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Posted inReview

Casio W-219h Review: a great, cheap, G-Shock Alternative for 2024

Posted by By Dave April 6, 2024
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Posted inRanking

Watches with the Best Lume: Full Rankings

Posted by By Dave March 31, 2024
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Casio W-219h Review: a great, cheap, G-Shock Alternative for 2024

Casio W-219h Review: a great, cheap, G-Shock Alternative for 2024

Posted by By Dave April 6, 2024
In recent years Casio has started pumping out cheap digital watches that, at least in terms of style, share a lot of DNA with their G-Shock premium digital watches. One…
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Watches with the Best Lume: Full Rankings

Watches with the Best Lume: Full Rankings

Posted by By Dave March 31, 2024
Just the Watch Lume Rankings I love lume. So much so that a few years ago I developed a rating system to compare the brightness of lume across the watches…
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Casio AEQ-110: Almost a great beater watch

Casio AEQ-110: Almost a great beater watch

Posted by By Dave March 29, 2024
A tough, great looking ana-digi model from Casio that looks like a real bargain at $30, but the lack of an active light makes this a questionable buy. Read on…
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The Best Affordable Automatic Chronograph of 2024

The Best Affordable Automatic Chronograph of 2024

Posted by By Dave March 14, 2024
Founded in Korea in 2021, Pitzmann is a new microbrand that's been catching attention with excellently crafted watches that combine both western and eastern influences. Today we'll be looking at…
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The Best $30 G-Shock Alternative is still a Casio

The Best $30 G-Shock Alternative is still a Casio

Posted by By Dave March 2, 2024
Sometimes I'm not sure what the guys over at Casio are thinking. While every other brand has been increasing prices, Casio seems to be doing the opposite by creating ultra-affordable…
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The Best Affordable Black Bay Alternative of 2024

The Best Affordable Black Bay Alternative of 2024

Posted by By Dave March 2, 2024
In this video we see what Swedish Micro brand Tuseno is capable of with their new flagship dive watch, the Shellback version 2. With a silhouette that is reminiscent of…
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This New Seiko 5 GMT is the Best Affordable Rolex Explorer 2 Polar Dial Alternative

This New Seiko 5 GMT is the Best Affordable Rolex Explorer 2 Polar Dial Alternative

Posted by By Dave March 1, 2024
Seiko SBSC009 Review The Rolex Explorer II, particularly the white dial "polar" dial variants have always been a grail of mine. But since it's way outside my price range I've…
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The Best Watch Available Today Costs Just $20

The Best Watch Available Today Costs Just $20

Posted by By Dave March 1, 2024
Today we're checking out a watch that I think is a genuine contender for the title “Best Watch of All Time,” in the Casio AE1200WH. We’ll be putting this claim…
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Seiko SBDC159 – An affordable Rolex Explorer Alternative

Seiko SBDC159 – An affordable Rolex Explorer Alternative

Posted by By Dave March 1, 2024
As an avid watch enthusiast residing in Japan, I have encountered numerous timepieces that have captured my attention. Among them, the Rolex Explorer stands tall as one of my favorites.…
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Latest Videos

30% OFF BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW (Affiliate): https://verowatch.pxf.io/RGekWv
Get a Hoodie: https://shop.justthewatch.com

Discover the new Vero x Smokey Bear Field Watch, a charming bronze watch that blends rugged durability with nostalgic outdoor vibes. In this full review, I take a close look at the design, specs, movement, and the incredible 10-year any-damage warranty that makes this one of the most unique microbrand releases of the year.

This officially licensed collaboration celebrates 80 years of Smokey Bear, and Vero has leaned fully into the warm, friendly, and outdoorsy aesthetic. With a 38mm bronze case, bold field-watch dial, excellent lume, and U.S. regulation of the Seiko NH38 movement, this watch offers a surprising amount of value—especially during the Black Friday sale.

If you enjoy bronze watches, microbrand field watches, or watches with real personality, this one is definitely worth a look. I’ve been wearing it a lot, and in this video I explain why it’s such a fun and nostalgic piece to own.


00:00 – Intro & Smokey Bear Nostalgia
00:30 – Price, Discounts & Why It Matters
01:20 – Design Overview: Bronze Case & Field Watch Style
02:10 – Dial, Lume & Legibility
02:50 – Build Quality, Specs & Water Resistance
03:40 – Movement, Regulation & 10-Year Warranty
05:00 – Straps, Wearability & My Impressions
06:30 – Final Verdict & Should You Buy It?
A Bronze Watch That Feels Like Childhood Camping Trips
Today I’m reviewing the Direnzo DRZ 04R Mondial, an integrated bracelet sports watch that delivers high-end design, Swiss quality, and a level of refinement that’s rare in the microbrand world. I’ve been impressed with Direnzo’s design maturity ever since they sent a couple of watches last year, and this new DRZ04R takes everything they’re known for even further.

DIRENZO WATCHES: https://direnzowatches.com/
GET A HOODIE: https://shop.justthewatch.com

In this full review, I take a close look at the integrated bracelet, the bowl-shaped dial, the finishing, the custom strap options, the Sellita SW200 movement, and the overall value of this sub-$1,000 Swiss-made sports watch. If you're looking for a watch with PRX vibes but with far more thoughtful design and customization, the Direnzo Mondial might be exactly what you’re after.

Whether you're a microbrand enthusiast or just exploring integrated bracelet watches, this detailed hands-on review will give you everything you need to know before buying.

00:00 – Intro
00:16 – Why Dorenzo Stands Out
02:04 – What Is the DRZ04R Mondial?
02:27 – Integrated Bracelet Explained
04:12 – Bracelet Quality & Fit
05:46 – Clasp Options
06:12 – Strap & Dial Variations
08:09 – Design Language & Dial Details
10:18 – Lume & Finishing
10:53 – Movement & Specs
11:43 – Price & Pre-Order
11:58 – Final Thoughts
This Microbrand Beat the PRX Trend at Its Own Game
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Latest Videos

30% OFF BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON NOW (Affiliate): https://verowatch.pxf.io/RGekWv
Get a Hoodie: https://shop.justthewatch.com

Discover the new Vero x Smokey Bear Field Watch, a charming bronze watch that blends rugged durability with nostalgic outdoor vibes. In this full review, I take a close look at the design, specs, movement, and the incredible 10-year any-damage warranty that makes this one of the most unique microbrand releases of the year.

This officially licensed collaboration celebrates 80 years of Smokey Bear, and Vero has leaned fully into the warm, friendly, and outdoorsy aesthetic. With a 38mm bronze case, bold field-watch dial, excellent lume, and U.S. regulation of the Seiko NH38 movement, this watch offers a surprising amount of value—especially during the Black Friday sale.

If you enjoy bronze watches, microbrand field watches, or watches with real personality, this one is definitely worth a look. I’ve been wearing it a lot, and in this video I explain why it’s such a fun and nostalgic piece to own.


00:00 – Intro & Smokey Bear Nostalgia
00:30 – Price, Discounts & Why It Matters
01:20 – Design Overview: Bronze Case & Field Watch Style
02:10 – Dial, Lume & Legibility
02:50 – Build Quality, Specs & Water Resistance
03:40 – Movement, Regulation & 10-Year Warranty
05:00 – Straps, Wearability & My Impressions
06:30 – Final Verdict & Should You Buy It?
A Bronze Watch That Feels Like Childhood Camping Trips
Today I’m reviewing the Direnzo DRZ 04R Mondial, an integrated bracelet sports watch that delivers high-end design, Swiss quality, and a level of refinement that’s rare in the microbrand world. I’ve been impressed with Direnzo’s design maturity ever since they sent a couple of watches last year, and this new DRZ04R takes everything they’re known for even further.

DIRENZO WATCHES: https://direnzowatches.com/
GET A HOODIE: https://shop.justthewatch.com

In this full review, I take a close look at the integrated bracelet, the bowl-shaped dial, the finishing, the custom strap options, the Sellita SW200 movement, and the overall value of this sub-$1,000 Swiss-made sports watch. If you're looking for a watch with PRX vibes but with far more thoughtful design and customization, the Direnzo Mondial might be exactly what you’re after.

Whether you're a microbrand enthusiast or just exploring integrated bracelet watches, this detailed hands-on review will give you everything you need to know before buying.

00:00 – Intro
00:16 – Why Dorenzo Stands Out
02:04 – What Is the DRZ04R Mondial?
02:27 – Integrated Bracelet Explained
04:12 – Bracelet Quality & Fit
05:46 – Clasp Options
06:12 – Strap & Dial Variations
08:09 – Design Language & Dial Details
10:18 – Lume & Finishing
10:53 – Movement & Specs
11:43 – Price & Pre-Order
11:58 – Final Thoughts
This Microbrand Beat the PRX Trend at Its Own Game
Today I’m reviewing the Charlie Paris GRX Spectral, a French-made stealthy tactical chronograph with one of the most unique dials I’ve seen on a mechaquartz watch. The GRX Spectral features a multi-layered bi-color sandwich dial, dual-tone lume, a PVD-coated case, and a Seiko VK64 mechaquartz movement that delivers both mechanical feel and quartz convenience.

https://charlie-paris.com/products/grx-mecaquartz-chronographe-spectral?utm_source=Youtube+&utm_campaign=GRX+Spectral+&utm_id=Just+The+Watch+

This is a watch that blends tactical design, European refinement, and surprisingly premium finishing for its $545 price. In this review, I take an in-depth look at the Spectral’s lume, dial construction, case shape, pushers, comfort, and overall build quality to see if it’s worth adding to your collection.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
00:50 – First Impressions & Brand Background
01:27 – GRX Line Overview
01:45 – Tactical Design Details
02:20 – Dimensions & Wearability
02:47 – Movement: Seiko VK64 Mechaquartz
03:16 – Price & Value
03:37 – Dial Construction (4 layers)
04:00 – Subdials & Layout
05:03 – Sandwich Dial & Lume Explained
06:37 – Applied Numerals
07:28 – Case Design & Finishing
07:53 – Paddle Pushers
09:08 – Build Quality & Perceived Value
09:47 – Final Thoughts


What makes the GRX Spectral stand out?
• Multi-layer sandwich dial
• Dual-color lume (green + pale blue)
• PVD tactical case
• Custom cushion case shape
• Applied Arabic numerals
• Paddle-style pushers
• Seiko VK64 mechaquartz hybrid movement
• Assembled in France

If you enjoy microbrand watch reviews, affordable chronographs, or unique lume designs, this one is definitely worth checking out. Let me know your thoughts in the comments—would you wear the GRX Spectral?

Get Watch-Themed T-Shirts
shop.justthewatch.com

More Microbrand Reviews:
Check out my new segment, Microbrand Monthly, where I highlight the most interesting new releases each month.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell if you enjoy watch reviews and want to see more content like this!
Elegant French watchmaker goes full tactical - Charlie Paris GRX Spectral Review
Welcome back to the Microbrand Monthly — your one-stop roundup for the best new microbrand watch releases of November 2025!

Get a Hoodie: https://shop.justthewatch.com

If you want to stay on top of what’s new in the microbrand world without watching ten different reviews, this series is for you. Each month, I give you a hands-on overview of the most interesting and innovative microbrand watches released — saving you time while still showing you the details that matter most.

This month, I’m joined by Shane from Relative Time, and together we’re taking a close look at four incredible releases:

⏱ Featured Watches

Vario Futurist – A bold retro-futuristic design with a faceted crystal, 12-o’clock crown, and a ton of vintage character. https://vario.sg/collections/vario-futurist

Direnzo DRZ-04R Mondial – A Swiss-made integrated bracelet sports watch that blends sleek geometry and great value. https://direnzowatches.com

Monta Triumph (2025) – A refined, high-end field watch and one of the best Explorer alternatives on the market.

Jack Mason Pursuit Pilot Pro – A tough, USA-assembled pilot/diver hybrid built to handle anything.
https://jackmasonbrand.com/

All of these are watches I’ve actually had hands-on time with — no stock photos or spec sheet reading here.

🕒 Why Watch Microbrand Monthly?
✔️ One video = a full overview of this month’s best microbrand releases
✔️ Real, hands-on impressions — not just pictures
✔️ Discover amazing brands before everyone else

🔗 Check out Shane’s full reviews: https://www.youtube.com/@RelativeTime
🔗 Pre-order or learn more:

Dorenzo DRZ-04R Mondial → https://direnzowatches.com

Vario Futurist → https://vario.sg/collections/vario-futurist

Monta Triumph → https://montawatch.com/

Jack Mason Pursuit Pilot Pro → https://jackmasonbrand.com/

🧢 Support the channel: Grab a watch-themed hoodie or other gear here → https://shop.justthewatch.com
Must-See Microbrand Watch Releases This Month (November 2025 Microbrand Monthly)
The Zelos Comet 39 "Vulcan" is here — and it’s not what you might expect. Zelos has taken their once “affordable thin watch” and completely reimagined it as a genuine luxury microbrand timepiece, with a premium, ultra-slim Swiss ETA/Peseux 7001 handwound movement that’s been heavily modified inside and out.

In this review, I dive deep into the new Zelos Comet 39, comparing it to the original $529 version and exploring whether the huge price jump to $1,699 is truly justified.

🔍 In this video:

Hands-on review of the Zelos Comet 39 "Vulcan"

Detailed specs: 39mm case, just 7.6mm thin (9.4mm with crystal)

Discussion of the ETA/Peseux 7001 movement — with custom bridges, blued screws, and engraved barrel

Dial overview: Tiger’s Eye and Forged Carbon options with insane orange lume (BGW9 X1 Grade performance!)

Bracelet, clasp, case finishing, and comfort review

Pros & cons — and my honest take on the design and value proposition

This isn’t just another microbrand release — it’s Zelos making a bold move into entry-level luxury, with craftsmanship and movement finishing that rival much higher-end brands like Nomos, Oris, or Blancpain (who also used the 7001 as a base).

If you’re a fan of thin handwound watches, independent microbrands, or you just love beautifully engineered Swiss movements, this one’s worth a closer look.

🕰️ Key Specs:

Diameter: 39mm

Thickness: 7.6mm (9.4mm w/ crystal)

Movement: ETA/Peseux 7001 (Swiss, handwound, modified bridges)

Crystal: Box Sapphire + Display Caseback

Water Resistance: 50m

Lume: BGW9 X1 (Orange application)

Price: $1,699

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Intro
00:56 – Moving up to Luxury
04:18 – Movement Deep Dive (ETA 7001 Mods)
07:00 – Dial & Lume
09:25 – Bracelet & Comfort
8:42 – Conclusion
Zelos Aims for Luxury: Is the Comet 39 Really 3x Better
Can’t keep up with every new microbrand release? Microbrand Monthly is your curated roundup of the most interesting new watches that won’t break the bank.

In this episode, we take a quick look at three standout pieces that bring creativity, quality, and character without the luxury-brand markup.

Featured Watches:
⏱ Vero x Smokey Bear 80th Edition – $603
Affiliate Link:https://verowatch.pxf.io/RGekWv
A rugged bronze field watch with real personality. Regulated Seiko NH38A movement, assembled in Portland, and backed by a 10-year warranty.

⏱ Charlie Paris GRX Spectral – $545
Available from: https://charlie-paris.com/products/grx-mecaquartz-chronographe-spectral?utm_source=Youtube+&utm_campaign=GRX+Spectral+&utm_id=Just+The+Watch+
French-assembled mecha-quartz chronograph with a stealthy black PVD case, multi-layered dial, and outstanding legibility.

⏱ Nadir Vespera GMT – $690
Available from: https://nadirwatches.com/
True GMT with the Miyota 9075 automatic, great lume, and a unique dual-crown case design. Built tough, shipped free from Poland.

Each of these watches will get a full review soon, but this episode gives you a fast, no-fluff overview so you can decide what’s worth a deeper dive.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
1:37 Vero x Smokey Bear 80th Edition
5:54 Charlie Paris GRX Spectral
8:56 Nadir Vespera GMT

#microbrandwatches #watchreview #verowatch #charlieparis #nadirwatch #automaticwatch #watchenthusiast #watchcommunity #microbrandmonthly
Best Microbrand Releases of October 2025 - Vero, Nadir, Charlie Paris
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