The Best New Microbrand Of 2024! (So Far!)

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I think this one will sell well. Nice colours, nice design, fun adn plenty of utility. I would have preferred it at $499 though. Cheers, Jody

[@dihartnell]

Lume was on their improvements list "Upgrade lume to grade A?

[@Barbecuejag]

That blue and orange is 🔥 Reminds me a bit of what Farer have done. Will certainly appeal to Miami Dolphins fans in USA.

[@MrLeandroRJ]

It is green and orange.

[@Barbecuejag]

@MrLeandroRJ Teal I guess. Green-Blue.

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

​@@MrLeandroRJdefinitely teal and orange

[@shawnholloway2410]

You are right about the clasp and lume. For over $500 there is a lot of competition. I am even looking for hardness coating for over $500. RZE, TRASKA, etc.

[@randomhandle]

I'm with you. Hardness coating is the way of the future, as I see it, for the >$500 watch. RZE and Traska are turning out bangers too.

[@ryanbane]

Personally, I am pretty disappointed in the lume on my Traska Venturer GMT

[@MrLiveWest]

I own a rze and a traska and they are both fantastic watches! I like the rze more but the traska is more versatile and I can dress it up!

[@markburton9614]

I have an RZE titanium with a yellow dial that I really like.

[@scottlauren3145]

Traskas hardness coating is legit. I've owned it for about 6 months now, 3-4 if those months were my (very long) honeymoon period so it never my wrist. With that being said, there isnt a scratch or even a hairline anywhere, including the clasp and I work on a computer all day.

[@andal7404]

A bit of Serica in there.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Definitely with the dual bezel. I think that will be a trend for the year. Why not? Two jobs for the price of one!

[@borassictime918]

Indeed, but more playful and fun. And the hobby must be fun!

[@mortenjespersen7594]

Almost a Pagani job in my humble opinion😊

[@calebnewton_]

Wow, these look nice!! Love the size, colors, shapes, all of it really. The navy and silver version definitely catches my eye most.

[@michaelfernandez5905]

Beautiful watch and brilliant execution especially for the first time ❤

[@suheilkaspar8885]

I like it. One very important reason is because the minute hand is long enough to reach the minute markers, a clear positive that we don't see in so many watches !

[@michaelredding6219]

This is nice. The teal/ orange, purple, and blue all have their appeal, like the colored numbers on the datewheel. The only thing holding me back is I'd prefer it to be just a bit bigger. 41 or 42mm, ideally, but even so, this is tempting

[@thetravelingtimepiece]

Great review! Thanks for the credit on the pics!! Much appreciated!

[@arielcandoleta5347]

The micro brand space is seeing fierce competition and I appreciate that microbrands are innovating.

[@Zeratsu]

yea nowadays the watch enthusiasts can live without any luxory brands with no problems and I love seeing the progress of microbrands!

[@arielcandoleta5347]

@@Zeratsu micro brand watches do offer great solutions considering the fact that not every watch enthusiast can afford luxury timepieces.

[@Strideo1]

I like the black dial and the white dial versions. I definitely like how they look on the bracelets more then the rubber straps.

[@UNMONr1]

Saw these in an ad and was Just waiting for a reputable review.

[@davect01]

Fun couple of colors Great way to integrate a date window without making it look tacked on

[@regorschneid5245]

Like the wild colors which are put together nicely. The minute hand length is spot on!

[@jeremydahm2124]

Love it. Beet red my choice as well. That aqua is a bit loud but definitely sharp. I'd rock one😊

[@verykeen2please]

so pleased to see these more unique designs

[@jamesblonde2271]

Very original piece of design, attractive too.....

[@Mr_Memer.876]

Applause for the lollipop hitting the middle of the "squircles" as it goes around. It always upsets me when i see a lollipop that just seems to have been plucked off the shelf and hits nothing on the dial.

[@thewheelieguy]

The typeface on the date wheel should ideally match the bezel numbers.

[@bestboy897]

glad u reviewed it reminds me of farer cuz of the colors

[@ForbinColossus]

Date framing is well done

[@eslai]

I 100% agree about the numerals on the date wheel--the font would be much better if it matched the "200m/660ft" on the dial. Seems somehow thin as it stands now, but I really appreciate the color matching numerals.

I also saw lume on the improvements list 🙋

[@AbdulRWatches]

Very cool watch, well done for them for getting so much right on their first try. Thanks Jody for the share.

[@HAL-xy3om]

The blue one is very nice!

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Very nice design, it's a little out there for me. I LOVE the dual bezel design and flatlink bracelet.

[@fubaralakbar6800]

I would have to go for either the navy-silver or the black-and-yellow.

[@MrKayDeeJay]

Love the packaging, very cool branding!

[@ChristyOFaghan]

i love the indices and date window having that 'squircle' shape, though they may have missed a trick not adding one to the seconds hand thinking about it, that 'Navy Silver' would look almost as dramatic as the Seaset if they'd paired it with a white FKM

[@chillausmc]

Woof, i love the colors and the dial layout. If other brands can do great lume then there is no excuse for a diver. Thanks JOMW, always a great video.

[@WyvernDotRed]

I absolutely love both the limegreen and brown and the purple colourways. Incredibly appealing for this and the quirky but pleasant design shapes. But I'm put off by the limited release, to me the X/100 marking is a badge of shame. The price is also steep, but with how appealing these designs are, justifiable for the right customer.

[@markfogel3682]

That white one looks great 👍👍

[@tinyman392]

The case sides remind me of a recent Batavi watch you reviewed. Missed opportunity to do a squircle-styled font for the date wheel. Would probably fix your readability issue but also add a little bit of flare to the overall design of the watch. Though the numerals in the bezel might want to match too. Though that might be a bit much rounded square.

[@sinjinadams2862]

I like it! It's a very unique looking watch, not the same old look everyone else makes. The blue/orange version reminds me of the Miami Dolphins football team colors in Florida. I think this watch will sell well.

[@christophersloane6203]

I’m a huge fan of the dive/dual time bezel. I think that’s genius.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

They played the drop perfectly this watch will ride the serica coattails into the sunset

[@benferris3252]

Great review. This is definitely an extremely fun and interesting watch. It's definitely very impressive for a first attempt. With that said I think there are a few things that are simply mandatory for the price point and a tool-less micro adjust clasp is the primary one. With that said I'd probably put this one on the fkm strap and never unwrap the bracelet. I feel the seaset blue and orange is the one to get. Lume being a bit on the weaker side is disappointing for the price point but not a dealbreaker. The squircle shaped indices are pretty cool but I feel going with the circle seconds hand was a miss, would've been super cool to have the second hand continue that shape and it would really help tie the bow on the package. The bezel design is the highlight of this watch for me. As it is I'm not sure if I'll pick it up but they're on my radar and I'd be surprised if they don't make it to building a second watch in the not too distant future. Competition is fierce at the 500-699 price range. For this range I'm thinking I can pick up a Traska Commuter, a Nordic Marine Instruments Ostersoen, an RZE Resolute, or a Tuseno Shellback V2. Very fierce competition at this level. I would also happily buy this for $50~ less with only the fkm strap (which looks great) and no metal bracelet

[@peasantrobot]

Wow, I really like it. For me, no screwdown crown, I am the destroyer of the threads... The white is my nnumber one! I like also the others, but you can have the orange on teal variant.

[@metatechnologist]

A nuce offering and I do like the color scheme between the hands and the bezel which is something that is rare. My next watch really needs to have a day date.

[@scottlauren3145]

I really dig it but I feel it's a bit overpriced. I'm also a bit confused where it says "considerations" on the list of changes for production. 120 click bezel would be great as I'm not a huge fan of 60 click bezels. All in all it's nice to see an original design with great use of colors.

[@pauln0371]

Loving the SeaSet colour way. Shame it's only 39mm. 41/42mm would be ideal for my 7.5" wrist..

[@2WheelWeekendViking]

Great review. Love the watch look and fit/finish, but man that’s small for a diver. I’m a big guy with big wrists so I tend to buy more diver watches than any other kind, but 39mm is significantly smaller than the Spinnaker Dumas I recently purchased, which is 44mm and wears extremely well for me. Keep up the great content. Cheers!

[@JS-ev4xc]

To be honest, given a choice of printing minutes or hours on the bezel insert, I would rather choose the latter. Of cos, dual print is the best. But for those driver style watch, it may be a gd consideration to opt for dual time instead, or at least, give it as an alternative option.

[@bullnose01]

I really like the dual function bezel like the Serica diving chronometer. An excellent feature for a travel watch.

[@derbagger22]

If you have good eyesight. I can't see a thing on the bezel of my Zelos Thresher GMT...

[@raka9]

Interesting looking piece! Question, you mention for this price tag a on the fly adjustment is a must.. What other brands offer on the fly adjust for 500 usd? (I cant think of that many!)

[@ahirshfield]

That’s quite a broad bezel. A pro when it has two sets of markings and dual colours, however it concerns me when it’s Aluminium. I like the patina and wear of Alu on a vintage-inspired diver, but on a piece like this it’s more surface area to show scratches and wear which will show even more against the colour section.

[@DarrenBates]

Really good design, and definitely reasonable niggles from yourself Jody. Have a feeling Ubiq V2.0 will be very nice down the line.

[@rodg2335]

I can see a little Serica as someone else said. Several unique-ish features. I normally don't like date windows but think this one looks great. Colours..well that's subjective but I like their initial offerings. Tough/crowded marketplace though. I wonder how many brands have a chance these days.

[@dmnsonic]

For more purple and violet dial watches, there are so few really interesting out there

[@DC-uf6ve]

Nice summer watch, take my bloody money!

[@Justme0495]

I must admit, I like this one more than expected! Great job for a first attempt! Something I haven't seen before, yet it looks familiar :)

[@julianb1474]

Like the colour combos, don't like "limited edition" launches after my recent bad experience with another one.

[@joelhenderson4450]

890 CAD, a no-go for me.

[@MrSquire10]

Isn’t Borealis based in Singapore? If they’re lending the assistance, perhaps they could offer feedback to improve the lume?

[@robertdufour2456]

Now that's fun!

[@waffle911]

Looks like on-the-fly micro was included in that list of improvements though. Considering the substantial financial outlay for a 500 unit run, they might not have been able to commit to a 1,000 unit run even if they thought it could sell through.

[@markplayford5836]

Agree, everything about that one is a very good design. Love the logo the packaging and the watch, however $500 is a bit steep but if you really Must have the latest design. Some might pay for it. Nice 👌

[@hankborchers-hc2yf]

I don't care much for companies that spend money on the packaging. Put the money into the watch.

[@adk7962]

Very nice. Even though it’s only January, that’s high praise. Yeah, it’s a tad expensive but like you said, they won’t have any problems selling them I’m sure. Speaking of Microbrands, seems like a good time for an Erebus update…🤔

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Indeed! Update email coming this weekend.....

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I really like the little design touches, such as the integration of the date, the cool colour combinations on offer and the perforated addition FKM strap. But I agreed with you on the lume and clasp Jody. For the price they definitely need to be better. Perhaps they can sort those for a version 2 down the line maybe.

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

The blue and orange really shines on that orange strap. I think the price is a bit high, even as a limited release, however. Considering it’s not that much of a jump to get to the Lorier Hydra, this probably should be $100 cheaper.

[@richardb22]

Price ! Namika , now sold out , were selling at full price at 449USD up to 489 for the Neo Tokyo. I recall they were a lot cheaper on kickstarter Launch. The similarity is in the colours and the skin diver aesthetic . Add Duty, VAT , post and carriers admin fee for duty and VAT looking at 600USD nice but no.

[@wumpyaz]

Love the design, I know it isn't feasible for micro brands but I wish they made a bigger size also for us with the 8"+ wrist.

[@MarcusOlausson]

Yeah, the main problem i have with looking for a new watch, is that most of the ones i like measures 42mm or less. I have an 8" wrist and i wish there were more 44-45mm out there. My Bulova Lunar Pilot, my Citizen Blue Angels Promaster and my Casio Duro's fits perfect. I'm happy that there is some reputable brands out there the offers some bigger ones tho...next watch in my collection will be the Oris Aquis 43,5mm 👌🏻

[@Chris-de2qc]

Aragon does 45 and 50.

[@DavidUKesb]

Great to see different designs from watch brands instead of the array of boring divers, although this one isn't really my cup of tea.

[@Dirtywesterner]

I love that coin edge, why can't aliex make a decently thin one? I would prefer different color combinations but these look sweet

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

Bit of Zelos in the packaging, especially the little case and the metallic warranty card

[@GodIsInHisHeaven]

I'll be honest, I saw almost no similarities to Zelos packaging here (not same one is better than the other, they've both done a good job). Plus there's loads of micros using metal warranty cards.

[@Andrew-J316]

Beautiful watch! The price is bit high IMO and does compete with other watches I desire in that range.

[@rochumimi]

This gives me a very Oris Divers 65 vibe. The overall shape of the watch and the bracelet I feel is very similar to the Oris

[@garfinkelc11]

The uniq logo also reads like Oris at a quick glance, I found myself wondering if that was intentional

[@rochumimi]

Now that you point it out 😄

[@brianmurphy8154]

It’s a fun watch, but that price forces a lot of competition for that dollar spent. Agree with clasp and lume…still, a fun piece

[@michaeloneil3653]

Its interesting but not sure if taking bits from other watches and combining them into one works. Definitely like the colors but feels maybe weird to me

[@ttothec]

All up, not for me, but thanks for the review.

[@j1d7s]

Nice and well-combined colors, the handset taking a bit of inspiration from an Omega Aquaterra, and overall really fun and quite original watches. But considering the specsheet they are a bit overpriced. For the same price you can get a watch for example from Wise and get much more value for your money IMO.

[@martinkaplan1805]

Fun and playful.

[@davidlehr9213]

I see a lot of Circula in this design but w/out any history... Really like the look but if I want that look I'd rather pick up the Circula

[@fortisfortunaadiuvat1071]

The exact strap ia avaiable on AliExpress for 15 bucks hahah

[@thewheelieguy]

Well yeah, that's just a fact of life in the lower price watch world.

[@saccaball]

There should be color matched date wheels.

[@lancetews1173]

You had me at "Squircle" 😃 As nice as they are unfortunately the price wouldn't convert well to Aussie Pesos at around $800

[@colincelso9428]

I went to their website and it quotes 1009 aud. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@the5th2000]

That is very very nice. great sizing. I like the turquios and orange one. If I didn't already have too many divers I would be all over this....

[@Viper4ever05]

Nice watches, wish they made one in 36mm

[@peterboyce1422]

In the blurb that you showed - it does say upgrade all lume. Am I going bonkers?

[@hattyfarbuckle]

Reminds me of the Zodiac Watermelon... Dont mind the Sqircles but the circle on the second hand passing over them looks a mismatch... and I dont know how many times we are going to have to see excessive lume distribution spread too thin.

[@markdrummond7]

Identical FKM straps on Ali for about £9. My favourite straps.

[@chris7015]

These remind me of my Swatches from the 1980’s.

[@samfurnos5852]

bidirectional winding on the 9015?

[@borassictime918]

Not last time I looked…

[@birdytiger]

It's a classic I would, but I have a mortgage kinda watch. Would buy if I had disposable money, but wouldn't pinch pennies to save for one like I would to get an omega

[@theblackacre2560]

Awesome!!!!!! another no crown guard watch with typical measurements and case design. I am SOOOO EXCITED! TaKe mY MonEY!

[@fredoakes7441]

I just bought this..i will let you know about the chapter watch allignment...free returns means i will return it if its off by enpugh to bother me..great review!

[@AvroBellow]

I like the purple but no watch should be without a royal blue dial option. That's just insane.

[@nikc1313]

Gives me farer aquamatic vibes. I'm not gonna bite at over 500 for a first release kickstarter diver. Probably nearly 600 with shipping. If it had been 400 I'd have been tempted.

[@rewolf1972]

Hey, could you review a Guinand watch for us?

[@derbagger22]

So nice they listened to my rant about microbrands and their mostly boring hands sets. Still, it's sad the lume is so bad. Great eye candy during the day, will put me to sleep at night...

[@exploringhistory5796]

I like the overall design and movement choice. The strap definitely needs some tweaking. I’ve seen the case side design on another micro brand before. I think the price is too high though…at the end of the day it’s another micro brand produced in either Singapore or China-not that I’m opposed to watches produced in China, but I’m not willing to pay $500-$600+ for an unknown brand.

[@GeeMood]

Love the design and colorways! Poor lume and no on the fly clasp for over $500??? 🤔 I got a Van Banner Parking Master 2.0 with vibrant blue mint dial, colorful countdown ceramic bezel, 9039 no-date movement, awesome lume and bracelet, no on the fly adjust clasp but the watch was $330 from Van Banner. I do like what Ubiq is doing though. Great review Jody, as always!!!

[@seaninlondon4424]

Bi directional bezel on a dive watch can be dangerous. When diving with an oxygen tank, if the dial is accidentally turned clockwise it will indicate you have more oxygen than there is left. If it is accidently turned anti clock wise it will indicate you have less oxygen than is left which is safer.

[@anthonydevono8833]

It’s ok bit pricey especially with import fees etc but once you go into that territory you have got to be ready to compete with the big companies not for me but good effort

[@bestboy897]

which is your fave color

[@forrest225]

Singapore, fancy packaging, ultra low quantities, makes me think of Zelos and Elshan.

[@minirock1980]

For that price Thailands Wise watches seem so much more value for money versus this, would be better having the orange hand on the minute hand to behonest, will be interesting to see how they go on KS

[@edmundmartinez8187]

Nice watch but at that price I would choose a Seiko for my personal use.

[@colincelso9428]

Very nice looking watch but their website quotes $1009 aud. If it comes from Singapore that means you’ll pay import tax of 10% because it’s over 1000 bux. Makes it a bit pricey.