The Microbrands Thread

[Harry Flashman]

Does anyone own a Farer? I'd really like the Bernina hand wind chrono, bit have never met anyone who has actuay owned one of their watches, nor seen one in the metal. Any feedback? Is the finishing as good as it looks in photos, for example? I love what they have done to the movement, visible through the case back...

[Mezzanine]

Harry Flashman said:

Does anyone own a Farer? I'd really like the Bernina hand wind chrono, bit have never met anyone who has actuay owned one of their watches, nor seen one in the metal. Any feedback? Is the finishing as good as it looks in photos, for example? I love what they have done to the movement, visible through the case back...

I have one of these:





They do colours and design really well, the general build quality is pretty decent for what you pay. The presentation in the box and ordering process was really good.

My only complaint is the accuracy isn’t that great (although within manufacture spec apparently) and the bracelet steel isn’t particularly tough.

However, after the initial love affair, I rarely wear mine given the choice of other watches and I really should sell it because it’s taking up space!

Overall I think they on par with Christopher Ward in terms of quality, slightly more expensive at times, but more exciting to look at than Christopher Ward’s stuff.

[Harry Flashman]

Thanks! I was hoping for finishing a step up from Christopher Ward, given the price point...

Accuracy etc, not so concerned as the hand wind chrono would effectively be set every time I wound it...but it needs to be pretty and nicely finished for £1800...

[Jamescrs]

Does anyone own or have any experience of Bamford London?

https://bamfordlondon.com/

I've been looking at their website for a while after someone previously posted it somewhere on the forums and missed out on their latest Joe Cool Snoopy limited run but yesterday they brought out a new feature where a customer can custom design their own GMT watch. I've been playing with the designer and very tempted to buy, wondered if anyone had personal experience of their watches?

[Deckert]

Currently liking this:
https://www.fratellowatches.com/echo-neutra-cortin...
https://echoneutra.com/cortina-1956-chronograph/

[Monsterlime]

Zelos have just announced a Mako Titanium that goes on sale in 2 days - https://zeloswatches.com/collections/mako

Tempted, but I haven't had my Hammerhead V3 for long so will probably pass (the wife would not be impressed).

The Storm Grey is my pick!

[ZesPak]

Just ordered this Xeric.


Really liked the theme of this watch but didn't gel with any of their (many) colour themes. It just came back in stock in this guise so I couldn't leave it.
Curious to see how it looks in the flesh.

[vixen1700]

Haven't bought anything for a while, but liked the look of these and went for the teal Solstice.

https://microbrand.store/collections/relio-watches...

Looks a nice thing.

[vixen1700]

These are coming out soon from Stratton in lots of different colourways in automatic and meca-quartz versions.

Must admit, I do like the look of them:

https://www.stratonwc.com/pages/sportiva-and-volan...

[Silvanus]

vixen1700 said:

These are coming out soon from Stratton in lots of different colourways in automatic and meca-quartz versions.

Must admit, I do like the look of them:

https://www.stratonwc.com/pages/sportiva-and-volan...

I do like those, some nice detailing and a few nods to some well known watches

[blue_haddock]

vixen1700 said:

These are coming out soon from Stratton in lots of different colourways in automatic and meca-quartz versions.

Must admit, I do like the look of them:

https://www.stratonwc.com/pages/sportiva-and-volan...

I'm not usually a chrono fan but it looks so much better than the three hand version.

Kyle who runs straton is a proper petrol head, he races an Alfa!

[Alex_225]

I didn't realise this thread existed and having spotted the Straton models (already got my eye on those), I received these two for my 40th birthday on Monday. One from my mum and the other from my partner and the kids!





Both mecha-quartz and really nice quality. I'll definitely be buying another! They have some really nice bold colours too so maybe something with a yellow or purple face next.

[RSTurboPaul]

Alex_225 said:

I didn't realise this thread existed and having spotted the Straton models (already got my eye on those), I received these two for my 40th birthday on Monday. One from my mum and the other from my partner and the kids!





Both mecha-quartz and really nice quality. I'll definitely be buying another! They have some really nice bold colours too so maybe something with a yellow or purple face next.

Ace!

They look really good, well done on dropping clear enough hints lol

[Hoofy]

RSTurboPaul said:

Alex_225 said:

I didn't realise this thread existed and having spotted the Straton models (already got my eye on those), I received these two for my 40th birthday on Monday. One from my mum and the other from my partner and the kids!





Both mecha-quartz and really nice quality. I'll definitely be buying another! They have some really nice bold colours too so maybe something with a yellow or purple face next.

Ace!

They look really good, well done on dropping clear enough hints lol

Either that or you'd have ended up on a date with Michaela Strachan.

[Doofus]

Hoofy said:

RSTurboPaul said:

Alex_225 said:

I didn't realise this thread existed and having spotted the Straton models (already got my eye on those), I received these two for my 40th birthday on Monday. One from my mum and the other from my partner and the kids!





Both mecha-quartz and really nice quality. I'll definitely be buying another! They have some really nice bold colours too so maybe something with a yellow or purple face next.

Ace!

They look really good, well done on dropping clear enough hints lol

Either that or you'd have ended up on a date with Michaela Strachan.

I'll always remember all those times that we had
You helped me to sleep
I fancied you heaps
And so did my dad

[blue_haddock]

Alex_225 said:

I didn't realise this thread existed and having spotted the Straton models (already got my eye on those), I received these two for my 40th birthday on Monday. One from my mum and the other from my partner and the kids!





Both mecha-quartz and really nice quality. I'll definitely be buying another! They have some really nice bold colours too so maybe something with a yellow or purple face next.

Something bold with purple??

[Alex_225]

RSTurboPaul said:

Ace!

They look really good, well done on dropping clear enough hints lol

By hints, I mean I helped my mum order the Speciale. She can just about work Candy Crush. My other half had no idea what to get me so I sent her a couple of links and got the Daily Driver. haha.

blue_haddock said:

Something bold with purple??

I did spot the Volante and Sportiva models look great, I'm rather liking the square designs. Just reminds me of 70s style stuff.

I wouldn't mind another Speciale though, I think with the metal bracelet it tones down the bright colours where the leather straps are a bit too much.

One thing to factor with any of them is the unavoidable import tax you end up paying. Both got taxed on arrival, where as watches I've ordered from Creation Watches for example haven't been.

[vixen1700]

Alex_225 said:

One thing to factor with any of them is the unavoidable import tax you end up paying. Both got taxed on arrival, where as watches I've ordered from Creation Watches for example haven't been.

Yep, it's something you just have to factor in really.

Got knocked for £60 on my Relio Solstice a few months back, thankfully it's a firm favourite.

[Alex_225]

Exactly! Part and parcel of buying in other countries. To be fair, the prices of the Straton watches isn't too bad so even factoring in the import duty, actually they're still good value.

That's very handsome! I can see why it's a favourite.

[blue_haddock]

I've finally managed to locate and buy a zelos swordfish that I've wanted for ages. Whilst I would love one of their timascus versions the budget is more suited to a stainless version and obviously they are less prone to annoying scratches.



Definitelyy no watches for me for a while.