Thanks for the shout out Shane. I’m glad you saw the value in this Steeldive watch. It is a lot of watch for the money with great specs. From the comments I read others feel so as well. The video was great and the production quality has really stepped up from when you first started the channel what two years back now? Your effort really shows in your work.
You almost had me... and then I remember that I don’t like flieger style watches. AliExpress should pay you for your photo set ups. Excellent photography.
You hit the nail on the head about fliegers being generic. They’re the only watch I would say where it is ok to look generic because they all look the same beside different finishing sometimes.
I have this watch(with logo) - it is my daily work watch, different strap, keeps great time. I believe a lot of theses watches are coming from the same factory, all seem to be of good to great quality depending on price. Highly recommend.
I have the SteelDive Radiomir, with NH35 movement. The quality is great, the lume is great. Out of the box accuracy was zero seconds a day, and in stayed like that for 8 month now.
@@RelativeTime You want a Flieger better than this one, exceeding even San Martin in case finishing? Get the Escapement Time Flieger and best of all, it costs roughly the same as the Steeldive.
I have the Escapement Time type "B" Flieger. Hell of a watch for the money (roughly $100usd depending where purchased). Seiko nh35, Sapphire crystal, 300m water resistance, and no date to get in the way. Hard to beat.
Another great video Shane. I own a bronze steeldive Captain Willard...it's an absolutely stunning watch with insane lume on indices and fully lined bezel markings. For me the best fleiger at ANY price on AliExpress is the Escapement time type B. The finishing on that watch is unbelievable...and it cost £70 delivered. It's worth checking out. I also own a san Martin type b that comes nowhere close to the Escapement time but coat over twice as much!
I own this watch. With the steel bracelet. This Flieger A model is sturdy pure minimalistic functionality dating back a full century. It tells you time and date. Not the moon cycles or the weather in Moscow. I like it. A lot.
Nice review, as usual! I have this watch, but with the logo on the face, and in the blue version. I'm glad I took a chance on it...I really enjoy this watch, period full stop. I have a 6.5 inch wrist, and the lug-to-lug distance isn't a problem (I generally don't like a larger fitting watch). The band (black leather) was initially stiff, but has worn in perfectly after about 2 weeks of steady wear. It is now very comfortable. It's honestly become one of my favorites, to my surprise! Always look forward to your vids, please keep it up and stay safe!
I used to have an Aristo 3H80 (Flieger B-Type dial). It was a design I fell in and then out of love with. A $100 Flieger is a good buy for people to see if it suits them or not, and if it does they can opt to throw more cash on a brand name in the future.
Great review Shane! At the $70 price range, more people need to know about this watch. I reviewed their version with the IWC-styled hands on my channel - really enjoyed it.
I have a bronze version of this watch and I really like it, especially once I got it on a good strap. The strap it comes with is fine once you break it in but a good strap really brings out the best in this watch.
I have the same watch, just the branded version. I come to same conclusion, it's a well made np nonsense watch. I was very pleased with the case finishing. Being German I went for this affordable Chinese alternative to the high-end Flieger watches and I didn't regret it.
The German Fliegers are also flat dimensioned. Love the stark no-logo. Even the higher end, such as Laco, have a super minimal logo. I have a SanMartin .. bronze type A dial and love it. I've had it under water many times swimming and its solid. SteelDive I'm sure is the same thing --- oh and no date window ;-)
I paused the video at 7:30 to inspect that beautiful, blue timepiece (and to ask about the maker/model) when I noticed that you included that information right there, on the screen! (Nakzen Pagoda) Well done - Thanks for all of your hard work in producing these reviews!
“The ‘steel dive’ logo was... maybe a bit odd on a pilot’s watch.” LOLOL love your dry sense of humor, thanks for another great video, subbed (belatedly)
I own this, picked it up for just over 100 bucks Canadian, ordered it with the bracelet, swapped it for a black leather strap. You can't go wrong for a Flieger Type A. Sapphire Crystal, Seiko NH35-A Movement, Screw down Crown, Hacking, impressive lume! That's crazy for the price. Even more Orient 'RA-AC0H' Pilot doesn't feel as nice, and IT has a mineral crystal. And the box it comes in! Come on! Highly recommended. I get the generic feeling but that's what you get when you get a sterile/unbranded Flieger! I LOVE it!
I've learned that when I put it on there should be s moment where I say that's a nice watch. I almost bought it or the Addy in the 11-11 sale but something stopped me. Its the nice watch factor. That's an okay watch. that wont get worn enough. Even timex expeditions more exciting. Know thyself.
I personally see Steeldive as the thing between Pagani Design and Cronos/San Martin - better lume and bezels than the former, but not quite the great quality control of the latter.
I bought one of these for a beater, and was disappointed with the overall look. Then I looked at high end fliegers and realized that they were just as boring. The new Steeldive hands are much better. An easy to read flieger with sapphire, an NH35, screw down crown and great water resistance for $100? What's not to like? Updated with new hands, strap from another watch and a domed sapphire and I have a killer daily beater for under $200!
great review! I had a low end german aeromatic flieger i got used a few years ago that just died. I am trying to decide what to replace it with as i am not going to pay way more than what i bought it for to fix it. one like this would allow a long life as it is probably easy to swap out these readily available movements.
Recently got one exactly the same but with Addies on the dial , to be honest I wasn't impressed , the one in this video here looks much better finished ! Thanks again and great review as usual
Despite some of the shortcomings of this Chinese made flieger watch, it still represents the best bang for its buck and punches well above its weight. Some of the more expensive fliegers such as Sinn or Hamilton are hand wound and have a water resistance of up to 50 meters only. And the brightness and longevity of their lume are nothing compared to the Steeldive. For these reasons, I'll still get this watch.
@@RelativeTime You won't regret it. I have their pilot chronograph as well, which is also really good too. Perhaps you could give a shout out when you do your review of it 😉 I just spend way too much time looking through watches on AliExpress. They were a new brand and store when I ordered mine. So I was the first to review one. I did the same with Phylida too. I like to try and find watches that no one else has reviewed yet, and see if they are any good.
The Escapement Time Type A Chronograph with Date is a rare find. But it is an amazing blend of aesthetics and function! If you happen to come across one - especially one for > $100 - I recommend that you buy it. You won't be disappointed!
From what I’ve seen and read a lot of these brands like steel dive, Merkur, San Martin etc. come out of the same factories. Not a lot of info That I can find to confirm though. There’s definitely a connection between Pagani, and Parnis
Great review, and excellent videography! Thanks for sharing! From what I understand, the manufacturer sells under the Steeldive and Addies brands. They also offer sterile dials, as those are available to add a custom logo. So, in theory, you could find this watch with ANY brand name on it. However, Steeldive is gaining traction as a brand, so many are respecting as such and thinking of it as a micro brand category.
For the same price I will go escapement time's one, it has the enamel blue second hand. Also it's has the cheapest PT5000 Movement upgrade I have seen on aliexpress so far.
The Escapement Time flieger has blued hands - It is lovely! (ET even makes a Type A chronograph with date window that, IMO, is an excellent blend of functionality and simplicity!)
Well there are a few reasons. Primarily because I know there is an interest, and they are easy to get. There isn't a lot of money to be made making these videos, so it's a lot easier to stretch a production budget by occasionally picking one up. I'm also generally curious. Aliexpress watches were starting to come on the scene when I started the channel, and they have grown and evolved a lot in that time frame. So I'm curious to see what the current state of these watches are. That, and as a reviewer I think it's good to experience as many brands and price ranges as I can. There is such a wide range of opinions on them, but you never know until you get one in hand. That said, I've also haven't been doing as many of them as I have in the past. You can only look at so many subby homages before you get bored. So the ones I do bring up, are the ones I think are particularly interesting or I think people are curious about.
Good information and very honest. I think you nailed it. You get what you get with AE but also can get a great spec'd watch for little $$. But I think the. Islander is the best option if you don't mind spending a little bit more you get a better watch with an actual person supporting the product! I will spend a little bit more now rather than spend a lot later when you run into problems. Thanks for the honest review with good alternative options 👍
I bought a nearly (possibly completely) identical ADDIES flieger about a year ago through Ali Express. 39mm, completely sterile, and NH35. I quickly swapped out the strap, but it's been a great watch, especially for the $90 (plus strap cost) I spent on it.
I got the German made, Swiss Ronda Quartz movement, Type B Flieger, Aristo 3H-80 from Long Island Watches about a year ago for around $135. Is it perfect no - a step up would be Laco. But German made with a Swiss (granted quartz) movement and I am very happy for my only Flieger this far. If I were to look at an Aliexpress alternative I'd probably start with the Escapement Time Type B flieger - lovely specs for price.
The featured watch is a nod to a German flieger (German for 'pilot'), type A. So it's undersized. Even has the ' dusk face'. The other variant is a nod to a British RAF Pilot watch known as 'Mark 11'. In a sense, it's oversized, but IWC reissued it in 39mm. But yeah, they're both the exact same case here.
Thats a nice watch, no doubt. Personally I prefer my Flieger-Watch to have the original classic Type B style...though this watch is very close to a classic Type A style, which is also nice.
Thats hilarious Shane I was just adding the green no logo bracelet to my cart for the 11/11 sale tomorrow. Your timing is impeccable. Edit: then I saw it on your wrist, that's a no-go for me, too big. Impeccable! Edit 2: eh screw it fleigers are supposed to wear big, its a 100 bucks. I'm buying it even though the l2l is long.
I see some of a brand called Mysterious Code claiming (and looking) to have a case made of titanium. About the same price. Available without logo. Sapphire crystal. IMO The best hands I've seen so far on these listings.
I haven't heard of them. Although check out Escapement Time. I checked out one after I did this, and it's about the same price, but a little better in quality. Here is my review of it. ruclips.net/video/IZXIAFOsm2A/видео.html Price has gone up a bit, and they have a few sizes.
I have one with black strap almost a year now.Good lume and very accurate.It was +10 seconds a day.I regulated it and now sometimes is +10 a week and sometimes +20 seconds a week.I wear it to work and it is real tool watch.
I am very satisfied. Although this accuracy is not constant, it changes. In one part of the day it goes forward by two seconds and then it is one or a little more late. But when everything is added up, it turns out to be 10 to 20 seconds in plus for a week.
I bought the non logo Addies version. The numbers are different from your one. I prefer your ones that are slighlty more rounded on the edges and look more balanced. I paid £65 for mine, same specs. I have to say the lume is fantastic and overall love it. I have 6.5 inch wrists and my biggest issue is the hight off the wrist. It sits a little too high, however, I don't regret my purchase. A pilots watch should be simple and all the required features are present here
Take the iwc pilot watch case, it is pretty similar in shape and size. And these steeldive pilot cases are exactly the same as sanmartin, same mouvement and same lume quality (just a slit difference in the printing of the indexes and numerals) , just 50$ difference. I know I have both of them. The blue version is great.
I got the sterile, 'IWC' hands, bracelet version. Instant legibility, great lume, +3secs per day. At $100, incredible value. But I'm a flieger WIS. 😳 The SM omits the date, which I prefer, but it's $50 more and no bracelet IIRC.
Good review, Shane. I think you are 100% correct about Marc at LIW. He has always treated me extremely well. I think he is probably the best bet for those who do not want to deal with AliExpress, for whatever reason. Good job!
The generic feel is why I consider buying an "AliExpress Flieger" on 11/11 (most likely by San Martin): Since the design was basically specified by the Luftwaffe and has been produced by numerous companies over the course of the years, this is the one watch where it isn't too much of an issue to cheap out on. It's generic by design, so you're not really stealing any intellectual property. Great review, as always! Greetings from Germany
Very true. Someone mentioned they didn't like homages, and it's really not. There is no true "flieger" to copy. Some have also mentioned a flieger from Escarpment Time. Supposedly really good. Maybe another one to look into.
Hey Shane, great review and lovely photography. Have you thought about lending your voice to a relaxation tape or app? Your reviews are perfect for winding down after a long day. :)
Haha that is confusing indeed with the brands switcheroo 🤪 long story short: that sterile version is exactly what I would give my nephew as a bday present. 100% tool watch that should be pretty reliable due to the Seiko movement..
I was actually thinking about sending it to one of my nephews when I was done with it. If you are really looking, others have also mentioned another brand called Escapment Time. Supposedly very good.
No, Steedive has been around for at least three years, I don't know why you don't hear much about them. Their Squale 1521 homage looks legit and the few things I've heard about them are pretty good.
Strange. I haven't been paying much attention to the Aliexpress seen this year, but last year I was seeing what was around at least once a month. Must of missed it, or not payed any attention.
@@RelativeTime They might not participate in the big sales very much, and I don't think they've paid Ali for a brand filter. I've noticed some brands don't have one.
It's true that Fliegers look pretty much alike, whether cheap or expensive, so it makes them a harder sell for me. But I ended up getting the Hamilton Pilot Day Date as my only watch, and I love everything about it. A big reason why is because they take the Flieger B design and really make it their own.
Honestly? Best flieger I have it's the Citizen AW1360-12H, eco-drive movement, on a brown nato strap, works like a charm. It's not mechanical, but it's a super reliable tool watch, maybe big for some, but it's true to the nature of the originals (which were quite big).
@@RelativeTime Ah, I remember that review now that I think about it! Yeah, to me it wasn't all that bad but the nato strap really made all the difference in the world, now I wear it a lot more often
Well, it seems totally fine for a hundred buck watch, while execution may not be the finest, it's tool-mindset with a domination of function over form is perfect for someone who appreciates fliegers. By the way, just last week I've found a... Bauhaus Flieger. Check out Sea-gull 819.583H, there are 3 color variations (black, beige and green and it kind of gives the vibes of parade uniform) and they come with a high-grade high-beat Sea-gull caliber ST2130 (which basically is ETA 2824-2).
I have what's probably the same watch - just different hands - the MK11 copy. Only slight grumble is the crown not screwing back down too easily, but for £70-80, you ain't gettin' perfection, are you!. Solid little watch, for the money.
I got a 44mm hand wind sterile no date with a see through back,12mm thick 50mm lug to lug. Looks great on my seven and a quarter inch wrist. The movement is the Sea-Gull st36 and the lume is good. The strap is a step down dark brown leather like the one you have there. It has a small seconds had at 6 o'clock. I paid £50 from mywatchcode on Aliexpress.
I am in the market for a nice Fleiger, and the $100 price point is about all I can spend. The trouble is that I love a type B fleiger. Do they make this in a type B? Great review as always Shane!!!
I went for the Cronos Blue B Dial w/ PT-5000 . 42 mm w/ domed Crystal . Not sure how I feel about it yet but it's running +2 spd. Had I went for the lower cost offerings I'd always wonder about the one I did get .
All Steeldive watches are homages,the one you reviewed I also have.I think the reason for that handset relates to the homage,IWC MK9.Where can you find that Icon of a watch and at what price?I have four Steeldive watches and they are all good and all hark back to vintage watches that are hard to come by and have a premium price on the used market.........................
It seems that the chinese manufacturers need another 2/3 years to really get their act together design-wise. As swiss and japanese watches are becoming more subtle in terms of design, case-size and dial furniture, the chinese are still a bit 'in your face' and oversized, particularly in dresswatches. The flieger has a lot going for it. A watch that is under 40mm, a thin case with min. 100m WR + screwdown crown is very welcome. i.e. something like an explorer but not too much of a homage. Fine video as always.
Wow... I've wanted a watch with that plain Flieger dial for years. Ugh, the new hands are horrible. I think Addies still have the correct hands. I would message them before ordering to confirm
The San Martin is almost IDENTICAL. The NH35 movement, case and face and strap options SAVE for the absence of a date complication. Why on earth would you pay $200 for that ?
I’ve never been this early... lol 3 hours 😂 Great review Shane 👍. I think these are great daily wearers in there own right (no logo) or I do look at the sideways as potential donor watches for Seiko Dial and hand swaps... 🤔 Seiko just don’t make affordable watches in small sizes!
Good review. I like the case, caseback, and crown. It lacks blued hands (the "new" hands are awful) and there shouldn't be a date complication. I'm still looking for the right ali express flieger. San Martin seems the best option, but I would prefer to be over 40 mm.
Check out the Escapement time version. May be exactly what you are looking for. ruclips.net/video/IZXIAFOsm2A/видео.html That's one a lot of people recommended I check out after I did this video.
@@RelativeTime Thanks for the help. Escapement Time is one of the better ones for sure, but I don't care for the crown and caseback. I'm probably too picky.
Oh, man.. I was literally looking at this watch (Addies Dive logo) and in the 11/11 sale it's going for under 50 GBP (less than 66 USD). I am really contemplating about getting this watch, but I also have a crush (I know, I know) for the San Martin Ghost Diver v3 Submariner. I currently have the Parnis Daytona homage and the only thing I am missing is the lume and I can't decide between these two. The San Martin is stunning with its recessed endlinks that are Rolex-esque and everything that comes with it, but I am not really sure if I want to spend nearly 3x as much as the Addies Dive flieger. Any thoughts? The help would be greatly appreciated, cheers! :)
That's a tough one. San Martin is some of the best bang for your buck, but I haven't seen that one in person. I'd probably go for the San Martin, as it's always easy to find one of these Fleigers at a good price later.
I got it for around $80 and they sent the new handset and with blue AR crystal. I ask the seller to send the old handset too since I didn't order the new one and they charge for $1 for shipping.
If you just want something that looks like a flieger and don't particularly care, then I can see how these Asian models are worth considering. Also, note that these are never someone's first, second or even third watch. They're more likely to be a 5th, 6th or 7th watch, if you catch my meaning. They are usually found in a "box ticker's" collection. Personally, I went upscale and went Laco. A $900 flieger is not everyone's cup of tea, to be sure, but I have a watch true to the original styling, made with German components from one of the original flieger companies and it's got a reliable Swiss movement. Long story short, it doesn't get any better than that if you're after a historical reproduction flieger. And that's part of the fun of this hobby for me, collecting watches with real history and heritage. It adds to my enjoyment of wearing it and using it. These Chinese fliegers offer value, but they don't offer that heritage.
Chinese watch companies are interesting. Lugyou makes CRONOS, and about any legal name you'd like on your watch. Based on their specs and quality I suspect they also make San Martin. I know from experience that Addies and Steel Dive are the same. I guess it's sort of like Ford/Mercury and Dodge/Crysler.
Bought one last summer, stuck it on a Marine Nationale strap. I wore it less than 10 times and flipped it at cost on ebay. Nice watch, just not for me.
@@RelativeTime worked out fine, but I ended up buying a SARB017 to fill that niche in my "collection", as it felt more refined; perhaps I am just not a flieger kind of guy? as of ~15 watches down I don't own another flieger.
@@RelativeTime I had a very brief email exchange about a question, and he was great to deal with. When the watch budget recovers from my latest purchase(CW C60) I'll be looking at an Islander Diver.
Very nice legible watch and although it’s a beautiful design, a sterile dial makes it look a bit like a cheap no name watch bought at a local flea market.
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Thanks for the shout out Shane. I’m glad you saw the value in this Steeldive watch. It is a lot of watch for the money with great specs. From the comments I read others feel so as well. The video was great and the production quality has really stepped up from when you first started the channel what two years back now? Your effort really shows in your work.
You almost had me... and then I remember that I don’t like flieger style watches. AliExpress should pay you for your photo set ups. Excellent photography.
Love the watch bands that you show.
Date ruins it. No onion crown. Extra twenty smacks go for Escapement Time.
The Escapement Time seems to be the one people are talking about. I'll have to check it out.
@@RelativeTime I’d love to see a review of the escapement time one too
@@altamushg ordered one. So just have to see how long shipping is taking these days.
@@goldeye1958 this is the IWC Spitfire homage, hence date and no onion crown
Lume on the Steeldive watches is always surprisingly good! Especially for what is primarily a Aliexpress watch.
Agree. Better then most of the Ali watches I've seen.
You hit the nail on the head about fliegers being generic. They’re the only watch I would say where it is ok to look generic because they all look the same beside different finishing sometimes.
I have this watch(with logo) - it is my daily work watch, different strap, keeps great time. I believe a lot of theses watches are coming from the same factory, all seem to be of good to great quality depending on price. Highly recommend.
I have the same without logo.Very accurate every day watch.
I have the SteelDive Radiomir, with NH35 movement. The quality is great, the lume is great. Out of the box accuracy was zero seconds a day, and in stayed like that for 8 month now.
I have the self same watch. Put it straight on a nice leather strap, and what a great watch
That's great accuracy, hit the Seiko Jackpot.
@@RelativeTime You want a Flieger better than this one, exceeding even San Martin in case finishing?
Get the Escapement Time Flieger and best of all, it costs roughly the same as the Steeldive.
I have the Escapement Time type "B" Flieger. Hell of a watch for the money (roughly $100usd depending where purchased). Seiko nh35, Sapphire crystal, 300m water resistance, and no date to get in the way. Hard to beat.
That's what a lot of people are saying about it. I've ordered one to check it out.
Another great video Shane. I own a bronze steeldive Captain Willard...it's an absolutely stunning watch with insane lume on indices and fully lined bezel markings.
For me the best fleiger at ANY price on AliExpress is the Escapement time type B. The finishing on that watch is unbelievable...and it cost £70 delivered. It's worth checking out. I also own a san Martin type b that comes nowhere close to the Escapement time but coat over twice as much!
Thanks! Sounds interesting. I'll check it out.
I own this watch. With the steel bracelet. This Flieger A model is sturdy pure minimalistic functionality dating back a full century.
It tells you time and date. Not the moon cycles or the weather in Moscow.
I like it. A lot.
Nice review, as usual! I have this watch, but with the logo on the face, and in the blue version. I'm glad I took a chance on it...I really enjoy this watch, period full stop. I have a 6.5 inch wrist, and the lug-to-lug distance isn't a problem (I generally don't like a larger fitting watch). The band (black leather) was initially stiff, but has worn in perfectly after about 2 weeks of steady wear. It is now very comfortable. It's honestly become one of my favorites, to my surprise! Always look forward to your vids, please keep it up and stay safe!
Same here. 6.5 wrist and the lug to lug is all good
I used to have an Aristo 3H80 (Flieger B-Type dial). It was a design I fell in and then out of love with. A $100 Flieger is a good buy for people to see if it suits them or not, and if it does they can opt to throw more cash on a brand name in the future.
Another exceptional video release, thanks for sharing this sir and this is one I can definitely see myself picking up.
I've owned this for a little over 2 years now and so far so good. Works fine.
If only it didn't have the date!!!
Cheers mate 👍🏻
I agree.
Got one anyway. My impulse control leaves something to be desired.
Your filming/photography makes everything look great!
Thanks! Takes some trial and error, but I have fun doing it.
Great review & photography! I’ve been eyeing this watch & might pull the trigger for the 11/11 sale. Thanks!
Great review Shane! At the $70 price range, more people need to know about this watch. I reviewed their version with the IWC-styled hands on my channel - really enjoyed it.
I have a bronze version of this watch and I really like it, especially once I got it on a good strap. The strap it comes with is fine once you break it in but a good strap really brings out the best in this watch.
I have the same watch, just the branded version. I come to same conclusion, it's a well made np nonsense watch. I was very pleased with the case finishing. Being German I went for this affordable Chinese alternative to the high-end Flieger watches and I didn't regret it.
The German Fliegers are also flat dimensioned. Love the stark no-logo. Even the higher end, such as Laco, have a super minimal logo. I have a SanMartin .. bronze type A dial and love it. I've had it under water many times swimming and its solid. SteelDive I'm sure is the same thing --- oh and no date window ;-)
I paused the video at 7:30 to inspect that beautiful, blue timepiece (and to ask about the maker/model) when I noticed that you included that information right there, on the screen! (Nakzen Pagoda)
Well done - Thanks for all of your hard work in producing these reviews!
Thanks. Takes a bit of time to put these together, and add some of those little details, but I think it helps out more in the long run.
“The ‘steel dive’ logo was... maybe a bit odd on a pilot’s watch.” LOLOL love your dry sense of humor, thanks for another great video, subbed (belatedly)
😎 Thanks and welcome!
I own this, picked it up for just over 100 bucks Canadian, ordered it with the bracelet, swapped it for a black leather strap. You can't go wrong for a Flieger Type A. Sapphire Crystal, Seiko NH35-A Movement, Screw down Crown, Hacking, impressive lume! That's crazy for the price. Even more Orient 'RA-AC0H' Pilot doesn't feel as nice, and IT has a mineral crystal.
And the box it comes in! Come on! Highly recommended. I get the generic feeling but that's what you get when you get a sterile/unbranded Flieger! I LOVE it!
I've learned that when I put it on there should be s moment where I say that's a nice watch. I almost bought it or the Addy in the 11-11 sale but something stopped me. Its the nice watch factor. That's an okay watch. that wont get worn enough. Even timex expeditions more exciting. Know thyself.
I personally see Steeldive as the thing between Pagani Design and Cronos/San Martin - better lume and bezels than the former, but not quite the great quality control of the latter.
That seems to fit where this one is.
I bought a snk809 for $75... Never looked back has everything i wanted in a flieger.
I bought one of these for a beater, and was disappointed with the overall look. Then I looked at high end fliegers and realized that they were just as boring. The new Steeldive hands are much better. An easy to read flieger with sapphire, an NH35, screw down crown and great water resistance for $100? What's not to like? Updated with new hands, strap from another watch and a domed sapphire and I have a killer daily beater for under $200!
great review! I had a low end german aeromatic flieger i got used a few years ago that just died. I am trying to decide what to replace it with as i am not going to pay way more than what i bought it for to fix it. one like this would allow a long life as it is probably easy to swap out these readily available movements.
Recently got one exactly the same but with Addies on the dial , to be honest I wasn't impressed , the one in this video here looks much better finished ! Thanks again and great review as usual
I dont like the date window but the other link you put in the description box for Escapement time looks really nice with the onion crown
I personally haven't seen that one, but a lot of people have commented on how good it is. So I've ordered one to see.
@@RelativeTime Whens that review coming? Are you getting the quartz version or the NH-35?
@@NathanChisholm041 I ordered both. They aren't here yet so it will be a while before I get to a review.
@@RelativeTime Ok mate! I've just got my Spinnaker Dummas in the mail today and love it! Cheers...
Despite some of the shortcomings of this Chinese made flieger watch, it still represents the best bang for its buck and punches well above its weight. Some of the more expensive fliegers such as Sinn or Hamilton are hand wound and have a water resistance of up to 50 meters only. And the brightness and longevity of their lume are nothing compared to the Steeldive. For these reasons, I'll still get this watch.
Thank you for the video. Have a great day.
You really need to checkout the Escapement Time Flieger. It's fantastic.
I checked out your video and wound up ordering one. How did you originally hear about them?
@@RelativeTime You won't regret it. I have their pilot chronograph as well, which is also really good too. Perhaps you could give a shout out when you do your review of it 😉
I just spend way too much time looking through watches on AliExpress.
They were a new brand and store when I ordered mine. So I was the first to review one.
I did the same with Phylida too. I like to try and find watches that no one else has reviewed yet, and see if they are any good.
The Escapement Time Type A Chronograph with Date is a rare find. But it is an amazing blend of aesthetics and function! If you happen to come across one - especially one for > $100 - I recommend that you buy it.
You won't be disappointed!
@@epretorious Yeah I have that one too.
Just bought the Addies dive version. It is also currently available with a sterile dial.
Love mine so mush I ordered the blue version on bracelet
From what I’ve seen and read a lot of these brands like steel dive, Merkur, San Martin etc. come out of the same factories. Not a lot of info That I can find to confirm though. There’s definitely a connection between Pagani, and Parnis
Great review, and excellent videography! Thanks for sharing! From what I understand, the manufacturer sells under the Steeldive and Addies brands. They also offer sterile dials, as those are available to add a custom logo. So, in theory, you could find this watch with ANY brand name on it. However, Steeldive is gaining traction as a brand, so many are respecting as such and thinking of it as a micro brand category.
Thanks for the info! I didn't pay as much attention to Alliexpress brands this year, and I'm starting to feel like I missed a lot.
I like the sword hands on your version much better. Nice simple watch. I think this sterile version is pretty sweet.
For the same price I will go escapement time's one, it has the enamel blue second hand. Also it's has the cheapest PT5000 Movement upgrade I have seen on aliexpress so far.
The Escapement Time flieger has blued hands - It is lovely! (ET even makes a Type A chronograph with date window that, IMO, is an excellent blend of functionality and simplicity!)
You are one of the best reviewers on RUclips. Seriously, why do you waste your time on all of the junk from places like AliExpress????
Well there are a few reasons. Primarily because I know there is an interest, and they are easy to get. There isn't a lot of money to be made making these videos, so it's a lot easier to stretch a production budget by occasionally picking one up.
I'm also generally curious. Aliexpress watches were starting to come on the scene when I started the channel, and they have grown and evolved a lot in that time frame. So I'm curious to see what the current state of these watches are.
That, and as a reviewer I think it's good to experience as many brands and price ranges as I can. There is such a wide range of opinions on them, but you never know until you get one in hand.
That said, I've also haven't been doing as many of them as I have in the past. You can only look at so many subby homages before you get bored. So the ones I do bring up, are the ones I think are particularly interesting or I think people are curious about.
Good information and very honest. I think you nailed it. You get what you get with AE but also can get a great spec'd watch for little $$. But I think the. Islander is the best option if you don't mind spending a little bit more you get a better watch with an actual person supporting the product! I will spend a little bit more now rather than spend a lot later when you run into problems. Thanks for the honest review with good alternative options 👍
ideal tool watch. inexpensive, reliable, tough, good specs.
Great review I have had Stowa Flieger for 2 years and I’m glad I bought this watch .
Glad to hear it. Which Stowa do you have?
@@RelativeTime the white dial 40mm and it’s the hand winding version .
I bought a nearly (possibly completely) identical ADDIES flieger about a year ago through Ali Express. 39mm, completely sterile, and NH35. I quickly swapped out the strap, but it's been a great watch, especially for the $90 (plus strap cost) I spent on it.
I got the German made, Swiss Ronda Quartz movement, Type B Flieger, Aristo 3H-80 from Long Island Watches about a year ago for around $135.
Is it perfect no - a step up would be Laco. But German made with a Swiss (granted quartz) movement and I am very happy for my only Flieger this far.
If I were to look at an Aliexpress alternative I'd probably start with the Escapement Time Type B flieger - lovely specs for price.
I think I remember those aristo's from a video Marc did last year. Were they on sale for black friday?
@@RelativeTime I'm not sure I got mine after Christmas.
“Ollie” express sounds funny!
The eye perceives yellow as brighter than white, so by using a warm white against black they actually increase the perceived contrast.
Makes perfect sense.
The featured watch is a nod to a German flieger (German for 'pilot'), type A. So it's undersized. Even has the ' dusk face'.
The other variant is a nod to a British RAF Pilot watch known as 'Mark 11'. In a sense, it's oversized, but IWC reissued it in 39mm.
But yeah, they're both the exact same case here.
Thats a nice watch, no doubt. Personally I prefer my Flieger-Watch to have the original classic Type B style...though this watch is very close to a classic Type A style, which is also nice.
Great review as always. Well done hunting this one, great budget option watch. 👍
Thanks!
Great and fair review, as always! 👍🏻
The new hands make it look like the IWC Mark 11
I think you are right.
get the heimdallr flieger. 38.5mm, 46mm lug to lug, seiko NH35, 100M water resistance screw down crown.
Good as the previous INVICTA fitted with the same NH35A.
Thats hilarious Shane I was just adding the green no logo bracelet to my cart for the 11/11 sale tomorrow. Your timing is impeccable.
Edit: then I saw it on your wrist, that's a no-go for me, too big. Impeccable!
Edit 2: eh screw it fleigers are supposed to wear big, its a 100 bucks. I'm buying it even though the l2l is long.
I see some of a brand called Mysterious Code claiming (and looking) to have a case made of titanium. About the same price. Available without logo. Sapphire crystal. IMO The best hands I've seen so far on these listings.
I haven't heard of them. Although check out Escapement Time. I checked out one after I did this, and it's about the same price, but a little better in quality.
Here is my review of it. ruclips.net/video/IZXIAFOsm2A/видео.html
Price has gone up a bit, and they have a few sizes.
I have one with black strap almost a year now.Good lume and very accurate.It was +10 seconds a day.I regulated it and now sometimes is +10 a week and sometimes +20 seconds a week.I wear it to work and it is real tool watch.
That's pretty good accuracy!
I am very satisfied. Although this accuracy is not constant, it changes. In one part of the day it goes forward by two seconds and then it is one or a little more late. But when everything is added up, it turns out to be 10 to 20 seconds in plus for a week.
I bought the non logo Addies version. The numbers are different from your one. I prefer your ones that are slighlty more rounded on the edges and look more balanced. I paid £65 for mine, same specs. I have to say the lume is fantastic and overall love it. I have 6.5 inch wrists and my biggest issue is the hight off the wrist. It sits a little too high, however, I don't regret my purchase. A pilots watch should be simple and all the required features are present here
Take the iwc pilot watch case, it is pretty similar in shape and size.
And these steeldive pilot cases are exactly the same as sanmartin, same mouvement and same lume quality (just a slit difference in the printing of the indexes and numerals) , just 50$ difference. I know I have both of them.
The blue version is great.
I have the San Martin..sterile dial no date..same specs.Got it lightly used on eBay for $85.Nice watch.No complaints.
Great price for that. Was it a bronze or Steel version?
I got the sterile, 'IWC' hands, bracelet version.
Instant legibility, great lume, +3secs per day.
At $100, incredible value. But I'm a flieger WIS. 😳
The SM omits the date, which I prefer, but it's $50 more and no bracelet IIRC.
Good review, Shane. I think you are 100% correct about Marc at LIW. He has always treated me extremely well. I think he is probably the best bet for those who do not want to deal with AliExpress, for whatever reason. Good job!
Thanks! I've never talked to Marc directly, but have bought a few things from him. Always been very happy.
The generic feel is why I consider buying an "AliExpress Flieger" on 11/11 (most likely by San Martin): Since the design was basically specified by the Luftwaffe and has been produced by numerous companies over the course of the years, this is the one watch where it isn't too much of an issue to cheap out on. It's generic by design, so you're not really stealing any intellectual property. Great review, as always! Greetings from Germany
Very true. Someone mentioned they didn't like homages, and it's really not. There is no true "flieger" to copy.
Some have also mentioned a flieger from Escarpment Time. Supposedly really good. Maybe another one to look into.
Hey Shane, great review and lovely photography. Have you thought about lending your voice to a relaxation tape or app? Your reviews are perfect for winding down after a long day. :)
Maybe one day, not even sure where I would start with that.
Haha that is confusing indeed with the brands switcheroo 🤪 long story short: that sterile version is exactly what I would give my nephew as a bday present. 100% tool watch that should be pretty reliable due to the Seiko movement..
I was actually thinking about sending it to one of my nephews when I was done with it.
If you are really looking, others have also mentioned another brand called Escapment Time. Supposedly very good.
No, Steedive has been around for at least three years, I don't know why you don't hear much about them. Their Squale 1521 homage looks legit and the few things I've heard about them are pretty good.
Strange. I haven't been paying much attention to the Aliexpress seen this year, but last year I was seeing what was around at least once a month. Must of missed it, or not payed any attention.
@@RelativeTime They might not participate in the big sales very much, and I don't think they've paid Ali for a brand filter. I've noticed some brands don't have one.
It's true that Fliegers look pretty much alike, whether cheap or expensive, so it makes them a harder sell for me. But I ended up getting the Hamilton Pilot Day Date as my only watch, and I love everything about it. A big reason why is because they take the Flieger B design and really make it their own.
That's very true. Also love the hands on the Hammy Pilot.
@@RelativeTime Both the hands and the numerals are really special. And I love the symmetry of a 12:00 day and 6:00 date.
Decent watch, decent looking, decent price and decent size. A distinct possibility.
If it was no date, I wouldn't be able to resist the purchase.
Honestly? Best flieger I have it's the Citizen AW1360-12H, eco-drive movement, on a brown nato strap, works like a charm. It's not mechanical, but it's a super reliable tool watch, maybe big for some, but it's true to the nature of the originals (which were quite big).
Reviewed that one a long time ago, it was one of the earlier videos. Great watch, hated the stock strap though.
@@RelativeTime Ah, I remember that review now that I think about it! Yeah, to me it wasn't all that bad but the nato strap really made all the difference in the world, now I wear it a lot more often
Well, it seems totally fine for a hundred buck watch, while execution may not be the finest, it's tool-mindset with a domination of function over form is perfect for someone who appreciates fliegers. By the way, just last week I've found a... Bauhaus Flieger. Check out Sea-gull 819.583H, there are 3 color variations (black, beige and green and it kind of gives the vibes of parade uniform) and they come with a high-grade high-beat Sea-gull caliber ST2130 (which basically is ETA 2824-2).
I had the san martin flieger which was nice, but no substitute for the real thing. Very happy with my handwind 40mm stowa!
Stowa's look gorgeous. I think I would go for them over a Laco.
I have what's probably the same watch - just different hands - the MK11 copy. Only slight grumble is the crown not screwing back down too easily, but for £70-80, you ain't gettin' perfection, are you!. Solid little watch, for the money.
I got a 44mm hand wind sterile no date with a see through back,12mm thick 50mm lug to lug.
Looks great on my seven and a quarter inch wrist.
The movement is the Sea-Gull st36 and the lume is good. The strap is a step down dark brown leather like the one you have there.
It has a small seconds had at 6 o'clock. I paid £50 from mywatchcode on Aliexpress.
Well there goes a hundo!! Great review!
Here is another one that someone just mentioned. They think it's pretty good too.
www.aliexpress.com/item/4001051137860.html
@@RelativeTime I've seen these also , buy 500 @ a time for $30 ea. Makes me think in a different manner seeing that . Lol
I am in the market for a nice Fleiger, and the $100 price point is about all I can spend. The trouble is that I love a type B fleiger. Do they make this in a type B? Great review as always Shane!!!
it would've been grand if it had no date complication.
I went for the Cronos Blue B Dial w/ PT-5000 . 42 mm w/ domed Crystal . Not sure how I feel about it yet but it's running +2 spd. Had I went for the lower cost offerings I'd always wonder about the one I did get .
I wish i could get it with sterile dial but with branded back.
All Steeldive watches are homages,the one you reviewed I also have.I think the reason for that handset relates to the homage,IWC MK9.Where can you find that Icon of a watch and at what price?I have four Steeldive watches and they are all good and all hark back to vintage watches that are hard to come by and have a premium price on the used market.........................
It seems that the chinese manufacturers need another 2/3 years to really get their act together design-wise. As swiss and japanese watches are becoming more subtle in terms of design, case-size and dial furniture, the chinese are still a bit 'in your face' and oversized, particularly in dresswatches.
The flieger has a lot going for it. A watch that is under 40mm, a thin case with min. 100m WR + screwdown crown is very welcome.
i.e. something like an explorer but not too much of a homage.
Fine video as always.
I like my Citizen Men's 42mm Automatic Flieger Watch with Leather Strap (NJ0100-11E) for about the same price as the SteelDive Flieger.
I did not know about that. I only knew about the larger Eco-Drive Flieger. I'll have to check it out.
The dial is slightly shifted to the left. I have the same watch, had the same frustration.
Wow... I've wanted a watch with that plain Flieger dial for years. Ugh, the new hands are horrible. I think Addies still have the correct hands. I would message them before ordering to confirm
The San Martin is almost IDENTICAL. The NH35 movement, case and face and strap options SAVE for the absence of a date complication. Why on earth would you pay $200 for that ?
I have 6.25 inch wrist. Would it fit comfortable?
Wish one day you will review Debert's homage to Richard Lange :)
I’ve never been this early... lol 3 hours 😂
Great review Shane 👍.
I think these are great daily wearers in there own right (no logo) or I do look at the sideways as potential donor watches for Seiko Dial and hand swaps... 🤔 Seiko just don’t make affordable watches in small sizes!
Not anymore. Still can't figure out why the snk watches are over $100 now.
Good review. I like the case, caseback, and crown. It lacks blued hands (the "new" hands are awful) and there shouldn't be a date complication. I'm still looking for the right ali express flieger. San Martin seems the best option, but I would prefer to be over 40 mm.
Check out the Escapement time version. May be exactly what you are looking for.
ruclips.net/video/IZXIAFOsm2A/видео.html
That's one a lot of people recommended I check out after I did this video.
@@RelativeTime Thanks for the help. Escapement Time is one of the better ones for sure, but I don't care for the crown and caseback. I'm probably too picky.
Oh, man.. I was literally looking at this watch (Addies Dive logo) and in the 11/11 sale it's going for under 50 GBP (less than 66 USD). I am really contemplating about getting this watch, but I also have a crush (I know, I know) for the San Martin Ghost Diver v3 Submariner.
I currently have the Parnis Daytona homage and the only thing I am missing is the lume and I can't decide between these two. The San Martin is stunning with its recessed endlinks that are Rolex-esque and everything that comes with it, but I am not really sure if I want to spend nearly 3x as much as the Addies Dive flieger.
Any thoughts? The help would be greatly appreciated, cheers! :)
That's a tough one. San Martin is some of the best bang for your buck, but I haven't seen that one in person. I'd probably go for the San Martin, as it's always easy to find one of these Fleigers at a good price later.
Nice watch.. Gd review 👍
Shane...try Escapement time Fleiger....trust me!
I second this. Fantastic quality all around.
This one?
www.aliexpress.com/item/4001051137860.html
@@RelativeTime correct!
@@RelativeTime Yes that's the one. It's a beautiful watch.
@@garethbain7477 I'm kind of tempted by the Chrono version. Just for something different.
I'll definitely order one, just have to figure out which.
Steeldive is addiesdive now
I got it for around $80 and they sent the new handset and with blue AR crystal. I ask the seller to send the old handset too since I didn't order the new one and they charge for $1 for shipping.
I wonder when they changed the hands.
@@RelativeTime I bought it on July 11 2020.
Nice.. Nobody review steeldive type B, its a forgotten good watch 😬
Wondering if there is something wrong with the type B 🤔
If you just want something that looks like a flieger and don't particularly care, then I can see how these Asian models are worth considering. Also, note that these are never someone's first, second or even third watch. They're more likely to be a 5th, 6th or 7th watch, if you catch my meaning. They are usually found in a "box ticker's" collection.
Personally, I went upscale and went Laco. A $900 flieger is not everyone's cup of tea, to be sure, but I have a watch true to the original styling, made with German components from one of the original flieger companies and it's got a reliable Swiss movement. Long story short, it doesn't get any better than that if you're after a historical reproduction flieger. And that's part of the fun of this hobby for me, collecting watches with real history and heritage. It adds to my enjoyment of wearing it and using it. These Chinese fliegers offer value, but they don't offer that heritage.
Yeah heritage and a pound will get you a lottery ticket
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Chinese watch companies are interesting. Lugyou makes CRONOS, and about any legal name you'd like on your watch. Based on their specs and quality I suspect they also make San Martin. I know from experience that Addies and Steel Dive are the same. I guess it's sort of like Ford/Mercury and Dodge/Crysler.
Damn, that's a lot of watch for a hundred bucks!🎖️
Bought one last summer, stuck it on a Marine Nationale strap. I wore it less than 10 times and flipped it at cost on ebay. Nice watch, just not for me.
That would be a great strap for it. Have you tried another Flieger since?
@@RelativeTime worked out fine, but I ended up buying a SARB017 to fill that niche in my "collection", as it felt more refined; perhaps I am just not a flieger kind of guy? as of ~15 watches down I don't own another flieger.
Smaller version of this would be perfect.
I'd likely save the extra cash for the Islander, as I have dealt with Long Island Watch before and had a great experience.
I've never directly talked to Marc, but I've been happy two times I've bought something from him.
@@RelativeTime I had a very brief email exchange about a question, and he was great to deal with. When the watch budget recovers from my latest purchase(CW C60) I'll be looking at an Islander Diver.
Very nice legible watch and although it’s a beautiful design, a sterile dial makes it look a bit like a cheap no name watch bought at a local flea market.