The Microbrands Thread

The Microbrands Thread

Author
Discussion

VR99

1,274 posts

65 months

Sunday 7th March 2021
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EX51GE R said:
I bought this Astor and Banks Fortitude as a stop gap alternativeto a Tiffany dial OP, small brand out of Chicago.

As someone with skinny wrists the smaller dimensions really appeal, in terms of fit and finish how does it compare with other/mainstream brands?

As an aside this is a great thread! I've been out the watch game for a few years but on the hunt for 'something different' in the £500-£700 range and decided to shun the mainstream brands for a microbrand this time.

Edited by VR99 on Sunday 7th March 12:11

CardShark

4,197 posts

181 months

Sunday 7th March 2021
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Wearing my A-13A today.


bazza.

700 posts

94 months

Sunday 7th March 2021
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blue_haddock

3,346 posts

69 months

Sunday 7th March 2021
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Marlin dive watch on duty today.

On paper it's a pretty run of the mill dive watch with an nh35 but it's got a lovely wright to it and despite being well under £200 it's got a fantastic be bracelet that is different to the normal oyster or beads of rice.


EX51GE R

1,408 posts

212 months

Sunday 7th March 2021
quotequote all
VR99 said:
As someone with skinny wrists the smaller dimensions really appeal, in terms of fit and finish how does it compare with other/mainstream brands?

As an aside this is a great thread! I've been out the watch game for a few years but on the hunt for 'something different' in the £500-£700 range and decided to shun the mainstream brands for a microbrand this time.

Edited by VR99 on Sunday 7th March 12:11
It's a very well made watch, fits nicely on my thin wrists and the bracelet is easily as good as any of my GS,Rolex or Oris watches. I'd say it's a steal at the price.

VR99

1,274 posts

65 months

Monday 8th March 2021
quotequote all
EX51GE R said:
VR99 said:
As someone with skinny wrists the smaller dimensions really appeal, in terms of fit and finish how does it compare with other/mainstream brands?

As an aside this is a great thread! I've been out the watch game for a few years but on the hunt for 'something different' in the £500-£700 range and decided to shun the mainstream brands for a microbrand this time.

Edited by VR99 on Sunday 7th March 12:11
It's a very well made watch, fits nicely on my thin wrists and the bracelet is easily as good as any of my GS,Rolex or Oris watches. I'd say it's a steal at the price.
Cheers, sounds promising. The website mentions that international buyers must arrange customs/excise. Not sure if you are UK-based but how does everyone else arrange it for peace of mind? I've never imported a watch so a bit clueless on it to be honest.

EX51GE R

1,408 posts

212 months

Monday 8th March 2021
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I got mine post brexit I can't remember what the charges were but it wasn't much, UPS send you a link to pay prior to delivery, you don't have to do anymore than that.

robbiekhan

1,471 posts

179 months

Monday 8th March 2021
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BigFatTopHat said:
Hi
I took a punt on the Marloe Morar last week and I am pretty impressed. Quality is spot on and the size suits me.

One for those who like their divers with a little restraint perhaps....



Cheers
Still go tit? The lume on these is immense, the brightest and longest lasting I have ever had and I've had the Tudor Pelagos which is renowned for excellent lume. My Morar black edition was sold though several months ago to make way for some Baltic watches I'd long been eyeballing.

I now have the bronze and the SB01, with their new titanium compressor case Aquascaphe most likely joining the collection in the summer:



The bronze is strikingly stunning in my eyes, especially as the slow oxidisation process works its stuff on the finish:


jdw100

4,277 posts

166 months

Friday 12th March 2021
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bazza. said:


Going to wear my Obris Morgan today.

Barchettaman

6,363 posts

134 months

Friday 12th March 2021
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Helm Vanuatu on its way to me. Let’s see if it’s worth the (huge) hype.

blue_haddock

3,346 posts

69 months

Monday 15th March 2021
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I've just done a deal on a zelos swordfish which should be with me by the end of the week

marcosgt

11,033 posts

178 months

Tuesday 16th March 2021
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Barchettaman said:
Helm Vanuatu on its way to me. Let’s see if it’s worth the (huge) hype.
I'll be interested to see what you think.

I bought one last year, just went on when they were released and got one at my first attempt.

I think it's a great watch for less than £500, but the near-mythical status that their unavailability seems to engender seems a bit OTT to me.

I've had people call me a liar on watch forums for saying I bought one at my first attempt! biggrin

They've just announced a Titanium one, which would be intriguing if I hadn't just bought a Titanium diver from another brand!

M

bazza.

700 posts

94 months

Tuesday 16th March 2021
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jdw100 said:
bazza. said:


Going to wear my Obris Morgan today.
Nice Sir you don't see many of these around

This is my only other microbrand is this Hoffman




ZesPak

24,452 posts

198 months

Tuesday 16th March 2021
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That looks really, really nice. All sold out though!

bazza.

700 posts

94 months

Wednesday 17th March 2021
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ZesPak said:
That looks really, really nice. All sold out though!
I've sent you a PM Sir

vixen1700

Original Poster:

23,289 posts

272 months

Thursday 18th March 2021
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Just ordered a 40mm version of the Sigma Cuda Grey Meteorite. smile

marcosgt

11,033 posts

178 months

Sunday 21st March 2021
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ZesPak said:
marcosgt said:
I really like their wandering hour watch, but I think it's a little expensive (justifiably so probably) for a novelty, the Halograph Chrono, on the other hand, is a bit of a bargain (although I have seen some nasty-looking knock-offs on Aliexpress).

M
yes I'm really tempted. Any discount/refrence codes available?
A bit late, but :

  • USE THE CODE ‘JOMW20’ FOR 20% OFF ANY XERIC!*
https://jomw.link/xeric

M

vixen1700

Original Poster:

23,289 posts

272 months

Tuesday 23rd March 2021
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Just got an email about two new Marloes coming out next month...

https://www.marloewatchcompany.com/collections/bon...

smile

robbiekhan

1,471 posts

179 months

Tuesday 23rd March 2021
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Those new models would look amazing on a proper 1:1 vintage tropic strap from say Joseph Bonnie or Wolbrook.

Barchettaman

6,363 posts

134 months

Tuesday 23rd March 2021
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marcosgt said:
I'll be interested to see what you think.

I bought one last year, just went on when they were released and got one at my first attempt.

I think it's a great watch for less than £500, but the near-mythical status that their unavailability seems to engender seems a bit OTT to me.

I've had people call me a liar on watch forums for saying I bought one at my first attempt! biggrin

They've just announced a Titanium one, which would be intriguing if I hadn't just bought a Titanium diver from another brand!

M
It’s arrived; just got to wait for Mrs B to turn the other way before I unbox it.