I recently published an article highlighting some of the promising microbrand releases from August 2026. It turns out I spoke a little too soon. There are a few more interesting watch releases—enough to warrant another roundup. So, here are six more recent release announcements that caught my attention. This includes watches that have already been released and are available to order, as well as watches that are set to launch in the coming weeks.
Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra Thin Stone Dials
In my last article, I somewhat complained that there are far too many stone dials appearing lately. But, sorry not sorry, here’s one more—actually, three more. Maen has introduced three new stone-dial versions of its integrated-bracelet Manhattan 37: Black Onyx, Golden Swan, and Snowflake Obsidian.
Black Onyx offers a polished black stone dial, while Golden Swan and Snowflake Obsidian look more expressive to me. Golden Swan features warm brown and golden tones, while Snowflake Obsidian has a distinctive grey-and-black appearance. Since the dials are cut from natural stone, variations in colour, texture, and pattern mean no two watches will be exactly alike – which, after all, is part of the appeal of stone dials.
The new models are powered by the La Joux-Perret D101 hand-wound movement and have a notably slim profile, measuring just 7.1 mm thick. The case measures 37 mm in diameter and 47.4 mm lug-to-lug, and uses fairly conventional build materials for this segment. The watches will be available to purchase for US$2,025. Explore all three Maen manhattan stone-dial variants on Maen’s website — Black Onyx, Golden Swan, and Snowflake Obsidian.
Echo/Neutra Averau Ceramic 3H Sand
Echo/Neutra has given its Averau field watch a warmer look with the new Ceramic 3H Sand model. As the name suggests, the watch pairs a warm sand-coloured dial with a contrasting matte black ceramic case, giving it a distinctive character.
The case feels comparatively large by current trends, with so many brands moving towards sub-40 mm watches. But hopefully, Echo/Neutra will make those with larger wrists happy with this release. The case measures 42 mm in diameter, 10.5 mm thick, and 51.5 mm lug-to-lug. It also features a screw-down crown and offers 100 metres of water resistance, making it well equipped for everyday wear. Priced at €970 (approximately US$1,133), the Averau Ceramic 3H Sand is currently available to order directly from Echo/Neutra.
Echo/Neutra Averau Ceramic Chrono Sand
Another release from Echo/Neutra, built around the same colour combination as the previous watch, but this time in chronograph form. Speaking of the case, I’ve never been particularly drawn to black-cased watches—they often feel a little too cold for my taste. But this one did catch my attention, as the warm sand tones against the black case seem to create an interesting mix of warmth and coolness. The black case features a classic chronograph configuration, with pushers positioned above and below the crown. On the dial, a tri-compax layout features black sub-dials that contrast against the warm sand-toned background. A touch of red is also introduced on the dial, adding a subtle splash of colour to the sand and black palette.
The Averau Ceramic Chrono Sand is powered by the Sellita SW510B-1 automatic calibre in its Elaboré grade. Naturally, this watch is considerably more expensive than the earlier model, coming in at €1,970 (approximately US$2,301). For the full specifications and further details, visit the watch on Echo/Neutra’s website.
Kuoe Royal Smith 90-006 Large – 39mm
This one comes all the way from Japan. Kuoe’s new Royal Smith 90-006 Large takes the vintage-inspired design of the original and gives it a 39 mm case diameter, up from 35 mm on the earlier version. It retains the distinctive waffle-textured dial, which adds plenty of character to an otherwise restrained design.
The watch is powered by the Miyota 90S5 automatic calibre, offering approximately 42 hours of power reserve. The case remains relatively slim at 10.8 mm thick, helping to preserve the elegant character the watch aims for.
Nezumi Voiture VM2
The Voiture, a motorsport-inspired chronograph, remains one of Nezumi’s most recognizable designs, and the new Voiture VM2 lineup builds on that legacy with two fresh references. The first, VM2.202, leans into a restrained black-and-grey palette, while the second, VM2.1102, introduces a punch of orange for a more energetic, motorsport-inspired look.
The overall aesthetic will feel familiar if you’ve spent time with earlier Voiture models, but the major change happens under the hood. Instead of the usual Seiko meca-quartz movement, these new releases are powered by the Peacock SL-4801 automatic column-wheel chronograph movement, which features 41 jewels, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and offers up to 55 hours of power reserve. It’s a significant mechanical upgrade for Nezumi Voiture — and the price reflects it—with the VM2 coming in at €1,029 (approximately US$1,202), roughly double the price of previous Voiture chronographs.
Maystone Skybreaker
If you’re bored of seeing motorsport-inspired colour palettes and aviation themes on chronographs, perhaps there’s something new for you: a chronograph inspired by birds of prey. Yes, that’s right—not just any birds, but specifically birds of prey. So, if you happen to have a pet eagle or owl and want to track the elapsed time from the moment it takes flight until it returns to you, this could be an appropriate chronograph for you 🙂
The Skybreaker from British microbrand Maystone is set to launch on 8 September 2026. It’s a triple-register chronograph powered by the Seiko VK63 meca-quartz movement, housed in a 40 mm case and offered in three colourways, each inspired by colours found in different birds of prey. For those who back the Kickstarter launch, the Skybreaker also looks to be a very affordable proposition. You can find pricing and more details, and follow the upcoming launch on Kickstarter.
Closing Notes
There you go—a few more curated independent and microbrand watch releases from August 2026. But that’s not all for this month. In fact, I’ve just heard about two more watches being released soon. They’ll be featured in another roundup in the coming week. Stay tuned!
