14 Best Microbrand Watches Under $1,000
From an outside perspective, the watch industry may appear to be dominated by behemoth brands such as Rolex or Omega. However, upon further exploration a plethora of unique small(-er) brands start to emerge from the woodwork. They are what we’d call a microbrand and they are what keeps ideas and creativity in the watch industry flowing around and shaking things up. And while you will see independent brands selling watches for tens of thousands of dollars, many microbrands’ offerings are in the accessible, sub-$1000 price-point. And to clarify, we consider a watchmaker to be a microbrand when they produce watches in more limited quantities, with more limited resources and capacity, and (often) use third party movements. Not all of the brands and watches in this guide adhere strictly to these criteria, but it is a rough guideline to go by. Without further ado, let’s dive straight into our first pick!
Wren Diver One
Price: $895; Case: Stainless Steel, 41mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Before we start in earnest, we have to get a bit of blatant self-promotion out of the way (sorry, not sorry). In our opinion, the only way we could really start a list about microbrand watches under $1000 was with our very own Wren Diver One Aqua. We think this vintage inspired piece encapsulates everything there is to love about the golden era of dive watches. From the durable sapphire box crystal to beautiful flatlink bracelet, to the unguarded big crown and the gorgeous creamy indices, everything screams vintage. Well, except for the more modern fumé dial that everyone is talking about. The debate of ‘is it green? Is it blue’ is yet to be resolved, but there’s one thing we do know: it’s a real conversation starter. Swiss made, and powered by the reliable Sellita SW200 movement, you’ll never be caught short. There is only 1 more piece left of the Diver One Aqua (out of 100). The Diver One Aqua retails for $895 USD but is currently sold out. You can learn more about it here. You can also sign up to be notified of when the next variation of the Diver One is released.
Nodus Sector Deep
Price: $599; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 500m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Based out of Los Angeles, Nodus has been shaking up the definition of what a microbrand is since 2017. They describe themselves as a ‘watch research and design’ company, which is a bold statement. A statement that they absolutely live up to. The Sector Deep really showcases all of their innovation. Rated to 500m of Water Resistance, it is almost impossible to find such a capable watch at its price point. The dial is highly contrasted, comes with insane lume, and loads of bright dial options- perfect for a summer beater if you ask us. Equally, it only mostly in a destro (left-handed) configuration, which is unusual. It would be wrong to mention this watch without noting the NodeX dive extension clasp (a design proprietary to Nodus), that gives you plenty of micro-adjustment. This fabulous piece retails for $599 USD.
Baltic MR Classic Salmon
Price: $590; Case: Stainless Steel, 36mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic Microrotar; Crystal: Hesalite.
Baltic are renowned for their winning formula of vintage-inspired designs. And the brand is probably best known for the Aquascaphe, their retro-esque dive watch. But Baltic has shown itself to be more versatile than just creating great divers. And the MR Classic, particularly in salmon, is the perfect showcase of this. The grained salmon dial is contrasted by polished, metallic applied hour markers. At 36mm, the watch is wearable by most. And due to its (Chinese) micro-rotor movement, it comes in at a slim 9.9mm thick. This watch has both the functionality and aesthetics of a piece worth 5 or 10 times more than its retail price of $590 USD.
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic
Price: $995; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 150m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic is possibly one of the best ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ (GADA) watches on the market. Dressed up or down, the C63 perfect for any adventure, work meeting, or social occasion. The beautifully finished yet durable case makes it incredibly attractive. At 36mm or 39mm, the C63 Sealander is extremely tendance and inclusive, making it perfect for everyone to wear. The devil is very much in the details, from the custom rotor to the trident handset, everything has been thought of. Paired with plenty of fabulous dial options, there is a C63 for everyone. However, the Hunter Green dial is simply gorgeous and really stands out to us. Retailing for $995 USD, the C63 is really punching way above its weight class.
Traska Venturer
Price: $710; Case: Stainless Steel, 38.5mm; Water Resistance: 150m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Are you looking for a functional, very attractive, and discreet GMT watch, with micro-adjustment clasp, and a fabulous aesthetic? Look no further than the Traska Venturer: A very classic looking sports watch that is ultra-capable. The GMT hand can be set in an instant thanks to the independent crown a 10 o’clock, perfect for frequent travellers. This is an incredibly well rounded piece and is definitely a contender for the one watch collection crowd. It retails for $720 USD.
Trafford Crossroads Texas Peach
Price: $499; Case: Stainless Steel, 36mm; Water Resistance: 25m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
If you're looking for a watch with a unique case shape and loads of fun colors, Trafford provides just the watch. The Crossroads features a square/tonneau, TV-esque case shape that brings us back to the 1970s. But it is the fun color dials that really speak to us. Our favorite is probably the soft orange, or "Texas Peach" as the brand calls it. This is the perfect watch to wear on a summer day. Trafford has seen a spike in popularity in recent days, so pretty much every current model is sold out. But they do have plans for restocking. The Trafford Crossroads retails for and affordable price of $499 USD.
Astor+Banks Fortitude Pro
Price: $640; Case: Stainless Steel, 38.5mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Astor + Banks Fortitude Pro may just appear to be another good looking time-only sports watch. And whilst an element of that is true, you’d be a fool to reduce it to just that. The Fortitude Pro is a thoroughbred tool watch. This is a proper watch for scientists and engineers. Rated to 20,000A/m of Magnetism, the Fortitude is has been carefully built with both function and form in mind. Watches like the Milgauss or the Scientigraf jump to mind immediately, but they retail for 10 or 20x more than the Fortitude Pro making it a really attractive option for anyone who wants to benefit from such a robust and utilitarian piece. It retails for $640 USD.
Brew Metric
Price: $450; Case: Stainless Steel, 36mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Brew Metric is possibly one of the most iconic Microbrand watches out there. It’s fun and funky style really made waves in the watch community when it was first released and drew a number of fans into the microbrand world. Designed specifically for coffee and espresso aficionados, with its timing track oriented towards the short timescales of an espresso pour, the Brew Metric really blew everything out of the water with its unique retro look. If this funky interpretation of the chronograph really takes your fancy, you can pick it up at retail for $450 USD.
Studio Underd0g Go0fy Panda
Price: $600; Case: Stainless Steel, 38.5mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Studio Underd0g is potentially one of the most unserious watch brands out there-yes, that’s really the brand image they’re chasing. Born out of contempt for the boring releases and lack of creativity from the larger brands, Studio Underd0g has been making waves since 2021. Everything really started with their watermelon themed chronograph, whose whacky and bold colorway really gained traction. Fast forward to the present and here is one of their latest and greatest pieces: the Go0fy Panda. You may be thinking that a Panda chronograph can hardly be funky or revolutionary, and yes to a certain extent that is true, but Studio Underdog have added their signature touch. From the asymmetrical dial to the green accents and the grainy texture, this chronograph is beautifully unconventional. Also have we mentioned that it’s got a mechanical movement visible through the sapphire caseback, which should blow you off your seat considering that this watch retails for $600 USD.
Maen Manhattan 37
Price: $809; Case: Stainless Steel, 37mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Maen Manhattan is a different kind of micro brand watch altogether. This integrated bracelet stainless steel sports watch gives you the impression that you’re back in the 1970s, when good quality and desirable watches were still affordable. This watch has got it all: fantastic finishing, great movement (yes, another SW200), a textured dial, and an elegantly integrated metal bracelet with a brilliant butterfly clasp. And that’s without even mentioning the sheer beauty of this piece. The sharp eyes among you might have noticed that the Manhattan’s vintage elegance may have a slight resemblance to the Vacheron Constantin 2215. And you wouldn’t be wrong. This is something that Microbrands are able to do: proper homages that actually create unique watches and the Manhattan is no exception. If this fabulous piece takes your fancy, you can pick it up for $809 USD.
YEMA Urban Traveller
Price: $890; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
In a similar but also completely different vein (to the Maen Manhattan) is the YEMA Urban Traveller. This integrated piece is on another level. YEMA is a rather historic brand, founded in 1948, that have been making a huge comeback in recent years. Fiercely independent, they have invested decades of experience and development into making their own in-house calibres: this is virtually unheard of in the microbrand sector. Paired with the fantastic calibre is a unique octagonal case that flows into a robust yet elegant integrated bracelet. This is topped off by a sharp and texture dial that really makes this design stand out. You might be thinking that there’s no way you could pick this up for under $1000, but there is because it retails for $890 USD.
Farer Discovery II
Price: $995; Case: Stainless Steel, 39.5mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Based in the UK, Farer is known for its unique interpretations of tool watches: often very colorful and extremely distinct. And the Discovery II is no exception. This three hand automatic is on the dressier end of their catalogue. Powered by a Le Joux-Perret movement with a 68 hour power-reserve, whose beautifully finished surfaces can be seen through the display caseback. The dulcet burgundy tones may be deceiving, because this watch is (un)surprisingly equipped with lume. This watch is the perfect day to day companion, and well suited to any situation. It retails for $995 USD.
Lorier Zephyr
Price: $499; Case: Stainless Steel, 31mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Lorier is a brand most often associated with making some of the most amazing vintage-inspired sports watches, drawing their essence from original Rolexes. However, it is too easy to reduce them to that, and the Zephyr is a reminder of their creativity. This is a dress watch through and through. The tonneau case is reminiscent of the 1930s Art Deco style and the white guilloché dial and blued hands are unforgivingly classical.
The whole package is topped off with two quick-release leather straps, giving you the opportunity to switch up the look with ease. TFor just $499 USD this watch could be yours, which is astounding given the level of finishing and detail that it has been given. It is potentially the best dress watch in this price range.
Kuoe Old Smith 90-002 Bronze
Price: $573; Case: Bronze, 35mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Kuoe is a Japanese microbrand based out of Kyoto. Since 2020, they have been designing and producing high-quality classic style watches that are accessible to all enthusiasts. The Old Smith Bronze 90-002 is no different. This is a traditional field watch through and through, from the simple and legible dial to the no nonsense case dimensions, it is an efficient and effective piece. The real charm of this watch comes in the form of its bronze case. The material is seeing somewhat of a resurgence in the industry because of the unique patina it develops over time. Paired with a lovely fabric strap, it really fits the bill. The Old Smith 90-002 retails for $573 USD.
If you would like to see more, check out our guide of the 62 Best Microbrand Watches.