Best watch brands you may not have heard of for the discerning timepiece wearer

We can't help but acknowledge that the type of wristwatch someone chooses to wear can reveal a lot about their personality, or someone else's.

In fact, a number of specialists think that the watch we select can reveal more about our character than any other article of clothing.

Research suggests that individuals who wear watches are more likely to be responsible and dependable than those who do not wear watches.

They're more likely to have a healthier lifestyle already, and wanting to own a watch can be an indicator that you want to become more organised.

The researchers also observed that watch wearers were more likely to be introverted and less receptive to new ideas, but they tended to be more emotionally stable.

While simply glancing at someone's watch can reveal a lot about their personality, the type of watch they're wearing is also quite revealing.

Dominates the smartwatch sector - however, there are lesser-known brands that provide high-quality designs at lower prices.

The microbrand was established in 2016 by Dan Henry, a Brazilian watch collector who had amassed a collection of over 1,500 timepieces over the course of 30 years. With a growing interest in his extensive collection via an Instagram account, Henry launched Timeline Watch, a dedicated page showcasing his collection. This initiative ultimately led Henry to create his own collection, featuring timeless designs, replicate as vintage-style wristwatches at an affordable price point.

A brand established in 2015 in Switzerland specialising in the manufacture of small quantity mechanical watches. The brand's designs are minimalist, elegant, and have a much higher price tag than they actually bear.

So, if you're on the hunt for a new watch, or considering joining the environmentally-conscious club, read on for some brands you might not have come across.

Héron Watches

For a one-of-a-kind timepiece you won't see on anyone else, turn to Héron Watches who create limited-edition releases of high-end models. The brand prioritises design and quality, not fleeting trends - so you can be confident that this is a timepiece that will outlast the latest fashion. The label is based in Canada and the country's diverse landscape influences the collections, which are robust enough to withstand the most extreme conditions.

, Héron Watches

Dan Henry Watches

The Dan Henry brand was created by a Brazilian man who collects watches. He has a vast collection of over 1,500 timepieces and has used these as inspiration for his own brand's vintage-style watches, making them more affordable than the originals.

, Dan Henry Watches

Tusenö Watches

The Swiss have a remarkable ability to craft exceptional timepieces, and Tusenö is a prime example. Established in 2015, this niche brand produces high-quality, 100 per cent mechanical products that outshine their value.

, Tusenö Watches

Monbrey

Henry Kwong and Austin Lee, based in Hong Kong, established MONBREY to apply their skills as industrial designers to the watch industry. The co-founders are enthusiasts of classic designs and have a particular appreciation for the geometric look of the triangular shapes found on some vintage cars. This aesthetic inspiration also lies at the heart of the brand's philosophy - a contemporary reinvention of old designs. MONBREY's MB1 collection, comprising automatic watches, draws inspiration from the Seventies and Eighties, incorporating modern movements and features.

, Monbrey

Baltic Watches

Baltic is the brainchild of Etienne Malec, who established the microbrand in 2016. Inspired by his father's passion for watches - he reportedly kept a record of every watch he had encountered over the years - Malec aimed to put a modern twist on traditional watchmaking.

, Baltic Watches

Void Watches

In 2008, Swedish mechanical engineer and designer David Ericsson introduced his own watch brand with the now-familiar square-faced designs, the V01s. Some 15 years on, simplicity remains at the heart of everything the brand does, and the outcome is incredibly enduring timepieces that will last an entire lifetime.

, Void Watches

Longines

The very first timepiece created by the Swiss watchmaker Longines was a pocket watch specifically designed for timing sporting events. Over 145 years on and the brand's collection has amassed hundreds of timepieces encompassing various styles, including divers, dress watches, chronographs and aviators. Notably, every single one of them boasts exquisite craftsmanship. This attention to detail makes each timepiece a worthwhile investment.

, Jura

Oris

Privately owned. Carbon neutral. Continuously innovating. These are just a few ways you can describe the Swiss watch manufacturer Oris.

Remaining in the same building where the founding brothers made the initial purchase over a century ago, the brand boasts over a hundred years of experience in crafting high-end timepieces with a particular emphasis on diving, motorsports and aviation. If you are interested in a hallmark model, look for those featuring the Pointer Calendar, where thirty-one days are displayed on the inner ring of the dial with an additional hand indicating the date.

, Jura

Rado

Innovation is at the core of Rado. It was the first watchmaker to employ high-tech ceramic as far back as 1986 and the first to utilise sapphire crystal for the watch glass. Given its numerous groundbreaking moments for the industry, it's hardly surprising that the brand has earned the nickname 'master of materials'.

In addition to the textiles they use, the designs range from sleek, automatic patterns to bold, sporty styles, and are covered by a five-year, worldwide guarantee when purchased directly from the brand.

, Jura

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