14 Awesome Microbrand Watches That Should Be On Your Radar 2020 (Blog With 40+ Brands)

[@davids.2317]

The true definition of a microbrand is a brand who never have any watches actually in stock 😭

[@monicacarbajosa7840]

Yes

[@mijnbuisje]

So Rolex has become a microbrand.

[@farrandswit]

Haha that is good. We have stock...for now :)

[@daneg007]

im still not convinced that vaer has ever made an automatic dive watch. every time i go to buy one they've either just sold out, they are going to reveal a new one soon, or one is available for pre-order. except im impatient and want to buy something now and go to the next website. that last part may be partly my fault, if im being honest.

[@igorzzzz1]

try ordering a Borealis Adraga..... lol

[@freedom55or95]

Microbrands to me are a fantastic blend of creativity, determination and courage in the competitive watch landscape. I've become a fan of Reise watches.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

How long have you worked there?

[@Wunderbaumsporting]

@@BariumCobaltNitrog3n get one and you’ll understand. 😁 medallion yellow endeavour is one of my very few keepers.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@Wunderbaumsporting I think Automatic watches should start at less than $200. Orient agrees and I love mine. What makes the RZE worth $500? Mine has the date.

[@Wunderbaumsporting]

@@BariumCobaltNitrog3n the fact that Rze products are all titanium. That is what adds up really quickly. I agree, japanese watches are really a great bang for the buck, but once you want something different material/designwise you may want to look elsewhere.

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

@@Wunderbaumsporting How does titanium add up? It has no effect on the function of the watch. The design of their watches is very common and pedestrian. Spending $500 for a watch because "Titanium" is silly.

[@zenojakobe1473]

Love micro brands ! They provide a large variety of non-traditional styles so you can get that watch that is just perfect for you. ... and I will admit... I love the boutique feel that I have something that very few other people will have.

[@gradywilson9213]

I am a subscriber, and old enough to be your grandfather. What I like about you is you are not a watch snub, you put your well informed opinion out there, and don't make anyone feel bad if the watch you are presenting is out of our budget. Thanks for that.

[@unsortedjournal896]

I’ve just started focusing on micro brands. So much to love! It’s especially fun when you can get a watch made locally.

[@rickrounds5150]

Don't bother with Zelos, they never have any watches for sale. Perpetually sold out.

[@mariog7213]

I really like some of these brands, Lorier in particular because they’re one of the few companies that put out a dive watch under 40mm that can dress up pretty well. The only other one I can think of right now is Baltic and their designs are very similar.

[@idontcaresapo8233]

Yes that lorier looks amazing....looks expensive

[@SwissWatchGang]

Some cool brands here! Anordain is my pick so far! Well presented Teddy :)

[@rickyhou7684]

Hey @Teddy Baldassare, Just purchased the Maurice Lacroix Aikon 39mm! Thanks for chatting with me and helping me decide whether I should pull the trigger on my first luxury watch.

[@aidengonzalez615]

One of my favorite microbrands is Straton. I was very close to purchasing one, but ended up with a Marathon TSAR instead.

[@Thexaios]

I got a Vincero ad before this video. I'm just gonna take a wild guess and assume that's not one of the brands mentioned in the list.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Lol you guessed correct 😂

[@ARod3]

You 100% rightb

[@keepingitdownwiththepashas]

little lost here. Is Vincero a microbrand?

[@ARod3]

@@keepingitdownwiththepashas vincero is trash that’s all you need to know

[@Chris-de2qc]

@@keepingitdownwiththepashas no, it's mass production made in China

[@saulysw]

Great coverage and very slick presentation. I'm glad the background music was toned down a bit too, so we can all hear you clearly. Very easy to watch, great pace.

[@15flute289]

Thought you were going to say something about Farer, I instantly fell in love with their Oxley silver LE

[@joeygunz28]

I was waiting on him to bring up Farer too, I love their collection of watches.

[@EddyWoon]

I had bought a Lum-Tec Combat B series chronograph some years ago and its illumination is great. Unfortunately one of the chrono hands from the subdial separated from its pin. As I do not serve in any force and work behind a desk, I would wonder how well this watch would hold up in combat duties. Perhaps they have now addressed this flaw with their later chronographs.

[@joseph_432]

Thank you. I’m in the market for an automatic watch in the $500 range and never heard of any of these brands. This was an eye opener for options.

[@scottlauren3145]

This was an awesome video. Got into microbrands heavy over the past 12 months.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Out of all of these Monta are the only ones I would consider. They have this GS / Ball look to them. Stunning looking watches.

[@hyssean12]

Or just buy a Ball.

[@rpm8865]

Did you check out the new Monta Noble?

[@hyssean12]

@@rpm8865 ya I like it but at 1600 I'll take my ball trainmaster power reserve any day. I paid 1k on the grey market. I know retail is like 3k though.

[@rpm8865]

Sean H Ball looks like they make excellent watches but I’ve never owned one maybe someday I gotta calm down I have a serious watch addiction my friend

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Sean H yeah I that price it's a no brainer 😂

[@gbsprasanna]

A review of watches with a lug to lug of less than 45mm would be much appreciated!

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

Yes

[@ZENO357]

Well done! It's easy to view videos on Rolex, Omega, etc. etc., but this is the first one I've found to review great quality lesser known (in my case unknown) brands. Now I want one.

[@exploringhistory5796]

I was shocked to hear you are from NE Ohio. I am also from NE Ohio. Good video. I hadn’t realized Lume-Tec is an Ohio company. Your video is informative-a few brands I’ve never heard of that are worth checking out.

[@Digta]

The movement for the Traska is actually the Miyota 9039. It's the dateless version of the 9015

[@aragornx5036]

Very good video ! Thank you. I have a Farer watch and I love it ! I would also add a french microbrand called "Akrone".

[@rickrounds5150]

Been on the Zelos mailing list forever, never here a word. Give 'em hell Teddy.

[@PhantomObserver]

So -- would you consider Long Island Watches' Islander line a microbrand or an independent?

[@ivankool357]

Islander is just a seiko copy-cat. I don’t think it’s a micro brand, IMHO.

[@paulhart2021]

Marc, from LIW, refers to his line as a "house" brand

[@tilio9380]

I don't think they are. Marc says it himself that he is just making SKX because Seiko doesn't make them anymore.

[@mrjasonrowland]

I would, yes, but with an asterisk. I’m sure he would agree. He’s pretty down to earth and isn’t trying to pretend to be something he isn’t. I happily own two of his watches. One is the famous SKX homage. For the price, it is far better than the SKX. They are well made, affordable, and tons of fun. The second is his pilot watch. His pilot watches are also hard to beat for the price and are not Seiko homages. I picked mine up used on eBay in like new condition for under $100. He’s coming out with a field watch as well soon I believe. He’s a very kind guy as well. I screwed up a mod with some parts I purchased from him. He suggested I send the watch and all the allots to him and he would have a look. Not many people do that these days from a $50 sale.

[@JosephsCoat]

My ISL-20 is my single favorite watch, exceeding my other Seiko, Tissot, Omega, Victorinox, Citizen, and Cassio watches. Aa someone who prefers to wear a more humble brand, it’s the perfect watch for me.

[@tranquilcoast]

I love that micro brands serve the sub 40mm market so well. just picked up an Aquascaphe GMT and there are not a ton of other options for smaller GMTs

[@natureboyricflair8555]

Acquascaphe gmt and especially the Blue Acquascaphe are some of the most unique and gorgeous watches on the market imo

[@josephestrada9688]

Thoughts on the Astor Banks - Fortitude line? Seems a nice watch with a nice pre-order price ta. Liking the uniqueness of the Mother of Pearl face.

[@stickman2012]

Do you have any opinion of VAER watches?

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Great topic and a great selection Teddy. Buying microbrand watches is a good way to get awesome value for money watches. I've had the privilege to handle some of these watches and get to know some of the brand owners, and I can that some of these brand owners really put their hearts on the line to make their watches as good and as unique as possible while listening to what their buyers actually want to see.

[@raymondfoo9045]

Bought the Serica 4512 WMB for my first mechanical/automatic watch, it is very charming to me. Just love it so much. Don't care much about the heritage of a brand. Makes my heart beat everytime I see it, it is gonna be my one watch until I die. What you said about microbrand is so true, the deeper connection with the company and people in it. That itself has a charm too! That's my experience with Serica!

[@davidtrachtenberg7095]

Just bought a Boldr Venture. I absolutely love it.

[@bobgox]

an EXCELLENT overview and truly informative (for me personally and those of us unacquainted ), very much appreciated, thank you !

[@dparis2172]

Don't apologize for the length of the video when you are featuring so many cool watches! Great video. The Lorier Falcon is a stunner. Vintage inspired but completely up-to-date looking as well. So nice that they eschewed the faux patina trend and let the design shine through. The blacked out Eza looks badass. Oak & Oscar put out nice looking watches like the one in this video, but a $1,500 with a date window that Timex would be ashamed of... Come on. (Pleasantly) Surprised you mentioned Anordain. Not much info bout their watches, but check out their website. Beautiful pieces.

[@AceSpaceSpades]

One of my favorite watch videos to date. The watch industry is lucky to have Teddy Baldassarre 😊

[@mrjasonrowland]

Teddy, spot on with your boutique experience explanation. In addition to getting something out of the the box, I enjoy communicating with many of the incredibly kind and giving owners/designers of micro brands like Brew, Dan Henry, Vario, Vaer, Straton, and more. Of course, I also enjoy my Alpinist and Khaki King as well for different reasons.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

My Nodus Retrospect 2 is one of the favorites in my collection. Amazing Video Teddy! Thank you sir!

[@stevem863]

Curious to see thoughts about Serica. Small company, started with one model last year, now has 3 for 2020.

[@craigdlazarus]

No mention of Farer...? I suppose the list of micro brands is very extensive. Good coverage Teddy. Perhaps a Part 2 of the same is needed. Keep 'em coming...

[@karlsenula9495]

Helm, Dan Henry. Richard Legrande, Straton, AVI-8. There is also a very small high-end micro-brand where I am that has gotten no reviews that I can see Towson Watch Company.

[@georgerivera6970]

The Oak & Oscar Olmstead Auto! I might be in love. Heck I admire the micro-brands especially the ones featured.

[@joshuaryan1997]

Could you do a review on the Baltic Aquascaphe Blue Glit?

[@johnc4264]

Thanks for the overview of different microbrands. I love this class of watches as (the good ones at least) offer something that is very different from the mainstream. I'm surprised you didn't mention Visitor watches. They are doing design like no one else!

[@dallaspymm6924]

Thanks for sharing. Brew and Baltic really look terrific. I love the industrial/coffee inspired pieces from Brew. Unique offering indeed.

[@umuterdem9317]

Microbrand watch makers are the best option for these times decent quality for a good price also great vid pal

[@PT111111]

Except that a lot of the watches in the list are overpriced in my opinion.

[@sambrumberg3743]

Great video! Many thanks!!

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

Microbrands have shown that a lot of what you get from the "mainstream" brands is overpriced and watered down. Comparing something like a Monta or Zelos to an Omega, it's hard to justify two to three times the money.

[@umuterdem9317]

Phafanapolis you are absolute right but you need to add the cost of marketing and history too yet alone keeping a watch brand alive for a century cost money

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

@@umuterdem9317 I don't care how long the brand has been around or the logo. If it's a good product it'll be serviceable, repairable and last for many, many years and even decades. All that matters is the looks, function and quality of the product I have in my hand and what I paid for it. The rest is all window dressing. This goes for all products, not just wristwatches.

[@sotiris223]

I am in Love with this Brew Retrograph😍...it has a TagHeuer Monaco Vibe to it....I love that😍

[@robgeist5315]

I’m a big fan of the way Farer watches. Are they considered a “microbrand” or “independent”. Any thoughts on the brand?

[@Ken-gv6sb]

Another GREAT video, Teddy! I personally love what micro brands bring to the table for design choices, often at relatively bargain prices.

[@a.l.2165]

Get an eye on Titoni as well

[@josephzamer5802]

I'm complete in love with the Brew Retrograph!!

[@Wootguy238]

Owner told me he'll have more in stock around January. I want that Teal Retrograph.

[@Rog5446]

It's a rip off of a TAG Heuer Monaco. Get the real thing, they're only $7,300

[@josephzamer5802]

@@Rog5446 not quite true, the Monaco has a more "angular" shape, the brew is more spherical and a bit little, but I get the point heheheheh

[@henriksrensen7228]

I hope you will do some of the Norwegian small brands I really enjoy your videos and am learning quite a bit by watching them Best: New watch entusiast

[@gmotionedc5412]

I just my Traska diver today! Mint color dial!! Wow! That’s the one to get👍

[@culinarykid92]

Any plans of doing a full Astor Banks review?

[@billj5645]

I've owned a lot of micro brands and still own watches from Armida, Deep Blue and Steinhart. I wonder what some of the different micro brands actually manufacture. Do they manufacture cases, dials and hands and buy movements from elsewhere? Do they commission another manufacturer to make parts for them? Do they even manufacture or assemble anything?

[@philfoggs5357]

These are beautiful time pieces and it’s great that some are truly affordable too. I was aware of micros but not how rich the part of the market is. Great education!!

[@gitb2010]

Three more brands to add to the list and would love to see you review: Halios, MK II, and Orion.

[@vanidge]

A halios review would be great, only problem is they are always sold out. Seems like they have very small runs and usually picked up even months before hand :(

[@poppad1187]

I agree , Orion by Nick create some extremely well crafted watches for sure , since the 1st one the two that available now. Very cool !

[@PT111111]

I'd personally add Helm for their Khuraburi watch, Hamtun Kraken H2/H3 titanium, Richard LeGrand for their Odyssey 3 elegant diver.

[@ross7951]

Couldn’t agree more w/ Orion, Halios, and MKII

[@sulaimanbatcha6866]

Please review slim watch budget series

[@davebosworth9358]

Bravo. This should be the first of a series of videos. Excellent content. Please keep going with this theme!

[@iamdefinitelynoah]

I'm sorry. Did this dude just say he's taking calls? Like, consulting? GOAT

[@tomasmeinhardt2176]

Indeed. POG

[@gzmo0]

I think the park you interviewed the guy from Brew is Tompkins Square Park in the East Village...I think

[@peterwolf9071]

I love that there's room for microbrands on your channel, it's very helpful to know which ones are worth paying for since there are so many out there - great video.

[@Pilborg_]

your videos are always very objective but so informative. I love how much you service the under 1000 buyers too! excellent video and excellent channel

[@WatchAddictionReviews]

check out the new Oceanica Stingray, it has a enamel Sunday dial and the same bracelet as the Nodus , but its only $239

[@rajendrakadam6042]

Excellent and useful information. Appreciate for telling price range of all models which you have spoken.

[@vargusalex]

My price point for buying watches is usually $300 - $400. I always look to get the most watch for my money and micro brands do it well. I don't really care about whether a brand is very well known or not. I just want something that is built well, has great specs and has a great design.

[@Moudmenn]

any recommendations?

[@jon0328]

I saw your video on the Nodus Retrospect II last year. Looked into them and decided to pull the trigger. Really like my Retrospect II. I got the silver dial with the black bezel. Recently took it in to the water and it performed great.

[@Fishing4kings]

I was very excited when you said Ocean Crawler was from Rochester NY. However, having looked into them they appear to be from Charlotte NC.

[@briansquibb999]

Thank you for the video. Have you ever done a video that included Bering watches?

[@peakrider4886]

I have a Bering Max Rène which although a quartz has a great minimalist design aesthetic.

[@briansquibb999]

@@peakrider4886 I'm just wondering if it a good watch brand. I have a Bering as well. It, too, has a minimalist design which is why I purchased the watch.

[@drewg287]

Hi Teddy. Another great video. Do you consider Christopher Ward a micro brand or small independent and what are your thoughts on their watches?

[@balesjo]

There are three things that made the AnOrdain watch stand out were the enameled dial, the numerals, and those beautiful hands (trying to think of the last time I saw such unique hands on a watch). Altogether an extremely impressive watch! The other watch that stood out to me was the Oak & Oscar Olmstead watch with those beautiful sandwiched numerals. Either watch I'd be proud to own (though if I had to choose, it would be the AnOrdain).

[@evanlever1139]

This was a great video. Please do more reviews of micro brands. They are the hardest gauge in terms of quality.

[@maurolorenzotongco5521]

I'm so stoked to see your channel and blog becoming so successful man, keep it up! As for microbrands, I bought my first watch from the veteran-owned Avian Watch Co. As far as I can tell, they use Ronda and Seiko movements and their MkII Commodore line are lumed by Lüm-Tec.

[@biharijivandana6894]

i even googled era watches firstly i thought its era but its eza. what your call on era watches? they do look beautiful some even look like h moser and cie. would love to hear about it from you. and eza the colour which you shared is amazing as i wasnt aware with the brand as its microbrand . for me sometime colour matters a lot and QC too. if thats well and good i am ready to pull the trigger for it

[@someonenamedmiller9172]

Great video Teddy. Question: I myself love in northeast Ohio. (North Royalton) wondering where you suggest to go in northeast Ohio as a go to for pre owned luxury watch shopping?

[@KnoxParanormal]

@TeddyBaldassarre Are you familiar with Vaer watches? If so, what do you think of them and in particular their dive watches? Great videos.

[@albiariza]

Have you reviewed Boldr watch? Their Field Medic series looks awesome.

[@johnwarnock5354]

Hi Teddy, thanks so much for your content! To the point but detailed and really answers most of my questions. I was wondering what you thought about the Swiss Watch Company? THey seem pretty consistent to me but I wanted to make sure I'm right here!? Thanks!

[@50337andy]

Teddy, I was wondering if you could present a video on a couple of Smiths watches. I got my son an Everest Expedition back in April and for the money it's one heck of a watch. So much so that he now would like to add a PRECISTA Royal Navy Diver and start a proper collection. Good taste for a 14 year old. Let me know what you think. Simply the best channel by the way. Andy, UK 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

[@batchwatches]

Not relevant to this video, but something I have thought about. Does an aftermarket watch strap devalue a watch much? Ok if it’s a bracelet I get it. But a replacement leather strap do people care that much? I see custom straps for €300+ but I do not see them adding that value to the watch for resell. Same buying NOS OEM would it really add that much more value vs a quality mid range strap?

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

Just bought my first Lum Tec today, A42 bullhead chrono in blue, its gorgeous and a great price, will buy another at some point.

[@charlesokeefe8413]

Love you videos. Could you get your hands on the sector dial jaeger. Saw it on Hodinkee and fell in love. Not much info on this one. Can’t figure out if it was a limited run?

[@peakrider4886]

I think what you can tell from this video is the benefit of choosing a microbrand. There’s lots of choice, loads of variety in design, and various price points to appeal to lots of customers wallets. And there are so many more out there in addition to those in the video. I have the latest Lorier Neptune and I love it, and I really appreciate the design and angle Lauren and Lorenzo are going with. I will most definitely be adding a Falcon and possibly even the Hydra II which is coming soon.

[@maxmeier532]

EZA watches are ok, but they only offer 41mm watches and bigger with really long LTL measurements. While many people crave for smaller watches aiming even as low as 34mm, watchmakers for some reason still cling to that idea that watches have to be at least 40 mm and all have at least 46mm LTL. There are exceptions, but that almost exclusively field watches and that does limit what you can expect. And we know watch nerds are particular about what they want and dont want.

[@lukasmller986]

You should look at the Copenhagen based watchbrand “About Vintage”. Beautiful watches at a really nice pricepoint!

[@samdavies6023]

My wife wants me to book a call with Teddy just to find out the shade of grey on the wall 🤣 ... I think she wants me to spend my money on decorating

[@larryp.450]

Would Christopher Ward be considered a micro brand?

[@MR.THANKMEL8TR]

@@larryp.450 yes but a really good micro brand lots of value and in house movements

[@tomcurcher]

Not sure if you’ve mentioned previously, but how about Steinhart as a brand? Really looking to get one and wondering what a review by you would look like.

[@biharijivandana6894]

If talking about brew retrograph is that chrono design of dial called retrograph? or its just the model name itself? as i feel tag heuer monaco too has some designs like that so can they be called retrograph too?

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Great video!! Is Christopher Ward not considered Micro brand? I know they are getting much more mainstream but still not playing with the big boys.

[@goldensaxon152]

I just Recently purchased a Unimatic watch from Italy 🇮🇹 I love it

[@NinjaBeast4873]

Yes! More love to the microbrands! :D

[@canadabee]

What are your thoughts on Panzera from Australia? I stumbled across them and I really like them, but would like your opinion. Thanks

[@NathanChisholm041]

I own two of their watches and love them!

[@canadabee]

@@NathanChisholm041 Nice. I just got my third and I'm thinking about a fourth; I've really become a fan of them

[@NathanChisholm041]

@@canadabee Wow mate nice! I'd like to see us Aussies make more watches even though some off Panzera are made in Switzerland. Cheers...

[@canadabee]

@@NathanChisholm041 cheers :)

[@TheMarkNolte]

I can't find anything about Eza being started by 2 dutch brothers. They seems fully german. Is this a mistake on Teddy's side or am I missing something? cheers....a dutch person

[@MrPresident1878]

A take: every watch fan should pick up a microbrand watch from their hometown if possible. There are so many options now and it’s a nice way to represent where you’re from.

[@davescommonplacebook9374]

I like that.

[@mariog7213]

that would be cool but I doubt there’s a micro brand based even in every large city.

[@MrPresident1878]

Mario G yet.

[@mrjasonrowland]

CoffeeForCorporateCounsel Excellent idea! I did just that last week when I purchased a Vaer watch! A few months ago I picked up a watch from my old hometown when I purchased a Brew watch! :)

[@morgan97475]

What's the difference between "microbrand", "independent", and "boutique" brands?

[@MammothBehemoth]

I'm guessing: Independent can be of any size with no affiliation to other brands, groups, or family of company/ies Microbrands, tho usually independent, can have affiliation to other group of companies (usually in an EDC, or outdoor/camping gear company) Boutique, as an impression would normally cater to custom, limited, or specially made time pieces/clients and would normally be more expensive (atelier). Might also be part of a group or family of companies

[@Blair338RUM]

I have quite a few Zelos models. The release prices are always keen and Elshan Tang the owner is just the best guy to deal with.

[@AK-of9qx]

Hey man great video. Very informative.. What are your thoughts on the Helson shark diver?

[@starfighterusscv-6693]

Teddy, I absolutely love your channel. I'm subscribed. You are by far my favorite luxury watch reviewer!

[@jimbegin6554]

Vouch for AnOrdain! Nice enamel dials.

[@Mkn.naseeruddin]

I got the Hoffman Racing 40 and it’s one of the best watch for $200 and its got mecha-quartz movement and sapphire glass which makes it look expensive. I would be glad to see your review on the Hoffman watches in your future videos.

[@arkadipta6667]

such a great video! should all you the Micro-brand king haha!.... these videos are much better than watching a movie in the theatre... just to pleasing Quality.... great job Teddy!

[@moncherias]

Hi Teddy. Thank you immensely for your entertaining, informative, and excellently produced videos. Do you have any comments, knowledge, or experience with Serica watches? I would love to know your opinion. Thanks

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

Would love to see a review of Kuoe. Lovely understated classic.

[@dubhlinn1000]

I have an AnOrdain model one in post box red and I have to say it is a beautiful dial, the font, the hands and of course the porcelain!

[@VersedNJ]

Teddy nice review, I do think the Formex is a micro brand (but could be wrong) as much as an independent. They do build their own watches and not just outsource.They more than using Selita and some other swiss movements done some innovations and do have AD outside of their website. I know this can be true of several brands. Either way, great watch and have one, they sized it perfectly and shipped fast and included all customs and shipping, almost wondering if they pre landed watches in the US and I guess elsewhere. I think Zelos can be somewhere between micro and independent but to a lessor extent, don't know if Elshan is outsourcing production, or building them with his company in Singapore?

[@cm9563]

Great review as always, I like the Baltic Watch bi-compax one. I don’t know about the Monta GMT, but good luck on reading the time zone on that one, no 24hr markings. I believe you missed out one of the best micro brands out there - Meccaniche Veneziane watches! I know it’s quite a mouthful and hard to pronounce, well I got their Neriede GMT watch and I totally love it! You should take a look at this Italian micro brand. Also, please take a look at Detroit watch Company, I like their watches have a look yourself.