We use the term microbrand watches a lot on our website and store, but how many of you actually know what we mean by it? Is it a bit of an insider term?
What are microbrand watches?
There isn't a set-in-stone formal definition of microbrand watches, but throughout the community there tends to be a few common definitions:
- Privately owned by the person or people running it, rather than being a brand owned by a larger organisation
- Manufacturing is outsourced rather than done in-house. If a microbrand can afford their own factory they probably aren't "micro" any more!
- Watches tend to be made in small, one-off runs. A microbrand might make 300-500 of a model, sell them, then move on to their next design. It's rare (but not unheard of) for models to be kept in stock permanently.
What's so good about microbrand watches?
Some people are just after status when they buy a watch. That's fine, there are hundreds of companies out there for them. Buying microbrand watches tends to be a different passion for a different kind of person.
Microbrand watches tend to be a little more daring in their designs. Without the history and baggage that comes from being a legacy brand, microbrands can move fast and release interesting or unusual designs without bringing down their entire business.
Buyers of microbrand watchers tend to appreciate that they get direct communication with the person or people that own the business and design the watches. Buying from a Swiss megacorp can be a quite soulless process, with your only communication being with the sales person in your local authorised dealer. Buy a microbrand watch and you'll usually be able to talk directly with the owner and know that your feedback will be heard by someone that matters.
Should you be buying microbrand watches?
Take a look around. Check out the facebook groups dedicated to microbrand watches, read the affordable watches forum on WatchUSeek.com, and do your research online. If you see designs that call out to you, give them a try!
If you're just looking for long term investments though, it's probably not for you.
Which is the best microbrand?
Obviously we're very keen on our own watches here, but it would be silly to claim that any one company is the best. If you're keen to pick-up a microbrand watch then look around at all of the companies out there and find one that suits your style.
If you end up buying one from someone other than us, let us know who!
