Gruppo Gamma Nexus [dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]he Gruppo Gamma Nexus is a departure in terms of design for the Singaporean based microbrand. On the other hand, it isn’t. No, I’m not talking out both sides of my mouth here, but this design is inspired by vintage Panerai Depth Gauges that Italian Frogmen used to wear when doing underwater operations. So, vintage inspiration has been a b...
Audaz Sea Armour [dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]ike many this year, everyone is looking for a deal, or something more affordable, and that extends to watches as well. The Audaz Sea Armour is listed at $400 on their website, but also listed on their website is the opportunity for 30% off by signing up for their newsletter. That brings the price of this large diver to $280, a pretty good price for all...
Stella Felix Dress Blues With all that has happened this year in 2020, it has not seemed to slow down the watch brands, especially microbrands. Enter the Stella Felix Dress Blues. Many people have started a watch brand but how many can say they have had 25 years experience before starting one? Not many, unless you are Marcella Dolan from Stella Watch Company. Yes, Marcella has been in the business...
Pancor P03 Diver [dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]here are a lot of watches in the microbrand world that are homages. Why do you ask? Well, there are plenty of reasons, but that topic is one that deserves its own article. In this case, some have debated if the Pancor is truly an homage to the Oris Sixty-Five diver, or simply just a nod to the watches of the 60s, where this style was very popular. Well...
Zelos Thresher GMT The Zelos Thresher GMT, an all-new model from Zelos, a brand that seems to be pumping out new models and new variants this year, despite the pandemic going on. An exciting and intriguing design, the Thresher is a massive hit for good reason. Such a hit, that only the black dial you see in this review is available, all other colors and variants were sold out quickly during the fi...
D1Milano Atlas The D1Milano Atlas is one of only a few automatic watches available from the Italian based company, known for this specific style of watch case in many different variations. I was not overly familiar with the D1Milano brand, and after checking out their site, I saw that they have a lot of quartz models, but the few mechanicals they do have, which come in a few different colors and c...
The Melbourne Burnley The Melbourne Burnley is a new model from the Australian based company that is inspired by one of Gerald Genta’s famous designs, but at a much cheaper price than what you would expect to pay for a Genta design. Now, as always, some people are against homages or inspired pieces of any kind, and it does get exhausting as most microbrands (not all) are homages of some kind...
Audaz Octomarine Diver If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive dive watch, or even as some would call it, a bargain, the Audaz Octomarine Diver might be a watch to look at. Believe it or not, it is hard to even for me to keep up with all the watch brands out there these days. It seems like every day I find a new brand on social media, or through an email from them directly. Now, this is go...
Venturo Watches Field #2 If you are a fan of microbrands, than chances are you are familiar with Gruppo Gamma. The Venturo Field #2, is the latest from the Gruppo Gamma sister brand, and is their second field style watch but also their second watch to date. The idea behind Venturo is to try and offer some different style watches than what Gruppo Gamma has offered in the past and also produce a qua...
Blacklist Divematic The Blacklist Divematic is the latest release from Blacklist Watches, the US-based microbrand. Dive watches are undoubtedly the most popular style of watches in the market today. From Rolex to Blancpain and to almost every new microband that turns the corner, it makes sense to have a dive watch or multiple in your lineup. Enter Blacklist, who have now added their version of a d...
The Nordgreen Award-Winning Pioneer Chronograph Marries Sophistication with Sustainability Nordgreen is a boutique watchmaker that has been increasingly coming to the attention of watch aficionados over the last year. Built on sustainable, the Danish company’s men’s Pioneer chronograph is leading a bold new era of environmentally conscious watchmaking. Moreover, Nordgreen combines its ...
Farr and Swit Seaplane Have you been longing for a watch that is a combination dive watch and Flieger? One that has the looks and feel of a solid diver, but also has distinct elements of a pilot watch? If so, the Farr and Swit Seaplane may check a lot of boxes for you. Farr and Swit are based in the United States, (Chicago to be exact) and the Seaplane is assembled by a very popular microbrand you...