The Corsair is named after the F4U Corsair
When it comes to buying a watch, it might be an idea to look at microbrand watches.
The word ‘microbrand’ may have had some stigma in the past but these days it means creativity, especially in watchmaking.
Microbrand watches are timepieces that are designed and produced by small, independent companies rather than by large, established watch brands.
These companies are often started by watch enthusiasts who have a passion for creating unique, high-quality watches.
Microbrand watches have gained popularity in recent years because they offer a more personalised and authentic experience than mass-produced watches. They are often made in limited quantities and are designed with unique features that set them apart from other watches on the market.
Microbrand watches are also known for their high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Because these watches are produced in smaller quantities, the companies behind them can focus on ensuring that each watch is made with attention to detail and using the best possible materials.
In addition to offering unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship, microbrand watches are also often more affordable than watches from established luxury brands. This makes them a popular choice for watch collectors who want to expand their collection without breaking the bank.
With many microbrand watches coming at different price points, we look at a range of them.
Bernhardt Watch Company Corsair Diver
Case/dial – 42mm diameter stainless steel case
Water resistance – 200m (20 bar)
Movement – Miyota calibre 9015 automatic movement with 42-hour power reserve
Strap – Stainless steel bracelet
Price – £315
A pioneer of direct-to-consumer watch selling, a large part of Bernhardt’s reputation was built on the Corsair, of which this is the latest version.
The Corsair is named after the F4U Corsair, a fighter jet that saw action during WWII.
This microbrand watch has solid depth resistance and an eye-catching two-tone 60-minute bezel.
It offers a lot for a reasonable amount of money.
RZE Ascentus GMT
Case/dial – 40mm diameter titanium case with UltraHex Coating
Water resistance – 200m (20 bar)
Movement – Seiko SII NH34 automatic movement with 41-hour power reserve
Strap – Titanium bracelet
Price – £450
Singaporean microbrand RZE is known for accessibility, vibrant colours and being cool.
This is showcased across multiple time zones and the brand’s signature UltraHex titanium is as robust as they are lightweight, finished with one of the most comfortable micro bracelets.
The GMT is told via the orange central hand, while the 24-hour bezel can be turned via the GMT-Master II.
BOLDR Singularity
Case/dial – 38mm diameter titanium case with black PVD coating
Water resistance – 200m (20 bar)
Movement – Seiko SII NH35A automatic movement with 41-hour power reserve
Strap – Titanium with black PVD coating bracelet
Price – £379
One of the most popular microbrand watches is the BOLDR Singularity. This watch is a testament to the brand’s signature practicality but with a modern twist.
The dial uses Musou Black paint, contrasting with orange-tinted hands.
It is an alluring watch that is incredibly practical.
Coming in a titanium case, this microbrand watch is good value for money.
BWG Isaria
Case/dial – 42.2mm diameter stainless steel case
Water resistance – 200m (20 bar)
Movement – Landeron L24 manufacture automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve
Strap – Rubber strap with stainless steel buckle
Price – £490
Living up to the BWG name, the Isaria is inspired by the Munich river of the same name.
The intensely faceted case and prominent lugs that extend around the case ensure it has a unique silhouette, while the wavey dial echoes the movement of its namesake river.
BWG has opted for a Landeron L24 manufacture instead of the brand’s usual calibre. Although it is a subtle difference, it is a good one.
A lot of attention has been paid to this microbrand watch.
Studio Underd0g Watermel0n
Case/dial – 38.5mm diameter stainless steel case
Water resistance – 50m (5 bar)
Movement – Seagull ST-1901 manual movement with 42-hour power reserve
Strap – Handmade Epsom calfskin leather
Price – £500
Although this watch is not the newest design in the brand’s line-up, the consistency is what the British brand is known for.
And now, there is even more to it than just its green, pink and watermelon textured dial.
In 2022, Studio Underd0g made an effort to bring things back to the UK.
So, every Swiss-made movement is overhauled by British watchmaker Horologium and every strap is from the Strap Tailor.
Technik 4X Radiator Pro
Case/dial – 44.5mm diameter stainless steel case with IP-black plating
Water resistance – 50m (5 bar)
Movement – Seiko NH05B automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve & Epson VS17A Solar quartz movement
Strap – IP-black plated mesh stainless steel bracelet with additional red leather strap
Price – £539
Dual-display hybrid watches are a niche area and Technik 4X are specialists.
This watch is equipped with two movements. Both are from Japan with the righthand display powered by the NH05B automatic calibre from Seiko and the lefthand display the VS17A Solar Quartz movement from Epson.
It makes for an intriguing display, housed within a 44.5mm stainless steel case that can be used as either a dual-time display or as a way of tracking the comparative accuracies of the two movements.
Tolentino Undici/11
Case/dial – 40mm diameter stainless steel case
Water resistance – 200m (20 bar)
Movement – Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with 41-hour power reserve
Strap – Stainless steel bracelet
Price – £865
Tolentino is an Italy-based watch brand and the Undici/11 is its debut timepiece.
Ideal for deep-sea diving, the rugged case has 200m water resistance. It also has a rotating diving bezel with an ultra-hard ceramic insert.
The screw caseback and safety clasp combination means you don’t need to worry about a worst-case scenario.
The contrasting minute marker and blue bezel give this microbrand watch a stylish appearance also.
Isotope X Scottish Watches Hydrium Alba
Case/dial – 40mm diameter stainless steel case
Water resistance – 300m (30 bar)
Movement – Landeron automatic movement with 40-hour power reserve
Strap – Blue FKM rubber
Price – £840
This watch has the recognisable lacrima and rugged style, making the Hydrium a modern icon.
And with Isotope’s partnership with Scottish Watches, the brand has created the cleanest, sharpest version yet.
Named after an ancient name for Scotland, the watch comes in the Scottish colours of white and blue.
Finished with a 120-click bezel with a black insert and backed by 300m water resistance, it’s as practical as it is crisply cool.
Oceaneva Deep Marine Explorer III
Case/dial – 42mm diameter stainless steel case
Water resistance – 3,000m (300 bar)
Movement – Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve
Strap – Stainless steel bracelet
Price – £1,080
US-based Oceaneva has created a watch that combines luxury with deep-sea diving.
This watch boasts 3,000m water resistance and also looks great.
Opting for plating rather than solid gold, it has all the practicality and accessibility of steel, with the kind of aesthetic quirk that defines the country club vibe.
It is robust but expect to pay a premium for such a watch.
Artel Rotec Sky Series
Case/dial – 38mm diameter stainless steel case
Water resistance – 50m (5 bar)
Movement – Artel calibre AR068 automatic movement with 50-hour power reserve
Strap – Navy blue FKM rubber
Price – £1,620
Following the success of its V Series, Artel Rotec brought in a touch of elegance to the usually sporty tonneau case shape with its Sky Series.
With a smaller, 38mm size and stainless steel replacing their previous Richard Mille-esque carbon composite, the models are complete with a trio of dials.
There are a pair in black and silver with arrow indexes while a more extravagant emerald green version with Arabic numerals is also an option.
There are a variety of microbrand watches to suit different preferences and budgets.
Whether you are looking for a standard diver or something eye-catching for daily wear, these microbrand watches are viable options to consider.
Compared to mainstream watch brands, microbrands offer a more personalised experience, meaning you can have a one-of-kind timepiece.