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The Best Microbrand Watches to Buy in September 2024

Neotype LM02 Type C

Neotype LM02 Type C

Given that their debut was the most funded Kickstarter watch of 2023, Neotype’s follow-up has big shoes to fill. Well, I’m pleased to say that it measures up – and then some. It obviously has a lot more going on, but the bi-compax layout is about as streamlined as a watch like this can be, tachymeter and all. It shares the same indexes as the LM01 and a similarly profiled, if slimmer case. The biggest similarity? The LM02 is also supremely cool, in any of its four variations – although the old radium version in the steel case is our highlight. It’s just a shame they’re all limited to just 75 pieces.

Price and Specs:

Model: Neotype LM02 Type C
Ref: LM02C1A
Case: 41mm diameter, stainless steel
Dial: Black sandwich
Water resistance: 200m (20 bar)
Movement: Seiko calibre VK64, mecaquartz
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Strap: Black FKM rubber with additional Khaki NATO
Price: £452

More details at Neotype.

Haim Viajero

Haim Viajero
Haim Viajero Caseback

Worldtimers are such a tricky concept that most watch brands stick to GMTs and call it a day. The idea of fitting 24 time zones onto a dial and still having room for some personal flair is a tall order. Enter the Viajero (traveller in Spanish) from Chicagobased Haim, a svelte, 38.5mm worldtimer that does it all. It has the 24 time zones on an outer ring – which is available in three different colours influenced by land, sea, and air. It has a day-night indicating 24-hour ring and finally, the central dial is a stunning topographical map that’s much more realistic than most watches opt for. That realism isn’t a fluke; the map has been designed by data scientist Oğuzhan Köse exclusively for Haim and it’s a stunner.

Price and Specs:

Model: Haim Viajero
Case: 38.5mm diameter x 12mm thickness, stainless steel
Dial: 3D texturised with air, land or water design
Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Seiko calibre NH34A, automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 41h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, world time
Strap: Epsom leather with buckle or stainless steel beads of rice bracelet
Price: £617 (strap), £694 (bracelet)

More details at Haim.

Atowak Cobra Venom

Atowak Cobra Venom

From fun, cheap and colourful to… this. It’s not hard to see where ATOWAK have drawn inspiration from for their insane Cobra Venom. Its serious Urwerk vibes are intense, with that satellite hours across the lower half of the watch. The forged carbon case has been styled into a kind of snakeskin pattern which, paired with the faceted shape, gives it an almost aggressive, ready-to-strike look. It’s mesmerising and cool in a glam rock kind of way, right down to the pearl plates on the upper half of the case. It’s also an incredibly aggressive price, too – there’s not much out there that looks like this for a price this accessible.

Price and Specs:

Model: Atowak Cobra Venom
Ref: IW395601
Case: 50mm x 43mm diameter x 16.2mm thickness, forged carbon fibre & tahitian black pearl patches
Dial: 3D Copper & Aviation Aluminum & Hollow Honeycomb Layer & Swiss LumiNova Printed
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Atowak calibre AK-04, automatic
Power reserve: 38h
Functions: Hours, minutes
Strap: FKM rubber with quick release buckle
Price: £2,090

More details at Atowak.

Bernhardt Starboard

Bernhardt Starboard

Nailing that marine, seafaring vibe without relying on a diving bezel can be a tough act to manage, but Bernhardt’s latest, the aptly named Starboard, does just that. The wooden deckinspired black dial is a cool addition, but the real action is the gorgeous, rotating 24-hour daynight indicator at six o’clock, with a design stripped off old maps from the golden age of exploration. It looks even better in the dark, with blue lume across the (star) board except for a glowing yellow sun and green moon. Flip it over for a fitting nighttime sailing tableau and there you have it – and you can have it for even less with an early bird discount.

Price and Specs:

Model: Bernhardt Starboard
Case: 39mm diameter x 11.5mm thickness, stainless steel
Dial: Blue with deck pattern
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Miyota calibre 9132, automatic, 26 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 40h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day/night indicator
Strap: Sailcloth and additional saffiano leather
Price: £578

More details at Bernhardt.

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