Another Friday, another exciting list! We hope you had a fantastic Christmas Day filled with delicious food and refreshing drinks. As you recover from potential late-night celebrations, we’ve got some light entertainment lined up for you. In our series of best-of-2025 articles, it’s time to spotlight this year’s standout small-brand watches. Following our previous list featuring high-profile names in the watch industry, we’re shifting our focus to the smaller brands making a meaningful impact in the watch world.

Before diving into our top five favorites, let’s clarify what we mean by “small brands.” While terms like “microbrands,” “independent brands,” and “small brands” all come into play, they generally point to watches that evoke a certain charm and uniqueness—just like the Christmas spirit! Our goal here is not to spark debate about definitions, but rather to celebrate five exceptional watches that have emerged as highlights of 2025. Now, let’s jump in!

Echo/Neutra Rivanera Piccolo

First up, the . The Rivanera Piccolo isn’t just an ordinary sequel; it’s a well-thought-out addition to the Rivanera line that impressed the Fratello team with its design flair. Unlike many follow-ups that simply scale down the original, founders Nicola Callegaro and Cristiano Quaglia took a refreshing approach, crafting a watch that stands out on its own.

The Rivanera Piccolo features a sleek, angular titanium case that feels lighter and more refined than its predecessor. Its dial options include two models with elegant “Grain de Riz” guilloché patterns in black and white, alongside another dressed in Musou Black—the darkest acrylic paint known. What’s more, this model introduces an automatic caliber, ensuring daily convenience without sacrificing style.

A Unique Aesthetic

With a 26mm diameter and a 6.9mm thickness, the Rivanera Piccolo presents a more square profile that’s visually striking. Inside, you’ll find the reliable Sellita SW1000, offering a date window and a power reserve of 46 hours. The minimalist design of the Musou Black dial draws attention to its sharp lines and contrasting finishes, making it a favorite among the Fratello team.

Paired with a black rubber strap, this Rivanera Piccolo (priced at €1,640) is a modern dress watch that delivers on both elegance and versatility.

Laventure Marine Type 3

Next on our list is the charming Laventure Marine Type 3, designed by Clément Gaud. Known for its distinct style, this brand never fails to surprise us with innovative designs.

Upon its debut, the Marine Type 3 initially took some adjusting due to its wide bezel and compact dial. However, Gaud’s eye for balance soon made the watch a hit within the team. It features two dial variants, one with a stunning black backdrop and the other flaunting a fully luminous white dial, both making striking pairings with mint-green rubber straps.

A Smart Two-Part Dial Design

This 38mm watch, with a slim case profile of just 8.9mm, showcases a two-part dial design that enhances legibility and elegance. The Sellita SW300-1-based Laventure Cal. 4 provides a respectable 56-hour power reserve, hidden behind a titanium case back. With a comfortable rubber strap, it’s a watch that’s hard to part with once worn.

Beda’a Angles Mecaline

Up next is the Beda’a Angles Mecaline, a remarkable dress watch from the young Qatari brand. This year, the brand has delighted us with two mechanical versions featuring new dial designs, channeling the essence of the original Angles collection.

With a new 37mm stainless steel case and a super-slim profile, the Angles Mecaline stands out for its polished dauphine hands and simple, elegant dials. It’s powered by the exceptionally thin ETA (Peseux) 7001 caliber and is available for US$1,456, making it a lovely addition to any watch collection.

Berneron Quantième Annuel

The Berneron Quantième Annuel is our fourth choice, a beautifully crafted timepiece that takes a fresh spin on the conventional calendar watch. It showcases an elegantly practical design, featuring an innovative quick-set system that simplifies adjustments without mechanical risks.

This watch houses the impressive 18K gold caliber 595 in a flawlessly proportioned 38mm platinum case, priced at CHF 120,000. Each timepiece reflects craftsmanship that’s both luxurious and practical, appealing to those who appreciate fine horology.

Dennison ALD Dual Time

Lastly, we present the playful Dennison ALD Dual Time. This young British brand has expanded on its innovative ALD series to create a watch that features dual time zones on a single dial made of natural stone.

This unique timepiece is designed in a new 37 x 35.6mm case and is available in both stainless steel and gold-tone finishes. With a price point just below €765, the ALD Dual Time combines style, functionality, and affordability for an outstanding choice.

Honorable Mention: Straum Jan Mayen Fratello Limited Edition Titanium

We’d also like to acknowledge the Straum Jan Mayen Limited Edition, which successfully brought back its iconic design in a titanium case. This timepiece features the same striking red lava-like dial while offering improved durability and comfort.

There you have it—our five favorite small-brand watches of 2025! From high-end models like the Berneron Quantième Annuel to the more budget-friendly Dennison ALD Dual Time, there’s a variety of styles to suit any watch enthusiast. It’s a thrilling time for unique creativity in the world of watches.