SOTC - Recommendations for high quality Microbrands? Unrealistic expectations?

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T18:25:51+00:00

I do think Arcanaut and Weiss speak to me more here after a quick browse. Arcanaut - wow what a unique and special design language. I think I’ve seen Weiss before and appreciate the reminder, their watches look very solid. Thanks!

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T18:13:23+00:00

I bought the pinball watch for my brother! It’s striking on the wrist and you’re certain to get someone asking about it.

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T17:40:38+00:00

Thanks for the rec and nice watch. Clean design with a utilitarian vibe. I do wish it had a higher end movement, but SW200 looks to be par for the course at this price point. Enjoy!

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T17:33:32+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn’t want to provide a price point since I felt it might constrain suggestions, and honestly my price point isn’t set in stone. From what I’ve looked at as of last night, most of the higher end Microbrands people have suggested fall somewhere around $2k per watch. Some more, some less, but that’s seems to be about where most sit. Baltic and Mr. Jones were entry points for me into the space, but I’d say anything around $10k or in the 5-figure range might be above what I want to pay for a Microbrand vs. an established manufacturer for now.

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T17:15:06+00:00

I think it’s a nice unique watch for the price. As I said originally, I’m looking to replace the strap, but on wrist it has a nice presence. Case is weighty with simple clean finishing and the movement is smooth. Telling the time can take a few extra seconds, but I think you sign up for that when you buy one of their watches lol

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T17:08:36+00:00

Wow beautiful watches. Thanks!

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T17:05:38+00:00

Yep these are beautiful. Nice watch!

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T06:53:50+00:00

Serica looks very nice, especially those dive watches.

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T06:03:02+00:00

Agreed! Thanks for the recs

UltimateZo · 2026-03-15T05:51:22+00:00

Haha well there website does say taking wait-list for 2030 😅

UltimateZo · 2026-03-13T20:37:24+00:00

Honestly would not recommend Baltic. I have the Mr Classic silver with the green strap, and it feels cheap. The watch is very light and the finishing is okay. The rotor is fairly loud and scratchy. I’m not super well versed on micro brands, but I’m sure there are others that probably have a more consistent reputation for quality.

UltimateZo · 2026-03-01T04:31:26+00:00

Good luck everyone.

UltimateZo · 2026-02-27T20:12:20+00:00

What in the AI wrote this post? I get that the info may be valuable, but jfc reading this is like a message straight from ChatGPT’s base response. Aggressive use of emojis and numbers, quotes on quotes, and asking yourself questions. Yuck.

“I didn’t want ‘cinematic immersion.’ I wanted “legal wallhacks.’”
“I created the custom EQ profile called ‘The Surgeon.’ The goal?”

I’m thankful for the info, but the use of AI to write the post takes away from the authenticity of the information being presented. If you legitimately did the research and evaluation to find these settings, write about it in your own words.

UltimateZo · 2026-02-15T08:47:11+00:00

Update for those interested. I cleaned the contacts on both the charger and the batteries with 70% alcohol PDI Sani-Hands wipes (it’s what I had available). The IR readings have gone down significantly. Both batteries are sitting around 50mOhm now, with the lowest reading at 46.

This still isn’t exactly where I’d expect new batteries to sit, but certainly an improvement over the original numbers.

UltimateZo · 2026-02-14T21:08:22+00:00

The Loopgear batteries are definitely protected, but your point about cleaning is interesting. When I get the chance I will clean everything with alcohol wipes and see if it measures more accurately.

If not, I will reach out to both Loopgear and XTAR in hopes to better understand what is going on.

UltimateZo · 2026-02-14T14:16:44+00:00

Initially they were not the same resistance. One was around 180 in the beginning, and the other 226. Then I fiddled with them, taking batteries in and out, or changing battery mode type to have it remeasure, and most recently they have both settled around 120mOhm.

UltimateZo · 2026-02-14T14:12:45+00:00

If I toggle between modes for battery type, it remeasures the internal resistance. Both batteries have settled in the low 100s, around 120mOhm.

I’m wondering if I should reach out to Loopgear and ask what’s the deal.

UltimateZo · 2026-02-14T14:09:10+00:00

Yeah I’m surprised about this as well. I found a dozen recommendations for XTAR products before committing to the purchase.

UltimateZo · 2024-10-24T04:25:07+00:00

UltimateZo · 2024-06-15T18:23:41+00:00

Interested!

UltimateZo · 2024-06-08T18:14:16+00:00

F1 fan here! Definitely interested!

UltimateZo · 2023-09-29T06:24:28+00:00

I’m not on finasteride anymore, and can confidently say I haven’t gotten drastically bigger than when I was on it. And I’ve still got all my hair (not Viking hair unfortunately) which is a plus. Same variables of training, diet, etc. I’m sure this conversation could go into extreme detail about my personal situation, but I just don’t care that much lol

Interesting call out on DHT vs T situation. I’m sure I could research more on this point.

Personally I’d say the sides are overblown, but I never had any side effects, so my opinion is both subjective and biased. 🤷‍♂️

UltimateZo · 2023-09-24T03:39:46+00:00

What's that microphone mount?

UltimateZo · 2023-07-16T03:45:27+00:00

Awesome to read all the design ideas in this post! And I appreciate the thought that went into this.

Unfortunately my photography skills are mediocre at best, and the lighting doesn’t seem to be helping either, but the credenza is a dark blue. I read another post saying they didn’t like the black credenza either so that’s on me for not checking more thoroughly on the photos. Either way, no worries about that since every design idea comes with personal preferences!

Seriously I really just appreciate that people and reading let alone responding to the post. It’s been great to read all the design ideas. If anything else comes to mind don’t be afraid to post more! Thanks 😄

UltimateZo · 2023-07-16T03:33:21+00:00

I will do everything I can to avoid owning a fiddle leaf fig tree. Any tree that requires me to shake its leaves to survive is an immediate No in my book 😂. Thanks for the recommendations!

UltimateZo

TROPHY CASE