- 1/11/17
- 198
- 287
- 63
Hello forum,
It’s October, and there are lots of amazing things happening in the world of affordable genuine watches.
I felt compelled to make this post because this part of the forum looked really quiet at a time when this end of the price spectrum is actually blowing up!
In the last couple of years, not only have big brands like Seiko and Longines really stepped their game up, but many microbrands have started to break away from building Sub/Milsub tributes and finding their own design identities.
I’d like to shout out some of my favorite new watches from the past few years in the hopes that anyone who is looking for an affordable watch that comes with genuine warranties, aftercare, and pedigree for rep money (and a little more on top) might be able to expand their horizons a little.
First, the upcoming Lorier Zephyr:
Lorier brought back the tonneau shape from earlier in the 20th century as the inspiration for their latest offering. I’m super excited about this one- it should be as wearable and versatile as something like a Tank, and I can’t wait to give it a try myself.
Brew Metric
This one’s super cute and harkens back to some of the other TV shaped watches, like the Speedmaster TV, that came up in the 70s. It’s an original design and one I found super refreshing.
Brew Retrograph
The Retrograph has big Monaco energy, but is still strongly informed by Brew’s design language, with a minimalist approach to the dial and case, soft edges, and lovely mild colors.
Baltic MR01
The Baltic MR01 made a huge splash during its first run, as it featured a stunning dial with Breguet numerals and a micro-rotor movement inside of a case that can dress up and down. Baltic will start taking pre-orders for a second run on October 13th.
Autodromo Group B series 2
On the sportier side of things, Autodromo is really leaning into the motor sports aesthetic and producing really sleek timepieces like the Group B Series 2. While there are definitely motorsports editions for many Swiss models, I think Autodromo has a cool niche in a way that isn’t just “hey, the Schumacher Speedy has a red and white ring around the dial.”
Really looking forward to what this brand does next.
Honorable mention: Seiko SPB143
Seiko obviously isn’t a microbrand, but I had to bring this up because IMO it’s one of the best value propositions in divers today. This re-interpretation of the 62MAS is amazing for its price, and if you’re burned out on VSF/CF subs, but still want a stylish diver, I can’t recommend this enough.
I’d love to see what other micros the community is into, and hope this post helped lend some insight into what the landscape looks like right now. Thanks!
It’s October, and there are lots of amazing things happening in the world of affordable genuine watches.
I felt compelled to make this post because this part of the forum looked really quiet at a time when this end of the price spectrum is actually blowing up!
In the last couple of years, not only have big brands like Seiko and Longines really stepped their game up, but many microbrands have started to break away from building Sub/Milsub tributes and finding their own design identities.
I’d like to shout out some of my favorite new watches from the past few years in the hopes that anyone who is looking for an affordable watch that comes with genuine warranties, aftercare, and pedigree for rep money (and a little more on top) might be able to expand their horizons a little.
First, the upcoming Lorier Zephyr:
Lorier brought back the tonneau shape from earlier in the 20th century as the inspiration for their latest offering. I’m super excited about this one- it should be as wearable and versatile as something like a Tank, and I can’t wait to give it a try myself.
Brew Metric
This one’s super cute and harkens back to some of the other TV shaped watches, like the Speedmaster TV, that came up in the 70s. It’s an original design and one I found super refreshing.
Brew Retrograph
The Retrograph has big Monaco energy, but is still strongly informed by Brew’s design language, with a minimalist approach to the dial and case, soft edges, and lovely mild colors.
Baltic MR01
The Baltic MR01 made a huge splash during its first run, as it featured a stunning dial with Breguet numerals and a micro-rotor movement inside of a case that can dress up and down. Baltic will start taking pre-orders for a second run on October 13th.
Autodromo Group B series 2
On the sportier side of things, Autodromo is really leaning into the motor sports aesthetic and producing really sleek timepieces like the Group B Series 2. While there are definitely motorsports editions for many Swiss models, I think Autodromo has a cool niche in a way that isn’t just “hey, the Schumacher Speedy has a red and white ring around the dial.”
Really looking forward to what this brand does next.
Honorable mention: Seiko SPB143
Seiko obviously isn’t a microbrand, but I had to bring this up because IMO it’s one of the best value propositions in divers today. This re-interpretation of the 62MAS is amazing for its price, and if you’re burned out on VSF/CF subs, but still want a stylish diver, I can’t recommend this enough.
I’d love to see what other micros the community is into, and hope this post helped lend some insight into what the landscape looks like right now. Thanks!
Last edited:
but I did buy the g shock after hunting for it for a while and the impetus was going to Windup, getting a 10% coupon for eBay there, and finding a good deal that weekend, so it kinda counts.
