62 Best Microbrand Watches at All Price-Points in 2023

We’ve all heard of the big guys. Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega… They all get a lot of spotlight and a lot of attention, but what else is out there? We at Wrist Enthusiast are major fans of some other brands that deserve some recognition in the space.

One thing we want to do before we start listing out some of these watches, is define what we are talking about. The industry calls these “Microbrands”. And to define that a little further for the sake of the article, we consider Microbrands as follows: Brands that are producing watches in limited quantities, with limited resources, and (often) without developing their own movements. Now, for some brands, “Limited” can mean different things because larger “Micro” brands can produce a lot of watches, but still be limited, while smaller brands may have much lower production counts. So have some flexibility on the brands listed here, because we are trying to highlight as well as give the stage to some of the Microbrands we love.

So without further ado, lets get into it.

Yema Superman GMT

Yema is positioned in an interesting position and one of our favorite microbrands. They technically produce their own movement, which adds an elevated value proposition. Our favorite model is the Yema Superman GMT. We love the Pepsi configuration but there are a number of other options out there with different colorways. One of our favorite aspects of the Superman GMT, is that it comes in two sizes - a 39mm and a 41mm to suite every desired wrist. The watch is limited to 200 pieces in each size, and comes with a modest price tag of $1399 USD.

Laventure Sous-Marine

Laventure is a unique little company out of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Laventure has found its unique DNA in it’s ultra-textured dials and colorways. In fact, the Sous-Marine has become one of our absolute favorite dials, both in texture and configuration. It comes in a number of different colorways in a brushed steel case. As refined as the dial looks, the raw steel case gives the watch a more rugged look, and we absolutely love it. The watch was extremely successful with a , and sold out almost immediately. If you can find one, it’ll be at a fairly large premium, but retail price was around $2,500 USD.

Martenero Edgemere Reserve

Martenero is relatively new to the scene, however they’ve made some significant headway in the industry. Started in 2014, Martenero quickly started producing some really unique vintage-inspired watches in some really cool colorways, and at an affordable price-point. Our favorite is the Edgemere Reserve. The “Skipper” style watch comes in a number of different colorways, mostly in blue, and nautical-inspired. The watches feature Miyota automatic movements, and carry a price tag of only $495 USD.

Monta Triumph Black

Monta has become a real staple in Microbrand collectors circle, and it’s deserved. Monta came on the scene in early 2016 with some really cool and affordable designs. Since then, they’ve expanded their catalog into all sorts of high-quality pieces, of which, we love the Triumph. It’s a 3-hand steel sport watch with a date window. It melds some sporty nature with an almost field watch configuration with splashes of red. The bracelet is high quality and comfortable and we find it’s 38.5mm size absolutely perfect. Price for the Monta Triumph Black is $1,700 USD.

Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT

When it comes to simple designs that provide a lot of bang for the buck, the Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT is a fantastic option. The Humboldt GMT comes in three different colors - a Blue, a Grey, and a White, our favorite is the white. It gives off a Rolex ‘Polar’ vibe, and we are here for it. The Humboldt GMT features a really unique lume-filled sandwich dial that makes the GMT function pop. Additionally, the bracelet is high quality, and fits really well. All for a modest price of $2,150 USD.

Brew Watches Metric

If you’ve been around the industry for any amount of time, you’ll probably recognize the Brew Watches Metric. The quirky little piece from a quirky little brand. The coffee inspired Brew Watches has truly succeeded in that we rarely see a model get released without selling out in a short period of time. The Metric became an instant fan favorite with it’s bright colors, unique case shape, and straight link bracelet. We love it, and we think you should too. Price for the Brew Metric $425 USD.

Atmoss SSR-01 Everyday Pilot Watch

When you think of Pilot Watches in the watch industry, you probably think of IWC or Breitling. Much more expensive luxury items with a lot of utility, but the price tag to match. Warrick Bettany desired to make an affordable pilot watch with a functioning Slide Rule bezel so Pilot's had an affordable timepiece to track things like speed and distance without advanced technology on a plane. Being a pilot himself, the desire for a 41mm watch with a unidirectional Slide Rule made his job a lot easier - So Atmoss was born, with the SR-01 Everyday Pilot being it's inaugural piece. It's a simple pilot watch with a clean dial and Slide Rule bezel, with a mechanical movement. It's simple, easy to read, and doesn't break the bank at $347 USD.

Traska Seafarer

Traska has created some truly unique colorways in their short days on scene. The brand is kind of known for releasing a number of pieces in the same 4-6 colorways, each with a unique take on a classic design, all coming on really comfortable bracelets. The Seafarer is one of our favorites. While many have criticized its dual pushers, we find it a bit charming. The compressor bezel (meaning the bezel is controlled by the top pusher, and resides inside of the crystal) adds some vintage look to an already classic design. Price for the Traska Seafarer is $570 USD.

AnOrdain Model 1 Fumé

Anordain has created quite a name for themselves in the industry in a short period of time. The Anordain Model 1 Fume has some of the coolest dial finishing in the Microbrand market. Since 2015, Anordaine has been uniquely treating their enamel dials to achieve this smoky fume effect with a specific acid-style treatment. When paired with the gold indices and hands, the watch is incredibly legible without the texture taking away from the legibility. The 38mm case is superbly thin, and wears incredibly well. There is a large waitlist, but you can get on it for around $2,500 USD.

Lorier Neptune

The Lorier Neptune has long been a fan favorite of ours here at Wrist Enthusiast. Lorier has done a good job molding vintage charm with a more modern package. The stainless steel case features a unique straight edge design that integrates with a flat link bracelet and oversized crown. The dial has depth, and is incredibly legible, and the gold “broad arrow” handset adds to the vintage aesthetic. Price for the Lorier Neptune is $499 USD.

Halios Fairwind

The Halios Fairwind is another model that mixes some vintage and modern design cues. The 39mm stainless steel case is sized well with an extremely comfortable stainless steel bracelet. The box indices are lume filled and easy to read, while the baton hands keep the watch legible. The watch comes in two colors, a unique matte blue, and a slate gray. While we love both options, we tend to lean towards the blue. Price for the Halios Fairwind is $775 USD

Direnzo DRZ 04 Mondial

The Direnzo DRZ 04 Mondial is the 4th watch from Direnzo creator Sergio Godoy Di Renzo. The brand, which was started in 2016, was setting out to create timepieces in a similar design aesthetic as 20th century classic cars and aircraft. The DRZ04 takes inspiration from the Boeing 707, an early passenger plane post propeller era. It comes in a variety of colors, and we find it to be one really unique watch, from a really cool microbrand. Price for the Direnzo DRZ 04 Mondial is $800 USD.

Straum Opphav

Straum is a relative newcomer to the industry, but one we truly appreciate from a manufacturing standpoint. The Straum Opphav has one of the coolest dial we’ve ever seen, and it’s even more immpressive when you realize the price point is more than reasonable. Designed to mimic Norwegian nature, both topographically and like the seas and lakes, the dial features an almost Grand Seiko-esque motif that shows off Straum’s ability to texture and finish a dial. The light catches the dial and reveals a peak and valley-type texture on the dial. Truly beautiful. Price for the Opphav is a reasonable $850 USD.

Visitor Duneshore Shallows

Visitor Watches is a US-based microbrand specializing in unique designs at an affordable price. One of our favorite is their Duneshore Shallows line of watches. The Duneshore Shallows takes traditional dive watch looks and turns them on their head, creating an almost UFO-esque look. For starters, the case is large and blocky at 44mm, giving the watch a brooding aesthetic. With their rounded bubble bezel and fun color options, the Duneshore Shallows can be both a casual watch, or a serious dive tool. Price for the watch is $750 on a rubber strap, or we prefer the milanese bracelet option at $850 USD.

Dufrane Waterloo

Dufrane is one of those rare brands where the founder is a large part of the sell. Steven started his career as a Pilot before pivoting to creating Dufrane watches - And each model features many influences in both innovation and aviation. The Waterloo is one of our favorite models they’ve released. Featuring a high polished bezel matching against a brushed case, the Waterloo crams many textures into it’s simple, yet readable dial. First, the sandwich dial gives depth, with alternating brushing patterns to provide legibility and visual interest. Second the watch comes on a variety of strap and bracelet options, allowing for the Waterloo to be dressed up, or dressed down. Price for the Waterloo is a modest $525 USD.

Unimatic U2 Classic

Italian brand Unimatic found its legs with minimalistic tactical-style watches. The brooding light on black colorways made the watches stand out, and really could be considered statement watches - Even militaristic. Oftentimes, the Unimatics are blocky, oversized, and hefty on the wrist, but one of their more elegant (If that’s a fair word to use) offerings is the Unimatic U2 Classic. A simple 3 hand movement without a date, and minimal text on the dial, the watch is a great universal wear - Measuring in at a modest 38.5mm and priced at only $425 USD.

Barrelhand Project One

Barrelhand as a brand has a really interesting story. The owner of the brand got his start in 3D printing otherwise difficult or unattainable parts for his watches. And the result of that, is the Project One. A first of it’s kind watch that 3D printed the worlds first movement bridge. The Project One really is a showcase for the future of the technology. It’s a fantastic looking watch that we can personally guarantee that you’ve not seen anything like. The first round of Project One is sold out, but sold at $30,000 USD. We are excited to see what they come up with next.

Formex Reef GMT

Formex has long made some really genuinely fun sport watches. I (Travis) actually was able to review a Formex Field automatic back in a previous year and fell in love with it. Formex has since branched out and created a number of different tool watches with different utiliizations, but one of our favorites is the Reef GMT Diver watch. Not only does it come in a slew of muted colors, the watch boasts some great dive specs and aesthetics as well. The watch is highly customizable too. The brand allows for selection of dial and bezel color combinations as well as strap and bracelet options. Price for the watch is $1,850 USD, but can go up or down depending on configuration selections.

Weiss Standard Issue Field Watch

A testament to a good Microbrand is the dedication of it’s founder. Cameron Weiss spent ten years of his life perfecting his craft before launching the Weiss Watch brand. The first model they created is the Standard Issue Field Watch. The watch is offered in two sizes, a 38mm and a 42mm and comes on a variety of different strap options. The watch was inspired by Cameron’s many outdoor adventures and so naturally, a Field watch fits the brand very well. Price for the Weiss Standard Issue Field Watch is $2,000 USD.

Underd0g Chronograph

Do you need a perfect summer watch? The Underd0g Chronograph models hands down take the cake for some of the coolest color combinations on a watch that doesn’t break the bank. The food (Yes, you read that correctly) themed chronographs have come in a variety of different color combinations, including a brown and green “Mint Choc Chip” and a green and pink “Watermelon” are among them - however there are many more. The watches are seriously unique, fun, and won’t break your bank account at $500 USD.

Eza Vintage 1972

Eza watches is a really cool brand out of Pforzheim, Germany - A town rich with jewelry and watch historical roots. Eza watches are made with factory parts linked to these deep roots. That being said, Eza watches feature some of the coolest Vintage vibes of many other Microbrands. Our favorite is the 1972 - A dive watch with all the vintage goodness you’d expect. Step indices, deep colors, and a 70’s inspired case. It’s a solid daily wear that won’t break the bank. Price for the Vintage 1972 is $1,050 USD.

Minase Divido

Japanse company Minas is a relative newcomer, and the Ice Blue Divido is among our favorite releases from the brand. The stainless steel case features some unique construction and has a futuristic look to it compared to some of the more traditional models on this list. It’s date window is where it gets it’s main personality. Instead of a traditional date window, the Divido features a large triangular cutout to frame the date. The entire design feels otherworldly, and Minase’s eye for dial finishing gives an almost sunburst effect, but with more texture. Price for the Minase Divido is $4,500 USD.

Second Hour Watches Mandala MKII

Second Hour Watches has made some really incredible sleeper hits in the past. The Mandala MKI was a fan favorite when it was released. It featured great specs at a great price and the people loved it. Recently, the brand has released an updated version of the MKI with the MKII (Props for the simple naming convention). It features a uniquely colorful and textured dial with alternating finishing and copious amounts of Lume. It comes in a large variety of colors, and a really comfy 9-link bracelet. Price for the Mandala MKII is a modest $556 USD.

Dryden Heartlander

Founded in 2019 in Kansas City, Dryden has taken a unique outlook towards creating function watches with some really cool influences. One of our favorite models is the Heartlander. It’s a steel sport watch that is ready for the elements at a reasonable price point considering the specs. The watch comes in some really funky colorways, and an easy to read dial that’s fun but functional. One of the things that we love is the bracelet. It’s almost got a Rolex vibe that we can’t help but love. And you can’t beat the price at only $500 USD.

Ocean Crawler Great Lakes Diver V3

If a lume-covered dive watch is your thing, have we got the watch for you. Ocean Crawler has been killing it in the last few years with functional dive watches that are both vintage-inspired and tool-watch-centered. The Great Lakes V3 features the same dial configuration of watches 50+ years old. The “Fauxtina” works really well on the Great Lakes V3, and the inclusion of a small circular date window at 6 o’ clock adds some function without breaking up the dial. Price for the Ocean Crawler Great Lakes V3 is $999 USD.

RZE Resolute SuperCompressor

Now, if a lightweight diver is your thing, then let us introduce you to the RZE Resolute Supercompressor. The larger dive watch features a Titanium case instead of steel, making it superbly light on the wrist, and funtional. It’s 40mm case us handsome, with angular construction and a clean, albeit block aesthetic. The Resolute Supercompressor is definitely designed to be noticed. The dial features a copious amount of lume, and a sandblasted textured. And as is the case with Compressor bezels, the bezel is inside the crystal, and is operated by the crown at 2 o’clock. Price for the RZE Resolute Supercompressor is $699 USD.

Arcturus Lion City 1

If bold and design-forward is appealing, then Signaporean newcomer Arcturus might be a model you can get behind. The bold designs of the dial are finished really well, and present plenty of visual interest to match the squared off case shape. The successful kickstarter means that the watch is available now, at a modest price point of $599 USD.

Fears Archival 1930

Fears Watches is known for utilizing vintage movements and techniques to create some truly stunning timepieces. One of our favorite instances of this is the Archival 1930. Modeled after a watch Fears made in 1930. It’s a traditional looking dress watch with a really cool rectangular shape that is both classy, and dressy. The art deco watch contours to the wrist via a cool curvature in the case, both on the crystal side and the caseback. Price for the Fears Archival 1930 is $3,930 USD.

Elka X02

Elka is a really unique brand, in that it went defunct around the 60’s. The owner of Elka wanted to harken back to the 60’s time period with his designs, so it only made sense for him to scoop up the rights to the Elka name, and start creating his pieces. The Elka X02 is a stand out timepiece that is designed around a 60’s era field watch. It’s unique sand color with it’s super legible “double” numerals for the minutes gives the watch it’s cool aesthetic. The leaf shaped hands pop and are easy to read and it comes on a traditional tan nato strap. Price for the Elka X02 is around $2,000 USD.

Massena Lab Uni-Racer Safari

Another GPHG contender, the Massena Lab Uni-Racer is one of our favorite chronographs. The Uni-Racer line of watches from Massena Lab is already a fun Chronograph, and the additional of the “Safari” just showcases what Massena Lab is really good at - Color. The Green dial is complimented by gold subdials, and is finishing in a sunburst gradient, making the watch truly look aged, with the gold typing in that desert theme so well. To add to the uniqueness, the blue hands add a splash of color to an already colorful watch. Price for the Massena Lab Uni-Racer Safari is $3,495 USD.

Norqain Wild One

Norqain has come on the scene with some bold designs and unique construction to their watches. The Wild One is purpose built for the outdoors or extreme circumstances. While we don’t have time to get into it here, Norqain utilizes a unique case construction that gives their watches some robust specs - Especially under extreme circumstances. The Wild One is built out of a carbon fiber material, making it extremely light and comforfable on the wrist. The watch comes on cool inlayed rubber and textile strap that doesn’t make it heavy or uncomfortable on the wrist when galavanting the outdoors. Price for the Norqain Wild One is $5,290 USD.

Ming 37.07

We often refer to Ming watches as a love letter to watch enthusiasts. The brand has created some truly unique pieces in a very limited, and the Ming 37.07 is an exception because Ming is calling a “Mosaic for All”. The old Mosaic dials were almost 5 times the price of the new 37.07. The watch’s dial is the real star of the show featuring a heavily textured Mosaic dial that is filled with lume. It’s truly a watch for watch enthusiasts. Price for the Ming 37.07 is $3,500 USD.

Werenbach Soyuz 02

Werenbach does some really cool things. With the Soyuz 02, Werenbach has taken a rocket, and carved out a dial to put in their watch. What results is a cool grey textured color that is both incredibly legible, and really unique. We’ve seen other brands try to use military or space materials, to create dials, but we find the Werenbach Soyuz 02 to be one of the cooler executions. Price for the watch is $1,100 USD.

Brellum Pilot LE.3 Chronometer

Brellum has become one of our favorite independent Microbrands. They’re created some really cool Pilot watches that aren’t massive and well designed. The Brellum Pilot LE-3 Chronometer is one of our favorites in the collection. It features a really cool slate grey dial with an integrated rubber strap. It also features a unique domed crystal that almost magnifies the dial. Brellum is well positioned because they send a Chronometer certification with the watch, which is usually for watches in much higher price points. Price for the Brellum Pilot LE.3 Chronometer is a very modest $3,250 USD.

Eza Sealander

The second Eza on our list is the Sealander. Once again, if you’re looking for a vintage inspired diver that comes in plenty of colors, look not further than the Eza Sealander. The watches features the lvely crosshair dial reminiscent of the 60’s, and 70’s, and the fauxtina lume in the hands. It comes on a variety of straps and bracelets, but we love the leather. Price for the Eza Sealander is $1,025 USD.

Paulin Neo B

Scottish brand Paulin has released some seriously unique watches in their history. One of our absolutely favorites is the Neo B - A vintage-inspired little retro timepiece that’s both unisex and wearable at 38mm. The watch literally feels like a thrift item, and in the best possible way. It’s fun, and sparks some thoughts of picking up a cool find at the antique shop. The blocky handset, orange dial, drilled lugs, and 70’s font is beyond charming. The watch also comes on a variety of straps, or bracelets. Price for the Paulin Neo B is a modest $395 USD.

Code41 X41

Code41 has dome some really cool fundraising to provide a lot of added value for their client base. One, each watch has a unique movement that’s crowdfunded and insanely transparent, and the X41 is one of our favorites. While you can read our full review here, the Carbon case is very comfortable, and the dial is actually really legible considering the oversized bridges and skeletonizations. The watch comes on a variety of straps that can be mixed and matched. Price for the Code41 X41 is around $6,600 USD.

Kurono Tokyo Grand Urushi Aoyama

Kurono Tokyo is a relatively new brand and is doing some groundbreaking things as far as finishing. The Grand Urushi Aoyama features a “Urishi” dial - And it’s simply stunning. Urishi Lacquer is a historic Japanese way of finishing Laquer with the sap of a specific tree in a specific region of Japan. The dials, over time, will change hue slightly, become harder and more scratch resistant, and develop unique qualities specifically for that watch. Price for the watch is $2,800 USD.

Draken Benguela

It’s hard these days to really come up with original dive watch designs. It’s such a convoluted space, that you’ve seen just about everything at most points. That being said, Draken features a truly unique dial that’s both functional and original. The Draken Benguela is a versatile dive watch with a unique sandwich dial with sandblasted applied indices. The lume is applied to the recessed portion of the dial, making it strong and legible. The stainless steel case is sand-blasted, giving it a nice matte finish. Price for the Draken Benguela $749 USD.

DuBois et Fils DBF008

Dubois is one of, if not the oldest watch factory in Switzerland (Though, they claim to the be oldest). One of the coolest parts of Dubois as a brand, is they utilize old swiss movements to power their watches. They are refurbished, and renewed to put into the brand’s product offerings. The Et Fills DBF008 is one of our favorites of the brand. The classic dress watch measures in at 39mm, and comes in a stainless steel case.with a slew of different colored dials. Each model will be limited to 22 pieces and come with a price tag of $6,500 USD.

Vulcain Skindiver

Vulcain has been around since the mid-1800’s and has easily become a fan favorite for micro brand enthusiasts. The brand has even made watches for US President Harry Truman, earning them the nickname “The Watches for Presidents”. And to be fair, it’s easy to see why. The Vulcain Skindiver is a tried and true diver that is a modern take on a vintage dive watch. It’s clean aesthetics, easy legibility, and retro-cool vibe make it a favorite of ours too. Price for the Vulcain Skindiver is $1,627 USD.

Farer Lander GMT

It’s rare to find a good automatic GMT that isn’t exorbitantly priced. In fact, I’d say there are few out there that really fit the bill. Farer, however has created a really unique GMT watch with the Lander GMT. The aqua blue dial is paired with a unique orange tone and a red GMT hand - Making it a bold statement without being “too much”. The dial is a triple step dial, meaning that the center is recessed with the date underneath of it. It adds a lot of texture you don’t typically find in a watch at this price point. Price for the Farer Lander GMT is $1,450 USD.

Astor & Banks Fortitude Lite

On the heals of the Tiffany blue craze, Astor & Banks releases the Fortitude Lite to scratch that itch for enthusiasts not looking to sell a Kidney to get that Tiffany color in their steel sport watch. And if the Tiffany color isn’t for you, then they have a huge catalog of other colors as well. The case measures in at 38.5mm hence the “Lite”. It’s a smaller, more agile take on a sport watch and we are here for it. Price for the Fortitude Lite is a modest $650 USD.

Maen Manhattan 37

Maen has long been a brand we’ve truly appreciated. They’re designs are always on point, and the various vintage influences make their watches truly stand out. Their most recent design takes the cake. The Maen Manhattan 37 crams every bit of 60’s NYC vibes into a compact and well made case and integrated bracelet. The watch is an elongated porthole share with vertical striping on the dial. It’s bezel has polished edges will the rest of the watch is brushed steel. It looks like the set of a swanky movie set again Manhattans backdrop, and we are in love with it. Price for the Maen Manhattan 37 is $650 USD.

Geckota Sea Hunter Slimline

The Geckota Sea Hunter Slimeline has made a number of our lists and for good reason. It’s a handsome steel sport watch for a beyond reasonable price. The Se Hunter Slimeline comes in a variety of colors, and an integrated steel bracelet that looks and feels way more expensive than it is. The finishing is really clean, and we love the dial layout. It reads well, and looks great. Price for the Geckota Sea Hunter Slimline is $550 USD.

Hegid Mirage

Hegid makes some really fun watches. They’re most known for their more blocky designs and funky styles that are both retro and modern at the same time. The Hegid Mirage is born out of a love for super cars. Specifically the Lamborghini Miura, and you can definitely tell in the angular design language and finishing nature. The alternating polished and brush steel, paired with the padded integrated leather strap hearken back to a time when super cars were both recognizable, and bold. Hence the name “Mirage”. Price for the Hegid Mirage is $4,000 USD.

Awake Mission to Earth Nightfall

Alright Space Gurus, listen up. We’ve got a watch for. If you’ve followed Wrist Enthusiast for any amount of time, you’ll notice we have an obsession with the cosmos, so we’re always looking for a good space-themed timepiece to scratch our little star-bound itch. Awake is born out of that same nature, and has created a really cool watch. The watch is made of 70% recycled Titanium to reduce the brands impact on the climate, and comes in a lovely black PVD coating. The orange accents are a nod to a spacesuit, while the dial is modeled after the “Cupola” - The window on the ISS Space Station. Overall, if you love space, and you’re in the market for a space themed watch, you can pick up the Awake Mission to Earth Nightfall for $1,000 USD.

Vilhelm Prism

Vilhelm was created out of the owners desire to create a timepiece that’s both high-quality, but also easily affordable to the working class. Their masculine designs are fun, and surpringly affordable. The Vilhelm Prism is our favorite of the catalog. The titanium case is a unique construction with what we’d call a “Double Lug”, which is sort of like a case within a case. It almost looks like a shield, and with the integrated bracelet further adds to the brooding nature of the watch itself. And since it’s Titanium, and also only 40mm, it’s very wearable, despite it’s overszed look. Price for the Vilhelm Prism is $999 USD.

Sablier Grand Cru II

Sablier, while also making really handsome watches, has a really cool story too. While we won’t have time to unpack it in this small blurb, we’d encourage our readers to take a look at the brands website. Have personally engaged with Sablier, their passion is undeniable. And the Grand Cru II is a testament to that passion. Sablier is the first and only brand to have a patent on a concaved crystal. This is something that you wouldn’t know until you hold the watch in your hand, but the crystal caves inward - Enhancing the wine-themed dial (We especially love the corkscrew seconds hand) and presents a very unique wearing experience. Price for the Sablier Grand Cru II is a modest $2,795 USD.

Dietrich Time Companion

There are a lot of iconic bracelets in the watch industry. It’s always difficult to design something truly original, as someone, somewhere has already done it before. Dietrich on the otherhand, has created a truly unique timepiece in the Time Companion. You’ll notice immediately that the Time Companion does not have a traditional shape. It’s flaired on the sides, with odd (in the best way possible) shaped hands and indices. It gives the entire watch an organic look, and we can’t help but find flow to the Time Companion. Price for the watch is around $2,200 USD.

Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia

We haven’t featured a Pulsometer yet, so let’s start with the Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia - One of the most attractive Pulsometers we’ve seen in a long time. the stainless steel case is accented by a high polished black dial with gold accents. The pulsometer (measuring your pulse) chapter ring flanks the edge, and the gold subdial stands out just enough. The minimal branding on the dial keeps the watch clean and concise allowing for a simple leather strap to strap it to the wrist. The Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia can be found for around $600 USD.

FORZO G2 Drive King Chronograph

If you’re in the market for a racing chronograph, the Forzo G2 Drive may be the watch for you. The dial is bead blasted and features tons of texture. The green color pops nicely with the sand dial plate and step-style indices, while the integrated bracelet feels retro, but with a contemporary vibe. Now, this is a quartz movement, but that allows some of the more aesthetically expensive features to be more affordable to the modern buyer. Price for the Forzo G2 Drive King is $695 USD.

Marloe Coniston Auto

Marloe Watches has a fun little watch tradition they call the “Black Edition” of their watches. This started as a colorway for one of the brand’s first limited edition models, but caught on pretty quickly and eventually, each collection received an entry into its own “Black Edition”. Our favorite is the Coniston Auto. It’s a clean dress watch with a recessed dial plate and skeletonized handset. It features an automatic movement and the purchaser has a selection of straps to choose from. The price for the Marloe Coniston Auto is a modest $370 USD.

Zelos Swordfish 40mm

We’ve long been big fans of Zelo’s watches, and they’ve even graced a number of our other lists. They’re known for their cool textured dials, and overall higher quality for the money than many of their competitors. The Swordfish was no excepting with it’s exceptionally textured sunburst dial. The watch comes in a variety of colors, but our favorite is their aqua blue. For a diver, it’s clean, sturdy, and fun to look at. You can pick up a Zelos Swordfish for $399 USD.

William Wood Valiant

There are a lot of cool watches out there commemorating a lot of cool stuff. But the William Wood Valiant is neat little watch that commemorates the fire brigade of London. The London based brand has produced a lot of nice pieces, but the Valiant is one of the most fun. The watch is stainless steel and comes on a red strap made out of recycled red fire hose - Quite an original concept. You can pick up the William Wood Valiant for $1,002 USD.

Bausele Oceanmoon IV

Bausele manages to fit a lot of specs into their fourth iteration of their Oceanmoon, and that provides a lot of value for those in the market for a solid dive watch. The stainless steel watch measures in at 42mm with a compressor bezel, which means it has two crowns and wears a little larger. The watch is fitting with a sandwhich dial with both dimension and a sunburst pattern with oversized hands and a small date window at 6 o’ clock. Overall, it’s a lovely dive watch for the price at just $800 USD.

Martenero Bayshore

We love Martenero for a number of reasons, but one that’s bubbled up to the surface is the brand’s ability to make utilitarian watches look really clean. The Bayshore Collection is just that, simply steel sport watches with a really clean design focused on legibility. It’s rare to find a well made integrated bracelet in lower priced watches, but Martenero does this incredibly well. It doesn’t hurt that the Bayshore comes in a variety of funky color combinations that give the watch it’s personality. Price for the Martenero Bayshore is $495 USD.

Waldan Heritage Sportline

New York based Waldan Watches has a pretty rich history in the watch space. One of it’s latest offerings is a colorful sport watch with a unique textured dial that looks miles ahead of it’s price point. The quartz watch features a linear oil pressed dial with thin baton hands and applied indices. The watch truly has a look dedicated to it’s design, and it doesn’t break the bank at $299 USD.

Autodromo Vallelunga Automatic

Autodromo has firmly rooted itself in the motorsports world with some creative racing inspired designs. They got their start in 2011 with a quartz powered Vallelunga that quickly became one of the brands best sellers. Recently, the brand has released a homage to that watch with the Vallelunga Automatic, which obviously, give the watch an automatic movement. The watch is inspired by redlining a car, and comes in a variety of fun colors and configurations. Price for the Autodromo Vallelunga Automatic is $695 USD.

Wasson Automatic Field Watch

If you’re in the market for a Field Watch, have we got the watch for you. While you can read the entire review here, we found the Wasson Automatic Field watch to be a highly refined, and overengineered offering for a brand’s inaugural release. Measuring in at 42.6mm, because of the way the case is constructed, the watch feels smaller and more refined than a standard field watch. Wasson has an level of attention to detail that is rarely seen in crafting field watches. It also features some of the best packaging we’ve ever seen in a watch that only costs $945 USD.

Lytt Labs Inception V1.1

Lytt Labs has created quite a name for itself in the industry with their “Out there” designs and unique ways of determining the time. The Inception 1.1 takes a traditional concept and turns it on it’s head. You’ll notice two pointers on the dial, and instead of hands, these rings point at the corresponding numbers to determine the time. For instance, in the image below, it is 2:30 and 45 seconds. Pretty cool. The watch is very large at 45mm, but wears slightly bigger due to the squared-off case. Price for the Lytt Labs Inception 1.1 is a modest $639 USD.

Straton Yacht Racer Automatic

One of the more create brands that we’ve seen pop up on our radars in the last few years is Straton Watches. The brand does a really good job of classing up vintage designs with more contemporary aesthetics, and the Straton Yacht Racer is a perfect example of that. The watch is colorful and fun, like a yachting watch of old, and feaetures a lovely 7-link bracelet to keep the vintage look, while still opting for the more modern integrated bracelet. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong at the price point of just $1,299 USD.