Should You AVOID A Micro Brand Watch in 2023?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- Should I avoid Micro Brand watches? That's a question I get asked a lot and in todays show I give 5 reasons why you should buy a micro brand watch. Distancing yourself from them means you are missing out on so much! It also sometimes shows you how much of a mark up some big brands are put on there new releases !
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SHERWOOD WATCHES
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RADCLIFFE WATCHES
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I love micro brands! Seriously, for all the reasons you mentioned in this video, micro brands are some of my favorite watches. My Direnzo came with a post card, signed by Sergio himself. My Helm came regulated by Matt. When I has issues with an end link, Traska sent me a new one with spring bars for free. It's just so cool to have a unique watch, made by a unique person.
I bouhgt a Sherwood in green and I am super Happy with my English automatic. I buy watches by looks and not by anything else. I never sell a watch. They are all for me - forever. My Sherwood Commander ist the watch with the most wrist time since I have it. I practically replaced my Cartier Cougar.
I was considering a Squale and stumbled upon Islander watches. Picked up a very unique, ain't nobody else has it, Seafoam green diver with a rock solid Myota movement. It's stinking gorgeous. I love it and love that I won't run into other people with it... and if I did I know we'd both gush about how great Mark is and his watches.
You got a seafoam Northport? Lucky. I've been on the wait list for one since the first run. The second run coming out around Christmas was just my bad luck. Oh well, hopefully third time's the charm. lol
I got the blue ripple dial north port. Beautiful watches!
Marc is a fantastic guy and makes great watches. Truly an honest, hardworking guy and an authorized dealer. I’ve had a Squale on my wishlist for two years and i was fortunate enough to be in a position to buy one two weeks ago so of course i bought my 1545 from Marc. Would definitely love to add a Northport to the collection as well as the new Collaboration watch he just did with Marathon.
Ordered a Lorier and a Baltic recently. Micros encourage new ideas and creativity. Also like supporting entrepreneurs. All in all a great segment of the hobby to spotlight. Nice job!
Cheers Anthony!
yeah the last one is real, I have talk to Henrik Schødt (of Henry Archer) several times, also he did confirmed that my Nordlys is the only Henry Archer exist in Thailand
I love micro brands, but the lack of long-term support is a deal breaker for me. I tried to buy a bracelet for my four year-old Christoper Ward C60, but was told it was sold out. Conversely, when my 1972 Seiko 6139 required an extensive rebuild, my watchmaker could source all the OEM parts from Seiko, despite the fact that the movement has been out of production for decades. This was of great importance to me as I have owned the Pogue for 50 years and it has huge sentimental value to me. For that reason alone, I forgive Seiko many of their mistakes (i.e. poor QC). As I never sell my watches, I now prefer to stick to established watch brands. Thanks for another excellent video, Russell.
This is certainly true for the watch case/bracelets, but most micro brands use ebauche movements which should remain serviceable due to their ubiquity.
Ooof! Those Radcliffe's....😍 That dial alone is worth the asking....my word!
some stunnas in this video for sure. micro brands scratch that itch! great upload again!!
Another awesome show MWC! So much to love about micro brands. I love what Glynn has done with the Sherwood Commander 🏹 Here’s hoping he has a very successful launch with it!
Cheers Gareth!
Much like following a young band, it's fun to get behind a microbrand you love, and watch them grow over the years. Becoming a fan of the brand gives you a sense of celebration as they continue to succeed.
Your presentation is second to none, keep doing what you're doing 👌
Micros are honestly my favorite. They tend to have fun with their designs and color choices and it really speaks to me. Bigger brands tend to play it safe. Doesn’t mean the watches are bad and I definitely own large brand watches, but micros go outside the box and I love that.
Since much of the big name US watch brands are mainly through heritage only, like how Bulova is under Citizen, Hamilton is under Swatch, Timex being all over the place, among others, it's taken micro brands to bring some (or all in the cases of some brands) portion of the manufacturing back. You've got really nice end stuff from RGM that's entirely US made, to Vaer and Long Island Watch (even some Timex models) going for US assembly. In some cases, they're a hell of a lot more expensive as a result, but if smaller brands are what it takes to keep the watchmaking light alive here stateside - then all the better, even if in comparison the light is only a candle in a sea of massive lights all over the world, at least it's there.
Most brands are under Swatch
I just got a Henry Archer Nordso purple meteorite DLC. WOW!!! This is a beautiful well built watch. Henrik is a very good man and knows what he's doing. Customer service is personal with Henrik. Thank you.
Love, love, love my new Lorier Neptune. It has everything I want with an ideal size and more reliable than an over-expensive vintage skin diver. It’s pushing aside my Rolex as a daily wearer. Best value I’ve encountered in watches.
Totally enjoy Microbrands VALUE FOR MONEY. Plus i will be going for a GREEN "Sherwood". Cracking Show as always Russ.Enjoy Watches&Wonders Mate.
- RzE is a great micro company that makes titanium watches for active casual use.
Good video. I have some microbrand watches, currently wearing my white dial Namica. One my favourites in my collection. It was a kickstarter watch. Probably my best watch for quality of lume.
The Vanbanner "parking master" in white is the micro that I will always be seeking. Stunning, and really nothing else quite like it. Tragically, I found out about it too late.
Hope you find one. I have a yellow dial one, love it to bits even if the bezel alignment is a bit iffy.
Great show as always MWC!!!!! I am a big fan and proud owner of Lorier watches and few other micro-brands that offer great value and very cool vintage vibes... The bulk of my collection is NOT made up of micro-brands but - if a person is choosy you can purchase some really beautiful pieces that offer features/looks the big boys will not... Thanks again for your passion and the entertainment Sir! Your loyal MWC Army continues to grow and enjoy your good work. Good on you Sir.
Thank goodness for micro brands, they save the world from being a sea of look alike, boring 'jewelry that also shows time'. Thanks for showing and featuring some fun, more interesting pieces!
9:40 Love the Sherwood Commander, just saw a JOMW review about it and it looks BOSS. That arrow seconds hand is D🔥PE
I am a huge fan of micros. I got the initial run of Radcliffes Signature v2 in the aventurine dial last year, and I have Zelos, Farer, Henry Archer, Ugly Watch Co and a number of kickstarter watches. I never really put much value in heritage personally, and I really enjoy the value and breadth of design in micros. I love having watches that are a bit different and individual. I would only suggest people do a bit of research on the brand before buying a micro, but they are really worth every collector considering.
Ugly Watch company? hahaha.. nice! .. gonna have to check THEM out!..Any Good?
@@mrmagoo.3678 Personally, I find the designs hit or miss, some I love and others do nothing for me, but the build quality is good for the cost. I got a black MoP diver (mother of pearl seems to be the brands signature) which I really like and they are releasing a GMT soon. The owners name is the word for an old rune which also translates to 'ugly', hence the name. Got to respect him just running with it, and it gets the brand remembered.
@@CyberSammael oh thanks I was really wondering why 'Ugly' lol, I'll really have to search them up.
Thanks for the info!.. interesting stuff!.
That Radcliffe Signature looks beautiful, the salmon dial is so on point 🤩👌
Excellent review, I really enjoyed that. I've never heard of most of those, but that Radcliffe Signature is CRAZY cool, and I'm glad I was able to see it here else I wouldn't have ever known it existed most likely. Well done!
Thanks for sharing your insight for these micro-brands. I particularly liked the "Radcliffe" 😎👍🏼
Another great show!
Thank you for another great video especially for us micro brands. Love your style of presentation just keeps me glued. 👍🐟
Excellent video again Russ. I really appreciate the variety that micro brands bring to the hobby. I’m a big fan of Lorier first introduced to them by TGV; in fact whenever I’ve emailed them, Lauren has always replied the same day and I love the personal touch they have with customers. Just about to order another of their watches, and I’m happy to be supporting them in growing the company.
The word on the street is VH31 movement...more and more microbrands are coming out using this fab 3 hand movement. Ticks at 4bps so has the feel of an auto but none of the auto problems like rubbish time keeping, magnetization or just stopping to function altogether (NH35...). Aliexpress have loads at £50 to £90 such as Steelflier, escapement, Chameri, Mysterious Code, MWC, QIMEI to name a few. Closer to home Enoksen in Belfast do some nice hybrid quartz (Sii VH series). 👍
Brilliant video. Microbrands are pioneer in the current watch world. Cheers.
Nice to see the Sherwood on here. I liked it. Those Radclife ones look good too. 👌
I recently bought a Henry Archer Nordsø & when I emailed them asking a question my phone rang 20 minutes later & Henrik from Henry Archer was calling me in the UK from Denmark to chat about the watch. Awesome.
I do like that Radcliffe chronograph, might have to keep my eye on those! And the Signature V2!
Shout out to Glen. I hope all the best.
Green is the best colour.
I think green blue fume in a dial with the leaves off the tree.
I'm Canadian and I understand.
I’ve started looking for watch companies that build their watches where I travel, almost as a souvenir. So far a couple of Zeno’s from Basel Switzerland, Colimar and Sons from Madrid and recently an Enoksen from Belfast. As you said, they were all great to talk in person and purchase from. Will they be there when there is an issue? Who knows, but they are unique, interesting and purchasing from them helps their local economy. I’ll add yours to my list.
When I bought my RZE, the owner tagged me (and other first time buyers) in a FB post thanking and welcoming me to the RZE family. Awesome customer experience.
Very nice indeed. I was taking notes throughout!
Zero West!! OMG! I have built many many models; planes, ships,cars, etc. The Supermarine Spitfire was the first model I've ever built. Heartwarming to see this microbrand honouring this famous WWII fighter plane❤️❤️❤️
I own a Lorier Neptune v1 in blue. I like it so much that when the BB58 blue came out, there was no reason for me to take action because i already had a cool blue watch. There you have it, micro brands are cool!
I wish I could here this on every watch channel- “if you’re buying a watch thinking of its resale value, you’re buying for the wrong reasons”. Hell yeh!!
Thank you my friend
The green Sherwood watch appeared at Just One More Watch and the blue one at I Like Watches channel.
Amazing vid! Thanks Mad! ❤
Thanks for watching my friend!
I like the green Salford city dive watch
I have 14 watches and half are microbrands. Farer, Nodus, Phoibos, Islander, Direnzo and two from Zelos.
Awesome!!!
zero west finally gets a shout out from a mainstream channel. amazing designs.
Absolutely!!! But I wouldn’t say I was mainstream my friend!!!;)
Whoa…those Radcliffes are design beauts!
Great selection of brands Russ. They all crush.
Good video Russell. Definitely some great value to be had in Microbrands and i'm finding that the jump in watch prices has likely encouraged a few more people into the market to make them. The Radcliffe Haxel looks really good, especially with the Orange
I'll have to watch this show a few more times...loved the look of a few of them...have to do a little research.Thanks Russell 😁😀
Brilliant video Russ, one of the best on the subject. I love microbrands and have added many pieces to my collection in the past couple of years without any issues thus far.
On this note, Zero West has got to be the absolute pinnacle of a microbrand. I have their S4-P9427 Blackout and can't say enough good things about the watch and about the shopping / customer experience...absolutely the best in the industry. Thank you for your awesome work and perspective. All the best my friend 👍
Cheers Felo!!! As always!!
Selling directly to the end customer cuts out the significant margins applied by retailers, who have to stock the watch and carry big overheads. I did feel somewhat exposed after having to prepay all the selling price upfront, then waited 8 months for my Baltic MR01. So just make sure everything is covered by using a credit card.
Interesting to hear of some of these brands I wasn't aware of like Zero West.
Great video Russ! Back when I got into collecting seriously, microbrands really allowed me to experience many different types of watches with a high level of quality and palatable price point. Fast forward to now, and I have sold a lot of them and lean towards larger brands, heritage, etc., being more selective with the higher price bracket. I also very much enjoy independent brands like Oris, Damasko, CWC, etc. That being said, I still very much respect what they do and give them consideration. I like to keep my eye on the heavier hitters like Lorier, Zelos and Baltic that I feel will one day probably cross over into the independent realm (like I feel Christopher Ward has done already). Now that I think of it- I'll wear my NOMADIC today! Cheers!
I've got a Christopher Ward Malvern which I got in December 2018. I'd been thinking about a dress watch for several years but I'm a pensioner so it was probably only with assistance from the 🇬🇧 National Lottery 😉. I'd been aware of the company for some time but was thinking about an Omega DeVille or something similar. I eventually realised I could afford the Malvern which I got for under £500 as a new customer. The Omega, at the time, was £2550. The prices were for both coming on a bracelet.
Delighted, the workhorse Sellita movement keeps great time at a fairly consistent minus a few seconds a day. This should be capable of greater accuracy since it's a fairly consistent error. Hopefully that can be done at the service which is rather overdue. I'll get it away soon.
My first micro brand has been a VanBanner parking master, very nice watch at a really decent price.
My favorite brand, Vertex, which I discovered in one of your reviews, is technically a Microbrand, and all of the positives you mentioned apply to them quite well. I currently own three Vertex watches, and when one of them had a problem, the CEO made arrangements for a local to me watchmaker to repair it. I have yet to see another Vertex in the wild anywhere other than at a watch expo that Vertex was open of the sponsors of.
Andrew no!!!!! That’s one more than me!!!!!
Good points mate. Well done. ✅
Cheers brotha!
Another great video!👏👍- Micro brand watches are getting better and better. I've just ordered the MAEN Hudson 38 MK4 - The build quality and fit and finish looks incredible. So many new brands out there and they are all upping their game with quality parts and materials with some very good designs.
Evant watches are great price is brilliant for the gem of a watch.
Always been a massive fan of micros. Think my fave is HELM (good luck getting one any time soon), but love the Lorier (still need to buy one) and the Radcliffe you showed us looks very interesting. I do have a Hamtun though which sadly went out of business leaving a few dissatisfied customers I think. My watch is fabulous though and I think the demand was just too high for the guy to cope with. My advice is go for one with a great reputation (usually means hard to get), but have a look pre-owned as there are some real bargains to be had, you just have to wait a while. 😉
Dude i love your content and channel you're aesome!
All of the things you said a agreed with and im kinda newbto watch collecting. Ongoing for 2 years. Everyone one i purchased whether it is micro brand or not i love. Opening that watch box and looking at my babies makes me smile.
I research a microbrand and a specific model b4 i buy one. I had only one purchase that i made without researching it and i love it! It's an Aragon 50mm titanium bumblebee diver that i purchased from a mystery box and im so glad that i did..
Keep up the great work!
Thank you my friend! There’s something definitely appealing about a mystery box!!!!
Owning a Zero West S1 I can say it's my favourite of my collection. It's my daily wear and never get tired of admiring it. I went to the shop to pick it up which added to the while experience. First class watch and first class service. Their passion for making their mark in the market is shared with you. As they say 'There is a time and place for everything '😉
That blue dial Radcliffe is lovely.
Zero West do nothing for me, as an aircraft engineer with a military background I find the whole ‘inspired by cockpit instruments’ thing a bit naff. I’d take a Hamilton khaki pilot pioneer though.
Great vid as usual Russ. 👍
Russ you did a great job explaining the value of micro brands! Thank you! I have a Zelos Spearfish GMT with the meteorite dial and its one of my top 3 favorite watches in my collections.
Some insanely exciting brands in the micro world at the moment. Radcliffe are doing some really fantastic things from what I've seen. Another one to mention, my favourite, RZE.
Favourite watch channel. My go to channel for choosing a new watch. Keep up the good work
Philip! You are what keeps me going honestly!
Nice selection of micros Russ. The Neptune is such a beauty and I love Glynn's design. I've had excellent luck with microbrands I have several in my collection. A few standouts being Helm, Straton, Ocean Crawler, Zelos and Dan Henry. I really appreciate some of the personal touches as well like the hand written thank you card that came with my Helm. I'm guessing the one from Mrs. Casio was lost in the post 😁
Hahahaha still hasn’t returned my calls????;) what else is new!
Having been a watch collector for a little while now my collection is very varied with anything from a basic Gshock to a beautiful Omega and sitting happily in between are several micro’s, for me it the individuality of the micro’s that makes them so collectible, add to that the personal touch by the owners and you just can’t go wrong, one of my favourites is Vario. Superb video as ever, I could watch this all day. 😁👍
Andrew you are a gent!
I have one of the few Zelos watches that hasn't sold out; the Swordfish 40mm in Titanium with the emerald green dial. I love the watch, but the Ti case and bracelet are easy to scratch due to the lack of a coating. The green dial looks stunning in bright light, and the lume is typically Zelostastic! So, you can still pick one up from Zelos if you are tempted.
I absolutely love micro brands. I own a Helm Khuraburi & Vanuatu plus a Borealis Sea Storm. Beautiful watches that just work.
Thanks for the videos. 👍🏻
Love microbrands and have a ton of them. I have had customer service issues with two so far but one is no longer in business and I know not to buy from the other now. For the most part any issue that’s come up (very few) have been dealt with immediately by an owner usually with multiple follow ups to make sure everything is ok regardless of how minor the issue might have been. I think I may be a bit spoiled now if I’m honest.
That’s a way better track record than the big brands I’ve had to deal with. I never shy away from a microbrand watch I like the look of.
Yes, you should!. Direnzo (microbrand?) is coming out with some mighty cool watches here in a few weeks and so is Zelos. Get ready. I am!
There are so many awesome microbrands to choose from. The Lights GMT watch by Culem is another eclectic choice.
There is even a very affordable watch made of whiskey barrel wood called Original Grain & Holzkern. Depending on what you can afford, the watch choices are only limited by imagination these days.
How u doing mate don't forget to do loads more vids thanks
I wonder if you’ve ever tried out Vario? I like its retro designs and have their 1918 Trench. Or Axios - I have their Pathfinder model.
Thanks Russ for video. I really liked the Radcliffe watch. I ordered one and told them it was due to your video.
Sitting here with my chritopher ward c60 pro 600 in blue felling like a million bucks 👌😉
Some micro brands are offering ceramic bezels
sapphire
movement that hacks
solid end links
Plus more for around £150.. some of the more established brands cants match this
Been watching your channel for a while and I have to say, you are very entertaining. I am traveling down the rabbit hole in search of new watch companies and I feel like you just shoved me even further down with a hardy laugh and a pointing finger 🤣
Ive got a out 20 ,ranging from 19883 to yesterday! No Interest. in metal cases or phone connections! I do have some solars
and satellite synched Casio watches ! I don't even know how to obtain a microbrand!! No chrome plated brass though !
I'd be interested to hear what you say about Scottish micro brand Marloe. I bought their Solent Timer with a Miyota movement and I love it but I don't see many reviews.
Not sure they are Scottish anymore my friend!;) but!! From what I’ve seen of the brand and met a couple of the guys behind the watches, I like’m
While I have plenty of big brand watches, I've also got a Zelos, two Traskas, and two Islanders. I love me some micro bands.
Nice to get a double dose of Russ today. Here and on Watchfinder. I couldn't decide between the Lorier Neptune or Lorier Falcon.. so I got both! Very happy I did.
Jahahahaha you lucky dog!
Dude! I love the enthusiasm about the watches! We have the same top gshock ever btw
Wondering what you think of buying gshocks off stockx? I see the full metals are half off on there…
Looking at my collection, I'm clearly a micro-brand enthusiast. I think they consist of about 75% of my collection. I like that many micro-brands are owned by watch enthusiasts who truly care about and listen to their customers. I mean, how cool is it to actually talk with an owner and see your input directly affect the design of their next watch? Pretty damn cool, if you ask me.
I agree
Excellent point!!!
Great content as always! If you haven't already you must check out Wise timepieces from Thailand. They're churning out some stunning watches and also beautifuly presented. Would love to see you review their Adamascus in either Damascus or 904L steel.
I had a v bad experience with timefactors recently. I had a watch in my basket, and at the point of payment Timefactors emptied my cart. Then the watches sold out 🤬. Wish there was a good way to keep track of all microbrands. Random Rob's channel is the best I've found
Timefactors haven’t changed the way the do things for a long time! I bought an Everest in 2018 , sitting patiently for 10am on a Tuesday ready to click BUY!!!!!
Very fair analysis and good advice. When micro brands get in a “middle range” of success, there’s a bigger chance of them slipping up and losing some of the quality of service. Bigger is not necessarily better.
Had reservations about mircro brands; but not anymore. I have purchased 2 to date and have others in my sights. I'm looking at you Farer, Christopher Ward and Zero West.
“From little acorns…” My favourite MBs are Christopher Ward, Farer, and Timefactors. “What’O!” “Bandits 3 o’clock low!”
I've been in love with the microbrand Direnzo Watches. His real start, in my opinion was the DRZ-02! The brand has produced very popular watches, so much so, that he had to create a version 2 of three of the watch models.
I have 3 montas, 5 zelos(which don’t have a long wait list) but they only produce very small batches and 2 Halios
Panzera was going good for a while. I have one of their watches. I haven't heard from them for a while.
I like microbrands. Not just in watches but also restaurants, clothing, stores, and so much more. For me it's the idea of supporting small businesses, and having something unique that most people have not seen before. I got my first microbrand watch, an MT&W chronograph last year by backing their Kickstarter campaign. I have my eye on several microbrands for my next watch purchase.
That Lorier is gorgeous. What do you say, is there room in a collection for a blackbay 58 and a Neptune 4? They both do the mid century thing so well.
I’ve currently got one in so have both! I’d say there’s definitely room!!
I was thinking the same thing! The next question is…what if I buy the Neptune IV & wear & enjoy it more than my BB58?
@@chriscon8463 already in that boat with my Gemini which I wear more than my Tudor Chrono. It’s a mixed feeling. One learns to cope with their decisions.
Great stuff! Very surprised to see my Signature V1 (albeit mine's the blue), and 100% agree, I have Tayeb's number and regularly chat about progress on the new watches! Note that I don't have Jean-Frederic's number....
Zero west is a great shout. Thanks.
Cracking video, enjoyable watching as always.
I love the micros you've showcased here so many are forgettable cookie cutter divers. Personally though I'm unlikely to ever buy a micro as most of my love from this hobby comes from the research and knowing the company that produced my watch did XYZ
The issues I have with the Sherwood, are the the brand name across the top of the dial, the oversized, stylized shield at the 12 o'clock and the fact there are no numerals on the dive bezel for a watch that is clearly a diver. Those are the reasons I would pass on this watch.
It’s a capable diver that knows it probably won’t touch salt water ever. The modern day diver;)
Namica watches out of Japan are getting new stock of their Neo Tokyo out this Friday. Really cool design.
Great episode! Learned a lot! Thanks Russell!
Thank you my friend!!! As always!!!
Just ordered a clementine munro amber. Already got a farer, zelos, direnzo and a dietrich for microbrands. I love them all but it gets difficult to put money aside for a bb54...