There?s a certain type of small watch brand that has cropped up in recent years that occupies a unique space in the wide chasm between what we think of as a typical microbrand and a high end independent. For lack of a better term, let?s call them ?Micro Indies.? We actually covered one just this week – brands like Atelier Holgur operate on a small scale, and use a mix of sourced components while often incorporating some type of in-house craft element that is unique to them, and sets them apart. What?s really exciting about a lot of these brands is they frequently offer some level of bespoke or custom watchmaking, a trend we?ve seen become more and more commonplace over the last few years, allowing collectors to obtain something truly special and unique, made just for them.  These brands often (but not always) sit at a higher price point than most microbrands, approaching and occasionally crossing the five figure mark that poses both a psychological and very real barrier to many collectors. But as enthusiasts who may have cut their teeth on affordable micro brands expand their horizons and budgets, these independent watchmakers offer something compelling. Their brands have the ethos and personal touch of watches that are strictly value driven, but give collectors a small taste of the refinement, creativity, personalization, and craft that you?d expect from world class indies and the most unobtainable high luxury brands. 

These watches, by design, are not fo...