This Collection Costs Less than a Longines... 

Further the discussion at: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/can-you-build-a-4-watch-collection-for-2000-24699

If those are the watches you desire, great. If you are buying to fill a spot or because someone said to, then you are wasting money and are that much farther from what you desire. Save up and buy what you truly want.

After spending a great deal of money on my last two watches (Speedy and Monaco) I’m now focusing on micro-brands for two reasons; bang for my buck and having more fun. It will also be nice to have watches that no one else will have, which is the reason I don’t own or want a Rolex. Great video and thanks for the ideas.

I love the Lorier bracelet. It has fully articulating links and it’s light with a clasp that is not big and bulky. I like it more than any other watch bracelet I have owned.

Started collecting about a year ago, and I agree that there is so much value in the micro-brand space. My current diver is a Nodus Retrospect 3 and it is super comfortable to wear. Of your list, I like the Falcon, but it is a bit to small for my liking.

Beautiful montage Max. Exhibiting your great taste and relevant to the watch lover on a budget which is most of us. 😊 A thoughtful collection, thanks.

This is a really well thought out collection. Interesting watches. Makes me crazy that I can't buy another watch every 5 days.

The Lorier's Design is very nice, thank you Max

glad you have a nezumi in your collection! history of this brand and his creator is very interessant, it' s an artist and he loves his job. my son is his exclusive photographer and content manager. him & I own 6 Nezumi, they are amazing and elegants. it's nice to see review on these microbrands owned by passionate peoples who love there job!

My Lorier Falcon 3 is by far my favorite in my collection. The dial, the polishing, the bracelet, etc makes it just absolutely fantastic. I retract my gripe😅🙈 I love the acrylic crystal. Now that I’ve had more time with the Falcon, it really is the watch I compare the rest of my watches to. It’s just perfect TO ME😁

Great list. I have owned Maen and Lorier. Maen has improved a lot since launch, and Lorier has refined. Cheers.

Nice selection. I have the Photic and was my favourite purchase of last year! Shame you can't buy them now for those that missed out!

This is the first video of yours I've seen and already you've earned a subscriber for one simple reason: I've probably seen DOZENS of these "small collection" type videos, and this is the first one where I've liked every single watch presented. Clearly you're a man of impeccable taste. :) Keep up the great work.

The NEZUMI has been on my radar for some time now. Love the retro styling on this one

waffles are good. so are croffles!

Please consider taking a look at Formex watches, they are killer for the price. All the best!

Thanks Max. Clemence is a good selection, dial colors are great. Do not have a watch from them (sold out), though I was able to pick up their sailcloth/rubber strap. Absolute top quality, wear it with several watches. Another brand to consider is Sangin Instruments... mostly quartz, though built tough. ⌚👍

I'll tell you, people need to start looking at lorier... Some of the watches they make are just superb! I have the Hyperion GMT

Only just got into watch channels, while I was Ill over Xmas. Love your channel and the watches you choose to review. 🤛🏻

I have a longines It’s way cooler than all of them together For me I love it and I’m very happy with my longines

A fellow Porsche nut. My grail would be the 980 GT. Great content again. Excellent quality and value.

Yes! love to see more coverage of the Photic. The deep blue + bronze gilt colorway is the best one, even if the colors are seen a lot, I think the design makes it stand out.

Great video, I really like the idea of gathering a collection for a certain amount of money, keep it up!

I don't love the 36mm watches, but I'm a very tall guy with a 7.25" wrist haha. It's all about proportions. 38 fits me like a 36 does on regular sized people, so I do get the enjoyment of a compact watch. A friend has the Nezumi Voiture mecha-quartz in blue and likes it. The Photic diver is also super cool and a decent vintage diver kind of size for me. I'm glad the Photics sold out, because I hope it means he'll keep making more cool watches. The Lorier is a stunner and I think the details are great. I understand why they went 36mm, but unfortunately it's not for me at that size. I think they overall nailed this version of it though.

Nezumi Studio is great. I used to own the two tone version until a few months ago The Voiture is a great watch but I'm concerned that Nezumi has not come out with any new designs in a while.

I looked at one of the other Lorier models last year and completely overlooked the Falcon. That’s a very nice look. I bought too many watches in 2022 and was planning to skip any purchases this year, but dang it, now I’m seriously considering the Falcon.

Microbrands aren't always the bargain that we think. Peter Kotsa recently reviewed a Korean Pitzman that was over a thousand dollars. And they didn't make the watch. Miyota movement etc. No date, no titanium. Not a bargain at all.

I love the Maen. Thanks for the video.

My disinterest in higher tier expensive brands have left me with few semi grails that are totally achievable. Like the Longine Big Eye and the automatic version of the Nezumi Voiture. That design speak to me like no other chrono do. I really like the blue model but it's the one that you have that i prefer over all.

That Maen is really sharp! PS: "NORM!!!!"

I could honestly be tempted to have a collection of all Maens. This new dress watch and their recent GMT are both gorgeous.

As usual, a really good and balanced video. The Clemence caught my eye most, but there is not a great deal on their website regarding images. Anyway, Max, good video.

I have a big doubt if go on falcon 3 or Smiths everest. If i can ask, Having had them both in your hands, which one would you buy or recommend, and why?

Superb value for money and yet very tasteful

Would say laco scores higher than 6 on their history aspect. But the majority of micro brands I can agree with you on.

How appropriate, I just so happen to be wearing my Longines Hydro Conquest 39 while watching this video

You call it out but my biggest gripe with micro brands is their limited runs and then resellers cost to get one if you miss. I was lucky to grab at Brew Metric. But they sell for 1.5-2x that on eBay.

The only thing about Lorier is that they are absolute scratch magnets. Check out traska or Zelos (hardened steel)

Check out VAER divers US assembly option. I have the Meridian

A very nice collection. Well done.. All a bit on the small size for me.. Maybe you can do a collection of 4 for those with 8" wrists, maybe 42 to 44mm😉

Probably my favorite video from your chanel so far. The Maen brooklyn looks amazing in brown and green

If Maen used that recessed dial in their chronograph and this same esthaetic, I would definitely get one

I’ve got a Falcon on order right now. Can’t wait. Would love to see you review Islander watches. I just picked up the robin egg (cough tiffany) blue brookville and it’s a very fun OP alternative.

that Maen is amazing!

Awesome video! I’m lucky enough to have a couple In my collection would be considered ‘luxury’… But my collection extends from $20 Casio’s and up to my Sinn, Omega, Rolex. I love my microbrands! 20+ in my collection. In many cases they make me question having spent the money I have on those ‘luxury’ watches.

Thank you for reviewing the Lorier Falcon III. Yours is one of the few videos reviewing the Falcon III that's out there I looked at before my purchase. I am one of those people that A. Won't jump through ridiculous hoops to get a watch. Unfortunately that puts the Smiths Everest off my list. B. Not gonna deal with snooty dealers for the "priveledge" of begging for or paying $9000 + for a watch. They can keep it. That's why I chose a Grand Seiko for my dress watch. It's not the cost so much as how the company treats their customers. like the everyday practicality of the 36mm Rolex explorer but wanted a new watch and to be honest the stories I've heard on dealing with a Rolex AD turns me off to the brand. My ultimate wish list: 36mm case, an acrylic crystal, a closed caseback, 100 meters wr, a manual wind movement for the slimmest case. Something new straight out of the 1950's. Something I could take in the field. Get soaked in a river if need be. I gotta say the Lorier Falcon III hit almost every single wish. The miyota 9000 series is a perfect choice to get that slim case. I actually like the bracelet. Puts out the tool vibe I wanted and is comfortable for me. I cut my teeth modding Vostoks so acrylic crystals are no problems for me. In fact they do give any dial a warmer vintage feel and while out in the field a little white toothpaste and a damp cloth polishes the crystal nicely if scratched. I'm still trying to decide if the waffle dial and hands will grow on me but at least its not a direct Rolex copy which is good. It would be nice if Lorier would offer a matte black or charcoal dial as an option and in future releases maybe slim down the base of the hour and minute hands. The base of the minute hand feels just a tad too wide that draws too much attention to it. It's still new to me so I think this may change the more it's worn.

You could have picked almost any other maen and would be at that budget but would have covered the base of actually having one of the pieces having a swiss auto.

I've been on a micro brand kick and I've been enjoying it

These are ok as one off individual watches. However when you add up the cost of buying several obscure brands you could be halfway to buying a big band branded watch like an IWC, Omega etc

All good picks. The last Chronograph is pretty slick though.

I really liked the Brooklyn 36. 👍🏻

I had a Nezumi... in the end sold it as I just didn't gel with it. But seeing this... I remember why I bought it in the first place!

Pretty sad to see the MAEN Brooklyn bumping their prices up by 150 bucks compared to when u made this video, such a nice watch :(

Some interesting new microbrands, thanks.

NORM!!!! 😂🤣 Great video! Personally, I'll keep saying that Micros are making their own history. All brands began somewhere and adding so much cost for a "heritage" brand is a dubiously worthwhile compromise. When a watch specs well, it specs well, period. I love the Micro sphere in watch collecting. I'd score them higher than many, if not most, tired old "big" brands.

Quality > quantity

Great video as always Max! Thanks for the shout-out 🙌

Love you content. I just subscribed and appreciate your approach - - you are clear with your scores but not judgemental. I knew the first three and had my eye on the Maen, just not sure about the size, and will look into the the last one. Cheers.

A 5 watch collection could include a solar radio G-Shock.

I think a Smith's Everest or PRS-25 ought to get a look-in... not sure if Eddie Platts plays well with reviewers, though.

One thing I've always struggled with is knowing what month it is. Awesome to see some newer intros to the watch game address this issue!

I think my my phone has been listening to me, it's decided I've been talking about watches again.....back in my feed

This is what it's about. Heavily influenced by retro designs and just a joy to have.

Love this set of watches, especially the Nezumi.

Scoring the Miyota movements to a "5" - "Swizz made" snob alert! They're easily as reliable (if not more) than your standard ETA 2824s or Sellita...

I actually really don't like the smaller watches, but I'm in the minority. I have a 9 inch wrist, so anything under 40 is almost always an automatic no, just because it looks ridiculously small on my wrist.

Love the Brooklyn but I really can't do 36mm on my wrist 😢

Great finds love them!

Get a SEIKO SPB143 for about 1200 bucks on the street and then get a Panda Speed timer and you've spent 2000 dollars and are far ahead... also, resale will be solid.

Cool collection. Take a look at Vaer. They're an American micro brand. Some great watches

Waited a while to say this TV reference: "Good thinking, Max"! Of course the continuing issue with the good micro-brands is the in stock/sold out nature of the beast. You have to be on the case. Two personal favourites not here are Direnzo and Baltic.

highly recommend lorier, they are top class

I have a micro brand (Undone) and I love it, but it's not that expensive to grab a Hamilton which is a great brand and incredible value.

The finish on the Nezumi doesn't look great under some of those macro shots but you get what you pay for I suppose

Cool set of selection!. That Nezumi one really catch me.

My Spirit Zulu time feels attacked by the title

Great reference to “Cheers”

😉By the way... the german Porsche tuner Ruf is correctly pronounced like the american "roof" Our "u" is like your "oo" 👍Nice selection

Love the collection, immediately preordered the Nezumi. 🏎

Longines felt overrated to me.......saw them in Macy's, meh.....kept walking!! I was Really impressed with Tissot however, never saw them in person before, they Really stood out! I actually thought their stuff was $2000 range, but it was only $300-700 range...very impressed. I also like Hamilton.......Tag also looks pretty nice in person even though they catch so much hate, LOL.

Enjoyed the video! I would personally take 1 Longines vs a micro brand collection. Nice looking watches you’ve selected in comparison, but reality is a longines is far superior and would bring more appreciation as a watch enthusiast. Movement alone is worth it in my eyes.

Yes love micro brands with three out of the four are all too small. And 40 is really cutting it close.

Great video with a cool selection of watches.

Very nice collection Max. Thanks for posting 👍.

These watches are very nice. I’m really digging the look of the Clemence and Maen in regards to the overall aesthetics. The size is all about preference and should not be overemphasized in my humble opinion. To each its own. Your timepieces look and vibe, according to ones proportions, are unique. It can be whatever you want it to be.

I love watches. I love Cheers. Two thumbs up.

Just posted my first G-Shock on the site. Got lots of great compliments and suggestions for the second purchase.

You have great taste. Nice picks Max.

youve left out a list of links to where you can buy them 😉 great choices though

Awesome video. Just stumble upon your videos when looking for a new watch to get and I was in between a GMT and a field watch for my next watch and decided on the field. I actually went with the Lorier Falcon because it has all the styling i’m looking for in addition to a screw down crown for adventures. The accrylic crystal is was not at all a deal breaker for me because I have one on my Omega Speedmaster and it has functioned amazingly over 5 years now. I was also looking at Seikos new GMT, but I actually really liked the printed indices on the SKX/Turtle as well as the clicky bezel and screw down crown. Be it my opinion, I think the fact the seiko is a GMT does not warrant taking away all those simple benefits the SKX had like a clicky bezel, Screw down crown, and beautiful printed indices. I would have paid an extra 50-100 to keep all that. I also didn’t like the seiko 5 logo on it, it made it feel cheap to me. Not to turn this into a Seiko bash, really awesome watch and wouldn’t blame anyone who decided it, but after seeing Lorier I think you jus the such a cooler and equally capable watch for your money. Thanks for the video!

Great review - thank you

That Maen is phenomenal looking.

Good to be here !

Good video. The only thing missing is perhaps including a review of the performance/quality of the lume. I like the Chrono the best in this group and then wonder what the mechanical version costs and then I start to imagine one can probably pick up a Hamilton or Longines Big eye Chrono then I start to wonder if these would just be a fill-gap?

That’s a nice little 4-piece collection for the money!

If the Falcon used a swiss movement and a sapphire crystal I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

surprised you didn't mention a prx I bought a quartz one beautiful green fkr 225 dollars I think that's a great money for brushed case amazing braclet and the high polish edges

Lorier is a champ! Really like watches from them.

I have the Falcon II, absolutely love it. My other watch is the sarb035 wich i also love. I am planning to order the Maen as well. You said it is available for preorder which is not true. The preorder starts in april 2023. Other than that, great video.

Had never heard of Nezumi till this video - love their style. Will be next.. just can’t pick which yet!