Category: Meet the brands
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NoracTime: When Watches Become a Canvas
I had been following Pierre, the founder of NoracTime, from a distance for a while, admiring the colourful hand-painted dials that kept popping up on my feed. But I got a chance to look a little closer when I unexpectedly won one of his Instagram giveaways: a painting of the iconic Piaget Polo 79. Having…
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Building Le Pin: Two Brothers, One Dream, and the “5 to 9” Philosophy
One of the greatest joys of running WatchDad isn’t simply getting to review watches. It’s having the opportunity to meet the people behind them. Every independent watch carries a story, but it’s rarely just about steel, titanium or mechanical movements. More often, it’s about people willing to sacrifice evenings, weekends and countless hours chasing an…
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The Story Behind Walker & Crown: Passion, Persistence and the Spirit of the ’80s
I first came across Walker & Crown while browsing Instagram. Their bold, unapologetically 1980s-inspired designs immediately caught my attention. They were different from the countless vintage-inspired divers and field watches that seem to flood the microbrand scene today, and I found myself wanting to know more about the people behind them. That curiosity led me…
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Monogriis Resta Small Seconds Ivory Dial
A new beginning Some brands launch with a clear vision. Others evolve until they discover what they truly want to create. MONOGRIIS falls into the latter category. While preparing this review, I had the opportunity to ask Tsubasa Ohira, the founder of MONOGRIIS, about the story behind the brand and the philosophy that shaped the RESTA.…
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Introducing Chronvale: more than just another microbrand
This article is a little different from what I usually write. Instead of reviewing a watch, I want to introduce you to a brand that hasn’t even launched yet. Chronvale is still in development, with the first prototypes expected in September and the official release planned for later this year. This is also the first…
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Watch reviews: Zealandic Iceborne
I’ve always found microbrands fascinating. They tend to take creative risks that larger companies avoid in the form of experimenting with colors, textures, and ideas, while still keeping prices relatively accessible. Not to mention many of them represent corners of the world that don’t always get much attention in watchmaking. Through them, you don’t just…
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Watch reviews: The Cauny x Ando
Every so often, a watch brand’s story feels more like a journey through time itself, shifting geographies, changing eras and finding new life in unexpected places. Cauny is one of those rare names that carries both mystery and meaning. The origins of Cauny are somewhat murky, as even the brand itself admits. The official founding date is set at 1927, based…
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Meet the brands: Carlingue Timepieces
French Creativity Meets Swiss Expertise: Crafting Watches with Vision and Precision When you discover a new watch brand, the first question is often: What makes it different in the vast sea of the microbrands? In this case the answer lies with its founder, Alexandre Voirin, and his uncompromising dedication to design and craftsmanship. He is is not…
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Meet the Brands: Vario where Innovation Meets Affordability
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite Microbrands. They offer incredible value at an affordable price, and their customer support is exceptional. When you reach out, you’ll often get a friendly reply directly from the brand’s owners. In a crowded market, their service truly stands out as one of the best. How I…