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D.C. falls in love with a microbrand beauty.The post The Echo/neutra Cortina 1956 GMT brings true Italian flair to a jetset piece appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Over the course of the last year, we’ve been keeping regular tabs on Awake, a microbrand with roots in France that operates within very narrow niches. Their watches are high concept and put a premium on storytelling, which admittedly is not everyone’s cup of tea. But we appreciate their creativity, and believe that this hobby is better and more interesting when brands like Awake are around to remind us that the watch world is encompasses a lot more than black dialed dive watches and vintage reissues. Their latest project, the Summetria collection, is based on perhaps their most abstract idea yet: the inherent beauty in nature, and the symmetry of all living things. The specific idea of symmetry is tackled here through guilloche dial treatments, which Awake relates to the natural symmetry of things like a butterfly’s wings or flower petals. Awake notes in their press materials for the Summetria collection that to human beings, symmetry seen in nature appears almost unimaginably complex, but the reason it exists at all is because “nature prefers simplicity.” From Awake’s perspective, it’s all about simplicity, and there’s a clear dichotomy there between the inherent complexity of watchmaking (and the application of guilloche) and the visual and functional simplicity of natural symmetry. Like I said, it’s abstract. But I appreciate that Awake is trying to draw connections between their watch designs and the natural world in ways that other brands do not ...
Time+Tide
The Karl-Leimon Majesty is the latest microbrand homage in the world's most popular watch style.The post The Karl-Leimon Majesty remixes the greats appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Windup NYC is a wrap, and the festivities saw the debut of many new watches from a huge variety of brands. Oak & Oscar is a Windup mainstay and a core part of the microbrand space (a term which admittedly seems less and less adequate as the years go by and these shows get bigger and bigger, but that’s a topic for another day), and they took the opportunity to debut a new flavor of an old favorite over the weekend, the Humboldt GMT in titanium. It’s immediately recognizable as an Oak & Oscar and will slot nicely into their existing catalog, but offers a handful of new details and innovations that show the Chicago based brand is still interested in moving forward and expanding the idea of what an Oak & Oscar watch should be. The big news here is the titanium case. The Humboldt GMT in titanium is made from the grade 5 variety, and comes in at a weight of just 74 grams when mounted on a leather strap. It comes in at 39.5mm (with a bezel overhang of 0.5mm) and is 46.8mm from lug to lug. According to the brand, it’s 20% lighter than the original Humboldt GMT in stainless steel, which equates to a difference you’ll really notice on the wrist. It immediately makes the watch sportier based on ease of wear alone. For the dial, we get a dark green shade, which is the same tone used on the green Olmsted. Like many other Oak & Oscar watches, this one has a sandwich dial construction, which allows for tons of contrast via lume that is present under the main dial layer. There...
Time+Tide
The Croatian microbrand dresses up their sea urchin inspiration, and updates the model they launched with.The post Marnaut Safe Harbour and Dark Surge – the everyday warrior and the diving explorer appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Like many new microbrands, Bōken was created from a desire to do good in an industry that has only recently become interested in conservation efforts, alongside making great watches, of course. Built with a brushed titanium case and housed in a contemporary cushion shape, the Bōken Nomad takes a premium position within the microbrand realm by … ContinuedThe post The Bōken Nomad combines grade 2 titanium and a Swiss-made movement appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Switzerland's no-bullshit, fan-favourite microbrand returns with a sporty new edition of their NB24 chronograph.The post CODE41 NB24 Stratom appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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After two years of waiting, fans of the Arken Instrumentum have finally received a followup from the microbrand. At the time, it was one of the best-specced titanium divers around for the money, and the new Arken Alterum has a lot to live up to. Now that titanium has become a lot more prevalent in … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Arken Alterum is a dive-ready GMT in lightweight titanium appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Few watches have the impact of the Baltic MR01, but is it right for you? Learn what makes the MR01 unique among other microbrand pieces!
SJX Watches
French microbrand Baltic has sharpened the styling of its signature models with the HMS 003 and Bicompax 003. While maintaining their 1940s-inspired styling and affordable pricing, the new duo feature subtle enhancements to the design, most notably on the dial and a small case diameter. Initial thoughts Baltic found success with its formula of retro style and accessible pricing – most of its watches are in the US$500 to US$1,000 range – with the Micro-Rotor MR01 being a recent bestseller. It is a nice surprise to see the brand’s debut models rebooted to gain a smaller case similar in size to the MR01. The dials of the 003 series offer a lively aesthetic with textured surfaces and applied indices that create a pleasing contrast. This is an upgrade from from the 002 models, which felt a bit flat due to the printed markings on the dial. And the reduced case size of 36.5 mm give the 003 series distinct, 1940s-inspired proportions that match the dial designs perfectly. However, the new dials are perhaps lacking one thing, an applied logo to match the applied indices. Of the three colours, the “salmon” versions are predictable and stand out as crowd pleasers that will probably sell out swiftly give the faddish nature of the colour. The blue dial with gold indices, however, is both unusual and attractive. As is typical for Baltic, the 003 watches are made inexpensively but smartly so they feel a bit nicer than they cost. The new models maintain the brand’s competiti...
Worn & Wound
Only Watch, the biennial charity auction that finds an increasingly diverse set of brands offering one-off watches to the highest bidder, is back this year, and we’re starting to get word of the sale’s participants and the watches they’ll have on offer. You might recall that in 2021, we saw Baltic participate for the first time, which, in our opinion, not only elevated their status considerably, but the entire microbrand scene as well. For those of us who have followed and supported small, enthusiast driven brands for years, there was a certain amount of gratification in seeing one of our favorites getting worldwide, mainstream attention alongside the likes of Tudor and Patek Philippe. It was even better when we saw that Only Watch didn’t fundamentally change what Baltic stands for as a brand – they still make reasonably priced and attractive watches for hardcore collector and enthusiast types. This year’s slate of Only Watch participants features another small brand that we’ve been paying very close attention to since they first came on the scene just two years ago. Furlan Marri’s Only Watch debut caps what can only be described as a meteoric rise for the brand, and the somewhat mind blowing watch they’ve unveiled is genuinely unexpected and exciting. Before we get into the weeds on the new Furlan Marri perpetual calendar – yes, their perpetual calendar – let’s back up a minute, because it’s important to understand the short history of the bran...
Worn & Wound
Micromilspec, a Norwegian microbrand that has carved out a niche making custom watches for first-responder and military clients, has just revealed their latest project, a watch made for members of the newest branch of the United States military. The United States Space Force, founded in 2019 and technically part of the Department of the Air Force, is the smallest U.S. armed service, with just 8,600 members, but watch enthusiasts among the ranks now have the option of owning a timepiece made just for them, and civilians can get in on the action as well. The U.S. Space Force Watch was made in collaboration with members of the USSF in a manner similar to watches made with other Micromilspec clients, a list that includes Canadian, Norwegian, and French special forces, several units of the Norwegian Army, and the Smoke Divers unit of the Oslo Fire Brigade. According to the brand, watches are designed and developed in Oslo, with manufacturing and assembly completed by the brand’s Swiss partners. For the U.S. Space Force Watch two distinct versions will be made: one that will be sold exclusively to active members, members, and designated personnel of the USSF, and a more widely available civilian version which will require a U.S. shipping address to order. The watch itself is a spin on the popular integrated bracelet sports watch concept, with a highly angular eight sided case and an integrated H-link bracelet. The case measures 42mm wide and features a dive-style timing be...
Time+Tide
If you read Time+Tide, you know very well that GMTs are as popular as they have ever been. I would actually say, much more popular. I cannot think of any major Swiss or Japanese brand that hasn’t released a GMT in the past two years. And looking at the independent/microbrand world, it seems that each … ContinuedThe post The Nezumi Aviera is a GMT that looks like nothing else appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Their name may not be as recognised as Rolex by the hoi polloi, but Singaporean microbrand Boldr Supply Co. has long been something of an insider’s secret among watch collectors. A winning combination of adventurous designs, fantastic build quality, and sought-after specs, all at “how do they do it?” prices, have made Boldr a favourite … ContinuedThe post Why Boldr is the enthusiast brand that you should have on your radar appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
If you slavishly follow modern trends, you might believe that current standards dictate that a watch should be between 38-42mm wide, offer some form of vintage design cue and try and remain as symmetrical as possible. Refreshingly, LIV do something far bolder. Founded in 2014 by husband and wife Chaz and Esti Chazanow, the microbrand … ContinuedThe post The LIV GX-AC Signature Orange is plenty bold appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
The transformation of Bravur, the small Swedish microbrand that has always taken a demonstrably Scandinavian approach to their watch designs, into a boutique label focusing largely on cycling influenced watches, has to be one of the least expected developments in our space over the past few years. Maybe it shouldn’t have been, though. Brand founders Magnus Äppelryd and Johan Sahlin are both cycling enthusiasts, and the design inspiration for their watches has always come from a personal place. Maybe it was only a matter of time? Of course, not all of the watches in their collection are cycling inspired, but limited edition chronographs released to mark major pro cycling races have become something of an expectation at this point, and it has changed the brand identity in a real way. The latest watch in this vein, the La Corsa Rosa III, continues the trend while establishing some new design notes as well. I’ll come right out and say at the outset that I am not a cycling enthusiast. I don’t even really keep up with following cycling’s professional ranks in a casual way. I think that means I’m probably not the target market for these watches, but I have to say, I’ve always been really fond of them. I love watches that appeal to a very specific niche, the narrower the better, and these seem to fit that bill nicely. I’m also a big fan of the creative use of color on watch dials, and the general format Bravur has followed by borrowing traditional colors associate...
Time+Tide
RZE’s best-selling case is now paired with four ice-cold dials. Each colour is inspired by a different glacial region. It’s powered by the Seiko NH35 and made of solid titanium. RZE’s offering of high-tech and capable sports watches is second to none in the microbrand world, especially when you consider their quality versus their affordability. … ContinuedThe post The RZE Endeavour Glacier collection breaks the ice in style appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
I must admit that I have been admiring this LA-based microbrand from afar for quite some time. I promise I will try to avoid the easy pun about taking “Nodus” despite my Dad status and love of cringy, unfunny jokes. Although Nodus watches have been a regular feature on my Instagram feed and at RedBar events, I haven’t had the chance to try them on or examine them closely myself. So when Nodus reached out and offered me a sneak peek at their new Unity line of watches, I jumped at the opportunity. Soon after, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked for a review sample. After seeing the watch in photographs, I was intrigued by its unique concept and bold use of color. It struck me as distinct from anything else in the Nodus catalog, particularly in contrast to their previous Duality Unity with its dual crown and inner rotating bezel. Still, I had reservations about where a watch like this could fit into my collection. A few days later, it arrived, and the timing couldn’t have been better. I wore it during a sunny Easter weekend and for a few days at the beach, and my initial intrigue quickly turned into fondness. The attention to detail, comfort, and playful color scheme charmed me. $700 Hands On with the All New Nodus Unity Case Stainless steel Movement Miyota 9015 Dial Pink/Blue Lume Yes Lens Sapphire Strap Stainless steel bracelet Water Resistance 150 Dimensions 36.5 x 43.5mm Thickness 11.3mm Lug Width 20mm Crown Screw down Warranty Yes Price $700 The first...
Worn & Wound
The rise of the affordable “true” GMT continues to be a strong trend in the microbrand arena, as more and more ready new watches sporting the Miyota 9075. This caliber is beginning to feel like a true game changer in the space, allowing brands whose bread and butter are sub $1,000 watches to offer a much sought after complication that consumers would previously have to spend many times that amount to acquire. The latest entrant in an increasingly crowded marketplace for these watches is an old favorite of ours: Zelos. Zelos watches have always represented value, whether we’re talking about divers under $500 or a Swiss tourbillon with a case made from exotic titanium alloys. Their watches have a colorful, materials oriented style that places a high value on texture and provides their customers with something unique. For this first batch of GMTs, which are part of the Mako line, each option is quintessential Zelos, meaning that even the most conservative watch in the group is still pretty memorable. Of the three new GMTs that make their debut today, the most simple is the Mako 300M GMT Frost, which appears at first to be a stark white dial, but is actually fully lumed, so when the lights go out and the lume is completely charged, the entire dial glows, with the “black lume” hands and hour markers standing in relief. The orange arrow in the GMT hand and a bit of text in the same shade are the only additional colors found on the dial, which is somewhat unusual fo...
Time+Tide
Jules Verne is one of the most influential authors of all time for one main reason - adventure. At the time, nobody else had captured the childish sense of fantastical adventure that still translated to adult audiences, earning him the “father of science fiction” title twice over. Horizon, a young microbrand based in Singapore, released … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Horizon Pilgrim is a diver inspired by drama on the high seas appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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Calling Circula a microbrand feels like a bit of a disservice considering their history, but their approach to unique design and modern brand identity really does align with that of a much younger company. First founded in the Black Forest region of Germany in 1955 by Heinz Huber, who had been running a watch and … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Circula AquaSport GMT is a funky diver with ’70s swagger appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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The Christopher Ward Bel Canto is the brand’s first take on a chiming complication Achieved with the help of a base Sellita SW200 and an in-house chiming module At its staggering price point, this may already be the bargain of the year The first modern microbrand shook enthusiast circles recently with their take on a … ContinuedThe post The Independedit: The Christopher Ward Bel Canto could prove the bargain of the year appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
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 ...
Time+Tide
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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