r/MicrobrandWatches

Just trying to bring some color to this gray day.

Hi everyone

Our first packaging samples have arrived today. We have gone for a wooden grain finish flat box. Our thought process is that most people throw the boxes away, so let's keep it recyclable and minimal.

But for those who want to keep the box, it's flat and easy to store.

Regarding instruction manuals, we've got two versions ready now:

- A QR code that links to a website with an E-booklet

- A physical booklet to fit into the box

This is where we're looking for feedback - do you prefer tangible booklets, or are e-booklets fine in your opinion?

Feel free to offer any feedback on the packaging itself 😁

The bubble dome crystal and the domed dial give a slight distortion depending on the angle of view.

Thinking of upgrading the strap.

Watches are like cookies, always wanting more.

NWA

:Disappointing experience with Cincinnati Watch Company (Desk Diver Pro)

I wanted to share my experience with Cincinnati Watch Company, specifically regarding a Desk Diver Pro I owned as the second owner.

The watch arrived with the original “Desk Diver” dial that reads “0 feet submersion.” At first, I didn’t think much of it, but the watch developed what appeared to be a simple stem/crown issue. Since the watch was still under warranty, I reached out through their website and eventually spoke with them over the phone.

Unfortunately, the interaction didn’t go well. I was told that because the dial was “incorrect” for the model, they believed I had tampered with the watch, and therefore the warranty was void. This didn’t make sense to me. The idea that someone would purchase both a rare, limited-run Desk Diver and a Desk Diver Pro just to swap dials is pretty unrealistic. Not only would that be expensive, it would also mean damaging a rare piece for no logical reason. Not only that but the watchmaker had a tone in his voice as if I was bothering him, annoying him . How dare I call him to ask a simple question ?

I suggested it could have been an assembly oversight, but I was made to feel like I was being dishonest. Even after pointing out that I had previously left a very positive review of the brand, I was still treated like I was trying to take advantage of them over what seemed like a minor repair. Then the very owner emailed me telling me that he didn’t care about my original review and that actually he wished that I would have never left one in the first place as the watch I reviewed was an abomination. His customer service skills as an owner are astonishing to me.

To make things worse, I wasn’t even given a clear option or price to have the issue fixed out of warranty. The situation became frustrating enough that I ultimately decided to let the watch go rather than continue dealing with it.

This was especially disappointing because I genuinely liked the watch. It was easily one of my favorites out of the many I’ve owned over the years. But for me, a microbrand is about more than just the product—it’s also about customer service and support. That’s where this experience fell short.

I’m sharing this so others can make an informed decision. My experience was the opposite of what I expected, and unfortunately, I won’t be buying from them again. Buyer beware. They will never have my business again no matter what deal they come out with , I’ve learned my lesson the hard way . No matter how pretty the watch if the customer service experience doesn’t match I will stay far far away.

Nick

https://beaucroftwatches.com/collections/element-39-5mm/products/element-forest-green

https://direnzowatches.com/shop/drz-07-green-no-date/

The lume has strong duration too. It's legible all night even without an intentional flashlight charge. 🔥

Guys, I'm working on a comprehensive AliExpress spreadsheet right now, and it already includes most of the pretty decent watch brands.

I wanna discuss with you guys if a sheet like this is helpful. Also, if you have any suggestions for watch brands, let me know in the comments.

👉full sheet here

Pic:San Martin 36/39/42mm SN0144

Got this beauty delivered a couple days ago and it hasn't left my wrist since. Thanks to Steve at Raven Watches for putting this together for me. I'm thoroughly enjoying it!

Wearing my Nodus Sector II Pilot with the Steel Case today. Love the way the textured middle of the dial shows in the sun!