Photos: Marnaut, Newton Au, Hrvoje Golubić

Marnaut is a Croatian watch microbrand, inspired by the sea urchin’s test (shell) and the natural beauty of Croatia.

In recent years, consumers have increasingly started to gravitate towards brands that break away from the standards of mass-produced luxury watches. So-called microbrands have become one of the fastest growing segments in the mechanical watch market, attracting a niche, yet exceptionally passionate customer base.

Microbrand watches usually come from smaller, independent companies that produce limited series, unlike global corporations. This allows for greater focus on design and quality of production, offering customers watches with a unique visual identity, remarkable features and, often, more affordable prices. It is precisely this combination of innovation, individuality and exceptional craftsmanship that is making microbrands increasingly popular among watch enthusiasts.

One of such brands is the Croatian Marnaut, started in 2018 by Mario Jutronić. The name is a portmanteau of the words mare and naut, perfectly reflecting the source of Jutronić’s inspiration and connection to the sea. Mare, the Latin word for the sea, and naut, the Greek word denoting a sailor, are combined into a name that evokes maritime tradition and love for the Adriatic.

Jutronić grew up between Hong Kong and Japan, where he developed his passion for watches, especially those of the Seiko brand, whose collection he still treasures and cares for to this day. But he has equally been formed by his childhood on the Adriatic coast, where he spent hours diving in the crystal clear sea around the island of Brač. His vision combined his fascination with diving watches with the source of inspiration found in the nature – sea urchins.