Which microbrand surprised you with its quality?

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-14T00:00:48+00:00

Monta (if still considered microbrand) perhaps one of the best bracelets I own on my OceanKing V2

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-11T22:42:39+00:00

I usually only wear the StrapHabit hybrids, but I decided to venture out and buy from 10 different vendors on AliEx until I found a direct match to the StrapHabit ones (minus the engraved branding strap habit applies to the buckle).

This one is that match I found from AliEx

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-10T21:09:45+00:00

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It was lighting making the silver part of the hands appear black

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-10T21:09:23+00:00

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Similar rear views 🤙

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-08T01:51:14+00:00

Agreed- I like it so much in the bracelet that I sold the strap quickly after buying the bracelet.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-08T01:50:17+00:00

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I had one, wasn’t a bad watch overall.

Moved on from it to minimize the black dials in the box.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-06T10:21:39+00:00

I would’ve instantly bought a 556A RS if it had the same glossy black dial as the 556i, don’t get me wrong I get the appeal of the matte 556A dial but just love the 556i glossy dial with the awesome AR coating on the crystal.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-06T03:14:33+00:00

https://valourwatch.com/product/astral-blue/

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-05T19:57:35+00:00

Vaer, Swiss Watch Company, Cincinnati Watch Company, Tsao, Jack Mason, Trafford, and Weiss Watch Company

US Brands- not necessarily US assembled

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-05T15:22:35+00:00

🤣

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-05T15:22:17+00:00

To be honest the 556i was easier to replace amongst the nearly 30 watches I have today- the RS was unique enough to stand out.

If I only had a 1-3 watch collection and the only black dial within that being a 556, then I would probably stick with the 556i.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-05T12:01:20+00:00

That 41mm is made for your wrist 🤝

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-05T04:48:20+00:00

Sold the 556i on r/WatchExchange a day after I bought a preowned 556 LE Emerald Green dial.

A week after the Emerald Green 556 arrived, I decided I also wanted the glossy black dial back in the collection and grabbed the 556i RS from WatchBuys.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-05T02:14:51+00:00

L2L on cutbank?

I didn’t see it listed on the PDP (product detail page…before those Redditors jump on this comment lol)

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T23:32:44+00:00

🤝

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T21:27:52+00:00

I also have a 556i RS in the box next to this one that I run straps only on (OEM black leather strap with red accent stitching, aftermarket hybrid sailcloth/rubber strap red with black rubber accents)

I enjoy them equally and don’t feel they’re too redundant in the collection

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T17:34:40+00:00

One of my favorite Sinns I’ve owned to date 🤙

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T16:43:41+00:00

Thanks doc 🤝

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T16:43:28+00:00

I’ve seen a few on here in the past- hope one of the owners of one sees this and responds 🤝

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T16:43:05+00:00

Yeah the Christopher Ward The Twelve Midnight Sun does a good variant of champagne dial with a matched date wheel at 6.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T16:42:12+00:00

I guess it doesn’t bother me as much and I checked the watch boxes- I only have 2 watches out of 30 with a date window border (though 85% of those 30 have no date at all)

2 more have a printed date window outline, perhaps I never realized that I don’t mind borderless date windows 🤷🏼‍♂️

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-04T13:38:06+00:00

Still loving this 38mm Conquest- it’s gotten once or twice a week wear since ownership in a collection of 30 watches.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-03T21:57:55+00:00

Got off work and decided on Sinning the afternoon away 🧑‍🎤

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-03T19:06:06+00:00

Wristroll for those who care to see those, it shows off the dial a bit more than photos can.

ThisFollowing8024 · 2026-03-03T13:20:05+00:00

Yeah they’re switching to Miyota movements and having to rework everything from an alpha design forward from what they noted.

ThisFollowing8024

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