On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: The 'Problem' with High-end Micro-brands
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- On this special episode we talk Luxury/High-end Micro-brands. Are you willing to spend between $1k to $2,500 on a brand with a short/unproven provenance? Why is that? Listen to my ramble and let me know what you think in the comments below, thanks guys!
Everybody and their mother has one of the "big box brand" luxury watches. I think these are legitimately high quality products that are worth the price they command, but with these it feels like you actually get something special and unique. Part of luxury is that not that many people have it...
i realize I am kind of off topic but does anyone know a good website to watch newly released series online?
@Sage Seth Flixportal =)
@Marshall Angelo thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I appreciate it !!
@Sage Seth Glad I could help :)
from handling a few watches , i would put Monta>Oris>Longine , just proof that brand names doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. LOVE the monta
Yup....agree with you. I bought a GMT Master in 1988, new, for 1800 cdn from an AD. No waiting, no 'lists', just pay and go. The 1988 $1800 translates to about $3600 roughly today. Not exactly affordable, but do-able for me at the time. 10k today and a multi year wait list is definitely not do-able and this leads me back to higher end microbrands. Monta, Nodus etc. put out some seriously good watches for 1/5 of the price of a new sub. Same for the boutique brands, the c65 and the 556 are very good luxury time piece's. If you're not a watch snob and can accept the fact that not everyone will know what's strapped to your wrist these kind of watches are the way to go, and then you're buying a watch because you like and appreciate it, not because your neighbour will. Great vid!!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Recently, I was in a Rolex boutique and all I kept thinking was I could get a Monta and a Damasko for less than 1/2 the price. I really like Rolex, but the price is very difficult for me to justify.
Understand your point about the Seamaster. But one thing that you didn’t mention is the resale value. A used Seamaster that cost you 2000 to buy would likely get you back something around that too, when you decide to sell. And there is a much bigger market for the watch that you can easily sell. For a micro brand watch, outside the Monta and Brellum, I don’t see a lot of demands for them. The resale value for these watches would at least drop by 30-40% from the 2000 price point. Some of them, you might not be able to find a buyer at all. And watch dealers would likely never buy it off you. In that sense, Seamaster would be a much better option as first “luxury” watch for a beginner.
True points for sure. Me personally, I'm not one to really resell anything, so not really a deciding factor for me but definitely a factor for may out there, especially the flipper community, thanks for sharing.
Average Bros not only flippers, beginners who’s trying to find THE watch for them sometimes need to buy to try and learn
NTH sells used on eBay for almost exactly retail. You can't find one used under $500 and they're $600 new.
People who do this are assholes but... usually when there's a short run on a good microbrand people flip them for way more than you pay at retail. So your point is completely invalid once again.
412JFury completely invalid? most microbrands are more likely to be like my point than your few examples. Monta, NTH, Brellum are the example of a few great micro brands. I didn’t say any used Swiss high end brands. I said PRE-OWNED Omega Seamaster. It’s one of the easiest watch to flip in the higher end market out side Rolex Sports and Patek Nautilus. And you get the heritage and full reliability that you don’t get from newer micro brands. Omega is part of Swatch group that would likely to be able take care care of your watch for years to come. There is no guarantee that these micro brands would survive if there is another big crisis like the quartz crisis.
Clearer example would be, even i’m a watch guy and appreciate Monta and all these other high end micro brands a lot. I don’t find any of their design do it for me except Monta Ocean King and Brellum Chrono. But those are still too big for my wrist hence i don’t own one. But I wouldn’t recommend them to beginners over a used Seamaster. The main reason being the heritage, the unquestionable longevity of the brand, the wide availability of the watch and services center. Omega give you all those for EVERYONE IN THE WORLD. While other brands are nice and all, you can’t really try them on before you buy if you’re not inside the US. And when the watches have issue and need to be sent back under warranty, you don’t need to post it half way around the world to claim FREE repair under the warranty.
I couldn't agree with you more. There's no doubt that I have purchased watches in the past because I felt I needed to have them for a "respectable" collection. As it turns out, those are the watches I wear least. It's too easy to let others decide for you what to like. Thanks for the good review.
I cringe when guys post a SOTC and ask what they "need" to add. Nothing. If you don't feel a desire to add something then don't! Don't just buy something to buy something.
Your collection is so amazing... No need to spend 15K on a rolex or an AP, you can get 8 or 10 fantastic pieces for this price
A lot of the money goes to the name and name only. And that's the big companies.I totally agree with your Seamaster analogy!
All fair points... Monta has really caught my eye recently. Beautiful line of watches. Anyway, excellent video and perspective, man. Thanks.
Appreciate this topic and thanks for making the video. I have to say I absolutely love my high-end micros and am continually surprised by their under-appreciation. And I say this with one deal-breaker caveat: if you plan to buy and flip watches then there is no question that re-sale for the micros is unreliable. But if that's not your angle; if you buy watches you love and plan to wear them without fear; if you seek craftsmanship from devoted watch-lovers; and if you can look past branding (oft overrated) and trust your own eye for quality... you will not find better value than the high-end micros. In fact, these should be more accurately be considered luxury-lite rather than micro-plus. My collection of these includes MKII Key West, Monta Skyquest and Triumph, Oak & Oscar Jackson Batch No. 1, and Weiss Gauge Series... and honestly I am so much happier with the quality of these watches than any of the established brands at twice the price. Throw in the fact that you get to join an accessible community that may include having drinks with the brand owners, and to me it's a no-brainer. The enjoyment factor / per dollar blows the old guard out of the water.
Awesome feedback and agreed on all points!
I am still not seeing the proposition for microbrands over $1000. I have a Mido Ocean Star Titanium that was under $1000 and it has damn near every feature you could want in an entry level luxury watch, and they have 100 years of history. It even has a Silicon balance spring. You will not get that on a micro brand. Not to mention service centers and AD's worldwide. I still like a lot of micros sub $800 though.
I really hate people disparaging watches. I buy slowly and carefully; none of my watches are expensive, but really everything beyond my 15 year old quartz Tissot is a frivolous purchase; I do not need more than one watch, my autos in particular don't keep time as well as that Swiss quartz movement, so even if I'm spending under $100 it's an amount I don't need to spend. I'm doing it purely for my own enjoyment, and people who want to judge my choices can jog on, as far as I'm concerned.
People who only think you've bought a decent thing if it's a brand they've heard of and they know it costs $000s show more about their own insecurities than it does about the quality of the piece. There are a couple of microbrands I have my eye on and may be added to my modest collection.
TLDR: buy what you like, what seems good value to you and what you will enjoy strapping to your wrist, even if it's a bloody sundial. Don't care what anyone else thinks and don't let it spoil your own enjoyment.
Pretty much my take on watch collecting! I recently bought a Parnis 47mm flieger pilots watch with a 6498 seagull movement and I love it! It's in fact more accurate than my Speedy and other Swiss watches I own. So buy what you love and don't be pressured by others ever!!
Wise words :)
The Monta brand appeals to me most, what other Micro Brands would be on this level of appeal, fit and finish, bracelet and movement etc?
And here come the never ending stupid and tired question if you got the watch free. Anyways love the passion and enjoy the rambling.
Love the sentiment Mark, and agree. So much to be said about the feeling of connection to individuals, the satisfaction of finding pieces made with such passion; not to mention finding the ‘diamond’ micro’s making true quality. Such an interesting time for this awesome hobby.
I have the Seaholm Offshore Diver. Never questioned the $2,000 price after receiving it. Great quality.
As the owner of a Monta Oceanking I can at least say this in my opinion, it is the best diver under $2000 I have seen. I have had people online scoff at the price, I understand, but when it is in hand it becomes very clear why it cost so much. I have compared side by side with the Aquis, which I like very much, the Monta was head and shoulders above in terms of finishing and function, it simply looks and feels like it is worth more in almost every way. Now I know that it has no history and to those who need heritage and history, buy elsewhere, but if design, fit and finish, as well as superb function are what you want this is the best bang for buck out there, there, in MY OPINION :)
Agreed, Monta are really something special
They certainly look the business and i would love to get one. Glad you love it 👍
Best diver under 2000us$ you say? Have a look at the Sinn U1.
@@cedarcanoe I am talking about my taste, my opinion, I do not like the Sinn U1 looks, but I do like Sinn watches a lot, and agree they are great watches
I have the Brellum Pandial and I am quite impressed with the quality of this timepiece. I also like the fact that I am wearing something unique and exclusive. This leads me to the Pelton. I have my eye on this beautiful and most exclusive timepiece.
I love micro brands, have owned a few and love the variety. The challenge for me is thinking about a watch that I’m going to keep and even possibly pass down. The advantage of a micro brand is you’re able to get into it for much less money and see if it’s for you. However, I loved my Rolex submariner 5513 as well as my omega Seamaster professional so I don’t want to discount those. Through micro brands, I’ve decided that 42 mm is too big in that 38-39mm is probably the sweet spot for me. They’ve given me the opportunity to wear a variety of different watches, sell them on the secondary market and then get into something else. I’ll watch/read reviews before purchasing and will even sometimes take the risk of trying something that hasn’t been thoroughly vetted. That risk is minimal for me because they don’t cost that much money (relative to other brands). Yes, I could choose watches that are the right size for me from brands that are already out in the market (store). However, micro brands represent something different and, just like was said in the video, I want to support the brand/people that have a passion for watches like I do.
Right on.
I mean there are just mostly 2 types of mindsets. Either you're all about brand and you'd rather pay $1ks of more for the brand and what is universally recognized by watch people and non-watch people alike. Or, you have an open mindset and recognize value in all shapes and forms and willing to try something different and not just play it safe and get cookie cutter checklist watches.
I could be totally off, but my impressions are those folks for top luxury brands are those who'd rather spend a lot more, or sometimes just as much (used), are too wrapped up in the story of established watches. And, they are probably thinking investments.. how much they can retain in value over the short and long haul, probably to resell. But, personally, I rarely ever look to a watch I like and will buy and think what I can sell it for later. I wouldn't deny that those are important and worthy factors. Obviously, they are and have been.
But, I think a lot of fun and having something truly different than what is likely to be in the same watch box as the other 1000s of guys who buy into the same types of watches is much more interesting and for me, having an interesting watch collection is where it's at.
That being said, I like to mix it up. I have some classic vintage high end brands, and rather boring and safe in design, but they are significant to me as they are my father's, a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony (perhaps one of the best finest example of a pure classic dress watch) and a Rolex Oyster Precision 6426 which is about as timeless and everyday basic Rolex as you can get, but it's as tool or as non-tool as I want it to be. They have their story with me and I think like what you've mentioned before, you should feel comfortable making the story with whatever watch you have and not be focused on adopting stories from other people only.
I also have modern watches both from long-established brands and microbrands. And, I have watches I've modded and made myself that have their own stories on how and why I made them.
Out of the ones you've shown today in this video, The Pelton is probably the priciest, but it's still one that's hard to ignore and play with the idea of getting a Perseus some day. Really like the finish and design. Next, also a fan of the Monta Triumph. And, I've seen that Brellum Vyvern before, so thanks for showing that one off, and that's actually pretty cool. And, I can't deny the level of finish you shared in previous video of the Brellum chronographs is quite impressive considering everything built into it and it's also chronometer certified.
I love watches off all prices from my cheap Sekio's to my Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon titanium! But I'm not sure I'd drop big bucks on a high end micro brand when there's so many well proven established names out there! My next buy will be a Damasko DC66 si. Also that Pelton while it looks great we all know what watch its trying to be. At least make something original if your a micro brand!
Congrats on the first of the new year. Timely and thought provoking subject. Nothing low grade about these and I would own any of them.
Such a shame that Pelton didn't try to create their own unique design
I agree; however, I feel like it is near impossible to come up with a watch design that doesn't look like something that is already out there.
Great video, very honest, and well educated opinion. I agree 100% in these premium Micro brands. I recently purchased my Seaholm Rover, especially after your review. Call me crazy, but I feel it’s the Explorer of the Micros. The craftsmanship, the technology are top notch and the movement is running well with COSC.
Rolex used to be known as high end back in the day, however I can’t justify that in this day an age. Micro brands have more appeal to me in my honest opinion...not paying $3,000-$8,000 and up for a watch brand like Rolex that’s faked everyday in the Chinese market. I rather wear pieces that apply to me as a enthusiast and not a snob. Funny how no one ever talks about Rolex cases and bracelet’s being made in China...unbelievable! I love your taste in micro brands and hope to see you continue to keep it coming in 2019!
Wu-Blood Kin how is it Rolex fault if the Chinese are trying to fake their watches? Is it Apple or Samsung’s fault that the Chinese want to fake their smartphones?
@@slickswings I think you missed the point. Wu-Blood Kin said that Rolex outsources the production of their cases and bracelets to China.
I don't know about anyone else but I would much rather have a limited batch number on the back of my watch. Than a mass-produced watch that you're going to see everywhere. I'm sorry Rolex lovers but your watches are done to death. And there's so many copies and fakes that people wear out in the wild that no one can tell the difference. And no one cares but the snob, so have fun being mad about your big crown. Let's go back to Brick and mortars independent trade. Libertarian sales. Long Live Independence. I hate wearing what everyone else wears. And I always get the most compliments on my microbrand pieces. People will often appreciate the skx over the Rolex because they never see the skx. And you can't tell the difference at a glance between an Invicta and a Rolex.
I agree and cannot stand Rolex subs! Nothing more than a over hyped over priced mass produced watch! Not my cup off tea at all. But one brand I do like for so much less is the Damasko watches and I also enjoy my Sinn U1. But my favourite micro brand watch I've ever bought is the Helm Vanuatu divers watch! It's a beast...
Very nice collection. I have the MKII Fulcrum, Monta Triumph, and now I have my eye on the Vellum. A couple of my friends who are really into dive watches love their Monta.
I haven't handled any of these, but the Montas really stand out, for the reasons you stated. One reason I would hesitate to get them, however, is the lack of history. Given the anachronistic nature of mechanical watches, I simply have a harder time connecting with brands without any history. Of course, it isn't the only thing (I don't care much for Rolex), but it helps.
#1. Thank you for the video. Appreciate a fresh perspective. I have been looking at the Monta and Formex as of late. Can't believe how little respect theses affordable "luxury" watches get.
#2. Somewhat shocked at the small number of likes and comments on this video,based on the number of views.
I love those Brellums. The Duo has being on my radar as my big purchase for 2019.
own lot micros, 4 Brellum (2 LE), Zelos, Boldr,Feymen one on order, (like 25 micros), also own many strong and Exceptional Horology watches: Rolex, jlc, Bovet, Lange & Sohne, etc. A quality timepiece is that. I do not buy for acceptance, brand recognition, and prefer unique TBH. People talk crap about Brellum, but they cannot argue factually, I then compare the finishing n Brellum versus some supposed great brands they own, then silence... Nothing like interacting with the owner-designer of the Brellum and other micros, customer service is great (for the ones I dealt with), and i enjoy supporting the smaller houses as it is so hard to remain independent today.
Nothing like listening to someone with so much knowledge speak passionately about a topic because those are the most informative. Too many people willing to buy a name at the expense of quality. If you make a good watch, you charge accordingly. People are basically telling these micro brands to make worse watches because that’s all they’re willing to pay for.
It’s the watch lovers who go for these. I have some big brands. They are nice indeed, but some of these are far more exciting to my mind.
It’s a hard market to crack .. I think I do have an issue with some of the prices . 2k then adding 25 percent tax and costs to Europe. . It’s a lot for a piece that most have never seen in the flesh.. just picked up an oris 65 on a bracelet for 40% less than list in a sale , loving it and has grabbed wrist time from my high end pieces A monta would cost me 1300 dollars more so not an appealing prospect. Wouldn’t ever refer to these brands as shitters as they do bring options to the market and these are often the words of the ill informed . I’m very much a try before you buy type so over 2k for a microbrand is probably a non starter.. Good video though ....
I think microbrands are going the extra mile with their models. My first was the MKII Fulcrum. My latest purchases have been the Seaholm and the Monta Skyquest.
I'm on the fence in what luxury watch I will buy this year. I'm leaning towards Rolex. But I'll tell you this. After that purchase, I'm going to exclusively focus on high end micro brands. Ill definitely look into the brands u mentioned in this video
I'm getting pretty close to pulling the trigger on a Monta. But I feel like they will release a version 2 of the triumph, so I'm patiently waiting.
yeah, if they do a Triumph 2.0 anytime soon, I'm in trouble, lol
I ain’t gonna lie, I’m kinda pretentious in my watch brand choices. My current favorite watch is the Sinn 556 I B. Sinn is not a micro brand. Sinn has more than 50 years of watchmaking experience. Sinn is a small independent. Of the micro brand watches that I have owned, I have zero left in my collection. The Hemel I owned was ok, but it was less legible than I would have liked, and had a noisy Miyota movement. That watch New was more expensive than the much better Hamilton Khaki Mechanical and had zero street cred. The Tissel Submersible I had made me feel like a poser wearing it. That watch was good, but I felt like it came from the same factory making counterfeit Rolex Subs. That too had a noisy Miyota movement. The pieces you showed are nice, but I have to say if I’m spending anything over $1k it better say Sinn, Oris, or Longines on the dial. Heck, even the Tissot Ballade at $925 is chronometer certified and has a silicon hairspring. As far as Monta goes, let me know if they are still around in 2039. That one looks the strongest. Also, does anybody else want to puke when Hodinkee refers to itself as The ‘Dink in its own articles? 🤮
Not all micro brands are created equal, man. I owned a sinn 556a at the same time as owning a Monta Triumph. The Monta is superior in every sense of the word (other than "heritage"). The bracelet alone on the 556 was terrible compared to the Monta bracelet. I really hope you get the chance to handle something from their line, easily packing quality that my Tudor Blackbay didn't in a lot of respects. I understand you want a brand you can rely on, but I feel like this video was made to address this view/biased against high end micro brands.
I love my 556's as well, I own the A and IB
"Heritage" is such a cop out when talking about watches. Imagine pretending your Ford Fiesta has Le Mans DNA in it because the GT existed fifty years ago.
Hodinkee, and most watch enthusiasts, are cringe AF.
I enjoyed the watch rant.. I think you are spot on with you Seamaster comments haha
I would love a Monta - they look amazing. That Brellum looks great too (the chrono).
so impressed whent to the site liked the beads of rice better but your opinion on their quality closed the deal for me thanks
Great video. I find there is a very thin line with these brands. I can see the value in the new Pelton with the in house dial, or the unique case and dial work of Lundis Blues. On the other hand, there is Farer. I love their designs, but don’t see the the value for the money. Feel like they should be $500 or $600.
Which of the watches featured in this video would you rank the highest?
Did not know about Pelton. Wow that's amazing!
from which brand is the watch roll?
Everest Watch Roll
I have a Steinhart GMT 39mm with an ETA 2893 movement I think its the best GMT under 1k keeps great time..I dont see the problem with it because it keeps wonderful time and Ive had no issues at all and it looks great...I also have a Rolex vintage datejust and my Steinhart has caused me less financial headache than my Rolex has...Everyone cant afford an entry 5K for a Rolex or 4k for an Omega.. MicroBrands are good watches either beaters or just good tool watches..
Very good, well reasoned argument for micro brands. Wish you’d highlighted that many of the established brands -even £2.5k plus are using the same ETA, Sellita and Miyota movements.
Can you take a look at Whitby Watch Company?
I have always wanted an AP Royal Oak, by favorite looking watch! That Pelton, oh my god. I went to the website, watched the videos of him hand finishing every piece! 333 hours of labor into each watch... Not $20K, only $3K and he will make it FOR me. GTFO, going for a Pelton now. Frankly I dont care if he made the movement in house.
Do you think the ocean king is worth the extra money vs the triumph?
Erik Ramírez-España The triumph is a dream on the wrist. It completely disappears and is so comfortable on bracelet. If you like the aesthetics I would pick that one. The only reason I kept the Oceanking over the triumph is because I didn’t care for the numerals on the dial and the Oceankings indices are all applied.
It's definitely worth it if you want a dive watch over an everyday piece, but the Triumph offers all of the quality in a more versatile piece that is just as fulfilling to own and wear as the Oceanking
I live in Australia and I just took delivery of a Boldr Odyssey Bronze Meteorite. I paid $1000 aud, and I know this is a little pricey for a watch with the NH35 movement but I like the way the watch looks and feels. Also I like it’s exclusivity. My watch is number 74 of 250. I’m not too sure about this but I could very well be the only person in Australia who has one. Rolex could never deliver that level of exclusivity, plus with this movement, any watch maker can work on it. Till death do us part........
Where you get that watch case ?
Good perspective on micro brands, but I’ll probably start with a lower-priced one. The Brellum with the blue dials is gorgeous, though.
Speaking of Seamaster, I get a notification for yet *another* RUclips review of a Seamaster Professional 🙄
I agree; especially on supporting people who are passionate and listens to the consumers. I have a SMP300 and got myself an Explorer 2 end of last year but I found more reasons to get the OceanKing than not.
You have a very nice collection. Over the past couple of years, I have flipped most of my watches from the Swatch Group. Frankly, I love many of the microbrands. I have the Brellum Marina Chronometer. Just an awesome timepiece. Recently, I purchased a Tourby Lawless. This company is German and they will customize your watch as much as possible. I am so impressed with this brand that I plan to pick up their GMT model. Let me just say that history is fine as our in-house movements, I just think people place to much emphasis on this. After all, every company has a beginning and there are microbrands that are here to stay.
Good point. Higher end micro brands are a great choice to get a lot for your money. But the biggest issue is that resale value - if you care for that - can unforgiving.
I have the Monta Ocean King and I feel t hat value for dollar, Monta produces excellent watches. I think my next buy will be the Brellum Duobox.
Thx for your opinion, you are making me re-think my watch strategy. Of course it's my belief that once you buy a Rolex , Patek, AP, you can recoup your money if you need to sell it , for some reason. I am wondering if these brands hold value, or at least follow the pattern of Omega, Blancpain, etc. , and only lose value over years? Thank you your content is well thought out.
None of those watches look like original designs to me. They all either directly copy or copy significant elements of designs from other major watch companies.
Forgot FORMEX!
I've always liked the Brellum Duobox. Rarely do they come up on the 2nd hand market. Which makes me think, do their owners keep them they're so good or is production that low.
Agreed. I just picked up a Monta Triumph and am almost thinking why I have all these other watches.
Is that an Everest watch case?
It is, yes
I have two Brellums and a Seaholm. This caliber of microbrand is here to stay.
If that Pelton was not just a blatant homage it would be spectacular. That level of finishing and engineering on a bespoke design would kill it.
I truly appreciate you dude. You put me on some great watch brands to look at purchasing. I've been following the pelton perseus for sometime now. In your opinion if you could only buy one of the watches you presented, which one would you choose.
Tough call but would be a toss up between the Brellum Duobox and Monta Triumph
I agree all are beautiful in their own right as well as have a story to tell. You definitely got me as a subscriber, keep up the good work.
@@AllGravy1980 thanks Man!
What watch roll case is that on this video?
I like all the watches and they look great. However, I have to discount the Pelton Perseus, because of the movement and price. I feel, I can't pay the price of nearly $2500 for an ETA 2824-2. A watch that is better priced and has similar style and comparable movement, for $800 less, is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon priced at 1750CHF, which is about $1750. Don't get me wrong, I really love the look of the Pelton and you are getting a better finish, but it's hard to beat the Aikon and it's Swiss made.
Thank you for a great rant! Have a happy New Year :)
Mark, I was wondering what your opinion is of the NTH subs? I picked one up recently and am very impressed with the quality. They are, of course, in a lower tier than those discussed in this video. I consider you to be a microbrand expert and would love your opinion.
I've always been a fan of the look on those, but the original clasp and bracelet put me off. In their latest iteration, they do look pretty great and appear to be much more complete package. Unfortunately their owner Chris, personally hates me, so I don't think you'll ever see one on the channel, lol.
Average Bros
I am impressed with the new clasp...well made, 6 micro adjusts. Bracelet is fully articulating, drapes very well. It may be the most comfortable one I own. Too bad about you and Chris...I would enjoy your review.
Keep up the great work!
@@alangolick8854 It's all good, I don't harbor any ill will, Chris is just a very volatile person, which is what's rubs many the wrong way. He spends a lot of time on the forums arguing with people and I think it gives him the impression everyone is out to get him. Glad to see more personable dealers helping grow the brand, as I do wish him success.
Average Bros
John at Watch Gauge has been excellent to deal with and it appears that the NTH website is directing its customers to its retailers.
Imo some of these brands, that are asking for more than the "normal microbrand" asks for... these brands need to clearly demonstrate what makes their product worth it. Local production & milling, okay, advertise it.
With the Seaholm, as a casual person, it's hard for me to guess whether "antimagnetic" and "shockproof" is something they actually worked towards, or is it the standard anti-magnetic, shockproof performance that the generic movements have in them off-the-shelf.
When it comes to overengineering, like Seaholm and Monta - well it's bloody difficult to figure out whether its truly all that, or whether its basically as overengineered as the affordable micros out of decent Asian factories (e.g. obris morgan, nth, etc.etc.) - the price differential is huge, and the problem is, for all these brands, expensive and not, all of them can claim to be overengineered and well-finished. From their own websites, and frankly from youtube reviews, it's impossible to figure out the actual difference.
Elijs Dima not a Seaholm fan, but it’s pretty easy to visit the website and see everything that goes into the engineering of their watches for shock and anti-magnetism. It’s not impossible to see the differences in finishing/engineering between a Helson and Monta. It does suck that you can’t tell unless you take the jump and buy one sight unseen, but in hand it’s two completely different leagues.
Thanks for your input, I'm sure these brands all appreciate this type of feedback
I love the pelton
I'll start taking these micro brands seriously when they'll come up with their own original designs. Call it homages or whatever you want, but to me, these watches are just good quality knockoffs.
when its time to sell and its not worth crap is when you realize that micro brands are not as good as well know quality brands like oris, tudor, omega, rolex, sinn and soooo many others.
Not everyone sells, not everyone buys used, and not everyone is expecting to get a lot back if/when they do.
is this a youtube video or a boring podcast?
none of these watches are really Bargain I have Tag Heuer caliber 5 the same quality as those watches in the same price tag you can even have Breitling, Oris. my impression that Seaholm is a better brand compared to Monta because their watches passed more test quality. I think Monta don't have enough selection but they have more beautiful watches. I don't have the impression they are much more than a Christopher Ward or Stienhart.
Interesting take, thanks for sharing
I have owned both the Christopher Ward and Monta(sold the Trident) the Monta is in a whole other league above, you need to get both in hand and you will see. I also compared side by side the Ocenaking and a Tag Caliber 5, to me the Monta was a better watch in every way