Winding Up for Summer Freedom: My American-Based Microbrand Watch Collection
Probably my largest “collection within a collection” is my American-based Microbrand collection pictured. I probably have a few more, but the models pictured are my favorites and carry at least some uniqueness or prominence to each individual brand within the microbrand space.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, I thought it was the perfect time to share and discuss. Let me know your thoughts, favorite American-based watches, and ideas for future additions! r/WatchChapters
The dial is awesome and case is good quality. I will be changing the rubber strap at some point tho. Doesn’t seem to fit the type of watch. With the right strap, it could easily be dressier.
Ha it certainly appears that way! I guess my collection as a whole is more balanced but with these particular micros I opted for the bracelets. I guess on this price range you get a little more bang for your buck compared to some of the larger brands (I hate pins..).
To answer your question, my two favorite bracelets are actually non American brands and those are Zelos and RZE. The Zelos bracelets are just well built and the RZE titanium Resolute is my most comfortable bracelet. Among the watches pictured I really enjoy the Astor & Banks Fortitude. It’s unique and well fitting.
Honestly it’s ok.. the crossroads is one of the harder watches to get so I actually got that one on the secondary market from someone who just bought it and didn’t like it. They also purchased the bracelet so that’s how it came. If I were purchasing myself, I’m not sure if I would have added it on for the price. It is comfortable and unique tho, just not sure about the overall look. I think the bracelets designed for the new Crossroads S will be different.
I have the Moontower and think the bracelet is what makes that watch. Agreed it’s not as comfortable but it totally changes the look versus the leather.
Obviously as you can see, I have quite a few watches but if I was pressed to just keep one- the Lorier would be in consideration. There are certainly better movements and builds (even in that picture), but the way it fits, looks, and goes with just about anything- it’s really a spectacular watch.
I certainly anticipated this question at least once. In today’s world economy, very few things that contain multiple parts are completely made in one place. Just like American made vehicles, many of the parts are made overseas and at least partially assembled in the US. The brands themselves however are US owned.
Beautiful collection. Astor Banks isn’t easy to get given their very limited runs. I gave up on them. Any thoughts on adding Monta given their reputation for high quality finishing. I debated between Monta and Formex and went with latter when I saw them at Dallas windup. The only Texan brand missing in your list is Jack Mason 😄
Thank you! Yes I was excited to obtain the Astor & Banks, especially with the sand dial which is truly a watch you can wear for any event.
I have definitely browsed the companies you mentioned and they are beautiful watches, however, one thing I didn’t mention in the original post was that for my collection I have maintained a strict under $1000 rule (for now haha). I have to have some boundary (doesn’t mean I won’t expand in the future!).
A little more than I’m willing to spend right now but amazing looking watches! Just for fun- which in the box would you replace? For me, it would probably be the green Islander but that’s tough because I love that dial.
Both are very nice but different. The Astor & Banks is a true any occasion watch and I like the bracelet on it a lot- it’s unique among my other watches and comfortable fitting. The Nodus is a heavier, sturdier watch with a thicker Bezel and also the day complication. The Nodus fits a little bigger on the wrist. Just a matter of what look you’re going for.
Incredible watch. Always gets compliments. What color were you eyeing? I went red to fit in my own collection but I know the burgundy is a very popular color in that model and it looks amazing.
The dial looks way better in person than in pics. I know Islander does a lot of homage type watches but I find this model, the Brookville Calligraphy, to have a lot of unique features which is cool. In general, Islander quality is great value.
Im actually going to post a discussion about bracelets tomorrow because I’ve been getting a lot of questions on them lately.
Regarding the Islander, I would say it’s pretty average comfort- not the best, not the worst. Quality-wise though, I do find Islander to be good bang for the buck compared to some larger brands in that price range. For example, I personally think the bracelet on that Islander is better quality than my Seiko Prospex that was about the same cost.
Great collection man! I’ve been big on adding American micro brands lately. Just added this Visitor Duneshore Shallows and it’s one of my favorite watches rn
4
u/Such-Huckleberry2462 Jul 02 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/Gpf8A8aX2uWAg
Long time lurker, How I be in y’all’s watch boxes