At Balance & Bridge , we love microbrands and independents and in 2024, we don't think you can beat what Let's jackknife (intended again) into the deep end of our picks for 9 of the best Microbrand Dive Watches while pushing the boundaries of dive watch design, ensuring its place among the pantheon of legendary microbrands Introducing the Zelos Mako 300M GMT, a stunning testament to innovation and craftsmanship in the world of microbrand We truly believe that these are some of the best microbrand dive watches of 2024 and hope you check each

Enter the world of field watches from independent and microbrand watch companies . watches are featured alphabetically by brand, and each represents the pinnacle of what independent and microbrand If field watches, aren't exactly your thing, then feel free to check out our best microbrand dive watches Quick Navigation of the Independent & Microbrand Field Watches Featured CIRCULA ProTrail FORMEX Field will go wrong with any of these options, and great finds can be had at great value in independent & microbrand

Image Courtesy of Micromilspec Even though the big brand followers may not know, the microbrand watch Without further ado... 5 Best Microbrand Watches That Stand Out in 2025 Micromilspec | Prevail | Eska Thanks for checking the 5 Best Microbrand Watches to keep an eye on 2025. BALANCE & BRIDGE

Together In recent years, the watchmaking landscape has experienced a remarkable transformation, with microbrands In the United States, several microbrand watchmakers have risen to prominence, delivering high-quality Here, we explore some of the best American microbrand watches making waves in 2025, along with their For more microbrands picks, check out our lists of best divers and field watches of 2024. Also, if you're new to microbrands start here in 2025 ! Balance & Bridge

If you are looking for a breath of fresh air and want to dive into the exciting world of microbrands, In this article, we're going to introduce you to 7 of the best microbrands and independent watchmakers Quick 7 Best Microbrands and Independent Watchmakers in 2023 Christopher Ward - The Stylish Underdog The Wrap up of the 7 (8) best Microbrands of 2023 So there you have it, folks - the best microbrand and *UPDATE* Check to see if your favorite Microbrand made the same or another list in 2024!

Image Courtesy of Laventure As we roll into 2025, the microbrand watch scene is as exciting as ever, That said, the microbrand world isn’t what it used to be—brands like Baltic and Christopher Ward have Over the past few years, microbrands have built their reputations on agility and authenticity. These newcomers are keeping the spirit alive with bold ideas, filling the gap and ensuring the microbrand Let’s dive into some of the standout brands and the watches and trends shaping the microbrand world this

These pillars are the ones that microbrand watches are founded upon, and this is what we are going to Each of the microbrands/independents mentioned in this post offer no shortage of these attributes. Quick Navigation of Featured Microbrands and Their Best Watches: BALTIC | Studio Underd0g | TRASKA | In many lineups of microbrand watches you may see one model that deviates from the traditional form, We hope you enjoyed this trip through the land of incredible microbrands and some of their offerings.

Microbrands , in particular, have embraced these materials to offer incredible value, originality, and By focusing on niche markets and unique designs that larger brands often overlook, microbrands create With an emphasis on distinctive design, premium materials, and excellent craftsmanship, microbrands have Microbrands and titanium are a natural fit, both thriving on fresh, innovative ideas. Below are some of the best titanium microbrand watches out there. Enjoy!

No wonder Furlan Marri was a staple of our Best Microbrand Watches of 2025 list .

The YEMA   Navygraf Marine Nationale has recently been honored with the title of French Watch of the Year 2024 by the Union de la Bijouterie Horlogerie (UBH). This prestigious award recognizes timepieces that excel in design and incorporate a high proportion of French-made components. An Exquisite Design Evolution The YEMA Navygraf Marine Nationale features a newly redesigned 39mm 316L stainless steel case. This update includes refined proportions, a thinner profile by 1.50mm compared to its predecessor, and a combination of brushed finishes with polished chamfers, resulting in a robust yet elegant appearance that seamlessly blends form and function. Vintage-Inspired Dial and Hands The Marine Nationale’s dial is meticulously crafted with a French Navy blue-white color scheme, showcasing printed hour markers in slight relief and treated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced readability. The omission of a date window ensures perfect dial symmetry and improves legibility. The iconic Navygraf hands, inspired by the 1970s model, are fully white-coated, contrasting sharply against the monochromatic dial. The yellow sweeping second hand and matching Navygraf calligraphy add a distinctive touch of character. Cutting-Edge CMM.10 Manufacture Caliber At the heart of this timepiece lies the new Manufacture caliber CMM.10, offering superior chronometric performance and a 70-hour power reserve. This self-winding mechanical movement boasts advanced features, including a large barrel, Nivaflex® spring, bidirectional oscillating weight, and a Glucydur balance wheel. The CMM.10 ensures precision and durability with high shock resistance, magnetic resistance, and a smooth automatic winding mechanism. YEMA Navygraf Marine Nationale Noteworthy Features Double-Dome Sapphire Crystal : The 2.20 mm thick double-dome sapphire crystal enhances readability, increases resistance, and provides a vintage aesthetic. Exhibition Case-Back : The sapphire crystal exhibition case-back reveals the intricate workings of the CMM.10 caliber while maintaining 30 BAR (300m) water resistance. The Marine Nationale official logo is discreetly printed within the crystal, and each case-back is engraved with a unique serial number corresponding to the 5-year warranty card. Luminescent Element : All dial markers, bezel, and hour and minute hands are coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring perfect readability in low light conditions. Tribute to the French Navy The Marine Nationale “No Date” dial underscores its military heritage, with the Marine Nationale inscription at 6 o’clock reinforcing its official status. The French Navy, established in 1626, is dedicated to safeguarding France's maritime interests globally. This watch pays homage to the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to excellence. Availability and Pricing The Navygraf Marine Nationale, available in two bezel colors, will begin shipping in October 2024. Priced at $1,690 for the diver steel bracelet model and $1,590 for the Marine Nationale parachute strap version, this timepiece exemplifies superior craftsmanship and timeless design. The Navygraf Marine Nationale represents the pinnacle of French watchmaking tradition, combining excellence in design with exceptional performance. Secure this award-winning timepiece by pre-ordering today, and join the legacy of fine horology. Learn more and grab yours from YEMA.

This is one reason why FARER made its way into our rankings of the 7 best microbrands of 2023.

Farer has introduced a new Field Watch Collection, composed of three thoughtfully designed models that reflect both the brand’s commitment to quality and its appreciation for the natural beauty of the UK. Named after iconic National Parks—Pembroke, Exmoor, and Lomond—these watches offer an impressive blend of durability, readability, and Farer’s distinctive flair. The updated collection builds on the original series, but with a few notable enhancements. With a water resistance rating of 150 meters, robust sapphire crystals, and X1 Super-LumiNova on all markers, each model is ready for whatever comes its way. Farer has kept the core functional elements that watch enthusiasts value, but each model also has unique design touches that make it unmistakably Farer. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these new field watches worth adding to your collection. FARER Field Watch Collection Pembroke II – Subtle Earth Tones and Thoughtful Details The Pembroke II is designed with a sandy-colored dial that features a delicate gravel texture, providing a sense of depth and dimension. The dial has been carefully crafted, with navy blue Arabic numerals and baton markers that seem to hover slightly above the textured surface, adding a sense of visual interest. Coated in X1 Super-LumiNova, these markers are easy to read under any lighting conditions. The hour and minute hands are sleek blue sword-style hands, while the lollipop seconds hand provides a small pop of red. The dial also includes a pointer date complication, marked by a fourth hand with the Farer logo in a striking red. The rehaut is printed with the date scale, and dates are shown in mid-blue, while the last four days are highlighted in red to signal a potential date change. This feature, both practical and visually engaging, adds an additional layer of functionality to the design. The Pembroke II’s blend of earth tones with sharp details brings a grounded yet polished aesthetic, making it equally suitable for outdoor excursions and casual wear. Exmoor II – Military-Inspired and Utility-Focused Taking inspiration from classic field watches, the Exmoor II stands out with its olive drab dial and crisp white Arabic numerals. The dial layout is simple yet purposeful, with bright yellow lume accents marking every five minutes along the minute track. These yellow markers add a touch of contrast against the olive backdrop, creating an easy-to-read and visually striking display. The Exmoor II’s hour and minute hands are finished in silver and coated with Super-LumiNova for nighttime readability, while a blue-grey lollipop seconds hand with a red tip provides a subtle splash of color. Farer has used burnt orange for the pointer date hand and echoed this color in the last four days of the month on the date scale, reinforcing the model’s utility-driven design. The Exmoor II doesn’t just evoke military field watch aesthetics; it embodies the durability and functionality that such a watch should offer, making it a reliable companion for those who value both style and substance. Lomond II – Crisp and Bold, Inspired by Nighttime Landscapes The Lomond II has a navy blue dial with a subtle gravel texture that reflects light in a way that adds dimension without overwhelming the design. Farer has chosen custard yellow for the hour markers, arranged in the classic 3, 6, 9 format, with a triangle marker at 12 o’clock for quick orientation. The textured battleship grey sword hands complement the dial’s darker tones, while a red-tipped seconds hand adds a lively contrast. This model also includes a pointer date hand, rendered in blue and pointing to white date numbers along the rehaut, with the last four days highlighted in red. The color scheme and the thoughtfully spaced markers ensure readability even in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to the ample application of Super-LumiNova. The Lomond II is a stylish yet functional piece, with a restrained color palette that conveys sophistication and an understated confidence. Enhanced Case Design for Durability and Comfort Farer’s redesigned case for this collection emphasizes both durability and wearability. The brushed stainless steel case is sized at a comfortable 38mm in diameter and only 11.7mm in thickness, giving it a slim profile that sits well on most wrists. The bezel has been slimmed down to maximize the dial space, making it easier to read and giving the watch a more contemporary look. The enlarged screw-down crown, now 35% wider, is not only practical but adds a bold visual detail that complements the overall design. This improved crown is easier to grip, allowing for precise adjustments even with gloves or in wet conditions. Farer has also opted for a flat sapphire crystal with three layers of anti-reflective coating, ensuring that reflections don’t compromise visibility when you’re out in the sunlight or under artificial lighting. With 150 meters of water resistance, these watches are more than capable of handling everyday adventures, from spontaneous hikes to weekend kayaking trips. The combination of robust materials and practical design features makes this collection versatile enough for a range of environments, so you don’t have to worry about it keeping up with your lifestyle. Inside the Case: The Swiss-Made Sellita SW221 Movement The heart of each model is a Swiss-made Sellita SW221 automatic movement, chosen for its reliability and accuracy. This 26-jewel movement has a 4Hz beat rate and offers a 41-hour power reserve, so you can leave your watch off for a day or two without having to worry about resetting it. The pointer date feature of this movement adds both functionality and charm, with a date hand that clicks satisfyingly into place. This model-specific SW221 movement is distinct from the SW200, with the addition of a spring-actuated date hand. Farer has paid attention to every detail, ensuring that the tactile experience of setting the date is as precise and satisfying as possible. Two Strap Options for Versatility Each watch in the Field Collection comes with two strap options, giving you flexibility for different situations. The stainless steel three-link bracelet is designed with on-the-fly micro-adjustment, a first for Farer. By pressing a button on the underside of the clasp, you can adjust the bracelet by up to 4.2mm, so you can find a comfortable fit no matter the conditions. Farer’s sailcloth strap, made from genuine sailcloth material rather than synthetic alternatives, is another standout feature. This material has been specially developed in partnership with a Swiss manufacturer, offering a unique combination of durability, water resistance, and comfort. The strap includes a rubber lining for added comfort, along with leather reinforcements for the keepers and pinholes, ensuring it holds up well over time. FARER Field Watch Collection Key Specifications: Case Size : 38 mm diameter, 11.7 mm depth, 45 mm lug-to-lug, 42 mm pin-to-pin Material : 316L Stainless Steel, fully brushed finish Crown : Screw-down, with solid bronze cap insert and embossed Farer 'A' logo Crystal : Flat sapphire with three layers of internal anti-reflective coating Strap : Quick-release sailcloth strap with rubber lining Three-link stainless steel bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment clasp Lug Width : 20 mm Water Resistance : 150M / 15ATM Movement : Swiss Made Sellita SW221 automatic Jewels : 26 Power Reserve : 41 hours Functions : Hours, minutes, seconds, pointer date Price : £1095 / $1250 / €1295 The Farer Field Watch Collection takes a familiar concept and elevates it with thoughtful details, refined functionality, and durable materials. Whether you’re a field watch enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable companion that won’t let you down, the Pembroke II, Exmoor II, and Lomond II offer something fresh and engaging in the world of field watches.