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The Best Microbrand Watches to Buy in April 2025

Grandeur ReVolv

Grandeur ReVolv

With a unique time display (reminiscent of the Louis Vuitton Spin Time) that features a dual wandering hours layout, a 42.5mm titanium case, and groundbreaking black Super-LumiNova, the ReVolv from Grandeur delivers haute horology vibes at a fraction of the price. It’s round design with wide, flat surfaces almost makes it feel like a wandering hours interpretation of the Cartier Tank à Guichets, fusing retro and futuristic design.

Price and Specs:

Model: Grandeur ReVolv
Case: 42.5mm diameter x 9.8mm thickness, polished titanium
Dial: Unique time display
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Miyota calibre 9039, automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Black silicone with titanium buckle
Price: £1,708

More details at Grandeur.

Nodus Sector Sport II

Nodus Sector Sport II

Nodus have refined the Sector Sport with a thinner case and an ergonomically adapted bracelet, making it one of the most wearable Seiko NH-based watches ever. The Frost variant is as clean as they come, design-wise. It has a highly legible display with oversize lumed markers in a 3/6/9 layout. Another part of that is it doesn’t feature the additional cross hair pattern or 24-hour scale of the Field editions while also having a smoother, rounder bezel.

Price and Specs:

Model: NODUS Sector Sport II
Case: 38mm diameter x 11.7mm thickness x 47mm lug to lug, stainless steel
Dial: Glossy enamel
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Seiko calibre NH38, automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 41h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: £358

More details at Nodus.

Mandetbrote Watches Secret Orbital Watch

Mandetbrote Watches Secret Orbital Watch

With a looping minute display and quirky charm, Hong Kong-based Secret’s Orbital shows why some of the most creative and affordable watchmaking is happening in the microbrand space. The minute display system took two years to develop with a distinctive dual gear system that allows for the loof-the-loop. Hours are told via a rotating disk at the bottom of the display. The movement is a modified Miyota 9015.

Price and Specs:

Model: Mandetbrote Watches Secret Orbital Watch
Case: 41mm diameter x 13mm thickness x 48mm lug to lug, stainless steel
Dial: Metallic
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Miyota calibre 9015, automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42h
Functions: Hours, minutes
Strap: Leather with stainless steel folding clasp
Price: $299 (approx. £223)

More details at Kickstarter.

Ubiq Trek Aqualight

Ubiq Trek Aqualight
Ubiq Trek Aqualight
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With a titanium case measuring 38mm x 11mm and a super-legible dial featuring solid lume block hour markers, the Ubiq Trek Aqualight feels like a field watch packed with playful pops of colour. Specifically, it has a dark blue dial with teal numerals on its 24-hour scale and hour hand. It reminds me of the colours of an atlas, making me want to get out and explore the world.

Price and Specs:

Model: Ubiq Trek Aqualight
Case: 38mm diameter x 11.1mm thickness x 44mm lug to lug, grade 2 titanium
Dial: Blue
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Miyota calibre 9039, automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 42h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Marine recycled strap and additional nylon strap
Price: TBC

More details on Ubiq’s Instagram.

Straum Jan Mayen

Straum Jan Mayen Aurora Sky

Scandi microbrand Straum has dropped a quartet of stunning, multi-coloured textured dials for their 39mm Jan Mayen. The Aurora Sky, Meltwater Teal, Tundra Brown and Alpine Glow add vibrant personality to a rugged steel-cased watch. They’re each inspired by an aspect of life in and around the arctic circle with eyecatching gradients and a captivating texture akin to fractured or melting ice. The real kicker is the La Joux-Perret G101 movement.

Price and Specs:

Model: Straum Jan Mayen
Case: 38.7mm diameter x 11.5mm thickness x 45.7mm lug to lug, stainless steel
Dial: Custom designed patterns embodying the landscape of Jan Mayen
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: La Joux-Perret calibre LJP G101, automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 68h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: $1,700 (approx. £1,270)

More details at Straum.

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About the author

Thomas Pettit

Thomas Pettit is co-founder of Oracle Time and leads its creative direction. He’s drawn to watches of all kinds, but especially utilitarian designs, high-end independents, bold colour and design that dares to be different. His taste is shaped by the outdoors, futurism and mid-century modern design. His grail is ever shifting, but right now it’s the Breguet Classique Tourbillon 7357.