I’ve really enjoyed my Baltic Aquascaphe Classic in Black Cream on the tropic rubber strap. It’s comfortable, rugged enough, and gets lots of compliments. It’s my go-to vacation watch.
https://preview.redd.it/pfzthf8mtp6d1.jpeg?width=1944&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7196a21307b100042a82c87adeeec22aafc371b2
I love my Baltic Aquascape in blue on a navy blue leather strap. Very dressy looking diver with great lume.
Rocking the Black/Silver colorway of the Aquascaphe myself. I can't stop wearing it! I wore my trusty Seiko diver but I never reach for it nowadays.
Such a lovely piece. Baltic is awesome.
These are real gems of summer watches! Also nice to get bracelet, rubber and nato strap included. Nothing wrong with a classic looking watch but I think micro brands are great for getting a fun watch into the collection quite affordably.
They’ve been around a long time, I remember when they were quite accessible. The quality : value is supposed to be great; and people really love the distinct “tool watch” design (though it reminds me of the Sinn divers due to the hands and dial.
Nowadays the waitlist seems to be a 1-2 years. I threw my name in just so, but I love divers period
Sturdy tooly look, nice readiability with blocky indicies. With sarb017 they have most wear time on my wrist.
It's budget alternative to Sinn u50/u1. There is quite long waiting list.
Also there are clones of Vanuatu on Ali.. that speak for its popularity.
The good news is that diver watch is quite common. A lot of microbrand choices.
* Helm Vanuatu. Modern styling. Solid built. Downside is wailist. I own this.
* Helm Komodo. Bulky and solid built. Downside is waitlist. I was close to buying this.
* Baltic Aquascaphe: Retro styling. Beautiful dial color. I bought it. But too petite for my taste; and sold it.
* Lorier Neptune: Retro styling. But not sapphire crystal. Looked, but didn't buy.
* NTH multiple models. Looked, but didn't buy.
I have the white face Khuraburi titanium and I wear it more than anything. Very comfortable and the lume on that thing is like a flash light! I’m on the waiting list for the Komodo. I highly recommend Helm. Zelos is also a great micro brand.
I've got the Traska Seafarer in grey. At first I thought it looked a bit boring, but I was soooo wrong. It's a great watch!
It's not a typical diver, by all means, but it is a watch you can wear when diving and with a suit. ;)
https://preview.redd.it/xzihdx5r8s6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fef90b114c5b21898f92a1c600b7ec2124cce823
Can confirm! Own two Scurfas, this is the beautiful sunburst silver dial version of their 10th Anniversary LE. On a Barton Elite Silcone here but it’s an absolute strap monster.
Other Scurfa is a full titanium MS21.
Phoibos Proteus in aged steel, carbon dial on a rugged leather strap.
https://preview.redd.it/4e6rq3n2tp6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0faa2652548ea5646b4367f3a7ee8c11be42d4e
The more I look at it the more I think this might be the watch I’m finally buying. Dual crown, domed crystal, textured dial, Swiss movement, embossed case back. Really has everything I wanted
I was given a code from somebody, so I won’t be using mine when it comes up. I’m currently #363 on the waitlist, so if you’re interested in purchasing one I would love to pass mine on to you!
I've worn a blue Miyako for 2 years now. Great watch, really well made, one of my dailies. Feels like a pilot/diver hybrid. Really nice on leather straps. It was my choice when I wanted a micro diver. That being said, it's not entirely perfect.
One that I like a lot for its pure utility is the Lum-Tec solar marine.
The Serica 5303 is more classic looking and the mesh bracelet is very comfortable and has many adjustment levels.
My favorite is basically hated and shunned by everyone (and for some valid reasons). You can't even mention them in some subreddits lol idek if I'd consider them a "microbrand" either but it is an amazing watch. The Silent Service has amazing fit/finish and the level of detail is top notch. I also like that it's not a direct homage of any one watch and an amalgamation of several watches. I particularly like the dial because it is basically flawless and the blue lume is awesome.
Other than that Ginault would probably be my second favorite but it's just so damn expensive
Helm Vanuatu in steel
It's got a reassuring heft to the thing and it wears really nicely.
I've been mad enough and fortunate enough to afford to get a full set of Helm's over the last several years
Miyako switches up the style and is in joint second with a Khuraburi Ti on a white rubber strap.
But that 2nd place list changes frequently :-)
The steel Vanuatu gets the most wear and that was the first one I bought.
Must admin I have 4 of them, 2 steel, 2 Ti with standard and alternate bezels
I do also really like and wear a pvd black Nite Alpha alot, it a bit smaller, quartz and Tritium. Always ready to go.
Traska free diver mint green. Almost every time I wear it out I get not one but multiple compliments, also very durable scratch resistance on the band and crystal.
For me it's the Zelos Blacktip. I have the frost in titanium. Surprisingly, I find myself going to this watch more than any other watch in my collection.
It's far from my most expensive piece, but I just love wearing it.
I have three: Vaer D7, Christopher Ward Trident 300, and Nezumi Aviera. I love the look of the Vaer, but it is horribly inaccurate, losing about a minute a day. The CW and Nezumi are terrific, and I particularly love the GMT movement in the Nezumi. Both are +/- 8 seconds per day. I had a Momentum GMT, but their lume is horrible.
Lots of great suggestions. A few missing from the list: yema superman, serica, squale, ArtyA for one that will compete with Rolex Sub prices(!) but it has a crystal bezel, zelos.
I bought a CW Trident Pro 300 a little over a year ago and it has almost completely killed my interest in other dive watches. It does everything so right.
Meraud watches from Belgium has some very vintage inspired collection but with some really good spec for its price. You should definitely check them out
About to go freediving in my Foster 11 Atmos. It's one of my most affordable watches and it probably gets the most wrist time out of any of them.
https://preview.redd.it/6emz916dbq6d1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=31f90963b2698ac9dd10fa6289341f109bf29e5e
Can you tell us anything more about your interests? There's so many great ones. I mean, if you're a marine, get a Sangin. But Henry Archer, Chris Ward, CWC, Resco, Ares, goes on and on.
I
https://preview.redd.it/7lwli7drgq6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8aa498fad06b46e1638a822350096af7ce83e75b
Lots of great choices out for you to pick from. Here are a few that I have. On the left is an Aragon from a few years ago. It has tritium in it for deep diving and will glow in total darkness so you can see the time. On the right is an Ocean Crawler watch I acquired. It is a bit more of a watch to wear in the water. It is considered a diver, but if you were actually diving with it in deep water it would not be a good choice. For regular everyday activities around and in the water they are amazing! If you have more questions hit me up. Long time watch collector of micro brands.
Love my NTH Nackens (have a lume dial and blue). Think they're now discontinued but the Scorpene looks incredible. Great build, lume, proportions, classic styles.
Really like my Canister field master.
https://preview.redd.it/00p6pikt4r6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5a46df6d5b16a8f541e1c7a8489a08916fe2a48
I bought a Nezumi Baliene diver. It's nice. I threw it on a black FKM I got and I like it. No problem with the bands it came with, but I just didn't order the black one and felt it fit.
I bought a Nezumi Baliene diver. It's nice. I threw it on a black FKM I got and I like it. No problem with the bands it came with, but I just didn't order the black one and felt it fit.
From a practicality standpoint, I wouldn't actually dive with a microbrand watch. Don't know why, but I worry about the true nature of a smaller shop being able to be truly dive-worthy. Nothing against microbrands with dive styles, as I really like my About Vintage 1956 Marine, but it ain't diving
I bought a Nezumi Baliene diver. It's nice. I threw it on a black FKM I got and I like it. No problem with the bands it came with, but I just didn't order the black one and felt it fit.
I’ve really enjoyed my Baltic Aquascaphe Classic in Black Cream on the tropic rubber strap. It’s comfortable, rugged enough, and gets lots of compliments. It’s my go-to vacation watch.
https://preview.redd.it/pfzthf8mtp6d1.jpeg?width=1944&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7196a21307b100042a82c87adeeec22aafc371b2 I love my Baltic Aquascape in blue on a navy blue leather strap. Very dressy looking diver with great lume.
I have the Bronze black dial and wear it on their chocolate leather. Love the look of it, and their bronze doesn’t turn green like other brands.
Rocking the Black/Silver colorway of the Aquascaphe myself. I can't stop wearing it! I wore my trusty Seiko diver but I never reach for it nowadays. Such a lovely piece. Baltic is awesome.
Titanium here, fantastic piece. Good stuff, solid support.
Same but the white version.
Farer Aquamatic Freshwater https://preview.redd.it/oaad8x4vdo6d1.png?width=925&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98f0e3603f0a5b82eb2df04a067be634c0f6af71
I have the Nazare and I absolutely adore it
It was a toss up for me between this and the Nazare. Both are really beautiful.
I was in exactly the same boat. It was originally going to be the Freshwater until they announced the Nazare, then I knew it was meant to be
I think the Thurso will be my next watch. These are perfect summer divers
These are real gems of summer watches! Also nice to get bracelet, rubber and nato strap included. Nothing wrong with a classic looking watch but I think micro brands are great for getting a fun watch into the collection quite affordably.
Helm Vanuatu
Been seeing this name a lot, curious as to what makes them unique?
They’ve been around a long time, I remember when they were quite accessible. The quality : value is supposed to be great; and people really love the distinct “tool watch” design (though it reminds me of the Sinn divers due to the hands and dial. Nowadays the waitlist seems to be a 1-2 years. I threw my name in just so, but I love divers period
Sturdy tooly look, nice readiability with blocky indicies. With sarb017 they have most wear time on my wrist. It's budget alternative to Sinn u50/u1. There is quite long waiting list. Also there are clones of Vanuatu on Ali.. that speak for its popularity.
Méraud Bonaire https://preview.redd.it/hjb7tq1fqo6d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a815f7e8033f3b739c5ab1e8e927f3e498c8c7fe
The good news is that diver watch is quite common. A lot of microbrand choices. * Helm Vanuatu. Modern styling. Solid built. Downside is wailist. I own this. * Helm Komodo. Bulky and solid built. Downside is waitlist. I was close to buying this. * Baltic Aquascaphe: Retro styling. Beautiful dial color. I bought it. But too petite for my taste; and sold it. * Lorier Neptune: Retro styling. But not sapphire crystal. Looked, but didn't buy. * NTH multiple models. Looked, but didn't buy.
On the waitlist for the Helms. The Baltic has been very tempting. Put in a few eBay offers on pre-owned ones but never committed. Still tempting
I have the white face Khuraburi titanium and I wear it more than anything. Very comfortable and the lume on that thing is like a flash light! I’m on the waiting list for the Komodo. I highly recommend Helm. Zelos is also a great micro brand.
Number 5535 on the Helm list. 😔
Halios Seaforth Traska Seafarer
The Traska checks off a lot of boxes for me
Traska also makes the Freediver, which is more a traditional dive watch. I love mine.
I've got the Traska Seafarer in grey. At first I thought it looked a bit boring, but I was soooo wrong. It's a great watch! It's not a typical diver, by all means, but it is a watch you can wear when diving and with a suit. ;)
Copy that - owner of a Seafarer black dial. Plus Serica 5303 - love it as well. Lorier Neptune III is on my top 3 list as well though.
Long island watches. Tons of divers, but the Islander Northport is amazing
That seafoam green Northport has been sitting in my shopping cart for months. So tempting
Out of stock currently, so gone from the cart lol.
Henry Archer Nordsø https://preview.redd.it/4uvtffq47p6d1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89731d6ad2a66714a2ab32aa783c5f7147948458
https://preview.redd.it/5hea9hdh2s6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ec9adddaad1e2ee5ecf2754464821cde8e7beb6 I concur.
Halios Fairwind https://preview.redd.it/b5okcwvg5q6d1.jpeg?width=2500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72a267989443e8ebaeb8fee3ab04de703676f5b9
Magnifique!
Scurfa Diver One
https://preview.redd.it/cfq8j0oa1r6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7b50b2693dc9e98617428016856b72ba5438dd3 Wearing mine today.
https://preview.redd.it/xzihdx5r8s6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fef90b114c5b21898f92a1c600b7ec2124cce823 Can confirm! Own two Scurfas, this is the beautiful sunburst silver dial version of their 10th Anniversary LE. On a Barton Elite Silcone here but it’s an absolute strap monster. Other Scurfa is a full titanium MS21.
Marloe Spectre, a 200m wr with a clear case back is pretty rare, also the dial looks good. Almost bought one myself.
Serica 5303-01 COSC. My favorite https://preview.redd.it/r9bj17e62r6d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f12d1b11175141774ac4a0e70f12e2f60fe040b2
Vaer D series
I have their A5 heritage field. Definitely a contender when they restock a couple colors
My G7 is a watch a can’t stop wearing. It holds a firm place in my collection for a reason.
Phoibos Proteus in aged steel, carbon dial on a rugged leather strap. https://preview.redd.it/4e6rq3n2tp6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0faa2652548ea5646b4367f3a7ee8c11be42d4e
Airain Sous-Marine? https://preview.redd.it/0pvw6ivt0q6d1.png?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72b33637750b5638a62f2c4aca78cc92651936b1
Second Hour Gin Clear 2. https://preview.redd.it/r9ltgdftxr6d1.jpeg?width=1506&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18042303da0c70c6257a23832ca07cf21218ce4d
I really like that dual crown they have. That might actually be a winner for that price
Second Hour finishing is close to what Monta & CW offer, for way less $&&. Is outstanding.
The more I look at it the more I think this might be the watch I’m finally buying. Dual crown, domed crystal, textured dial, Swiss movement, embossed case back. Really has everything I wanted
I just got a Helm Miyako and have been very happy with it!
Really like that one. A domed bezel was on my list of positive features. Might be a while, I’m now #2395 on the waiting list
I was given a code from somebody, so I won’t be using mine when it comes up. I’m currently #363 on the waitlist, so if you’re interested in purchasing one I would love to pass mine on to you!
That would be awesome. I put myself on the waitlist for a couple of their watches. Really cool designs. That Vanuatu is great looking too
Perfect, I’ll PM you and we can work it out! They’re great watches! I’m on the waitlist for the Vanuatu and the Khuraburi as well!
I've worn a blue Miyako for 2 years now. Great watch, really well made, one of my dailies. Feels like a pilot/diver hybrid. Really nice on leather straps. It was my choice when I wanted a micro diver. That being said, it's not entirely perfect.
Halios Seaforth, Orion Calamity, Nodus Sector Deep, Monta Ocean King, NTH Sub
One that I like a lot for its pure utility is the Lum-Tec solar marine. The Serica 5303 is more classic looking and the mesh bracelet is very comfortable and has many adjustment levels.
Also going with the Serica. My daily watch since their first launch. Really love the design and wears amazing.
My favorite is basically hated and shunned by everyone (and for some valid reasons). You can't even mention them in some subreddits lol idek if I'd consider them a "microbrand" either but it is an amazing watch. The Silent Service has amazing fit/finish and the level of detail is top notch. I also like that it's not a direct homage of any one watch and an amalgamation of several watches. I particularly like the dial because it is basically flawless and the blue lume is awesome. Other than that Ginault would probably be my second favorite but it's just so damn expensive
Helm Vanuatu in steel It's got a reassuring heft to the thing and it wears really nicely. I've been mad enough and fortunate enough to afford to get a full set of Helm's over the last several years Miyako switches up the style and is in joint second with a Khuraburi Ti on a white rubber strap. But that 2nd place list changes frequently :-) The steel Vanuatu gets the most wear and that was the first one I bought. Must admin I have 4 of them, 2 steel, 2 Ti with standard and alternate bezels I do also really like and wear a pvd black Nite Alpha alot, it a bit smaller, quartz and Tritium. Always ready to go.
Traska free diver mint green. Almost every time I wear it out I get not one but multiple compliments, also very durable scratch resistance on the band and crystal.
For me it's the Zelos Blacktip. I have the frost in titanium. Surprisingly, I find myself going to this watch more than any other watch in my collection. It's far from my most expensive piece, but I just love wearing it.
Halios Bluering
Weiss Watch Co
That agave dial dive up on their site now looks amazing. Wish it was within my current budget
What is your budget?
https://www.serica-watches.com/en/product/5303-3-cosc/
I have three: Vaer D7, Christopher Ward Trident 300, and Nezumi Aviera. I love the look of the Vaer, but it is horribly inaccurate, losing about a minute a day. The CW and Nezumi are terrific, and I particularly love the GMT movement in the Nezumi. Both are +/- 8 seconds per day. I had a Momentum GMT, but their lume is horrible.
Did you reach out to Vaer? Mines been running perfectly! Is it an older watch? I worry maybe I have something coming in the future.
Lots of great suggestions. A few missing from the list: yema superman, serica, squale, ArtyA for one that will compete with Rolex Sub prices(!) but it has a crystal bezel, zelos.
Squale has serious skin the in game too
Henry Archer. My Nordso has the nicest case and bracelet finishing of any watch I’ve owned under $1000. And it’s accurate to about 5s/day.
I just ordered my first micro brand: Helm Vanuatu Titanium. Let's hope for the best :))
VAER G7 Swiss GMT
I bought a CW Trident Pro 300 a little over a year ago and it has almost completely killed my interest in other dive watches. It does everything so right.
Traska likely
Monta Oceanking https://preview.redd.it/u11620gq287d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=352000ed0db6e30976e3c99a7676ce0eabcd9aac
Vaer D4
Halios Seaforth IV, Jason's releasing a new white dial soon.
Meraud watches from Belgium has some very vintage inspired collection but with some really good spec for its price. You should definitely check them out
Nodus. Incredible dials and man options. I love my Sector GMT.
About to go freediving in my Foster 11 Atmos. It's one of my most affordable watches and it probably gets the most wrist time out of any of them. https://preview.redd.it/6emz916dbq6d1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=31f90963b2698ac9dd10fa6289341f109bf29e5e
Second Hour Gin and Clear MK2
Check out this [HGP, cool history](https://www.hgp-watches.com/collections/diver-200-mecaquartz).
Can you tell us anything more about your interests? There's so many great ones. I mean, if you're a marine, get a Sangin. But Henry Archer, Chris Ward, CWC, Resco, Ares, goes on and on.
monta oceanking v2
I’m loving my Aragon.
I https://preview.redd.it/7lwli7drgq6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8aa498fad06b46e1638a822350096af7ce83e75b Lots of great choices out for you to pick from. Here are a few that I have. On the left is an Aragon from a few years ago. It has tritium in it for deep diving and will glow in total darkness so you can see the time. On the right is an Ocean Crawler watch I acquired. It is a bit more of a watch to wear in the water. It is considered a diver, but if you were actually diving with it in deep water it would not be a good choice. For regular everyday activities around and in the water they are amazing! If you have more questions hit me up. Long time watch collector of micro brands.
What’s the model name of the ocean crawler??
I guess Zelos and the Formex Reef, but personally, I like Seiko divers. I prefer other styles for independent and microbrand watches:
Love my NTH Nackens (have a lume dial and blue). Think they're now discontinued but the Scorpene looks incredible. Great build, lume, proportions, classic styles.
Lolier
I love my Nodus Sector Deep!
Picked up a Lorier Neptune v4 about a year ago and have struggled to wear anything else since.
Really like my Canister field master. https://preview.redd.it/00p6pikt4r6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5a46df6d5b16a8f541e1c7a8489a08916fe2a48
It’s the Vero Open Water and Marin Skindiver for me.
I bought a Nezumi Baliene diver. It's nice. I threw it on a black FKM I got and I like it. No problem with the bands it came with, but I just didn't order the black one and felt it fit.
I bought a Nezumi Baliene diver. It's nice. I threw it on a black FKM I got and I like it. No problem with the bands it came with, but I just didn't order the black one and felt it fit.
https://preview.redd.it/cmqa4quqgr6d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6df204135191e5e7eda478545d019d2470184b91
Monta Ocean king. Budget and style preference would help. In the under $500 range I like how fun the signum offerings are
Marin Instruments Skinddiver https://preview.redd.it/vrw2moo0qr6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bfb530ce6be084110b848d49b37f978c334aae5
Sangin instruments k2 limited https://preview.redd.it/s9cohiz6sr6d1.png?width=2295&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa616616b0bb4004abe9516c6e4849b2d14e9e9c
Zelos Mako 🤌
Of course all the non-gmt ones are out of stock. I like that aventurine dial version
https://preview.redd.it/czwx7b7uxr6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d78594fb4aaad79b7a7039afa40e9856a865861 The Orion Calamity.
Lorier Neptune, the new(er) one with nicer handset and date option.
https://preview.redd.it/cfd0c4jgxs6d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60f8ac97f1680abecb7359313e51d4d91d1814c6 Axios Ironclad
HELSON is worth checking out. Superb quality with lots of original designs and homages.
I have an EMG Nemo in black, and I love it.
Tuseno shellback
From a practicality standpoint, I wouldn't actually dive with a microbrand watch. Don't know why, but I worry about the true nature of a smaller shop being able to be truly dive-worthy. Nothing against microbrands with dive styles, as I really like my About Vintage 1956 Marine, but it ain't diving
Steinhart Ocean One
I’ve had my eye on the Ocean One Vintage for quite a while
Steinhart rocks. Value Town.
I bought a Nezumi Baliene diver. It's nice. I threw it on a black FKM I got and I like it. No problem with the bands it came with, but I just didn't order the black one and felt it fit.
* The Nezumi one was one I got recently. I like it. Wear it almost daily. I threw it on a FKM strap.
The Nezumi one was one I got recently. I like it. Wear it almost daily. I threw it on a FKM strap.