brands,but lack of spare parts keeps me away from them.

[@jeffm4349]

And where will the company be in 20 years? If they disappear so does the resale value, watch cannot be serviced, etc.

[@CymInUA]

@@jeffm4349 They will be able to be serviced depending on movement e.g. Selita, Seiko etc.

[@donjuan150]

@@jeffm4349 Buy it because you like....there not investments....

[@rousseau327]

@@donjuan150 This goes beyond any investment value of watches. Buying microbrands inherently means you're risking your money for all except a few microbrands that have "made it" in the pre-owned market. The more serious consideration is if the company goes under in 10 years, who will service the watch? It's not like there's a huge catalog of parts available like Rolex or Patek.

[@burkholdst.rudderberg3574]

Quality video as usual. I do believe you need to quantify the term MICRO BRAND and who qualifies for that moniker. My beautiful rose gold Zeno Watch Basel Automatic Chronograph ( employs the indefatigable Valjoux 7753 ) is made by a Swiss company with less than 30 employees; would that be considered a "Micro Brand"? How about extant brands Atlantic, West End Watch, or Vulcain? All the brands I have mentioned are first rate and collectors should not avoid them; moreover, they are not cheap but priced within reason. ( The West End Watch Impermeable dive watch is way under the radar! )

[@johnleclerc8806]

So the answer to the question, should I avoid micro-brands, is no, if the brand offers something unique?

[@ZaibJ]

What is unique nowadays?

[@rousseau327]

Basically, if you like the design and they make something that's high quality, go for it.

[@lpg12338]

@@rousseau327 Perfect answer when buying anything in life. 👍

[@butre.]

the answer is that every brand starts as a micro brand, and that all watches should be taken on their own merits rather than discounted entirely because of it's provenance or lack thereof.

[@jaymt1982]

@@butre. exactly!

[@amanx13]

What You would advice regards Eterna?

[@rustyshackleford17]

Micro brands typically offer phenomenal value at a more reasonable price. Oftentimes, they're doing things that the big brands will never do or slow to adopt. Heck, how many were doing bronze Submariners before Rolex/Tudor got off their ass and made one? Want a damascus Panerai? Someone can hook you up. Want something that nobody in the mainstream industry is doing? Look at the microbrands.

[@gasmaskdude2687]

The 19.01 looks fantastic! Especially the lume.

[@arijitdas5402]

This is beautiful. Especially the lugs.

[@12bgrosvenorpark5]

That was my thought, they really stood out.

[@treatb09]

As an inventor and a Horologist. Its not about marketing. Thats the last thing on your mind. Its about tooling. Inventing jigs to just get to the first watch with your first escapement and design. Thats incredibly challenging in the world today. As any tools are expensive. Or refined. I have a nack for jigs. Learned it when i studied luthiery. I am a physicist. So time theory as i developed it. Became an artistic expression to pursue horology. But. The tools alone. The precision. The robotic like nature you become sold for. Micro brands arent shit. But if its about marketing. Then they are. If they are like me.?! Fuck ya. Art as time. Thats awesome. Im not trying to weed out omega or pateck. Or anyone. Im demonstrating my aptitude. Ive invented around 7 movements. And 4 escapements. But. To build them. Its unbelievably difficult. Ive considered designing them to a machinery of nature. Sending it to pateck and asking if i could build it.

[@miamimo70]

I have a Meccaniche Veneziane, it's equisite, Italian flair, Swiss internals

[@oldvole]

I have one too, and it's gorgeous.

[@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?

[@tantalumb8093]

Malaysia Boleh!

[@splashpit]

So what was the verdict ?

[@lazyreuvin]

Add one more watch to the pile of watches I hope to own one day. Watchfinder could make poop appealing to me.

[@maxmaxington5873]

Check out the Australian brand Cruxe Automatiq. They are really nice. Expensive but nice.

[@karlsenula9495]

I do like Helm, Zelos, Heimdallr, Stratton, AVI-8 and Dan Henry as micro-brands. Curious what defines a company as a micro-brand? There are plenty of watch companies with limited production, many high end with pedigree and heritage (many covered on this channel)... do they count? I am curious as to everyone's definition of a micro-brand ... discuss ...

[@wadebolderman3250]

For your 8 grand you can buy a much more interesting watch than this micro brand right now. While it is an intriguing design, it just misses on the dial itself. Too plain or basic and the hands are off for the dial design imo. I really like the exhibition back but it seems to not match up with the dial. The useless etching on the crystal is another odd feature. I like the use of titanium in the metal and the overall case size is spot on as well.

[@leyay7540]

I'm quite curious about your "interesting watch".

[@DHC8100]

Would love to see a review of more affordable micro brands, such as LIV Watches.

[@vedichitesh]

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

[@ronch550]

Initially I was just listening to this video without looking at my phone, and when I heard 'Ming' for a while I thought this video was about Aragon. 🤣

[@gordogabor]

I have microbrand wacthes minimum 6 with ETA and Seiko automatic movement and more accurate than the high end watches what I have aslo 5 different so yes microbrand wacthes are good not all brand but good price and good quality and good accuracy

[@markomarin3414]

The price for it is CHF 11,900 which is over $12k. Wow ! What a pretensions micro brand. Doesn't matter how "nice" your product looks, it still doesn't match it price tag. At the end of the day, after u spend 12k you will end up with a " Ming " on your watch not "Omega" nor " Grand Seiko "

[@Agrippa31BC]

Impressive. Would get one if it came with a bracelet and a 100m WR

[@emptysea1137]

some city time zones are complete mysteries to me

[@burritomaker69]

I’m sorry but hand done Anglage??? Please do not spread such false statements the anglage is hardly applied by hand and is actually mainly done via CNC. This information is readily available and has been stated by the owner of the company many times. Either way a very nice micro brand watch but you’re not doing any brand any favors by spreading false information.

[@rahulramanathan5737]

You've gotta do one on Baltic watches

[@G0DsFuneral]

Happy New Year to everyone. 😁

[@Highbudget]

The watch in the video is at least quiet unique looking, I wouldn’t buy one but I’m sure it’d have its fans

[@kamran102]

Ok, but a pitty you can't see what the time is..

[@joeylee6094]

Incredibly good looking watch, shame that it's way outta my price range. I'm stickin to my seiko for now

[@kirillgribov4380]

Autodromo is great brand!

[@erikroelinkcitizen2302]

I felt in love and what a stunner thanx for the introduction

[@vondahe]

It’s a nice little piece for a small/Asian wrist but there’s a reason 42 mm is the standard for (Western) men’s watches. I find the finish to be poor in places. The alleged “mirror finish” on the edges in the engine room clearly shows a speck. If you pay 2,000 quid for mirror finish, that’s unacceptable. On the outer perimeter of the face you see a very uneven, almost grubby texture. How can you overlook that? My personal preferences aside, this review feels like concealed advertising.

[@mrjasonrowland]

Two words. Brew Watch. So yes. Some micro brands are worth it. Vario, Baltic, and Geckota also come to mind in the under $500 and sometimes way under $500 price range. That price range is where I believe most micro brands shine in terms of bang for the buck. Over $500 and most micro brands bring diminishing returns with of course some few exceptions.

[@Q.Q.]

Although, in the grand scheme of things, there is nothing remotely resembling a "bargain" in the luxury watch market, certainly in relation to the usual suspects in the stratospherically bloated market, this would most definitely have to qualify as one.

[@marsoelflaco5722]

Was this episode brought to us by Ming?

[@Calirican-is4lt]

Aragon is a pretty good micro brand watch company quality timepieces

[@BaSs4cE11]

Heimdallr - A cheaper, but better alternative to some seiko models

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

Now that watch is adorable.

[@corbing7786]

Love my tsao torsk watch