Microbrands

James McCabe Heritage Retrograde JM-1026-08

Hands-On With the James McCabe Heritage Retrograde

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Six weeks back I received an e-mail from Drew Meyer, who represents several watch brands. Among them is James McCabe, a highly-stylized microbrand that is doing what brands like Lucien Piccard should have done. Not long after that e-mail, the Heritage Retrograde arrived at my doorstep – courtesy of Drew – and it has commanded my interest ever since.

As the photos within this review will undoubtedly show, the Heritage Retrograde – a sub-$300 quartz casual watch – is among the most excellently styled (and stylized) watches I have come across in a good long time (if not ever). The real question is: is it a good watch? I suppose you’ll have to read on to find out.

Jones New York Quartz Ladies Watch

Brand Feature: Jones New York

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A month or so back, CWT sent me four watches from their exclusive brand, Jones New York. JNY is a brand of inexpensive quartz timepieces with a focus on fashion and style. As such, watches themselves are fairly standard quartz timepieces: they are powered by Japanese-sourced quartz movements and are made of standard materials.

I put them behind my lens and started snapping. As you can see, they’re very photogenic and I got some really excellent shots. Check them out below, with Melissa’s opinion on them.

Mileneal Classic Watch Review

Mileneal Classic Hands-On Watch Review

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Ahh, that new watch smell- gotta love it! Here on my desk is the Mileneal Classic Rose Gold White, which is – you guessed it – a classically-designed watch in rose gold and white. Smartly dressed, affordably priced, and available for pre-order now on Kickstarter, you may be asking yourself: is this micro worth my money? Is it it a smart buy? Why should I buy it? All good questions, and ones I hope to answer in this hands-on review.

Oath Black Tie

Oath Black Tie Review

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In a price point dominated by the Weekender, Seiko 5, and other affordable heavyweights, it’s easy to overlook the microbrands out there offering something different for the same money. You’d be forgiven for doing so, but the omission can be a real shame. Take this Oath, for example: currently on sale for $50 (shipping included, $110 regular), it’s an ultra-affordable quartz that’s definitely worth your eye.

In true WYCA fashion, I warmed up the Tamron macro and got to shooting. Let’s check it out.

Svarntai Cordova Rose Gold

Svarntai Cordova Rose Gold Review

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This Svarntai hit my desk at a great time- wifey was looking for a larger rose gold piece to wear on the daily. Something that would keep looking good week after week, wear after wear. This ivory and rose gold beauty, equipped with sapphire (of course), fits the bill nicely.

Audaz Scuba Master Dial

Auduz Scuba Master Hands-On Review

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The Audaz Scuba Master, a sub-$400 dive watch with a Seiko automatic inside, is a gigantic piece that’s built like a tank and rated to travel with you into the depths. This is a satisfying diver from an up and coming microbrand- check it out!

Dan Henry 1970 Automatic

Dan Henry 1970 Review

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The limited edition 1970 by Dan Henry is a surprising piece. While it has some minor quality control items (I must stress that they are minor), the rest of the watch is composed and well executed. I’m a big fan of its looks, and I love how the theme has touched every part of the watch in a subtle, classy way. It’s a stand-out piece, especially when you consider its $250 price tag. This is as great watch that’s worth your consideration.

Tuseno First 42 in Rose Gold

Tusenö First 42 Review

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Tusenö’s first watch, aptly called the “First 42”, is a polished and well-presented watch. It’s classic styling is contrasted radically against an unconventional Seiko meca-quartz movement. It’s made of all the right stuff to be great. Is it great for you? Have a look!

Eldon Interchangeable Watches

Hands-On With the Eldon Interchangable Watch

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If this is your first encounter with an “interchangeable watch”, it’s pretty simple: you can swap out the face, or case, or straps easy and without having to use tools. Popping out the dial is as simple as unscrewing the bezel and switching it out, and changing straps is easy thanks to the quick-release spring bars. If you’re someone who likes to tinker or customize, this is your watch.