As usual, top notch, to the point review. Agree that's it's a very good looking watch, but I have to agree with previous Addiesdive commenters, that logo isn't good. Steeldive can just about get away with it, but on a sports/dress watch, I'm not so sure. I think the Chinese manufacturers will go through years of denial and pain before agreeing that branding is important. Maybe Christopher Ward should sell their services what with all their experience in that field.
Hey John. I absolutely love your honest review of this Addiesdive GS homage watch. One thing, I would recommend is more outdoor footage with the camera because your indoor footage makes the bezel, hands, indicies, and bracelet look as though they are yellow gold pvd coated. No disrespect to you, but your indoor lighting, plus wood colored ceiling makes all of the aforementioned look gold, whilst the dial look British Racing Green. Cheer, Jay. You have the only review of this watch on YT. I ordered the white/silver dial version of this model. The black dial looks green to me in your indoor reviews. I know it is black for sure. Excellent review John. Keep up the good content
Sorry buddy that I could not cater for your lighting. In Scotland we don't get the best of weather. You will see if you look at my other videos that I pretty much do more footage outdoors than others. That day it was not possible :(
Hey John. Thank you for your response. I have to apologize to you because I jumped down your throat about the lighting in your video. For that, I am sorry, sir. I did want to thank you for this video, since you are the only youtuber, to publish a video of the Ad 2029. I loved the silver dial so much that I also went ahead and purchased the black dial version. I have to let you know that the black dial version, in many different lighting scenarios, makes the indicies and hand appear to be almost rose gold. I absolutely love both versions of this watch. I think that the blue color AR coating causes the dial to look the deepest sunburst blue, whilst shifting the hands and indicies to appear, gold, rose gold, and even platinum under certain lighting conditions. Thank you for reviewing it here for the masses. I am looking forward to more of your straightforward reviews. Cheers, mate.
Excellent review of an excellent watch. I'm really liking the newer releases from Addiesdive. I've got my eye on this one and one of the blue textured dial offerings as well. Keep up the great work, you're motivating me to make more videos and grow my own channel. Cheers from Naples, Italy.
Nothing wrong with this watch, especially at these prices, I tend to look at the cheaper watches as fun, even if the polishing was rough or poor choice of crystal there really isn't much out there to buy for that sort of money, top vid mate
I had a very similar looking Seiko watch that I purchased in the 1970’s for about $70 . I remember looking at the original Seiko Willard watch in an Army PX store in 1971 as a young paratrooper for $95 but decided not to buy it because that was actually a lot of money for a watch back then. 😢
Great review. Thanks. In some places I saw the diameter is 36. Are there 2 versions of this watch or is one measurement with the crown, 39, and without the crown, 36????
Hi . You are talking about the AD2023 which is 36 mm and looks similar. If you go into my Addiesdive playlist you will find it. It is titled the best grab and go watch in AliExpress :)
Hi John. Did you keep this one for a while or move it on quickly? If you kept it for a while, how did you feel about it in the long term? I'm thinking of getting it, the crystal is one thing that has hold me back, but I I'd like to know your final impressions after you did the review. Best regards (and sorry for my English, it's not my native language)
I did keep it for a few months and wore it daily. Remember Sapphire crystal on cheaper watches is a relatively new thing. Most of the watches I have owned have had mineral crystals. I still have them with no issues! 🙂
@@johnswatchjoint thanks John. Your insight is very valuable, just thinking that you handle so many watches at some point or other, that gives us peace of mind. Have a great evening or morning
I enjoy the San Martin watches and wish the Rich would stop slamming them. Not everyone can afford to drop 1000 dollars on a watch. Great video! I enjoy shopping on Watchdives and find them to offer more then you pay for.
I think the rich are rather angry because of watches like these. It shows the Swiss watch industry up. This is a gorgeous understated piece. Must stop and resist buying watches 😂
Good review, thanks. My blue dialed Addies Explorer homage feels a bit light, and it put me a bit on the fence with Addiesdive. I suspect coated steel as opposed to 316? I obviously have no proof but my Benyar Milgauss is coated, and the two feel similar. Hoping I'm not right, and appreciate the quality info!
I wouldn't totally agree with that. They have been using two logos on and off for a while. They retain the spear fisherman for their divers and that's fine but it does look out of place on their 37 mm sand dune models so they have gone for text now. It is better but they still have a branding exercise to do.
It's a classic design. Reminds me of the watches my dad wore in the 70s. It looks to me like the end links are a different length from the lugs? Does that bother you? That jumped out at me. In prefer them to be the same length
No it helps to maintain a lovely drop from the lugs to the wrist. It's a stunning watch for the price. Would I prefer Sapphire?... possibly but it's not a deal-breaker as this would be the archetypal occasional use piece for functions or meals or of course a desk diver in the office :)
What are the differences between this and the blue/white textured dial which is a bit cheaper and has saphire crystal,to justify its higher price? I dont get it?
I understand your question but this watch has the seiko NH35 automatic movement inside which is a far more expensive movement. It also has a completely different case with larger dimensions. The crystal though mineral is a stunner too. Hope this helps :)
the blue water dial has a Nh35a this has a Nh35a , the blue water also identical size according to addies Case diameter: 39mm (excluding crown)Case length: 48mm (total length from top to bottom) apart from the blue dial is 1.4mm thicker so imo not much difference at all apart from it always seems more expensive for less. @@johnswatchjointBlue dial also states has a ten year warranty vs a 2 for the 2029( for what its worth)
I do beg your pardon I was looking at the AD2030 VH31 and thought that was what you were referring to. So in answer to your question I would have to ask how long is a piece of string? The selling price could be to do with moving surplus stock as the economy in China is just as bad if not worse than here...hence all the sales :)
yes it seems to occupy a strange spot in the line, which has put me off buying it,my father loves the Omiwatari homage,and he always had Seiko for every day wear ,thanks for the great reviews.🖖 @@johnswatchjoint
a really nice watch and the proportions are right, but the watch glass protrudes, which looks great, but is therefore very prone to scratches. Why only mineral glass is installed there remains a mystery to me. It's better to pay a little more for sapphire glass, but you get something for that, but unfortunately it's not a watch for me. The same applies to the ad2030, also protruding glass but only mineral glass. That's really a pity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you are enjoying steel/ addiesdive watches. Yeah the history is very interesting stuff. I think for most normal people the quality is very good. To pay for a prime product over this really makes no sense. I'm sorry but I like watches that a good watches. I was going to buy a Longines years ago. I decided that it would be better to get good watches of quality with different flavors than one watch. Then I get watches from different countries with different looks and I spread my money on various companies who I really like. No mechanic touches my car. No lumberjack is needed either. I fix my own stuff and like it over something that I can't touch. Making your own watch is better than any rolex. No human beings touch a rolex. It's a big bread maker. Grand seiko is worth it but I don't need a car price tag. Its want and need. Oops I'm waffling sorry 😊
That’s a seriously nice looking watch. I was interested in the silver dial, but I have to pass because of the mineral glass. I know I will scratch it in a matter of days… thanks for the great review as always.
@@johnswatchjointI am a little confused because they have a very similar watch AD2118 which is equally brilliant and the same price, but that one has a sapphire. 🤷🏻♂️
Sorry...you are misinformed. YOU pay taxes at checkout. Prices quoted on Ali do not include taxes or duty that is why I make the disclaimer. You put it in your basket, deduct all your coupons and discounts and then an adjustment is made via PayPal when you pay. AliExpress would never pay your taxes for you! Just so we are clear. Also how it is handled is dependent on the price of goods and which country you live in.
If this had the VH31 movement then I would be buying one despite their terrible logo and overly long name standing out on dark dial. Hopefully people who buy one do not end up with a hopelessly, and inconsistently, inaccurate watch like i did when i bought an AD2112....
This isn't a dress watch, it's more of a sports watch than can function as a dress watch. It is a really nice-looking watch. I'm digging the bracelet. But shame about the mineral, it's a pass sadly.
no logo is terrible. Especially on a non-diver watch They need to get a western branding company to help them come up with a name and logo. It shouldn't cost too much. I have bought some of these chinese microbrands before. The problem with them is they are almost impossible to shift on ebay after you've enjoyed them (or not). I like to sell my unused watches that dont get wrist time onto ebay. My seikos sell almost within the day I list them. Put a fair BIN price and they disappear. These hruodland, addisdive, heimdallr, rdunae, cadisen etc just dont shift, They are terrible to pronounce, have no meaning and the sounds they make might be OK to Chinese years, but to English ears they just sound like grunts. I no longer fall for cheap watches, they have no secondary market, and if you buy one and you dont like it, you have to take a big loss on it to get it off to someone elese.
I'm sorry you can't seem to sell them but it's what I do on eBay after review and I don't have any problems selling them here in the UK. I spend time on good photos and descriptions and price them fairly and have no issues. The worst one I had was a Rmalti but even that sold within three weeks). You have to remember these watches are not routinely sold on the world market. We are now simply yapping into an Asian market where the logos are reversed. Perfect example is Proxima with the Unicorn logo. That is their signature :)
Great review. Thank you.
Hope it helped. Seldom am I lost for words. The watch does all the talking here :)
@johnswatchjoint If I were to make one small change, I'd drop the logo and have an applied Addiesdive name only.
@@matthewward3854 💯
They should do away with the logo and the lettering should not be so bright white. Otherwise a very nice watch. Their branding ruins it a bit
This is a watch that I would have passed by from the image alone, but seeing it in video looks way better. Great every day watch
As usual, top notch, to the point review. Agree that's it's a very good looking watch, but I have to agree with previous Addiesdive commenters, that logo isn't good. Steeldive can just about get away with it, but on a sports/dress watch, I'm not so sure. I think the Chinese manufacturers will go through years of denial and pain before agreeing that branding is important. Maybe Christopher Ward should sell their services what with all their experience in that field.
Got to say John, that looks awesome on the wrist. Yes the logo is definitely polorizing, but a very tempting watch at that price!
I was really lost for words. Stunning piece for the price.
Lovely looking dressy sports watch. I do wish they would change the logo. Hope they bring out a smaller version 37/38mm would be a winner.
I have reviewed a couple of smaller Addiesdive on similar style recently...just check back. Becoming a fan of this brand.
Exactly, like the gs sbgt037. 39 too big
Hey John. I absolutely love your honest review of this Addiesdive GS homage watch. One thing, I would recommend is more outdoor footage with the camera because your indoor footage makes the bezel, hands, indicies, and bracelet look as though they are yellow gold pvd coated. No disrespect to you, but your indoor lighting, plus wood colored ceiling makes all of the aforementioned look gold, whilst the dial look British Racing Green. Cheer, Jay. You have the only review of this watch on YT. I ordered the white/silver dial version of this model. The black dial looks green to me in your indoor reviews. I know it is black for sure. Excellent review John. Keep up the good content
Sorry buddy that I could not cater for your lighting. In Scotland we don't get the best of weather. You will see if you look at my other videos that I pretty much do more footage outdoors than others. That day it was not possible :(
Hey John. Thank you for your response. I have to apologize to you because I jumped down your throat about the lighting in your video. For that, I am sorry, sir. I did want to thank you for this video, since you are the only youtuber, to publish a video of the Ad 2029. I loved the silver dial so much that I also went ahead and purchased the black dial version. I have to let you know that the black dial version, in many different lighting scenarios, makes the indicies and hand appear to be almost rose gold. I absolutely love both versions of this watch. I think that the blue color AR coating causes the dial to look the deepest sunburst blue, whilst shifting the hands and indicies to appear, gold, rose gold, and even platinum under certain lighting conditions. Thank you for reviewing it here for the masses. I am looking forward to more of your straightforward reviews. Cheers, mate.
Excellent review of an excellent watch. I'm really liking the newer releases from Addiesdive. I've got my eye on this one and one of the blue textured dial offerings as well. Keep up the great work, you're motivating me to make more videos and grow my own channel. Cheers from Naples, Italy.
Hi buddy and thanks for watching. As they say in this business... don't think, just do ;)
Nothing wrong with this watch, especially at these prices, I tend to look at the cheaper watches as fun, even if the polishing was rough or poor choice of crystal there really isn't much out there to buy for that sort of money, top vid mate
Cheers my friend.
I had a very similar looking Seiko watch that I purchased in the 1970’s for about $70 . I remember looking at the original Seiko Willard watch in an Army PX store in 1971 as a young paratrooper for $95 but decided not to buy it because that was actually a lot of money for a watch back then. 😢
We all make decisions that we look back on but never dwell... appreciate all the good decisions you've made since :)
Like you, I’m a big fan of the brand, this is a belter, just ordered the sand dial one, £55 all in…
Great deal!
I do like the hands and dial despite the logo, nice review 👍
Thanks
I have a OEM sarb033 dial....I wonder if it fits into this watch at 30.5mm. The dial has the chapter ring permanently attached .
Dunno!?
It looks just like a late 1950s R*lex reference 1500 down to The dauphine hands and Jub*lee bracelet, but 39mm🥰
It is a stunner. I love what Addiesdive are doing just now!
Great review. Thanks. In some places I saw the diameter is 36. Are there 2 versions of this watch or is one measurement with the crown, 39, and without the crown, 36????
Hi . You are talking about the AD2023 which is 36 mm and looks similar. If you go into my Addiesdive playlist you will find it. It is titled the best grab and go watch in AliExpress :)
@@johnswatchjoint thank you. I will do so.
Hi John. Did you keep this one for a while or move it on quickly? If you kept it for a while, how did you feel about it in the long term? I'm thinking of getting it, the crystal is one thing that has hold me back, but I I'd like to know your final impressions after you did the review.
Best regards (and sorry for my English, it's not my native language)
I did keep it for a few months and wore it daily. Remember Sapphire crystal on cheaper watches is a relatively new thing. Most of the watches I have owned have had mineral crystals. I still have them with no issues! 🙂
@@johnswatchjoint thanks John. Your insight is very valuable, just thinking that you handle so many watches at some point or other, that gives us peace of mind. Have a great evening or morning
No problem. Glad I could help 😃
Beatiful watch John. How are you enjoying your cabin?
I love it
I enjoy the San Martin watches and wish the Rich would stop slamming them. Not everyone can afford to drop 1000 dollars on a watch. Great video! I enjoy shopping on Watchdives and find them to offer more then you pay for.
Well said!
I think the rich are rather angry because of watches like these. It shows the Swiss watch industry up. This is a gorgeous understated piece. Must stop and resist buying watches 😂
Good review, thanks. My blue dialed Addies Explorer homage feels a bit light, and it put me a bit on the fence with Addiesdive. I suspect coated steel as opposed to 316? I obviously have no proof but my Benyar Milgauss is coated, and the two feel similar. Hoping I'm not right, and appreciate the quality info!
I have heard about the Benyar issue but I am reliably informed that this is indeed 316L :)
@@johnswatchjoint Good to know, thanks. It is a great looking watch.
I like the logo.... It makes sense with the name....It's those who are ashamed of having a Chinese watch who don't want a logo.
I wouldn't totally agree with that. They have been using two logos on and off for a while. They retain the spear fisherman for their divers and that's fine but it does look out of place on their 37 mm sand dune models so they have gone for text now. It is better but they still have a branding exercise to do.
It's a classic design. Reminds me of the watches my dad wore in the 70s. It looks to me like the end links are a different length from the lugs? Does that bother you? That jumped out at me. In prefer them to be the same length
No it helps to maintain a lovely drop from the lugs to the wrist. It's a stunning watch for the price. Would I prefer Sapphire?... possibly but it's not a deal-breaker as this would be the archetypal occasional use piece for functions or meals or of course a desk diver in the office :)
What are the differences between this and the blue/white textured dial which is a bit cheaper and has saphire crystal,to justify its higher price? I dont get it?
I understand your question but this watch has the seiko NH35 automatic movement inside which is a far more expensive movement. It also has a completely different case with larger dimensions. The crystal though mineral is a stunner too. Hope this helps :)
the blue water dial has a Nh35a this has a Nh35a , the blue water also identical size according to addies Case diameter: 39mm (excluding crown)Case length: 48mm (total length from top to bottom) apart from the blue dial is 1.4mm thicker so imo not much difference at all apart from it always seems more expensive for less. @@johnswatchjointBlue dial also states has a ten year warranty vs a 2 for the 2029( for what its worth)
I do beg your pardon I was looking at the AD2030 VH31 and thought that was what you were referring to. So in answer to your question I would have to ask how long is a piece of string? The selling price could be to do with moving surplus stock as the economy in China is just as bad if not worse than here...hence all the sales :)
yes it seems to occupy a strange spot in the line, which has put me off buying it,my father loves the Omiwatari homage,and he always had Seiko for every day wear ,thanks for the great reviews.🖖 @@johnswatchjoint
The poor man GS sbgt037 ❤❤❤ (or Sarb 033)
Exactly....but on a budget it is pretty impressive 😉
I think it's smart over poor
The size, dial and hands are reminiscent of a Seiko Sarb 033.... which are a bit pricey now as they are discontinued.
Spot on :)
Lovely watch but I tend to think more suited to bigger wrists. Shame they've missed out the Depthmaster text on this watch. 😉
My wrist is small at 6.75 inch and it wore perfectly so I think it will work even for 6.5 inch too ;)
a really nice watch and the proportions are right, but the watch glass protrudes, which looks great, but is therefore very prone to scratches.
Why only mineral glass is installed there remains a mystery to me.
It's better to pay a little more for sapphire glass, but you get something for that, but unfortunately it's not a watch for me.
The same applies to the ad2030, also protruding glass but only mineral glass. That's really a pity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reminds me of the sarb033 from Seiko
This is a stunning watch. I wish it wasn't Chinese made though.
I would be happy to stretch a little extra for a Japanese made Seiko.
I own both, addiesdive and other brands such a steeldive and San Martin give Seiko a run for its money 😂
I hope you are enjoying steel/ addiesdive watches. Yeah the history is very interesting stuff.
I think for most normal people the quality is very good. To pay for a prime product over this really makes no sense.
I'm sorry but I like watches that a good watches. I was going to buy a Longines years ago. I decided that it would be better to get good watches of quality with different flavors than one watch.
Then I get watches from different countries with different looks and I spread my money on various companies who I really like.
No mechanic touches my car. No lumberjack is needed either.
I fix my own stuff and like it over something that I can't touch.
Making your own watch is better than any rolex. No human beings touch a rolex. It's a big bread maker.
Grand seiko is worth it but I don't need a car price tag.
Its want and need.
Oops I'm waffling sorry 😊
No worries buddy!
If it had a sapphire crystal i would buy but mineral no thanks for that kind of money.🤔
That’s a seriously nice looking watch. I was interested in the silver dial, but I have to pass because of the mineral glass. I know I will scratch it in a matter of days… thanks for the great review as always.
Thanks Albert. I was very surprised by this offering. For a mineral crystal the clarity is astonishing!
@@johnswatchjointI am a little confused because they have a very similar watch AD2118 which is equally brilliant and the same price, but that one has a sapphire. 🤷🏻♂️
FYI
Ali express pay all taxes before shipping so you never pay tax with them.
Sorry...you are misinformed. YOU pay taxes at checkout. Prices quoted on Ali do not include taxes or duty that is why I make the disclaimer. You put it in your basket, deduct all your coupons and discounts and then an adjustment is made via PayPal when you pay. AliExpress would never pay your taxes for you! Just so we are clear. Also how it is handled is dependent on the price of goods and which country you live in.
Looks like the vintages Seiko 6119
If this had the VH31 movement then I would be buying one despite their terrible logo and overly long name standing out on dark dial.
Hopefully people who buy one do not end up with a hopelessly, and inconsistently, inaccurate watch like i did when i bought an AD2112....
Sometimes you get rogue movements. I have had a few directly from Seiko!
Domed mineral will scatch up really easily. Great looking watch, but unfortunately a pass.
Fair enough!
This isn't a dress watch, it's more of a sports watch than can function as a dress watch. It is a really nice-looking watch. I'm digging the bracelet. But shame about the mineral, it's a pass sadly.
no logo is terrible. Especially on a non-diver watch
They need to get a western branding company to help them come up with a name and logo. It shouldn't cost too much. I have bought some of these chinese microbrands before. The problem with them is they are almost impossible to shift on ebay after you've enjoyed them (or not). I like to sell my unused watches that dont get wrist time onto ebay.
My seikos sell almost within the day I list them. Put a fair BIN price and they disappear. These hruodland, addisdive, heimdallr, rdunae, cadisen etc just dont shift, They are terrible to pronounce, have no meaning and the sounds they make might be OK to Chinese years, but to English ears they just sound like grunts.
I no longer fall for cheap watches, they have no secondary market, and if you buy one and you dont like it, you have to take a big loss on it to get it off to someone elese.
I'm sorry you can't seem to sell them but it's what I do on eBay after review and I don't have any problems selling them here in the UK. I spend time on good photos and descriptions and price them fairly and have no issues. The worst one I had was a Rmalti but even that sold within three weeks). You have to remember these watches are not routinely sold on the world market. We are now simply yapping into an Asian market where the logos are reversed. Perfect example is Proxima with the Unicorn logo. That is their signature :)