Latest from the WatchDad Blog
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Strap reviews: Introducing Stripa Straps
Behind Stripa are two founders and passionate watch enthusiasts Sinka Péter Bálint and Tisza Klaudia, a power couple you could say, who spent five years refining the concept through constant testing, material experimentation, and real-life use. Péter, the inventor and developer behind the brand, approached the project with a minimalist mindset focused on simplifying everything to its core…
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Watch reviews: Vandaag Baas Impuls
German watchmaking has always had its own identity. While names like Nomos Glashütte, Sinn, Junghans or A. Lange & Söhne often come to mind first, smaller independent brands continue to show there’s plenty of creativity outside the big names too. That’s where VANDAAG fits in. A young brand from Oldenburg bringing a clean, nordic-inspired design language with a focus on…
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Watch reviews: Wancher Aka Fuji Urushi Kindai Maki-e
Today I’m introducing something new, something I honestly didn’t know much about until recently, and something that’s surprisingly hard to find proper information on. And the more I looked into it, the more questions came up and there I was sucked into a new rabbit hole. When you see “Maki-e” on a dial, it immediately…
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Watch reviews: JPW Mount Fuji
Japanese microbrands have been quietly gaining more and more attention in recent years. Known for their focus on detail, thoughtful design, and strong connection to local craftsmanship, they often offer something a little different compared to the more mainstream names. JPW fits right into that space. As I couldn’t find much information about them, so I…
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Watch reviews: Yema Navygraf Heritage
I’ve always found myself drawn to watches with a vintage soul – especially dive watches. There’s something about their purpose-driven design, the patina-inspired tones, and that unmistakable tool-watch honesty that just resonates with me. Modern pieces are great, but when a watch manages to capture the charm and character of the past while still feeling…
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Watch reviews: Yema Skin Diver Slim Bronze CMM.20 Limited edition
I’ve always admired Yema as a brand, especially for its strong heritage and focus on tool watches. However, this is the first time I’ve actually had the chance to spend real time with one on the wrist. Even though this piece was provided on loan, it turned out to be a genuinely great experience. It gave me…
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Watch reviews: 24K Kinpaku Nuri/Maki-e
Microbrands… what a fascinating world they are. While big brands often play it safe, microbrands dare to experiment, to take risks, and sometimes to create real art for the wrist. They’re driven less by corporate boards and more by passion by heritage, craftsmanship, and the desire to do something different. One of the microbrands I…
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Watch reviews: Christopher Ward Sealander C63 GMT
There are watches… and then there are WATCHES.. Christopher Ward firmly belongs in that latter category. Founded in 2004, the brand was once widely regarded as a microbrand. Over time, however, it has clearly moved beyond that label. Through consistent quality, ongoing technical development, and a growing focus on in-house capabilities, CW has evolved into a serious…
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Watch reviews: Zealandic Iceborne
I’ve always found microbrands fascinating. They tend to take creative risks that larger companies avoid in the form of experimenting with colors, textures, and ideas, while still keeping prices relatively accessible. Not to mention many of them represent corners of the world that don’t always get much attention in watchmaking. Through them, you don’t just…
