In a world where big brands dominate the watch market, there's something special about owning a timepiece from a microbrand, isn't there? These small, independent watchmakers are creating some of the most innovative and unique designs in the industry, and there are several reasons why you should consider buying from microbrands like pOrtahl.
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Independent Brands
When you purchase a watch from a microbrand, you are not only acquiring a timepiece but also supporting the entrepreneurs behind the brand. Microbrands are often run by passionate watch enthusiasts who care deeply about creating high-quality timepieces that can compete with larger watch brands. By buying from a microbrand you are buying into their vision and their story.
We started pOrtahl because we believed that watch design had come to a standstil. The designs we've loved for the past 20 years, once bold and refreshing, have since become a dime a dozen. The heritage watch brands have stopped innovating and when they do, these limited editions are unaffordable.
Our goal is to create remarkable watches at an affordable price. Learn more about our story here.
Innovative Designs and Materials
Microbrands are known for their innovative designs and materials that often break away from the traditional approach of larger watch brands. They experiment with different materials such as titanium, bronze, and ceramic, as well as innovative designs that push the boundaries of what a watch can look like.
In addition, they are often able to release new collections more quickly than larger watch brands, allowing them to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and meet the needs of their customers.
At pOrtahl we were inspired by high-end watch customizers from around the world, often referred to as 'watch artisans'. They move away from the traditional and into the modern. We aim to incorporate those bold and refreshing styles into our brand DNA and put those unique styles in reach for the average consumer.
Our first watch, Peacemaker, was made from aerospace grade Titanium, also known as 'The Metal of the Gods'.
Attention to Detail and Quality
Microbrands often have a greater level of attention to detail and quality control than larger watch brands. They are involved in the entire watchmaking process, from design to production, which allows them to keep a close eye on the quality of their timepieces.
They work with skilled artisans and manufacturers who share their passion for creating the best possible watches. This attention to detail is reflected in the quality of their timepieces and the level of customer satisfaction they generate.
At pOrtahl we've worked on our first watch for 2 years before finally releasing it to the public through a successfully funded crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. We created 4 prototypes with the help and feedback of 3,000 members that have joined our Facebook group over that period of time. We work closely together with our fans, who have a real voice in the final outcome of a watch design.
Better Value for Your Money
When you purchase a watch from a microbrand, you are often getting better value for your money than you would with a larger watch brand. Microbrands typically offer similar or better quality timepieces than larger brands but at a lower price point.
They also tend to have fewer middlemen in their distribution channels, which allows them to sell their timepieces at a lower price than larger brands. As a result, you get more watch for your money when you buy from a microbrand.
Have a look at our comparison of the Peacemaker Automatic Watch and Tudor's Black Bay 58 and you'll see that we offer competing value at a much lower pricepoint.
Why You Should Choose pOrtahl
We started out because we believed watch design had come to a standstill. pOrtahl's first watch, Peacemaker, was born out of the frustration that so many brands kept putting out "new" silver diver watches. Personally, we grew bored with seeing them.
What did inspire us were watch artisans who are customizing these silver diver watches into timepieces that are actually unique. This bespoke watch style is exactly what we wanted to incorporate into our brand DNA.
We formulated 5 design principles for our watches.
- Something you choose every day
- Conversation pieces
- Lasting lifetimes
- The best possible experience
- Make every timetelling occasion special
Peacemaker is designed to be your everyday watch. Perfect for nearly every occasion. Sporty, stylish, sleek, and matte black. It's the perfect watch for the 'one-watch-guy', yet it adds something unique to any existing watch collection.
We dream of creating many more watches and add more styles to our collection, but we don't have the big brand budgets. By purchasing with us or supporting one of our crowdfunding campaigns you are not just purchasing a watch. You are buying into our vision and you are allowing us to continue creating more remarkable watches.
Are you ready to join the collective?