Very happy to welcome another Wise on your channel. This is the model where I suppose I got convinced that Wise can no longer be ignored. The AD8 being a diver, albeit probably among the most attractive, and the AD9, for me, still walking too much of a unremarkable safe route, while the Hitman offering a great value characterful tool watch to outcompete the lower tiers, I needed another model to get on board with. This certainly is that. Having said that, from what I have been able to gather through the back catalogue, I think the recognition for Wise came when they truly deserved it. Before it seems many of the models catered more for niches and really their local market. Then, somehow, they pulled out all the stops and made a significant quality jump. Now they're among the best microbrands, seemingly agreed by a majority of reviewers. So, yes, it took a long time, but the learning curve paid off and the growth potential is still there, as international (brand) recognition still lags behind the quality of the output. I thought that I might purchase an AD7, but felt unsure about the damascus and the relatively large wearing experience. I erroneously thought that the stainless version was all polished, so I'm glad to be reminded of a beautifully brushed side, which actually slims and accentuates the case design. Perhaps it's the gold plated version that is all polished? My preference is for the reddish brown or cream enamel dials. Yet, there remains something about the dial (perhaps the sportier stance of the markers with small arabics underneath and astute geometric handset) that hasn't quite won me over like the gorgeously shaped case. Comparing with the AD15, I actually regretted that they didn't persist the bezelless construction of the AD7 there, as I think it contributes greatly to its character and helps in making that inner lug bevelling so successful. Seeing it on your 19cm wrist, I am reminded that the AD7 would likely wear large for me. And having accepted several around 40mm watches recently, I feel the need to downsize my wearing experience a little. Just so my general wearing experience through the collection doesn't always err large. The shell cordovan for me is the strap this belongs on. It is very congruent with both dial and case.
I would also go for the creamy one, but, apparently, everyone else does, as it's sold out more often than not... Not a fan of Damascus either. As for how big it wears, it kinda soured my enthusiasm - for this dial/case ratio it would have to be 37 to feel it suits me.
@@themicrobrandexpert interesting. You sound a bit more negative off camera. I think on your 19cm it does look fine, but perhaps not 'refined'. But then, that is arguably what has kept me from this model. The case shape is intricately executed, but the dial layout isn't the most refined in my view. For refinement I feel the AD15 does better and for toolishness the AD8 offers more to sink one's teeth into. I agree that a 37mm version would likely do better, since it wears large, but I wouldn't mind them experimenting a bit with the markers and hands either. All that said, one doesn't have to be completely convinced by all designs of a brand to still appreciate what they're achieving.
Absolutely, does the perfect watch even exist? I wouldn't call my personal take negativism, just my personal opinions on things that are subjective to any prospective owner. Had I reviewed the Damascus case, I would've commented i'd prefer the 904, as for the dial size I'm on record for saying I would've loved a dial/case ratio that would work more towards emphasising the case.
Thank you for the praise, the watch certainly deserves it! Wise are known for producing multiple batches, but I couldn't give you an estimate on their availability. Perhaps the best way to ensure you won't miss out is to subscribe to their newsletter.
Great review. I have two of this model already, and they are super quality. I have the gold version with white dial and loved it so much I bought the stainless version with taupe dial. Now I’m considering buying another. It’s an impressive quality, and I say this having many, many other watches of higher price points. Wise is the hidden gem in the watch world
I wish I was in the position to pick the watches I review... This is a watch I borrowed from a friend. He does not own a Corniche. Quite a few members of this community have helped the channel tremenduously by lending watches and contacting brands about sending me watches to review, and for that I am extremely grateful!
Congratulations on an awesome new watch for your collection! honestly im a little jealous lol If it had a bracelet, i wouldnt even consider pulling the trigger. Thing is i really love the adamascus case but even with an aftermarket bracelet it would look odd. Soo the one that i want i cant really have (adamascus case with a bracelet) and the one that is the logical choice (904l which can be paired with a bracelet) im on the fence about. I wonder how the adamascus case would look with a polished mesh bracelet.. Next month im gonna get a Certina ds trust (full titanium square shaped eta quartz movement) and VanBanner just had a sale and i got 2 Leas for my friends and i just got a Sumo and a promaster diver soo maybe in the future.. idk..
Erebus are made in SM factory and if you pay close attention you can see where Jody and Steven took their inspirations from. Its not bad but its not for me.. Wise have a distinctive and original design language.. If you are an Erebus fan, sorry didnt mean to upset you.
Love people that shine, but polish is hard to swallow! (pun intended?!) 😜 Another wisely designed watch, not for my lifestyle though. Cheers Toni, enjoy!
Good review of an impressive watch. I have considered a Wise, but really not a fan of the font they've used for their logo. It just doesn't suit really any watch. Perhaps a box of medicine or a printer, but not a watch. I hope they change it one day.
Thank you for watching! It seems this is a recurring theme for many microbrands, and that only makes those inventive enough to come up with fresh, interesting logos even worthier of praise.
@@themicrobrandexpert Indeed. Look at the pain Christopher Ward went through! I have every faith in the Wise team. If they can come up with watches this beautiful, they're more than up to the challenge.
Thanks for the review. Wise watches are outstanding quality. Have a few of their divers. My favorite is the bronze case with green dial. Stunning bronze watch! Also have the dark meteorite dial on their new bracelet. Again, stunning. Not really a dress watch guy, but those lacquer dials, wow! Beautiful watches.
I want literally every Wise model. The fact that I'm half Thai is only, like, a quarter of the reason.
I hear you, man... ❤️ I've got a quarter less reasons, but the same desire!
Very happy to welcome another Wise on your channel. This is the model where I suppose I got convinced that Wise can no longer be ignored. The AD8 being a diver, albeit probably among the most attractive, and the AD9, for me, still walking too much of a unremarkable safe route, while the Hitman offering a great value characterful tool watch to outcompete the lower tiers, I needed another model to get on board with. This certainly is that. Having said that, from what I have been able to gather through the back catalogue, I think the recognition for Wise came when they truly deserved it. Before it seems many of the models catered more for niches and really their local market. Then, somehow, they pulled out all the stops and made a significant quality jump. Now they're among the best microbrands, seemingly agreed by a majority of reviewers. So, yes, it took a long time, but the learning curve paid off and the growth potential is still there, as international (brand) recognition still lags behind the quality of the output. I thought that I might purchase an AD7, but felt unsure about the damascus and the relatively large wearing experience. I erroneously thought that the stainless version was all polished, so I'm glad to be reminded of a beautifully brushed side, which actually slims and accentuates the case design. Perhaps it's the gold plated version that is all polished? My preference is for the reddish brown or cream enamel dials. Yet, there remains something about the dial (perhaps the sportier stance of the markers with small arabics underneath and astute geometric handset) that hasn't quite won me over like the gorgeously shaped case. Comparing with the AD15, I actually regretted that they didn't persist the bezelless construction of the AD7 there, as I think it contributes greatly to its character and helps in making that inner lug bevelling so successful. Seeing it on your 19cm wrist, I am reminded that the AD7 would likely wear large for me. And having accepted several around 40mm watches recently, I feel the need to downsize my wearing experience a little. Just so my general wearing experience through the collection doesn't always err large. The shell cordovan for me is the strap this belongs on. It is very congruent with both dial and case.
I would also go for the creamy one, but, apparently, everyone else does, as it's sold out more often than not... Not a fan of Damascus either. As for how big it wears, it kinda soured my enthusiasm - for this dial/case ratio it would have to be 37 to feel it suits me.
@@themicrobrandexpert interesting. You sound a bit more negative off camera. I think on your 19cm it does look fine, but perhaps not 'refined'. But then, that is arguably what has kept me from this model. The case shape is intricately executed, but the dial layout isn't the most refined in my view. For refinement I feel the AD15 does better and for toolishness the AD8 offers more to sink one's teeth into. I agree that a 37mm version would likely do better, since it wears large, but I wouldn't mind them experimenting a bit with the markers and hands either. All that said, one doesn't have to be completely convinced by all designs of a brand to still appreciate what they're achieving.
Absolutely, does the perfect watch even exist? I wouldn't call my personal take negativism, just my personal opinions on things that are subjective to any prospective owner. Had I reviewed the Damascus case, I would've commented i'd prefer the 904, as for the dial size I'm on record for saying I would've loved a dial/case ratio that would work more towards emphasising the case.
@@themicrobrandexpert that's a great analytical answer!
Such a great brand with excellent finishing and great watch designs. Love the fact that they use 904 stainless steel. A shortlist for me!
Thank you for watching, Dick!
Excellent watch and great review, I will buy 1 …… when will the Wise GMT be back in stock? I want the root beer !
Thank you for the praise, the watch certainly deserves it! Wise are known for producing multiple batches, but I couldn't give you an estimate on their availability. Perhaps the best way to ensure you won't miss out is to subscribe to their newsletter.
Thanks for a great review. I have a few Wise watches and I just think they are terrific.
Thank you! Will Wise be the new Christopher Ward?
Outstanding look here, thanks for the rundown.
Glad you like it, Fred, thank you for watching!
Great review. I have two of this model already, and they are super quality. I have the gold version with white dial and loved it so much I bought the stainless version with taupe dial. Now I’m considering buying another. It’s an impressive quality, and I say this having many, many other watches of higher price points. Wise is the hidden gem in the watch world
Thank you! Such feedback from real world users vindicates my review conclusions!
Have you checked out Corniche watches? Outstanding finish. Why Wise over that? Comparison would be interesting!
I wish I was in the position to pick the watches I review... This is a watch I borrowed from a friend. He does not own a Corniche.
Quite a few members of this community have helped the channel tremenduously by lending watches and contacting brands about sending me watches to review, and for that I am extremely grateful!
Congratulations on an awesome new watch for your collection! honestly im a little jealous lol
If it had a bracelet, i wouldnt even consider pulling the trigger.
Thing is i really love the adamascus case but even with an aftermarket bracelet it would look odd.
Soo the one that i want i cant really have (adamascus case with a bracelet) and the one that is the logical choice (904l which can be paired with a bracelet) im on the fence about.
I wonder how the adamascus case would look with a polished mesh bracelet..
Next month im gonna get a Certina ds trust (full titanium square shaped eta quartz movement) and VanBanner just had a sale and i got 2 Leas for my friends and i just got a Sumo and a promaster diver soo maybe in the future.. idk..
Well, thank you, but, unfortunately, this isn't my watch, just a loaner from a friend... Glad to see you're busy getting all the good stuff!
@@themicrobrandexpert aww sorry to hear that 😔
comenting before watching. this is an amazing looking watch. it reminds me a bit of erebus but it looks better put together.
Erebus don't hold a candle to Wise.
😂
Erebus are made in SM factory and if you pay close attention you can see where Jody and Steven took their inspirations from.
Its not bad but its not for me..
Wise have a distinctive and original design language..
If you are an Erebus fan, sorry didnt mean to upset you.
The finishing is amazing..just shortlisted for myself, calling Poliția Română on you. 🤣
😂🤣😂🤣
Love people that shine, but polish is hard to swallow! (pun intended?!) 😜
Another wisely designed watch, not for my lifestyle though. Cheers Toni, enjoy!
I know quite a few Polish people that shine...
Good review of an impressive watch. I have considered a Wise, but really not a fan of the font they've used for their logo. It just doesn't suit really any watch. Perhaps a box of medicine or a printer, but not a watch. I hope they change it one day.
Thank you for watching! It seems this is a recurring theme for many microbrands, and that only makes those inventive enough to come up with fresh, interesting logos even worthier of praise.
@@themicrobrandexpert Indeed. Look at the pain Christopher Ward went through! I have every faith in the Wise team. If they can come up with watches this beautiful, they're more than up to the challenge.
Thanks for the review. Wise watches are outstanding quality. Have a few of their divers. My favorite is the bronze case with green dial. Stunning bronze watch! Also have the dark meteorite dial on their new bracelet. Again, stunning.
Not really a dress watch guy, but those lacquer dials, wow! Beautiful watches.