Independent is an, ahem, independent publication that celebrates independent watch brands. Much ink and even more pixels are devoted to the big watch brands in this space. And, while independent or “microbrand” watches have loyal followings and do garner a bit of coverage, they seem to be ignored for the more in-depth, splashy, and gushing retrospectives that discuss case design, brand heritage, movement selection, and more. But independent brands have a story to tell, too. It may only consist of single-digit years of history and one-person enterprises, but there is innovation, inspiration, and heart locked within.
This magazine strives to share these stories out of a love for horology and a interest in the intersection of watches and entrepreneurial spirit. Some of these brand stories may be familiar, but the lens through which they are told here is, hopefully, a bit different.
Note that, at this time, Independent does not solicit or accept payments, products, or in-kind gifts from the brands highlighted in these pages, nor do we accept advertisements in any form.
About me
I’m into watches, big brands and microbrands. I have independent watches by Bremont, Vertex, Fears, Christopher Ward, and Aquastar, but also way too many from Tudor. I also have too many divers.
During the day, I write content for B2B technology companies. After work, I make my wife and kid laugh, cook dinner, and spend a lot of time in the ocean. After that’s all done, I waste way too many hours research, watch videos on, and read about watches.