The micro brand segment is on the rise. With rising prices and long waiting lists for established players it becomes more attractive for the average collector to look outside the box and consider lesser-known brands on more affordable price levels. And if you make that step, you’ll be surprised by the variety, the passion and the quality of what is on offer. Today I pick three micro-brand diver watches that might be worth your consideration: meet RZE, Bausele and Squale.
RZE Aspirare Diamond White- $659
RZE is a young, Singapore-based brand run by Travis Tan. With the average adventurer in mind the brand has created a series of bold timepieces with an amazing value proposition. Starting from around $500 you’ll always get a mechanical titanium watch.
The Aspirare Diamond White is the divers piece of the selection: 44mm in size and 13mm in thickness makes it a prominent watch on your wrist, and the titanium case and bracelet gives a weight of just above 100 grams.
Crafted from solid UltraHex™ coated titanium and capable of withstanding depths of 300M, the Aspirare is equipped with a removable bezel to rinse off the salt and debris of your adventures, and drilled lugs for quick strap changes.
Squale 1521 Green Ray Rubber- $1,152
Squale has a long history as a provider of diver watches, and their 65th anniversary this year is a reflection of that. They manage to have a broad selection of sporty watches with vintage looks, and a strong appeal amongst both vintage watch collectors and the more casual ones, looking for a great watch at affordable prices.
The 1521-series is the brands’ most popular and iconic line, and the Green Ray Rubber version shown here is just one of the many variations in dial color, bezel and more. The Squale 1521 watch range epitomizes the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary diving technology, designed for both the professional diver and the everyday watch enthusiast. Within the 42mm case houses a Sellita SW-200-1 movement, and the watch has a water resistance of 50 ATM.
Bausele Endless Sunrise Alcyone Blue- $ 1,415
Bausele is a young brand the brings the Australian spirit to your wrist. The Endless Sunrise Alcyone Blue is a great example: it’s a bold, good-looking watch that is a tribute to Jacques Cousteau himself. It’s water resistant up to 200m and the full Superluminova on the numerals, hour/minute hands and bezel make sure that you won’t miss any minute down in the ocean. As with every Bausele you get a physical piece of Australian soil in your watch: the screw-down crown filled with sand from Manly, Australia, and is visible through the crown cap.
Three excellent divers that will not break the bank for you: Please find more info here.
