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The Bernhardt Cipher Diver Brings a Hidden Cipher to an Affordable Tool Watch
Bernhardt Watch Company has announced the Cipher Diver, a new limited edition release created to coincide with the United States entering its 250th year of independence. Founded in North Carolina, Bernhardt Watch Company has built a long-standing reputation within the enthusiast community for producing mechanically straightforward, affordably priced watches with a focus on usability and accessibility.
Our Favorite Microbrand Watches Under $1,000 from 2025
I’ve been following microbrands long enough to remember when discovering one felt like stumbling onto a secret forum post or a late-night blog link passed around between collectors. That feeling isn’t as common anymore, but every once in a while it comes back, even if it starts with a press email or a clean set of renders. Looking back at 2025, a few releases managed to spark that familiar sense of curiosity and optimism. This is a look at the microbrand watches under $1,000 from 2025 that reminded me why this corner of the hobby still feels awesome.
The New Synchron Ti300M SEALAB Is Testing My Willpower
Synchron has announced the SEALAB Ti300M, a new professional dive watch that introduces a Grade 5 titanium case and 300 meters of water resistance as the foundation of its newly launched SEALAB line. Titanium dive watches are nothing new, but this release is notable for where it’s positioned. The SEALAB Ti300M is aimed directly at the same functional, heritage-driven space occupied by brands like Doxa and Synchron itself, rather than the broader lifestyle-oriented titanium diver market.
Still a Top-Tier Microbrand Watch? Testing The New Monta Triumph vs The Original
Hands-on with the Monta Triumph Gen 2 and a side-by-side vs the original comparing size, dial, finishing, bracelet, lume, and whether the reboot is worth it.
Citizen Nighthawk Review: The Affordable GMT I Bought Twice
This isn’t my first Citizen Nighthawk. For years on the TBWS podcast, Kaz and I have kept coming back to it as one of the most function-forward and genuinely interesting watches in Citizen’s Eco-Drive lineup. A few years back, I bought and later sold one of the standard stainless steel models. It left more of an impression than I expected, and I still think the Nighthawk stands as one of the most affordable and compelling true-GMT watches you can buy, especially when you look at what it offers without asking for much compromise.
