Dear friends, welcome to the review of the Signum Cuda 39 and good luck with participating in the giveaway whose price is this very watch! Watch the video for details on how to participate and please note that the deadline for entering the giveaway is 05.07, 13:00 GMT. The winner will be announced in the video I'll premiere on 07.07.
The lume on these Signum watches is insane 😎 love the design and bracelet ⌚️📸 The other brand from Kyle, Straton watches have some cool offerings as well👌 great review Toni!
That has to be one of the most striking lume patterns I've seen. Looks awesome, but I agree with what you say that it's mostly for summer fun and nothing wrong with that. Your reviews are getting better and more honest with each video, which begs the question, all that taste and experience reviewing watches...when will it yield a watch creation from your own mind? Have a great summer!
Thanks for showing off this watch brand, it new to me. Checked out their website, like all the different dial colors they had, like the Abalone Shell the most. Glad to see they have a great movement in it with sapphire crystal. Believe the bracelet will work with a wrist of 8.5 inches in diameter if I heard you correctly. If not I can get an extra long strap.
You're welcome and I'm glad you found the video interesting enough to follow up! Yes, I took 2 links to have the watch fit my 7 1/2 inch wrist. Just to make sure, write to Kyle and I am confident he will send you an additional link if needed. This is how microbrands operate 😊
Lucky me... a new orange (diver's!) strap just came in, pretty sure it matches this dial... I'll find out soon!😋 In advance, happy birthday Toni, enjoy whatever you love mate. Guess you'll reveal how old that Citizen is...too (U2! UB40... +++???😂) Thanks for the giveaway and the review. Good luck everyone, sorry this will come my way!😜 Q: Watches are our beloved accessories, for sure. Thus we match them to our outfit and/or needs of the day. But which comes first? Pick the "watch of the day" and then dress up/get in mode? Or the other way around? Maybe a strap change, to compromise?? (Cause we all know, a specific watch "smiles" at us when we glance our watchbox... or is it an illusion of mine???😳)
Staaavroooos, keeping my fingers crossed for you! As I have way more watches than shirts and trousers, I would say I dress first. HOWEVER, there are times when I HAVE to wear THAT watch, so...
@@themicrobrandexpert So the question remains. How do we (all !!!!) have THAT watch??😜 Be well Toni, thanks once more for all your effort. In all honesty, i'm not sure i can stand ANOTHER watch smiling at me, like THAT! Cheers!
I’m loving the summer watches out this year!! I’m in the southern hemisphere, what do you think is a great colour for a sub-tropical winter? Great content, keep it up mate!
Choosing the right dial colour is, for me at least, influenced by the colour of the bezel. This Orange/Navy combo is great and for some reason the Brasil Gree/Yellow combo has just popped into my mind.
Signum looks really interesting!!💝 I love how microbrands play with the colours and always bringing something unique and creative!!🙌🏻 Loved this one!! Also your lume shots were impeccable!!🤌🏻 Well my questions which I really wanna ask are.. how you got into watches... What brought you into.. the significance of watches in your and how did it affected!!?? Also i wanna know your grail watch too!!😬
Alredy replied to both questions 😊 It was a combination of "genetics", entourage and a heart attack which led me down this rabitt hole. As for grails, let's keep it attainable: SpeedMaster Reduced.
Love the content! Thanks for the transparent review! What are your thoughts on solar movements - why don't we see more brands using this type of movement and is it something that you would expect to see more of in the future?
Thank you! I believe it's down to the restrictions imposed by the solar cells on the dials. That being said, Farr & Swit have a couple of goureous solar chronos!
@@themicrobrandexpert Thanks! I hadn't thought about it that way but it does make sense that it would limit the dial materials in order to let the light through. I'll look up Farr & Swit, I mainly know Redwood - most of their watches are solar except their chronos.
Thank you Toni for these amazing and well-documented videos, I started to learn from you about these microbrands and their quality. Q. What is the microbrand that impressed you?
I love the idea of 3, 9 and 12 indices shape repeated with the lume on the bezel. This watch could came without the date, so the 6 hour indice shape also be repeated on the bezel. Toni, as I come from Poland, the question for you: Have you ever had the opportunity to have a Polish watch in your hands/on the wrist? Balticus, Vratislavia, Blonie? If no, would you like to explore watches from a neighbourhood?
I have tremendous respec for Polish watchmaking! Besides the names you mentioned, let's not forget Radia and, of course, the only Polish microbrand that i have reviewed: Nadir. And, of course, ABSOLUTELY, if you could facilitate communication with your countrymen, I would be honoured to be able to review Polish watches!
Love the colourway and the lume, also this watch looks great on that strap. Have you always been into watches or is it a hobby you have started later in your life?
Looked at these a few times and always appreciated the basic looks and fun dials! Very cool giveaway and excited to be in the running. What’s the brand that has surprised you the most in quality and value since beginning reviewing?
Looking forward to the birthyear buying guide! If you had to have only one watch from each genre eg. beater/field/military/diver/sports/pilot/chronograph/dress what colour dial would you pick for each and why? You can only have a max of two the same colour.
This is obviously tough and tomorrow I might give you different answers. Sticking to micros only, today's answers are: GADA: Monta Noble Blue Chrono: Pitzmann 3 Ice Blue Dress: Isotope Mercury Military: C Ward Sandhurst Black Diver: Second Hour Gin Clear 2 Black
I like channels that offer more than just measurements and that make as little compromises as possible. You're Terrific, ID Guy and my fellow Romanian Andrei at Brave Beaters.
I love the Signum designs and especially their lume! Here's my question: You obviously own a collection of watches. What is the ratio of owned watches (that you've paid for yourself) vs lent/given watches when it comes to making review videos? Also, what is your favorite video of all that you have on this channel?
For the first year the ratio was 9 to 1. Now, in the second year, it's a complete 180 (1 to 9). As for my favourite video of mine... this is a hard question to answer, as I'm my own toughest critic. Perhaps the 2024 SOTC video.
I could never have enough of Saint Barts! Sadly, I will never make enough money to afford staying one meager month there (visited a few times when working as a photographer onboard cruise ships)...
Been looking at Signum because of their lume, nice review and thank you for the giveaway! My question for you is - having reviewed so many different microbrands, which watches have you bought for your own collection afterwards?
Being able to try on the watches and to be in contact with the brands' owners is a fantastic perk of being a reviewer, especially when we're talking about KickStarter projects. Having this "inside scoop" on one hand, and out of my desire to help original, well made watches make it to production, I have backed a few KickStarter campaigns (Ubiq, Pedral and Alato). Also, I'm grateful to Peter at Second Hour for a couple of fantastic discounts.
The watch's foundational design is very solid. The bezel is odd as there are no numerals to be found on the watch. But I agree, the lettering and Signum logo is better if it matched the blue of the bezel. My preference is for tool watches, particularly divers. Second place is chronographs. What is your personal preference and how did it develop?
Loved the Signum!! Well the question i got is... If your watches could be the official timepiece of a major historical event, which event would you choose and why!!?? Jusy curious...😬
This is such an intriguing question!... Obviously, the first thought is of an event where timing was of utmost importance, like the Normandy landings. Will think about this for a while.
If there were too many, they wouldn't sell, yet they (still) seem to be doing alright. Also, many of the new ones come with the overwhelmingly superior Miyota 9075.
As always great review. To me it seems like helium escape valve is also a key selling feature on many divers. What are your thoughts on that? Fad or real feature? Second question - why don’t more divers have inverted lume dial aka full lume versus hands/markers lumed?
Microbrands have many things going for them, and they all are a result of the passion, so I guess this is what differentiates them primarily from established brands or Chinese clone manufacturers.
Signum makes some interesting watches. It was only recently I realised thaat the owner is the same as Stratton and possibly oddly I knew Signum before Stratton. This particular watch doesn't really appeal to me. I actually like it best in the dark, which is dubious praise when reflected on. That said, I can see how this may well be a hit for afficianados of the genre. I certainly think the bracelet works, but the sporty fun factor grows on that blue-white NATO.
Hi Toni, the Signum Cuda looks sporty , colorful & I agree that it gives strong summer vibes I particularly like it featured on the NATO strap. Please consider me a contestant. My question is what inspired you to include The Beastie Boys sample in this video? With appreciation, Brian✌🏻
Thank you, Brian! Even since considering the channel’s name I thought this sample would make a good jingle. Used it intensively in my first videos, but I gradually dropped it until Fred, one of this channel’s first subscribers, reminded me of it.
@@themicrobrandexpert Hi Toni, I have a personal connection to the Beastie Boys. I went to high school with Adam Yauch of blessed memory. Wishing you a great weekend! ✌
Wow, Brian, that's fascinating - I just found out that, besides Adam, some notable Edward R. Murrow alumni include Darren Aronofsky, Marisa Tomei and one of my all-time music idols Peter Steele! Amazing! You have a great weekend too!
Great video, covered the salient points of this gorgeous watch just perfectly; regarding the lume, how do you think that it compares with other well-lumed watches?
Thank you! As a matter of fact, the very first watch that I gave away on the channel was a Zeppelin quartz dual timer that just didn't seem to fade. Like never! That was the only lumed dial that I've experienced. As for overall lume, this one's quite impressive, but it wouldn't beat the AD8 or the Akva I've featured on the channel.
I just discovered your channel and am looking forward to catching up on your videos. I’m also pleased to see your generous giveaway of this striking watch, so thank you for that. My question to you is regarding your personal watch journey: when you look back to your early days, do you feel that the main design elements that attract you to a watch are basically the same now, or do you feel that your tastes have evolved quite a lot?
Thank you and I hope you'll find enough resons to visit again! (for what it's worth I got 2 more giveaways lined up 🤣) Your question ties in very well with another I just answered ("if you had the chance, what would you change?"). It's amazing how much my taste has evolved (or changed, so I wouldn't appear pretentious) over the years, from aesthetics to size to features.
In your estimation, good design is about what the buyer likes. In a sea of modern dive watches, how does a brand best push itself forward? For anything beyond sales numbers, is being liked really better than being cutting edge? Thanks!
This is actually a question that I believe microbrands offer a plethora of answers to. I believe I oversimplified the definition out of my desire to emphasise why Signum have made the choices they did. Why Signum actually exists. And the reason Signum exists is to give Kyle more freedom in creating designs for Straton, his "main" brand. Truth is the majority of watch enthusiasts are in the "consummer phase" and that heavily impacts the commercial succes of cutting edge design. It's really unfortunate, but I've seen amazing designs leading to brands' demise because of how much it costs to get such dreams into metal and how small the market is when trying to recoup such investment. This would be a fantastic subject for a video, but I'm pretty sure such production would be burried as a footnote by TH-cam's algorithm...
You have the most perfect voice for commenting on the attributes of watches. I can't quite place your accent & was wondering where are you from? If that's not too intrusive
Hi Tony! Hope you’re doing well! Usually, you don’t really timegraph the watches you review… but I was wondering, as this is a higher beat movement, if Signum regulate the 9015 or gave you any values concerning accuracy. Thank you
Apologies for the late reply! I don't timegraph because I don't believe one watch is representative for a line. As far as I know there is no regulating on any Signum or Straton.
Love the contrast of the two colours and that lume! Good choice for the upgrade to miyota 9 series. My question is: I'd considered purchasing some Chinese watches, notably the Seagull 1963, or one of the various Sugess Chronographs. Rather than the build quality or the dial design, I have concerns on the Chinese movements. How was the experience with your Chinese caliber movement?
It depends a lot on the dial. For the mineral ones I would go with plain black, avoiding a colourite cacophony, but for the full lume dials I would go for shark tooth, black for green and blue for the rest. Kyle has done a great thing posting on the product page renders of all possible variants.
Great video as usual! Is the Citizen your birth year watch? Did you manage to also get one made in July? I think with Citizen it is doable, I remember they have similar SNs logic as Seiko
How do you think the Signum Cuda ranks against microbrands in the same price range? Colour-wise I think they offer a combination that's rarely ever used, such as this orange dial with blue bezel.
I am impressed Straton have managed to keep the price under 500 dollars considering they upgraded the watch and most micros added about 15% to their price tags. If one wants lume, one can't go wrong with this.
I think these are great (and really enjoy your direction of your channel). My question: Kyle has done some great dials, but which is missing from the 39 Cuda line up: yellow dial, meteorite dial, malachite dial, or something else?
Great review Mario. A lot of us I believe become watch enthusiasts as a result of a sentimental attachment to a timepiece we’ve either received or acquired ourselves as a result of a memory of someone we hold in high regard wearing one. So tell us, which watch do you own or have owned that has the most sentimental value and why?
Thank you! Unfortunately I have no such tale - for me it was a choice, actually. I chose to become a collector and my research instinct took it forward as I rejoiced seeing there are hundreds, thousands of things to get lost in.
Might be the fact I'm getting older, but I prefere more and more dressy watches with complications. I agree with your observation on the blue strap, thank you for watching!
Can't really say it was a spark. My grandfather was a collector, and the sad thing there's only one pocket watch that remained. I became intrigued by watches aout 5-6 years ago, but I went fully in after suffering a heart attack 3 yars ago, as I find this hobby very relaxing.
@@themicrobrandexpert I hope you’re doing very well health-wise. I can’t even imagine how having a heart attack could impact and change a person. So glad you have found a relaxing passion in collecting, and have that connection to your grandfather. My son actually got me started and I love talking watches with him.
Been on the hunt for an abalone dial and this model does have an abalone dial. There are no aliexpress abalone dial watches interestingly enough. I noticed some abalone dials use a few pieces of abalone pieced together rather than a full solid piece. My question is for micro brands, since one can never view in person before buying (as they aren't sold in local box stores) would microbrands be willing to send pictures with good lighting of a few abalone dials for a customer to choose from? This being important because every abalone or natural dial is unique and made in nature.
Very nice video, i respect your work and hope that you continue this youtube channel. Would you consider doing a video on some forgotten-ish vintage main brand watch designs like the TAG Heuer Kirium (CL111A) or the Omega Polaris?
Thank you for the praise! On one hand, I feel rather intimidated by vintage watches, on the other hand my self-imposed mission is to feature as many under-the-radar contemporary brands as possible. Finding a format that would reconcile microbrands and legendary vintage watches is quite a daunting task, made even harder by the large amount of watches I am yet to review (fully booked till mid-August). What I would definitely love doing is meeting as many members of this community and, as your name suggests you might live close by, talking watches over coffee would be great!
I have spent considerable chunks of my life playing football (soccer) and making/playing music. I am a fan of Juventus Torino and I love my music as I like my watches: very much underground and metal 😂
While these pieces have good lume, particularly the full lume dials, has bad lume ever been a deal breaker for you for a watch you were interested in buying or even a key reason as to why you moved on from a piece and sold it? If so, do you remember the specific brand and model?
Actually no, lume has never been high on my priorities list. That being said, I regard having poor lume as cheapening out, particularly when talking about mainstream brands that seem to be going out of their way to offer as little as possible for as much money as possible.
Great to see you, Daniel! Don't - overspend - limit to a certain style/brand - believe this is an investment - believe everything on YT Do - experiment and experience - enroll in online communities - have patience - take into account all expenses (taxes, servicing, etc)
Do you think that some microbrands might have the opportunity to establish themselves as main maisons in the next decades? If yes, do you have any suggestion?
While a few micros like C Ward, Farer or Baltic have already taken a few steps forward, becoming mainstream is getting harder by the day... Just take Kyle for example: he runs two relatively successful micros and still has to keep a day job...
I guess it depends on the chosen dial. Natural minerals would go better with understated black, while full lume dials are more adequate for shark teeth.
Dear friends, welcome to the review of the Signum Cuda 39 and good luck with participating in the giveaway whose price is this very watch!
Watch the video for details on how to participate and please note that the deadline for entering the giveaway is 05.07, 13:00 GMT. The winner will be announced in the video I'll premiere on 07.07.
Incredible watch for this price. The brushing finish looks stunning. I would love to try it.
Beautiful watch. It looks like a perfect watch for the summers in Norway 👍😊
That is a great review, gorgeous watch ! Count me in for this giveaway ! Cheers
Very nice build and specs overall but always like numbers on the rotating bezel as I like the ability to check elapsed time.
You Cuda picked no other better watch for this giveaway, couldn’t you? 😂 Awesome watch and review!
😂
Great wacth for giveaway! Thanks Toni!
Oh, hello Jakub, great to see you! Hope the Memoir helps you make some great memories!
Love that color & bracelet. What a beautiful watch.
Nice watch, great colors ❤
This is the best orange and blue of ever seen. Love your content!
Thank you!
The lume on these Signum watches is insane 😎 love the design and bracelet ⌚️📸 The other brand from Kyle, Straton watches have some cool offerings as well👌 great review Toni!
Thank you, Dick!
That has to be one of the most striking lume patterns I've seen. Looks awesome, but I agree with what you say that it's mostly for summer fun and nothing wrong with that. Your reviews are getting better and more honest with each video, which begs the question, all that taste and experience reviewing watches...when will it yield a watch creation from your own mind? Have a great summer!
Later, rather than sooner, I'm afraid... Multumesc frumos, succes!
Thanks for showing off this watch brand, it new to me. Checked out their website, like all the different dial colors they had, like the Abalone Shell the most. Glad to see they have a great movement in it with sapphire crystal. Believe the bracelet will work with a wrist of 8.5 inches in diameter if I heard you correctly. If not I can get an extra long strap.
You're welcome and I'm glad you found the video interesting enough to follow up! Yes, I took 2 links to have the watch fit my 7 1/2 inch wrist. Just to make sure, write to Kyle and I am confident he will send you an additional link if needed. This is how microbrands operate 😊
Lucky me... a new orange (diver's!) strap just came in, pretty sure it matches this dial... I'll find out soon!😋
In advance, happy birthday Toni, enjoy whatever you love mate. Guess you'll reveal how old that Citizen is...too (U2! UB40... +++???😂)
Thanks for the giveaway and the review. Good luck everyone, sorry this will come my way!😜
Q: Watches are our beloved accessories, for sure. Thus we match them to our outfit and/or needs of the day. But which comes first? Pick the "watch of the day" and then dress up/get in mode? Or the other way around? Maybe a strap change, to compromise??
(Cause we all know, a specific watch "smiles" at us when we glance our watchbox... or is it an illusion of mine???😳)
Staaavroooos, keeping my fingers crossed for you!
As I have way more watches than shirts and trousers, I would say I dress first. HOWEVER, there are times when I HAVE to wear THAT watch, so...
@@themicrobrandexpert So the question remains. How do we (all !!!!) have THAT watch??😜
Be well Toni, thanks once more for all your effort. In all honesty, i'm not sure i can stand ANOTHER watch smiling at me, like THAT! Cheers!
I’m loving the summer watches out this year!! I’m in the southern hemisphere, what do you think is a great colour for a sub-tropical winter? Great content, keep it up mate!
Choosing the right dial colour is, for me at least, influenced by the colour of the bezel. This Orange/Navy combo is great and for some reason the Brasil Gree/Yellow combo has just popped into my mind.
Signum looks really interesting!!💝 I love how microbrands play with the colours and always bringing something unique and creative!!🙌🏻 Loved this one!! Also your lume shots were impeccable!!🤌🏻 Well my questions which I really wanna ask are.. how you got into watches... What brought you into.. the significance of watches in your and how did it affected!!?? Also i wanna know your grail watch too!!😬
Alredy replied to both questions 😊 It was a combination of "genetics", entourage and a heart attack which led me down this rabitt hole. As for grails, let's keep it attainable: SpeedMaster Reduced.
@@themicrobrandexpert that's interesting!! I love your content cause it's really a true opinion!! And as for a speedmaster reduced that's a beauty!!
That's a great summer time colorway 😊
Love the content! Thanks for the transparent review!
What are your thoughts on solar movements - why don't we see more brands using this type of movement and is it something that you would expect to see more of in the future?
Thank you!
I believe it's down to the restrictions imposed by the solar cells on the dials. That being said, Farr & Swit have a couple of goureous solar chronos!
@@themicrobrandexpert Thanks!
I hadn't thought about it that way but it does make sense that it would limit the dial materials in order to let the light through.
I'll look up Farr & Swit, I mainly know Redwood - most of their watches are solar except their chronos.
Thank you Toni for these amazing and well-documented videos, I started to learn from you about these microbrands and their quality.
Q. What is the microbrand that impressed you?
Thank you! Too many to list, honestly...
Yet another great review, yet another very generous giveaway...thank you very much my friend
Tell me do you like vintage watches?
Thank you! I find vintage watches a bit intimidating, as I don’t know much about them.
Great review, great giveaway!
How come you only have 2.3 k subscribers?
I love the idea of 3, 9 and 12 indices shape repeated with the lume on the bezel. This watch could came without the date, so the 6 hour indice shape also be repeated on the bezel.
Toni, as I come from Poland, the question for you: Have you ever had the opportunity to have a Polish watch in your hands/on the wrist? Balticus, Vratislavia, Blonie? If no, would you like to explore watches from a neighbourhood?
I have tremendous respec for Polish watchmaking! Besides the names you mentioned, let's not forget Radia and, of course, the only Polish microbrand that i have reviewed: Nadir. And, of course, ABSOLUTELY, if you could facilitate communication with your countrymen, I would be honoured to be able to review Polish watches!
What is your ideal birth year watch? Thanks for the great watch vids! 👍
Love the colourway and the lume, also this watch looks great on that strap. Have you always been into watches or is it a hobby you have started later in your life?
I can call myself a collector only since 3 years ago.
Looked at these a few times and always appreciated the basic looks and fun dials! Very cool giveaway and excited to be in the running.
What’s the brand that has surprised you the most in quality and value since beginning reviewing?
Very good question. While most brands have lived up to their reputation, I guess Wise have been a revelation. Wholeheartedly recommended!
@@themicrobrandexpert that’s awesome. Their GMT does have some killer specs
Incredible watch! What is the watch brand that you would modify to make it perfect?
Looking forward to the birthyear buying guide!
If you had to have only one watch from each genre eg. beater/field/military/diver/sports/pilot/chronograph/dress what colour dial would you pick for each and why? You can only have a max of two the same colour.
This is obviously tough and tomorrow I might give you different answers. Sticking to micros only, today's answers are:
GADA: Monta Noble Blue
Chrono: Pitzmann 3 Ice Blue
Dress: Isotope Mercury
Military: C Ward Sandhurst Black
Diver: Second Hour Gin Clear 2 Black
The lume is stunning, Signum rocks
What watch would you take with you to a desert island?
I guess the most useful would be a Moonphase, so I can time the tide.
Really like this lume monster of a watch. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
What is your favourite complication?
Jumping hour with retrograde minutes.
I’ve recently found an affinity for orange dials although olive is my favorite. What is your favorite color of dial?
Beautiful watch! Awesome that you do giveaways, what is your all time favorite watch?
It changes on an almost daily basis. Today it's the Reverso Hybris.
@@themicrobrandexpertI think we can all relate on it changing lol!
Thanks so much!
My question is, how long have you been into watches and what started it for you?
Already replied to this question. Thank you for watching!
Just gorgeous orange dial, I love it
What is your favorite You Tube watch review channel?
I like channels that offer more than just measurements and that make as little compromises as possible. You're Terrific, ID Guy and my fellow Romanian Andrei at Brave Beaters.
What's your favorite G-Shock?
Thanks for the giveaway and best of luck to all
Unfortunately I’m as far from being a GShock fan as any guy out there.
A great watch, kudos for the giveaway! 👏
If you could wear only one watch brand, what would it be and why? That includes all brand subsidiaries.
Patek Phillipe, definitely. They just have everything. As for micros, because of the same considerent of an extensive catalogue, C Ward.
What's your favorite Seiko model?
Thank you for the giveaway and bes of luck to all
While I'm not a big Seiko fan, I believe their vintage pieces are amazing. Would love a 70's Advan, but I wear my 7A38-7020 quite a lot!
What do you think of the Lume versus other micro brands? Thanks for the review and offering the contest. Liked and subscribed!
Thank you! I believe this new variant is still fighting for supremacy in this price range with Wise Hitman.
Signums lume does not disappoint. Which one do you Personally prefer, Seikos NH or miyota 9 series for the movements?
9 series every day and twice on weekends.
I love the Signum designs and especially their lume! Here's my question: You obviously own a collection of watches. What is the ratio of owned watches (that you've paid for yourself) vs lent/given watches when it comes to making review videos? Also, what is your favorite video of all that you have on this channel?
For the first year the ratio was 9 to 1. Now, in the second year, it's a complete 180 (1 to 9). As for my favourite video of mine... this is a hard question to answer, as I'm my own toughest critic. Perhaps the 2024 SOTC video.
Free watch?
Yes, please :)
Thanks for the giveaway man, you are very generous
Q: what's your favorite/dream turist destination?
I could never have enough of Saint Barts! Sadly, I will never make enough money to afford staying one meager month there (visited a few times when working as a photographer onboard cruise ships)...
Great review, Toni
Thank you and thanks Signum for awesome giveaway
Q: What's yours all time favorite watch?
As an attainable grail I have the Speedy Reduced. As for all-time... it changes on an almost daily basis. Today it's the Reverso Hybris.
Great lume and beautiful dial color
Q: Do you have any other hobbies besides watches?
I don't invest as much time in any other of my activities.
Hi, Great colors. What is the weight difference between the Steel and the Titanium options? Regards,
I honestly don’t know… Sorry…
I love orange dial and I love the lume
What is your favorite Seiko or Citizen?
I am a Citizen guy.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this awesome watch
What's your favorite micro brand?
Impossible to answer your question, honestly. I can tell you what my favourite microbrand watch is at the moment: Isotope X Mercury!
Been looking at Signum because of their lume, nice review and thank you for the giveaway! My question for you is - having reviewed so many different microbrands, which watches have you bought for your own collection afterwards?
Being able to try on the watches and to be in contact with the brands' owners is a fantastic perk of being a reviewer, especially when we're talking about KickStarter projects. Having this "inside scoop" on one hand, and out of my desire to help original, well made watches make it to production, I have backed a few KickStarter campaigns (Ubiq, Pedral and Alato). Also, I'm grateful to Peter at Second Hour for a couple of fantastic discounts.
I got a watch from my parents when I turned 7 and I still have it, 50 years later! Do you still have or do you remember your very first watch?
Wow! Unfortunately my first watch (a Russian Raketa) was destroyed in a skiing pole wielding reenactment of the 3 Musketeers when I was about 12...
The watch's foundational design is very solid. The bezel is odd as there are no numerals to be found on the watch. But I agree, the lettering and Signum logo is better if it matched the blue of the bezel. My preference is for tool watches, particularly divers. Second place is chronographs. What is your personal preference and how did it develop?
Even though my "grails" are mostly chronographs, I am a fan of GADA watches.
Loved the Signum!! Well the question i got is... If your watches could be the official timepiece of a major historical event, which event would you choose and why!!?? Jusy curious...😬
This is such an intriguing question!... Obviously, the first thought is of an event where timing was of utmost importance, like the Normandy landings. Will think about this for a while.
@@themicrobrandexpert 🙌🏻
Awesome giveaway!
Thank you Toni and Kyle!
Do you think Signum has snagged the king of lume title back from Wise?
Thank you, Sivan!
No, I don't :)
Lovely vibrant watch and not too big for my slim wrist.
Do you think there are too many gmt's being released at the moment?
If there were too many, they wouldn't sell, yet they (still) seem to be doing alright. Also, many of the new ones come with the overwhelmingly superior Miyota 9075.
As always great review. To me it seems like helium escape valve is also a key selling feature on many divers. What are your thoughts on that? Fad or real feature? Second question - why don’t more divers have inverted lume dial aka full lume versus hands/markers lumed?
Thank you! Helium escape valves are clearly overkill, and, to be fair, I haven’t seen many.
Vary nice, Kyle is killing it with the Cuda!! How do you like the flower dial variation?? I'm really starting to appreciate the MoP alot more.
First impression was really good, but I grew to like the green pearl better. Still, because of the colour scheme, I like the reviewed variant best.
Very nice colourway and lume ! What makes microbrands interesting in your opinion ?
Microbrands have many things going for them, and they all are a result of the passion, so I guess this is what differentiates them primarily from established brands or Chinese clone manufacturers.
Signum makes some interesting watches. It was only recently I realised thaat the owner is the same as Stratton and possibly oddly I knew Signum before Stratton. This particular watch doesn't really appeal to me. I actually like it best in the dark, which is dubious praise when reflected on. That said, I can see how this may well be a hit for afficianados of the genre. I certainly think the bracelet works, but the sporty fun factor grows on that blue-white NATO.
Thank you for watching, Benjamin!
Hi Toni, the Signum Cuda looks sporty , colorful & I agree that it gives strong summer vibes I particularly like it featured on the NATO strap. Please consider me a contestant.
My question is what inspired you to include The Beastie Boys sample in this video?
With appreciation, Brian✌🏻
Thank you, Brian! Even since considering the channel’s name I thought this sample would make a good jingle. Used it intensively in my first videos, but I gradually dropped it until Fred, one of this channel’s first subscribers, reminded me of it.
@@themicrobrandexpert Hi Toni, I have a personal connection to the Beastie Boys. I went to high school with Adam Yauch of blessed memory. Wishing you a great weekend! ✌
Wow, Brian, that's fascinating - I just found out that, besides Adam, some notable Edward R. Murrow alumni include Darren Aronofsky, Marisa Tomei and one of my all-time music idols Peter Steele! Amazing! You have a great weekend too!
Great video, covered the salient points of this gorgeous watch just perfectly; regarding the lume, how do you think that it compares with other well-lumed watches?
Thank you! As a matter of fact, the very first watch that I gave away on the channel was a Zeppelin quartz dual timer that just didn't seem to fade. Like never! That was the only lumed dial that I've experienced. As for overall lume, this one's quite impressive, but it wouldn't beat the AD8 or the Akva I've featured on the channel.
The lume is absolutely amazing
Q: Rolex or Omega?
What's your favorite?
While the Speedmaster Reduced is one of my attainable grails, I find that Rolex have a more comprehensive catalogue.
I just discovered your channel and am looking forward to catching up on your videos. I’m also pleased to see your generous giveaway of this striking watch, so thank you for that. My question to you is regarding your personal watch journey: when you look back to your early days, do you feel that the main design elements that attract you to a watch are basically the same now, or do you feel that your tastes have evolved quite a lot?
Thank you and I hope you'll find enough resons to visit again! (for what it's worth I got 2 more giveaways lined up 🤣)
Your question ties in very well with another I just answered ("if you had the chance, what would you change?"). It's amazing how much my taste has evolved (or changed, so I wouldn't appear pretentious) over the years, from aesthetics to size to features.
In your estimation, good design is about what the buyer likes. In a sea of modern dive watches, how does a brand best push itself forward? For anything beyond sales numbers, is being liked really better than being cutting edge? Thanks!
This is actually a question that I believe microbrands offer a plethora of answers to. I believe I oversimplified the definition out of my desire to emphasise why Signum have made the choices they did. Why Signum actually exists. And the reason Signum exists is to give Kyle more freedom in creating designs for Straton, his "main" brand.
Truth is the majority of watch enthusiasts are in the "consummer phase" and that heavily impacts the commercial succes of cutting edge design. It's really unfortunate, but I've seen amazing designs leading to brands' demise because of how much it costs to get such dreams into metal and how small the market is when trying to recoup such investment.
This would be a fantastic subject for a video, but I'm pretty sure such production would be burried as a footnote by TH-cam's algorithm...
You have the most perfect voice for commenting on the attributes of watches. I can't quite place your accent & was wondering where are you from? If that's not too intrusive
Thank you, you're too kind! My name's Toni and I live in Brasov, Romania.
What is your favourite Signum dial? I have been wanting to get my hands on a Signum watch. They look like outstanding value for money.
For me, the Malachite Solus is the best looking watch in their catalogue! Not as affordable as others, but unique indeed.
Hi Tony! Hope you’re doing well! Usually, you don’t really timegraph the watches you review… but I was wondering, as this is a higher beat movement, if Signum regulate the 9015 or gave you any values concerning accuracy. Thank you
Apologies for the late reply! I don't timegraph because I don't believe one watch is representative for a line. As far as I know there is no regulating on any Signum or Straton.
Love the contrast of the two colours and that lume! Good choice for the upgrade to miyota 9 series.
My question is: I'd considered purchasing some Chinese watches, notably the Seagull 1963, or one of the various Sugess Chronographs. Rather than the build quality or the dial design, I have concerns on the Chinese movements. How was the experience with your Chinese caliber movement?
The best thing I can recommend to you is to watch my review of the Perpetual C-05 where I speak at length about the ST19 caliber.
Nice time piece. Tell me how you feel about it after really getting a proper run in. Cheers.
Those watch will leave my wrist in a week’s time.
Do you think it looks better with the plain bezel or the shark tooth bezel? Black or blue bezel?
It depends a lot on the dial. For the mineral ones I would go with plain black, avoiding a colourite cacophony, but for the full lume dials I would go for shark tooth, black for green and blue for the rest. Kyle has done a great thing posting on the product page renders of all possible variants.
Great video as usual! Is the Citizen your birth year watch? Did you manage to also get one made in July? I think with Citizen it is doable, I remember they have similar SNs logic as Seiko
Thank you! Yes, the Leopard is the watch, but it's actually a little younger than me. The price I got it for more than made up for it, though :)
Awesome watch and giveaway, enter me as well, thanks, always great reviews
Great video and awesome review, well done
Q: what is your favorite movie?
Thank you! Has to be a Top 3 at least, man! Manchester By The Sea, Glengarry Glen Ross, No Country For Old Men.
How do you think the Signum Cuda ranks against microbrands in the same price range? Colour-wise I think they offer a combination that's rarely ever used, such as this orange dial with blue bezel.
I am impressed Straton have managed to keep the price under 500 dollars considering they upgraded the watch and most micros added about 15% to their price tags. If one wants lume, one can't go wrong with this.
I think these are great (and really enjoy your direction of your channel).
My question: Kyle has done some great dials, but which is missing from the 39 Cuda line up: yellow dial, meteorite dial, malachite dial, or something else?
Thank you! Considering the bezel options, I believe meteorite would've been a good addition to the line up.
What are your top 3 micro brands for value buying?
RZE, Wise, Second Hour
Great review Mario.
A lot of us I believe become watch enthusiasts as a result of a sentimental attachment to a timepiece we’ve either received or acquired ourselves as a result of a memory of someone we hold in high regard wearing one. So tell us, which watch do you own or have owned that has the most sentimental value and why?
Thank you! Unfortunately I have no such tale - for me it was a choice, actually. I chose to become a collector and my research instinct took it forward as I rejoiced seeing there are hundreds, thousands of things to get lost in.
That's great looking watch mate, thanks for great review
What's your favorite watch complication?
For being a multi-sensorial experience, I like the minute repeater a lot. However, jump hour with retrograde minutes is simply amazing!
Hi Toni, when did Kyle start Signum? Have a great weekend!
The website says 2020, but the first model was launched in 2021. Have a great weekend too!
Great review.
Looks like great summer watch
Count me in for it
Would like to know what is your grail watch?
Already replied to this question. Thank you for watching!
Very Nice!! I actually like the watch better on the blue strap.. What's your favourite dial type??
Might be the fact I'm getting older, but I prefere more and more dressy watches with complications. I agree with your observation on the blue strap, thank you for watching!
How did your interest in watches begin? What was the spark?
Can't really say it was a spark. My grandfather was a collector, and the sad thing there's only one pocket watch that remained. I became intrigued by watches aout 5-6 years ago, but I went fully in after suffering a heart attack 3 yars ago, as I find this hobby very relaxing.
@@themicrobrandexpert I hope you’re doing very well health-wise. I can’t even imagine how having a heart attack could impact and change a person. So glad you have found a relaxing passion in collecting, and have that connection to your grandfather. My son actually got me started and I love talking watches with him.
Been on the hunt for an abalone dial and this model does have an abalone dial. There are no aliexpress abalone dial watches interestingly enough. I noticed some abalone dials use a few pieces of abalone pieced together rather than a full solid piece. My question is for micro brands, since one can never view in person before buying (as they aren't sold in local box stores) would microbrands be willing to send pictures with good lighting of a few abalone dials for a customer to choose from? This being important because every abalone or natural dial is unique and made in nature.
Well, I can assure you that most microbrands will be responsive to such a request.
Absolutely gorgeous watch
I'd like to know what's your top 5 watch brands?
As much as I love micros, my favourite 5 are Patek Philippe, MB&F, FP Journe, Vacheron Constantin and JLC.
That is beautiful watch with gorgeous dial
How many watches do you own?
18 wristwatches and 2 pocket ones.
Dive watches or GMT watches, wich is your favorite?
As long as they're not bi-coloured, GMT.
What do you feel is signum'smost interesting dial for this watch?
Not a fan.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this awesome watch
Do you like dress watches?
More and more, with each passing day.
Do you think there is a certain number of watches that should not be exceeded in collecting?
Setting arbitrary boundaries only serves as a guaranteed recipe for frustration.
Very nice video, i respect your work and hope that you continue this youtube channel. Would you consider doing a video on some forgotten-ish vintage main brand watch designs like the TAG Heuer Kirium (CL111A) or the Omega Polaris?
Thank you for the praise! On one hand, I feel rather intimidated by vintage watches, on the other hand my self-imposed mission is to feature as many under-the-radar contemporary brands as possible. Finding a format that would reconcile microbrands and legendary vintage watches is quite a daunting task, made even harder by the large amount of watches I am yet to review (fully booked till mid-August). What I would definitely love doing is meeting as many members of this community and, as your name suggests you might live close by, talking watches over coffee would be great!
Hi. What other watch channels would you recommend?
Hi. Are you a subscriber to my channel?
@@themicrobrandexpert yes
What a great simplistic design! Case Thickness - 11mm!!! Really? How do you feel wearing a 200m diver watch which is only 11mm thick?
Well, the case might be only 11 mm, but the caseback and the crystal take its thicknes to 13 mm. The watch wears great!
I would like to know when you got your first watch?
I got my first watch as a present almost 40 years ago 😊 The watch I started collecting with was a quartz Adriatica, 5 years ago.
Nice watch, I’d like to enter the giveaway. How old are you?
Nice watch
Aside from wristwatches, what other hobbies interest you?
I have spent considerable chunks of my life playing football (soccer) and making/playing music. I am a fan of Juventus Torino and I love my music as I like my watches: very much underground and metal 😂
Is the unnumbered bezel only decorative or is it used in some way?
Honestly, besides fidget spinning them, I never used bezels…
@@themicrobrandexpert Thank you for your reply. Thank you so much for this awesome giveaway prize.
While these pieces have good lume, particularly the full lume dials, has bad lume ever been a deal breaker for you for a watch you were interested in buying or even a key reason as to why you moved on from a piece and sold it? If so, do you remember the specific brand and model?
Actually no, lume has never been high on my priorities list. That being said, I regard having poor lume as cheapening out, particularly when talking about mainstream brands that seem to be going out of their way to offer as little as possible for as much money as possible.
Very nice, love the lume on this one too. Thanks for the Beastie flashback too ; ) As for the question, how did you come across this company?
Really grateful to be able to offer you a flashback - it goes to show how big of a supporter you've been! Thank you!
Some pretty awsome lume on that watch! My question to you is: what are the four best does and don’t someone new to the hobby?
Great to see you, Daniel!
Don't
- overspend
- limit to a certain style/brand
- believe this is an investment
- believe everything on YT
Do
- experiment and experience
- enroll in online communities
- have patience
- take into account all expenses (taxes, servicing, etc)
@@themicrobrandexpert great advice brother! And fingers crossed for the giveaway, have never had the pleasure to try a Signum 😊
Do you think that some microbrands might have the opportunity to establish themselves as main maisons in the next decades? If yes, do you have any suggestion?
While a few micros like C Ward, Farer or Baltic have already taken a few steps forward, becoming mainstream is getting harder by the day... Just take Kyle for example: he runs two relatively successful micros and still has to keep a day job...
What would be the bezel of choice for You personally for this model? One shown in video or shark teeth...
I guess it depends on the chosen dial. Natural minerals would go better with understated black, while full lume dials are more adequate for shark teeth.
@@themicrobrandexpert exactly this combo shown, orange blue.
@@bozakemp22, I believe I would go for the shark teeth.
WooooW just amazing lume
Do you prefere automatic or quartz watches?
Automatic, but quartz can be amazing!