Should We Collect Microbrands?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ค. 2024
- Many of my viewers have asked me about micro-brands and whether we should collect them or not.
That said, I hear so many stories from people (especially newbies) that have spent a fortune on 30 or 40 watches (micro's) over a period of time and initially in their heart they wanted a 'grail' that to them seemed unattainable when they first started collecting.
$8k-$10k was way out of reach for many of them, so they spent $500 here and $300 there, until they realised they could have got their grail if they were patient.
These are specific points I am addressing, where real people who have shared their distress and stories with me, I give my advice to them and others going down the same road.
I share my thoughts on these, feel free to add your comments, ideas and experiences as well..
As for me, I love micro brands and believe that a handful have a place in my own collection, thats my personal take and pleasure in this hobby..
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Once again, feel free to share your thoughts and thanks for watching - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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If you like it, buy it. Who cares about anything else? 🤷🏻♂️
i do think buy what you like is important, but its also important to do research (ie. i like seiko, but i know that with buying one, i'll likely get one with alignment issues)
100% spot on
Agree brand history is meaningless, if the watch is what you want thats all the matters.
Agreed. Get a watch that you like the look of that has a decent movement in it.
Buy what you can afford and what makes you happy.
Life's to short to worry about it's future value or what someone else thinks.
Unique design, easily serviceable and scarcity are the reason I like micro brands … nothing wrong with Omega and Rolexes but they produce 800,000+ each year?! Where is the uniqueness in that? BMW’s and Mercedes are nice cars but they’re everywhere, are they really “collectible”?
I have 52 watches mostly micros but some big brands limited runs. I can say that I rotate most of them on my wrist (52 weeks= avg 7 days per year)….and each time I do, I get to fall in love all over again with the watch. So yes overall I could have had 4-5 big brands instead but collecting is less about “investment” more about enjoyment.
Finally, a big thank you for reviewers such as yourself that help us understand what new watches offer!👍👍👍
I bought my first automatic watch last month: a Zelos Mako Titanium. I wanted to buy a watch that would not be "disposable" (that would be worth of service/ repair cost), with an interesting design and specs (for everyday use, to figure out if I am into mechanical watches), and that would not make me drenched in cold sweat when paying for it, or afraid or wearing it. So I went for it. I just love it. I don't care about resale value, because I do not intend to sell it.
Great stuff..well i can say with all confidence, you purchased a lovely piece. There is so much to like about the Mako Ti, enjoy it for many years to come 👍👍
It would probably still be easier to junk the Miyota 9015 and replace rather than service it.
@@oktc68 absolutely, thats my attitude as well. I had a Seiko Turtle go bung on me (out of warranty) and i took it to my watch repairer. In the end it would have been a lot less expensive to simply replace the movement with a $40 NH35 than repair it.
@@oktc68 Ya, probably. Anyway, any capable watchmaker would be able to do the replacement, and it will not cost the price of a kidney.
@@PeterKotsa Oh man. I bought the Teal variant, and it is so beautiful that when I saw it for the first time my jaw almost hit the floor XD
“I’m living in a prison called Australia!” 😂
Very ironic considering what Australia used to be!
yup those citizens are trapped under their own government.
@@Andrew.W75 today they suck!!! the world needs TRUMP 2024 fuck fauci. fuck biden
my condolances
@@zillsburyy1 “let’s go Brandon!”
What a silly question! You can collect whatever the heck you wanna collect! Why is this question even brought out into the light? It's ridiculous. Watch collecting is watch collecting! You acquire what you like & afford, micro brand or older & bigger than the Swiss Alps, it doesn't matter! Just add to your collection if you fancy it. Sell it when you realize you haven't worn it in months & have no desire to wear it at all. Why does it matter if it's a micro brand? These days, even a tiny watch company that's just starting out can produce a high quality watch using the latest high quality materials. So, it really comes down to design & finishing. So, IMO, it doesn't matter if it's a micro brand. Just collect what you like. Why care if it's a small, 10 year old company. Like you said, even the big boys had to start as a miniscule watch company & build up over the years.
I can see where you're coming from, however you do need to be careful sometimes with them. I recently bought a Lorier Neptune version 3, a great watch, however the v3 addressed issues with the previous versions being too thick & not wearing very well on smaller wrists, ironically the target market the watch was designed for. I imagine the introduction of the v3 wouldn't help the resale value of the previous versions. They don't always have the ability to do the same amount of product development up front that a major brand might do.
I agree wholeheartedly year spot on some people not mentioning names are kind of elitist by nature they may not even know it but when you have something in your hand that’s better then I’ll much more expensive watch and you can’t even admit it is when you have a problem it’s called elitism because others don’t know you don’t like it that’s how some folks are they want to the conversation with other people I’m a middle child my dad had 12 kids and I like being different I like having things people don’t have so micro brands are perfect for me the only watch I want that’s not a micro brand my dad‘s best friend owned it was a day date white gold with the bark finish it is nostalgic to me not big on Rolex don’t like the way they treat people they are at least at the top of the list of people destroying this industry so you can give your opinion and what not but don’t tell people what to do with their money yeah people can make their own mistakes you learn by making mistakes you don’t learn by watching others make mistakes that ain’t how it works you don’t officially know that you made a mistake till somethings in your And you realize you don’t enjoy it I have a mere face Mavado that I love I get compliments on it all the time I don’t care if I get compliments I feel good wearing it it’s a quartz movement I love it I don’t care if others do it makes me feel good if anything people who are watch snobs trash s**t every time I wear it and that’s OK with me it makes me feel like wow I’m different and I like it
I do see all the time where people have some weird personal vendetta against main brand watches, because they feel they are out of their budget...
Yet in reality they have already waisted that much money and sometimes more as a price of a name brand watch by what they invested in all the various microbrand watches. Honestly I can see how it piles up so easy and fast. Just something to look out for.
Thank you for doing this video, you presented this discussion quite well (no surprises there)!
I personally appreciate the messages; value and style in one package, no reward without the risk (ground floor of the next Sinn or maybe even Oris), a nice daily wear one can enjoy without worry, and mix it up with moderation.
Also, thank you for letting us 'try on' many microbrands on your wrist; virtually, at least!
I'm only a couple of years into my watch collecting journey and you tube has opened up another world especially micro brands.
These guys are coming up with so many decent offerings with specs and looks it can be very tempting to pull the trigger but I agree with you on not getting carried away with too many.
Zelos I think is an exception with the beautifully made pieces they come up with for the price and hopefully elshan keeps up the good work for many years to come.
Great video Peter, thanks!
There’s also a group of buyers out there - I’m sure the minority - who are actively avoiding big brand watches because they’re attracted to the more direct maker-buyer relationship that comes with microbrands. I love that I can support and directly speak with some of the individuals who are making some genuinely interesting, exciting stuff. That direct, more grassroots experience is appealing to me.
Well said Peter, the watch collecting is a journey at the end, we will have to pass trough all those trends
I've got a couple of Traska microbrand watches that I absolutely love! Like you said, they are great value for the money and seem to be constantly sold out. With the Miyota brand movements and the scratch resistant, treated stainless steel, case and bracelet, they are incredible values.
Love the thoughts on the micro-brand subject. Thank you for making this video
Great video, Pete. Very proud of my Zelos Nova 38, but also have an Omega and a Grand Seiko. Also, LOVE that bullhead Seiko chrono on your wrist - super cool!
Great video, great advice. I had just that, where I looked down and realized I had too many that I didn't love anymore. I bought them to scratch an itch at the time instead of waiting and getting what I really wanted. I have paired down A LOT and still have a few microbrands which I love, but now I have them mixed in with my 4-5 figure pieces and I now have my forever collection and I am much much happier. Great video, keep up the great work. Thank you
Cheers
Wise words well put. The value many offer is outstanding.
Thank you for your wonderful video. Through the years I've picked up watches from various larger brands but my collection was random. I fell in love with Baltic Watches and the thought of supporting a wonderful artist. I like the limited quantities and knowing I probably won't run into someone wearing the same watch. I like being unique and microbrands are definitely unique and daring in their designs. With Baltic being such a young brand I can focus on collecting all their new watches slowly as they come available and slowly backtracking and collecting previous limited editions and numbered watches. Collecting a microbrand is allowing me to focus my collecting. I also like the thought of one day meeting the founder. It's like living in the same time frame as one of the great painters of our past and being able to meet them. Meeting the Master. One day I hope to have a truly complete collection of Baltic watches from their founding. Micro brands allow this were I could never hope to accomplish this with larger more established brands. Thank you again for the video.
Strong pick. They make beautiful pieces. I have taken a serious side quest en route, but that blue Baltic Aquascaphe Dual Crown is still on my list. Iwas the at the very top of the mountain - it smokes the Spinnaker Bradner and the Dan Henry super compressor (DH2972?). In MY opinion. But you know, it's a whole journey that takes you in unexpected turns along the way. Collect and wear yours in good health 🥂
I like your philosophy, it actually works well for me too. Great video, Pete!
Thanks for the good discussion on the topic.
Excellent vid! As a microbrand owner, these videos are essential to get the word out and to also re-assure people out there that its an investment worth making! Thanks again
Buying watches as an investment probably isn't the best idea, try Bitcoin. Buy watches cos they "speak to you" you'll enjoy them far more.
Beautiful. Collection Peter , I have the same Seiko bullheaded dame dial color
Good topic and enjoyed the video. I never use invest and watches in the same word. Watches generally won't appreciate in time. I've been collecting micro-brands for over a decade before they really exploded. Only a handful of those brands are still around. Brands like Armida, Benarus/Raven, Helson are off the top of my head that made me a believer in INIDE brands offering a lot of value for the money.
Beatiful collection and photography, makes me want to buy more watches, and spot on with your viewpoint
I have a helm vanuatu,and love it.well worth the wait.I could not spend thousands on a watch,when they do the same job as a £30 timex.I love to watch micro brand reviews.Im not expecting my watches to hold their value.I buy them cause I like them.
Good video..thanks
Microbrands often provide a different aesthetic to the big names, which some people may prefer over the heritage. If you like the look of a watch, feel some draw to the startup story & company ideals, go for it. Chances are you'll have a relatively unique watch on your wrist of good quality, that you'll surprise yourself with when you catch a glimpse of it every now & then 😀
Microbrands make up half of my collection, and love every one, I might flip a few I don't wear, but on the whole they are here to stay, love them!
I haven't clicking, saved and download a video so fast in my life.
Hahahaha, thats GOLD 😉
Yes certainly, we should to focus on the product itself ( quality) rather than the brand, for have a longtime satisfaction. But for judge the quality of a watch we need knowledges and open to learn.
It's why I would like to thank you for your chanel and wish you an happy new year.
Good vid. My collection includes big boys (Omega, Accutron, Bremont, Seiko, Maurice LaCroix) and micro randa (RZE, Geckota, and others). Good vid. Keep at it!
Nice collection 👍
Well said Pete. I share similar thoughts and would add that collecting homages are playing within the same league. Though they might initially be good value for the money they most likely don't make you happy. It's good to have one as a good looking beater but in the end I enjoy saving up for a real deal...
It’s very simple. If you like, buy it to play. When you like another one, buy it but remember to sell the earlier piece. Don’t keep too many.
Totally agree, it's cool to have watches for daily use too, not only as collection. Also many famous movements can be find in microbrands too.
The bang for the buck is what micro-brands offer to the consumer, which is something most brand names will not provide in their supposedly affordable models. If you get sapphire crystal on an "affordable" watch from a brand name, now the watch costs 2 times its price, making it no longer an "affordable" piece. You are paying for the name and whatever else they add to that "affordable" watch.
With Micro-brands, you know what you are getting from the beginning, they come with most of the stuff the more expensive models have when it comes to materials. The only thing is that they don't have brand name recognition.
Anyway, great vid!
The brand names have lots of overheads, plus distribution markups after all each party in the chain is making money, plus the taxman. Oh, and those celebrity endorsements add to the costs.
Some good advice . Have to admit at the start of my watch journey, I bought dozens of watches that cost two , three ,four hundred pounds . Most of them I gave away to family and friends , when I was able to buy more prestigious brands . I certainly could have saved that money and purchased a Swiss luxury watch . But looking back , I suppose its part of the journey
You make it sound as tho' watches costing up to £400 aren't worth buying. The facts are that if buy wisely a £400 watch can have the exact same movement as a "Swiss luxury model" costing loads more. (Sellita sw200 available in watches from a few hundred dollars to $60,000) sure there are different levels of decoration and regulation, but it's still the same movement in this case an ETA 2824 clone. For me personally I get a buzz knowing that my £250 homage to a classic Seiko has a Swiss made movement (the previously mentioned ETA) and is finished better than any Seiko of which it's a homage. Learn to regulate your own pieces and it's amazing how accurately a humble NH35A can be, certainly well within what's required for COSC certification. Luxury brands that use these quality Swiss Made movements just charge vastly inflated prices for the exact same thing (check out the price of a rotor assembly for the 2824 if it has Omega branding applied) there's an awful lot of "Emperor's new clothes" going on with luxury brands, how can there be a justifiable multi thousands of £'s difference between two watches made from identical materials (316L stainless steel for example) with the exact same movement? Just how much £££ is that miniscule logo on the dial worth? Again, buy what you like, don't worry what others think.(I'm mainly talking about dive watches here, but I think this applies across the board)
That wasn't my intention to make it sound like watches up to £400 aren't worth buying.
Sorry if it came across that way.
I love micro's thats why I wear them and review them and many of them offer accuracy and quality equal to the big boys.
Cheers
@@oktc68 there's been a misunderstanding here. I did not mean to state that these watches are no good . But spending so much money , spread over so many pieces, is not a wise strategy . Especially when the end goal is a grail piece , say for instance a Rolex Submariner.
@@PeterKotsa I didn't take it that way . Just think spending so much money over so many pieces , limited my ability to buy my grail pieces . I have some of them now. But could have had them earlier had I saved my money
@@johncoyle8191 my bad, I misread the question from @oktc68 I thought he was referring it to me...😊
My mix up 👍
I started this hobby about a year ago. I have 7 Mechanical watches, 6 are micro-brands. Only 1 is name brand, Seiko. 3 SW200, 1 ETA 2824, 2 Miyota 9015's & 1 4r36 movement. All under $1000. The value for money ratio is better than name brands imho. There is no name equity per se, but that's only one aspect to consider in buying a timepiece. I am looking more towards name brands right now, mostly Tissot as they have great watches for the price. Great vid Peter!
I'm really stoked about the direction Zelos is going. New packaging , new exclusive movements and new models coming up. It'll be a great year to buy/invest in one. I personally have enjoyed 4 Zelos watches and sold them without losing any money. Sometimes even making profit , that can't be said for many other microbrands.
Very true, your not the first one to tell me that you've made a profit on these in the pre-owned market
Amazing...
@@PeterKotsa yeah it's great, ive been able to try their watches without losing money. Eventually landed on the Mako Ti Meteorite as the keeper.
Also a good heads-up for people to not keep buying tons of watches. I had built a 15+ watch collection , recently sold most of them and will be making a solid 5 watch collection.
@@HRM.H great to hear..less is more for sure
Enjoy the journey and watches
I just ordered one of the new Ti Swordfish in green. I love the way it looks. My first Zelos & microbrand, too.
@@chriscon8463 great stuff, enjoy 👍
Peter Kotsa should have way more subscribers for this quality of content. Excellent stuff man!
Too kind 🙏
As someone who has been through loads of micros, and now currently have a mix of Frederique Constant and Christopher Ward in the collection... absolutely. Indeed, both FC and CW are young companies.
The advantage of the properly small Micros is that you can experiment and play around with sizes, styles, and shapes for relatively small outlay. You can refine what you really like/want in a diver before or even if you carry on up the latter to Oris, Tudor, Omega, etc
Love your content mate, keep it up
Great 👍 review PK, keep 🆙 the good work & I hope you get free of 🔐 down very 🔜 greeting from Paris. My main passion is for vintage watches but I love ❤️ Microbrands, Small Independents & Indie brands as well.
It often seems that microbrands are producing very interesting, quality watches for reasonable prices. I've got a mix of micro and majors and I like 'em all!
Excellent advice, Peter.
Great content! Yes also from Australia. Enjoy my microbrands. I own a couple of Zelos, a Helm, Dan Henry, RLG, the MAS Irukandji, Phoibos, Christopher Ward and a couple of Yemas but not sure if they are classed as microbrands.
Thanks for the video Peter. 2 Things to add: 1st. Because of the limmited pieces from micro brands, I have the feeling their are less QC issues (like a missaligned bezel). 2nd: Ask yourself the question: "Why am I a watch collector?" If the answer is: "I love the refreshing watch designs (dials, hands, cases).", then you cannot go wrong with a lot of micro brands. Zelos, Phoibos, Formex to name a few. If you're interested in the history of watchmaking also, then keep it to a couple of micro brands like you advised. Greetz, Hans Peter (just started with the hobby)
Hiya Pete! Personally I'm a big fan of microbrands. Not only do they often give the major brands a run for the money, they also enrich the watch market, or the supply to be more precise with their creativity. Cheers mate!
Correct, well said Alex
Another factor in favor of microbrands is innovation and creativity. The big brands are generally not willing or able to really be creative with design, colors, etc.
Iv got a bunch of Seikos and 2 Steinharts, a ocean vintage one red and a gmt 39 and the 2 Steinharts will never be traded or sold. Great video! I subscribed!
welcome aboard Mark..
Enjoy the watches my friend 👍
I never buy a watch as an investment, I know it can be done but that is just not me.
I love micro brands that offer a nice design, good movement and a great price. I study the specs, reviews and consider the watch for months before pulling the trigger.
I buy the watch knowing that I want it for all the right reasons and I have a streak of zero regrets. I avoid the buyer remorse part by simply asking myself over and over why do I want the watch.
Sometimes I see a micro brand that offers so much but I wait and discover another micro brand that offers pretty much the same with one exception - a better movement.
But as a watch lover one can not ignore the classics like a Seiko or Omega etc. , etc.
The main thing is to buy a watch you can see yourself loving for a long time regardless of the pedigree.
I really like your intro song lol it draws me in every time.
😊
Yet again . Good advice, I agree with what you say , I am being careful of the buys I make , I always wonder what makes a "microbrand" ? . It is easy to fall into the "ooh shiny things " hole. Cheers.
I love the variety of my collection, including some microbrands!
Thanks Peter
Great stuff totally agree 👍
Cheers bro
Excellent synopsis Peter. I have a Zelos Mako steel frost...it's a really great watch... And I would buy maybe another 2 similar ..without ending up with boxes of them.
I also feel the array of available micro brands tends to be a bit skewed to dive style watches and there is a bit of a gap when it comes to interesting design dress watches (Zelos Nova for example)
Appreciate the video! To me, if the aesthetic works for you and you identify value, go for it! Similar to cars, the majority of watches shouldn’t be bought as an investment where one expects to see value in the secondary market. “Trading up” is a dicey proposition that usually only works when one decides that they no longer find aesthetic value in a watch and are willing to sell for a much lesser value. I would never consider my micro brand watches for this because most retailers don’t know what to do with them. As for marketplaces like Chrono24... just don’t know what to think of all that...
What a great video and discussion on microbrands
Cheers
Great video and advice!
Microbands are the future brand names ,gotta love em. Thanks pete.
I gotta agree there Mal..cheers mate 👍
I agree with you 100%. I’ve always said that you can’t become a major brand if you don’t start the company. You have to start somewhere and build from there.
We can see from success stories (Zelos or CW) that its only a matter of time before a micro is no longer a micro 👍👍
I just ordered my first micribrand on Friday and it's due to be delivered tomorrow.
An Aragon Divemaster.
I didn't know anything about the brand.
I found out that they have been around for 30 years and have a good reputation.
Saw Shane do a review on the watch and I had to have it.
It was hitting on a lot of great specs and I've been wanting a diver even though I don't dive. Just love the look of it and the specs.
I've been itching for a new watch for a while and this one came along at the right time for me.
Aragon has been around for 30 years & I know Wing, you should be very happy 😃 with the quality of the watch for the price they are well built great watches 🤜
If you like the watches and will keep them forever, then why not. It's personal preference, buy what makes you happy. Just make sure you're not paying over the odds for a watch with an NH35 or equivalent Miyota, as many are charging double what they're worth so be price conscious or even wait as most microbrands appear on eBay at often half the price within a year or so, which leads into my second point, if you like to flip your watches and get some new ones when you feel like a change, don't get microbrands because half your money is invariably gone, except for the rare exception, like a new car when you take it out of the sales room. If you like to change your collection stay away from microbrands and buy well known brands. That Seiko Monster 2nd gen you bought 5 years ago for €300, is now selling for €1400. The microbrand you buy now for €300, in 5 years you might sell it for €100, if anyone even wants to buy it.
Fanatasic vid couldn’t come at a better time for me lol
Very thoughtful and interesting as usual, Peter. Personally, I think people should buy and wear micro brands; don’t bother collecting. If you stop collecting, you can just learn to love the watch(s) you have.
Own an OWC,fantastic design,quality and timekeeping plus I know I won't bump into someone with another very often.
I have micro brands including Boldr, Dan Henry, Zelos, Traska, Atticus, Lilienthal Berlin,San Martin, Islander…..love them all.
My dad Australis Sea Shade is coming in Friday. Purchased off EBay for $299.99+free shipping prototype 1:1. Because of you Thanks Peter.
Fredrique Constantine 40Hz watch movement will shake everything. Game changer!
I guess will be 2-3x expensive than now,same as Oris with their new in-house😏
Yes, you should be collecting because you enjoy the pieces.
Awesome content as always
cheers
I'm new to the micro brand thing, but due to the review of the Wise here, I got one, as well as a Spinnaker. The value for $ is astounding and in many ways, it turns the watch industry on its head. I sold the Spinnaker, but kept the Wise. I have a small high end collection of JLC, Tudor, etc, and the Wise fits in perfectly. I also like the idea it's not made in the usual big two places.
A lot of good info thanks. Personally, I buy watches that look good 'to my eyes' and fit within my budget. That way I can't lose. Over time, if I'm lucky enough to get one or two to become classics then I can profit from them. If not, I can pass them down as heirlooms. Ether way it's a win win situation. ...Go for what takes yer eye and enjoy collecting watches. 👍😎
Micros are great, I had one break out of warranty and just bought a $40AUD NH35 movement and put it in my self. Also enjoy the bargins in the used market to try out styles and colours. I cap it at 8 experimental pieces but buy with the deals so rarely lose much.
Zelos 100% Amazing watches for the price.
These are the beloved of watch enthusiasts.
Hi Pete! Great Video! Like always. How are You doing Mate? I m seeing some crazy Sh.... in internet! Nothing in main stream! Like Dictatorship!
The balance of authoritarian rule over the statistics we are shown doesn't make much sense to us here.
We have just over 25 Million people and a tad over 1K deaths in nearly 2 years?
Well-produced vid!
Truth was spoken here!
Quite dubiously a few years ago a friend of mine asked me to check Bangkok for fake mechanical watches which in turn got me fascinated by mechanical movements.
Now, I actually don't like most of the luxury brand watches all that much, for me a Tudor Black Bay 58 is about all I really aspire to realistically get.
But indeed, I started with Seiko and whatnot and now deep into microbrands territory, but I could've probably bought a BB58 with everything I put into affordable watches.
Now, I do like the variety, I'm not sure I'm a one-watch-collection kinda guy. Different occassions, outfits, moods ask for different watches. Plus, it allowed me to develop my taste as well, trying different things. Classic, modern, sporty, chunky, way out there, intricate, etc.
The thing with a Rolex Submariner (aside from that I personally don't really like it) is... it's too obvious. It's a bit like getting a new Mercedes... in most parts of the world having a Mercedes is a bit of a status symbol, they're really good and solid... but... everyone kinds knows it and I've been in tons just from getting around with UBER and stuff. So at the one hand you've got like this status symbol and exclusivity... but then again it's actually so common, that it's maybe... a bit boring?! Atleast to me.
In my collection there's for example the Bulova CURV chronograph, now that's a watch with a twist. And one recent purchase of mine was the Zelos Ti-Damascus Mako V3. Indeed, that for example was a limited edition model which helps with already it's unique looks being even more unique knowing there isn't a 2nd one like it out there (all dials are unique) and probably won't catch someone else wearing the same model. I also have a Casio G-Shock DW5600NASA20 limited edition with a cool minimalistic white scheme with the NASA logo and script (kind of reminds me of 'Supreme') and a moon on the backlight (I bought this watch from eBay shortly after launch and it has been the best appreciating asset I've ever owned). I like watches that do things differently. Not just for the sake of being different, don't get me wrong, but pulling it off in a beautiful way that I am just in love with how it looks. And I'd rather have people say 'what's that on your wrist? Haven't seen anything like it, looks cool!' than 'ah, a Rolex, you baller'.
A little while ago I was impulse buying microbrands left and right whenever a cool design with good specs and a low price came out, but it got to the point where I'd have to change watches in the middle of the day to wear them all. Luckily I was able to sell most of the ones that weren't getting wrist time, I hope they went to good homes because they weren't any worse than the ones that made it into my rotation. They deserve to be loved too!
i think microbrands has more attractive design than mainstream brands
I'm definitely getting more and more into micro brands the deeper I get into the watch game! Like you said, you just get a lot of watch for your money!
I agree, my collection is made up of main brand & I love vintage watches. But our company invests in MB’s as well as start ups. I love ❤️ seeing the designs & the some of the modern technology that goes into micro, macro, small independent or indie brands Watch Gringa.
Danke für deine Überlegungen was das Sammeln solcher Uhren betrifft.
Great advice!
Size-wise and design-wise micros might offer great options. They are definitely wearable if not collectible.
Phoibos Leviathan with DLC. Seriously put that watch through hell each day. Just amazing how tough it is.
I don't know if I'm alone in this, but I tend to pick up things in a style that I like, with complications that I like, in movements that I like. I won't buy another watch with an NH35, for example, because I already have a dozen pieces with that movement. The last two acquisitions were gold TV-style day-dates (70s-era) from Omega and Enicar (A. Schild mvmt). One was smaller and one a bit larger. I think I may be moving to a new phase of older Omegas and Seiko 36000 bph day-dates right now, but I'll likely augment with Rado, Mido and Oris day-dates, maybe another Ball (day-date)? I think collecting what you like is what to collect. I don't think it matters so much who makes it.
The quality offered by micro brands are just amazing. You recently did a comparison between a $5000 Seiko and a $500 Wise, both scoring the same. I think a person needs to ask some serious questions about there own mental well being if they can justify spending $5000 or more on a watch if the same quality is available for $500 or less.
Your comment on resale is true for most Microbrands but i think the sole exceptions tend to be the ones from Singapore. A Zelos tends to either get scalped or counterfeited a lot, I'm on the verge of classifying it as a name brand at this point since those never really happen to microbrands in general.
I have a FP Journe Elegante and I love it, I bought it in Taiwan of all places when I was living there, apparently a lot of Chinese and Taiwanese people bought this watch, which even lead to it being sold out, had something to do with Chinese new year and good luck superstition and traditions.
I'm saving up for my purchase a Moritz Grossmann, both of these are new brands and could be considered micro brands although they're high horology and in the higher end of the market. They have some heavy background in the watchmaking industry which is the main reason I like them
Enjoyed the video. I do think Christopher Ward are well beyond microbrand status at this stage.
Halios is probably the best microbrand for value retention and in some instances appreciation.
I was sure you would have opened the positives with sheer variety of distinctive design flair that microbrands offer!
I have three microbrands in my collection. Brellum, Norqain, and Tourby. These pieces have excellent fit and finish. Look at Christopher Ward, very popular independent company. What about Zelos, they are another success story. Microbrands in Australia, Canada, and the US are all putting out some excellent watches.
Just bought a tactical frog version 2 300T model in aquamarine and I would love if you did a review on the new version 3 because they finally fixed the bezel with a different design for minutes only. This is a well-made Doxa homage that is really comfortable with a Seiko NH35A and they are regulating their movements. $179 US or for me $224 cdn.
Good points
Thanks for this video and great tips. But for me, only one of the arguments, which you mention at the beginning on the advantages of micro-brands, the cost of maintenance, is the most important for me. An Nh35, a Miyota, will always cost much less to clean, regulate, replace wearing parts... My local watchmaker will not promise you to be able to overhaul your Breitling, your Rol..., and even your Longines. He simply does not have access to the parts. Yes, some brands are prestigious, have gone into space, what do I know? But I leave them to people who don't care to spend thousands of tickets. I like watches, I like beautiful watches and I prefer to have ten, fifteen, twenty which will cost me less to buy and to use. Norman friendships Pete.🙂🇫🇷
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I have to say. I'm not a collector but I have 2 San Martin watches. A diver and the new 36 mm explorer. Wow . They are really well made . They keep great time . People ask me about them.
Micro brands have allowed me to scratch the wristwatch itch a couple of times but I know that in twenty years I will be admiring the established Swiss brands in my modest collection more than my microbrands. However you are right, they all started somewhere and if one is lucky will have a future collectable if one of the microbrands is consolidated.
Yes. In 2017 I bought NTH Nacken. 2019 - Smiths PRS25w. 2021 - Vaer A12 and Helson Sharkmaster 300. Yes there are + and - like most things in life. What matters most to me - fun. The great value for money doesn't hurt tho =))
I'm a watch guy who doesn't have a Rolex or Omega budget. I buy what I like whether it be Seiko, Ball, Rotary, or whatever. I kind of think that leaves me more open to micro-brands, and I have bought a couple from Vaer and Zelos that I absolutely love!
Great video Peter. And I agree. Balance is the key to any collection.
The ironic thing for me is that I bought some micros to enjoy on a daily basis. My feeling is if they got banged up, so be it. Well to date I’ve done well to keep them in good condition with no visible scars. Here’s the ironic part, the day I take the speedy out, I bang it twice, dinting the bezel and the case. Oh man, what a sinking feeling. Oh well, now I just suggest it’s just got some extra character. 🙃
It happens brother...the same has happened to me on the same watch too 😂
Go figure
@@PeterKotsa yeah man! What can one do. Anyway, enjoy lockdown in the floating prison mate. There’s quite a few of us who are onboard the HMAS Straya. Keep safe down in Melbourne mate.
@@phillipedwards420 I like that and I'm probably gonna use it too "HMAS Straya"
Actually microbrands grew on me, but since I don't have much income, even some microbrands are over my usual paygrade, the weirdest case is Wise, which should be a brand I can easily buy it (since I'm Thai and it's Thai) but instead Avi-8 is cheaper for me to buy, even that I need to order it from eBay.
Micro brands are fine, just as long as there isn't any kickstarter crap involved.
You should collect what you want to collect. It only matters what you like, not what others think or say
Correct, I have shared this many times in many videos...well said 👍