I've looked for cheap alternatives but they've all been 'successful': with some negative reviews. I'm more than glad I didn't order any of these. The look seems to fit the Mitutoyo name. I won't be using it for a while but after a quick inspection it has a very smooth run and ratchet and no scratches. almost perfect with the part fitted. I also compared the accuracy to Mitutoyo's absolute digital calipers - while they can be accurate, they can be so accurate that they don't always repeat exactly depending on the angle at which they're held. However, the difference between them was only the thickness of the line on the barrel of the micrometer.