Excellent video. I'm a diver, use watches as backups. I have a sizeable collection of around 30 watches including 15 divers. Most expensive an Omega Seamaster that I don't dive with. Lol. Divers I use are ISO certified Seiko's and Orient's. It was Seiko homages that attracted me to try AE. I have the original Tuna and Monster, I saw something Seiko never made, a yellow dial Steeldive Tuna and a Heimdallr red dial Seiko Monster and I bought both and then I dived with both and they performed perfectly. Lume as good as the Seiko watches and being honest a better sapphire crystal, better bracelet on the Heimdallr Monster. I use the yellow rubber strap on the Steeldive, looks great. Since those I got an Addies field watch, and rather than buying the plastic Moonswatch, I got the Pagani Mission to Uranus and it's great! I was probably a bit of a watch snob to be honest, but after getting a few extremely good quality dive watches I changed my mind. I still only have 5 Ali Express watches but they're all great. My advice to watch enthusiasts, don't be a snob, you can get great watches at really competitive prices, but be discerning, do a little research, I'm sure there are some stinkers on AE too. My final tip, if you dive, don't buy an expensive diver for diving, because I guarantee you'll be too scared to use it in case you break it or scratch it. LOL. My Omega has never seen salt water!
Thank you very much for your input and thank you for the compliment. Anytime you'd like to collaborate, please contact me. I'm not a diver...I'm more of a land creature and don't like animals swimming up from the depths and pulling my liver out of my body! Have a great weekend!
Excellent advice. I too have a "small collection" that spans Swiss and German Luxury (handful of watches between me and the wife)...with the majority made up of microbrands and good quality AliEx watches. I was discerning in my AliEx purchases...always looking for great deals from reputable brands (e.g. Cronos, San Martin, Seestern/Sugess, Steeldive, Addiesdive, Baltany). In most every case...these AliEx watches are spec'd with proven and dependable movements (NH34/35/36/38; PT5000, ST2130), sapphire crystals, etc. Where the bracelet/wriststrap proved inadequate relative to the watch itself...I upgraded with a MAIKES genuine leather strap or a decent single layer NATO or an aftermarket Oyster with two button micro adj clasp.
@@Grefareal Would you believe it's been a year since my comment and I just saw your reply. My oldest Orient diver that I've had for 13 years now is the Mako XL, nice big one for easy viewing, though I will admit that the lume was awful and I got someone to redo it and it's great now. It's not ISO rated but it's been fine for years now. The other one is a rated Orient Star. Appreciate the question and sorry for the long delay.
You have great taste Tim. One of the best curated collection of AliX watches online. Love your work and the effort you put in to bringing us this great list. I've been looking at that San Martin chunky diver on an off for several months. It reminds me of an Omega Planet Ocean I used to own. I might go over to the store and see if I'll pull the trigger.
Hey Tim, this is the first of your videos that showed up. Ali Express coming in tomorrow and all that. I am absolutely impressed with the heart that has gone into your review...no extra words. Just as is. All heart, from what I'm seeing.Thank you. And please keep doing what you're doing.
I am not a fan of Chinese watch homages. I am a huge fan of reviewers that only recommend watches they have actually handled. Keep up the great work sir.
If you are rich, you have much money, you buy an expensive authentic watch. I hope 😊so. But reviewers could tell you, you have been cheated if you bought a cheap watch.
I enjoy watch homages however as a fragrance enthusiast i’m not a fan of homage scents that try to copy the $400+ original niche houses. i’m sure most of the colognes you wear are cheaper copy’s of expensive fragrances you’ve never heard of, without you even knowing. everyone’s different
Great recommendations. The Steel dive Willard is great for someone starting out. Yes , the on the fly adjustable clasp is very useful. I can just wear the watch on my sleeve when necessary. I think the Tactical Frog FXD, now that it has a chrono model, deserves a mention too. Look forward to your next top 10.
Tim you and I have a very similar collection. First time viewer and definitely a subscriber moving forward. I completely agree with caseback display as that’s why I got the Hruodland Pilot and Sugess Top Time and Sugess Daytona. 2 months ago I finally decided to buy Rolex homages from Aliexpress and got San Martin, Cronos and Sugess. They absolutely destroyed my Seikos and Orients. A week ago I got 4 more. The floodgates have opened!
“You got a feevah…and the only cure… is more AliExpress…I gotta have more AliExpress!” (Adapted quote from Bruce Dickinson, Saturday night live) enjoy the ride! It’s awesome.
Tim, great videos and common sense recommendations. Loved some of your recommendations as they are not some of the more commonly covered brands and designs. I hope you keep up the great work!
Ali express doesn’t deliver to my country but my trusty friend in uk can get them for me . Been three years or so I’ve been wanting to get some ! Great video Tim! Keep it coming .
Thank you for watching and the compliment. I’m glad to see you have an option albeit a round about way to get an AliExpress watch. Have a great weekend.
Awesome recommendations! My favorite is the Steeldive! Chinese movements have become really good. You still get some cheap ones but they are surprisingly good for the most part. I agree with your points on the see through caseback! Those manual wind sure are pretty! I love the dial color on the bullhead but I will break those pushers or crown haha. Love the Gerber Suspension by the way! Great multi-tool! All of these are great! Take care Tim!
tongji is a good movement ! too bad the quality is questionable at best . its actually hard to find a good quality tongji because the watch manufacturer dont bother and just slap on some seiko movement.
Great video Tim. I have the Steeldive SD1970 Capt. Willard homage. It’s a great watch and the lume lasts nearly all night. My best watch is the Baltany chronograph. It’s a beauty. The NATO it comes with has been swapped out for an orange FKM and it really pops. Cheers from NZ. Edit: Subbed +1 👍
Great taste! That Sugess Chrono, I've had my eye on that. It's just a bit over the limit on what i'd want to pay for an AliExpress watch. But it really seems the value is there. I'll have to search out more reviews. I ordered that Hroudland Tourby based on your review. Cheap and can get a sterile dial. Thanks for the content sir.
Hi Tim, I don't know how I've missed your chanel but I'm a subscriber now! I have the Hruodland turbine custom and it's been a great sapphire sandwich watch that has a lot to love. Thanks for the review 👍
Fantastic selection, Tim. The yellowish Steeldive looks sharp; so does the Red Star chronograph, and I don’t even like bullheads! Hope you're having a great weekend. Cheers 🍻!
Thank you for watching! The Steeldive has my favorite yellow of all time. I was highly skeptical of the bullhead case designs until I had it in person. I will...likewise! Take care.
As far as I know, the Sugess chrono is the only Ali Express mechanical chrono with a real 12 hr register. It uses a pretty accurate clone of the ETA 7753 movement, which is found in far more expensive watches. Most Chinese mechanical chronos that appear to have three registers have a completely useless dial at the 6:00 position which just mirrors the position of the hour hand.
I have had a Sea-gull Ocean star watch for years now. Best diver watch ever. Not a homage. $250. Solid bracelet and end links with a 28,800bph movement for a really smooth second hand sweep.
Just found your channel. Really good stuff. I like your taste but I’m a day/date guy. At least a date. Wish that latter watch with the NH35 could have done at least date. Take care and Merry Christmas!
Thank you! The only consistent issue I have with their work is the poor lume. I've had the PD1717 and loved the final product. They get a lot of attention for their Daytona model. I have no reservations precluding me from getting another Pagani. I've my eye on the PD1649 Fume Olivedrab, PD1784 blue, and the PD1751 Ranger. The price point being around $100US is hard to beat considering the specs included in these well finished watches. I always look for a solid reliable movement, sapphire, good adjustment/clasp, and quality lume. Lume seems to be their achilles heel.
13:00 If I'll ever buy another chrono (and I don't win the lottery between now and then), that Sugess is up there on my list. I don't much like their lettering which somehow reminds me of what you'd see on an Asian-themed fast-food joint in a food court - and I think they missed a trick by not adding a splash of color near the 6oc, but other than that, this thing looks amazing. It's mechanical, it's an auto, it gets almost all the details and proportions right and, most importantly, it's apparently not much thicker than the original. Thickness, I think, is one area where Chinese brands need to catch up and with a stated case thickness of only 12.5mm, it seems that this Sugess has indeed caught up.
Your RedStar chrono is called a bullhead. It has the pushers on the upside so racedrivers of the past could time their lap speeds while driving and didn't have to let go the steering wheel. Also there is a 70s citizen bullhead this one tries to mimic. Brad Pitt wears that in "Once upon an time in Hollywood".
The Sugess chronograph i.e. Daytona Homage is a beautiful watch however it has always amazed me how difficult it is to read, hour/minute, in the course of a day.
Some really great looking choices here! Any recommendations for an NH34 GMT watch, or something with a 28,800 bph movement? I usually prefer field, pilot, or dive style watches, but am open to anything that's not too flashy with lots of polished surfaces. A display caseback is a huge plus for me too, even if the movement isn't much to look at like the NH34. Depending on the cost of those two, I'm hoping to get either those two, or a ST19 chronograph. The Pierre Paulin in the video looks great, do you know of any others that also have a reverse panda dial (black dial, white/off-white/cream or even silver subdials)? The only one I found is the Red Star one, but I'd prefer to avoid any Chinese lettering or red stars, as I will eventually be getting a 1963 too, which has them both.
San Martin SN0109 is a great option for an NH34 diver; minimal polish on the case and bracelet. Second Hour has some great options. The Mandala has a display caseback and high beat movement. They just came out with some new colors. Seiko 5 GMT models have a display case back. The whole Seiko 5 sport series might be the jackpot for you. Spend some time on Seiko's website. The Saddleburg is their field watch with a high beat movement...and a full lume dial option if your inclined. Another option is the Lorier Hyperion with a high beat 9075 Miyota movement. Pilot I would go with a Laco 1925 (861688). It has a display caseback. Nodus makes a GMT Sector style watch without a display caseback. Long Island Watches sells a field watch, the Mitchel (ISL #129) with a display caseback at a very affordable price various color options. Theres the Islander#170...its a sport watch with a display caseback. I would recommend any of the AE chronos with the ST1901 movement as most have the display caseback...there's always a risk that the ST1901 you get is flawed. Check out Hemel...they use ST1901 movements and the Air Wing has a dual time bezel. For context, I've just had an SW200 movement fail, it happens.
@@Realidealgear Thanks so much for the recommendations! The Hemel is right up my alley for the ST19 chrono, but I'll have to save up a bit more for that one. Besides the San Martin, is there anything else I should look for in a GMT or 28,800 bph movement on AE during the sale? I'm trying to keep costs a bit lower for the moment. I really appreciate the advice.
Try the Merkur pilot watch. It’s on par with the Hemel design including the ST1901 movement…but less $. The SteedDive ST1928H dive watch might be another cheaper option. One of the best values I see is another San Martin dive watch: sapphire crystal, great lume, Tudor look alike, 200m WR, Hight beat movement (three options), and titanium case and bracelet for… ~$255 (use the advertised code AEUS60 to save $60). I’m putting this in my cart. Titanium case/bracelet and high beat movement clinched it for me.
@@Realidealgear Wow that titanium San Martin with the PT5000 movement is a killer deal. It's the SN-0111 you're talking about, right? And it looks like there's a similar watch in stainless version with a few more color options, that retains the PT5000 for a fair amount less (SN008, $219). But the SN0129 (NH34 GMT, "desert sand" textured dial, $253), or the cheaper SN0054-G (Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT homage with the stainless bezel for $145) are also calling to me pretty hard! I was _really_ excited to see the SN052 (San Martin's ST19 chrono, and there's a version with a black dial and silver subdials that is pretty sharp) for $174....until I saw it has a solid caseback. Why make an ST19 watch and then hide the movement? Thanks again for the recommendations! I just really wish AE's search function worked better. I should be able to search "PT5000 watch" or "ST2130 watch" and get a list of the watches with those 28,800 bph movements. But most of the results are NH35 watches.
I liked an addies dive retro diver. A Baltany that looks like a cheaper Hamilton. khaki. Batany. dirty Dozen watch. Pagani V3 Speedmaster style moon watch. Generally when Pagini grows up and puts more lume on their watches(( and then charges me for iit I'll buy more .Im also happy with a Berny thats has the mechaquartz and looks. Like the Seiko5. Only with sapphire. Regards from Canada
Tim, a question. Could you please share the model number for the San Martin you showcased at 11:53? Can't seem to locate on Ali-x. I found something close, but not with the dial details. Thanks
Fine job reporting.....does anyone make a solar, 38-40mm "field" watch with 13-24 hr subdial markings AND a rotating bezel?....seems there is a big void for this combo.......
You're right on this being a unicorn setup. I have a Bulova A15 with the 24 hour markings and rotating bezel, mechanical movement. The Citizen Nighthawk is Eco-Drive with rotating pilot bezel but no 24 hour markings. Some ideas: longislandwatch.com/seiko-prospex-sne423-sport-watch-sne423/ longislandwatch.com/marathon-x-islander-special-edition-white-dial-navigator-with-blue-tritium-tubes-ww194013bk-9901/
@@Realidealgear ..thanks for the response and the hints. I'm spoiled with my current Citizen BM-8180-03E field watch.... nice accurate and reliable Eco-Drive solar power, 37mm, screw-down back, great lume, 100m water resistance, ...but no 13-24 hr dial ( odd...some other same size solar Citizens have this...maybe solar-face is swap-able?)...and no rotating bezel uisng 0-60 markings....to time certain actions. Seems a pretty straight-forward "sub-topic" within the field watch range....but not to be found. Instead, we find some incredible ( and incredibly ridiculous and flashy) designs and features available for other tastes....but not a simple field watch upgrade like this. I'm sure field-watch buyers would like this combo. Something like a Hamilton Khaki with rotating bezel and solar.....
TBH, I regret buying AliX watches, and wish I had that spent the money on a few mid-price ones instead. Good for those who are happy with theirs, but probably half of mine have QA issues. They did cure me of my attraction to certain luxury designs though.
You bring up a great point…AliExpress is still a gamble. There are some much improved brands like San Martin, Baltany, and Hruodland making quality watches. If one ventures too far from that, it can get dicey pretty quick. I was just talking with my son about this very point you bring up….using the variety of AliExpress watches toward a better mid-tier watch. I’m not there. I enjoy the variety. I’m not sure I’d have the same willingness to wear a mid-tier Tudor or Omega in the same manner as a San Martin. I might shelf the mid Tier watch more frequently in favor of saving it from heavier use. That’s my assumption….maybe I would wear the mid-tier watches with just as much heavy use. Thanks for sharing. Great topic!
@@Realidealgear Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Yeah, the ones I still semi-like are the $250+ ones. I guess I still wear one of my Chinese clones very rarely, usually doing something like mowing the lawn, but it's hard to imagine grabbing one for the office some day once you have so many "better" options. Maybe I just have too many watches period. 😭I don't blame the Chinese; it's my fault for buying before thinking. Been gifting out my junk pieces to any family/friends that want one, but sorta low on prospective recipients now. 😐
Thank you for watching. Most SM divers are 40mm and larger (~60%) Exceptions are sport/field watches which are typically less than 40mm across the industry, not just San Martin.
All this being said, now we understand how the other brands, we all know who they are, are ripping us off by paying a fortune for the same materials. But in our stupidity we like to pay for a little writing and this has to stop, this is not wise. It's not my opinion but a fact.
Agreed. Any company using another company’s name is clearly wrong and fraudulent. Re designs and ideas…what designs/ideas do any possess as purely original and would our teachers/mentors/friends agree? Even Picasso was accused of borrowing ideas. “There are more copies than originals among people.” Picasso
I have six chinese watches, but it has no value when I'm selling some . Many shop refused them, not even $5. Branded watches paid million of dollars advertising brand and they have warranty. Many of the Chinese watches may look good, but some are not really waterproof
True, the resale of Chinese watches don’t have the return on investment that higher end watches have and only a select few luxury watches increase in value. That is to be expected when purchasing one at the onset. That’s why their value is what it is. I find the value in the Chinese watch to be more than resale. I enjoy the design, the low maintenance cost, solid to superb accuracy…the value is different and not in a name/advertising or warranty. By the way warranties are designed not to cover when a watch is most likely to break, after 3 yrs…rather the warranty is for when the watch is least likely to have issues. Thanks for sharing!
Plastic watches are a fantastic value check out the video of 10 things to consider before buying a Casio. ruclips.net/video/7aq-01xK8Kw/видео.htmlsi=4nTcnhUF_qMmexx7
I like watches with the NH series movements in them. Especially the sub 100 dollar models. These are cheap beater watches. I like San Martin but they have gotten to expensive. Steel dive is a good brand for cheap but dependable watches.
Well, good for you. I'd rather own just one swiss or german watch for the same price of these chinese copies. The commenters who praise these clunks have obviously never owned a decent watch.
If the watch has a regulated Swiss movement, made from the same materials and with high quality controls…what does a German or Swiss company substantively provide over a ‘clunk?’
What's a proper watch please enlighten us if I take all the facts and study them a proper watch to me based on actual evidence is a casio to you it's a brand name and a mechanical inner from 1922😂😂😂😂
@ that’s not true! Fake copies were never one to one even the ones that bore the exact brand name. These are copy’s with the brand name dropped so you can claim that there’s a visible difference. You’re copying 99% of someone else’s design. Calling it a homage doesn’t make you any less of a thief.
What about 98%? A copy? 90%? A copy? 75%…slippery slope. Take any other discipline…and even 99% isn’t a copy it’s less than a copy. DNA that’s not 100% replicated from one cell to another (99%) is considered a mutation…not a copy. When books are printed, they are considered copies until a new edition comes out…which is not a copy it’s a new edition because less than 100% has been replicated. The truth is anything less than 100% is not a copy. Homages are not copies, the movements are not the same, the materials used to make the cases are lot the same, the production of the handsets are not the same, the line is not the same, the colors are not exactly the same, the tolerances and manufacturing processes are not the same…your 99% claim is t even accurate and only exists because of feelings and not the facts. They’re homages not copies.
@@talanjohn listen to yourself. So you're proud because you copied 98% of someone else's work and that makes you the ethical beacon of humanity? Nothing is hardly every going to be a 100% like for like copy. Even if you try. I've never seen people willing to wear fakes but want to be told what they're wearing is original. Get outta here.
@ again, another ad homonym approach rather than dissect my claims that there is far less than 98% that is exactly the same..aka copy. Let’s use your faulty rationale…Name any design that didn’t copy someone else’s work. The very idea being defended is naive. What car design is totally uninspired and actually original? What painting is actually original? What watch is actually a totally uninspired original? None can be named because advances in design and engineering and manufacturing are all predicated on prior examples…hence all designs are inspired. This is perhaps the most inconsistent and intentionally ignorant drivel I’ve seen in quite some time.
The moment you open the box of these watches, their value drops to 20% than their initial price. You get it for 80 usd, it drops to 16 usd, in the blink of an eye
Excellent video. I'm a diver, use watches as backups. I have a sizeable collection of around 30 watches including 15 divers. Most expensive an Omega Seamaster that I don't dive with. Lol. Divers I use are ISO certified Seiko's and Orient's. It was Seiko homages that attracted me to try AE. I have the original Tuna and Monster, I saw something Seiko never made, a yellow dial Steeldive Tuna and a Heimdallr red dial Seiko Monster and I bought both and then I dived with both and they performed perfectly. Lume as good as the Seiko watches and being honest a better sapphire crystal, better bracelet on the Heimdallr Monster. I use the yellow rubber strap on the Steeldive, looks great. Since those I got an Addies field watch, and rather than buying the plastic Moonswatch, I got the Pagani Mission to Uranus and it's great! I was probably a bit of a watch snob to be honest, but after getting a few extremely good quality dive watches I changed my mind. I still only have 5 Ali Express watches but they're all great. My advice to watch enthusiasts, don't be a snob, you can get great watches at really competitive prices, but be discerning, do a little research, I'm sure there are some stinkers on AE too. My final tip, if you dive, don't buy an expensive diver for diving, because I guarantee you'll be too scared to use it in case you break it or scratch it. LOL. My Omega has never seen salt water!
What orient watches that you have use when you dive?
Thank you very much for your input and thank you for the compliment. Anytime you'd like to collaborate, please contact me. I'm not a diver...I'm more of a land creature and don't like animals swimming up from the depths and pulling my liver out of my body! Have a great weekend!
Agree on this, I own a Seamaster but I dive in a Seiko
Excellent advice. I too have a "small collection" that spans Swiss and German Luxury (handful of watches between me and the wife)...with the majority made up of microbrands and good quality AliEx watches. I was discerning in my AliEx purchases...always looking for great deals from reputable brands (e.g. Cronos, San Martin, Seestern/Sugess, Steeldive, Addiesdive, Baltany). In most every case...these AliEx watches are spec'd with proven and dependable movements (NH34/35/36/38; PT5000, ST2130), sapphire crystals, etc. Where the bracelet/wriststrap proved inadequate relative to the watch itself...I upgraded with a MAIKES genuine leather strap or a decent single layer NATO or an aftermarket Oyster with two button micro adj clasp.
@@Grefareal Would you believe it's been a year since my comment and I just saw your reply. My oldest Orient diver that I've had for 13 years now is the Mako XL, nice big one for easy viewing, though I will admit that the lume was awful and I got someone to redo it and it's great now. It's not ISO rated but it's been fine for years now. The other one is a rated Orient Star. Appreciate the question and sorry for the long delay.
Very well done. I enjoy hearing people talk about what they like.
Thank you! Have a great week.
What a refreshing, cool review. This guy is the type I'd lenjoy having a beer with
Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend
You have great taste Tim. One of the best curated collection of AliX watches online. Love your work and the effort you put in to bringing us this great list. I've been looking at that San Martin chunky diver on an off for several months. It reminds me of an Omega Planet Ocean I used to own. I might go over to the store and see if I'll pull the trigger.
Agreed. Have a great weekend.
Hey Tim, this is the first of your videos that showed up. Ali Express coming in tomorrow and all that. I am absolutely impressed with the heart that has gone into your review...no extra words. Just as is. All heart, from what I'm seeing.Thank you. And please keep doing what you're doing.
Thank you. The ‘real’ part of my channel name is intended as a reminder to keep the reviews real and down to earth. Have a great week, take care.
I am not a fan of Chinese watch homages. I am a huge fan of reviewers that only recommend watches they have actually handled. Keep up the great work sir.
You're welcome and you have my respect going your way for being honest with me. Please keep up the input. Have a great weekend.
If you are rich, you have much money, you buy an expensive authentic watch. I hope 😊so. But reviewers could tell you, you have been cheated if you bought a cheap watch.
I enjoy watch homages however as a fragrance enthusiast i’m not a fan of homage scents that try to copy the $400+ original niche houses. i’m sure most of the colognes you wear are cheaper copy’s of expensive fragrances you’ve never heard of, without you even knowing. everyone’s different
I love Chinese homages because they always upset the purists.
You misspelled snobs@@BigDuke6ixx
The two-tone lume is one of the best aspects of the Steeldive imo. No idea why people don't like it.
I have to agree with you on that one. I like it a lot. Gives it variety.
Great recommendations. The Steel dive Willard is great for someone starting out. Yes , the on the fly adjustable clasp is very useful. I can just wear the watch on my sleeve when necessary. I think the Tactical Frog FXD, now that it has a chrono model, deserves a mention too. Look forward to your next top 10.
I'll check out the Tatcial Frog FXD. I've hear rumors...haven't spent time looking into it.
Tim you and I have a very similar collection. First time viewer and definitely a subscriber moving forward. I completely agree with caseback display as that’s why I got the Hruodland Pilot and Sugess Top Time and Sugess Daytona. 2 months ago I finally decided to buy Rolex homages from Aliexpress and got San Martin, Cronos and Sugess. They absolutely destroyed my Seikos and Orients. A week ago I got 4 more. The floodgates have opened!
“You got a feevah…and the only cure… is more AliExpress…I gotta have more AliExpress!” (Adapted quote from Bruce Dickinson, Saturday night live) enjoy the ride! It’s awesome.
Tim, great videos and common sense recommendations. Loved some of your recommendations as they are not some of the more commonly covered brands and designs. I hope you keep up the great work!
Glad you like them and thank you. Your input is welcomed. Have a great weekend.
I'd rather own a collection of chinese automatic watches that i can wear, than a single rolex that i have to keep in its box locked away
Agree 100%
You can do what ever toy like with your Rolex 😂 but yeah
Why to buy a Rolex, when 90% of what you'd pay for it is just pure profit.
As a Greek Orthodox Christian I have to say I approve of the background you chose for your San Martin dive watch.
He is my Savior! Have a great weekend.
Ali express doesn’t deliver to my country but my trusty friend in uk can get them for me . Been three years or so I’ve been wanting to get some ! Great video Tim! Keep it coming .
Thank you for watching and the compliment. I’m glad to see you have an option albeit a round about way to get an AliExpress watch. Have a great weekend.
Great job mate, very good quality video, very nicely presented. You deserve way more subs, so good luck!!
Thanks a ton! Have a great weekend.
First time viewer. Excellent taste in watches that is similar to mine. Look forward to future reviews. Love Red Star "Bullhead."
It’s my favorite Chronograph. Thank you for watching and input is welcome.
Awesome recommendations! My favorite is the Steeldive! Chinese movements have become really good. You still get some cheap ones but they are surprisingly good for the most part. I agree with your points on the see through caseback! Those manual wind sure are pretty! I love the dial color on the bullhead but I will break those pushers or crown haha. Love the Gerber Suspension by the way! Great multi-tool! All of these are great! Take care Tim!
Gerber makes some great multitools. I have three others I use for work. The Steeldive is a keeper!
tongji is a good movement ! too bad the quality is questionable at best . its actually hard to find a good quality tongji because the watch manufacturer dont bother and just slap on some seiko movement.
Fantastic reviews. Some great choices that I haven’t seen elsewhere - that bullhead for example. Sub secured with thanks!
Thanks for the sub. The bullhead design has grown on me. It's a permanent fixture in my collection. Have a great week.
Your photography is beautiful! 👍
Thank you very much!
Yes really love the underwater shot 1:32
That is a great collection you have compiled, Tim. Appreciate the video.
Glad you enjoyed it, have a great weekend.
@@Realidealgear You as well, Tim!
Great video Tim. I have the Steeldive SD1970 Capt. Willard homage. It’s a great watch and the lume lasts nearly all night. My best watch is the Baltany chronograph. It’s a beauty. The NATO it comes with has been swapped out for an orange FKM and it really pops. Cheers from NZ. Edit: Subbed +1 👍
Thanks for the support and your comments. I like the idea of adding some color to the Baltany Chrono. May be trying that soon! Take care.
Great taste! That Sugess Chrono, I've had my eye on that. It's just a bit over the limit on what i'd want to pay for an AliExpress watch. But it really seems the value is there. I'll have to search out more reviews. I ordered that Hroudland Tourby based on your review. Cheap and can get a sterile dial. Thanks for the content sir.
You’re welcome and the Hruodland is a fantastic watch! Enjoy
Great video. Totally agree on the PD1717. I have a black one and a green one. Wear them daily.
Thanks for commenting and watching. Have a great weekend!
It's a 1:1 Longines, great watch.
Great job Tim! The San Martin pilots watch and the bullhead are officially on my Christmas list. Thanks again!
Fantastic! They are keepers. Have a great weekend.
Great video, that pagani is really good looking
It's and incredible buy and the crystal is amazing. Thanks for watching. Have a great weekend.
Hi Tim, I don't know how I've missed your chanel but I'm a subscriber now! I have the Hruodland turbine custom and it's been a great sapphire sandwich watch that has a lot to love. Thanks for the review 👍
You're welcome. I really like the design, strap...so much to enjoy with this watch. Have a great week.
Great video. Earned a subscriber here based on the photos, content, and knowledge.
Welcome aboard and it's an honor. Feedback is always welcomed.
Outstanding choices and very engaging. Love it. Keep it up sir 😊
Thank you so much 😀
Fantastic selection, Tim. The yellowish Steeldive looks sharp; so does the Red Star chronograph, and I don’t even like bullheads!
Hope you're having a great weekend. Cheers 🍻!
Thank you for watching! The Steeldive has my favorite yellow of all time. I was highly skeptical of the bullhead case designs until I had it in person.
I will...likewise! Take care.
Really great, no nonsense reviews.!
Thank you.
Have a great week!
whats the model number for the san martin watch? @11:40
SN036
Hi Tim. The San Martin reminds me of my Invicta Grand Diver.
It is has that vibe.
Good choice of a tune, A+ info
Thank you for watching and the compliment. Have a great weekend.
The bullhead one is awesome!
It’s a unique eye catching chronograph. Everytime I wear it, I taken in be the entire design. ST1901 movement is reasonable accurate as well.
Awesome collection
Thank you so much 😀
As far as I know, the Sugess chrono is the only Ali Express mechanical chrono with a real 12 hr register. It uses a pretty accurate clone of the ETA 7753 movement, which is found in far more expensive watches. Most Chinese mechanical chronos that appear to have three registers have a completely useless dial at the 6:00 position which just mirrors the position of the hour hand.
Exactly. The movement is solid. I’m wearing right now and love the 12 hr register. Thank you for watching and commenting! Have a great weekend!
I have had a Sea-gull Ocean star watch for years now.
Best diver watch ever. Not a homage. $250. Solid bracelet and end links with a 28,800bph movement for a really smooth second hand sweep.
Great looking watch. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.
New subscriber. First of your videos I’ve seen. Great job! I’ve even picked up a couple of things I might incorporate into my own videos :-)
Thank you! Anytime you’d like to collaborate on a video, let me know.
Just found your channel. Really good stuff. I like your taste but I’m a day/date guy. At least a date. Wish that latter watch with the NH35 could have done at least date. Take care and Merry Christmas!
I'm headed to where you already are...watches with at least a date complication. Thank you and you as well!
I can't find that Roadland flieger with the tourbillon thing.
Here ya go.
FYI: It’s a turbine seconds hand.
a.aliexpress.com/_mM4LBWA
@@Realidealgear thanks! I'll wait until the 18th when the anniversary sale goes into affect.
Love these watches, but a mention of the case diameter would be helpful.
Thank you for the feedback.
Tim Whats your views on Pagani Watches ? Great videos.
Thank you!
The only consistent issue I have with their work is the poor lume. I've had the PD1717 and loved the final product. They get a lot of attention for their Daytona model. I have no reservations precluding me from getting another Pagani. I've my eye on the PD1649 Fume Olivedrab, PD1784 blue, and the PD1751 Ranger. The price point being around $100US is hard to beat considering the specs included in these well finished watches. I always look for a solid reliable movement, sapphire, good adjustment/clasp, and quality lume. Lume seems to be their achilles heel.
Very nice! I'm going to get some of them. Appreciate it!
Let me know what you think. They’re great options.
May I say you have great taste. Thx for the review
Thank you for the compliment and for watching. Your input is important. Any ideas/suggestions are welcome. Have a great weekend.
13:00 If I'll ever buy another chrono (and I don't win the lottery between now and then), that Sugess is up there on my list. I don't much like their lettering which somehow reminds me of what you'd see on an Asian-themed fast-food joint in a food court - and I think they missed a trick by not adding a splash of color near the 6oc, but other than that, this thing looks amazing. It's mechanical, it's an auto, it gets almost all the details and proportions right and, most importantly, it's apparently not much thicker than the original. Thickness, I think, is one area where Chinese brands need to catch up and with a stated case thickness of only 12.5mm, it seems that this Sugess has indeed caught up.
Great comment. It’s a great watch. Have a great weekend and thanks for watching.
great videos, thanks!
could you pls do a long-term use video of Aliexpress watches to see how they stand the test of time?
Long term use video for my AliExpress watches is on my list. Should have a few coming out every other month.
Great content, looks like the algorithm is blessing you 😄 subbed, bro.
Thanks for the sub. I appreciate the support and your input is always welcome. Take care and have a great week.
Excellent presentation
Glad you liked it
Your RedStar chrono is called a bullhead. It has the pushers on the upside so racedrivers of the past could time their lap speeds while driving and didn't have to let go the steering wheel. Also there is a 70s citizen bullhead this one tries to mimic. Brad Pitt wears that in "Once upon an time in Hollywood".
You're right and thank you for clarifying. The bullhead design has grown on me immensely.
Probaby closer to mimicking Seiko’s bullhead 6138-0040 with the bezel and brown dial
Hi Tim! Great video! I just have a question, what is the name of the turbin pilot watch?
Hruodland turbine pilot (model # F-016)
Hey Tim--Great review. Can you tell me the model# for that awesome San Martin? Many thanks James
SN0036...not sure about the finer details of the model number but that will get you to model with the three colors.
The Sugess chronograph i.e. Daytona Homage is a beautiful watch however it has always amazed me how difficult it is to read, hour/minute, in the course of a day.
True, The reflections on a white dial is especially difficult. Have a great day!
Some really great looking choices here! Any recommendations for an NH34 GMT watch, or something with a 28,800 bph movement? I usually prefer field, pilot, or dive style watches, but am open to anything that's not too flashy with lots of polished surfaces. A display caseback is a huge plus for me too, even if the movement isn't much to look at like the NH34.
Depending on the cost of those two, I'm hoping to get either those two, or a ST19 chronograph. The Pierre Paulin in the video looks great, do you know of any others that also have a reverse panda dial (black dial, white/off-white/cream or even silver subdials)? The only one I found is the Red Star one, but I'd prefer to avoid any Chinese lettering or red stars, as I will eventually be getting a 1963 too, which has them both.
San Martin SN0109 is a great option for an NH34 diver; minimal polish on the case and bracelet. Second Hour has some great options. The Mandala has a display caseback and high beat movement. They just came out with some new colors. Seiko 5 GMT models have a display case back. The whole Seiko 5 sport series might be the jackpot for you. Spend some time on Seiko's website. The Saddleburg is their field watch with a high beat movement...and a full lume dial option if your inclined. Another option is the Lorier Hyperion with a high beat 9075 Miyota movement. Pilot I would go with a Laco 1925 (861688). It has a display caseback. Nodus makes a GMT Sector style watch without a display caseback. Long Island Watches sells a field watch, the Mitchel (ISL #129) with a display caseback at a very affordable price various color options. Theres the Islander#170...its a sport watch with a display caseback. I would recommend any of the AE chronos with the ST1901 movement as most have the display caseback...there's always a risk that the ST1901 you get is flawed. Check out Hemel...they use ST1901 movements and the Air Wing has a dual time bezel. For context, I've just had an SW200 movement fail, it happens.
@@Realidealgear Thanks so much for the recommendations! The Hemel is right up my alley for the ST19 chrono, but I'll have to save up a bit more for that one. Besides the San Martin, is there anything else I should look for in a GMT or 28,800 bph movement on AE during the sale? I'm trying to keep costs a bit lower for the moment. I really appreciate the advice.
Try the Merkur pilot watch. It’s on par with the Hemel design including the ST1901 movement…but less $. The SteedDive ST1928H dive watch might be another cheaper option. One of the best values I see is another San Martin dive watch: sapphire crystal, great lume, Tudor look alike, 200m WR, Hight beat movement (three options), and titanium case and bracelet for… ~$255 (use the advertised code AEUS60 to save $60). I’m putting this in my cart. Titanium case/bracelet and high beat movement clinched it for me.
@@Realidealgear Wow that titanium San Martin with the PT5000 movement is a killer deal. It's the SN-0111 you're talking about, right? And it looks like there's a similar watch in stainless version with a few more color options, that retains the PT5000 for a fair amount less (SN008, $219). But the SN0129 (NH34 GMT, "desert sand" textured dial, $253), or the cheaper SN0054-G (Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT homage with the stainless bezel for $145) are also calling to me pretty hard!
I was _really_ excited to see the SN052 (San Martin's ST19 chrono, and there's a version with a black dial and silver subdials that is pretty sharp) for $174....until I saw it has a solid caseback. Why make an ST19 watch and then hide the movement?
Thanks again for the recommendations! I just really wish AE's search function worked better. I should be able to search "PT5000 watch" or "ST2130 watch" and get a list of the watches with those 28,800 bph movements. But most of the results are NH35 watches.
That’s a great list. I really want to get one of those Sugess Chronographs but the movement scares me? Any issues so far? Thanks.
No issues. I took the risk because the alternative is a far more expensive movement.
Have the blue and black sd 1970.. the yellow looks unique, could you send the link for this i can't find it on Ali
Here ya go
a.aliexpress.com/_mNHqgL8
@Realidealgear thanks mate, does steeldive sell that bracelet?
New sub due to the great recommendations!
Thank you! Have a great weekend.
I just purchased the Baltany chrono, it's in the mail!
Enjoy. It's a great quartz field watch with 100m WR
I liked an addies dive retro diver.
A Baltany that looks like a cheaper Hamilton. khaki. Batany. dirty Dozen watch. Pagani V3
Speedmaster style moon watch. Generally when Pagini grows up and puts more lume on their watches(( and then charges me for iit I'll buy more .Im also happy with a Berny thats has the mechaquartz and looks. Like the Seiko5. Only with sapphire.
Regards from Canada
Great list of awesome watches. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the amazing video. I actually went looking for flieger type a turbine but couldnt. Any ideas?
Here ya go.
a.aliexpress.com/_msjEmQW
@@Realidealgear thank you!
Tim, a question. Could you please share the model number for the San Martin you showcased at 11:53? Can't seem to locate on Ali-x. I found something close, but not with the dial details. Thanks
SN0108
Link to San Martin website...
sanmartinwatches.com/shop/sn0101-sn0110/sn0108/san-martin-watches-sn0108-g2/
can't see any links to the watches anywhere?
Sorry...I'll update it by tomorrow morning.
Fine job reporting.....does anyone make a solar, 38-40mm "field" watch with 13-24 hr subdial markings AND a rotating bezel?....seems there is a big void for this combo.......
You're right on this being a unicorn setup. I have a Bulova A15 with the 24 hour markings and rotating bezel, mechanical movement. The Citizen Nighthawk is Eco-Drive with rotating pilot bezel but no 24 hour markings.
Some ideas:
longislandwatch.com/seiko-prospex-sne423-sport-watch-sne423/
longislandwatch.com/marathon-x-islander-special-edition-white-dial-navigator-with-blue-tritium-tubes-ww194013bk-9901/
@@Realidealgear ..thanks for the response and the hints. I'm spoiled with my current Citizen BM-8180-03E field watch.... nice accurate and reliable Eco-Drive solar power, 37mm, screw-down back, great lume, 100m water resistance, ...but no 13-24 hr dial ( odd...some other same size solar Citizens have this...maybe solar-face is swap-able?)...and no rotating bezel uisng 0-60 markings....to time certain actions. Seems a pretty straight-forward "sub-topic" within the field watch range....but not to be found. Instead, we find some incredible ( and incredibly ridiculous and flashy) designs and features available for other tastes....but not a simple field watch upgrade like this. I'm sure field-watch buyers would like this combo. Something like a Hamilton Khaki with rotating bezel and solar.....
TBH, I regret buying AliX watches, and wish I had that spent the money on a few mid-price ones instead. Good for those who are happy with theirs, but probably half of mine have QA issues. They did cure me of my attraction to certain luxury designs though.
You bring up a great point…AliExpress is still a gamble. There are some much improved brands like San Martin, Baltany, and Hruodland making quality watches. If one ventures too far from that, it can get dicey pretty quick. I was just talking with my son about this very point you bring up….using the variety of AliExpress watches toward a better mid-tier watch. I’m not there. I enjoy the variety. I’m not sure I’d have the same willingness to wear a mid-tier Tudor or Omega in the same manner as a San Martin. I might shelf the mid Tier watch more frequently in favor of saving it from heavier use. That’s my assumption….maybe I would wear the mid-tier watches with just as much heavy use. Thanks for sharing. Great topic!
@@Realidealgear Thanks for the thoughtful reply. Yeah, the ones I still semi-like are the $250+ ones. I guess I still wear one of my Chinese clones very rarely, usually doing something like mowing the lawn, but it's hard to imagine grabbing one for the office some day once you have so many "better" options. Maybe I just have too many watches period. 😭I don't blame the Chinese; it's my fault for buying before thinking. Been gifting out my junk pieces to any family/friends that want one, but sorta low on prospective recipients now. 😐
They are great watches but they would be even greater with chapter ring indexes.
Interesting observation. I like it.
Great vid
Thank you!
My chinese uncle's name is Pierre too. Wonder if theyre related.
Doubt it. Pierre lives in S. Dakota.
What is the ID number for the San Martin Pilot Watch at the 12 min mark? Scott
Scott,
model is SN0108, link is below….
San Martin Men Pilot Watch 38.5mm Enamel Sunray Dial NH35
a.aliexpress.com/_m0c5GoU
There is no better feeling to me than to wear a 10 dollar watch to a black tie event
That is a great feeling!
Knives and watches. As ideal as they are dangerous, for us lovers of fine engineering. 😘
I couldn’t have said it any better! Have a great week.
Gosh, they look just like the fancy Swiss watches costing thousands...but for a fraction of the price.
Thanks for watching.
Nice, but they're all generally tiny sub 40mm watches
Thank you for watching. Most SM divers are 40mm and larger (~60%) Exceptions are sport/field watches which are typically less than 40mm across the industry, not just San Martin.
All this being said, now we understand how the other brands, we all know who they are, are ripping us off by paying a fortune for the same materials. But in our stupidity we like to pay for a little writing and this has to stop, this is not wise. It's not my opinion but a fact.
Agreed. Any company using another company’s name is clearly wrong and fraudulent. Re designs and ideas…what designs/ideas do any possess as purely original and would our teachers/mentors/friends agree? Even Picasso was accused of borrowing ideas.
“There are more copies than originals among people.” Picasso
I have six chinese watches, but it has no value when I'm selling some . Many shop refused them, not even $5. Branded watches paid million of dollars advertising brand and they have warranty. Many of the Chinese watches may look good, but some are not really waterproof
True, the resale of Chinese watches don’t have the return on investment that higher end watches have and only a select few luxury watches increase in value. That is to be expected when purchasing one at the onset. That’s why their value is what it is.
I find the value in the Chinese watch to be more than resale. I enjoy the design, the low maintenance cost, solid to superb accuracy…the value is different and not in a name/advertising or warranty.
By the way warranties are designed not to cover when a watch is most likely to break, after 3 yrs…rather the warranty is for when the watch is least likely to have issues.
Thanks for sharing!
I wish I could have one but I'm poor and can't have one but I'm still going to get a plastic watch ⌚
Plastic watches are a fantastic value check out the video of 10 things to consider before buying a Casio.
ruclips.net/video/7aq-01xK8Kw/видео.htmlsi=4nTcnhUF_qMmexx7
@@Realidealgear ok thanks
Those homages are begging for a dial flip.
Interesting idea. Have happy new year!
do you think this is better than wearing a fake?
Absolutely.
My only problem with this review is this guy doesn’t have an English accent 😂
Very true mate!
I thought the exact same thing.
These multiple brands come from a single watch factory and the illusion of quality is all you have.😂
Thanks for watching. Have a merry Christmas.
What have you been smoking..
I’m curious as to the actual intended comment.
I like watches with the NH series movements in them. Especially the sub 100 dollar models. These are cheap beater watches. I like San Martin but they have gotten to expensive. Steel dive is a good brand for cheap but dependable watches.
Totally agree
bs
Thanks for watching.
Well, good for you. I'd rather own just one swiss or german watch for the same price of these chinese copies.
The commenters who praise these clunks have obviously never owned a decent watch.
If the watch has a regulated Swiss movement, made from the same materials and with high quality controls…what does a German or Swiss company substantively provide over a ‘clunk?’
A timex and it's good. Let fantasies and expensive non-essential things to women.
Thanks for watching.
nice collection
give it some time, i think you will ditch all of them and buy a "proper" watch
What's a proper watch please enlighten us if I take all the facts and study them a proper watch to me based on actual evidence is a casio to you it's a brand name and a mechanical inner from 1922😂😂😂😂
Thank you for watching. A proper watch is on my radar. Have a great weekend.
It’s a copy. It’s not a homage so stop calling it that to make yourself feel better.
Copies are 1:1 and that means exact. When you make a copy…there are no differences. Use correct terminology.
@ that’s not true! Fake copies were never one to one even the ones that bore the exact brand name. These are copy’s with the brand name dropped so you can claim that there’s a visible difference. You’re copying 99% of someone else’s design. Calling it a homage doesn’t make you any less of a thief.
What about 98%? A copy? 90%? A copy? 75%…slippery slope. Take any other discipline…and even 99% isn’t a copy it’s less than a copy. DNA that’s not 100% replicated from one cell to another (99%) is considered a mutation…not a copy. When books are printed, they are considered copies until a new edition comes out…which is not a copy it’s a new edition because less than 100% has been replicated. The truth is anything less than 100% is not a copy. Homages are not copies, the movements are not the same, the materials used to make the cases are lot the same, the production of the handsets are not the same, the line is not the same, the colors are not exactly the same, the tolerances and manufacturing processes are not the same…your 99% claim is t even accurate and only exists because of feelings and not the facts. They’re homages not copies.
@@talanjohn listen to yourself. So you're proud because you copied 98% of someone else's work and that makes you the ethical beacon of humanity? Nothing is hardly every going to be a 100% like for like copy. Even if you try.
I've never seen people willing to wear fakes but want to be told what they're wearing is original. Get outta here.
@ again, another ad homonym approach rather than dissect my claims that there is far less than 98% that is exactly the same..aka copy.
Let’s use your faulty rationale…Name any design that didn’t copy someone else’s work. The very idea being defended is naive. What car design is totally uninspired and actually original? What painting is actually original? What watch is actually a totally uninspired original? None can be named because advances in design and engineering and manufacturing are all predicated on prior examples…hence all designs are inspired. This is perhaps the most inconsistent and intentionally ignorant drivel I’ve seen in quite some time.
Nice Flieger
Thank you. It’s in my top five of all my watches. Love the turbine small seconds. Take care!
The moment you open the box of these watches, their value drops to 20% than their initial price. You get it for 80 usd, it drops to 16 usd, in the blink of an eye
Absolutely. The amount the value drops is manageable compared to the luxury counterparts.