BRUTALLY Ranking 50 Watch Microbrands

[@krvav1]

CW is not a microbrand anymore, Traska is definatly a top tier micro,

[@boomboxmachine]

You’re right

[@boomboxmachine]

I have both

[@faustus8315]

its just a pain to see CW next to the rest thinking alone of its own sh21 movement, creative functions like the bell or jumping hour, the moon section or its sealander

[@ghostboy929]

Maen and KUOE should absolutely be in top tier.

[@sinjinadams2862]

I really liked this video because I'm being introduced to a lot of watch brands I've never heard of.

[@TheRealWai2Fast]

I don't think you can accurately rank or rate a brand if you have not handled their watches. You need to omit those brands or put them in an "inconclusive" category for the time being. What you did in this video was no different than ranking restaurants based on what you've read from others or what you observed on their menu online. You need to experience the product. There's nothing wrong with presenting a microbrand that you have zero experience with and saying, "I can't comment, but I will look into it." I bring this all up because after watching your video I have no clue what to think of these brands as some you have hands on experience with and others you have not.

[@TopTierTicker]

If I've had experience with them, I rank them based on quality and design. If I've not (which is very few btw) I rank them based on design. You absolutely CAN have an opinion based on a watch brand without handling one. NOT based on quality, but based on looks and appeal. I only ranked brands that I haven't handled based on how they look. There is nothing wrong with this. Also, please remember, this is just for fun.

[@TheRealWai2Fast]

@@TopTierTicker I agree it's a fun exercise and there's nothing wrong with forming an opinion solely on the looks and appeal. I just can't help but wonder if a brand would rank higher or lower after you've had a chance to review it in the metal. Or will it remain in the same rank? Let's get those few remaining brands in your hand and on to part 2 of this video. 😆

[@serenityinside1]

@@TopTierTickeryou can’t comment in quality and finishing if you’ve not touched them physically now can you ?!! These are important qualities- no ?

[@Kingofgoodtimes.]

@@TopTierTicker fit and finish is a good thing to know when you’re rating watches. You hosed formex haha

[@BvBCrafty]

did you really just compare tasting a meal/food with "experiencing" a watch? :D

[@davethebarber62920]

Monta is my favorite microbrand. They're not cheap, in the Formex price range, but they're extremely high quality and beautiful watches.

[@AndreiLucaa]

yeah, imagine putting Formex next to San Martin =))) holy mother of god

[@willbrink]

Monta and Formex are great watches, just vanilla and boring to me. Look at Farer for similar quality and really cool and original designs.

[@bodrulm1]

If you compare the Monta Nobel or Triumph to the Longines Conquest 38mm, the price difference is less than £400. The Longines is head and shoulders above because it has heritage and the build quality is slightly better if not equal to the Monta. So you get the Monta minus any brand equity or recognition. That makes it a hard sell for me. The Longines just feels more special.

[@AndreiLucaa]

@@bodrulm1 microbrands are for fanatic watch collectors and nerds. This is how I see it: - average people are buying fashion watches (mall watches) - slightly elevated people are buying legacy brands, the safe way. - watch nerds buy everything except fashion watches 😂

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

Have you ever seen a farer in person? I haven't yet. But I like their designs. ​@@willbrink

[@JohnDerek57]

You spent 2 minutes glazing Dan Henry and as soon as you get to Henry Archer you think their name is boring. Lmao what mate?

[@mlsurber]

I thought the same thing!

[@MelchiorumJS]

He also criticised San Martin for the lack of originality and homages, only then to praise other brands that do mostly homages and rehashing the same diver design. I understand personal opinions and biases, but the argumentation feels very inconsistent and applied very unequally to different brands.

[@spencersmith9473]

So crazy!

[@Aries0098]

​@@MelchiorumJSI know, right. He ranked Brew higher than SM with Brew having only one original design then proceeds to rank SM lower than Brew who has more original designs according to him. He then proceeds to rank Boldr and Brew on the same category for their originality calling both good value neglecting to point out that both use the same movement but Boldr costs $120 less. I'm guessing as long as he likes the looks of the watch, it's always good value.

[@ststst981]

​@@MelchiorumJS this feels so common among watch reviewers, anything from China = bad apparently to them

[@myownbiggestfan]

Islander Watches needs to make their logo about 30% smaller. I've seen watches sold as sports merch where the team logo was smaller than Islander's.

[@boxlad7583]

@@ronb4115 Not making excuses for Marc here, but I believe he does the Seiko clones because his entire business used to be based on selling Seikos, then they discontinued the models he was selling, so he decided to make them himself. Imo it's better than cloning an actively produced watch, as he is making an elevated version of a watch that is only available on secondary markets nowadays.

[@voidifremoved]

Really enjoyed this. Some microbrands I never heard of and will be checking them out. I dont agree with several of your placements but everyone is different.

[@petersimom]

In my opinion, Henry Archer is easily one of the best microbrands of 2024. They are excelling with their recent releases, especially Nordsø and Vesterhav. The last thing I would call their designs is 'boring' or 'bland.' Have you seen their purple or meteorite dial models? Also, for what it's worth, San Martin and Phoibos are not microbrands-they're both Chinese factory brands. 'Smiths' is another microbrand with a strong heritage, and you are completely leaving out one of the most beloved microbrands "Direnzo". The point of this video doesn't make much sense if you're 'rating' brands you haven't even tried, but have only looked at on a monitor. A title like '50 Budget-Friendly Watches on My Shopping List' would be more fitting. Anyway, that's just my two cents. :)

[@FlorderreyVello]

So you know it better now. Then the Phoibos Microbrand Story is fake? Now the real microbrands make their watches in the basement? Most of them have connections to watch factories. Which other way do you have to start a brand?

[@GeneGirard007]

This is a very ambitious KZbin video. But like you say, he can't possibly get to know all of these 50 watch brands. And I see a little too much of this watchesn is too big, too small, not weird enough, missing something? For me. What about that Big Bear of a man that anything smaller than that huge Casio looks like a child's watch on his wrist. Other people that do not want to primary colors on their watches. Too idiosyncratic.

[@spencersmith9473]

I have the Nordsø tempest meteorite and it’s my favorite watch I’ve ever owned. Incredible accuracy, clean, great construction and design.

[@pauloherrera]

Henry Archer looks just great, better dials out there

[@orzjr]

Great specs, good designs, insane prices... Thats why PD is exactly for me. Greetings from 🇧🇷

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@JohnLilley]

i think Vaer needed a mention, but great video.

[@cableg01]

Nah, quality control not good. They have a blog post about why it’s ok to have misalignment. Says it all

[@JohnLilley]

@@cableg01 lol Seiko are notoriious for misalignment, one of the big boys, My vaer is fine .

[@cableg01]

@@JohnLilley my Vaer is not fine.

[@cheesychester9647]

Love this video though. Keep up this kind of content. Exploring microbrand is so overwhelming.

[@cy9nvs]

I never had one, but from what I heard, Formex watches are seriously good in terms of quality. The Essence is actually pretty affordable, for a chronometer certified watch with such a good level of finishing, and I think the bracelet can be removed and micro-adjusted without tools as well. Also, the family of the CEO owns Dexel SA, which is a company that builds all sorts of components for other watch brands, including bracelets.

[@jessem_i31]

Yes, the Essence is a fantastic watch, a proper chronograph.

[@EnglishTMTB]

I have an Essence Chronometer - great watch for the money, very solidly built and incredibly comfortable... Looks and feels twice the price, in all honesty - COSC certification is a bonus, I'd have paid that without it!

[@kenempey5952]

@@jessem_i31 Chronometer, not chronograph.

[@jessem_i31]

@@kenempey5952 good catch!

[@predcole]

Amazing list, thanks so much for the time and research!

[@DameGev-q5m]

Formex in Missing Something??? Are you out of your mind! Formex is more than just the suspension system, which regardless of whether you find it gimmicky or not, is still a cool new feature in a highly saturated space, especially coming froma microbrand.. The quality of the bracelet is phenomenal, they have a quick micro adjust system, quick release bracelet, CNCed dials with a lot of coolor options, and matching date window. Most importantly, probably the best movement in the entire list, which is also COSC certified. Where do you get a COSC certified movement at this price let alone all the other things? You couldn't be more off in your assessment. Formex belongs in the top tier. It competes with the likes of Oris and Longines FFS!

[@AndreiLucaa]

@@DameGev-q5m i would go that far as comparing it with Longines/Oris. They have the technical capabilities, but they just lack brand history or time in the market. As a watch nerd, will I go for a Formex over a Longines? Hell yes. But a normie will always go for the legacy brands. Also easier to sell used.

[@lucien8476]

Henry archer should be top tier easily

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll check them out in person 🙏

[@matthewpringle1978]

Agreed, great watches and even better customer service

[@philiphenderson1518]

I was definitely kind of shocked he said they were bland.

[@Pounderino]

Blew me away with them at the bottom.

[@sharpe8888]

They do look a bit boring considering the crowded microbrand competition now

[@cheesychester9647]

Henry Archer is so good tho

[@MrTommyfrizz]

I just bought a nordso and if I'm being honest the reason I bought it is because it wasn't too in your face. I definitely wouldn't call it bland but certainly not cluttered. It just looks clean to me. To each their own though. Great video!

[@spencersmith9473]

Soooo good. I have the Nordsø tempest meteorite and it’s hands down my favorite watch I own.

[@Xxblaze191x]

There's sooo many microbrands now but imo Zelos, Traska, Baltic and Halios are all top tier and exceeded my expectations. Interesting to hear your take on CW and Formex, those are 2 brands I've been wanting to check out

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

I like the fact San Martin provides affordable and quality homages. Imo they are top tier.

[@AngryAsianOG]

And they do have some new original designs as well

[@tonyl7000]

Reputations linger. It's going to take something very amazing to shake off the "value homage maker" image. Christopher Ward was intially known for IWC homages once upon a time, but after hundreds of watch releases and successes like the Twelve and Bel Canto, many have forgotten that already.

[@tonyl7000]

Also, being a Chinese company doesn't help them help either.

[@chip4039]

Crap Chinese watches

[@GeneGirard007]

I completely agree with you. This is as close as anyone is going to get to the build qualified and finish of a Swiss watch with a reliable Seiko watch movement for the price.

[@pete5534]

It’s tough to knock a person for spilling it, and offering a concise argument. Well done, and thank you.

[@esmeraldadevries9182]

Totally agree with Phoibos. Stunning watches, great specs, great quality, affordable prices 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Love a Phoibos. I highly recommend them for anyone!

[@paulb9453]

This is a one stop shop for all micro brands I’ve never heard of, really good video.

[@mariosoprano777]

From all of the watches you mentioned. CW, Baltic and Studio Underdog are basically the holy trinity. Untouchable

[@jaylc]

I've owned and handled a lot of these brands. I can tell you Christopher Ward, Baltic, Farer, and Zelos are absolutely God Tier must buys. You're missing Trafford though... definitely give them a try.

[@brewwatchco]

‘Can’t go wrong!” Fantastic - thank you very much for the appreciation! This was a great video.

[@TopTierTicker]

Keep up the great work 🙏

[@adrewTakio]

Watch Yourself Jorge did a great micro brand tier list for anyone that's interested

[@jessem_i31]

I bought a couple of the Depancel chronograph watches and I'm extremely happy with them. They're another brand that is unapologetically themselves. All vintage inspired racing watches. I for one love them.

[@shaulkofler3247]

I got the f series square watch. It's a work of art! Feels really high end and was 800$, value exceeds the price imo

[@grahamwallace]

Fantastic video! One of the best pieces of watch content I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@maxengelbert]

Nice video, echo/neutra is worth mentioning. My favorite brands are Kuoe, Phoibos and Vario. Straton looks interesting and different very retro.

[@paulgardner6388]

I think you are wrong on Henry Archer (which FYI is the owner's name). All you have to do is handle one in person or wear it for a week and I am sure you will put it in can't go wrong.

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll definitely give them a try at some point 🙏

[@larrycross4114]

Is somebody that owns one Henry Archer now and has another one on order. How dare you not validate my choice:) I have one question before I jump off the nearest cliff, why is John Henry a more exciting name than Henry Archer? Or even Mr. George really?😄

[@TopTierTicker]

I was simply offering an explanation as to why they maybe haven't caught my attention yet. I'm sure the quality if fantastic with them, but the designs they currently offer don't appeal to me. Also, you're correct, most other names are boring too!

[@larrycross4114]

@@TopTierTicker I get it, just having some fun. Definitely going to check out some of the brands on your list wherever they fall.

[@SpaceG95]

Henry Archer watches are fantastic. I had some hands on time with them at the District Time Watch Show in DC a few months ago. They are definitely brave and bold with the colors. Good quality feel. Very underrated 😊

[@cheesychester9647]

One last thing, have you tried Monta? Any thoughts on the brand? They're right up there with Formex in price, but man, the quality on my Monta is up there with my Omega Aqua Terra.

[@TopTierTicker]

Designs look beautiful. Prices look high 😆 you have to get hands on with models that are that price range to get a look at the details to really understand them.

[@WaterJake]

They are pricey for a microbrand but not for the quality. On the quality side they beat out every single brand on this list. On the design side, they are pretty straightforward but done very well.

[@jschoenzy9416]

This was a helpful introduction. I've always ignored micro brands and now I have a map to all the catalogs.

[@MrBacchus18]

I just received a white dial Helm Komodo in the mail today. Super impressed with the total package and I know I can resell easily for what I payed for it if I want to (I don't) I would put it in the "can't go wrong" tier. What do you guys think?

[@kenrob4965]

missed the 2 best Microbrands out there mate, Direnzo and Tuseno.

[@TopTierTicker]

Apologies 🙏

[@walterschofield9153]

I agree, DiRenzo is one of my favorites as well.

[@jeffreyweiss1160]

Yep, I was thinking the same thing.

[@FontanellaNorville]

There's no need to spend thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on designer bags. Many fakes are almost identical to the real thing. You won't be able to tell the difference without going to a professional appraisal agency. I bought over a dozen fake bags at *hotdups* for the price of one genuine bag. You can't tell the difference. The difference between the real thing. You no longer need to worry about damaging your bag or getting mugged on the street.

[@sirthom3275]

and helm.

[@maxlvledc]

I didn't see Vaer...how would you have rated it?

[@TopTierTicker]

I like Vaer. They have a good model structure. Designs are often a little on the safe side for my taste. They'd likely go into decent.

[@reconteam91]

Thank you for this. I'm relatively new to microbrands and this helps my purchasing decisions!

[@TopTierTicker]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with the decisions

[@holo2869]

This tier list is so personal, must be rearranged if to be used as reference for recommendation.

[@DameGev-q5m]

In my opinion the brands that belong in the top tier are CW, Formex, Baltic, Traska, Zelos and Monta.

[@mydudewatch]

I love watching your videos and appreciate your opinions and knowledge. Incredible job…. I’m learning a lot from you. All the best! Jason

[@markwright2674]

Thanks for this list, I think you're spot on with many of these, but hope you spend more time with Maen (pronounced maan) and Henry Archer and allow them to change your mind and move up on the list. Maen, in particular, is very well made for the price and beautiful - more original than I think you give them credit for!

[@martinrousev]

Nice list! I agree with probably 80% of the placement. I expected to see Direnzo on there. A really good brand.

[@dmitryw.2209]

I feel like you could take a look at Straum. Is Anordain no longer a microbrand? Great video... agreed with almost all your choices - in particular I think Vario are some of the coolest watches for the price.

[@j1d7s]

That was serious fun and not too controversial for me, thanks! Because you asked, here are my views on some of the branches and mostly only those from which I owned or own watches: I would put Wise next to Zelos. I own watches from both brands and I must say Wise is up there quality-wise, my only bronze watch is their Adamascus Bronze and it is stunningly beautiful. What is even better than with Zelos is that you don't get completely stressed out trying to get one of their watches in the few seconds they are available in the online shop... Good point regarding the cases of Mister Jones watches, they really are super-boring. I own and love two of their watches, but it is all about what goes on behind the glass. I would love if they could get just a bit adventurous with their cases, too. I think that Isotope watches have a unique and recognizable look and I am sure the build quality is great (as it should be for the price). But they come off as a bit too playful and gimmicky with those round shapes especially for the hands, so I would put them into the decent category just because of personal aesthetics. I have an RZE watch and another one coming my way. These are extraordinarily well made, the Titanium 5 case is great, I have an RZE Resolute Pro with a yellow enamel dial and this color is just beautiful. I would have put RZE one higher. I find pure Bauhaus aesthetics quite boring and would have put Sternglas one lower, I am also getting way too many ads from them, that is another reason... I would put Henry Archer in the decent category, I have seen some reviews and they seem to be well built, the design is also quite recognizable, I was considering getting the Nordsø Iris on the beads of rice-y bracelet.

[@davidfrew5450]

As a novice watch collector, I will definitely be screenshotting the final grid and keeping an eye on some prices on these brands. Thanks for taking the time to make this! 💪👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Be sure to try some of the brands I don't like too though, you might love them! That's the beauty of watch collecting... One man's trash is another man's treasure. Visit authorised dealers as much as possible. Get hands on with as many watches as possible. That's how you'll really develop your own taste 🙏

[@bikerd72]

Don't...make up your own mind and Google for more actual Micro Brands ! This Evaluation is just waaay too subjektive ( actually tempted to call it ludicrous quite frankly)

[@TopTierTicker]

​@@bikerd72 I've literally advised him to check out all the brands regardless of what I say. Read before you speak.

[@el_puma_real]

Great tier list. Although I’d have Farer up at the ‘Must Try’ tier…but I get it they’re kinda pricey.

[@zosothezephead837]

I bought 2 and sent them straight back. The videos make them look much better than they are, which is kinda cheap.

[@leepotter3562]

I love henry Archer. Great dials, on the fly adjustment,quick release bracelet, and great movements. Sapphire crystal front and back 200m water resistance, around £500 take a look.

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll try one out at some point. Again, never dissed the quality or value, just said the designs don't appeal to me.

[@zillsburyy1]

SM always #1 9:46 got their model 3 in green 11:04 got their commando

[@dejuanmcguire9348]

@6:35 I bought that Dan Henry 1937 secondhand earlier this week and it arrived in my mailbox around the time I watched this video. Beautiful watch!

[@Irmin-jn3np]

very nice and helpful info! fun to watch buddy

[@chrisenchemin7183]

Hello and thanks for this video. I did not agree with you about each of these 50 brands, but I enjoyed to listen to you (and, more or less, I agree your ranking). 50 brands ... and so many are missing! I wish you'll make a 80 ou 100 brands one next time (with, for example, Direnzo, Paulin, Oligo, M.A.T., Unimatic, Beaubleu, About Vintage, Charles Bianchi, Serica, William Wood, Shinola, etc, etc) :)

[@turradi1126]

Very informative and well done video. Thank you.

[@jeffmagic32]

Brits tend to way overvalue their own domestic brands.

[@LazyGibbon]

Straton and Lorier were already very high on my list but you introduced me to a lot of new brands so that made for a fun watch

[@zillsburyy1]

the nodus raven trail trekker gmt is good but looks a little too much like tudor. almost got the dan henry 70s diver & porsche type chrono but heard they had reliability issues 31:10 TERRA NIGHTFALL sold mine to make room

[@jvduckmanton7162]

Great vid mate. One of your best. Agreed with about 90%. I know you can’t add all the brands, but, ZeroWest and Helm make great watches as well. Cheers

[@TopTierTicker]

Cheers mate!

[@alexsavutube]

Confirmation bias or not is worth a subscribe. got a Zelos and a Phoibos, planing to get a CW - 12 after I sell a couple of corporation watches. I transformed a period corect pocket watch into a trench watch and I'm not sure Vario Versa would scratch the Reverso itch so the brand is on stand-by for me. Totally agree about San Martin, however I enjoy so much the panda Tudor clomage that Rolex will just have to find a way to survive, I'm keeping it. My wife is happy to hear that you aded Dan Henry, SWC and Straton on my wish list.

[@noduswatches5980]

Fun video! Amongst some heavy hitters too!

[@bagelbutternut]

BOLDR is my favorite microbrand of choice, especially their venture lineup.

[@MrElmoCA]

Thanks for making this! Enjoyed watching. (Get it? 😂)

[@TheHonorableChad]

I’m admittedly biased (I own a Reef GMT and a Field) but I think a few things are worth mentioning about Formex. Most notably, it’s a Swiss company that has supplied components to other manufacturers for years and built its own brand off the back of that success. That may mean nothing to some people, but at least you know you’re not just buying into a marketing project that may not be around in a year. When you add the Swiss heritage to the chronometer grade Swiss movements, the high level of customization, and the focus on technical innovation (the suspension system in the Essence line definitely isn’t just a “gimmick”), you have a brand that punches far above its price tag and isn’t really in the same market as something like Boldr (which I also love for the price) and shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same sentence as brands like San Martin (where you have to honestly consider what type of working conditions you’re supporting to get an automatic watch at that price).

[@TopTierTicker]

It's a brand I definitely need to look into more for sure. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on them. I'll absolutely need so see what all the fuss is about soon 👌

[@dmcc6280]

Thanks for introducing a plethora of less known brands.

[@ThumperX9]

Great review...thank you!!

[@Lbfree125]

A couple thoughts… most of the Chinese brands reviewed are pretty much total homage shops. I think Henry Archer pieces are pretty original & well made making them a solid value. IMO, Furlan MARRI very good but take their design cues from Patek. I have enjoyed my Serica pieces (French microbrand not mentioned). Thanks for sharing your opinions with us!

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll definitely check out a Henry Archer at some point soon. I'm sure they're great, the deisngs aren't appealing to me?

[@Lbfree125]

@@TopTierTicker I get that. We all have diff taste which is what makes life more interesting!

[@jerryglasses2229]

San Martin is definitely a cant go wrong. The quality for cost is unbeatable. Far superior to many on this list in higher categories. Seems like he just doesnt like homages. Ive owned 3 and all have been exceptional.

[@VARIOeveryday]

I'm deeply honoured to be in your must try category. My mission for Vario is to offer a variety of watch design genres at an affordable price for collectors to enjoy!

[@TopTierTicker]

Keep up the great work guys 🙏

[@BobMarley-pm1xb]

And y’all are NOT influencing…… hm hm. So, I have the Baltany tri-compax, a STEINHART 300 m GMT running an ETA 2893-2. Date is at the 6:00. My Zelos is TRUE GMT running the Miyota 9075…..freaking awesome watch with a blue, meteorite (apx 4.5 billion year old dial)…….I knew I could find a nice watch almost as old as I! In my 70’s my Sweet Wife bought me my TAG HEUER CARRERA. Blue, date at the the 6:00 and sunburst blue dial at that. Who would have EVER thought Heuer’s move from monstrosities to gorgeous, 39 mm diameter.Must be seen. Take a drive around the block. I own the OG Dan Henry 1963 with the SR-71 embossed on the back cover. Wow Keiron, great vid! More like this series please!

[@marcussimmons7388]

Can’t believe you don’t include Scurfa! Alright I know there are more than 50 Microbrands, but their story is great.

[@marcusmcewen9654]

I have a Scurfa. it is a great value . The only problem is they’re sold out all the time.

[@marcussimmons7388]

@@marcusmcewen9654 Lorier can be pretty tricky too

[@zosothezephead837]

I wonder if there's a microbrand called Dan Druff?

[@rikdriscoll2160]

The most comprehensive list of microbrands! There's so many I've never heard of, which is great because it means I get to do some research on them. Dan Henry stands out for me, they've produced some lovely watches. Thanks Kieron, great video as always 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks Rik, it's nice to see a friendly face in the comments 🤣🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rikdriscoll2160]

@@TopTierTicker That one definitely got them going!! 🤣

[@jameshoste]

Def check the latest Maen Moonphase. Looks a beaut and something a bit more original in their line up :)

[@joanjo8465]

In general terms I agree with this classification but in micro brands the quality is usually similar...so the choice of one watch or another is based mainly on esthetic preferences. Good video!

[@chinckennugget]

Great video mate👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks mate 🙏🙏🙏 hope all is well

[@eu7435]

Am a Aragon fanboy. They have 45mm designs, not just 50mm. Their use of tritium markers/hands is the sweet spot of value watches. A very broad catalog.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Interesting! Having worked with many brands must give you a unique perspective as to how the quality and overall value differ between these! Out of curiosity where would you put a brand like Draken? Hope you have a great one Kieran!

[@TopTierTicker]

They look pretty cool! the designs don't jump out at me and make me want to buy, but I like the style. Value seems decent too. Cheers Johan, hope all is well!

[@wi903060]

Thank you for the fun video! Halios (must try) and Helson (decent) are worth a mention IMHO. Maybe next time =) Cheers!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

How dare you say my Second Hour Mandala Burst is "lacking something". Just look at it in that great picture of mine at 0:46 😉 Having San Martin in "Missing Something", but then having Baltany and Sugess in "Decent Watches" seems a little harsh to me. Especially now that San Martin are focusing more on original designs too. Which really got started properly with the San Martin SN0131G, which you can see another great picture of at 2:45 😉 Really interesting video anyway mate.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thanks for the photos mate 🙏 you've had some great titles and thumbnails recently 🤔😂😉 I'd absolutely rank the San Martin original pieces higher... But they're one the worst offenders when it comes to copying (IMO). I see much more originality in the Sugess and Baltany catalogue. Even vintage copies are more tasteful IMO. I'm going to get a couple of SM's in soon and give them a chance (including a clomage). Thanks for watching mate 🙏🙏🙏

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@TopTierTicker Thanks for noticing the new thumbnails and titles 😉😆 Fair enough. That makes sense when you put it like that.

[@sweetcorn1968]

I'll need to watch it again, but I think you're generally spot on. You should've called it "Fifty more watches you'll want to buy!"

[@sneakyscorpia]

Thanks for the video - I had not heard of many of these microbrands until this video, it's crazy the sheer volume of brands around nowadays! P.S I want to see "Brew" utilize the "perfect" drink timer in a dive watch so I can have good vibes with dolphins

[@EnglishTMTB]

Oof, missing the mark bigtime on Formex. Fit and finish is exceptional, the bracelets are superb and that suspension case definitely adds a little comfort... Far from being on the expensive side, the Essence is a bargain for a COSC certified watch with that standard of finishing and a bracelet that good... Must Try would only be pushing it if you're trying to keep your spending down - in every other way it ticks every box you're after here, it's highly original, high spec and superb fit and finish m

[@jimmcmellen986]

Next time maybe think about reviewing Lillienthal Berlin?

[@zosothezephead837]

I own two and they're excellent.

[@patrickhartmann1540]

Excellent and comprehensive review of micros. I would put Traska and Maen in the must try.

[@tatanleanduck]

Formex's fit and finish is absolutely top tier- not to mention the COSC movement in the Essence. They work with unique materials as well. The suspension case isn't the main draw- its a feature. Their pricing is incredibly fair and the value is on par with Christopher Ward.

[@ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΥ-ε5ι]

Great video! What about Yema or Serica?

[@TopTierTicker]

Yema is a legacy brand (love them BTW) and Serica look cool!

[@mohammadabdullah6707]

I must say, I enjoyed your list (almost wrote lust!) as well as your non nonsense approach. Truly well done. I have a question : As someone who prefers practicality, I love watches with large (NOT hardly readable) subdials with the most common needs (which, to me are) the day of the week, the month, and the day of the month. Sadly, so very, very few watches have this...but seeing your video makes me realise how MUCH is out there. Do you, please sir, have a list of said features? The Tokyo Calendrier is perfect, but is out of stock. Any (please!) Suggestions?

[@nintendokings]

Is that the OEM Casio Edifice bracelet you’re wearing?

[@TopTierTicker]

yes, factory bracelet

[@mikesharkey6]

Sir you have never held a Formex. They have better bracelets than Omega, Rolex or any big brand. Fantastic engineering.

[@rtb_21]

Great vid mate, I've really enjoyed it! But why no Spinnaker on the list?? Now, since we've hit the 1k likes mark you've asked for no problem, please include Spinnaker on that 100 brands tier list. I own 2 of their limited editions and since I consider you to be the top tier expert on affordable watches around here, I really would like to hear your take on them as a brand. Thanks in advance and keep up the good work! Cheers!

[@thewholecut]

Great video Kieron! That Geckota you showed was very cool gonna have to check it out!

[@TopTierTicker]

Beautiful isn't it! They have a few on their website as 'nearly new'...

[@thewholecut]

@@TopTierTicker Oh awesome decent price too for the specs!

[@opticvisuall]

What's that sound in the very beginning when he says "crazy"? It is from the song, right?

[@TopTierTicker]

It's just a random mysterious / spooky sound effect I found. I don't think it's from a song

[@karlsenula9495]

Going in i am curious how the price bracket the watch is in will determine where it places (not to be cynical but lower priced watches i.e. Aliexpress watches typically are placed much lower on these types of videos, microbrands typically in the middle and bigger brands on top). I will respond after the video.

[@karlsenula9495]

Pretty fair. I think there is a whole bunch of watches in those middle three categories that could be moved around or fit anywhere in those three categories. I would move Baltic to top tier, San Martin up a level, Studio Underdog would drop a level (designs can be polarizing) and Mr. Jones would drop to not for me, again a personal design taste, the design is just too out there for me. I think the Pagani is great when you are starting out in the spec for money category (yes it does have failings like lum and no original designs) I also think San Martin is worth getting at least one to see what the hype is about. Others could include Seestern (another good AliExpress brand), Helm, Steeldive/Addiesdive - their Captain Willard homage of the Seiko was all the rage for a while. Watchdives is another that is coming up but I don't know if they do their own watches or just collab with others.

[@freddolman1494]

Kieron, you must try a Henry Archer! (The name, by the way, is actually the English translation of the owner's Danish name, as this is a Danish brand). I have a pretty extensive microbrand collection and I have three (3) Henry Archer's. They are among the watches that I wear the most. Not boring at all and the build quality is fantastic. Please give one a try.

[@osPA78]

FANTASTIC video! What are your thoughts on LIV watches?

[@supaflymicros]

Huge list of micro brands and Chinese brands.

[@kleanovodust-bin69]

Aint most of those micro watches are made in China too? 😅

[@supaflymicros]

@@kleanovodust-bin69 I'm sure there are one or two. Most Asia micro brand I can think of is from Singapore. Also fun fact, Islander is neither of the two categories.

[@FlorderreyVello]

Some people here are disappointed because their watch is not in first place. I'm grateful for your video. I know a lot of brands, but not all of them. I will check every single brand I didn't know before and even the ones mentioned in the comments. I'm always looking for the special watch. Not so important to be Tier 1or Tier 4. It just has to catch my taste.

[@progguy10]

you did traska dirty. they are a comfortable must try

[@jerroljulian]

Aside from the leather on the strap being way too thick and hard to break in, I absolutely love my Hemel.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Signum is outstanding. I love the GMT i have

[@winc06]

I think for watched based youtubers you are a Must Try.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thank you my friend 🙏 too kind

[@martinodelazzari6373]

I think you also missed Spinnaker

[@Discoworx]

I had the same thoughts on Brew as well. Looks good but what next?

[@dan0047]

I'm just here to appreciate the crazy possibilities that we have now, with micro brands

[@TopTierTicker]

That's an excellent point. The market is alive!