For decades, luxury timepieces have been dominated by household names under major conglomerates. While these brands continue to set industry benchmarks, the past decade has seen the rise of small watch brands and independent watchmakers capturing the attention of collectors worldwide.
These creators—often called microbrand watches—bring originality, limited runs, and personal stories to the table, making them a refreshing alternative to mainstream offerings. Let’s explore why now is the perfect time for these brands to shine, and spotlight five that are leading the way.
Why Small Watch Brands Are Thriving
Modern buyers seek individuality: a unique design, a meaningful backstory, and a watch that stands out. While established luxury houses offer prestige, small brands deliver innovation, creative risk-taking, and often more approachable prices.
On the production side, access to quality components, smaller manufacturing runs, and crowdfunding platforms has lowered the barrier to entry. This has given independent watchmakers and passionate newcomers the chance to turn visions into reality.
Small Watch Brands to Watch
3. Traska (USA)
Launched in 2018 via Kickstarter, Traska blends timeless style with feedback-driven upgrades. The result: five versatile models priced between €500–€700, making it a gateway into microbrand watches.
4. Laventure (Switzerland)
Clément Gaud’s Laventure produces just 50–100 pieces per model, each with a distinctive signature style. The Transatlantique GMT is a recent highlight, combining technical excellence with vintage-inspired charm.
These small watch brands and independent watchmakers show that passion, creativity, and craftsmanship are alive and thriving outside the mainstream. For those seeking luxury timepieces with individuality and soul, the microbrand scene is well worth exploring.
