Micro-Brand Digest: Colorful Summer Watches, Meteorite Dials, & More

Welcome to the Worn & Wound Micro-Brand Digest, a semi-monthly roundup of all the new micro-brand news we’re following, from concepts that show promise, to kickstarter launches to restocks, and everything in between. Small independents, and affordable micro-brands spurred the creation of Worn & Wound over 10 years ago, and they still drive our enthusiasm in a big way. 

Here’s what’s caught our eye this month.

If you’ve come across a project you think qualifies, hit us up at [email protected] for inclusion.

The Shoreline from Solgaard

We’re in the thick of summer, and that means light, colorful watches that don’t break the bank are on the mind. Solgaard is a brand known for the carefully considered suitcases and backpacks, and they’ve recently dipped into the watch game with the Shoreline, a hexagonal watch that’s being offered in six uniform colorways. These aren’t your average colors, though. With options like Mint, Coral, and Lilac, each bring a distinct, almost calming vibe to the wrist. Every component is the same color, from hands and dial, to the case and strap, which, paired with the unconventional case shape, make these more style focused than practical focus, and that’s just fine for the summer. These watches are priced from $175, and are available directly from Solgaard.

Praesidus – A-11 Marston Mat

First thing’s first — what’s a Marston Mat? Well, it’s a piece of perforated steel used to make a temporary road, usually on softer surfaces like sand. Praesidus managed to get their hands on a mat used during the D-Day invasion, with the dial being cut from a mat that was used to line the Utah beachhead throughout June of 1944. The result is a dial with a fantastic worn appearance that is an actual piece of history itself. The rest of the watch is done up in a military field style, featuring a 38mm sandblasted case crafted from surgical grade steel. Protecting the Marston mat dial is a double domed sapphire crystal, and inside there’s a Soprod P024 Swiss automatic movement. To top it all off, each of these limited edition watches will be assembled in the USA. 30 additional pieces will be offered on the 12th of July. More from Praesidus.

Atom Watches

Atom Watches is a new UK based brand that has a watch heading to Kickstarter …soon. The watch is called the AT.01, and will be introduced in three colorways featuring white, black, and blue dials. There’s a hint of Farer in these designs with oversized applied numerals at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock, bringing a level of structure to the otherwise simple dial. A circular date aperture resides at 6 o’clock retaining symmetry. The 40mm steel case measures a pleasant 11.8mm thick, and contains a Miyota 9015 automatic movement. The Kickstarter launch will give prospective buyers the best deal, with pricing starting at a mere £270, which will go up 25% once the kickstarter concludes. More info on these sleek watches from Atom.

Selten Watches

Another new brand with a unique point of view that’s on our radar is Selten, who are close to shipping their Series 00 watches that feature meteorite dials in a variety of different colors, gray and black to aventurine and midnight blue. A muscular case with a flat brushed bezel measures 40mm and houses a Miyota movement. What appears to be a moonphase complication at 6 o’clock is actually a day night indication, with dark and light slices of meteorite serving as the indications. It’s creative and visually interesting, and makes this a compelling option at $499. If the day/night indication isn’t quite your thing, the Series 01 removes the complication altogether and starts at $399. More from Selten.

P. Dubé Watch Works

P. Dubé Watch Works is a Detroit based brand with strong roots in the modding community. Brand founder Pierre Dubé started his operation as a full service modder for hire, providing full custom builds for just about any Seiko under the sun. But the brand has moved on and is now in the pre-order stage for their second P. Dubé branded watch, the Titan. This marks the brand’s first “in-house design” (their prior effort was a collaboration with Rico’s Watches Podcast) and it’s a handsome sports watch with an angular case that feels pulled right from the 70s. It’s 40mm in diameter and in stainless steel, and was conceived as a straightforward go anywhere, do anything type of tool. It runs on a Miyota automatic movement and will be made in a range of colors, including a sharp green and a dial that’s fully lumed. Delivery is currently targeted for September, with a pre-order price of $625. P. Dubé Watch Works