The Best Microbrand Watches to Buy in September 2024

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.

More details at Neotype.

Haim Viajero

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.

More details at Haim.

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.

More details at Atowak.

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.

More details at Bernhardt.

​Oracle Time 

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