It is important for a winter watch to be slim, so that it can easily fit underneath a sweater sleeve or a thick jacket without protruding outward like you have something on your wrist that is very excited to see your significant other. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have a dress watch, but it does rule out a lot of great, somewhat thicker divers like a Seiko Monster, Seiko Tuna, Seiko Arnie, Seiko - wait, I promise this isn’t an Anti-Seiko article! The next is

Imagine the “friend zone.” We’ve all been there. It’s that awkward place where you adore someone’s vibe, you laugh at their jokes, you even gush about them to your friends, and yet you know, deep down, they’re never making it past “platonic brunch buddy.” Watches have their own friend zone, too. These are the brands and models we admire from a safe distance.

It sometimes feels as if there is a brand new release from a major brand every week, which also means that there is a brand new release from a microbrand or a notable independent every other day. Unfortunately, we can’t keep track of all of these new watches, but we can at least highlight a few of our favorite releases, updates, or industry-related news. Let’s start it off with one of our favorite microbrands.

Being in the watch media and brand collaboration space, I often get the chance to handle some incredible pieces. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with two standout models from Formex: the Essence Chronometer (in that striking gamaret) and the Reef Diver Chronometer (in blue). While they share some DNA, they bring very different personalities to the wrist. Let’s break them down.

Buying a new watch is an experience wrapped in both excitement and anxiety. Honestly, spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on something that’s “just a time-telling device” feels like a bit of a gamble. I catch myself wondering, Am I making the right call? Of course, logically, a watch, no matter how fancy, isn’t worth its price tag. But here’s the thing: logic rarely wins against passion in this hobby.

KNIS is a Kyoto-based Japanese microbrand founded by Niii Keisuke, offering high-quality automatic watches at affordable prices. With models like the KN001-RD, featuring a sunburst red dial, sapphire crystal, Miyota 8215 movement, and strong everyday wearability, KNIS proves that microbrands can compete with major players.

Switzerland, Germany, and Japan are often considered the holy trinity of watchmaking, each with a rich heritage and distinct style of horology. For over a century, enthusiasts have proudly sought out a “Made in” label from these countries, treating it as a badge of honor. Yet, there’s another nation with a surprisingly enduring presence in watchmaking - Russia.

Are you frustrated with the games and tricks from Authorized Dealers? Tired of the new dial colours on preexisting models being the centerpiece of a brand’s yearly releases? Has your bank account finally given in under the strain of $1,000 or more watch purchases? If the above resonates with you, a microbrand might be the right fit. Microbrands offer some of the greatest value in watchmaking, along with innovative designs and a great deal of novelty.

This guest review of the limited edition Yema Superman GMT 500 was written by watch reviewer Robbie from RobbieandWatches, who has reviewed everything from obscure microbrands to brands that seem to produce grail watches exclusively. Learn more about this GMT diver from the French independent brand now!

The Hamilton Khaki Titanium is my first titanium watch, and it’s been an absolute dream except for one small issue. Is it a deal breaker?

An in-depth look at the revival of original Dirty Dozen brand Vertex, and how these over-engineered WWII field watches are poised to take the watch industry by storm.

Watch lovers don’t always agree. That’s part of what makes this world of ticking hands and sweeping seconds so addictive. We argue about quartz versus mechanical, obsess over lug widths, and spend far too long wondering whether an exhibition caseback belongs on a dive watch. But one topic seems to split the room more than most: the date window. Some see it as a practical touch. A little square of utility. Others see it as a design compromise, a blemish on an otherwise balanc

In March of 2025, Tag Heuer made the polarizing decision of re-releasing their extremely popular neo-vintage quartz Formula 1 watches to commemorate becoming the official sponsor of F1. If you can detect a touch of sarcasm behind that sentence, it’s because the writing had been on the wall ever since their limited edition collaboration with fashion brand Kith became a roaring success. However, the new and improved Tag Heuer F1 seemed to split the watch enthusiasts into two ca

This year, the iconic Rolex Datejust celebrates its 80th anniversary, making it one of the longest-running luxury watch models in the world. To mark the occasion on The Watch Brief, I wanted to discuss one model that found its way into my collection over a year ago, the Datejust 36. While the Datejust is available in 34mm and 41mm, I can firmly state that the 36mm option is the ideal choice, bridging the gap between classic and modern.