I was not aware of this brand until your video. The 016 has a few negatives for me...bit that 013 is more what I am looking for! Time to head over to the site for a possible order. Thank you for this great review!
I like it and don’t mind the name, it knocks “Addiesdive” into a cocked hat. Main thing is it’s a nice piece and a sell it a movement option as well! Impressive.
I owned a Rolex 14210 Air King with the 3 6 9 dial, so I grabbed this in blue out of nostalgia and because I haven't seen anyone clomage this particular Rolex reference with the engine turned bezel before. Thankfully, this watch didn't exhibit the same winding issues as the other Kraken watches, though the clasp wasn't closing with as much confidence as the other ones and required some manual adjustment to tighten it further. Other than that, the link screws were loose and one came off. The quality of Chinese watches is all over the place, but I'm glad I got this one, though I wish the clasp was thinner. Owning this made me crave Rolex again.
Cheers buddy. Sorry to hear you Han minor issues and I have to say I've not experienced crown or link issues....even on the explorer? The one I have here is staying! ☺️
@@johnswatchjoint I opened the Explorers up and found that the hidden crown gaskets had deteriorated and their residue was all over the stem. Fixed that and now the action is fine.
I bought this superb watch in dark blue at the end of August and since then it's hardly ever left my wrist (16.75 cm). I find its dimensions perfect, especially the contained thickness of 11mm and the diameter of 36mm. The finish is superb and the PT5000 movement perfect, the drift being one second every 2 days ! I am very pleased to have found this tribute to the OP Date with the turned engine bezel, of which I am an absolute fan and of which, to my knowledge, there are no other homages. It's an endearing and unusual watch, so thank you John for making this watch known, as it deserves to be.
Terrific watch AND very high quality review, John! Perfect for our 6.75" skinny wrist bros. Happy to see respectful commenting here (and not just whining re. the logo). Extra mention for the great strap show, Scottish sunshine and Molly cameos!
Hang on a minute. You wear a Nivada Grenchen! Amazing watch! I tried a couple in boutique, stunning pieces in person. And I really like this model you're presenting. Very lovely, that design strikes a chord in me.
This is a very pretty watch especially that small fluting on the bezel. The colour is salmon and suits this watch. Very reasonably priced and I must agree this is a good one to buy even though I have never heard of this brand. Cheers.
Great review 👍. Well made, and it's nice to see a version of the turn-o-graph bezel, I believe on the original it could turn and act as a timing bezel. You are right to criticise the clasp and hand length, those internal micro adjustment holes are such a bad idea!
I really like this watch. The color is not quite for me but the dark blue and classic black both look awesome. We even got a shot of Golly Miss Molly. It’s funny how some name bothers some and some names don’t. I don’t like the Berny name, but I think Octopus Kraken is just fine and almost fun. 🤷🏻♂️ Thanks for the great review as always.
Hi Albert. I don't mind the name either. Anyone looking at the watch from even three feet away won't be able to tell what it says...or is that just my eyesight!? 😆
Soooo despite swearing that I wouldn't buy any more AliExpress watches I've ordered one. Reminds me of a 34mm OP date that I tried on in an AD many moons ago that started my love of watches. Ended up not buying it as I really couldn't justify that much on a watch and bought an Oris TT1 instead. Years later I finally bought a "Rhodium" dialled OP 36mm but have always hankered after a salmon dialled one. Many thanks for the excellent review
Nice.. I've been looking for something dressy in my collection. I was looking at watch dives explor homage with the new logo, but I'm really digging this one more. I'm not a fan of polishing, cyclops windows, anything under 38mm (I have 6 3/4in wrist as well), and the damn name branding, but I may have to jump out of my comfort zone and pull the trigger on this one in a blue dial which is the color I no longer have in my collection.
I've had a Turn-O-Graph itch for years despite my general loathing of what the Big R has become and dislike of the Chinese 1-2-1 sellers. This might just scratch it with a clear conscience. Just need to get the Dremel out and carve numbers into the bezel! Top find.
@gorillasinthewrist last week I was out cutting the hedge getting eaten alive by midges at 9pm in 20 plus degrees. This week it's 9 degrees, raining non stop and frost is in the air 😨
I've been looking at this one since it's been released... But I've got an 8 inch wrist and fear it'll be too tiny for me. Great review anyway, I'm even more tempted than before!
Can I just say your review is spot on. I own a 1973 34mm Oyster Precision (silver dial) and a 2023 36mm Oyster Perpetual (blue dial) and bought this watch because the bezel reminded me of the 34mm OP I’d wish I’d bought when I’d got my 34 but just couldn’t afford (I bought the black dial) The only negatives for me on the watch is the date and cyclops, there is a reason I don’t own a Datejust, and the name of the brand. It’s great watch and I recommend it you’re looking for a Rolexlite homage, and if like me you can’t get on with Mercedes hands and so an Explorer homage is out of the question (I have a Smiths Commando for my 369 dial fix). Love your reviews.
John - thanks for the review, but bad on you for tempting me! I've a 8" wrist & XL glove size so a 36mm on me just doesn't work - unless I throw on a Speedo banana hammock & do holidays in the Greek isles! Would love to see something exactly like this @ 40mm
I love salmon dials and this one does not disappoint. I agree with you re the clasp John, a shame a really. The name on the dial though hmmm I can’t get past it at the moment but if they remove the name and just have the logo I would probably consider it. Thanks for the video John, hope you are well
Good review. Definitely a looker. If only they dropped the factory brand name on the dial (Octupus Kraken is all OK for me on a diver but a no for me on a dress watch) and just went with an applied logo in silver instead. On a side note. Will you make a video on the Nivada that featured in the video?
@@johnswatchjoint Even "Rolex" had to sound like a bit odd nonsense word when they first coined the term. To be fair the Swiss brands were named in their native language too.
Calling it a "flat sapphire crystal" doesn’t do the crystal justice, just look at it… I would buy it for the crystal alone if it were 2-3 mm larger… I had concerns regarding the bezel, I was concerned it could be misaligned more often than not, too bad the sample size is a bit small with Octopus Kraken; eg not many Reviews out there. But it looks just great! I don’t get why homages don’t use the "appropriate" OTF clasp on those homages, I know the Swiss don’t use one either but this is where they could improve. Imaging buying a 12k YM and then you have to fiddle with this mechanism… Lume is always a strong point of OK, lume on my OCT-0012 (SM) is also excellent! This is an excellent homage, homaging a watch you no longer can buy new. Thanks for the review!
It's pretty painful trying to find a 36mm d*tejust from a good brand in the config that I like. If only Chronos or Suggess made their versions in 36, or San Martin widened their range. I'm stuck with no-name brands, Parnis, or getting lower tier brands like Tandorio with sterile dials... And a lot of the time it looks like people are just using the Seikomod cases, and the bezels on those are massive, totally out of proportion. Like they're using the bezel from a 41mm on a 36mm. And if we're making requests, I want a 36mm silver dial concentric arabics DJ!
Still watching the video and I just feel the cyclops and date kind of ruin the watch. There are a couple of Octopus Krakens on my short list so they are doing something right but this one is just not for me.
@@johnswatchjoint Sadly nothing is ever easy for me. Even it was then I'd prefer the watch without the date. Got to be picky these days as cupboard is full of watch boxes 😬
The rehaut is very slim... An illusion created by the crystal. The bezel is also thin as the total watch height including the protruding case back and the elevated crystal is only 11.2mm.
Looks very nice and well put together. But they should do something else with the name, at least for their dress watches. Maybe instead of "Octopus Kraken" just go with a simplified "OK" or something more understated.
The brand name “octopus” will forever prevent a purchase. Whether they make exceptional value packed wristwatches or not, they should strongly consider a name change. Edit: “Octopus Kraken” may be a plausible name for a dive watch, but on a dress watch, or a non-dive sports piece? Nah.
I was not aware of this brand until your video. The 016 has a few negatives for me...bit that 013 is more what I am looking for! Time to head over to the site for a possible order. Thank you for this great review!
Nice 🙂
I like it and don’t mind the name, it knocks “Addiesdive” into a cocked hat. Main thing is it’s a nice piece and a sell it a movement option as well! Impressive.
I owned a Rolex 14210 Air King with the 3 6 9 dial, so I grabbed this in blue out of nostalgia and because I haven't seen anyone clomage this particular Rolex reference with the engine turned bezel before. Thankfully, this watch didn't exhibit the same winding issues as the other Kraken watches, though the clasp wasn't closing with as much confidence as the other ones and required some manual adjustment to tighten it further. Other than that, the link screws were loose and one came off. The quality of Chinese watches is all over the place, but I'm glad I got this one, though I wish the clasp was thinner. Owning this made me crave Rolex again.
Cheers buddy. Sorry to hear you Han minor issues and I have to say I've not experienced crown or link issues....even on the explorer? The one I have here is staying! ☺️
They all send the screws loose so it's easier to adjust. Usually there's a warning about that.
@@johnswatchjoint I opened the Explorers up and found that the hidden crown gaskets had deteriorated and their residue was all over the stem. Fixed that and now the action is fine.
I bought this superb watch in dark blue at the end of August and since then it's hardly ever left my wrist (16.75 cm).
I find its dimensions perfect, especially the contained thickness of 11mm and the diameter of 36mm. The finish is superb and the PT5000 movement perfect, the drift being one second every 2 days ! I am very pleased to have found this tribute to the OP Date with the turned engine bezel, of which I am an absolute fan and of which, to my knowledge, there are no other homages. It's an endearing and unusual watch, so thank you John for making this watch known, as it deserves to be.
Thanks for that Morgan and wear your watch in good health 🤗
That's a beautiful watch John! I can see why you are adding it to your collection. It looks great on your wrist. Fits you like a glove!
Sometimes stick wrists get a bonus haha! 😆
Ordered one in blue yesterday. Very grateful for this review!!
Well done 😊
really great review this thing looks great
I would like this with a smooth bezel. Another great review, John. The quality of your videos continues to impress. Cheers!
Many thanks! 🙏
Terrific watch AND very high quality review, John!
Perfect for our 6.75" skinny wrist bros.
Happy to see respectful commenting here (and not just whining re. the logo).
Extra mention for the great strap show, Scottish sunshine and Molly cameos!
Haha. Thanks buddy 🙂
Great review, John. Beautiful watch. I particularly like the dial and bezel. The salmon color is my favorite. Nice find. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers Rafael...nearly didn't get released as my voice was playing up....outtakes galore haha! 😅
@johnswatchjoint Well, you did a great job, my friend. Have a wonderful day 👍
Stay safe my friend...remember to wear a diver and you'll be fine 👌
Nice watch like the colour on this one specs look good as well John 👍
Thanks Anthony. Good to hear from you 🤗😺
It’s a brand that’s been on my wish list for some time.
They are a very good brand. That's two crackers on the trot. This watch has its niggles but boy it's pretty!
It's a great brand, James. I own quite a few from them, and they have all been outstanding, especially their BB58 homage.
Thanks for video, great looking watch
Thanks for watching!
Hang on a minute.
You wear a Nivada Grenchen! Amazing watch! I tried a couple in boutique, stunning pieces in person.
And I really like this model you're presenting. Very lovely, that design strikes a chord in me.
Yes the Nevada is part of my main collection....you will all in a couple of weeks! 🤗
This is a very pretty watch especially that small fluting on the bezel. The colour is salmon and suits this watch. Very reasonably priced and I must agree this is a good one to buy even though I have never heard of this brand. Cheers.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts John. Remember to subscribe if you haven't already 🤗
The crown should have the logo.
Great review 👍. Well made, and it's nice to see a version of the turn-o-graph bezel, I believe on the original it could turn and act as a timing bezel. You are right to criticise the clasp and hand length, those internal micro adjustment holes are such a bad idea!
They have obviously worked with a strict budget and did really well. Imagine if the budget was the same as SM!! 🙃
@@johnswatchjoint Good point, I think I would prefer it on a nice leather strap anyway 👍
I really like this watch. The color is not quite for me but the dark blue and classic black both look awesome. We even got a shot of Golly Miss Molly. It’s funny how some name bothers some and some names don’t. I don’t like the Berny name, but I think Octopus Kraken is just fine and almost fun. 🤷🏻♂️ Thanks for the great review as always.
Hi Albert. I don't mind the name either. Anyone looking at the watch from even three feet away won't be able to tell what it says...or is that just my eyesight!? 😆
Love that 11.2mm slimness. Classy looking piece John.
Hi Steven. Thanks buddy 🙂
I have bought the blue dial variant in July, and it's been an absolute blinder. My first Octopus Kraken watch and it's great.
Great to hear! 😊
Soooo despite swearing that I wouldn't buy any more AliExpress watches I've ordered one. Reminds me of a 34mm OP date that I tried on in an AD many moons ago that started my love of watches. Ended up not buying it as I really couldn't justify that much on a watch and bought an Oris TT1 instead. Years later I finally bought a "Rhodium" dialled OP 36mm but have always hankered after a salmon dialled one. Many thanks for the excellent review
Hi Andrew. I'm glad you got something from the video. Enjoy your new watch 😊
great one for the ladies!
Not sure what day about that...provocative, inappropriate, sexist or good old - fashioned honest!?! 🫣
Nice.. I've been looking for something dressy in my collection. I was looking at watch dives explor homage with the new logo, but I'm really digging this one more. I'm not a fan of polishing, cyclops windows, anything under 38mm (I have 6 3/4in wrist as well), and the damn name branding, but I may have to jump out of my comfort zone and pull the trigger on this one in a blue dial which is the color I no longer have in my collection.
Good man! 😊
I've had a Turn-O-Graph itch for years despite my general loathing of what the Big R has become and dislike of the Chinese 1-2-1 sellers. This might just scratch it with a clear conscience. Just need to get the Dremel out and carve numbers into the bezel! Top find.
Thanks 🙏
A bit of a looker and no doubt…. Good to see Molly, shame about the weather it’s lovely and sunny down here…😂😂😂
Oh rub it on why don't ya! Haha 😆
@@johnswatchjoint only kidding, Betbet is staring longingly out at the pouring rain and strong winds…
@gorillasinthewrist last week I was out cutting the hedge getting eaten alive by midges at 9pm in 20 plus degrees. This week it's 9 degrees, raining non stop and frost is in the air 😨
@@johnswatchjoint autumns definitely here…
I've been looking at this one since it's been released... But I've got an 8 inch wrist and fear it'll be too tiny for me. Great review anyway, I'm even more tempted than before!
Send them a message to see if they will provide spare links prior to order 🤗
Can I just say your review is spot on. I own a 1973 34mm Oyster Precision (silver dial) and a 2023 36mm Oyster Perpetual (blue dial) and bought this watch because the bezel reminded me of the 34mm OP I’d wish I’d bought when I’d got my 34 but just couldn’t afford (I bought the black dial) The only negatives for me on the watch is the date and cyclops, there is a reason I don’t own a Datejust, and the name of the brand. It’s great watch and I recommend it you’re looking for a Rolexlite homage, and if like me you can’t get on with Mercedes hands and so an Explorer homage is out of the question (I have a Smiths Commando for my 369 dial fix). Love your reviews.
Thank you. Those are lovely vintage pieces !
Don't like the clasp or the cyclops but it's definitely a looker.
you can remove the cyclops with a little bit of heat
John - thanks for the review, but bad on you for tempting me! I've a 8" wrist & XL glove size so a 36mm on me just doesn't work - unless I throw on a Speedo banana hammock & do holidays in the Greek isles! Would love to see something exactly like this @ 40mm
Sorry buddy. I feel your pain! 😔...but there's always this...watchdives.com/products/watchdives-x-san-martin-chronometer-automatic-watch-sn0113w-2
I love salmon dials and this one does not disappoint. I agree with you re the clasp John, a shame a really. The name on the dial though hmmm I can’t get past it at the moment but if they remove the name and just have the logo I would probably consider it. Thanks for the video John, hope you are well
Hi there...when it's on your wrist all that melts away...especially when the compliments come thick and fast 😉😼
Good review. Definitely a looker. If only they dropped the factory brand name on the dial (Octupus Kraken is all OK for me on a diver but a no for me on a dress watch) and just went with an applied logo in silver instead.
On a side note. Will you make a video on the Nivada that featured in the video?
Yes. I am currently putting videos together for my AliExpress mini collection and my own full collection....bloody Jody beat me to it 😆
@@johnswatchjoint I will watch your Ali collection vid. I didn't bother with Jody's though. But very much looking forward to your SOTC video
Why did you mention the length of the hands, you've already had me? 😊
Beautiful but how does it stack up against the San Martin
My preference is for this one. Proportions, dial and a superior crystal in my opinion.
Gorgeous watch, despite the funny logo, this might be the model to make me see past that 😍
& great review as always mate!
Cheers my friend...you wont be disappointed 👌
Like it a lot John. O.K., please change that clasp!! Regards
Sure is a pretty watch but 36mm would look tiny on a 8 inch wrist. Perfect on you.
It's the bain of the hobby buddy ☺️
The big feedback I have about this model is : where is the green version?
Yeah...green and grey sunburst 🤗
Beautiful watch, not my thing but it is a real gem. It almost makes me forget the silly brand name.
The Swiss would never use silly names like White Bread (Blancpain), Little Weaver (Tissot), Shark (Squale) or She's Beautiful (Ebel).
@mrbrisvegas2 Yuo, all lost in translation 🤗
@@johnswatchjoint Even "Rolex" had to sound like a bit odd nonsense word when they first coined the term. To be fair the Swiss brands were named in their native language too.
Calling it a "flat sapphire crystal" doesn’t do the crystal justice, just look at it…
I would buy it for the crystal alone if it were 2-3 mm larger…
I had concerns regarding the bezel, I was concerned it could be misaligned more often than not, too bad the sample size is a bit small with Octopus Kraken; eg not many Reviews out there.
But it looks just great!
I don’t get why homages don’t use the "appropriate" OTF clasp on those homages, I know the Swiss don’t use one either but this is where they could improve.
Imaging buying a 12k YM and then you have to fiddle with this mechanism…
Lume is always a strong point of OK, lume on my OCT-0012 (SM) is also excellent!
This is an excellent homage, homaging a watch you no longer can buy new.
Thanks for the review!
Thanks buddy. Hope you are well my friend ☺️🙏
Wish they did a no date version or at least eliminated the cyclops ... Spoils the symmetry of the watch dial in my opinion.
The Cyclops is very easy to remove. Have a look at easy tutorials on the platform 👌
Agree re cyclops and date. I’ve bought the black dial in August and it’s a carbuncle but not brave enough to remove.
Looks a beaut, shame about the name (think most on here are in agreement) but besides that it's a winner at a decent price. Great find John, cheers.
Love the dial not a fan of the cyclops!
Cyclops easily removed if need be 🤗
Io mi sono comprato un thorn mod marinmaster abalon black molto buono!
Nice 👍🙂
It's pretty painful trying to find a 36mm d*tejust from a good brand in the config that I like. If only Chronos or Suggess made their versions in 36, or San Martin widened their range.
I'm stuck with no-name brands, Parnis, or getting lower tier brands like Tandorio with sterile dials...
And a lot of the time it looks like people are just using the Seikomod cases, and the bezels on those are massive, totally out of proportion. Like they're using the bezel from a 41mm on a 36mm.
And if we're making requests, I want a 36mm silver dial concentric arabics DJ!
You're right, it's a little frustrating! Thanks for watching 🤗
If making requests… blue dial 369 with straight hands or 34mm 5500 homage blue or black dial with subtle logo.
Nice Watch John the Review Brilliant as Always dont like the logo or the name
Duly noted Jason
bezel shape looks very strange
Still watching the video and I just feel the cyclops and date kind of ruin the watch. There are a couple of Octopus Krakens on my short list so they are doing something right but this one is just not for me.
Remember, Cyclops are easy to remove. Plenty of simple tutorials! 🙂
@@johnswatchjoint Sadly nothing is ever easy for me. Even it was then I'd prefer the watch without the date. Got to be picky these days as cupboard is full of watch boxes 😬
God they have to change that logo
I really hate Cyclops, I can't get past them - looks terrible. If they did one without it 👍🏼👍🏼
Good for old eyes 😁
No date is my preference, I’m an OP guy not a DJ.
This is or the octopus explorer?
Both haha! 😆
No signed crown deal breaker for me
Weird thickness on the bezel... rehaut also very thick. I skip this one. The explorer looks good though
The rehaut is very slim... An illusion created by the crystal. The bezel is also thin as the total watch height including the protruding case back and the elevated crystal is only 11.2mm.
It refers to many versions and is a tribute to the original.
Looks very nice and well put together. But they should do something else with the name, at least for their dress watches. Maybe instead of "Octopus Kraken" just go with a simplified "OK" or something more understated.
The brand name “octopus” will forever prevent a purchase. Whether they make exceptional value packed wristwatches or not, they should strongly consider a name change.
Edit: “Octopus Kraken” may be a plausible name for a dive watch, but on a dress watch, or a non-dive sports piece? Nah.
Unfortunate.😔
I like their watches, but 'Octopus Kraken' is such a terrible brand name i could never wear one.
Rise above my friend. Has anyone looked at your watch from two feet lately ? 😉