If you’re ever climbing a mountain with an explorer or explorer-esque watch then don’t forget to put it in a deep pocket for the duration of the climb and never take it out, just to reproduce that original Everest experience.
@@kibavlood5826 Funny enough Kai from Watchvice released a video today, in which he compares the Tudor Black Bay 36 with the Rolex Explorer ruclips.net/video/FCAE9s1tZW0/видео.html
I was really on board with the Ten Eleven Nine, until I heard the price tag. A better value alternative would be the Sinn 556A, made in German with similar movement and better crown. Cheers
Traska Summiteer, my favorite watch. The steel is coated so that it's extremely scratch resistant (something that Swiss brands really need to do) and the bracelet is fantastic. I do have the launch exclusive black dial with silver seconds hand, which I think is the much better than the stock variants.
I recommend embracing the scratches and just live with them. I wear my Rolex nearly daily. It’s a beautiful watch I enjoy almost daily. The truth is that a homage watch simply will not provide me (and perhaps others as well) with the satisfaction. If one can’t afford or doesn’t want to spend thousands on a watch, there are plenty of Seikos, hamiltons, Casios and so on.
Update I picked up my 36mm Zeno Super Precision with the AS movement and it is exactly as you described it. It is such a great little watch, I can’t thank you enough for introducing this watch to me. I absolutely love mine.
I was very lucky to pick one up on ebay a few months ago. It was even the new version with the crown logo on the rivet bracelet. It was a crazy auction, the lot had like 70 followers. I lost sleep over it, but I have it now. Completely worth the hassle.
@George Grasser The 556 is without competition anywhere in the world. I showed mine to my German friend who is not into watches and I could see the pride in his eyes when he handled the watch. My father always used to say that the Germans always make good stuff and it's 100% true.
Very good comment. I just discovered that watch in the Blogs and hope to buy one within a year. Not really a homage, yet the umistakable stamp of the Explorer written all over it. You can wear this watch in any environment; with a suit, casual clothing, like jeans, swimming, etc... It is an incredibly versatile quality time piece in the pefect size. It screams sublte class all the way.
Germany makes great watches, maybe Tim should feature them more often. I have a Nomos dress watch, the Sinn 556 and a Laco flieger. Lange someday? A boy can dream...
With the components and assembled and regulated in Germany probably a little more, even close to1000€ - after all it has similar magic juice to Sinn and they are a smaller company with less economies of scale. But it’s going to be hard to pull 1800€ - only Monta managed to pull that. For 1800€ I would get a Sinn.
I’d say nearer a thousand but if they’d tried harder to move away from a Rolex case and bracelet and picked a high grade SW200 they could easily double that.
In my humble opinion, a Rolex IS a beater watch. Probably the most quality one there is but if you baby it you're missing the point. I use my explorer 2 for all activities except for the beach due to its rather slim 100 metre water resistance. But if you're not prepared to use a Rolex as a beater, you're not the one who should wear a Rolex.. just my two cents.
That last sentence sums up what has happened to Rolex. It has become a fashion item for the wealthy, which continues to drive the price up and out of the reach of the working man that needed a great tool watch.
@@tonyrome655 that almost hurts to read. But we shouldn't forget that nobody NEEDS an automatic watch today. But if you really want a Rolex: they don't seem to ever lose value. So maybe rather spend a little more of something you don't lose than less of something you will?
Ohh, Tim - I forgot. This may be a little out of left field for you, but Tisell make a direct copy of the 39mm Rolex Explorer 214270 mkII. It's well finished, has a good bracelet with screw links and a glide-lock clasp. The dial is finished in gloss enamel and the indicies & arabics are filled with decent BW9 lume. It runs a Miyota 90s5 mov't and has a screw down crown and 100m WR. $235USD. I bought it to get a feel for the 'real thing' and was ᴠᴇʀʏ impressed by the ᴀᴍᴏᴜɴᴛ of watch you get for your $. It makes a great beater - but it is a direct facsimile of the current Rolex Explorer and not a neo-vintange piece which seems to be more your style. Thought it was worth mentioning here for you and others who may be interested. Cheers. Anthony.
I was going to suggest the Tisell, but thought it was maybe a little too down-scale for Tim. I have one and wear it a lot. It doesn't feel quite as nice as a Time Factors product, but it looks fine and has run reliably for almost 2 years.
@@scottparis6355 I thought the same thing - Tim's more of a neo-vintange guy, so the Smiths is a better fit (I would imagine?). But I was so impressed with what arrived for $250USD or so I thought I would mention it in case anyone else is interested. Do you have a 36mm 114270 copy or a 39mm 214270 copy? I picked one up to get a feel for the 39mm 214270 Explorer. I loved it immediately. I understand that it's difficult to compare the 2 watches, but size and dimensions wise (except for the crown) it's an absolute facsimile. The second I put the Tisell on wrist it felt like it belonged there. I can only assume that I would feel a deeper version of that upon putting on the real thing. I haven't actually experienced a Smiths Everest on wrist. Having a +/- 8“ wrist I was worried that the 44mm lug to lug of the 36mm version wouldn't have enough presence on my wrist and I decided against the 40mm version (when it was still available) because I thought the proportions to be off. I sorta regret that now. 🤷♂️ I am going to grab a Smiths Navigator from Time Factors in the new year. I prefer smaller pieces and the 36mm X 47mm case will work well. I'm actually stoked to finally find a 36mm piece that I can wear! - and the Mk11 styling is right in my wheelhouse. Cheers, Anthony.
@@anthonysmith2982 Mine is the 39mm, because that's all that was available. For an Explorer clone, I'd actually prefer the 36mm, even though my wrist is about 20cm/8 in too. (I went through the 44mm watch phase like everyone else a few years ago, but have come to appreciate smaller watches lately.) I'm looking at several of the Time Factors watches now, can't decide.
Thanks, Tim. Great video comparison. I actually have the Smiths 25W, the "polar" version of the 25. I understand that traditionalists may want an exact homage and so prefer the 25, but I have to tell you that the white dial version of that is gorgeous and is available on the site (you still have to wait till the store is open, though). Speaking of which, I've had no problems buying from the store on both occassions I've made purchases. The key is to be ready the second (literally) the store opens and have your fingers on the button. I've sailed through easily both times. I now have four Smiths (one original), three from Time Factors (one bought used). Great watches and very reasonable prices.
I've tried building my own affordable homage, and I have to say the acquiring parts and putting it together has been thrilling. There is always room for improvements so there is the option for my "homemade" watches to evolve, and like I said the whole process is thrilling
Yep. I knew it. I talked to those guys on Instagram about the truth beauty love thing. Told them it would be an absolute deal breaker for me. But I was met with a very nice , but firm reply that this was their mantra or something 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ great video as always Tim !
@@markcassels6684, yes, I know. But I've been lucky three times, always from the first try. Will pause for now till next year when Eddie's first chronograph hits the store :)
I think Rolex is pushing Tudor to be the older Rolex, which offers Tool and Office watches for relatively affordable prices. Rolex is trying to climb up the upper echelon of horology, and they did with the hype and marketing strategy, their watches are good, but not AP, Patek, nor VC good. That Smiths watch is always sold out, you have to be a digital ninja to go buy it directly when you get the email :D
Abdul R Watches 100% agree. Rolex saw other watchmakers snapping at their heels, especially Omega, so the re-introduced Tudor with a VERY good in house movement and a wide range of styles. They then cut back on Rolex production, to push them further into the Veblen stratosphere. Now buyers decide between Tudor and Omega. They have little hope of getting a Rolex. In the next move in the strategic market realignment, Rolex will in increase prices.
Agree in part, Rolex makes better engineered watches than any of the Holy Trinity, but the watches are not hand made, not as well finished and they make sport/tool watches in a luxury style style which the big 3 are rushing to catch up. Rolex is in a class of its own.
I bought a new GMT Master in 1980, for 600 pounds. It was a present to myself for finishing a one year contract in the Middle East. I wore it every day for 20 years, and gave it a hard time. It survived several car crashes, including one 3x end over end. It survived the Australian Army., assault courses, exercises etc. It did 10 years rock climbing in Australia. It went diving all over Asia. It flew hundreds of thousands of miles every year. It sat on my wrist in boardrooms and bedrooms. Bargirl after bargirl slept on my arm, listening to its rhythmic tick. I ripped the whole bezel assembly off pulling a guy out of a burning car in Jakarta. At least I think thats when I lost it, I was drunk and didn’t notice until the next day. I treated it rough and it survived. I had it serviced once, mainly to replace the missing bezel. It was on my wrist when I got married and when I got divorced. It was my best friend. I replaced it in 1999 with a new Explorer Polar. I treated that a lot better. I was older and had slowed down, and it was much more expensive. I still wore it for diving across Asia and the Pacific, I wore it in boardrooms. I wore it in hotel bedrooms, but usually alone. No crashes, no bar room fights. No using it as collateral in silly bets. I wore it every day for a few years, then bought a few other Rolex watches - a Yachtmaster, a Datejust, an Air-King, a few vintage models. The Polar was not my best friend, it was a good watch. In 2016 I bought a Submariner No Date Ceramic. It lives in its box in a drawer. I wear it a few times a month, some months not at all. I wear a titanium Citizen diver when I need a sports watch. The Sub isn’t my best friend, it isn’t a good watch, its an investment. I wish I could go back to adjusting my GMT as we land in Bangkok, looking forward to business meetings, then hitting the bars and clubs, wild drunken rides in uninsured rust bucket taxis with a beautiful girl and s Rolex on my arm. But I was younger and Rolex were cheaper back then.
You should just about be able to swap that seldom worn 114060 for a decent 1980 vintage 16750 (with bezel) even up. Given this approach, you and your “best friend“ wristwatch could get reacquainted. Thereafter, you can wear it each and every day and revel in the fact that it will likely serve you well over the course of the next 40-odd years.
@@tap2262 I have seriously thought about that. I know the guy who now owns it, and I could offer him my Sub in exchange. But here is the problem: Even with the watch it won’t be the same. The Asian Tiger Economies have long gone, and many Asians now have MBAs and a finance background. They don’t need me. I don’t think they ever really did. The girls - I ran into one a few years ago. The beautiful slim sexy girl who danced naked on the bar to make me laugh - she is now married, 3 children, fat, and wrinkled. She is just as lovely, but different. Tanamur, the oldest and best nightclub in Asia has long gone, Juliana’s Tokyo has gone, Oscars has gone. They have all gone. And I am an old man now. I will never party all night, take a girl to breakfast, then get a cab straight to a meeting. Wearing a GMT again would spoil my memories. indonesiaexpat.biz/featured/tanamur-long-gone-but-not-forgotten/
I think they may have problems with those 3 little words, so I asked a friend for their immediate reaction. 'Aw! For F*ck's Sake!' was the response, which I thought was a bit much from a Lutheran Priest; but I guess she knows her own mind.
The problem with Smiths Watches now is that the next batch is going to come after the UK exits the single market...so we'll have to do all of that customs paperwork and pay VAT on them....I really want to buy a PRS29 and I think I will but it sucks that there are gonna be extra steps involved...I wish I ordered one before
Have you heard of the Seiko SZSB006, aka tic-tac? It is a special edition of Seiko, another one, that looks very similar to the prototype you showed today: numbers 12 and 6, Explorer style and black dial. But with cathedral hands, a date at 3 o'clock and unfortunately in a larger size: 40 x 48 x 11 mm. The initial sale price was $ 480.00 USD, but the scalpers sometimes increased the price by over $ 1,000.00 USD, ridiculous indeed.
Hmm.... my guess: markets, Technology and the usecases for watches have changed al lot. Todays beater-watches are called Casio G-Shock, Rolex and co went upmarked. But maybe im wrong....
You should include the Tisell 9015-EX. Great dimensions, case and 3.6.9 dial with applied indexes filled with BGW9 lume , the closest homage to the latest 40mm explorer, fantastic lume, and a great workhorse no date 90S5 miyota mouvement. You can buy it from South Korea where they 'make' them or from their European tisell shop for a little increase in the price but rapid delivery. Totally agree with the 10.11.9,way way too expensive
I totally agree. At this point, irrespective of how durable Rolex builds them, scratching them is tantamount to lighting stacks of hundred-dollar bills on fire. It really spoils it. It would be ok (sort of) even at today's list prices ... if only. I will get one of those Smith's if possible.
Borealis Adraga. I have the no-date version with cathedral hands and it’s a dead ringer for the explorer I. Miyota 9000 series movement. $450 new on bracelet. You can find them on eBay.
€1,800? OK, Ten Eleven Nine, now please explain to me in plain words, as if I were 8 years old, why I should buy your watch instead of, say, a Longines or a Tudor. They have chosen a really tough league to play in.
Name is a bit naff and it's wildly ambitious with the price, but a good looking watch & I wish them luck. For me a good alternative is the Alpinist. Cheers mate 👍🏻👍🏻
Yeah. Just read some comments listed below. I have two Sinn watches. Ezm 3 and the 556 i. The 556 i may not look like an explorer but the purpose is served so well.
I also managed to pick up a Smith's Everest on the used market. It's a cracking watch and wears well. I really like the domed sapphire crystal. It's also running at =/-1sec which makes it one of my more accurate automatics. Now I'm going to keep my eyes out for a decently priced Sinn 556A.
Hello Tim! I am a new subscriber and I really enjoyed your video. The concept of a "beater" watch has been around for a long time. Back in the day before people started having multiple watch collections, the watch was the beater watch! Now it seems that people have watches for every possible scenario. And of course there is the issue of price. For me I am not going to buy a watch that I am afraid to use, I don't want to walk around feeling like I am wearing a museum piece. If you wear the watch, it's going to get scratched. Period. And that isn't bad! Every watch should tell a story. Not look like it just came out of the box.
Strange sounds from the ground?? Those sounds are our grandfathers laughing! You are are comedian sir! I laughed so hard after that comment. Merry Christmas from down under Australia.
Wow that is expensive! If I was to spend that kind of money I would look at Grand Seiko with quartz movement. Not a rolex a like at all but such amazing engineering and beauty. Extremely well made.
Jeez, that marketing (not to mention the price) of the 10119 is cringy in the extreme. I'm sure their mission statement mentions leaving a better world behind for our children. 🙄
The problem is that watches have become much more about marketing and branding and the actuall physical watch is much more in the background than it used to be. Best regards.:)
because they are simply watchcase companies and since they don’t really develop anything in house(source parts rather) they are left to selling a _lifestyle_
Since you made this video Addiesdive have released an Explorer homage which is better than all the featured watches and at a very reasonable price. The huge downside of all these watches is that they are not fitted with a modern mecaquartz movement for accuracy. The mecaquartz would also allow the case to be thinner for comfort.
Great review Tim, especially when you put the Everest PRS25 in there, what a watch for the money. As far as the Ten Eleven Nine watch I am afraid that a watch with no competition as was stated will be a watch with no buyers, or in the case with KickStarter no backers.
Watch lovers, if you want an excellent alternative, a proper tool watch, I suggest the Vaer C3. It's 36mm - 3,6,9 - sapphire - Swiss Ronda quartz - screw down caseback and crown and case finishing punching above its $199 USD price. I've been wearing it on a Strapcode Jubilee bracelet for a quite some time now and it's easily my new favourite everyday driver 👍🏼
The Christopher Ward sandhurst may be an option. I have a CW trident gmt which is great. For about $1000 US dollars the sandhurst has very similar specs at half the price. My Hamilton khaki 38mm auto I paid less than $400 is also comparable at a quarter the price. That company is nuts if they think almost $2000 is reasonable.
I just got the Vaer A3 with the jubilee bracelet. They compression test each batch that goes out. Has the same movement as the Smiths and at a fair price.
Any of the SARBs, they're a pleasure to wear (and the sarb17 has it's own 'explorer' vibe). Want the explorer style dial? from a watch company you've heard of? have a larger wrist? & want something you won't cry scratching? ;) Timex Quartz TW2P75100
When purchasing a Zeno watch, make sure it is a Zeno Watch Basel! There is a Zeno brand ( Miyota movement ) not made by Zeno Watch Basel in Basel Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft . I love Zeno watches; my rose gold Zeno Gentleman Chronograph ( Valjoux 7753 ) is a favorite of mine. As far as beaters go, any in my small collection of Vostok Amphibias fit the bill!
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic: no it's not a 3-6-9 dial, but it's a black dial field watch. It's cliche and we're all familiar with it, but it really is a great beater alternative to the Explorer. 38mm, true ETA movement (as opposed to selita or seiko), and a more legible dial than the Explorer in my opinion. It's tough as nails and can be found for less the $400.
An enjoyable video as always. 10-11-9 is a ridiculous name, the marketing is cringe-worthy and the price for a new watch from an unknown maker is ridiculous. There are numerous choices with similar specifications for less than half the price. It will be interesting to see how their Kickstarter campaign fares. I'm wearing a Smiths Everest Expedition as I write and couldn't be happier with my choice
Traska Summiteer. And the good old SARB017 can still be had for a reasonable price. Add a Strapcode bracelet, and you're still under $500. No matter how many hype cycles it goes through, the Alpinist is still one of the quirkiest, boldest Explorer watches out there, and, with a bracelet, it has a great feel on the wrist.
Tim, if you don’t mind waiting a couple of months the Halios Universa would be a good alternative. You have to sign up for the mailing list in order to be notified of the pre- order window but they make watches that are a lot of bang for your buck. I just received a Fairwind and it exceeded all of my expectations. There is a video on RUclips about the Fairwind bracelet that will be the same for the Universa.
Great video, your videos are always very well done! I have this Zeno, and it is light on specs, but it is my most frequently used watch. The finishing on mine is ok, a little variance in brushing on top, almost like they almost finished it but stopped short. Mine also had slight smudges under the crystal, so a disassembly was in order to clean. The movement is not a thing of beauty, it is somewhat utilitarian in looks, and the rotor was labeled Tressa, so probably a parts bin piece along with the AS movement. But having a Smiths Everest and Commando I like the Zeno more. The Smiths are great if you can get one from Timefactors and not spend scalper money on Ebay, the Smiths are made in Hong Kong, so they lose me a little on that. And at around $330 USD for the Zeno on sale it was a good deal. I wouldn't spend anything close to retail on it though. I think that around the $300 - $350 mark it is a good deal, nothing more though.
@CasebackWatches Yes, they are getting rare. I had a previous one that I sold and regretted it. I bought mine from Ashford and Jomashop, when they were on sale. The last batch at Jomashop sold out quickly at $359.
The Tisell 9015 for me is the best Explorer Homage available. Super lume, sapphire and a Citizen HQ 90s5 hack and wind, no date ghost position,39mm, solid end l inks, solid screwed links for ~300 Euros ;)
That's a crazy price for that watch for close that price could get a decent explorer influenced tool watch from a historic brand like a Sinn 556, Seiko Alpinist SPB155J1, or a Tissot Gentleman. For around the 2K mark, you can pick a Tudor BB 41 or 36, you could even pick up a used Omega Railmaster for 2K if you can find one.
I can report that my Archimede flieger picked up the tiniest of dings on a countryside walk when I walked though a pair of tubular metal gateposts and caught the watch on one. I was walking quickly and caught it with enough force that the tubular metal rang out ... loudly ... ... and the watch picked up the tiniest of dings - right by the crystal. Nothing broken. Can barely see it, but you can feel it with a fingernail. I was relieved! That's al fine and good. I got a watch to accompany me through years of life and not as something to fetishise.
Yes, and that little ding should not bother you. It is part of the story of the watch. Whenever you look at it it should remind you of that day you had in the country. Watch people don’t baby their watches, they live in them whatever they cost. The scratches and dings are a reflection of the owners life lived.
@@tonyrome655 Well said. It really doesn't bother me. I am not sure I am a watch person - but I do have a fond memory of an early evening summer walk with the dog in a nice bit of countryside. It was one of the better bits of 2020. Weird year.
Subsequent to your video I bought this Zeno. It compliments my collection and I have worn it a lot since I received it. By the way you can get them new from Neil Wood at Chronomaster in the UK. Thank you very much for your content. I enjoy it and look forward to every episode!
That's why I'm wearing a Damasko. Sure, it doesn't really look like a Rolex, but it really is a tool (and looks like it). Nearly impossible to scratch, but if you manage to do it anyway, it's not a big deal.
I wear my 214270 and 216570 as they are intended. Tool watches for life. They’re about a month’s wages just like they used to be when hourly wage was $2 an hour for the average tradesman. Rolex For life!
Yes, way over priced for what it is. I love the look and specs of that watch, but the name and the price just ruins it. At that price point I would go Sinn or Oris (preowned).
You can get a Stowa, Laco, Sinn and some others for less money and known brand with support. Compared to Ten Eleven Nine. And I'm keeping it to German brands.
Excellent video as always, Tim. I have two Rolex models, an Explorer II (216570) and a Daytona (116519). I seldom wear the Daytona and yes I do baby it a little when I do. However I wear my Explorer almost every day and consider it somewhat of a tool watch. It has a few minor hairline scratches yet I don't worry about them as I think it gives the watch some character. How nice would it be if Rolex came out with a true beater or tool watch at say around $3,000 US? I would be first in line!
If you’re ever climbing a mountain with an explorer or explorer-esque watch then don’t forget to put it in a deep pocket for the duration of the climb and never take it out, just to reproduce that original Everest experience.
:) :) :) !!!
Alternatives to the Explorer: Sinn 556a, Damasko DS30, Tudor Northflag, Longines Conquest...those are my picks.
any suggestion for Explorer alternative that does not have the Date complication?
@@kibavlood5826 Tudor Ranger, Sinn 556i no date, Tudor Black Bay 36
@@heikowallauer Thank you so much
@@kibavlood5826 Funny enough Kai from Watchvice released a video today, in which he compares the Tudor Black Bay 36 with the Rolex Explorer ruclips.net/video/FCAE9s1tZW0/видео.html
And any Seiko diver or Alpinist
I was really on board with the Ten Eleven Nine, until I heard the price tag. A better value alternative would be the Sinn 556A, made in German with similar movement and better crown. Cheers
But the Sinn 556A looks ugly to me.
Traska Summiteer, my favorite watch. The steel is coated so that it's extremely scratch resistant (something that Swiss brands really need to do) and the bracelet is fantastic. I do have the launch exclusive black dial with silver seconds hand, which I think is the much better than the stock variants.
Great video. I love the analogy “a Rolex being scratched is like a car accident” lol.
Suggestion - Tudor Black Bay 36mm as an alternative.
Or the Serica WWW, new model fits the bill completely and is Swiss-made and affordable
This is the correct answer.
@@benjaminverpoort i love the design but the STP movement is garbage.
Alternative but may be iffy on a beater watch due to price.
I recommend embracing the scratches and just live with them. I wear my Rolex nearly daily. It’s a beautiful watch I enjoy almost daily.
The truth is that a homage watch simply will not provide me (and perhaps others as well) with the satisfaction.
If one can’t afford or doesn’t want to spend thousands on a watch, there are plenty of Seikos, hamiltons, Casios and so on.
Agreed.
Tim, a watch with the same movement, 38.5mm.....Sinn 556. I just love it, great tool watch, dress it up, dress it down....its just a damm good watch.
Update I picked up my 36mm Zeno Super Precision with the AS movement and it is exactly as you described it. It is such a great little watch, I can’t thank you enough for introducing this watch to me. I absolutely love mine.
the Rolex explorer is easier to find than the smiths everest
Amen
I was very lucky to pick one up on ebay a few months ago. It was even the new version with the crown logo on the rivet bracelet. It was a crazy auction, the lot had like 70 followers. I lost sleep over it, but I have it now. Completely worth the hassle.
@@StuntpilootStef Congrats- I love mine!
@@StuntpilootStef original watch enthusiast. Bravo
Easier to find and buy a $500 to $700 watch than a $7,000 to $10,000 watch
That Ten Eleven Nine watch is “without competition” in Germany? I think the Sinn 556 may have something to say about that, for less money.
@George Grasser The 556 is without competition anywhere in the world. I showed mine to my German friend who is not into watches and I could see the pride in his eyes when he handled the watch. My father always used to say that the Germans always make good stuff and it's 100% true.
Very good comment. I just discovered that watch in the Blogs and hope to buy one within a year. Not really a homage, yet the umistakable stamp of the Explorer written all over it. You can wear this watch in any environment; with a suit, casual clothing, like jeans, swimming, etc... It is an incredibly versatile quality time piece in the pefect size. It screams sublte class all the way.
Exactly what I thought. Plus, the 556 doesn't have Beauty, Love, Free Beer on its back...
Germany makes great watches, maybe Tim should feature them more often. I have a Nomos dress watch, the Sinn 556 and a Laco flieger. Lange someday? A boy can dream...
@@verklagekasper free beer 🍺 is great!
In the first few minutes of the Ten Eleven Nine I decided how much it was worth - maximum €500. The owners of this company seem quite pretentious.
With the components and assembled and regulated in Germany probably a little more, even close to1000€ - after all it has similar magic juice to Sinn and they are a smaller company with less economies of scale. But it’s going to be hard to pull 1800€ - only Monta managed to pull that. For 1800€ I would get a Sinn.
I’d say nearer a thousand but if they’d tried harder to move away from a Rolex case and bracelet and picked a high grade SW200 they could easily double that.
I agree, it's a beautiful timepiece, however too pricey.
In my humble opinion, a Rolex IS a beater watch. Probably the most quality one there is but if you baby it you're missing the point. I use my explorer 2 for all activities except for the beach due to its rather slim 100 metre water resistance. But if you're not prepared to use a Rolex as a beater, you're not the one who should wear a Rolex.. just my two cents.
That last sentence sums up what has happened to Rolex. It has become a fashion item for the wealthy, which continues to drive the price up and out of the reach of the working man that needed a great tool watch.
@@tonyrome655 that almost hurts to read. But we shouldn't forget that nobody NEEDS an automatic watch today. But if you really want a Rolex: they don't seem to ever lose value. So maybe rather spend a little more of something you don't lose than less of something you will?
Ohh, Tim - I forgot.
This may be a little out of left field for you, but Tisell make a direct copy of the 39mm Rolex Explorer 214270 mkII.
It's well finished, has a good bracelet with screw links and a glide-lock clasp. The dial is finished in gloss enamel and the indicies & arabics are filled with decent BW9 lume. It runs a Miyota 90s5 mov't and has a screw down crown and 100m WR.
$235USD.
I bought it to get a feel for the 'real thing' and was ᴠᴇʀʏ impressed by the ᴀᴍᴏᴜɴᴛ of watch you get for your $.
It makes a great beater - but it is a direct facsimile of the current Rolex Explorer and not a neo-vintange piece which seems to be more your style. Thought it was worth mentioning here for you and others who may be interested.
Cheers.
Anthony.
I was going to suggest the Tisell, but thought it was maybe a little too down-scale for Tim.
I have one and wear it a lot. It doesn't feel quite as nice as a Time Factors product, but it looks fine and has run reliably for almost 2 years.
@@scottparis6355
I thought the same thing - Tim's more of a neo-vintange guy, so the Smiths is a better fit (I would imagine?). But I was so impressed with what arrived for $250USD or so I thought I would mention it in case anyone else is interested.
Do you have a 36mm 114270 copy or a 39mm 214270 copy?
I picked one up to get a feel for the 39mm 214270 Explorer. I loved it immediately. I understand that it's difficult to compare the 2 watches, but size and dimensions wise (except for the crown) it's an absolute facsimile. The second I put the Tisell on wrist it felt like it belonged there. I can only assume that I would feel a deeper version of that upon putting on the real thing.
I haven't actually experienced a Smiths Everest on wrist. Having a +/- 8“ wrist I was worried that the 44mm lug to lug of the 36mm version wouldn't have enough presence on my wrist and I decided against the 40mm version (when it was still available) because I thought the proportions to be off. I sorta regret that now. 🤷♂️
I am going to grab a Smiths Navigator from Time Factors in the new year. I prefer smaller pieces and the 36mm X 47mm case will work well. I'm actually stoked to finally find a 36mm piece that I can wear! - and the Mk11 styling is right in my wheelhouse.
Cheers,
Anthony.
@@anthonysmith2982 Mine is the 39mm, because that's all that was available. For an Explorer clone, I'd actually prefer the 36mm, even though my wrist is about 20cm/8 in too.
(I went through the 44mm watch phase like everyone else a few years ago, but have come to appreciate smaller watches lately.)
I'm looking at several of the Time Factors watches now, can't decide.
Thanks, Tim. Great video comparison. I actually have the Smiths 25W, the "polar" version of the 25. I understand that traditionalists may want an exact homage and so prefer the 25, but I have to tell you that the white dial version of that is gorgeous and is available on the site (you still have to wait till the store is open, though). Speaking of which, I've had no problems buying from the store on both occassions I've made purchases. The key is to be ready the second (literally) the store opens and have your fingers on the button. I've sailed through easily both times. I now have four Smiths (one original), three from Time Factors (one bought used). Great watches and very reasonable prices.
I've tried building my own affordable homage, and I have to say the acquiring parts and putting it together has been thrilling. There is always room for improvements so there is the option for my "homemade" watches to evolve, and like I said the whole process is thrilling
Another great alternative for a very fair Price:
Hamilton Khaki automatic in 38mm.
Thank for your great reviews and very interersting chanel !
Right, a toolwatch without waterressistance.
Complete fail then.
@@robbertblok5612 May you dont know, but the Hamilton has 100 m water resistence
@@danieltrier4452 However the Khaki King, more like a dress watch, is at WR: 50m, I trust this will be improved.
@@danieltrier4452 and is also famous for failing under water
Also it's far too much of a field watch to be an alternative to the explorer
Yep. I knew it. I talked to those guys on Instagram about the truth beauty love thing. Told them it would be an absolute deal breaker for me. But I was met with a very nice , but firm reply that this was their mantra or something 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ great video as always Tim !
You are absolutely right on your analysis of the "luxury tool watch" btw.
I have an Explorer 214270 MK2. I’ve been wearing it hard in rotation.
Smiths Everest is the best alternative for me. Managed to get one on my first try. A tad bit short lug to lug, but I like it a lot.
Smiths are difficult to buy. It’s like a lottery.
@@markcassels6684, yes, I know. But I've been lucky three times, always from the first try. Will pause for now till next year when Eddie's first chronograph hits the store :)
$2000!?!? Fuck that! Its gorgeous, but $2000?!
The crown is a let down. But otherwise it’s a nice watch. I’d take this model and a gmt if they made one. Hope they fix the sticking out crown.
I think Rolex is pushing Tudor to be the older Rolex, which offers Tool and Office watches for relatively affordable prices.
Rolex is trying to climb up the upper echelon of horology, and they did with the hype and marketing strategy, their watches are good, but not AP, Patek, nor VC good.
That Smiths watch is always sold out, you have to be a digital ninja to go buy it directly when you get the email :D
Abdul R Watches
100% agree. Rolex saw other watchmakers snapping at their heels, especially Omega, so the re-introduced Tudor with a VERY good in house movement and a wide range of styles. They then cut back on Rolex production, to push them further into the Veblen stratosphere.
Now buyers decide between Tudor and Omega. They have little hope of getting a Rolex.
In the next move in the strategic market realignment, Rolex will in increase prices.
digital ninja 😆
Agree in part, Rolex makes better engineered watches than any of the Holy Trinity, but the watches are not hand made, not as well finished and they make sport/tool watches in a luxury style style which the big 3 are rushing to catch up. Rolex is in a class of its own.
I have the Lorier Falcon 2 in white. 36mm and 44mm lug to lug, about the same as a Rolex OP. It's a great daily wear.
I’ve got the black/gilt Falcon 2. I love the size, weight, quality, & classic look. It’s a great watch indeed!
I bought a new GMT Master in 1980, for 600 pounds. It was a present to myself for finishing a one year contract in the Middle East.
I wore it every day for 20 years, and gave it a hard time. It survived several car crashes, including one 3x end over end. It survived the Australian Army., assault courses, exercises etc. It did 10 years rock climbing in Australia. It went diving all over Asia. It flew hundreds of thousands of miles every year. It sat on my wrist in boardrooms and bedrooms. Bargirl after bargirl slept on my arm, listening to its rhythmic tick. I ripped the whole bezel assembly off pulling a guy out of a burning car in Jakarta. At least I think thats when I lost it, I was drunk and didn’t notice until the next day. I treated it rough and it survived. I had it serviced once, mainly to replace the missing bezel. It was on my wrist when I got married and when I got divorced.
It was my best friend.
I replaced it in 1999 with a new Explorer Polar. I treated that a lot better. I was older and had slowed down, and it was much more expensive. I still wore it for diving across Asia and the Pacific, I wore it in boardrooms. I wore it in hotel bedrooms, but usually alone. No crashes, no bar room fights. No using it as collateral in silly bets. I wore it every day for a few years, then bought a few other Rolex watches - a Yachtmaster, a Datejust, an Air-King, a few vintage models.
The Polar was not my best friend, it was a good watch.
In 2016 I bought a Submariner No Date Ceramic. It lives in its box in a drawer. I wear it a few times a month, some months not at all. I wear a titanium Citizen diver when I need a sports watch.
The Sub isn’t my best friend, it isn’t a good watch, its an investment.
I wish I could go back to adjusting my GMT as we land in Bangkok, looking forward to business meetings, then hitting the bars and clubs, wild drunken rides in uninsured rust bucket taxis with a beautiful girl and s Rolex on my arm.
But I was younger and Rolex were cheaper back then.
You should just about be able to swap that seldom worn 114060 for a decent 1980 vintage 16750 (with bezel) even up. Given this approach, you and your “best friend“ wristwatch could get reacquainted. Thereafter, you can wear it each and every day and revel in the fact that it will likely serve you well over the course of the next 40-odd years.
@@tap2262 I have seriously thought about that. I know the guy who now owns it, and I could offer him my Sub in exchange.
But here is the problem:
Even with the watch it won’t be the same.
The Asian Tiger Economies have long gone, and many Asians now have MBAs and a finance background. They don’t need me. I don’t think they ever really did.
The girls - I ran into one a few years ago. The beautiful slim sexy girl who danced naked on the bar to make me laugh - she is now married, 3 children, fat, and wrinkled. She is just as lovely, but different.
Tanamur, the oldest and best nightclub in Asia has long gone, Juliana’s Tokyo has gone, Oscars has gone. They have all gone.
And I am an old man now. I will never party all night, take a girl to breakfast, then get a cab straight to a meeting.
Wearing a GMT again would spoil my memories.
indonesiaexpat.biz/featured/tanamur-long-gone-but-not-forgotten/
Love your mini rant at 14mins & i agree 100%, They don’t need all the bullshit.
Thanks Tim, great presentation 👍.
As an alternative: Traska Summiteer! Tool watch, scratch resistant, good looking... 38mm
I like the Smiths version the best for overall style.
I think they may have problems with those 3 little words, so I asked a friend for their immediate reaction.
'Aw! For F*ck's Sake!' was the response, which I thought was a bit much from a Lutheran Priest; but I guess she knows her own mind.
The problem with Smiths Watches now is that the next batch is going to come after the UK exits the single market...so we'll have to do all of that customs paperwork and pay VAT on them....I really want to buy a PRS29 and I think I will but it sucks that there are gonna be extra steps involved...I wish I ordered one before
So they're asking for $2000 for a $500 watch?
Crazy
Have you heard of the Seiko SZSB006, aka tic-tac?
It is a special edition of Seiko, another one, that looks very similar to the prototype you showed today: numbers 12 and 6, Explorer style and black dial. But with cathedral hands, a date at 3 o'clock and unfortunately in a larger size: 40 x 48 x 11 mm.
The initial sale price was $ 480.00 USD, but the scalpers sometimes increased the price by over $ 1,000.00 USD, ridiculous indeed.
Hmm.... my guess: markets, Technology and the usecases for watches have changed al lot. Todays beater-watches are called Casio G-Shock, Rolex and co went upmarked. But maybe im wrong....
You should include the Tisell 9015-EX.
Great dimensions, case and 3.6.9 dial with applied indexes filled with BGW9 lume , the closest homage to the latest 40mm explorer, fantastic lume, and a great workhorse no date 90S5 miyota mouvement. You can buy it from South Korea where they 'make' them or from their European tisell shop for a little increase in the price but rapid delivery.
Totally agree with the 10.11.9,way way too expensive
Unbelievable. Build quality and accuracy.
I totally agree. At this point, irrespective of how durable Rolex builds them, scratching them is tantamount to lighting stacks of hundred-dollar bills on fire. It really spoils it. It would be ok (sort of) even at today's list prices ... if only. I will get one of those Smith's if possible.
I love the Ten Eleven Nine. Great choice to not go with 'Mercedes' hands.
Borealis Adraga. I have the no-date version with cathedral hands and it’s a dead ringer for the explorer I. Miyota 9000 series movement. $450 new on bracelet. You can find them on eBay.
The Ten Eleven Nine Minimal is the all-beauty-in-one watch! Love it!
Suggestion - Sinn 556a
€1,800? OK, Ten Eleven Nine, now please explain to me in plain words, as if I were 8 years old, why I should buy your watch instead of, say, a Longines or a Tudor.
They have chosen a really tough league to play in.
Name is a bit naff and it's wildly ambitious with the price, but a good looking watch & I wish them luck.
For me a good alternative is the Alpinist. Cheers mate 👍🏻👍🏻
Yeah. Just read some comments listed below. I have two Sinn watches. Ezm 3 and the 556 i. The 556 i may not look like an explorer but the purpose is served so well.
36mm is a sweet ride. Wear all day and it just fades into the background and super comfortable.
Damasko or Sinn for a proper tool watch (non gshock)
Als Ex-Ersatz kann ich die Sinn 556er oder die 856er wärmstens empfehlen, haben wir beide in der Box, tolle Uhren zum fairen Preisen!
Omega Railmaster i know its still on the low end if the Luxury alternative but for $3500 its a solid master chronometer option
How about a Sinn 556? Seems quite good value vs the Berlin watch at 1,110 Euro (obviously the startup isn't manufacturing at scale)
I also managed to pick up a Smith's Everest on the used market. It's a cracking watch and wears well. I really like the domed sapphire crystal. It's also running at =/-1sec which makes it one of my more accurate automatics. Now I'm going to keep my eyes out for a decently priced Sinn 556A.
Hello Tim! I am a new subscriber and I really enjoyed your video. The concept of a "beater" watch has been around for a long time. Back in the day before people started having multiple watch collections, the watch was the beater watch! Now it seems that people have watches for every possible scenario. And of course there is the issue of price. For me I am not going to buy a watch that I am afraid to use, I don't want to walk around feeling like I am wearing a museum piece. If you wear the watch, it's going to get scratched. Period. And that isn't bad! Every watch should tell a story. Not look like it just came out of the box.
Strange sounds from the ground?? Those sounds are our grandfathers laughing! You are are comedian sir! I laughed so hard after that comment. Merry Christmas from down under Australia.
Great looking watch, but there's are a ton of watch selection available at that price point. Maurice Lacroix is one example, so you are spot on.
Tim..
The voice of reason 😘
What about the new rolex series on steroids 😱😱
I miss the good old 36-39mm dress watch
And 40mm divers
Wow that is expensive! If I was to spend that kind of money I would look at Grand Seiko with quartz movement. Not a rolex a like at all but such amazing engineering and beauty. Extremely well made.
I have a feeling that the negative on the ten eleven nine is going to be that inscription on the back. Well see !!
The inscription is great 👍 if you’re a touchy feely beta soy-boy!
Jeez, that marketing (not to mention the price) of the 10119 is cringy in the extreme. I'm sure their mission statement mentions leaving a better world behind for our children. 🙄
Their next project is a minute repeater.
It plays 'koombayah'.
The problem is that watches have become much more about marketing and branding and the actuall physical watch is much more in the background than it used to be. Best regards.:)
because they are simply watchcase companies and since they don’t really develop anything in house(source parts rather) they are left to selling a _lifestyle_
That Ten Eleven Nine is sweet. Love the name of 'Researcher'.
Since you made this video Addiesdive have released an Explorer homage which is better than all the featured watches and at a very reasonable price.
The huge downside of all these watches is that they are not fitted with a modern mecaquartz movement for accuracy. The mecaquartz would also allow the case to be thinner for comfort.
Omega railmaster master Chronometer with 25% discount
Great review Tim, especially when you put the Everest PRS25 in there, what a watch for the money. As far as the Ten Eleven Nine watch I am afraid that a watch with no competition as was stated will be a watch with no buyers, or in the case with KickStarter no backers.
I’ve bought my dad an explorer homage for £30 off Ali. Rolex looks but designed to be a beater.
Watch lovers, if you want an excellent alternative, a proper tool watch, I suggest the Vaer C3. It's 36mm - 3,6,9 - sapphire - Swiss Ronda quartz - screw down caseback and crown and case finishing punching above its $199 USD price. I've been wearing it on a Strapcode Jubilee bracelet for a quite some time now and it's easily my new favourite everyday driver 👍🏼
"I'm in the mood to search a little bit longer"
I am going to steal this phrase. And use it. There is nothing anyone can do about it.
I'm saving for the Sinn 556A.
The Christopher Ward sandhurst may be an option. I have a CW trident gmt which is great. For about $1000 US dollars the sandhurst has very similar specs at half the price. My Hamilton khaki 38mm auto I paid less than $400 is also comparable at a quarter the price. That company is nuts if they think almost $2000 is reasonable.
I just got the Vaer A3 with the jubilee bracelet. They compression test each batch that goes out. Has the same movement as the Smiths and at a fair price.
Any of the SARBs, they're a pleasure to wear (and the sarb17 has it's own 'explorer' vibe).
Want the explorer style dial? from a watch company you've heard of? have a larger wrist? & want something you won't cry scratching? ;)
Timex Quartz TW2P75100
Eine gute Auswahl. Wieder zwei neue Marken kennengelernt.
When purchasing a Zeno watch, make sure it is a Zeno Watch Basel! There is a Zeno brand ( Miyota movement ) not made by Zeno Watch Basel in Basel Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft . I love Zeno watches; my rose gold Zeno Gentleman Chronograph ( Valjoux 7753 ) is a favorite of mine. As far as beaters go, any in my small collection of Vostok Amphibias fit the bill!
In the marketing they should say "Pilers to set the time INCLUDED"
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic: no it's not a 3-6-9 dial, but it's a black dial field watch. It's cliche and we're all familiar with it, but it really is a great beater alternative to the Explorer. 38mm, true ETA movement (as opposed to selita or seiko), and a more legible dial than the Explorer in my opinion. It's tough as nails and can be found for less the $400.
An enjoyable video as always. 10-11-9 is a ridiculous name, the marketing is cringe-worthy and the price for a new watch from an unknown maker is ridiculous. There are numerous choices with similar specifications for less than half the price. It will be interesting to see how their Kickstarter campaign fares. I'm wearing a Smiths Everest Expedition as I write and couldn't be happier with my choice
Traska Summiteer.
And the good old SARB017 can still be had for a reasonable price. Add a Strapcode bracelet, and you're still under $500. No matter how many hype cycles it goes through, the Alpinist is still one of the quirkiest, boldest Explorer watches out there, and, with a bracelet, it has a great feel on the wrist.
How about the Sinn 556, a genuine tool watch with a similar look but still with its own style
Tim, if you don’t mind waiting a couple of months the Halios Universa would be a good alternative. You have to sign up for the mailing list in order to be notified of the pre- order window but they make watches that are a lot of bang for your buck. I just received a Fairwind and it exceeded all of my expectations. There is a video on RUclips about the Fairwind bracelet that will be the same for the Universa.
Last month i bought this: SN0021-G-B1. San Martin with a SW200 movement for around 420 usd.
I think it's charming that Germany hasn't lost the poetry of its Romantic movement.
Great video, your videos are always very well done! I have this Zeno, and it is light on specs, but it is my most frequently used watch. The finishing on mine is ok, a little variance in brushing on top, almost like they almost finished it but stopped short. Mine also had slight smudges under the crystal, so a disassembly was in order to clean. The movement is not a thing of beauty, it is somewhat utilitarian in looks, and the rotor was labeled Tressa, so probably a parts bin piece along with the AS movement. But having a Smiths Everest and Commando I like the Zeno more. The Smiths are great if you can get one from Timefactors and not spend scalper money on Ebay, the Smiths are made in Hong Kong, so they lose me a little on that. And at around $330 USD for the Zeno on sale it was a good deal. I wouldn't spend anything close to retail on it though. I think that around the $300 - $350 mark it is a good deal, nothing more though.
Thanks for the interesting comment. 330 USD sounds like an excellent deal. They're getting rare ...
@CasebackWatches Yes, they are getting rare. I had a previous one that I sold and regretted it. I bought mine from Ashford and Jomashop, when they were on sale. The last batch at Jomashop sold out quickly at $359.
The Tisell 9015 for me is the best Explorer Homage available. Super lume, sapphire and a Citizen HQ 90s5 hack and wind, no date ghost position,39mm, solid end l inks, solid screwed links for ~300 Euros ;)
The Seiko snke63 is an excellent explorer style option
Another serious and funny review!!! 👍
Christopher Ward C63 Automatic is a great alternative, no arabian numbers but baton indicies. Solid, very good quality.
That's a crazy price for that watch for close that price could get a decent explorer influenced tool watch from a historic brand like a Sinn 556, Seiko Alpinist SPB155J1, or a Tissot Gentleman. For around the 2K mark, you can pick a Tudor BB 41 or 36, you could even pick up a used Omega Railmaster for 2K if you can find one.
great video, never heard of the zeno might have to treat myself for christmas!
I can report that my Archimede flieger picked up the tiniest of dings on a countryside walk when I walked though a pair of tubular metal gateposts and caught the watch on one. I was walking quickly and caught it with enough force that the tubular metal rang out ... loudly ...
... and the watch picked up the tiniest of dings - right by the crystal. Nothing broken. Can barely see it, but you can feel it with a fingernail. I was relieved!
That's al fine and good. I got a watch to accompany me through years of life and not as something to fetishise.
Yes, and that little ding should not bother you. It is part of the story of the watch. Whenever you look at it it should remind you of that day you had in the country. Watch people don’t baby their watches, they live in them whatever they cost. The scratches and dings are a reflection of the owners life lived.
@@tonyrome655 Well said. It really doesn't bother me.
I am not sure I am a watch person - but I do have a fond memory of an early evening summer walk with the dog in a nice bit of countryside.
It was one of the better bits of 2020. Weird year.
Another really excellent video, personally I like the Sarb
The Smiths PRS, at last! Good job!
Check out the Bernhardt Watch Co, Binnacle Anchor model. Homage to the Explorer. $289 USD, 40mm.
Subsequent to your video I bought this Zeno. It compliments my collection and I have worn it a lot since I received it. By the way you can get them new from Neil Wood at Chronomaster in the UK. Thank you very much for your content. I enjoy it and look forward to every episode!
When marketing is done by a family member...🤣🤣🤣🤣thanks for the heads up. Nice piece I could consider. But price tag?? seriously?
You sure can tell that you really love the Zeno ZEX watch. Mine will arrive any day now and I will also do a review on it.
Splendid review - planning to buy SMITHS EVEREST PRS-25 - 36MM - GILT DIAL
That's why I'm wearing a Damasko. Sure, it doesn't really look like a Rolex, but it really is a tool (and looks like it). Nearly impossible to scratch, but if you manage to do it anyway, it's not a big deal.
DS30 you mean?
@@cedarcanoe As it happens, yes, but any Damasko will do the job.
I wear my 214270 and 216570 as they are intended. Tool watches for life. They’re about a month’s wages just like they used to be when hourly wage was $2 an hour for the average tradesman. Rolex For life!
Ridiculous price for a Rolex homage. I see a lot more value in the Smith model, or the Sarb033, which is somewhat similar.
Yes, way over priced for what it is. I love the look and specs of that watch, but the name and the price just ruins it. At that price point I would go Sinn or Oris (preowned).
You can get a Stowa, Laco, Sinn and some others for less money and known brand with support. Compared to Ten Eleven Nine. And I'm keeping it to German brands.
Excellent video as always, Tim. I have two Rolex models, an Explorer II (216570) and a Daytona (116519). I seldom wear the Daytona and yes I do baby it a little when I do. However I wear my Explorer almost every day and consider it somewhat of a tool watch. It has a few minor hairline scratches yet I don't worry about them as I think it gives the watch some character. How nice would it be if Rolex came out with a true beater or tool watch at say around $3,000 US? I would be first in line!
Did you consider the Alpha Explorer homage? Looked pretty nice, and very affordable.