Microbrand

Ventus

Singapore · est. 2015 · 12 watches · $299–$349

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from fellow Singapore microbrand Zelos, Ventus launched on Kickstarter and built its reputation on the Mori brass diver, a 1960s-inspired compact dive watch offered in forged carbon, brass, and bronze. The brand leans on dependable Seiko NH35 automatic movements, sapphire crystals, and 300m water resistance at sub-$350 price points, appealing to enthusiasts who want a characterful tool watch and the living finish of an unsealed brass or bronze case. Its Northstar and Field Watch lines continue the same value-driven, vintage-diver design philosophy.

Worth knowing

Stock is thin with many models perpetually sold out or listed as preorder, movements are stock Seiko NH35 rather than in-house, and brass/bronze cases patina and may cause skin reactions for some wearers.