The MicrobrandWatch Movement - Issue 3

The monthly newsletter from Microbrand Watch — discovering the independent watchmakers creating real value.

Hi everyone,

December is always a special month in the microbrand world. Brands rush to get last releases out before the holidays, new prototypes start appearing ahead of next year’s launches, and the channel gets busier than ever. This edition is a mix of standout reviews, exciting updates, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening as we wrap up the year.

Let’s get started!

If you only watch one review this month, make it this one.

The Monceau Model 1 has been one of the standout watches of the year. A YouTuber launching a Swiss-made sports watch shouldn’t work this well… but it really does.
Sharp lines, thoughtful details, and a genuinely confident design language — it’s a proper statement piece.

The full review is live on the channel.

With the end of the year approaching, it felt like the perfect moment to do something special for the community.

This channel has grown far faster than I expected in 2025, and the support, comments, and conversations from all of you have made the journey genuinely fun. So instead of a simple thank-you, I wanted to give something back — something properly exciting.

That’s why December brings the biggest giveaway the channel has ever run.

Here’s what’s up for grabs:

You’re already subscribed to this newsletter, so you’re already in with a chance of winning - but you can still watch the video explaining what’s on offer and the competition rules here.

If you want to bring someone else into the Movement — send them the sign-up link so they don’t miss out.

Results announced in the next edition.

December is always a tight turnaround — reviews have to be filmed, edited, and uploaded before the holiday rush begins. Thankfully, a lot of that work is already done, and two brand new videos are in the pipeline.

The BVOR Vision is a bold shape, with a big personality, and a brand with a great story behind it. Watch out for this review very soon!

Affordable, playful, and guaranteed to bring some joy to Christmas morning. I’ve got three watches that will make you smile - just at the right time this year!

While some reviews are finished, others are just beginning. This section is the closest look you can get at what’s physically sitting on the desk right now — the watches I’m wearing, testing, photographing, and preparing for early-2026 reviews.

Every brand in this list has something interesting going on, whether that’s design, materials, or value. Here’s what’s currently lined up:

These will all be rolling onto the channel in late December and early January 2026.

Sponsor Spotlight

One of the things I want to expand in 2026 is founder interviews — honest, unpolished conversations with the people actually building these brands.

And after a few unexpected technical hurdles (including a full recording failure…), I finally sat down with Susan Galvin for a proper, in-depth chat.

What makes this interview special is how open and reflective she is about the challenges of running an independent watch brand — manufacturing delays, design decisions, customer expectations, and what it really takes to build something from scratch.

It’s insightful, personal, and full of those little details you don’t hear anywhere else - oh and it is being release in tandem with my full review of the amazing, Galvin Loimu Tuxedo. Check them both out by clicking on the image or link below.

Check the videos out now!

To finish this month’s edition, I want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting the channel.

If you watch the videos regularly, you’ll have seen Rob in the comments — always positive, always engaged, always sharing thoughtful reactions and encouragement. What you might not see is that Rob is also fuelling the channel behind the scenes through regular Buy Me A Coffee donations, which genuinely help keep MicrobrandWatch running.

This isn’t something I expect from anyone, and it means the world.

Rob — thank you for the time, the support, and the generosity. It’s noticed. It’s appreciated. And it deserves a proper shout-out here.

If anyone else ever wants to support the channel in a small way, the Buy Me A Coffee link is here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/microbrandwatch

But truly — just watching, commenting, and being part of this community is more than enough.

Thanks for being part of the Microbrand Movement.

Your support this year has genuinely meant the world, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

See you in 2026!

Dave
Microbrand Watch
YouTube.com/@MicrobrandWatch
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MicrobrandWatch

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