Fratello Talks: The Best Microbrand Watches Of 2025
As 2025 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout microbrand watches released this year. That’s precisely what we’re doing in this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. Nacho, Daan, and Thomas are back in the studio. Each has brought a list of three personal favorites — plus plenty of honorable mentions — for a lively discussion. If you appreciate the creative, unconventional, and often boldly experimental world of microbrand watchmaking, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. But before we begin, it’s time for a quick check of what’s on the guys’ wrists.
Wrist check
We start with Thomas, who is checking out the new Echo/Neutra Rivanera Piccolo. As its name indicates, the Piccolo is a smaller version of the brand’s distinctive rectangular titanium dress watch. Thomas has opted for the plain black dial, which uses Musou Black, the blackest acrylic paint ever created, absorbing 99.4% of light.
Daan is wearing his trusty Cartier Santos Galbée XL. We can’t blame him for not switching it up too often, as this Santos strikes a sweet spot in terms of size, looks, and versatility. It’s most definitely his GADA watch, and it may just be the one he wore most this year.
Wrapping up this week’s wrist check, we have Nacho, who is wearing his RZE Resolute Pro Contour. In keeping with the great microbrand releases, it was an obvious choice. However, this one takes us back to 2024. Still, it won’t be the brand’s only mention in this episode.
Fratello Talks: The Best Microbrand Watches Of 2025
The world of microbrands and small independents has seen notable momentum in 2025, marked by a mix of technical ambition and an increasingly confident design language. Several releases stood out for their execution and clear positioning in a crowded field.
Paulin’s Mara diver offered a clean, modern take on the classic tool-watch formula, while Dennison’s ALD Dual Time demonstrated a stylish and on-trend approach to travel functionality.
Collaboration also played a meaningful role this year. And of all brands, it seems like Studio Underd0g was the one to do so with. Highlights include the Sartory Billard × Studio Underd0g SB05 “Sunflower,” which combined artisanal finishing with playful color, and the Studio Underd0g × Fears Brunswick Gimlet, Manhattan, and Mimosa, providing more examples of cross-brand creativity that led to distinct results.
Technical advances were visible too. RZE’s UTD 8000 CKG pushed materials engineering forward with an ultra-robust case construction, and Berneron’s Quantième Annuel continued the independent watchmaker’s progression toward more complex mechanical offerings.
We also saw some of our long-time favorites do what they do best, with fresh releases from Serica, Baltic, Micromilspec, Vaer, and many more. Overall, 2025 underscored how microbrands have continued to grow beyond niche enthusiasm. Their releases demonstrated clearer identities, stronger manufacturing partnerships, and the ability to compete on both design and specifications. It has been a year defined less by experimentation for the sake of it and more by focused refinement, suggesting that the category’s influence on the broader industry will continue to grow.
What, in your opinion, were some of the best microbrand watches of 2025? Share them in the comments section below, and thanks for tuning in to this episode of Fratello Talks!
