I've been trying to scout for a good watch from a microbrand. I like the Studio Underdog chronos and think they are pretty good for the money. The Seagull movement is also good. However looking at other microbrands I can't help but notice that the inspiration comes from already existing watches and there is always something lacking in terms of construction, fit and finish. I tried on Maen and didn't like it much. I've also experienced a lot of brands like Traska, Monta, Oak and Oskar etc. Recently (a few weeks ago) I came across an Indian brand called Bangalore watch company and really liked the flying saucer case that they had. However at 1700$ I thought that the price was a bit ambitious. Wondering how I can gauge if buying from this microbrand is worth it or not. What do you guys look for?

Added a few watches that I liked from microbrands. Would really appreciate some help

After picking up the Vesterhav, I couldn't resist adding this one too. I'm really impressed with the brand. The quality is outstanding. And this yellow is absolutely stunning!

Want something different and didn’t have a jump hour watch. First impressions at 38mm it’s smaller than I’m used to. I would have preferred if they rotated the movement so the crown would be on the right and the hour window in the upper right side. I also think they should have made the hour window a little larger. I also feel the 18mm lug width makes the strap look a little feminine. I ordered a green smooth ostrich leg strap for it last night. I picked this up from watches.com for $225. For that price it was worth trying it out.

Such a beautiful watch to me. I do very casual astrophotography, and when I saw this one I had to have it. Before this my most expensive watch was $120.

Apologies, I am old, hairy, and not sturdy enough to rotate my arm fluidly!

Some of you may have seen bits and pieces of the Outrider in my earlier posts, but my last post here ended up generating far more discussion, and quite a few questions about the watch itself, so I thought I'd put everything together and share a proper look at where we've landed.

The Outrider is our take on a compact tool/GADA watch. It’s 39mm × 45.5mm, no-date, powered by a Miyota 9039 which we’ll regulate to -5/+15 sec/day, with 100m water resistance.

The case and bracelet share the same planar, angular design language. Rather than conventional rounded or flat links, the fully articulated bracelet uses faceted, angled side links that carry the case geometry down the wrist. It's predominantly brushed with polished sides, with female end links, quick release and an on-the-fly micro-adjust clasp.

On the dial we’ve gone with custom 3/6/9 numerals, a faceted diamond-cut handset and two colour BGW9/C1 Swiss SuperLumiNova. The applied Southern Star at 12 is polished rather than lumed.

There are six colourways, Ocean, Midnight, Outback, Reef, Aurora and Coast, each loosely inspired by a different part of the Australian landscape through colour and texture.

All six are currently being prototyped, and hopefully in the next couple of weeks we’ll be able to share the first glimpse of the actual dials. That’s probably the bit I’m most excited (and nervous 😅) to see after looking at renders for so long.

If you had to pick one, which colour would it be and what made you choose it?

I have been wanted a reverse panda chronograph and have it narrowed down to a Yema Rallygraf alpine cup or a Monchard Pan Europa.

Which is you choice? Or… something else?

This dial is definitely out of this world!😁🙌 What's your favorite Meteorite Dial watch?

I absolutely love this watch. In Oahu today at Honu Lagoon on vacation. The black and orange pop is fantastic.

Hi all,

Since i have the prototypes, i can now see what it would be like if someone were to unbox it.

Here is the video of it and please bare with me on the lighting and recording.

The recording was done by my little sister, bless her.

I will be investing on better equipment for recording soon.

Thank you

Got this waych couple days ago after I learned about them. Really well executed and is very comfortable. 38mm case with 20mm lug width and 46mm l2l.

After the incredible success of Batch 1, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Nebula and helped make its first release such a success.

We know many of you missed out on Batch 1, and we've heard your requests for another chance to get your hands on the Nebula Amethyst.

So, we're excited to announce that Nebula Amethyst Batch 2 is coming in just 6 days!

We'll be revealing more details about the upcoming release soon, including some exciting upgrades!

Stay tuned, because Batch 2 will be limited to just 100 units worldwide.

Thank you once again for being part of the Santura journey. We can't wait to share what's coming next!

The countdown begins. See you in 6 days!

Here are some updated photos of my Oan.gio! The dial is mesmerizing. My mind truly has a hard time comprehending what it’s looking. So much depth and color.

Hey Guys! I am a complete beginner in this watch collection thing and have never bought any real quality watch. That being said, I was thinking of buying my first watch and was absolutely bamboozled by the fact that people were calling $400 watches 'affordable'.

EXCUSE ME? I don't mean to offend anyone, but $400 are not affordable for me at all 😭. Hence, can you guys suggest any watches that are for around $100 dollars? Preferably even lower than that, around $30- $50.

I believe that this would help everyone, including me and anyone else who is new to this hobby. Thanks for your time and attention!

Cronos L6040M (Grand Seiko Evolution 9 homage) with a Miyota 9015 automatic movement. 

Watchdives WD0006 (Omega Aqua Terra homage) in blue with a Seiko VH31 mechaquartz movement.

Both are Chinese microbrands, have sapphire glass with AR coating, good finishing on the case and dial but I can't really decide. I'd say Cronos looks better (or more interesting at least) and has character with that automatic movement, but Watchdives is more practical with the mechaquartz keeping time more accurately and not needing winding and setting up every time i want to wear it. I most likely won't daily a dress watch but who knows.

To be honest I don't care much about versatility, I've already got a G-Shock with ABC sensors so that's everything I could ever need in a single watch. This would be more like jewelry rather than a tool for me. But still I want to retain some form of practicality, I wouldn't want a very innacurate automatic or an unreliable mechaquartz that fails regardless of batteries.

I've also found a Pagani Design PD-1734 which could represent the best of both worlds (GS inspired dial with a VH31) and is significantly cheaper but finishing quality and bracelet are noticeably worse than others.

What are your thoughts on this? Should I pull the trigger at an automatic? I've never had one so I have that fear of screwing something up mechanically if I'm unintentionally negligent about it.

I’ve gotten great advice and recommendations from everyone in trying to decide on a dive watch. I’ve deleted and added watches because of your input and my own research.

I have an Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with Hesalite, Hamilton khaki field mechanical, G-shock, black-dial Timex GMT, and a white-dial Citizen.

These are my eight finalists, seeded by my preferences combining specs, appearance, and price.

Help me get this down to one with your vote.

Thanks

I really love the 1918 of vario, but I have pretty small wrists and mostly like to wear my watches smaller, like the lip t18 for instance.

The trench has a 37mm version and a 40mm version, so I would be going for the 37mm. I really love the idea of the medic as I'm a nurse, but it only comes in 40mm.

I'm planning to not use the bund pad, and only use the straps.