I know nothing about watches. Nothing. I have an Apple Watch but am interested in picking up something that I can wear in professional settings. I work in tech sales. Rolex’s are common in my industry but they scream douchebag to me. I want something that is well made and that will last. I don’t know watch brands but I’m hoping for something that is nice, will compliment a tailored suit or a blazer OR a black tshirt. And I want a brand that doesn’t scream that I’m trying too hard. TIA.
You are exactly who most microbrands are targeting. Lorier, Baltic, Brew, and Traska are worth looking at to meet your listed need.
San Martin is slowly starting to release non-homage watches as well. Easily the best value for money under $300 and punch well above their weight
Baltic gets my vote every time - incredibly high quality
From what I’ve seen, Baltic is lower quality. Big-time Chinese quality vibe.
also include Isotope.
I definitely second this! I have experience with all of them and I’d say Lorier and Traska are terrific. Baltic also nice. Brew is not quite as high quality but they’re a bit cheaper and very neat designs
Third, I love my lorier hyperion gmt. I’ll also add farer to the list; always wanted one but never had the chance to pick one up yet.
San Martin SN0116-G is an original design GMT with great specs and fun colors.
Agree and the newest Baltic release would likely be perfect for OP if he is comfortable with a 38mm watch. https://baltic-watches.com/en/collections/hermetique
i’ve never heard of these brands, Traskas got me drooling! Thanks for sharing.
I am so sad I missed the forest green commuter, surprised they didn’t bring it back for a second run when they redid the line
Love my Summiteer
Tracks are a Rolex homage, so probably right up your sales street.
Traska watches are definitely not Rolex hommage watches
The website literally describes how it is influenced by 1960s Rolexes and points out several (including James Bond’s Goldfinger Rolex) as its main design cue.
Eh 2 of their models are definitely homages
I love my Freediver
Traska and Lorier make some really nice looking watches! :)
Love my two tissots but just recently picked up a Zelos meteorite dial absolutely in love with it.
Nodus also offers a very solid value for $500 if their style appeals to OP. The Sector Sport can dress up or down, though it’s a little more sport than dress.
Just got a Nodus sector pilot, fantastic watch for the money!
Seconding Nodus! Great watches!
Definitely San Martin! Their quality is insane for the price if you’re ok with an homage
I enjoy my Lorier
Is Brew good?
Unrelated: I went to the same schools as the maker of brew and it’s popular enough where our university had him design a watch for the university alumni. It’s dull and not offensive but the case back is kinda cool. He teaches at the university too now
Brew is awesome! Totally unique style. But, I wouldn’t consider it professional for the OP.
In second on the Lorier. They have a great retro-style of the early days of Rolex. You will get tons of compliments on it with a suit or business casual.
Additionally when you say that they are made in small batches by two school teachers that want to celebrate the golden 60’s era of watches, you will be seen as a person who is not into “labels”. Which is pretty cool for Tech Sales, right?
Rolex watches are as common as Toyota Priuses in Los Angeles.
Do something more unique and genuine. Stand out.
Seconding Tissot!
I would add Zelos watches!
I am eyeing a Traska as my next pickup… good to hear!
I second Seiko, Tissot, Orient, Citizen, and Hamilton.
Check out the Seiko Presage SRPF53, which I have. Or any Seiko Presage.
Citizen “TSUYOSA” collection is worth a gander.
Hadn’t heard of any of those micro brands, but Baltic look fantastic.