40 Best Microbrand Watches at All Price-Point
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 Urban Traveller
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 Urban Traveller. Very few brands, especially in the affordable price category, have been able to execute a unique and interesting integrated bracelet stainless steel sport watch. But with the Urban Traveller, YEMA has a winner. The YEMA Urban Traveller retails for $890 USD.
Wren Diver One Snow
If you are looking for a well made Swiss dive watch, for under $1,000, look no further than the Wren Diver One Snow. Yes, Wren is Wrist Enthusiast’s house brand. But the specs speak for themselves. The watch is a well-proportioned 41mm in diameter by 47mm lug-to-lug. It also has a sandwich dial with BGW9 Swiss SuperLuminova, a fully luminous bezel scale, 200 meters of water resistance, and not to mention a beautiful white to navy blue gradient dial. If you want something different but classic, the Wren Diver One Snow retails for $965 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 $785 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.
Monta Triumph
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 grey, 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 $2,175 USD.
Brew Metric Retro Dial
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 $450 USD.
Atelier Wen Perception
I am a big fan of Atelier Wen and the Perception. The young brand has managed to gain a following creating a luxury, Chinese-made integrated bracelet sport watch. What makes the Perception so special is the finishing and the hand-guilloched dial (done by the only Master guillocher in mainland China, Master Cheng). What you get is something different, that has a beautiful Chinese-inspired sensibility. There is not much not to like. The Atelier Wen Perception retails for $3,288 USD.
Check out our reviews of the stainless steel Atelier Wen Perception and the titanium Atelier Wen Perception Millesime Mu.
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 $665 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.
Dennison ALD Tiger Eye
If you are a fan of vintage (and new) Piaget, or stone dial watches in general, you should definitely check out Dennison. Dennison is actually an old case manufacturer that was just brought back to life as a watch brand, with focus on style and design (designed by Emmanuel Gueit nontheless). And the ALD Tiger Eye is one of my favorites from the brand. With the watch, you get an actual Tiger Eye stone dial for well under $1,000. You don't see that very often. And if Tiger Eye isn't your style, you can also choose from Malachite, Aventurine, and Lapis Lazuli (as well as non-stone, sunray dials). All stone Dennison watches retail for $690 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 Seaforth IV
The Halios Seaforth IV is another model that mixes some vintage and modern design cues. The 41mm stainless steel case is sized well with an extremely comfortable rubber strap (or stainless steel bracelet if you prefer). The box indices are lume filled and easy to read, while the baton hands keep the watch legible. The blue color of the dial is reminiscent of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual or the Tiffany Blue Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711. Either way, it's a lot more afforrdable. Price for the Halios Seaforth IV is $775 USD
Direnzo DRZ 02R
The Direnzo DRZ 02R is something incredibly creative from a fairly established microbrand. Direnzo creator Sergio Godoy Di Renzo established the brand in 2016, setting out to create timepieces in a similar design aesthetic as 20th century classic cars and aircraft. The DRZ02R has somewhat of a retro modern vibe. It has a sandwich dial with indexes that are "cut out" in a completely novel way, allowing for more depths (and more lume). It comes in a variety of colors, and I find it to be a really unique watch, from a really cool microbrand. Price for the Direnzo DRZ 02R is $882 USD.
Straum Jan Mayen
Straum, founded in just 2020, is a relative newcomer to the industry, but one we truly appreciate from a manufacturing standpoint. And the Jan Mayen 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 Jany Mayen is $1,685 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.
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 $450 USD.
Formex Essence 39
Formex has long made some really genuinely fun sport watches, and over the past few years has been gaining an even bigger following in the microbrand community. With the Essence 39, Formex has a real winner. This integrated bracelet stainles ssteel sport watch features a unique design, and is incredibly wearable at 39mm by 45mm lug-to-lug. Not to mention it's a slim 10mm thick. 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 $1,590 USD on stainless steel bracelet.
Jack Mason Strat-o-Timer GMT
I have written a lot about the Jack Mason Strat-o-Timer. Why? Because I think it is a well-made, no frills GMT that has style and finishing well above its price-point. From the jubilee-style bracelet, to the microadjust, to the Miyota Caliber 9075 “Flyer” GMT movement, this just feels like a watch that could be priced at $2,000 or $3,000. So the fact that it comes in multiple different dial/bezel combinations, and at just $1,069 USD, makes it a winner for me.
Check out our review of the Jack Mason Strat-o-Time GMT “Espresso” here.
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 $2,300 USD .
Studio Underd0g 01 Series Chronograph Watermelon
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 $675 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 $475 USD.
RZE Valour 38
Now, if a lightweight field watch is your thing, then let us introduce you to the RZE Valour 38. This modestly sized field watch watch features a Titanium case instead of steel, making it superbly light on the wrist, and funtional. It’s 38 mm case us handsome, with angular construction and a clean, albeit block aesthetic. The dial features large black indexes, as well as a 13-24 hour scale, making it a true field watch. And the funky yellow dial is just cool! Price for the RZE Valour 38 in Medallion Yellow is $349 USD.
Awake Concept Sơn Mài
If you like the hand made dials from brands like anOrdain or Atelier Wen, you will definitely like the new Sơn Mài collection from Awake Concept. These pieces, just released this month, are much more artistic than the previous sporty and utilitarian offerings from the brand. Each dial is created by using the Vietnamese art of Son Maì lacquer. So, every watch is unique and there is a whole lot of visual interest going on depending on the light. Overall, it's a really well executed new offering from the brand. The Awake Concept Son Mai retails for $2,050 USD.
Elka X02-0802
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 $1,840 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 $5,490 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 (but is currently sold out).
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 $623 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 starts around $13,000 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 $6,700 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 but it currently sold out.
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 $3,793 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.
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 $425 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 $1,054 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 $595 USD but it is currently sold out.
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 $799 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.