The Best Microbrand Watches in Every Category – Divers, GMTs, Chronos, Dress Watches & More!

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Derek, and Ben dive deep into the world of microbrands, bringing their personal picks and strong opinions across a range of watch categories. From affordable GMTs and creative chronographs to asymmetrical art pieces and full-blown complications, the crew covers it all—highlighting both fan favorites and obscure gems. Expect shoutouts to Wren, Studio Underdog, Serica, Furlan Marri, Atelier Wen, and many more, all while discussing what really defines a microbrand in today’s ever-evolving watch world. It's the ultimate enthusiast's guide to discovering the best microbrand watches, whether you're new to the scene or already deep in the weeds.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Preorder the Wren Diver 38 Seafoam: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/shop/p/wren-diver-38-seafoam   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben and Derek dive into the world of watches that aren’t just props, they’re part of the plot. From the Hamilton Murph’s role in Interstellar to the cracked-dial watch in The Last of Us, we explore the timepieces that drive emotion, character, and story on screen. We also look at Patrick Bateman’s Seiko in American Psycho and how Richard Mille and Patek Philippe show up in unexpected places like Your Friends & Neighbors. These watches don’t just tell time, they tell stories.   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/podcastlibrary    For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Derek, Ben, and Craig break down their favorite watches that come on rubber straps and the ones they wish did. From classics like the Rolex Yacht-Master and Patek Philippe Aquanaut to underrated picks like the IWC Mark XV and Zenith Defy Skyline, the crew shares what works, what doesn’t, and what could look even better with the right rubber strap.   They also spotlight Delugs and their lineup of cut-to-size and mosaic-pattern straps, including firsthand experiences fitting them to watches like the Omega Speedmaster, Cartier Santos, and Wren Diver One. Whether you're looking to add a rubber strap for comfort, versatility, or style, this episode doubles as a practical buying guide filled with inspiration and ideas for your next strap upgrade.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!   Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HsuEcHyElBo   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben and Derek are joined by Carlos Ramirez, founder of MEC Watches, for a deep dive into his collecting journey, design philosophy, and the launch of his in-house jump hour masterpiece, the MEC 1. Carlos shares how his love for watches evolved from Fossil and Panerai to F.P. Journe, eventually inspiring him to create his own brand from scratch. From the architectural influence behind MEC’s unique aesthetic to the challenge of hand-delivering the first 50 timepieces, this episode is packed with insights on independent watchmaking and passion-driven entrepreneurship.   We also talk straps, quick-release buckles, the value of high-contrast dials, and standout pieces from Omega and Ulysse Nardin to Tudor and Norqain. Along the way, the conversation flows into American watchmaking heritage, the ambition to build a US-based movement manufacturing facility, and even Carlos’s new biodynamic wine project. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an indie watch lover, or just fascinated by the craft of horology, this one’s not to be missed.   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/02HWXrkOUBo   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

In this very special episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, join Craig, Derek, and Ben LIVE from the Ulysse Nardin booth at Watches & Wonders Geneva as they dive into the most exciting releases, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes moments from the watch industry’s biggest event of the year.   From hands-on impressions of the new Rolex Land-Dweller and Cartier's small Santos to the groundbreaking Grand Seiko UFA and IWC's Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar, it’s a jam-packed episode full of favorite pieces, surprises, creator shout-outs (Teddy Baldassarre, anyone?), and even a toast or two 🥂.   Also: Swiss watch tariffs, freaky lightweight divers, hilarious doppelgänger stories, and why this week is better than Christmas (at least for us in the watch industry).   Watch Wrist Enthusiast Radio on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxY9ciMuyHvQsoKeiHAwxEVUKkMV_Yuec&si=Ln9dvkkXq_vQRJMf   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

From lawyer to watch photographer to co-founder of an independent watch brand—James Kong (@waitlisted) has done it all. In this episode, we talk about his journey into watches, the art of watch photography, and his role as COO of Fleming Watches. Plus, we get into the challenges of working with tantalum, his thoughts on watch design, and some spicy takes on watch photography.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!   Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch Wrist Enthusiast Radio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VfYKQNn1OMM   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Fleming's Website: https://www.fleming.watch/   Follow James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waitlisted   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

The watch industry is evolving, but where is it headed in 2025? In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, we break down the biggest trends we expect to see—from the rise (and fall) of integrated bracelet watches to the comeback of stone dials, microbrand innovations, and the growing shift in watch sizing. Will brands finally embrace future-forward designs, or will they keep looking to the past? What will be released during Watches & Wonders 2025?   We also discuss the impact of potential tariffs on watch manufacturing, the growing trend of “boyfriend watches,” and whether watch theft concerns are reshaping how collectors wear their pieces.    Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!   Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch Wrist Enthusiast Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxY9ciMuyHvQsoKeiHAwxEVUKkMV_Yuec    For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

Pedro Costa and his company, Costa Design, are redefining watch artistry in a way no one else in the industry is. He’s not just crafting timepieces—he’s bringing them to life as jaw-dropping, larger-than-life sculptures. What started as handcrafted coffee tables shaped like oversized (and often fully functional) Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe watches has now expanded into stunning lamps and even more incredible designs.   In this episode, Pedro shares the journey behind his one-of-a-kind creations, the intricate process of building these sculptures, and what exciting projects he has in store for the future. If you love watches, art, or just groundbreaking creativity, you won’t want to miss this conversation!   Check out all of Costa Design's sculptures: https://costadesignstudio.com.co/ Follow Costa Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costadesignco   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eiDEkZtaxm0   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

2024 is coming to a close, and there were A LOT of exciting new watch releases this year. to close out the year, Craig, Ben, and Derek go through their favorite watches in a variety of categories, including dress watches, under $1,000, microbrands, independents, complications, chronographs and many more. The guys also give their overall favorite watches of 2024.   Let us know your favorite releases in every category (and overall favorite).   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!  Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ehd3CRHc4I4   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

What discontinued/vintage watches would we like to see brands bring back. From the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Rectangular, to the steel Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 and the original Rolex Milgauss Reference 6541, there are a lot of watches Craig, Ben and Derek want to see come back. The guys also spend some time discussing the new Patek Philippe Cubitus and the upcoming 2025 Watches & Wonders.    Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ba4Jjk5H9Po   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/