I just got a Maranez Tao dive watch for $315 or so after a 15% discount. Super pleased with it. Shipped in 4 days from Hong Kong. I'm a watch nerd, but not overly so (timing +/- per day, etc). It met my criteria and looks and I couldn't be more happy with it. It is a diver, so if dive watches aren't your thing, oh well. Just check it out:

 

Looks great. What's the size of the case? I had a bangla very early on in the hobby.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

IIRC, it's 42mm with like a 43.5 lug to lug. I have a 6" wrist and I don't feel it's too big for me. I wrote a review about my acquiring it here: review link

Long story short, I was interested in cushion case, turtle style diver, but the regulars all seem to be 44mm or greater. Seiko has a baby turtle, but I wasn't interested in the 3 o'clock crown. Enter the Maranez, and it was sweetened that much more by the recent sale.

Anyway, keep us posted on what you do!

 

Looks impressive and better quality than the Seiko. Definitely I'll look at it

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Hi 41Mets, suggest you review all available from Hemel, available in both automatic and mecaquartz. The owner Marvin Menke, and his timepieces, are both absolutely first class, judg69

Hemel HFT-20 mechaquartz chronograph

Good Luck 41 Mets and Have a Great Day!!, judg69

 

Any of these

 

These are some of my favourites within this price range, I have watches from half of them.

Steinhart, Dan Henry, Nezumi, Armida, Deep Blue, Dryden, Cincinnati watch company, boldr, aquatico, traska, tsao baltimore, horloscaphe, merci instruments, jack mason watches

 

Have you heard of Reverie? They have a diver watch on kickstarter getting great reviews. Already over subscribed and finishes soon. Might be worth a look?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

Obris Morgan, borealis, Zelos all have some in that range. Right now vaer has a screaming deal on their new dive watch. Nth used might be able to get close to $400.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

No Seiko!! (Sticky gets over shock)
Seriously though 41 take a look at the Scurfa offerings.

 

Traska Summiteer, it's fantastic for the price.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

They're right at your cost threshold, but I find myself frequently looking at Vancouver Watch Co/Cobra de Calibre. Havent pulled the trigger on one yet for reasons unknown.

Their new model

Their last model

Both running a Miyota 9015 iirc.

 

When I was at the point, early on, where spending $300 or $400 on an additional watch that I didn't need seemed overwhelming, and I was interested in bronze watches and they were all between $400 and $500 at a minimum, I picked up the DLC and bronze cobra de calibre and it was a very unique watch. Thanks !

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I am wearing my Athaya Vintage today. Excellent and gets more comments than watches I own that are 5x the price. It's my favorite summer pool/beach beater.

It does have Seiko nh35 internals fwiw

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I have tried a bunch, but I'm interested in your takes on that price bracket beat quality. Can be any style except dress.

I don't want a Seiko.

And try to stay away from "if you can up your budget..." I Have those watches and am just considering something for fun to try out a brand I've not had the chance to own.

Thoughts?
I had a Nodus and was impressed. That would give you an idea of what I might like.

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When did Seiko become a micro brand? Lol. Scurfa and if you can find them Manchester Watch Works.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

Obviously it's not… It's just that that's to go to recommendation that people have in that price range and I'm just putting it out there that I'm not getting one. Been there, done that.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Seriously well made, and cool vintage vibes. Great bang for dollar here

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

I know these are over your price range at MSRP, but I just grabbed this for $412 delivered from UK to the east coast in their latest sale.

-- Wayne

 

Ill check it out/. $12 over I can handle

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Lower end of your price range, Dryden, and they're about to reveal a new design. Was about to sell it but the quality and finish are just too good to let it go.

 

The OP hasn't mentioned a style of watch he likes. Most micro brands are focusing on dive watches, because that's where the sales are at the moment. I have to be honest, half of my 40 watch collection are some sort of dive watch, albeit several are of a vintage style. We then need to determine what is a micro brand, because that is also subjective. For arguments sake then, let's forget high street names. My personal watch collecting pleasure is from micro-brands, because I love the individuality. I fully understand other collectors who prefer heritage and recognised brands, but that isn't really me. In brief, you have come to the right place. I just took receipt of a Geckota vintage diver G-01, which is quite lovely, but there are so many others out there. Heimdallr make great watches at incredible prices, whilst San Martin are a step up and cost a little more. Spinnaker and Phoibos are also excellent. My suggestion is to look at the spec and watch some reviews on Youtube. I live in the UK, and our choice is far less than yours if you live in the US

 

I like the heimdallr specs and price


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I owned a Zelos Mako for a minute and thought it was nice for the money, ~$400.

Check out wrwatches.com for a selection of Heimdallr, Sharkey, etc. As you've mentioned, they are good value if you can get past the unoriginal designs, I'm not judging as I have one inbound to try myself.

Not really a micro in the truest sense, but the Marathon TSAR can be found gently used at your price.

Based on your current collection you've probably experienced a wide variety of models and brands, it's difficult to say what might interest you.

Zelos Mako

Rdunae 6105-8000 homage

 

From personal experience, the HELM Vanuatu is hard to beat.







Other brands which owners/reviewers have written said positive things about the watch and customer service are Dryden and Zelos (may be out of the price range unless found second hand).

 

From personal experience, the HELM Vanuatu is hard to beat.

I had not heard of HELM before. Those are nice looking watches! I like them all, but especially like the Komodo.

 

Check out Aragon's offerings if you want a watch that has a bit more wrist presence - physically and with the design and colors.. Many models come in 45mm and 50mm. They almost always have a good sale - one is going on right now in fact. The "Regeneron NH37" in 45mm spec seems like a good deal at just under $300. Good luck with your search!

 

Deep Blue ?

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

 

Depends on what I was looking for.

When I was looking for bronze/brass in the $200-400 range, I considered Armida A1 42mm, but ultimately bought a San Martin 6105. Armida A1 in stainless would probably compete for my money against Heidallr/Proxima/San Martin MM300 if I was after a chunky steel diver, too.

I think Zelos is due to release their new 40mm Swordfish within the next week or two -- stay on top of the release date for best selection. They go fast, and I believe there will be sub-$300 models available.

There's currently a silver dial MWW Rattler field watch on F29 for less than $200 (and a blue dial Equinox in the same price range...).