BRUTALLY Ranking 50 Watch Microbrands 

I don't think you can accurately rank or rate a brand if you have not handled their watches. You need to omit those brands or put them in an "inconclusive" category for the time being. What you did in this video was no different than ranking restaurants based on what you've read from others or what you observed on their menu online. You need to experience the product. There's nothing wrong with presenting a microbrand that you have zero experience with and saying, "I can't comment, but I will look into it." I bring this all up because after watching your video I have no clue what to think of these brands as some you have hands on experience with and others you have not.

I like the fact San Martin provides affordable and quality homages. Imo they are top tier.

CW is not a microbrand anymore, Traska is definatly a top tier micro,

i think Vaer needed a mention, but great video.

Islander Watches needs to make their logo about 30% smaller. I've seen watches sold as sports merch where the team logo was smaller than Islander's.

In my opinion, Henry Archer is easily one of the best microbrands of 2024. They are excelling with their recent releases, especially Nordsø and Vesterhav. The last thing I would call their designs is 'boring' or 'bland.' Have you seen their purple or meteorite dial models? Also, for what it's worth, San Martin and Phoibos are not microbrands-they're both Chinese factory brands. 'Smiths' is another microbrand with a strong heritage, and you are completely leaving out one of the most beloved microbrands "Direnzo". The point of this video doesn't make much sense if you're 'rating' brands you haven't even tried, but have only looked at on a monitor. A title like '50 Budget-Friendly Watches on My Shopping List' would be more fitting. Anyway, that's just my two cents. :)

Really enjoyed this. Some microbrands I never heard of and will be checking them out. I dont agree with several of your placements but everyone is different.

Love this video though. Keep up this kind of content. Exploring microbrand is so overwhelming.

Monta is my favorite microbrand. They're not cheap, in the Formex price range, but they're extremely high quality and beautiful watches.

some of these micro brands charging $500+ with nh34 movements are wild. you can literally build your own nh34 gmt for half that (with well finished cases), or just get a seiko gmt for under 350. i'm glad to see more micro brands embracing the miyota 9075. i was almost ready to pull the trigger on the nezumi, but i think i'll hold out to see what other brands come up with the movement before picking up my beater travel watch.

Henry Archer is so good tho

Henry archer should be top tier easily

There's sooo many microbrands now but imo Zelos, Traska, Baltic and Halios are all top tier and exceeded my expectations. Interesting to hear your take on CW and Formex, those are 2 brands I've been wanting to check out

Fantastic video! One of the best pieces of watch content I’ve seen on RU-vid.

Can’t believe you don’t include Scurfa! Alright I know there are more than 50 Microbrands, but their story is great.

I never had one, but from what I heard, Formex watches are seriously good in terms of quality. The Essence is actually pretty affordable, for a chronometer certified watch with such a good level of finishing, and I think the bracelet can be removed and micro-adjusted without tools as well. Also, the family of the CEO owns Dexel SA, which is a company that builds all sorts of components for other watch brands, including bracelets.

very nice and helpful info! fun to watch buddy

I really liked this video because I'm being introduced to a lot of watch brands I've never heard of.

This was a helpful introduction. I've always ignored micro brands and now I have a map to all the catalogs.

Thank you for this. I'm relatively new to microbrands and this helps my purchasing decisions!

Very informative and well done video. Thank you.

That was serious fun and not too controversial for me, thanks! Because you asked, here are my views on some of the branches and mostly only those from which I owned or own watches: I would put Wise next to Zelos. I own watches from both brands and I must say Wise is up there quality-wise, my only bronze watch is their Adamascus Bronze and it is stunningly beautiful. What is even better than with Zelos is that you don't get completely stressed out trying to get one of their watches in the few seconds they are available in the online shop... Good point regarding the cases of Mister Jones watches, they really are super-boring. I own and love two of their watches, but it is all about what goes on behind the glass. I would love if they could get just a bit adventurous with their cases, too. I think that Isotope watches have a unique and recognizable look and I am sure the build quality is great (as it should be for the price). But they come off as a bit too playful and gimmicky with those round shapes especially for the hands, so I would put them into the decent category just because of personal aesthetics. I have an RZE watch and another one coming my way. These are extraordinarily well made, the Titanium 5 case is great, I have an RZE Resolute Pro with a yellow enamel dial and this color is just beautiful. I would have put RZE one higher. I find pure Bauhaus aesthetics quite boring and would have put Sternglas one lower, I am also getting way too many ads from them, that is another reason... I would put Henry Archer in the decent category, I have seen some reviews and they seem to be well built, the design is also quite recognizable, I was considering getting the Nordsø Iris on the beads of rice-y bracelet.

Fun video! Amongst some heavy hitters too!

Great review...thank you!!

@6:35 I bought that Dan Henry 1937 secondhand earlier this week and it arrived in my mailbox around the time I watched this video. Beautiful watch!

As a novice watch collector, I will definitely be screenshotting the final grid and keeping an eye on some prices on these brands. Thanks for taking the time to make this! 💪👍

Great video mate👍

I must say, I enjoyed your list (almost wrote lust!) as well as your non nonsense approach. Truly well done. I have a question : As someone who prefers practicality, I love watches with large (NOT hardly readable) subdials with the most common needs (which, to me are) the day of the week, the month, and the day of the month. Sadly, so very, very few watches have this...but seeing your video makes me realise how MUCH is out there. Do you, please sir, have a list of said features? The Tokyo Calendrier is perfect, but is out of stock. Any (please!) Suggestions?

I feel like you could take a look at Straum. Is Anordain no longer a microbrand? Great video... agreed with almost all your choices - in particular I think Vario are some of the coolest watches for the price.

Great video Kieron! That Geckota you showed was very cool gonna have to check it out!

Great specs, good designs, insane prices... Thats why PD is exactly for me. Greetings from 🇧🇷

I bought a couple of the Depancel chronograph watches and I'm extremely happy with them. They're another brand that is unapologetically themselves. All vintage inspired racing watches. I for one love them.

FANTASTIC video! What are your thoughts on LIV watches?

Confirmation bias or not is worth a subscribe. got a Zelos and a Phoibos, planing to get a CW - 12 after I sell a couple of corporation watches. I transformed a period corect pocket watch into a trench watch and I'm not sure Vario Versa would scratch the Reverso itch so the brand is on stand-by for me. Totally agree about San Martin, however I enjoy so much the panda Tudor clomage that Rolex will just have to find a way to survive, I'm keeping it. My wife is happy to hear that you aded Dan Henry, SWC and Straton on my wish list.

Great vid mate. One of your best. Agreed with about 90%. I know you can’t add all the brands, but, ZeroWest and Helm make great watches as well. Cheers

Great tier list. Although I’d have Farer up at the ‘Must Try’ tier…but I get it they’re kinda pricey.

I just received a white dial Helm Komodo in the mail today. Super impressed with the total package and I know I can resell easily for what I payed for it if I want to (I don't) I would put it in the "can't go wrong" tier. What do you guys think?

Interesting! Having worked with many brands must give you a unique perspective as to how the quality and overall value differ between these! Out of curiosity where would you put a brand like Draken? Hope you have a great one Kieran!

Excellent and comprehensive review of micros. I would put Traska and Maen in the must try.

I love henry Archer. Great dials, on the fly adjustment,quick release bracelet, and great movements. Sapphire crystal front and back 200m water resistance, around £500 take a look.

‘Can’t go wrong!” Fantastic - thank you very much for the appreciation! This was a great video.

Totally agree with Phoibos. Stunning watches, great specs, great quality, affordable prices 👍

Thank you for the fun video! Halios (must try) and Helson (decent) are worth a mention IMHO. Maybe next time =) Cheers!

In general terms I agree with this classification but in micro brands the quality is usually similar...so the choice of one watch or another is based mainly on esthetic preferences. Good video!

I'll need to watch it again, but I think you're generally spot on. You should've called it "Fifty more watches you'll want to buy!"

Nice video! Funny thing, my Islander and Vaer watches both broke within the 1 year mark. I don't see myself buying their products for a while. My Chinese watches (SM, PD, Baltany, Phylida, Tandorio and Corgeut) none had any issues so far. 🤣 Zelos are beautiful, but I did end up selling 2 out of 3 from my collection, I don't see them as long term watches. They look cool at first but get old very quick in my opinion. I have 3 Venezianicos and I still don't see them going for sale, I like them. My next on the list to try is Baltic and Lorier

One last thing, have you tried Monta? Any thoughts on the brand? They're right up there with Formex in price, but man, the quality on my Monta is up there with my Omega Aqua Terra.

The only Welsh micro-brand I am aware of is Shoreham Watches. They only have a range of three original designs in their collection at present. Each watch is named after a place in Wales. I have the dated Pembroke and extra straps. Worth a look/mention if you compile a UK only list. Another brand that rarely gets a mention is IWI Watches based in Darwin, Lancashire. I had the pleasure of a guided tour of his establishment with founder Ian Walsh sometime in the late naughties.

Great vid mate, I've really enjoyed it! But why no Spinnaker on the list?? Now, since we've hit the 1k likes mark you've asked for no problem, please include Spinnaker on that 100 brands tier list. I own 2 of their limited editions and since I consider you to be the top tier expert on affordable watches around here, I really would like to hear your take on them as a brand. Thanks in advance and keep up the good work! Cheers!

This tier list is so personal, must be rearranged if to be used as reference for recommendation.

From all of the watches you mentioned. CW, Baltic and Studio Underdog are basically the holy trinity. Untouchable

I love the phoibos designs, bought the eagle ray and put it on a matching nato, great lasting lume too, will be looking to buy a different model soon

Generally agree with you on most. The microbrands I personally own are Traska (fantastic watch), Vaer, Dryden and MMI. I love them all. I can understand why you didn't cover Dryden and MMI, as they have a relatively small catalogue, but was a little surprised by Vaer not being there. Great catalogue. But a little on the high side in price. But must not be too bad as I have two 😂😂 I had a Studio Underd0g Watermelon. Great watch. But sold it as it wasn't getting the wrist time. Monta, I think, needed a shout out, but I think they've relied on their same catalogue for a while, and it's getting a little dated and tired. Quality is right up there, I believe, but they haven't done anything exciting for a while. Halios was another one. Great reputation. Rare as hen's teeth. And haven't done anything new in a while. But you can't review them all!! Pagani Design, San Martin and Islander are definitely not microbrands. Aliexpress watches. And lastly, you didn't say it, but I will. NTH and Smiths are both run by absolute knobheads. Both arrogant, and absolute tossers. Absolutely no design originality, and the owner of Timefactor's has a terrible reputation when it comes to customer service, or lack thereof. And the owner of NTH chucks an absolute hissy fit if you point out the obvious of stealing designs. 🤣🤣 I'd rather use an apple watch before I buy one of those. 😂😂

First of all great video. I would like to see some lesser known brands like Direnzo, Second Hour, Valimor or SÖNER but that's not the main point. The thing is I'm very sceptical when watch lovers say, that a chinese watchbrand watch is boring, has no identity or is just a clone of a more known watchbrand watch, but when it comes to some big watchmakers or other microbrands that release a watch that looks identical, the response is that they are always inspired by those watches, even if they are produced in the same chinese factories. That is a bit crazy.

Thanks for the video - I had not heard of many of these microbrands until this video, it's crazy the sheer volume of brands around nowadays! P.S I want to see "Brew" utilize the "perfect" drink timer in a dive watch so I can have good vibes with dolphins

The most comprehensive list of microbrands! There's so many I've never heard of, which is great because it means I get to do some research on them. Dan Henry stands out for me, they've produced some lovely watches. Thanks Kieron, great video as always 👍

I think you are wrong on Henry Archer (which FYI is the owner's name). All you have to do is handle one in person or wear it for a week and I am sure you will put it in can't go wrong.

Thanks for introducing a plethora of less known brands.

Really interesting video. I was unaware of most of those brands. Have you heard of Orion. Great designs but a little expensive.

I think traska will be one that would change once you have one and experienced it. Great watches. Pretty spot on with the list glad to see i have a pretty good micro brand collection going 👍👍

missed the 2 best Microbrands out there mate, Direnzo and Tuseno.

I've owned and handled a lot of these brands. I can tell you Christopher Ward, Baltic, Farer, and Zelos are absolutely God Tier must buys. You're missing Trafford though... definitely give them a try.

Great video! What about Yema or Serica?

Well done a good list and pretty fair Not entirely accurate for me but honest which I appreciate Monta?

Thank you for a vid that DID NOT review another Rolex/Tudor/Omega or another s*it load of San Martins/WatchDives homages. This was refreshing and a good introduction to some smaller brands that were not on my radar. By the way, I think there is some agreement on your top tier watches. I can never get ahold of the Zelos or Phoibos watch that I want! They are always sold out. 😤. I think that my next watch will be a Christopher Ward.

Hello and thanks for this video. Microbrands tier liste are not so usual to see. Of course I do not agree some of your choices. For example, in my opinion, Alkin is just boring, OutOfOrder or Undone are way not decent and if you put CW on "Must try" then Baltic should be at the same place. But that's all about taste, and I really liked the job you did. Finally, I only regret some missing micro brands like Direnzo, About Vintage, Fears, Awake, ... Perhaps will you do a chapter two. 😉

Nice video - good content, and meaningful insights. Please give some reconsideration to Traska, however. The watches they make are excellent in design, functionality, durability, and accuracy.

Great video/ Didn't know about 75% of the brands. Nice options to discover. Tip from my side of a brand that I find great value for money: Armand Nicolet. Besides that curios what you think about a few other brands: Ublast, Tecnotempo en Lilienthal Berlin.

Excellent! Love it!

A couple thoughts… most of the Chinese brands reviewed are pretty much total homage shops. I think Henry Archer pieces are pretty original & well made making them a solid value. IMO, Furlan MARRI very good but take their design cues from Patek. I have enjoyed my Serica pieces (French microbrand not mentioned). Thanks for sharing your opinions with us!

Well where do i start,thank u 4 putting Koue an Baltic on the same level,but Pagani Design come on, i hear all the chat but Really..... Anyhow great review,my Brother keep up the fantastic work.

Thanks for this list, I think you're spot on with many of these, but hope you spend more time with Maen (pronounced maan) and Henry Archer and allow them to change your mind and move up on the list. Maen, in particular, is very well made for the price and beautiful - more original than I think you give them credit for!

I have no Scandinavian relations but I feel sorry for them today. Henry Archer watches with great colour, nice dials, great reviews,big blobby markers 😎, a dive watch with a thinness only matched by Venezianico, got bottom tier. Then About Vintage and Tuseno never got a mention. Have you seen the new issue of the Shellback dive watch?! It’s gorgeous and no one’s homage. Great video again!

I was really excited for this upload, and it delivered. Nice to see an amazing array of micro brands, well done!

How dare you say my Second Hour Mandala Burst is "lacking something". Just look at it in that great picture of mine at 0:46 😉 Having San Martin in "Missing Something", but then having Baltany and Sugess in "Decent Watches" seems a little harsh to me. Especially now that San Martin are focusing more on original designs too. Which really got started properly with the San Martin SN0131G, which you can see another great picture of at 2:45 😉 Really interesting video anyway mate.

Nice video, but there are some Micros not mentioned like Helson, Lilienthal Berlin, Vaer, Direnzo, Scurfa, Tuseno and Ocean7 to mention a few.

Been waiting for this, great video! A few aren’t micros though although many have stated.. Phoibos aren’t a micro either 😉

I didn't see Vaer...how would you have rated it?

Nice one, very interesting 👏👏

Watch Yourself Jorge did a great micro brand tier list for anyone that's interested

I'm just here to appreciate the crazy possibilities that we have now, with micro brands

Next time maybe think about reviewing Lillienthal Berlin?

Outstanding tier list - no kidding here - one of the best I have seen a watch YT channel do. Appreciate you being concise and on point with each brand ranking. Too many channels hem and haw, with a bunch of vapid words to fill time and act conflicted. You were to the point and kept my attention for 35min, so top notch marks from me! Keep up the solid content - think you have a good lane for your channel to draw in viewers/subs!

I like the look of Greek micro Ianos , only a small range of dive/tool watches but they look good (around £800/£1000), agree about Smiths . And if i get the all clear from the hospital tomorrow , tomorrow night i will be ordering a Mr Jones to celebrate .

I’m admittedly biased (I own a Reef GMT and a Field) but I think a few things are worth mentioning about Formex. Most notably, it’s a Swiss company that has supplied components to other manufacturers for years and built its own brand off the back of that success. That may mean nothing to some people, but at least you know you’re not just buying into a marketing project that may not be around in a year. When you add the Swiss heritage to the chronometer grade Swiss movements, the high level of customization, and the focus on technical innovation (the suspension system in the Essence line definitely isn’t just a “gimmick”), you have a brand that punches far above its price tag and isn’t really in the same market as something like Boldr (which I also love for the price) and shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same sentence as brands like San Martin (where you have to honestly consider what type of working conditions you’re supporting to get an automatic watch at that price).

BOLDR is my favorite microbrand of choice, especially their venture lineup.

Aside from the leather on the strap being way too thick and hard to break in, I absolutely love my Hemel.

There’s a couple of the Geckotas you like on Watch Gecko nearly new for £299 at the minute. Also you went to British Watchmakers and didn’t include Clemence!! Enjoyed the video though.

Is Monta considered a micro brand? I would be interested in your thoughts regarding this brand.

Include Proxima watches. Their ETA clone movement is fantastic

You should consider LIV watches. I really like mine. Unique design.

There are so many great offerings from microbrands with creative attractive designs and competitive prices. They offer so much more than the overpriced staid established high end watches.

Great review. Luckily you ranked Dan Henri higher than Farlan Murray. But SM below Baltany... That's some room for discussion.😂 Keep creating these type of reviews.

Is the final list posted somewhere ? I watched the video but i would like the actual end ranking

Oof, missing the mark bigtime on Formex. Fit and finish is exceptional, the bracelets are superb and that suspension case definitely adds a little comfort... Far from being on the expensive side, the Essence is a bargain for a COSC certified watch with that standard of finishing and a bracelet that good... Must Try would only be pushing it if you're trying to keep your spending down - in every other way it ticks every box you're after here, it's highly original, high spec and superb fit and finish m

Good selection but sure you were missing some of the best: Tusenö, Draken, Borealis, Clemence, Helm, H2O, Steinhart, Dekla, Circula, Marc & Sons, Heinrich, Botta. The latter seven all German. But you had Sternglas, which in my eyes is not even worth mentioning.

Definitely try out a Traska at some point. I think you’ll put them in the uh, top tier. Sorry.. I’ll let myself out…

Huge list of micro brands and Chinese brands.

I think you also missed Spinnaker

I think Helm should have been in there instead of undone or one of the others. It’s a two plus year wait for the Komodo, and close to that for their other watches. Great quality, super tough, good looking, they have titanium versions of at least two of their models, great customer service, and loved by many.