The Hottest Microbrand You've Never Heard Of.....

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A big shout out to Marcus for the kind and generous loan of his....watch. (No spoliers!) I like it. But I like it for what it is, not what it isn't. Nice to see this style of watch getting some big love, regardless of where it comes from and how it gets there. Cheers, Jody

[@francescoperrone7411]

I've got the Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph, it's almost identical. Never be happier, it's crazy affordable and very very elegant

[@peanutarbuckle2879]

Yep, Dan 'gets it'. Design that's not a 1:1 homage of an existing design but a distillation of a period of watches, no predatory marketing, limited release but plenty for people to buy at retail. I've heard mixed things about their QC but I am fighting off the urge for a Maverick.

[@fedomandez]

I'm sure this company paid A LOT to have good reviews (i'd call them advertisements) everywhere

[@laurajones9207]

Most of watch reviews nowadays are paid, it's very hard to find honest unpaid and unscripted reviews especially for micros. Most YT watch reviews are $$ by mainstream brands and this channel is no different.

[@gopherproxy]

Doood - interesting case for business students at Macalister College 😊! Lots of (presumably paid) brand attention, a suit from the middle-east, a watchmaker with internship experience (reard the same story on other micro-brand sites btw😏), a "borrowed" design, production in China, hyped and shortened simultaneously. As shady as it gets on my personal tachymeter scale 😄. But thx for reviewing!

[@raka9]

Agreed!!

[@lk7144]

And nothing available for sale as per website

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Agree 👍

[@gopherproxy]

@@lk7144 Dood 👋 - all the better 😄!

[@fark69]

A suit from the Middle East is pretty typical for a lot of new watch brands since that market is actually a lot hotter for "watch collectors" than the West

[@chi1057]

Not a fan of the design or the marketing strategy. This idea of deliberately making limited amounts and discontinuing them in order to increase scarcity and price is erroneous in my opinion. I can understand it more with marquee brands but now its filtered through to kick starter brands that make homages!? What happened to companies just making good watches at affordable prices for everyone.

[@WatchmakerErik]

For what it's worth, when I start making my own watches this is exactly what I do. Here's the price. You want one? You get one. No limited editions or doing unethical favors for an AD to get placed on the list. Affordable watches for all.

[@alastairmakesmusic]

The same marketing strategy employed by so many micro brands, all trying to be different

[@arsonfireuk]

It's because a lot of people are thick as sh!t or don't care they are getting done, so long as they can boast about it. It's ridiculous, but then so are the prices and waiting lists of Rolex

[@arsonfireuk]

@@WatchmakerErik unethical favours 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@WatchmakerErik]

@@arsonfireuk Rolex is all about the flex nowadays, not the watch.

[@Trapvision3D]

That's a great looking timepiece and the packaging is amazing. However, you always do an amazing job presenting. You deserve a world acknowledgement award for your work here on this platform. Well done 👏

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the video. I had looked at their kickstarter, but it seemed to be mostly marketing, including the "back story (BS)" . The Moonswatch strategy of creating a buzz around limited edition homage pieces seems to be their main source of inspiration and will likely cause more microbrands to follow this strategy. Thanks for reviewing them - it is good to know that they are well built pieces.

[@eazye619]

I had a Furlan Marri and honestly it was a good looking watch and seemed much more high end than you’d expect..but I think it was way too expensive and the fact that the watches are so hard to get is completely ridiculous. Plus the pre owned prices are just insane

[@chrisenchemin7183]

Previously Furlan Marri only produced watches with a mecha-quartz mechanism inside. But now they also produce a watch with a Swiss mechanical movement. A superb sector dial, somewhat in the spirit of what Longines does.

[@Gary-li7ib]

I've been intrigued by these and would have picked one up at the Kickstarter price all day long. At the current prices, no chance. For someone looking for a mechanical version, Sugess have the Chrono Heritage S411 which looks very nice and pretty similar.

[@acrspeed]

I think the Meca-quartz is almost perfect for this watch. That thinness likely can't be matched by any mechanical chronograph movements costing less than 5 figures. I say almost perfect because of that silly 24 hour subdial. Their Nero Sabbia is very tempting. I love the minimalism of just having that single subdial.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

You like that one mate? I find it lopsided.

[@acrspeed]

@@JustOneMoreWatch yeah. I'm not normally a fan of 9:00 only subdials but it works on that one.

[@haping1]

@@acrspeed With a somewhat useless 24 hour subdial at 3. As if we don't look outside to see the sun or moon :) That's for me the only dwonside of the Seiko meca Quartz. But everything else is perfect.

[@roybatty4687]

An ETA 7750 valjoux costs about £300. I have that movement in my speedmaster which is around 11mm thick.

[@johanbertilsson2213]

A very good and comprehensive review. I must say i enjoy mechaquartz movements. I got one in myPagani Design Daytona homage. But the scale instead of a tachymeter scale is not a pulsometer scale it is a respiration scale. For a doctor or a nurse who count the patients respirations.

[@danielleclare2938]

I get a headache looking at the dial.... had to go stare at my Orient Bambino for a few minutes till the seizure passed. I like the grey color! Thanks for showing us what most of us would never get to see otherwise. Always a good review even if you don't like the watch. Tks again.

[@BEYSeamaster1]

As always, awesome video. Thanks a lot.

[@greamespens1460]

Reminds me of the Undone Killy, which look cool plus you can have your initials printed on the dial.

[@MrLiveWest]

Hey Jody, you should check out the new Dan Henry Skin Diver!! I bought a 37 quartz orange dial and im super excited! the white dial 39 looks like a good alternative to the rolex explorer 2, but I thought with the dome crystal its better to go a little funky

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yes mate! I spotted tha one on IG the other day. Looks good! Enjoy!

[@morganstrapco]

I have the orange dial 37mm arriving Tuesday. Couldn’t be more excited.

[@electricjoshaloo]

DH have some very cool looking watches. On my list of "to get soon".

[@richardb22]

I like it but only the mech has a date the mechaquartz does not . Is that a function of the movement. I asumed the mechaquartz would have more " complications" .

[@videsh84]

Funny thing is ive seen this exact design on aliexpress recently under hroudland and mysterious code branding. Both were sub 180usd.

[@antsfur]

Lovely watch, lovely video ! Thanks very much for showing us. I never knew this brand until now.

[@timgenter1264]

Beautiful watches. Now i'm on their list! Cheers!

[@IceDree]

The gasp soundeffect was a nice touch, Jody.

[@oliverwiantrmerholme112]

Looks great, but can’t see myself buying a dress chronograph any time soon! Love dress watches and chronographs, but I already have a 60s Seamaster and a Seiko flightmaster “lite” SND253. I am however lusting after a good vintage-y mid-size diver (no fauxtina, faux rivets, or homages for me tho!) That will be when I land my first adult job! Wish a recent grad good luck! 🤞

[@electricjoshaloo]

So you basically have to pay 4 X retail to get hold of a watch from an unknown micro-brand that isn't worth that much money? Not what I'd call setting the stage as consumer friendly.

[@lucitribal]

It's certainly a good looking watch, but I'm not a fan of the limited production. I feel like it forces prices up to much more than it's worth. And for $2k you can get an automatic chronograph from brands like Hamilton, Tissot or Certina.

[@nikouai]

That’s how they “create” a brand I guess

[@MrShoryuken1]

Artificial scarcity is the devil's work ;)

[@philspencelayh5464]

@@nikouai Brands like Christopher Ward and Bremont seem to think that pushing the prices up positions them in a more prestigious sector. Seems to work too, as they continue to push prices up and people keep buying.

[@leonardotrelles8358]

Nice watches, they remind me what you can do with the undone watches. May be you should review that brand (undone is the brand)

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Excellent points on the watch media coverage 👍

[@Staticclism]

The Tissot V8 Automatic Chronograph packs a C01.211 movement; I picked mine up on Jomashop for less than $300. That price for a Swiss mechanical chronograph was a no-brainer.

[@pauloromana306]

Hi, can you share with us where to buy the watch winders on the shelf behind you?

[@captbumbler5356]

Hi Jody, Love the look just my style and size. I will not be getting one at the inflated prices , just wish I had caught it on the kick starter. good review as always. keep up the good work

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hey mate! Yes indeed, the KS was a bit of a steal, especially with the passage of time. They are alreay selling otu at $550. How much more can they charge for a mechaquartz homage?

[@tottenhamnole]

$2K for a Mechaquartz? Has the whole world gone CRAZY?!

[@robworthington7431]

There's a good looking patek-style chronograph by Hruodland on Ali for about £160. It's similar to some of those 'retired' watches.

[@tomo9224]

They almost look exactly the same haha. Incredible

[@hattyfarbuckle]

Tried convincing myself to buy a Chrono yesterday just because i don't have a Chrono. Problem is they don't appeal to me. The Casio Outlet in the UK has an Ediface with Sapphire for £75 less another 10% if you sell your email address to them

[@peakrider4886]

It’s an interesting marketing exercise which I feel like most things that start on kickstarter it’s using someone else’s money to fund an experiment. I also think it’s quite expensive even at retail. I picked up an Invicta, Ref 35113, which is a VK64 homage to a 1960’s Invicta bicompax chronograph. It was a limited edition and think it’s now sold out, but flew under the radar of all the KZbin channels.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

There's been an odd push for this brand by Watchfinder and other influencers. Something smells fishy 👃 🐟

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

LOTS of favourable press at the upper end, but hey, its no different from a micro sending units to half of KZbin I suppose. Catches a different fish.......

[@mattclarke8791]

Call me cynical, but limited runs, such a direct homage and the glowing reviews by people who are also judges in a competition one has to pay to enter leave a bad taste in my mouth. Discounting those, it just isn't a watch I'd buy, even at the RRP.

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Well, let's be honest, GPHG is just a circle jerk. Pay to enter, so it's already not judging the watch market. Voting done by people with a vested interest in marketing/ad revenue. Resulting award relevant only to an incredibly small group of people.

[@AKhan.28]

Love what they're doing. Want to see that new sector dial reviewed!

[@TheRamarsetya]

Product wise the watch looks really good. But looking at their marketing strategy, I'm feeling conflicted. Their business model is predatory by utilitizing fomo. Which isn't a consumer friendly. To be fair I hate Rolex for doing this kind of thing.

[@BEYSeamaster1]

Love your comment. Who has time and money for marketing games? Especially for an unheard of micro-brand non-automatic selling at such high prices???? The watch is beautiful and the video is awesome though.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

What's fomo ? I'm ignorant

[@BEYSeamaster1]

@@juniorjohnson5961 Fear Of Missing Out.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

@@BEYSeamaster1 Thanks 🙏

[@BEYSeamaster1]

@@juniorjohnson5961 My pleasure.

[@damianwims]

Reviewing a microbrand AFTER Watchfinder!!!? You're really slipping Jody!!! 😋

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I know right?! They will be reviewing Phoibos next eh?!

[@felixangellopezalonso3993]

Jajajajajajaja

[@bobmclennan1727]

I had a Boldr model with this mechaquartz movement for a few months last year. I agree that it's terrific for value and specs, and while I certainly would never "sneer" at it, I did end up selling the watch less than six months after buying it due to the limitations of this particular movement's functions: lack of running seconds, and a useless (to me) 24-hour dial. I don't know if non-American watch enthusiasts get more use out of a 24-hour dial that's anchored to a central 12-hour readout, but it just felt pointless in my day-to-day wear. Now, replace that with a running seconds hand, or unbind the 24-hour hand so it could be used to track a second time zone, and I'd be all about it.

[@hackmechanic]

Agreed. I briefly had a Mercer with the VK63. Without the running seconds hand the dial looked "dead." 24 hour dials are only useful on the moon or at the poles of the planet or if you work on a submarine. And I'll add that the VK63 chronograph only times for 1 hour before stopping. Cooking a turkey? Money in your parking meter for more than an hour? Timing your bike ride or hike? Can't do it with this movement.

[@pauladrian7999]

I think it’a a great little time piece. Very beautiful watch indeed. I don’t have problem with the good old VK64 but I’m honestly amazed that it doesn’t have a worthy competitor after all this years. Is it just me or is there a market gap for the meca quartz segment?

[@tactofu]

Agreed. The VK64's 24 hour indicator is useless and the 60 minute totalizer is difficult to read accurately. A bicompax meca quartz with a 30 minute totalizer and running seconds would be amazing. I also dream of a meca quartz central minute chrono, in the spirit of the Lemania 5100. It'll only ever be a dream though.

[@WatchandWealth]

Enjoyed the video thanks.

[@deedee8568]

Great content here and points made, super. Nice watch for sure although a very handsome price for a meca-quartz : Pagani speedy with meca-quartz for less than 100usd. 💥

[@AwkwardHorology]

Couldn’t care about the homage issue! It’s gorgeous plus my favourite type of homages are designs that are discontinued. Win win!

[@davidkimrasmussen]

Its so weird, I like solar quartz, but for some reason I just cant get on board with mecha... Does anyone know why the 2 haven't been combined?

[@HAL-xy3om]

Nice one, I agree with you about not paying above retail for anything!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Maybe apart from a PS5! ;)

[@ashneel]

Brands that create fake 'shortages/ out of stock' for the hype..nay fuck that

[@tonyalbrecht7169]

it is a beautiful watch and a relief that a leather strap is used. I don't understand the markings on the right side of the dial?

[@dipprakash8275]

Hay jody, can you check and compare this watch with sugess mechanical cronograph ,they look identical

[@Shri_V]

I havent seen anyone else mention this but this is also very similar to the Vacheron Constantin 1955 (minus the fancy lugs). Which came first, the VC or the PP?

[@johnjenzeh2189]

I agree! Fine piece at retail but I can’t understand paying more. Take a look at Haim Watch Co. Chronos that truly are inspired by classic pieces without being direct copies

[@breevwhyman2985]

beautiful watch have you tried Parnis watches?

[@haping1]

Thanks Jody. I like the mecaquartz very much and functions perfect in my PD and Yema Ralleygraph. This Furla....something, is a direct copy of a Dan Henry watch for more money!. What a story they're tell about the watch design etc.... Great marketing like Loretto Fellipe, MVMT and others. Common guys, are we all misslead by Furla...something. By the way: 🤣Great brandname on the dial as well LOL

[@jperryhal]

wait, did you just take a swipe at yourself with the "guys in StarWars t-shirts making videos in their spare bedrooms" comment? LOL! funny! I bet Fratelli doesn't have that!

[@maheshshrestha5355]

link for prescription frame you are wearing?

[@glennpowell3444]

Always enjoy quartz getting a bit of love.Remember it replaced pure mechanical movements for good reason way back.Reliable and super accurate.My most wanted watch would be an Omega seamaster quartz but my wallet says no way these days.Should have bought one when they were new and nearly did but a pending marriage and buying a house back then said no.

[@dtroutmann]

Well it comes in a really nice travel case I hope they keep that up

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

Nice, but a bit busy for me. Great review Jody

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

As always Jody a very good video and I definitely agree don't ever pay over retail on any watch don't care what it is

[@andrewe.8321]

Been watching JOMW for a couple of years now. Not a single bad video.

[@arryc3947]

Jody could wear a My Little Pony T Shirt and film in a garbage can and I'd still trust his review over the 'watch press'

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Arry, don't tempt me. I've got a Care Bears tee, so I'm only one short step away.....

[@findingandvalue]

Can you do a megaquartz special? I like the fact that they are always ready to strap on but still look like an automatic.

[@rayharrison6400]

Good looking watch, design adopted my numerous other micro brands. You have to be mad to pay over the odds for one though. MecaQuartz is superb and retro chrono look is nice enough.

[@tarasmathers7423]

Spot-on, Jody.....spot-on👍👍

[@orangedan5424]

Darn that thing look super nice 😍 but totally agree with your advice not to over pay 👍

[@DrTerryBooth]

Baltic is another similarly inspired microbrand (see the MR01). Personally, I much prefer the retro looks.

[@kristiangustafson4130]

Thanks for putting a pin in so much of the watch hype balloon.

[@rebolorto]

Dan Henry 1937 is a similar model 270USD, maybe a bit below in finishing but it’s overlooked

[@MrJoelee73]

I have the ‘Havana Salmon’… got it on the kickstarter. It’s a nice watch.

[@dpns2ster]

It's scale is for measuring respiration rate, which is probably about as useful as a tachymeter, or measuring distance away from bomb explosions but I suppose in keeping with It's design language. Not for me. I'd rather a Dan Henry

[@AlexanderB.]

Amazing story at the beginning! Well I believe most followers of your channel aren't averse to homage watches anyway. These watches are gorgeous, full stop.

[@ALEXGIBSONCMG]

Homages aren't fake, and shouldn't be frowned upon, even big brands do homage designs.

[@tomholmes2814]

I think you should make a video reviewing Ali express/affordable straps and bracelets. Would be very helpful.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Lovely watch and I would have bought two at the Kickstarter price had I been aware. Sadly I was not, and paying above retail isn't going to happen for me. Also hate hate HATE this type of marketing strategy. I think we missed out, Jody!🤣

[@bobyoutube4037]

Morning jody, I'm surprised this one passed you by, I'm not an homage mad any more as you know, but yeah I like it a lot. Not enough to pay over the top and not as much as studio underdog!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Website says "Based in Geneva" not made there of course. Standard deceptive marketing fluff..😕 They smell & look like a combination of Dan Henry & Vincenzo.

[@rossmfifer]

Well researched

[@watchalot919]

Yep, I would like one at the proper price

[@msobetchi]

I have Furlan Marri HERTZ Beat with seconde/second collab. It's on the same.quality level as my Longines or Tag Heuer. Love it a lot.

[@melspinella30]

Furlan Marri = total hype. Aliexpress already has the Mysterious Code chronograph for under $100 running VK64. That would be a good one to review Jody to compare to the FM.

[@timemasterhms]

I got a mysterious code version and the quality is fine. Probably not much better than the Marri (Visually from a distance) but the finishing is a but rougher on the edges up very close.

[@Grendal62]

man...i have so much to say in response to this video but i try not to drone on. ill just say, great video, well done on all the info!

[@tomislavm2873]

"don't ever pay above retail." Good one.

[@WATCHingJames]

Awesome to see this one. Cheers Jody

[@damianwims]

I haven't seen it yet, but I assume I'll be outraged.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Cheers James!

[@cosmodoc]

Some of the Dan Henry’s are just as good!

[@saul2583]

Watching this video reminded me of Farasute Seagull st1601. Maybe later you will have some Farasute in your hands and give us your opinion.

[@mrwatch_93]

Love this watch, they will be in the microbrands book 2023

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hey Giuseppe! I'm sure it'll be in there.

[@paulb9453]

Lovely watch but the numerals on the outer ring look really messily printed, but the straps and buckle look gorgeous. Nice.

[@direwolf1883]

Thanks!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

THANK YOU GLENN! 😍

[@LamarFaciane]

There is no hand reset procedure for the mecha quartz movement.

[@Islanderpr1]

There is an homage of that homage in Aliexpress. The color salmon. I know because I have one.

[@janvachek]

Great looking watch, love it, but the retail price for this is too high I think.. Not mentioning aftermarket prices, which are insane... 🤯

[@Master-Baiter]

I would maybe get one if they made a upgraded version with a hand wound movement.

[@RandallSlick]

A good and subtle review. Now there's a brand with very wealthy backers/dads. Odd and unwarranted price inflation does seem to be a trend (Baltic, Unimatic). I'm not sure however if reviewers are the marks or complicit in the con. A difficult moral dilemma I guess.

[@ARlELATOM]

What a great watch!

[@urielalbertosanchezm]

Beautiful

[@flipmode45]

I came across their website somehow last year, they are some damn handsome watches.

[@Liehjan]

Could you make a review of the Tactical Frog FXD 🐸?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yes mate! Might compare it to the Tooooodoooor.

[@briangeorge7965]

Good looking watch . Don’t like the retired part . Cheers Jody

[@scottsj4625]

Nice looking dials for sure, but for what they are going it is not worth it. You can get Dan Henry with the mechaquartz for 200 to 250 USD. You can get Seiko itself for around 200.00 and Chinese ones for under 100 USD for mechaquartz watch.

[@herkamer98]

Miyota (Citizen) makes a fine, reliable chronograph movement, at a very reasonable price. I own three, each with a 5-year warranty.

[@thomasdavis8117]

Ah yes the 24 hour sub dial. That most famous of patek chronograph sub dial complications.

[@WatchmakerErik]

Having read and seen a lot of the thinly veiled effusive marketing fluff that comes from so called watch journalists who are completely out of touch with what normal people can and will buy, I am happy to take my watch buying advice from dudes in star wars tee-shirts making videos in their spare bedrooms, thank you very much 😃😁

[@collarsncolours]

Escapement time just released a very similar homage. Probably much more bang for buck there.