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Microbrands are breathing new life into watchmaking.

Beartooth

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I like Helm watches, they are very affordable, but they are practically impossible to buy
Get on the list. My number came up on the lottery draw and I got to jump ahead of the line. You never know!
 
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Pix

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Otherwise, what's the average waiting time ?
 

Pix

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I have a Furlan Marri too, second hand too (same remarks as Beaubleu), they include a quartz VK64, so definitely overpriced. They are blatantly copying Patek, and in this price range you have excellent reps ;)
As they are located in Geneve, they probably thought they could raise the prices... Eventually they are high end chinese watches with marketing and a nice packaging.

This is the proof.
Same design, same specs. I'll order it to see the finish. Except a good packaging and really nice strap, there may be no difference.

Furlan Mari : 555 CHF + taxes https://www.furlanmarri.com/products/1072-a-nero-sabbia?variant=40512422871172
nerosabbia-ref1072A-01-grey_3000x.jpg


Escapement time : 150 EUR + taxes https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005005126182761.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allProduct.8148356.5.46c95040lv1T0H&pdp_npi=2@dis!EUR!€ 152,36!€ 152,36!!!!!@21038ed816764815359342164efe3f!12000031763829606!sh
Montre-chronographe-quartz-VK64-38mm-bo-tier.jpg_Q90.jpg_.webp
 
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Pix

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Automatic from soprod. A newest development, the Newton movement. They use the Top-glight grade (+/- 4s/day)


Serica-Newton-P092.jpeg
 
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Pix

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There are indeed reported problems, due to the movement being new. I am lucky, not to have this, but TBH I have no idea if this is a massive problem or exceptions and also if it's only at Serica or a general problem.
What's sure is that their recent replies to this problem was more than disappointing for the price you pay, as they declared it's not an issue... but a feature
 
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Pix

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Also there is an Aliexpress hommage (which is actually a blatant copy), which may please some of us : there's a PT5000 (A2824) movement, but so far the finish is wat inferior and the bezel is not aligned. However, this may change in the future. What will not change is the stupid branding.

 
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Pix

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@Oascom
Can you tell us more ?
Is that a variation of a 6497, and if so, what's the size of the watch ?
I'd like so much a 6497/6498 based watch, but all are too big for me (42mm or more and lug to lug close to 50mm)
 
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Oascom

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@Oascom
Can you tell us more ?
Is that a variation of a 6497, and if so, what's the size of the watch ?
I'd like so much a 6497/6498 based watch, but all are too big for me (42mm or more and lug to lug close to 50mm)
Yes with custom plate and the watch size is 40mm. With 20mm lugs.
I tried to make it as small as possible.
 

OI812

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Deep Blue (NYC) "Master 2000 V1," Helson, Debaufre, a defunct brand I think (Germany), some correlation to Steinhart (which I also own and recommend, but most here will be very familiar with them)

If a person has larger wrists or simply prefers a larger profile (44mm - 46mm) they are all great watches. Fantastic quality for the money.

 

MattSP

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I'm not really sure if Zodiak watches qualify for a micro brand. They certainly have huge history but seem to be one of the often overlooked Swiss manufacturers. So I present this as my current object of obsession.
I am sitting on my hands as i really cant afford one at this moment in time 🙃.
The Zodiak Olympos Field, i particularly like the green dial.
 
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Feefo

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I'm not really sure if Zodiak watches qualify for a micro brand. They certainly have huge history but seem to be one of the often overlooked Swiss manufacturers. So I present this as my current object of obsession.
I am sitting on my hands as i really cant afford one at this moment in time 🙃.
The Zodiak Olympos Field, i particularly like the green dial.
Nice textured dials! I also like the Doxa vibes of some divers. Good pick.
 
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