Serica: The Microbrand That’s Quietly Becoming Every Watch Nerd’s Secret Obsession
There are watch brands that scream for attention. Then there are brands like Serica — brands that whisper to those in the know. Brands that do things their way, with quiet confidence, knowing that true style doesn’t need to shout.
Founded in 2019, Serica is the kind of microbrand that makes collectors lean in a little closer. French in spirit, Swiss in build, and unapologetically old-school in inspiration, Serica is making some of the most thoughtful, design-forward tool watches on the market today. And let’s get this out of the way: they’re one of my personal favourites right now. Everything they produce oozes taste — the kind of taste that doesn’t care about trends, just timeless cool.
Let’s break down their arsenal, collection by collection, and pick the standout piece from each.
Credit - Serica
Serica 6190 — The Field Watch, Perfected - £865
The 6190 was Serica’s debut — a field watch distilled to its purest form. It channels the spirit of WWII-era timepieces, but with the kind of clean, modern execution that makes it just as at home in 2025 as it would’ve been on a Normandy beach in 1944.
✅ What makes it special?
38mm case (sweet spot for vintage vibes)
M100 COSC automatic movement
Screw-down crown + 200m water resistance (go ahead, take it anywhere)
No-frills, hyper-legible dial — available in three classic variants
✅ Best pick: 6190 Commando Black Dial
The Commando variant is the ultimate expression of minimalism-meets-military — crisp numerals, stark white-on-black contrast, and no unnecessary frills. It’s the kind of watch that pairs as well with selvedge denim as it does with a dinner jacket.
Credit - Serica
Serica 5303 — The Dive Watch, Reimagined - £1300
When Serica took on the dive watch, they didn’t copy-paste a Submariner or Fifty Fathoms. The 5303 is distinctive — with its signature twin-scale bezel (elapsed time + decompression scale), glossy dial options, and slim, elegant case profile.
✅ What makes it special?
39mm case (classic proportions with modern robustness)
Ceramic bezel insert that’s equal parts art deco and tool watch
300m water resistance — yes, it’s a proper diver
M100 COSC automatic movement
Optional brushed steel bonklip bracelet (pure character)
✅ Best pick: 5303-3 White Dial / Black Bezel
This is the one. The creamy white dial brings a level of sophistication that most dive watches can only dream of. The black bezel adds just the right contrast, while the whole package feels fresh, clean, and wearable anywhere.
Credit - Serica
Serica 8315 GMT Chronomètre — The Globetrotter’s Choice - £1650
The 8315 GMT is Serica’s newest creation — and arguably their most ambitious. This is Serica doing travel time their way: a GMT that refuses to be generic.
✅ What makes it special?
39mm case with elegant tapering lugs
Independent 24-hour hand for proper traveller’s GMT function
Chronometer-certified Soprod movement
Bi-directional 24-hour bezel for added versatility
Signature minimal Serica dial aesthetics — no date clutter, no fuss
✅ Best pick: 8315 GMT Black Sand Dial / Steel Bezel
The black sand dial oozes subtle character, with its grainy texture catching the light in all the right ways. Paired with the steel bezel, it’s a GMT that flies under the radar but rewards closer inspection.
Why Serica Is a Brand Worth Your Time (and Wrist Space)
What makes Serica stand out isn’t just the design, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s the philosophy. Each piece they release feels like it was made for people who love watches — people who obsess over the feel of a crown, the shape of a lug, the texture of a dial.
There’s no unnecessary branding. No shouty logos. Just beautifully thought-out, mechanically sound watches that feel like they were designed to last decades, not just seasons. And there’s a sincerity to Serica’s approach that’s rare in today’s sea of microbrands chasing the next Instagram trend.
✅ They build watches you can wear daily — and still admire daily.
✅ Their designs nod to the past without being slaves to it.
✅ They’re independent, uncompromising, and refreshingly unpretentious.
If you’re looking for a watch that makes you smile every time you glance at your wrist — and that tells the world you value substance over flash — Serica is absolutely a brand to consider.
Final Word: Serica, The Connoisseur’s Microbrand
Whether you’re after a faithful field watch, a distinctive diver, or a GMT that does things a little differently, Serica offers something rare: watches with soul. They’re not trying to be everything to everyone — they’re just trying to be excellent. And that’s exactly why they’re one of my favourite brands right now.
If you’re considering adding a Serica to your collection? I say go for it. Your wrist (and your future self) will thank you.