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Aquastar Benthos Professional Review: The Version I’d Wear Every Day
It’s been a while since I’ve had a watch come across my desk that traces back to the family of brands currently stewarded by Rick Marei. Over the years, his name has intersected with my own collecting path in a few meaningful ways. From his earlier involvement with Doxa during a very specific chapter of that brand’s history, to the revival of Synchron, his work tends to show up consistently in the parts of the watch world I pay the closest attention to. These are brands that appeal to collectors who value restraint, purpose, and a clear understanding of why certain watches mattered in the first place.
Citizen’s New $600 Chronograph Is Solar and Sporty
Citizen has expanded its sport-watch lineup with the introduction of the Endeavor Chrono, a new solar-powered chronograph positioned around durability, legibility, and low-maintenance ownership. Built around a 43mm stainless steel case and powered by the brand’s Eco-Drive technology, the model draws on nautical timing cues while staying firmly within Citizen’s established tool-watch framework.
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.
