closing tag is in template navbar
timefactors watches



TZ-UK Fundraiser
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 50 of 64

Thread: Micro brand dive watch ideas?

  1. #1
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Wells, Somerset
    Posts
    493

    Micro brand dive watch ideas?

    Hi all,
    I recently put up a post asking for advice on a couple of watches.
    My original thoughts for my needs were a pair of Casio’s, a Gshock GW5000 and an Oceanus S100.
    I got lots of cool recommendations and thanks to all who took the time but in the end I stuck with my first thoughts and ordered the pair of Casio’s from Seiya Japan.
    Anyway, I’m now thinking of a divers watch, between 40mm and 43mm from a microbrand or similar, and I fancy an automatic movement, ideally an eta or different Swiss one?
    Maybe a budget around £600 give or take if possible.
    If you have the time chaps, any ideas or recommendations?
    Thanks in advance (again)
    Rob

  2. #2
    Grand Master Sinnlover's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    London
    Posts
    10,942
    I would look at the offerings from Helson. The build quality is excellent and they keep their prices better than other Microbrands

  3. #3
    Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    London, England
    Posts
    1,278
    Steinhart

    Christopher ward if pre owned or in a sale

    Glycine

    Or if a Seiko movement is ok there are lots and lots. Try steeldive.

  4. #4
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Wells, Somerset
    Posts
    493
    Thanks both,
    My question has got me thinking now.
    Are there any watches out there designed by actual divers?
    I’ve heard from, and owned a Scurfa but are there any others?
    Just asking as I like things designed for a purpose by the people that use them, if that makes sense?
    Cheers,
    Rob

  5. #5
    Master M1011's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    London, England
    Posts
    3,221
    Zelos is worth a look, although the majority have Seiko/Miyota movements.

  6. #6
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Jun 2019
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    311
    Ventus or Zelos would be well worth a look. I owned a Ventus Northstar which I would recommend.

  7. #7
    What about the Steinhart Triton on SC? If I was in the market for a dive watch it would be near the top of my list.

  8. #8
    Master davidj54's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    1,433
    If you’re happy with a homage then Steinhart could be the way forward.

    If not I’d look at Zelos, they make great watches and have excellent customer service.

    Or, if you’re willing to spend a few quid more (£740 - less if you catch the sale) the Chris Ward: https://www.christopherward.com/dive...-S0KW0-HK.html

  9. #9
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Tether's End, Lincs
    Posts
    4,846
    Chap called Eddie makes one or two nice watches under the "Timefactors" brand. Seem to hold their value better than most, too, or so I hear...


  10. #10
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Stoke on Trent
    Posts
    94
    Helson, Armida, H2O (used), Zellos, Scurfa, Borealis, Karlskrona, NTH, Nardi, Prometheus, Halios...

    Own(ed) some, lust after others!

    Theres plenty of value to be had with Micros imho

  11. #11
    Master AIDM's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Somerset.
    Posts
    2,323
    Blog Entries
    22
    Designed up the road in Bristol mate...

    https://alkinwatches.com/collections...stainless-case

    Seiko movements but hearing good things about them. I just bought a Model 1 should be here this week. Model 2 compressor style sounds more up your street?

    auto
    42mm
    Diver
    microbrand
    amazing value
    uncommon
    local!

    Rob

    PS I’m just along the foot of the Mendips from you where the cheese is made ;)
    Last edited by AIDM; 8th March 2021 at 23:18.

  12. #12
    Lots to choose from at that price

    Steinhart (Chronomaster dealer) is a good option
    Timefactors
    Zeno (UK dealer is a forum member here) another good option they have a lovely vintage diver
    Christopher Ward
    Aevig

  13. #13
    I heard quite a bit of positive feedback about Maen watches, it's the hudson I think.
    Sellita in it and different sizes available

  14. #14
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Wells, Somerset
    Posts
    493
    Quote Originally Posted by AIDM View Post
    Designed up the road in Bristol mate...

    https://alkinwatches.com/collections...stainless-case

    Seiko movements but hearing good things about them. I just bought a Model 1 should be here this week. Model 2 compressor style sounds more up your street?

    auto
    42mm
    Diver
    microbrand
    amazing value
    uncommon
    local!

    Rob

    PS I’m just along the foot of the Mendips from you where the cheese is made ;)
    Thanks Rob,
    Those Alkin watches were recommended to me last time so may definitely be worth a look.
    You’ll have to let me know what you think of yours when it arrives.
    Cheers

  15. #15
    Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Edinburgh
    Posts
    4,566
    Maybe check out the Chronomaster website? There’s a couple of pre-owned but barely worn watches by Crepas. I’ve owned a couple in the past and they’re definitely worth considering.

  16. #16
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Dec 2020
    Location
    Sheffield, UK
    Posts
    57
    Quote Originally Posted by AIDM View Post
    Designed up the road in Bristol mate...

    https://alkinwatches.com/collections...stainless-case

    Seiko movements but hearing good things about them. I just bought a Model 1 should be here this week. Model 2 compressor style sounds more up your street?

    auto
    42mm
    Diver
    microbrand
    amazing value
    uncommon
    local!

    Rob

    PS I’m just along the foot of the Mendips from you where the cheese is made ;)
    Thanks for this, never heard of these before. Will have to check them out

  17. #17
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Manchester
    Posts
    55
    Helm are a popular micro brand which maybe worth a look. All their watches have 300m water resistance. Personal favourite being the Vanuatu only thing is there's a wait list. But I see that as a good thing.

  18. #18
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    South Wales
    Posts
    623
    Zaltek reviews, Beans & Bezels and Just One More Watch all do good reviews and cover tonnes of microbrands. There are so many about it can be difficult to differentiate without these sort of reviews.

    Some that don't seem to have been mentioned are:
    Traska
    RZE
    Visitor
    Geckota
    Circular
    Unimatic
    Boldr
    Evant
    Seals
    MKII
    Nodus
    Meraud

    Most of these have been around a few years & for a few releases as well. There seems to be other new ones almost weekly particularly though Kickstarter.
    Last edited by Kamakazie!; 9th March 2021 at 01:12.

  19. #19
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Wells, Somerset
    Posts
    493
    It looks like ive got some research to do!
    Thanks to everyone for your input.
    Im going to be busy for a few night now.
    Cheers,
    Rob

  20. #20
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,281


    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  21. #21
    Master Glen Goyne's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    the Netherlands
    Posts
    3,451
    You may want to look at Halios. Jason who is running the brand has been around for a while now and is a pleasure to deal with. He just released the universa and Fairwind models, after which he talked about another seaforth run.

    Usually you get some options for dial and bezel as well and he takes his quality seriously. I own a Halios seaforth bronze (no dive bezel so won’t qualify as a true dive watch and have been happy so far.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  22. #22
    Grand Master jwg663's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    21.5 km From Moscow
    Posts
    16,881
    Go to http://oceanictime.blogspot.com/

    Scroll down a bit & on the RHS of the screen you'll see a long list of manufacturers, both large & small. Dip in & out at your leisure.
    ______

    ​Jim.

  23. #23
    Master
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Cambridge/Menton
    Posts
    1,295
    Quote Originally Posted by Glen Goyne View Post
    You may want to look at Halios.
    +1 from me for Halios. I have one of their last gen divers, and Jason is clearly a very passionate and knowledgeable guy who is great fun to deal with. Numbers are limited and so hard to get, but great VFM.

    Other options:
    Squale
    NTH
    Briston (French company - interesting design)
    Lip
    Landeron (they have a nice compressor case model)
    Gavox (Michel in Belgium - another great enthusiast)

    I own one of each of the above (two Squales) and they're all good quality, well finished and thoroughly waterproof!

    SGR

  24. #24
    Sqale are lovely, seen one one in the flesh and was very impressed with the quality

  25. #25
    Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    South east
    Posts
    4,501
    Eddie’s Dreadnought Voyager second hand would be high up the list, alongside Elshan’s Zelos brand (I particularly like the various Abyss models - but there are plenty of options).

  26. #26
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Hampshire
    Posts
    14,534
    Quote Originally Posted by Tahiti View Post
    Eddie’s Dreadnought Voyager second hand would be high up the list, alongside Elshan’s Zelos brand (I particularly like the various Abyss models - but there are plenty of options).
    Agreed, I never understand why they sell for so little.

    M
    Breitling Cosmonaute 809 - What's not to like?

  27. #27
    Master markl's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    Wigan
    Posts
    1,641
    Alsta - the ‘Jaws’ watch. Cool bracelet.

    M


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  28. #28
    Master sweets's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Bristol - UK
    Posts
    6,031
    Microbrand examples in spec that I have owned and recommend

    Armida (my A1 bronze was cheap as, the lume is brighter than anything else, and it is totally legible)
    Alkin (I have a model 2, which is the dive one, it's excellent to wear but a screwdown crown bezel is not the easiest thing to adjust)
    Scurfa (I have a Diver 1 non-date in Ti, but it is quartz - excellent value)
    Newmark 71 (sold now, but fantastic, and again, great lume)
    Precist (I have had a few, but in this instance I would be waiting for Eddie's new SMiths Caribbean, it will fit in specification very well)
    Crepas/Tactico - they too make a very nice watch and there is a steady dribble of their watches being fed into the market on Ebay, The Engelfisch (sp?) looks very capable for the £450 they are fetching on Ebay.

    I have a Halios Fairwind incoming in the next few weeks, I hope that will be great, but it is slightly out of budget for cost.

    Lots to choose from, the Micro Brand Dive watch field is a massive one that grows every week.
    Good Luck
    Last edited by sweets; 10th March 2021 at 01:04.

  29. #29
    Grand Master Mr Curta's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Mainly UK
    Posts
    17,281
    McManus

    Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH

  30. #30
    Master
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    N.ireland
    Posts
    5,022
    Wrong thread
    Last edited by Dr.f; 20th March 2021 at 13:29.

  31. #31
    Master bazza.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    North Warwickshire
    Posts
    3,211
    I'm a Orbis Morgan fan you may want to check them out


  32. #32
    Journeyman Hattori Hanzo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Leeds, UK
    Posts
    193
    If you'd also be happy with Seiko or Miyota movements. Then Seiko free about 500 pieces that would suit.

    Helson Shark diver in 40mm
    Helson Hammer head in 40mm
    Lorier Neptune but that's 39mm
    Precista PRS 82

  33. #33
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Malta
    Posts
    867
    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Curta View Post


    I wasn’t familiar with that brand. Just had a look on their website. They make some great looking watches.

  34. #34
    Journeyman
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    boston/zurich
    Posts
    145
    Quote Originally Posted by GMC41 View Post
    I wasn’t familiar with that brand. Just had a look on their website. They make some great looking watches.
    My favorite is the Balaur

  35. #35
    Wow those Aevig watches are lovely, gonna have a closer look at them.

  36. #36
    Master BSB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    3,688
    Blog Entries
    1
    I personally would question whether Steinhart can still be considered a microbrand. My personal recommendation would be for Helson if you wish to address the previous question about microbrand watches designed specifically by divers. Shark Diver is my personal favourite as an original design.

  37. #37
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Tether's End, Lincs
    Posts
    4,846
    Marc & Sons make a handful of interesting and well-specified divers - their website pics are terrible:







    some better pics out there -



    German made watch with steel bracelet, NH35 movement, ceramic bezel inlay, sapphire crystal etc for between Eu 420 and Eu 840.

  38. #38

  39. #39
    Master
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    1,114
    Steeldive.

  40. #40
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Hampshire
    Posts
    14,534
    I've been impressed with my Signums (From the same makers as Strattons, apparently).





    I suspect the dials are a bit Marmite, but the quality is good and they're certainly a bit different.

    M
    Breitling Cosmonaute 809 - What's not to like?

  41. #41
    Lorier and Baltic both make really good looking dive watches. If you're interested in vintage Rolex homage watches - no one does it better than WMT

  42. #42
    Reminded me to put this on today xD




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  43. #43
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    18,851
    Lovely!

    Quote Originally Posted by tommyzzj View Post
    Reminded me to put this on today xD




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  44. #44
    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post


    I bought a Hudson on kickstarter, absolute dog. Lume was dreadful, bezel had an odd edge to it and was impossibly tight.

    They produced replacement hands which they tried to charge for, to be fitted at customers expense. They didn't produce any hands for the white dialled version I had bought so mine still has the vintage not very powerful lume look that matches the vintage vibe they were going for.

    They made a smart looking chrono but the aftersales and quality of the Hudson stopped me buying.

  45. #45
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    18,851
    Fair enough, many thanks.

    Quote Originally Posted by kace View Post
    I bought a Hudson on kickstarter, absolute dog. Lume was dreadful, bezel had an odd edge to it and was impossibly tight.

    They produced replacement hands which they tried to charge for, to be fitted at customers expense. They didn't produce any hands for the white dialled version I had bought so mine still has the vintage not very powerful lume look that matches the vintage vibe they were going for.

    They made a smart looking chrono but the aftersales and quality of the Hudson stopped me buying.

  46. #46
    Master Kaffe's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Grindsted, Danmark
    Posts
    1,302
    That's a shame. I was interested in the Hudson 38 midnight blue. Looks great in the pictures I've seen. Poor lume is a bad show for a new diver. Glad I read this thread. Saved me some cash.

  47. #47
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    18,851
    Have you looked at Helm?

  48. #48
    Master Kaffe's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Grindsted, Danmark
    Posts
    1,302
    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    Have you looked at Helm?
    Not really. Was aware of them though. I'm actually saving for something else at the moment but the Maen was on the list. Until now. :)

  49. #49
    Craftsman
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Wells, Somerset
    Posts
    493
    Quote Originally Posted by tommyzzj View Post
    Reminded me to put this on today xD




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I have actually been looking at those since first posting.
    The size sounds ideal as I’m now wearing slightly smaller watches than I was previously.
    Definitely one to consider I think.
    Cheers,
    Rob

  50. #50
    Craftsman Euan Begbie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Falkirk scotland
    Posts
    496



    WMT is worth getting in my opinion.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Do Not Sell My Personal Information