Hello everyone! This week, I’ll be doing a roundup of my favourite affordable (under $500 SGD) watch microbrands. I’ve previously done listicles of affordable tailors, watch straps, dress shoes, work bags, and wallets – and figured, why not do an article on affordable watch microbrands as well?

One of my favourite microbrand watches – my UNDONE Urban Type XX.

Before I continue, I want to stress this – I regularly wear watches from the brands mentioned below, and my below opinions are based upon my personal experience with the watches. To be honest, I’ve debated with myself for a long time whether I should write such a listicle – every time I see listicles being shared in watch groups, armchair critics and keyboard warriors invariably proclaim: “This is blasphemy! How can XXX brand not be included? The author is clearly biased and ill-informed!” To clarify, this list is NOT exhaustive, nor definitive. There are plenty of awesome affordable microbrands that are not on this list, simply because I have not personally interacted with their watches before/do not wear their watches on a regular basis.

With that cleared up, let’s get into this listicle! The brands are listed in ascending order of price.

The most affordable brand on this list – by a mile – Klein Watches offer interestingly designed automatic watches for well under S$100!

My pick: The Klein Otus. Price (after promo code): 58 Euros/ ~S$89.

Who they are: “We created KLEIN watches because we were tired of the cookie cutter designs and mass produced minimalist watches that have flooded today’s market. KLEIN Watches is founded on the belief that style shouldn’t break the bank – our goal is to change the way you think about high-fashion watches by offering high-quality designer products at a revolutionary price.”

My opinion: I think Klein Watches does a great job of offering automatic timepieces at an extremely accessible price. Take the Klein Otus for example – it’s probably one of the most bang-for-buck watches I’ve reviewed thus far, one of the best watches you can get for under S$100. Sure, it’s ultimately still a fashion watch, but that doesn’t mean it should be looked at with scorn. In an interview with Teddy Baldassarre, the great Jean-Claude Biver said that the watch industry should be grateful to fashion brands like Daniel Wellington and MVMT – they are exposing the next generation to watches, and preparing the millennial generation for the horological world. Personally, my first watch was a Daniel Wellington, and look where I am in my watch journey today! I think the Klein Otus makes for a great first watch for the broke university student, or simply as a fun weekend watch for the enthusiast. It has an interesting design, is powered by an automatic movement, and is priced well under S$100 – what more can you ask for?

Review: I reviewed the Klein Otus here.

Where to buy: Klein Watches’ web-store. Klein Watches is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 15% off all products on their web-store. Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount!

One of the OG Singaporean watch brands, Aries Gold specialises in offering great bang-for-buck offerings. Their catalog is pretty diverse as well – I think there are over 250 different SKUs available currently!

My Pick: the Aries Gold Jolter. Price (after promo code): S$189.50.

Who they are: “Amid an ambitious global expansion blueprint, Aries Gold is now an international brand sold in 28 countries (including USA, Australia, Germany) – a hard-earned milestone for the only “Made in Singapore” watch brand. After a successful collaboration with International Rock Band Foo Fighters last year, Aries Gold continues to break new grounds by collaborating with International Rock Band Aerosmith in 2017 to promote their unique code: Combining worldclass design with quality watchmaking.”

My opinion: Aries Gold is a brand that is often scoffed upon by watch enthusiasts, and I think that’s a shame. Personally, I sincerely believe that Aries Gold offers some of the best value propositions that you can get for ~S$200. Take the Jolter for example – you get a mecha-quartz chronograph with a skeletonised dial, a big date aperture, bracelet, sapphire crystal and even lume for just S$189.50 (after promo code below)! The design language is great as well, and with a wide catalog, there’s bound to be something available for everyone. For example, if you’re looking for an automatic watch, the dressy President is a good choice, whilst the Escalate is perfect for those who prefer larger, pilot-style watches. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or someone looking to get his first watch, Aries Gold provides a lot for very little. The brand also allows you to customise the caseback with text for an additional S$10!

Review: I reviewed the Aries Gold Jolter here, the Aries Gold Cruiser here, the Aries Gold Roadster here, and the Aries Gold El Toro here.

Where to buy: H2 Hub’s web-store. H2 Hub is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy $10 off all watch purchases! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount. Alternatively, you can also use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy a whopping 50% off all watches on Aries Gold’s web-store! Some models might be cheaper on either platform, so I suggest checking both web-stores out to see which price is lower.

If you’re a fan of the aesthetics of fashion watches, check out the Vescari Chestor!

My pick: the Vescari Chestor. Price (after promo code): 127 Euros/ ~S$205.

Who they are: Vescari is a Dutch microbrand, offering watches that “combines modern day specifications with a timeless look”.

My opinion: The Chestor is best for those who are looking for an affordable, good-looking watch as the perfect complement to their outfit. In other words, I think the Chestor is best seen as a superior alternative to the Daniel Wellington/MVMT/Fossil/etc watches that one might be considering to get, due to it being both better composed as well as an overall better value proposition. Ultimately, the Chestor is a striking watch that – in my opinion – is a much better option than many of the fashion watches out there. If you’re a student, or a young fresh graduate who just want something affordable that will look good on the wrist, then do check out the Vescari Chestor!

Review: I reviewed the Vescari Chestor here.

Where to buy: Vescari’s web-store. Vescari is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 20% off products on their web-store, as well as a free watch strap! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

Offering both form and function at incredibly affordable prices, Lenvino is a brand that offers great value propositions.

My Pick: The Lenvino Lecronos. Price (after promo code): $174 USD/ ~S$234.

Who they are: Lenvino is a Hong Kong watch microbrand that was founded in 2017 by a group of watch enthusiasts who are passionate about “traditional watch craftsmanship”.

My opinion: I find Lenvino watches to be of great value – the brand does not skimp on both specifications and design. The Lenvino Lecronos (pictured above) may be the best bang-for-buck watch I’ve reviewed till date. At such a price point, microbrands usually excel (if they even do) at either providing an interesting design, or specifications that punches above the price point. Lenvino offers both in the Lecronos here – one gets sapphire crystal and an automatic Seiko NH35 movement (already a rare find for under $200 USD), AND a visually intriguing dial that is meant to resemble a speedometer. The Lecronos has both form and function, and at its price, it’s a no-brainer purchase in my opinion!

Review: I reviewed the Lenvino Lecronos here.

Where to buy: Lenvino’s web-store. Lenvino is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off products on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

One of the most affordable brands on this list, Coup De Coeur watches provide a lot of bang for your buck.

My Pick: The Elan from Coup De Coeur, paired on a red strap. Price (after promo code): $269 SGD.

Who they are: “Coup De Coeur is Singapore’s response to the modern timepiece. Our durable and rugged watches can stand up to the most active lifestyles, while adding a classy aesthetic to your boardroom presentation. Interchangeable coloured straps and unisex designs make these watches a beloved addition to anyone’s daily wardrobe.”

My opinion: To sum it up in one word – value. I sincerely believe that Coup De Coeur offers some of the best bang-for-buck watches in the microbrand market today. Their watches uses a workhorse Seiko NH35A movement, sapphire crystal, and come with a variety of strap options – you can pick one that suits your personality best! All that can be yours for as low as $224 SGD (after promo code below). Phenomenal value for money – if you’re someone who wants a “proper” mechanical watch but doesn’t wish to spend too much, Coup De Coeur watches are a perfect starting point.

Reviews: I did a review of the Coup De Coeur SGC Classic, which you can read here. I also thereafter did a review of the Coup De Coeur Elan, which can be read here! Between the two, the my preference would be the Elan due to its more intriguing design.

Where to buy: Coup De Coeur’s web-store. Coup De Coeur is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off products on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

An American microbrand, Egard strives to offer bang-for-buck watches with innovative designs.

My Pick: the Egard Dali. Price (after promo code): $196 USD/ ~S$277.

Who they are: “Forged as a tribute to the bond between a son and his father, Égard produces exceptional timepieces that do more than simply tell time — they capture moments.”

My opinion: I think Egard watches serve as a great alternative to the fast fashion watches – Daniel Wellington, MVMT, etc – that competes in its price range. If you’re a millennial looking for your first mechanical watch, but don’t want to break the bank, check out the Egard Dali (pictured above). It has relatively minimalist looks, but features a unique case shape and is much better built as well. Aside from the Dali, Egard does have a bunch of other intriguing affordable watches as well, such as the engraved Poseidon. Overall, Egard excels at churning out bang-for-buck offerings with its own unique design DNA.

Review: I reviewed the Egard Dali here, the Egard V1 Class Auto here, and the Egard Icon V1 here.

Where to buy: Egard’s web-store. Egard is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 15% off products on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK15” to enjoy the discount!

Best known for their affordable customisable watches, UNDONE has managed to establish themselves in their niche despite the relatively short span of time that they have been around. With a focus on collaborative watches this year, it looks like UNDONE is set to grow from strength to strength!

My Pick: the UNDONE Urban Chronograph. Price starting from $204 USD/ ~S$290 (after promo code below), on a perlon strap.

Who they are: “Established in 2014, UNDONE is the world’s leading custom watch label founded by a team of dedicated watch industry veterans. The core philosophy of the company is enabling everyone from all walks of life to create their unique personalized watch at a great value without sacrificing quality. By combining traditional watchmaking with modern-day technology, UNDONE grants people the power to narrate their perception of time through their tailor-made watches. The production of all UNDONE brand products is made in-house, allowing their team to have full control over every aspect that goes into the making of their unique watches.”

My opinion: If you like customising your watches, you can’t go wrong with UNDONE. The UNDONE customisation tool is a breeze and a joy to use, and one really gets the satisfaction when strapping a custom made (to one’s design impetus!) watch on the wrist. Despite the custom made nature of most of their watches, UNDONE’s prices are fairly reasonable – prices (after promo code below) starts at just $204 USD/ ~$290 SGD for the Urban Chronograph when paired with a perlon strap. Overall, I find UNDONE watches great for not only meaningful gifts, but also an outlet for one to express their individuality.

Reviews: I have reviewed multiple UNDONE watches till date – I reviewed the UNDONE Aqua, the UNDONE Urban Vintage, the UNDONE Urban Tropical, the UNDONE Urban Ultraman, the UNDONE Urban Peanuts, the UNDONE Basecamp, and the UNDONE Monopoly. The UNDONE Urban Chronograph (pictured above) is currently my favourite due to its vintage looks, though I love the Urban Type XX (the featured image in this post) as well for its clean “panda” look.

Where to buy: UNDONE’s web-store. UNDONE is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off products on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

Hailing from Canada, Aevum specialises in motorsports inspired timepieces. Renowned for the bang-for-buck value of their watches, they are one of the most respected affordable microbrands in North America.

My Pick: The Aevum Advance. Price (after promo code): $294 CAD/ ~S$291.

Who they are: “We design and build our watches with passion, including automotive aesthetics in a way that includes all types of enthusiasts. Whether you’ve got a hand-built drag pass car pushing 9’s, a weekend track day machine that you can boast was faster in the corners than your rival or a daily driver that you’ll never let go of; Aevum has you covered.”

My opinion: Aevum probably offers the best affordable motorsports-themed watches in the microbrand sphere. The build quality of their watches is near unparalleled for the price, the racing inspiration is evident in their designs, and the founder of Aevum (Bryan) is a genuine petrolhead who currently works as a technician for Mercedes – his passion shines through in his watches. As the icing on the cake, Bryan even includes a hand-crafted strap (crafted by him personally!) with each watch purchase. In fact, I can safely say that the straps on Aevum watches are by far the best I’ve seen at this price point. To me, Aevum encapsulates the allure of microbrands watches – pure passion at an affordable price.

Review: I reviewed the Aevum Advance here.

Where to buy: Aevum’s web-store. Aevum is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy $30 CAD off all watch purchases! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

Formally known as MILÉNEAL, Montage is a watch label best known for offering beautiful dress watches at an affordable price point. Their latest offering is the Prestige, a series of automatic dress watches with fume dials that are terrific value for money.

My pick: the Montage Prestige Autumn, priced at $215 USD/ ~S$298 (after promo code below).

Who they are: Previously named as MILÉNEAL, Montage “…create timepieces that are of flavorful combination between Vintage & Contemporary.” Just like how the word ‘montage’ has the meaning of piecing together separate sections and fragments to create a whole new composite, Montage seeks to put together different quality parts to make a complete timepiece that is meant to complement your style.

My opinion: I think the Montage Prestige is the best dress watch that you can buy under S$300. The fact that you get a Miyota 9015 movement for under S$300 is impressive in its own right, but Montage takes it up a notch by pairing the movement with a gorgeous fume dial. The Montage Prestige possesses both form and function, and it puts its similarly priced fashion watches counterparts to absolute shame. If you’re someone looking for a nice “first watch” but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Montage Prestige is perfect for you. Even for seasoned watch collectors, I think the Montage Prestige will definitely add something different to your collection – unless you already own a Moser of course!

Review: I reviewed the Montage Prestige here.

Where to buy: Montage’s web-store. Montage is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off all Montage watches on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

Ever lusted over a skeletonised watch, but dismissed it as out of your budget? Well, you can get one without breaking the bank from Manufaktur Waldhoff!

My Pick: The Manufaktur Waldhoff Capital. Price (after discount code): $307 USD/ ~S$435.

Who they are: “Manufaktur Waldhoff was started in 2015 by a Swiss Watch Designer, and Manfred Starck Uhren Gmbh, a watch manufacturer based in Pforzheim, to create a line of high-end Automatic watches. We combined the skills of a Swiss watch designer with high-tech engineering and time-tested craft of a German watch manufacturer. Our primary goal is to create extraordinary mechanical timepieces, entirely assembled and calibrated by hand, in-house, in our own workshop. We are product people and want our products to speak for themselves.”

My opinion: It’s hard enough to find a fully skeletonised watch under $1000, much less $500, but somehow Manufaktur Waldhoff delivers a stunning watch with the Capital. Look at it! Not only does it look stunning, it’s technically impressive as well, boasting 80 hours of power reserve. That’s a lot of bang for your buck! Most affordable skeleton watches look cheap – think Aliexpress watches – but not the Capital. It’s wonderfully finished, and punches way above its price tag. Honestly, I don’t think you can find a better skeletonised watch than the Capital at under S$500.

Review: I reviewed the Manufaktur Waldhoff Capital here, and the Manufaktur Waldhoff Regent here.

Where to buy: Manufaktur Waldhoff’s web-store. Manufaktur Waldhoff is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy a crazy 30% off all Manufaktur Waldhoff watches on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

A local brand known for their watch straps, Vario made a splash in the crowded Kickstarter watch space recently with their art deco inspired watch, the Empire.

My Pick: the Vario Empire. Price (after promo code): $320 USD/ ~S$453.

Who they are: “VARIO is an online store for watches and watch accessories that allows users to show off their unique style and grow their personal collection with custom strap designs. Our brand is about variation and striking a balance between sophistication, quality, and fun.”

My opinion: While they offer a variety of stunning straps (the vintage Italian straps are my favourite), I personally believe Vario to be at their strongest with watches. In my opinion, the Vario Empire (pictured above) has to be one of the best dress watches for under S$500. It’s hard to make a distinctive dress watch that doesn’t come across as generic, but Vario nails the design through several art deco inspired touches, as well as a unique guilloche pattern in the centre. Traditionally sized at 38mm, and with a handwound movement to boot, the Vario Empire is a amazing value proposition at under S$500.

Review: I reviewed the Vario Empire here, while it was still on Kickstarter.

Where to buy: Vario’s web-store. Vario is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 8% off all purchases! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

If you’re into unconventional watches, then Lytt Labs is definitely for you!

My pick: the Lytt Labs Inception Prodigy, currently at a starting price of S$469 (after promo code below).

Who they are: “Unrestricted by the rules of classic watchmaking nor heritage, the founders set forth with a clear and simple vision – to provide a unique and forward-thinking approach to watchmaking, ensuring that each piece is both thought-provoking and a conversation starter.”

My opinion: Lytt Labs’ watches aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those that are tired of regular round watches, Lytt Labs offers unconventionally designed timepieces at affordable prices. In particular, I love the Lytt Labs Inception Prodigy (pictured above) due to its decent specifications and intriguing design. I love the amount of detail present in the watch – there’s an alternative way to read seconds on the watch, a golden honeycomb dial texture, a Millennial Falcon-like seconds disc, a bevelled cushion case, faceted crown and caseback, and even the incorporation of a QR code on the back! It’s a smartly executed design that overall, allows for the unconventional, sci-fi feel of the watch to really shine. Unlike most of its competitors (SevenFriday, Eight Dynamics, Orodeus, etc), Lytt Labs is able to offer their watches at a very affordable price. If you’re on a budget, yet still desire a conversation starter, check out Lytt Labs!

Review: I reviewed the Lytt Labs Inception Prodigy here.

Where to buy: Lytt Lab’s web-store. Lytt Labs is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 15% off all watches on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount. After the discount and 15% cashback from Lytt Labs’ “Strap It On” program, the Inception Prodigy would cost just S$469.

Reverie made a huge splash in the microbrand community with their debut watch -the Reverie Sea Spirit- due to its unique guilloche dial. Since then, this Singaporean brand has continued to make guilloche a mainstay in their designs!

My Pick: The Reverie GT. Price (after promo code): $350 USD/ ~$490 SGD.

Who they are: “Reverie is an independent watch company based in Singapore which creates limited edition timepieces with ornate guilloché dials. Our name stems from our dream to create beautiful watches which stand the test of time.”

My opinion: If you like guilloche, you will love Reverie’s watches. A guilloche dial is key to their design language, and all of their watches will utilise guilloche in some form or another. I find their watches thoughtfully designed – for example, the dial of the Reverie GT has depth and contrast in spades. Yet, it manages to look both clean and complex simultaneously! In my opinion, it’s one of the best -if not the best- affordable dress chronograph in the market today.

Review: I actually did a review of the Reverie GT some time back, which can be found here.

Where to buy: Reverie’s web-store. Reverie is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy $40 USD off products on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

If you’re looking for an affordable mechanical chronograph, look no further than Monsieur!

My Pick: The Monsieur Ranomo Mechanical. Price (after promo code): $350 USD/ ~S$490 (after promo code below).

Who they are: “Inspired by the French lifestyle, Monsieur captures the essence of bold living with an eclectic taste for adventure. Monsieur was created with one idea in mind, not everyone has to pay for an overpriced timepiece.”

My opinion: Currently, I think that the Monsieur Ranomo is one of the best bang-for-buck mechanical chronographs on the market. It’s tough enough to find a mechanical watch for under S$500 – finding a mechanical chronograph for less than S$500 is near impossible, but the folks over at Monsieur somehow does it with the Ranomo. The watch comes in both Panda (pictured above) and reverse Panda configurations, which should prove popular amongst watch and racing enthusiasts. In my opinion, the Monsieur Ranomo is a great alternative to much more expensive timepieces such as the Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph, or even the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph. If you want to own a mechanical chronograph with a Panda dial, you can now do so with the Monsieur Ranomo without breaking the bank.

Review: I reviewed the Monsieur Ranomo here.

Where to buy: Monsieur’s web-store. Monsieur is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off all Monsieur watches on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

Rounding up this list is another Singaporean watch brand, which offers vintage inspired watch designs for the modern desk divers.

My Pick: the Advisor Ascent Classic. Price (after promo code): $360 USD/ ~S$500.

Who they are: “Advisor Watch Company is a young independent micro watch brand from Singapore. Our watch concept and inspiration are derived from I (Iconic design) + M (Modern style). Watches we produced every year is in limited pieces to ensure its exclusivity to our customers. We take pride in the quality and uniqueness of watches we produce.”

My opinion: If you’re a fan of vintage inspired dive watch design, and are on the hunt for an affordable daily beater, then Advisor has got you covered. Their watches, despite costing less than S$500, are solidly built – expect sapphire crystal, Seiko NH35 movement, top-grain leather strap, and even Swiss lume! The finishing is one of the best I’ve seen at this price point too. In particular, I like the enduring design of the Advisor Ascent (pictured above), and in my opinion it is probably the best supercompressor that you can find for the money. It’s affordable, robust, and well designed – what more can you ask for?

Review: I reviewed the Advisor Ascent here, and the older Advisor Astrohelm here.

Where to buy: Advisor’s web-store. Advisor is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off all purchases! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.

Conclusion:

That wraps up this listicle on affordable microbrands! Despite the affordable price tags (all under $500 SGD) of watches from the aforementioned brands, they are all (in my opinion) great value propositions. Each brand has their own strengths, and offer something unique to the table – there’s something for everyone here!

If you liked this article, do read my roundup of premium microbrands (>S$500) here!

P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah So Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!

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