10 Awesome Microbrand Watches You Should Have On Your Radar (Updated Blog With 50+ Brands)
Vložit
- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- Updated Complete Guide To The Best Microbrand Watches On TeddyBaldassarre.com: teddybaldassar...
Shop Watches: teddybaldassar...
Written Content: www.teddybalda...
In this video, I'll share ten more amazing microbrand watches I think every enthusiast should at least be aware of. What do you guys think of my picks?
Watches Featured:
Scurfa Diver One Titanium: www.scurfawatc...
Vaer Tropic D5: www.vaerwatche...
Raven Trekker: ravenwatches.c...
Unimatic U1 Classic: www.unimaticwa...
Autodromo Vallelunga: autodromo.com/...
Autodromo Group B: autodromo.com/...
Serica 5303-1: www.serica-wat...
Monta Skyquest GMT: montawatch.com...
Vortic Lancaster 164: vorticwatches....
Instagram: www.instagram....
Top Articles On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
50 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know: teddybaldassar...
10 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches: teddybaldassar...
Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassar...
Thanks for everything you do. Your channel is probably the main reason I was able to make smart decisions when I started collecting watches.
This 🙌
Very flattered by this comment, Emerson. Thank you for the support!
I second Emerson’s comment with the caveat that I’m still so so early (like 2 watches) into collecting. But I’m soaking up the knowledge and appreciate the info and the production quality.
Same for me 🙂
Thanks so much Teddy. As many people have said, your videos are very informational and a big help to those of us who are still learning and who live far from boutiques. I thoroughly enjoy them and appreciate them.
This is why I enjoy Teddy, he’s never snobbish with watches and gives away quality info and all kinds of watches.
I have a Serica 5303 and love it. I find myself wearing it more than almost all my divers, including my 5 digit sub. It's so versatile. It is the perfect classic tool watch with character.
I recently started my watch journey with Kuoe, a fascinating Japanese micro brand. Love it for its simplicity and yet the amount of care of the detail.
I have been eyeing the kuoe hard for a while, how do you feel about it after owning it for a bit?
@@brianrobbins2662 not bad at all. It has a vintage vibe that resonates with me. I bought it with both the dial and crystal updates and I’m loving it. If you don’t like the nato straps it looks good in a suede strap.
Really relieved to see Vaer in this list.
Ive seen the name a lot the last 6 months. Been tempted but havent been able to convince myself to get one.
Seeing them on this list gives me a lot more confidence to maybe get one!
Great video!
Love these types of videos keep them coming! I just picked up the new SCURFA Proto Dive watch in Blue and brought it to our local SDChrono watch GTG. No one could believe you could get a Titanium watch in the $200 price range :) Tons of value in some of these Micro- Brands!
It’s cool to see Scurfa getting some light shined on it. I was able to recently pick up the MS22 LE of the diver one and it’s a great watch and won’t brake the bank. A true tool watch. Great job like always.
Love my VAER D5 Tropic which takes inspiration from the JLC Deep Sea Alarm. Given all the Submariner, Seamaster look-a-likes it's refreshing to see something different. That Raven Trekker is very nice. SO many microbrands doing things right lately, Traska, Dufrane, Zoretto, Limes, Van Banner, etc.
Nice to see Scurfa getting some much deserved recognition, great tool watch, amazing value 👍
Am I reading this correctly. The Scrufa has Water Resistance to 500m?
@@crimping1 yes you are, mind boggling that they offer 500m for a little over 200 dollars
@@crimping1 I think they make use of a helium escape valve.
Agreed
Interesting take on treading lightly into microbrands when starting a collection. I did just the opposite. I started with Nodus, Vaer, and NTH (in addition to Bulova and Orient). I like the value they provide and giving me the opportunity to discover what I like for less than the more established brands. And the quality, at least for the watches I have, has been fantastic so far. Love your content, please keep up the good work. Thanks!
My goal is to be on Teddys top 10 micro brand watches must have. In the begining stages of my own brand and only hoping to move on up with. His knowledge has helped alot.
Thank you finally highlighting Serica! More people need to know about their fantastic watches! Great company with true watch enthusiast values in the way they create their collection.
I was very impressed by them. Not necessarily my style but no question a well-done watch. Bracelet was phenomenal.
Agreed. Really like the Serica WMB I have.
Agree, I love my 4512 Commando, totally outshined the rest of my collection. Totally unexpected.
The 5303 midnight blue is phenomenal. I have a 4512 California. The other watches I have are gathering dust haha
You’re right, Teddy. I’m at the point in my watch collecting journey that perhaps I should start looking at micro brands to “broaden” my horizons. More of these types of videos, please! And thanks for all that you do.
I am watching this video a year after it was produced, I am currently developing a great appreciation for micro brands. It’s great to see micro brands getting the attention they deserve these days. Great job Teddy as always! 🙌🏻✌🏻
Incredible experience with Yema - yes awhile ago customer service was an issue they’ve since come full circle and the necessary adjustments. My Yema 500 is phenomenal
So glad to hear this. I just ordered one and ever have been reading some poor reviews
Serica is crushing it. I have both their 5303 and 4512 Commando -- both great looking, solid watches.
Direnzo. One of my absolute favorites are far as design and value. Lovely watches.
Oak and Oscar Olmstead 38. Next time I'm back in the states I'm picking one up. Absolutely wonderful watch.
Great to see Scurfa on this channel. I've had a diver one for years, still wear it regularly.
Glad to see VAER make the video. I have the D5 Arctic and D5 Meridian. I enjoy them both. The crown does have a bit of a wobble to it on both. Overall I am happy with them. I was looking for an American assembled watch at an affordable price point. As for the video, we’ll done. Surprised that Christopher Ward did not make your list
I love my Lorier, Farer, and Timex has been killing it with colabs and the Navi XL.!!! My two cents.
I have had a yema superman for two years and I love it - never had a problem with the watch
Holy Sh•t that Serica watch, Ive never seen such a great value prop inside a dive watch package. The ceramic bezel and that unique dial is head-turning. How have I never seen this before?
I have one and has not left my wrist in a year
Incredible looking watch, almost looks better than the Baltic watches, which also have a ceramic bezel.
Love this video! Your older micro brand video convinced me to pickup pieces from Baltic, Astor & Banks, and Anordain. I guess it's time for round 2!
Another happy Vaer owner chiming in. I recommend them often based on their build quality and design language.
Thank you for your effort! I always look back to your channel and use as my buying guide when purchasing a watch. Your undying time dedication of expounding specification of certain watch plays a big role in choosing the best time piece using our hard earner money.
Just got my first henry archer watch. Quite impressed
Fair review of the VAER. I own a D5 Arctic, great watch for the price. Sometimes too much marketing makes skeptics but it’s a good value.
I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the MaMaCoo 's watches are the most intriguing.
Farer. Great micro brand. I have one. Very classy, extremely well made.
Thanks for covering Vaer. I love my D% Pacific diver, and plan on getting the Meridian!
Loved those watches present here. But I also love Lorier and Baltic as well!
I've been looking at pocket watches and hadn't heard of Vortic. What a brilliant idea and a unique opportunity to wear history
Great video Teddy! Wish you could also feature D Dornblüth und sohn in a Future Video
I really believe that Ratio (Π Ratio)
sould be on the list!
Probably the most value-packed offerings for their price range.
I love the traditional dive watch designs from Vaer, being inspired by the military versions of Seamasters and Submariners.
Great selections. Happy Vaer owner here.
The Scufa and Raven have very nice designs - but the huge logo and text are instant no go’s for me. Look at the clean serica dial.
Mom a - text on the bezel also too big and going up against much better watches at that price point.
PS - own 2 Farers - they’re fantastic.
So delighted to see Autodromo Vallelunga on your wrist!! I am big fan of Autodromo and a happy owner of Autodromo Veloce black myself!!
great stuff againfrom you Teddy, love the look of the Serica, maybe Baltic, Zelos or Farer could have been added. Most of the 'dive' watches make the Christopher Ward impressive new Trident look great value
Hi Peter, those others have all been on the list in the past. I wanted some new blood for this video. All great suggestions though.
I’m so happy to see Yema here 🇫🇷 this and LIP used to be big back in the 60’s-70’s in France and these brands are now back in the game
500 000 watches a year during their golden days. Glad to see Yema being back, they are also increasing quality which is very pleasant.
yema made in china
@@blue__wind like the others. But anyway, it's not a microbrand, so who cares,
Note to self "block all weekend for "rabbit hole" plunging in this blog" 😄👍🏼
Great list. Thanks!
Sercia has done more than fuse bezals together. They create a prefect design that can be used as a dive watch or GMT. Major brands need to take notice and adjustments.
I've owned watches from many of these brands -- Vaer, Unimatic, Autodromo, Raven etc. -- and I've liked them all, but Serica is the one that really stands out. Stunningly gorgeous design and strong construction. The two Yemas I've owned, sadly, did not impress in terms of their quality.
Totally agree
The Serica watch I wear the most , just love the style and size, and so unique
I’ve got a Scurfa Treasure Seeker, fantastic watch!
Thank you very much for the great work. Been wearing the Serica WMB since 2020. Such a great field watch.
Awesome assortment! I'd rather own a ton of affordable and unique microbrands with solid movements than blow thousands on one "grail watch" that frankly is probably just an homage to an even more expensive watch. Microbrands, maybe by necessity, seem like they need to go even harder with design and I'm honestly all for it.
Love Raven! Getting ready to get the new Trekker, have the Airfield. Very happy.
Some of the designs are truly original and wonderful. How refreshing.
Teddy you are thorough with all you do and deserve all your success.
Ren seriously thinking bout buying a Yema good to hear some positive feed back
Been a long time since I watch one of Teddy's videos, came back here for Serica!!!
My serica 5303-3 arrived yesterday. So stunning!
Finally a Serica.
I got the 4512 and haven't needed another watch since. It's just 100% made of watch and built like a g-shock.
Vaer has some nice Solar options too
Monta Skyquest GMT
Sellita Cal.SW330-2 is a thin automatic GMT movement. It is based on Cal. SW300-1, a clone of ETA’s 2892A2.
Teddy you left out one of the hottest microbrands lately in the Baltic watches, i think theyre very similar in pricing, quality and provenance to Yema, also, Christopher Ward deserves a mention and an american brand that is under the radar after having its heyday 5 years ago is Ginault which can be considered the best quality Subs homages.
That Vortic brand is SO cool.
Always good to see microbrands and their offerings and increase our perspectives. Thank you for your effort and time to share this info.
Never heard of Vortic. ....I now need a Vortic in my collection.
*DAMN YOU TEDDY!*
I am in St. Louis right now for grad school, so I absolutely know a Monta will be the watch I purchase once I finish. They've really hit their stride lately, and I can't wait to see where they go from here.
Hi Teddy, Enjoy on this video. There are many micro brands and want to know more. Interested in Japanese brand Kuoe recently!
Love the channel, especially your thoughts on micro brands. Just purchased a VanBanner, my first micro brand watch and so impressed with the quality.
Yeah I’ve tried Zelos, Traska, Islander, Venezianico, Smiths, etc. Best quality watch overall so far has probably been Islander or Venezianico
Teddy, I believe those Autodromos are imitating a tachometer, having the very cool “red line” or “rev limiter” from 3-4
Nice video. I’m glad you didn’t feature Anordain. I’ve been on the waitlist for a yr already. They emailed yesterday to offer a build slot with a non refundable deposit, earliest delivery mid 2025!
I turned them down. I think a nearly 4yr wait makes a watch basically an obsolete proposition for nearly all.
Thank you for the review. Especially for the divers, it would be great to see the lume shots at the end of each watch!
Hey Teddy! Could you do some kind of video about brand called Manager? They have pretty cool looking watches and expensive prizes.
Yeah, have three Yema’s. My navygraph crown fell off winding stem. Sent it to Yema from California to France. Perfectly repaired watch returned a few days later. Myndiver is flawless. Love it. Finally, The limited addition 41mm bronze diver with blue dial has never been worn. The lug to lug is kind of large. I should have ordered the 39. Every time I look at it I think darn it’s so big.
I'm getting into Microbrands now. My Nodus Duality is beautiful, a couple of Zelos and love the value of Deep Blue divers.
Cool to see Vaer get some love. Great vid!
Thanks Teddy, I always enjoy these Micro Brand Watch Video's. I like these obscure Watch Brands.
Love my RZE Titanium obsidian black field watch it's a very rugged masculine timepiece:)
I love my VAER D5!!
Teddy, I've been watching you for quite a while now. You've come a long way and I'm loving your content. It's informative, entertaining and presented in a very professional yet relatable way. Keep up the great work.
Yesssss the annual micro brands video 🎉 I’ve been so intrigued by Serica watches
Very cool. I love the look of Serica and would love to add one to my collection one day
I’ve been waiting for sooo long to hear you speak about serica! I really love what they do!
Having a Benchmade mini griptilian in that first shot is a big thumbs up for me.
Subbed
My next watch is gonna be a Yema. Their catalogue is awesome! IMO
I have a VAER solar quartz diver and I like it.
Scurfa, Serica, Monta! Own and love all 3.
Great job as always Teddy. Thank you for the reviews of these lesser know brands and putting them on our radar screen. I have been a Vaer fan for several years, and wear my D5 Atlantic diver regularly when hiking or out near water. It is clean, comfortable, reliable, and I believe a great value.
love these mircrobrand-focused videos. it's a cool way to discover watches/brands that might not otherwise be on my radar.
I ordered a Koda watch. Recommend to take a look. George mekes beautiful mod watches.
Vortics entire ethos sounds amazing, converting old pocketwatches to wristwatches and restoring them
I have a Vortic / Hamilton, each one its unique , a fantastic concept, a modern titanium case / strap and through the glass you see a 100 years old moviment and everything else !
About Yema:
I have never handled one myself but At one point I was considering the Yema Superman GMT. I decided against it however because I heard that quite a few people have had qc issues with their watches and that the customer service isn't the best sadly. So if there's a warranty issue I think there's a chance you'll have a difficult time contacting them or getting the proper support. Now I dont mean to hate on them because I think they have great designs and deserve their place in the watch world but I just wanted to give a heads up to people who might be interested in buying one for themselves. If that's you maybe just read into the topic a little bit so you can make an informed buying decision.
Love the review & love the shout out to Vortic! I went ahead and purchased one! Love the history, thanks again for all the reviews...
HI Teddy, I'm a french owner of a Yema Superman GMT, "in-house" caliber Yema 4000 in it. Received mine with a faulty movement, GMT hand wasn't working like it's supposed to, you could feel the movement grinding while turning the crown as well and deteriorating a bit more after each crown turn. Sent it back straight away to Yema, a month and a half wait, came back with the exact same problem (they did a full service plus changed the GMT wheel) plus some tiny dust or whaterver it was behind the crystal. Obviously wasn't happy about it at all. Had to send it back again ! This time came back in two weeks working like it's supposed to. I thought finally I was clear, hell no... after looking at the watch I discovered that, i don't how, the hour hand is 3minutes late at hitting the markers from 6 to 12 but hit it perfectly from 12 to 6. I don't what what type of magic is behind this problem but one thing for sure : I'm done with Yema. I wont try to send the watch again, 3 times they've sent a watch which wasnt perfect. If I wanted to get a brand with awful QC I'd buy a Seiko. Anyway, horrible QC, horrible warrantee (you have to pay to send your watch to their factory, so i had to pay two times (50€ in total).
Such a shame, I really like their design, their history and what they are trying to do with the brand but instead of trying to developp new in-house movement (you should check on their brand new micro-rotor movement) they should improve their QC and try to treat their customers nicely. I think their problems are beyond their in-house caliber but i have to assume that i've heard less problem from owner with SW in it instead of Yema 3000 or 4000 movement.
Conclusion : I do not recommend at all and will get the upcoming Serica GMT in replacement of my kinda rubish Yema GMT.
Great vid Teddy, worth looking at the Unimatic Swiss Series, Sellita movement, slimmer case, more expensive, but feels more premium....
That Serica is sweet!
Micro brands is my main focus at the moment.
Trying to find Nice watches with great dials and rare pieces I love.
I recently bought the new Tissot prx midnight Sky, and man this dial is Stunning! Hand painted, limited at 100 pcs
Digging that Serica!
Just discovered Yema - thinking of buying one!
Thank you!
I recently bought a Draken Tuglar 300m divers watch and man is it built like a tank! Looks great has its own look and it's defiantly worth looking at...
The Draken Kruger is also incredible. Insane quality, crazy unboxing, they are great!
Great video many thanks for including the Diver One it’s much appreciated
I appreciate the time you take to put out this type of informative, very well-done video. I've seen others you've done and just ordered a Traska, a choice influenced by your presentation and review. Thanks again for your time, your effort, and for sharing your passion and expertise.
Thanks for that great review of some under rated microbrands, a really good insight into what makes them tick!
I'm waiting for my own Serica to arrive. I thought it looked fantastic when I first saw it, and I found myself going back to their website regularly. I can't wait to have it on the wrist, just a fantastic GADA watch
Many reports of mechanical and customer support issues with Serica. Did you have to return yours?
I'm currently wearing GX1-A LIV watch with an Elabore grade Swiss automatic movement. I feel LIV make some nice looking sports watches.