Results for Microbrand Watches

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Worn & Wound

Sinn Damasko UTS Archimede Jan 25, 2023

Hands-On with the Dievas Maya MKIII

Dievas is a cult microbrand even to those who are fans of cult microbrands. Founded in 2006, they are one of the OG independent tool watch brands. Following in the footsteps of Sinn, Damasko, UTS, Archimede, and others, Dievas’s focus is on tactical, modern, overbuilt, high-spec sports watches that are made in Germany. Still a rare origin of manufacture, Germany conjures a notion of precision, quality, and value that perhaps even surpasses Switzerland (especially in value). This is particularly different as Dievas was created by the team behind Gnomon Watches, a Singaporean retailer. At the very end of 2022, Dievas announced a new model, the Maya MKIII, after several years of being relatively dormant (models were for sale via Gnomon, but no new launches). As the name suggests, the new watch is the third iteration of the brand’s popular, tactical dive watch, the Maya. Redesigned from the ground up, the MKIII is smaller, sleeker, and more affordable, while maintaining some very impressive specs and features. Priced at $1,090 on a strap and $1,240 on a bracelet, the German-made Maya MKIII is available in black, blue, and Sealab green. The latter, featured in this review, is not only different in color but in dial and bezel insert design as well, making it an outlier in the collection. $1090 Hands-On with the Dievas Maya MKIII Case Matte Stainless Steel w/ Clear DLC Movement Sellita SW-200 Dial Metallic Green Sandwich Lume Yes Lens Sapphire Strap Bracelet Water Resistance ...

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Dec 25, 2022

Our favourite Micro Mondays from 2022: Part 1

It’s that time of year where we can look back and be astounded at the sheer quality and quantity of microbrand releases yet again, with our weekly Micro Mondays segment seemingly full to bursting with fantastic options. I have personally written at least 24 of this year’s Micro Mondays reviews, and even among those it’s … ContinuedThe post Our favourite Micro Mondays from 2022: Part 1 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Rolex sponsoring almost all Nov 3, 2022

HANDS-ON: The Depancel Serie-R Cruiser draws high-octane inspiration from the world of motorcycling

Motosports get a lot of love from the world of watches, from the smallest microbrand homage to Rolex sponsoring almost all of the Formula 1 Grands Prix. Sadly, one side of automotive expression that doesn’t get anywhere nearly as much recognition is motorcycling. Doing their bit to redress the balance, the Depancel Serie-R Cruiser taps … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The Depancel Serie-R Cruiser draws high-octane inspiration from the world of motorcycling appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Oct 22, 2022

INTRODUCING: The Brellum Pandial LE.2 DD Chronometer

Calling Brellum a “microbrand” seems less fitting than ever given how successful their past few years have been. Instead of focusing on some kind of wild niche, fake backstories or crazy cases, Brellum are simply dedicated to delivering the highest quality possible for the best value price point. These are thoroughly luxury watches in execution … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Brellum Pandial LE.2 DD Chronometer appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Oct 3, 2022

INTRODUCING: The Cvstos Metropolitan PS Skeleton Cafu & Breel Embolo

The World Cup is coming and Cvstos are clearly getting excited. This intriguing microbrand loves their football, as is clear from their two brand ambassadors. The first of these is Cafu, the Brazilian defender often regarded as the best right back of all time, having won more caps for his country than any other player. For … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Cvstos Metropolitan PS Skeleton Cafu & Breel Embolo appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Sep 10, 2022

INTRODUCING: The Depancel Serie-A Stradale

The young French microbrand Depancel are back with their fourth instalment in their Serie-A collection, this time honing in on a much more retro look. Their previous release, the Serie-A Allure, blended the worlds of vintage and modern well, with some of their other watches leaning even more heavily into the futuristic. The Depancel Serie-A … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Depancel Serie-A Stradale appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Aug 29, 2022

MICRO MONDAYS: Julian Michaels’ new releases show the value of breathing space and balance

It’s getting harder and harder to stand out as a microbrand as dozens seem to pop up every week, but the most distinctive examples are always something special. Julian Michaels are the latest brand to forge an individual identity, but they do so without the need for any gimmicks or garish novelties. Instead, Julian Michaels … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: Julian Michaels’ new releases show the value of breathing space and balance appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Aug 8, 2022

MICRO MONDAYS: The RZE Valour 38 delivers a titanium field watch for under $300 USD

It’s hard to believe RZE have only been around for two years, but they are one of the ultimate microbrand success stories. Having released their first watch in the heart of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, nobody particularly expected the emerging business to survive, but during that period, online watch sales skyrocketed. In particular, RZE found … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The RZE Valour 38 delivers a titanium field watch for under $300 USD appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Jul 4, 2022

MICRO MONDAYS: Put your zest foot forward with the new Vaer A3 Atlas Orange

It’s the middle of the year and already a ton of watches have been released. So much so that we decided to look back for any gems we may have missed in the shuffle. One such watch that deserves attention, for multiple reasons, was this year’s first release from Vaer. They’re an independent microbrand out … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: Put your zest foot forward with the new Vaer A3 Atlas Orange appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Jun 18, 2022

VIDEO: The Cvstos Metropolitan PS Collection offers a fresh take on a luxury sportswatch

Cvstos don’t pop up on the radar of your average watch collector often, but the new collection of Cvstos Metropolitan PS watches is aiming to change that. The idea of a luxury microbrand isn’t all that crazy, and Cvstos aim to hone in on what customers really want from their avant-garde, high-end sports watches. The … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The Cvstos Metropolitan PS Collection offers a fresh take on a luxury sportswatch appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Mar 14, 2022

MICRO MONDAYS: MW Timepieces and the musically inspired Legatodiver

Music is one of my many passions. Zoning out on a couch, listening to songs that got me through life, to me, is a Saturday well spent. With that in mind, finding out a microbrand is creating a musically inspired watch, a diver no less, left me intrigued. Could the Legatodiver from MW Timepiece, based … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: MW Timepieces and the musically inspired Legatodiver appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Oct 18, 2021

MICRO MONDAYS: The Circula SuperSport brings real Super-compressor Diver funtionality

Super-compressor styled divers exist in many microbrand catalogues. The wearability of the design and the integration of the timing bezel are two of the main reasons they are so popular. However, many of these examples lack the real functionality their vintage-inspired references had. That’s why when a brand goes to the extra lengths to create … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Circula SuperSport brings real Super-compressor Diver funtionality appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Brew Retrograph Technicolor makes Sep 6, 2021

MICRO MONDAYS: Built for baristas, the Brew Retrograph Technicolor makes a welcome return

Design is the language microbrands use best to communicate to collectors what it is they bring to the table. One microbrand who has done an amazing job of this is Brew Watch Company. Founded by designer Jonathan Ferrer in 2015, the company has released multiple collections, which feature attention-grabbing designs, that all focus on a … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: Built for baristas, the Brew Retrograph Technicolor makes a welcome return appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Aug 1, 2021

MICRO MONDAYS: The Zelos Mako V3 Ti delivers a titanium diver for under $500

At Time-Tide, we have a history of covering the new releases of Elshan Tang, the owner and designer behind Zelos Watches in Singapore, and he seldom disappoints. I wouldn’t be exaggerating by proclaiming his prolific output to be a milestone that many a budding microbrand owner aims for and it’ll take more than a mere … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Zelos Mako V3 Ti delivers a titanium diver for under $500 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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SJX Watches

Frederique Constant Regatta Countdown Apr 30, 2021

Boldr Introduces the Odyssey Regatta

A “microbrand” based in Singapore, Boldr is all about affordable sports watches. The latest addition to its catalogue is the Odyssey Regatta, unusual for being a yachting-countdown watch at a notably accessible price. Initial thoughts Affordable, solid dive watches are commonplace nowadays, often offered by “microbrands” like Boldr. But the Odyssey Regatta sets itself apart from the competition due to its regatta countdown function (admittedly a simple execution powered by a 7750). And it’s an attractive design, especially the faceted case. Though the case is stamped and looks the part, it’s still typified by strong, angular lines. There’s a boldness in the case design that reminds me of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept. The Odyssey Regatta exemplifies Boldr’s focus on rugged “tool” watches. Having handled the prototype, I was impressed by the build quality, given its price. Feeling reassuringly solid on the wrist, the watch has a heft that’s reminiscent of dive watches like the Oris Aquis and the Sinn U1. But the heft might be a bit too much for some. At 45 mm wide and 18.2 mm thick, the Odyssey Regatta is a beast on the wrist. It took me some time to get used to the watch’s towering case. Nevertheless, the weighty Odyssey Regatta represents a good option for someone searching for a large regatta chronograph that won’t break the bank. Priced at US$1,499, it represents strong value. For comparison, the Frederique Constant Regatta Countdown...

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Studio Underd0g Mar 31, 2021

Studio Underd0g makes the world’s first ever watch with a dial made from eggplant

Sustainability, veganism and organic materials may be the way forward, but they’re still a foreign language to many of the larger players in the watch industry. But microbrand Studio Underd0g is displaying a more progressive mindset after making the world’s first ever watch with a dial made from eggplant skin. Just like a bespoke wristwatch, … ContinuedThe post Studio Underd0g makes the world’s first ever watch with a dial made from eggplant appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Mar 21, 2021

MICRO MONDAYS: The Tsao Baltimore Legacy delivers a host of vivid dials with proud American roots.

I’ve had quite a few microbrands in my personal watchbox. In fact, my first new mechanical watch after a waning vintage obsession was a microbrand. Due to the smaller nature of these businesses, one of the main attractions of buying these watches is the possibility of interacting with the brand owner during the retail process … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Tsao Baltimore Legacy delivers a host of vivid dials with proud American roots. appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Farer Lomond shakes up Feb 11, 2021

HANDS-ON: The Farer Lomond shakes up the field watch with perky blasts of colour

With its catalogue of very British watches, Farer has quickly developed a solid following among enthusiasts. Yet they were only established in 2015, when they made a proper mark on the microbrand scene with their colourful Universal series. The brand is now endeavouring to shake up the field watch, a category that tends to be … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The Farer Lomond shakes up the field watch with perky blasts of colour appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Dec 7, 2020

INTRODUCING: The CODE41 DAY41 is batshit crazy (in the best possible way)

The whole idea of a microbrand is to do things differently from major watchmakers. Whether that be better bang for buck, experimenting with unusual materials, or just creating wacky designs, any taste can be catered for as long as enough interest can be found through Kickstarter. Over the years, the taste of the mainstream has … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The CODE41 DAY41 is batshit crazy (in the best possible way) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Serica 4512 Oct 25, 2020

MICRO MONDAYS: The Serica 4512, a tough French take on classic military utilitarian chic

The WMB came out in 2019 as an unusual and strong contender from the newly formed French microbrand Serica, through an idea from the only American on the team, author of A Man & His Watch, Matt Hranek. Inspired by the iconic Wrist Watch Waterproof of the armed forces, a tough-looking everyday tool watch with … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Serica 4512, a tough French take on classic military utilitarian chic appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Oct 19, 2020

MICRO MONDAYS: AUDRIC SeaBorne 500 M is a proper spec MONSTER for the money

It seems like every week, another Kickstarter microbrand comes forward with its own take on a diving watch. Some of these are more successful than others, but the one certainty is that in order to stand out, companies have to increasingly  think outside the box. AUDRIC Watches have done so with the home-run combination of … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: AUDRIC SeaBorne 500 M is a proper spec MONSTER for the money appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Sep 13, 2020

HANDS-ON: Is the Undone Vintage Killy actually good? How could it be for under $500?

Undone are reaching a point of ubiquity in the microbrand world where it is probably prudent to have tried one on the wrist. With, of course, one prevailing question in mind – how could these watches deliver on their looks? We ordered a couple in. Because, somehow Undone seem able to keep up a huge … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: Is the Undone Vintage Killy actually good? How could it be for under $500? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Boldr Venture Sandstorm might be Aug 23, 2020

MICRO MONDAYS: The Boldr Venture Sandstorm might be the best value titanium watch on the market

Yes, it’s a very bold opening line. In fact, this is no boldr (sorry!) than a simple statement of the facts, should you sum up the parts, starting with a titanium watch with 200m water resistance for under $300 USD including shipping. Boldr Supply Co. is an established microbrand with five watch lines, and a … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Boldr Venture Sandstorm might be the best value titanium watch on the market appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Aug 9, 2020

MICRO MONDAYS: Meet the LIV P-51, a high-specced titanium pilot’s watch at a competitive price

LIV is a brand that cuts to the chase. Bold, chunky watches with action in mind, and the rare ability to come up with distinctly different designs while keeping its own unique identity consistent across its range. While their microbrand-standard Kickstarter business model may be quite common, their collections of watches and value propositions are … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: Meet the LIV P-51, a high-specced titanium pilot’s watch at a competitive price appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Doxa SUB 200 DOXA’s revival Mar 30, 2020

IN-DEPTH: The DOXA SUB 200

DOXA’s revival is something easily missed if you’re not paying close attention. Vintage-inspired or re-issued dive watches aren’t exactly selling for double the retail price due to lack of supply, but this DOXA SUB 200 isn’t just another trendy microbrand with an aesthetic and a good marketing team. When determining the legacy of a watchmaker, … ContinuedThe post IN-DEPTH: The DOXA SUB 200 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Feb 14, 2020

INTRODUCING: The Batavi Kosmopoliet GMT

Amsterdam microbrand Batavi pays homage to the famous tool watches of yesteryear, with the modern Kosmopoliet GMT.The post INTRODUCING: The Batavi Kosmopoliet GMT appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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S SJX Watches

SJX Watches

Aug 13, 2019

Humism Introduces the Philosophies and Helios

After a successful launch of its debut collection in 2018, Singapore-based microbrand Humism has just debuted its next line-up, the Philosophies (II) and Helios collection, once again on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The watches are a sure thing: at the time of writing, the watches have been fully funded, with the amount raised more than eights times its fundraising goal. As with its first range of watches, the latest timepieces from Humism feature the same lyrical time display, with both the hours, minutes, and seconds indicated by overlapping wheels that create an unfolding pattern as the time passes. Black and yellow The limited edition Helios takes two watches from last year’s line-up – the Dasein and the Eudaimonia – and dresses them in black and yellow. According to Humism, the largest number of backers last year chose this colour combination, out of nearly 50 choices. While the livery has changed, the time-telling mechanics stay the same. At the very top, the seconds wheel is in constant movement, providing the primary animation of the dial. Helios Dasein Helios Eudaimonia The hours and minutes are indicated by spheres on the edge of the dial, each attached to another wheel. The quicker rotation of the seconds wheel, superimposed on the slower minutes creates an optical illusion reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. Both have steel cases coated in black diamond-like carbon (DLC). The Helios Dasein is limited to 290 pieces, while the Helios E...

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Time+Tide

Nodus Feb 16, 2019

HANDS-ON: The Nodus Avalon – it may be green but this Nodus is ripe for the picking

“Living the dream” is how I’d best describe the two co-founders of microbrand watch company Nodus. The pair may be relative new recruits to the micro-watchmaking game, but Cullen Chen and Wesley Kwok have turned their passion for watches into their dream business, releasing their debut model, the Nodus Trieste, in 2017, taking its inspiration … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The Nodus Avalon – it may be green but this Nodus is ripe for the picking appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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Time+Tide

Farer Lander GMT Automatic Having May 14, 2018

HANDS ON: An affordable, colourful two-timer – the Farer Lander GMT Automatic

Having previously reviewed the Farer Aqua Compressor Hecla, I thought it was time to explore some more of the British microbrand’s offerings. Enter the Farer Lander GMT Automatic, one of three pieces within Farer’s GMT Automatic range. As I unboxed the Lander, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the dial. Farer describes the … ContinuedThe post HANDS ON: An affordable, colourful two-timer – the Farer Lander GMT Automatic appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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T Two Broke Watch Snobs

Two Broke Watch Snobs

May 7, 2018

Ep. 79 – Watch Lust 2018

This week the guys take some time to candidly share the watches they're actually considering as purchases for 2018. The wrist check is also a fun one, as both of the snobs share some old time favorites and a very particular watch that hasn't been on the show for some time. Also, a microbrand offering a 7750 chronograph for under €1,000? Yeah, you bet your ass that made it's way into the discussion.

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