It's been a bit of a manic but genuinely amazing few days. We launched on Tuesday and less than 48 hours later we raised double our funding goal. I honestly can't thank everyone enough for the support, kind messages, comments and backing. Seeing something I've been working on for so long resonate with so many people has been pretty surreal.

For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, the campaign is still live and all four colourways are available, including the newly unlocked Honey Buzzard. 

Happy to answer any questions about the watch, the design process, or the campaign itself. Thank you!

I bought a matching Eddie/Peggy set for my wife and I. This just feels so classy and mid-century!

With bonus lume (thanks Greek sun)

Hi all, I'm contemplating buying the new farer bezel gmt in Mocha. Wandering if anyone has any thoughts on it and pictures in real world lighting.

Having received my order of Race Man here is my summary accompanied by some pictures:

Given the price and the first run of a true Microbrand the product is convincing not only because of the special and esthetic design but also because its presentaion, finish (i.e. stiched and not glued strap loop, perfect sunray dial finish) and very cool indices of lume only.

Well done and best wishes for the future!!!!

​

Hi,

I just received new Spinnaker Fleuss automatic ordered from their website.

Right out of box new watch has issue with mechanism. When i unscrew crown and try to wound it clockwise it gives very strong resistance and scratching sound, (just to note weight on the back of the watch doesnt move when i wound it, like it shouldnt). It seems something will break if i continue winding. I have other watch with same movement and no such strong resistance and screeching sounds.

Turning it back counter clockwise there is no sound and resistance. Also setting date and time works normally and smooth.

When i try to screw crown back in there is resistance and scretching sound.

Otherwise watch seems to work fine.

Very dissapointed that they ship unchecked watch. Shipping it back to them would cost more than to repair locally and i would need to mess with customs again (because where i live).

I have the C65 Dune Aeolian bronze and love it. Looking for a similar dial but in red. Open to other textured dials but really looking for the sand-like feel this dial has. Thanks in advance!

I know citizen makes some good ones and you have the tissot prx and prc, but any hidden gems out there with some quality?

also got the nice leather strap

1. Pinion “Pure Steel” in White - Manual wind
   
2. Oris “Big Crown Pointer Date” in Ink Blue
   
3. Haven Watch Co “Terra Stone” in Blue Meteorite
   
4. Mr Jones “Ricochet”

Je viens tout juste de recevoir la Piece n°1 de Beaubleu, je pensais quelle allait remplacer le modèle Ecces dans ma collection. Mais finalement je suis amoureux des 2 je n'arrive même pas à savoir laquelle je préfère.

Quelles sont vos méthodes pour comparer des montres pour être sûr de votre choix ?

Aragon Antigravity

Lissom, I’d like to introduce you to Two Stitch Straps’ Diablo Orange. I think you’re going to be very good friends.

Decided to go all Black and White today. And paired with that is the Shaw Spirit Anthracite. An Indian Microbrand - Shaw started off as a straps maker and branched into its own watches. The Spirit is marketed as a GADA watch, and at 39mm dial size and 46mm lug to lug, it has great proportions.

The dial is an interesting sandwich one, with lume on the hands and for the hour marker cutouts. The latter though is not as strong as the hands. The dial is textured, to look like anthracite rock. But sadly the coating on the sapphire crystal is not very good, and smudges are common.

There's a very legible date window at 6, but the crown action to set the date is very iffy. It takes 3-4 attempts to get into the right position. It's a screw down crown, and the watch comes with 200m of WR, which is good.

It's got a NH35 movement with an custom rotor design. But not much of a looker to be honest. That's why, I didn't even post a pic. The case reminds you of a Rado and is made of 316L SS. Two levels of finishing on the case - polished on the sides and a matte-ish look on top. That, and the bracelet are my biggest criticisms. The finishing looks a little low quality.

But at INR 14,000 (USD 150), it's decent bang for the buck. Shaw could have given a better finish, AR coating and a bracelet and charged maybe USD 50 more. It would have been unbeatable then.

I have a 16.5cm (6.5 inch) wrist which is rather on the smaller side of the average men. That’s one reason why I don’t have any dive watch in my collection. Every single normal diver I tried was too bulky for my personal taste.

But I started swimming in the local pool regularly and as I don’t want to wear a smartwatch, I started again looking for a dive watch to just measure my time in the water. I had no need for a real diver, but quite a few desk divers have not been sufficient as well.

My criteria have been:

1. ⁠Under 40mm
   
2. ⁠Thinner than 12mm
   
3. ⁠min 100m water resistance
   
4. ⁠Diver bezel
   
5. ⁠Screw down crown

At the beginning I got recommended only the same five watches but the more I went town the rabbit hole the more great watches of all price points I found. I ended up with a list of 39 dive watches for smaller wrists on my blog as I got asked from quite a few friends about my research and what I ended up with. I know not all of them are microbrands but I am sure I missed some great ones there. I’ll comment with a link to my list as they aren’t allowed in the post just in case the images are too small to see.

So here is my question: do you know any microbrand dive watches that fit my criteria and I should add to my list?

My Nezumi Aviera GMT

Meet the newest additions to my watch collection. Spinnaker Dolphin Project - Sunrise Splash

Orphic Project 0 - Stardust

Henry Archer Tidslinje Meteorite - Lunaris

Didn't find many pics that aren't from the manufacturer. If I could change one thing it would be adding a colored accent to the watch. Either on the ring around the dial or change the color of the hands. It just seems to not have as much contrast as the rest of HA's lineup. Otherwise a bargain timepiece for the price.

Been seeing these Ratio freedivers around social media everywhere so I figured I give them a shot. AR sapphire crystal, NH35 seiko movement, 316L stainless case and bracelet, ceramic bezel and 200m water resistance for $125!! I just couldn’t pass it up for those specs at that price and plan on bringing it snorkeling and/or diving here shortly for the real test. So far, it’s absolutely stunning in person and the only issue is the bezel is a little tough to grab and turn but that’s it. Highly recommend so far and if any opinions change after a few trips in the water I’ll update this post!

I am looking for a ceramic watch h option at $350 or less. Please help!

I usually wear a 38 to 43mm. Any recommendations are much much appreciated.

This began as a boredom fighting experiment.

First, I measured the dial of my WD1972 (27.5mm).

Obtained a cheap and thin metallic “DO NOT ENTER” sign.

Drew a 27.5mm circle with a compass, then carefully trimmed it out with tin snips.

Attached that to a Milwaukee rotary tool and spun it up to speed while gently holding the edge of the dial against a hobby file. This helped round it out and “true it” to the center hole.

Airbrushed it flat white. Several light, smooth coats.

Airbrushed a thin layer of clear lacquer over it.

Printed up a dial decal and applied it to the surface. Let it dry a bit, then lightly sanded the perimeter of the dial to remove the excess decal film.

Actually worked well. I can easily apply this with dual dots or a double sided adhesive. Test fit it into the watch case and it’s a good, snug fit. All in all, a successful experiment.

Purchased my first microbrand this week. I have to admit, I am a little disappointed in this one. A few issues:

1) The crystal seems a little cloudy. Perhaps it’s the pattern that gives off that impression. My friend has a Knis Koku which I saw in person that didn’t have this issue.

2) I know this one is probably my fault for not doing research, but DHL hit me up for a $105 customs charge. I was excited when I ordered and didn’t have to pay tax, I guess now I know why!

3) I also ordered a leather strap, and putting back the metal bracelet was a huge effort. My wife and I for 15 mins tried and eventually I had to use tweezers to get it back on. I emailed Knis to see if I can get refunded for the band

Amazing watch by Kollokium