Swiss Watches: Our Selection of the Best Micro Brand Models by Extropian
Switzerland has a legendary reputation for watchmaking, so it’s no surprise that many of the most exciting modern micro brands are based in this tiny little country at the heart of Europe!
We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorite watches by some of the best of these brands, and we’re sure you’ll find something irresistible if you just read on…
Direnzo – DRZ 02R Aerolite (launching July 15th) (CHF 750)
Direnzo has created a range of exquisite mechanical watches inspired by the timeless aesthetic of mid-20th century motor cars and aircraft. Inspired by 1930s Bugattis, the new DRZ 02R features a striking retro-futuristic design, effortlessly blending classic elegance, dramatic curves, and streamlined modern touches. It has a gracefully curving rectangular case with polished fillets along the edges, and a very distinctive concave Sandwich dial with cut-out markers which brings a striking sense of depth and dimension to the whole package. It’s available in an array of bold color combos, including a stunning burnt orange version!
Doxa – Sub 600T (€1,490)
With a history stretching back to 1889, Doxa has established a strong reputation for quality, value, exceptional craftsmanship, and innovation. The SUB 600T is a bold update of their iconic ‘80s Diver, boasting an impressive 600m water resistance and featuring a striking hexagonal case and the brand’s patented unidirectional bezel with dual indicators for both dive time (minutes) and depth (feet). There are six vibrant color variations to choose from, all with the option of either a Stainless-steel bracelet or an FKM rubber strap to match the dial color, making 24 combinations in total, including vivid aquamarine, orange, and yellow versions.
Formex – Field Automatic (€950)
Formex specializes in Steel and Titanium sports watches inspired by the engineering and mechanics of high-performance racing cars. All their watches feature the brand’s signature vertically sliding Case Suspension System which gives most of them a very distinctive industrial look, with rugged, blocky forms and lots of screws. The Field Automatic, however, is a more traditional take on the classic Field watch, featuring a lightweight Titanium case and a dial with recessed markers and a curved outer chapter ring which give it an attractive sense of depth. It’s available in a range of subtle autumnal colors, such as Mahogany Red and Sage Green, but there’s also a vivid Ultra Violet version with contrasting orange markers which we kind of love!
Furlan Marri – Sector (CHF 1,250)
Launched in 2019, Geneva-based Furlan Marri have developed a range of watches with elegant, timeless designs and an exacting attention to detail and finishing. The Sector is a stylish and graceful offering, great for everyday wear but also suitable for more dressy occasions. With its discreet dimensions the case features a mix of brushed and polished Stainless-steel, with a step-case bezel, distinctive “cow-horn” lugs, and a decagonal screw-down caseback. The dial has beautiful vintage-style applied markers and combines two concentric sector dials with a Crosshair design in the center and elegant Leaf-shaped hands. We love the Salmon version with a textured green leather strap.
Horage – Array (CHF 2,300)
Horage is notable for its truly original and innovative designs, as well as being one of the few brands to develop its own bespoke movements, and the Array is a great example of what makes them so special. It has a striking design featuring an open dial which displays the movement, surrounded by a broad chapter ring with applied indices, and incorporating two revolving “Big Date discs” (one large, one small) and a power reserve indicator. Available in black, gray, or white, the steely hues are offset by a flash of vivid color from the second hand, which is either red, blue, or yellow. Just take our word for it – you really need to see this!
Horage Array
Laventure – Sous-Marine II (CHF 7,800)
As the name implies, Laventure focuses on tool watches designed for adventure and exploration, while drawing inspiration from classic dive watches of the 1960s. The Sous-Marine II is a classic-looking Diver powered by the brand’s own Laventure Caliber 2 movement, with a 60-hour power reserve and 200m water resistance. The case is 316L Stainless-steel (there’s also a bronze version), mixing polished and satin finishes, with a unidirectional 120-click bezel, integrated crown guards, and an exhibition caseback. The beautiful Sandwich dial has classic Submariner-style indices with a lightly smoked matte white or cream top plate.
Norqain – Adventure Sport 42mm (€2,150-2,750)
Norquain produces exceptional mechanical watches featuring high-end case finishes, distinctive dial designs, and open casebacks displaying their custom-made NN20 Manufacture Calibres which feature an impressive 70-hour power reserve. The Adventure Sport is a great outdoors all-rounder, with a brushed and polished 316L Stainless-steel case, and easy-to-grip knurled bezel. The dial features Norqain’s signature patterned and textured finish, with applied indices and an outer minute track around the edge, giving it a distinctive style that lifts it well above the average tool watch. It also features a small screw-on plate on the side of the case which can be engraved with a word, location, or date which holds personal significance.
Signum – Cero Bronze ($449)
Launched in 20202, Signum produces affordable timepieces with unique dials made of natural and man-made materials. So far, they’ve succeeded in creating a very distinctive range, with bold colors and unusual finishes being the order of the day. The Cero is a great example, with Labradorite, Meteorite, and Forged Carbon being a few of the options. We love the Green Copper Turquoise version with a bronze case and bezel which make a lovely contrast with the autumnal colors of the dial.
Signum Cero Bronze Green Copper Turquoise
Straton – Syncro (€465)
Inspired by iconic racing chronographs of the ‘60s and ’70s, Straton’s aesthetic blends timeless style with a distinctly modern twist. The Syncro blends a racing chronograph with a dive watch, producing a fun package with a durable build and a distinctly ‘70s vibe. It features a convex sapphire bezel insert (available in two distinct styles), and a dial with two sub-dials inspired by vintage dashboard readouts, along with a Tachymeter scale around the edge. The racing theme is completed by a classic leather Rally strap (or, if you prefer, a Milanese mesh bracelet). Although it’s available in a range of colors, we love the classic blue edition with striking orange highlights on the handset and strap.
Conclusion:
As you can see, it may be a small country, but Switzerland punches well above its weight in terms of exceptional timepieces! To find out more about these and other Swiss watches, check out Extropian’s database.
Created the 2023-07-13
Modified the 2024-02-29