Microbrands You Should Know...from A to Z - Part 2
Since there was such a warm reception to the initial post (https://www.watchcrunch.com/ChronoGuy/posts/microbrands-you-should-know-from-a-to-z-448227)...and since a number of you wanted another...it's only fitting to create a Part 2...
Now some wanted a definition for microbrand...I personally believe that's a fool's errand as there is undoubtedly a plethora of correct definitions dependent on your POV.
Instead, I will use my own best judgement and attempt to introduce you to some microbrands you may not be familiar with...of course, I will include some of the suggestions from the comments in my prior post since I have a number of those in the collection.
My only rule is that I have to own at least one of the watches from the microbrands to include it in the post. So, sadly there will not be Atelier Wen as I have not yet purchased one (I came very close with the beautiful collab they did with Revolution Watch).
So here is the next batch for your consideration and pleasure...
Autodromo - founded in my favorite city, NYC, in 2008 by Bradley Price to create affordable automotive watches with beautiful craftsmanship and design, Autodromo wears its racing influences all over its dials and designs. So many great watches and unique designs that are very well made...I am continually tempted to add many more of these to the collection...
Bravur Watches - as Alan @Fieldwalker our resident cyclist on the Crunch noted, Bravur is a Swedish microbrand founded by Magnus Äppelryd and Johan Sahlin that has focused on the intersection between watches and cycling. And they have produced some beautiful chronographs that are sized for all wrists with case sizes at 38mm. For more about them and what they call "cycling couture" you can click the link below...
Ferro & Company - now its off to the "Great White North" where Canadian brothers Bob & Ary founded the microbrand Ferro inspired by Porsches and racing cars (can you tell that I am a fan of racing style watches...just a bit 😉). Being a huge fan of anything with the Gulf livery, I had to have the Pista GLF and the Distinct 3 GLF. Then Bob & Ary launched a Kickstarter for the Racemaster...and I decided to purchase the complete set of 9 watches. The current Kickstarter for the Time Master 70's is also a winner...and quick anecdote...I wanted one in black DLC (both case and bracelet)...Bob & Ary awesomely accommodated my request and offered it as an option...how is that for fantastic customer service...
Maen Watches - now we focus on a wonderful Dutch microbrand created by Sebastiaan Cortjaens and Jules van Helvoort that has produced some gorgeous dress and sports watches all themed on my favorite city in the world...can you guess...well considering their most famous Art Deco-style reference is named "Manhattan"...the Dutch reclaim New Holland (now they need to create a design with that name)...even the boisterous Dutchman himself, Nico Leonard, is a fan of the brand...
Nezumi Studios - now another microbrand from Sweden birthed by the founder David Campo's love for music, classic cars, motorbikes, and fashion. The aesthetic clearly has some Porsche 911 in there. So, how did a Swedish microbrand end up with a Japanese name? I'll quote from their web site "In ancient Japan, Nezumi Kozō captivated authorities and common folk alike with his mischievous grin and cunning wit. Born into poverty during the Edo period, Nezumi showcased talent in acrobatics and sleight of hand, earning him the moniker “Nezumi” (rat/mouse in Japanese) for his agility." Colorful and eminently cool...I bring you Nezumi...
https://www.nezumistudios.com/
REC Watches - sticking with the Scandinavian theme in this post, we have the Danish microbrand REC. REC Watches was founded in 2014 by Jonathan Kamstrup and Christian Mygh specializing in crafting timepieces by using original materials sourced from remarkable and iconic machines throughout human history such as Steve McQueen's motorcycle used in The Great Escape, and John DeLorean's personal DMC-12 DeLorean, for a couple of examples. REC Watches coined the concept “recover – recycle – reclaim,” to set themselves apart and focus on sustainability in the materials used in their watches. A clever idea and very clever watches and designs...you will truly not find another brand like REC...again there is a intense focus on automobiles and motorbikes...right in my wheelhouse for sure (pun intended)...
Venezianico - founded by a couple of paisans from Venice, Venezianico started in late 2017 as Meccaniche Veneziane when brothers Alberto and Alessandro Morelli decided to begin making watches that show their passion for watchmaking and to capture the feel of Venice. With a name change to Venezianico, this microbrand has been exploding in popularity on the Crunch and with watch geeks everywhere. Even the King of the Crunch @JaeBust is a proud owner of numerous Venezianico references. The newly released Bucintoro 1969 chronograph is a spectacular example and I am eager to receive mine (hopefully sometime in the next couple of weeks)...I am also lustfully eyeing the upcoming release of the Redentore Bellanotte on June 26th...
...that wraps up Part 2 with seven more microbrands that you should know about.
Let me know if you want this to keep going and are interested in Part 3...
Enjoy! ✨
I really like chronographs especially vintage ones.
Such a great post. However, couldn’t find the green and red bravur on their website. 🥲That one looks amazing
Such a great post. However, couldn’t find the green and red bravur on their website. 🥲That one looks amazing
Thanks for the kind words.
That Bravur was a limited edition.
Here are the details if you want to try and find one on the secondary market...
Brand: Bravur
Model: EF Education-EasyPost Team Edition Chronograph
Movement Type: Automatic
Movement Engine: Sellita SW511b
Power Reserve: 62 hours
Case Size: 38.2mm
Case Thickness: 14.4mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal: Domed Sapphire
Luminescence: Hands and Markers
Bezel/Material: Fixed Stainless Steel
Crown: Screw Down
Water Resistance: 100M / 330FT
Band: Dark Green FKM Rubber Strap
Band Width: 18mm
List Price: $2,550
Price Paid: $1,995
These posts are really good, do keep them going 👍
Thanks for this, there are several brands here I hadn’t heard of before. And I’m sure you’re aware, but I’m somehow compelled to say it…you have a lot of watches. Like really a lot of watches.
Thanks for this, there are several brands here I hadn’t heard of before. And I’m sure you’re aware, but I’m somehow compelled to say it…you have a lot of watches. Like really a lot of watches.
Thank you!
My wife reminds me all the time 😉
She probably sees me as Kermit...
These posts are really good, do keep them going 👍
Thanks Colin! Appreciate the encouragement.
Thank you!
My wife reminds me all the time 😉
She probably sees me as Kermit...
Maybe, and I’m just spitballing here, but maybe if there were a room in your house that wasn’t covered floor to ceiling in watches she would have an easier time not noticing.
Another great post, Mel! Please keep it going!
Thanks Mel! We really appreciate this! Enjoy your weekend Sir.👌🏻
Great post. A lesson in horology. Gracias Mel!
Thank you! Please continue 👏
From a newbie to the site, this is great stuff! THANKS!
Crazy rangey collection, love it.
Lorier does a great vintage inspired look and feel and size.
On atelier wen, they will have a crazy tantalum bracelet collaboration with revolution coming out in Aug and non-tantalum version, but in red guilloché dial if you're interested.
Just registering my interest in Part 3... 😉
Thank you for writing and putting these together for all of us to read and enjoy!
Excellent Sai! The Tonnerre with its nod to the classic Heuer Seafarer is definitely a desirable watch to have.
I did add the multi-colored Baleine...just waiting for it to arrive. Will post a wristy when it comes in.
Thank you Mel!! It’s my most favorite watch in my small collection yet :D And yes, the inspiration Heuers are fantastic pieces of design. This is from Ben’s Watch Club’s video from which I got to know about the Nezumi Tonnerre! From 4 years ago!
Oh wow! Will keep my eyes peeled for those wrist shots :P I was tempted to get it too but seemed a little too overpriced and out of my budget :D
PS: Tag already re-released the Skipper. Imagine if we get back the A&F Seafarer!! Would be greatly affordable if they can come out with a meca-quartz version as well :D
Thank you Mel!! It’s my most favorite watch in my small collection yet :D And yes, the inspiration Heuers are fantastic pieces of design. This is from Ben’s Watch Club’s video from which I got to know about the Nezumi Tonnerre! From 4 years ago!
Oh wow! Will keep my eyes peeled for those wrist shots :P I was tempted to get it too but seemed a little too overpriced and out of my budget :D
PS: Tag already re-released the Skipper. Imagine if we get back the A&F Seafarer!! Would be greatly affordable if they can come out with a meca-quartz version as well :D
Well the inside word is that TAG may release a Carrera Seafarer in this coming year. I met with some of the senior executives earlier in February and it sounded pretty promising that one was coming. I think the Skipper in 18k gold probably pushed that release back a bit.
I can guarantee that my name will be on the list should they reissue the Seafarer - it's such a cool watch.
I had never heard of some of these. Great review as always.
Thanks! I had seen that AW collab coming...still trying to make up my mind. Have added far too many to the collection already this year...but temptation never ceases 😂
I can't disagree with the hefty of your collection! You seem to be lacking in guilloché dials? 😏
I can't disagree with the hefty of your collection! You seem to be lacking in guilloché dials? 😏
You mean like these?
...that's a few of the better ones...I also have some microbrand versions...
You mean like these?
...that's a few of the better ones...I also have some microbrand versions...
Touche, my friend, touche. 😅
Touche, my friend, touche. 😅
You are right though...I do need a red guilloche dial in the collection.
Do you have a link to what is being proposed by Atelier Wen?
You are right though...I do need a red guilloche dial in the collection.
Do you have a link to what is being proposed by Atelier Wen?
They will launch this silver one and a red version. I believe the red one will be tantalum bracelet. Saw it at an AW meetup last month.
The red was was very similar, if not the same as, the other red revolution collaboration called the Xi. The pattern will not be this guilloché pattern.
Exquisite collection 😇
How do you store all this gorgeous timepieces?
Exquisite collection 😇
How do you store all this gorgeous timepieces?
Thank you for the kind words.
I primarily use these inexpensive (approx. US$25), but safe watchboxes from Amazon.com.
They hold ten watches and have a glass top so it is easy to see what's in the box.
They also stack very nicely.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZ1MXP3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They make it easy to store in a safe or at the bank.
Well the inside word is that TAG may release a Carrera Seafarer in this coming year. I met with some of the senior executives earlier in February and it sounded pretty promising that one was coming. I think the Skipper in 18k gold probably pushed that release back a bit.
I can guarantee that my name will be on the list should they reissue the Seafarer - it's such a cool watch.
Oh, wow! Is it? This is big news!! Hope they don’t over-price it like the Kith-Heuer collab recently.
Of course! I am sure you will get it as soon as possible and bless us with the wrist shots! :D
Thank you for the kind words.
I primarily use these inexpensive (approx. US$25), but safe watchboxes from Amazon.com.
They hold ten watches and have a glass top so it is easy to see what's in the box.
They also stack very nicely.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZ1MXP3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They make it easy to store in a safe or at the bank.
Thanks a lot. I ordered an extra box so I still have one to grow into 😅🫡
Good post. There are so many smaller brands out there doing good work who don't take the lazy way out. We could be here all day listing!
Thanks Mel!
Another great rundown and some lovely pictures ❤
I chatted for a while the Bravur owners of course, we excitedly chatted about bikes tho’ , and didn’t discuss the watches as much as we should have 😂
They are serious riders. Funny one more bike connect at Windup - also discovered David Sharp at Horage booth was a former continental pro. Small world !
Love the ‘13’ Easter egg on your Giro model 👌
Autodromo - those look so cool, I’ll pick up one of these sometime I hope. That 80s vibe speaks to my youth.
Nezumi Kozo? This guy?
There is the anime guy above… or the real guy.
Real guy was a thief who got caught, dragged through the city by a horse, was beheaded, his head put on a spike in town centre ..at ripe old age of ~30.
Townsfolk guessed he maybe gave away some of his riches because he was caught with very little money. Made for a popular myth , folk story and an anime idea. Pictured above
Anyhoo - I don’t get why the watches are a Japanese mouse, but I dig that they are colorful.
The Maen looks nice, also love art deco style. Just signed up for info at the website ! 😃
Great post. Its amazing to see how many different brands you are able to get hands on with!
While Maen founders are Dutch their office is actually in Stockholm 🇸🇪😎