No one wants to acknowledge that modern technology, manufacturing, and quality control have caught up to the once elite watch brands. The best mechanical watches had already been beat out by a quartz in the 60’s. Sapphire, titanium, 400 parts movement mechanical automatic watches are under $1,000.00 … you can pay $5,000 or $100,000 but what are you actually getting aside from a name or design that honestly isn’t artistically groundbreaking. I also work a blue collar job - I’m not wearing a $5,000 watch that might get damaged, broken beyond reasonable repair, lost, or under the right circumstances stolen. I can see paying up to around $2,000 on the highest end and after that ya lost me. I keep it under $700 normally.
People don’t get into the luxury watch game because they need an accurate timepiece for work. I wear my Casio for work. They get into it for a number of reasons. For the nerds, the complications and design make watches a blend of artistry and engineering. Whether it’s the finishing on the movement, the dial design and the proportions, or the needless mechanical complications, certain luxury watches just stand out, set trends and inspire other watchmakers. Some people buy them to commemorate a milestone by buying something specifically because it’s expensive. Gold has very little practical use for most people, yet people buy it because it’s rare and it’s coveted. Same thing with watches. And some people just like to show off their wealth, and honestly, they’re not hurting anyone by doing that. No need to make watch collecting a purely logical endeavour.
Can't help thinking that the bezel is too thick. The Addiesdive quartz and auto homages are nearer to the mark. (AD2112 & AD2023) If the name/logo is too plain for you then you will be the only person to like those of the Addiesdive. If Baltany put a quartz movement in this then I would be the first in the queue to buy.
Same here. I like that Baltany stayed true to the dimensions of the 1016. The proportions on the Addiesdive still look great, but for some reason they decided to make it bigger while decreasing the lug width to 19mm. Probably not a dealbreaker for most because their version is also a fourth of the price of the Baltany. Still, WHY?
The Baltany looks lovely for the money .. I think it’s fine to buy a homage until you can afford the real thing .. that’s if you decide to keep it. I have a Smiths Everest and it’s absolutely amazing even compared to its Rolex equivalent
Yeah . I like 'em . Got the brown . Got it with bracelet but like it best on a tan leather NATO I turned into single pass , trimmed the end and got rid of the second retainer . A real one would be extra great (Rolex) but I just enjoy the homages and watching other people enjoy their Rolex . Also have the Armida with the ETA 2836 in it and it's really great but a bit thick with 300 meters and a huge box domed sapphire .
I think you should take a closer look at the logo the subtle detail on the A and L are very well done. I also much prefer their font choice on the automatic and water resistance markings compared to San Martin who truly does use the most basic font you can find. I appreciate that Baltany leans for subtlety and attention to detail over loud and ornate logo design. There’s not a single Chinese homage watch brand logo I would rate higher than baltany and I challenge you to show me one that is actually more pleasing to look at on the dial if your watch
Nice video! I do like that logo, simple, elegant, good name too, unlike many Chinese brands that are unpronounceable. I agree with you, I’d also like white numerals instead of the fauxtina ones, easier to wear with almost everything. Baltany does have that design that they keep throughout their line, all their watches have that vintage-classic look. Keep the good work!
Just got my dark brown 36mm Baltany and what can I say. Dial, the brushing, the applied indices, the sapphire distortion, the bracelet. Just wow. And the +1 second a day with the nh38. I've actually just ordered a Cronos 36mm too but with a piano black dial to pair with this one. I splurged in choosing the sw200. Can't wait.
Good review. ❤ I agree with you about the logo. All of the Chinese watch companies pay homage to the cases of watches which they copy, but is a mystery to me why they think that text (fonts, size, placement…) can design without homaging. 🤷♂️ Also why don’t they put some text below 6 o’clock? When designing the watch it is all in small details and places which are not visible.
...... I've tried several Explorer homages and the best by far is the Armida A6 ..... 36mm case , no fauxtina , drilled lugs , ETA movement , superb finishing , a seriously good quality watch ...... however it is more than two and a half times the cost of the Baltany ( although they do have a sale several times a year ) .... but worth every cent if you want to scratch that original 1016 itch ....... and none of that crap you have to go through dealing with the Smiths from Timefactors .......
For many people the 1016 is not only out of reach financially and the chances of actually seeing or holding one is also slim. I agree , for those who want to try the style and size before a larger purchase why not try something like this.
Great video, i was waiting for a review on this marvel that suits a brand like Baltany very well. I favour vintage references of the Explorer but it's out of question getting one, specially for actual use, so a high quality homage like that is my way to go (and for a fraction of the costs). I absolute appreciate the female endlinks and exaggerated 'claimed' water resistance.
Why do people who can afford to spend Rolex money & are prepared to pay for one complain about people who can’t or won’t , when they buy a cheaper option? The homages are not fakes, claiming to be something they aren’t. Very few watches can claim to be totally original designs anyway.
i had a 1960s explorer, but sold (for a hefty sum) it due to it's high maintenance cost ($500-$600 every three years). I'll take a Seiko movement any day. Rolexes are highly over-rated status symbols. Btw, my 1960s Explorer was purchased for $150 in 1984. That's about all it was worth. The Baltany looks cool, but I'm not crazy about the dial.
If I like the Baltany... then I already have a watch that I liked. Why should I get the Explorer, when it is a homage of the Smith at 25, 50, even a 100 times of the Baltany? Is it a 100 times better or gives me a 100 times More of the joy??
BTW do you know they have an option that they can put your logo or writing (non copyrighted) on the dial on Baltany's site for like ~$38? I wanna put a logo of my company, it's just me and my bud in the company so we would have our own "merch" watches😂I so want the bezel on this 1016 be thinner, closer to original tho. I'm battling with myself for a month now if I should buy it with the custom dial or not lol
@@armancz Yes I was aware and thanks for the reminder, I’ll mention it in the next review. Thank you for watching and I think you should totally customize the watch 👍🏼
@@SoCalWatchReviews I still hope they come up with updated bezel version, it's the only thing missing for a perfect 1016 homage. Forgot to say - great review, finally someone who owns a real Explorer chiming in with Baltany's review on that watch :D
With "hardened" 316L steel. Unfortunately only the automatic 1921s (they also have quartz versions) were confirmed to me by Baltany to have the hardened steel in their entire lineup.
Beautiful watch terrible name haha! This is a lovely take on an absolute classic! You are right my friend... This will make a great GADA watch! Have a great week Miguel!
Tudor's entire business model was built on copying Rolex, nkt even homage, straight rip and while theyve moved on to more original designs they still produce Rolex copies yet any watch snob considers Tudor a legit brand. The only difference between Baltany, San Martin, etc and Tudor is time.
Time and the fact that Tudor and Rolex are sister companies, and Tudor was started by the founder of Rolex to take Rolex cases and insert standard movements so that they could be more affordable, and Tudor is still a Swiss company with a strong warranty behind it and solid in house movements.
Such an interesting question. Is the Rolex worth the premium? In real terms, clearly not. An unitiated person could easily prefer the looks of the Baltany and the improved movement is far worse in all functional respects than a decent quartz movement. The name Rolex does have value and history but most of all, I think, if we are being honest, the Rolex makes the statement that you are a successful person who can afford to wear it.
Thank you china . We have been getting gouged by the Swiss watch industry, China it’s a game changer like Japan was in the 70 s.. hopefully they will have to compete and the prices will drop or they will go out of business.
Incorrect, the Ranger has the numeral at the 12’oclock. This homage has the same numerals as the 1016. Furthermore the ranger is an homage of the Explorer 1016. Thank you for watching 👍🏼
This is an opinion many are parroting just because it’s what big companies want them to say. The truth is that luxury watches are overpriced, and it’s time some of the idiots in offices tone down the luxury facade when in reality their products aren’t more valid than most cheaper watches. It’s popular to hate on homages, but as an ex Swatch Group, now LVMH WJ employee, I can firmly state that the difference in external build quality is no longer a point of contention. My San Martin is better assembled than any Bulgari Al, Tag Heuer or Longines, which are all made in China as well, even though the marketing offices don’t want you customers to know the truth.
@@Dr_LK I personally don’t buy homage watches to keep long term, as said in my video, homage watches can help someone decide if they want to splurge on the real thing. We can all agree these watches have zero originality as they’re copies of the real thing, but it terms of build quality they’re some brand out there like Baltany, SanMartin that overdeliver on their price point.
it might work with some people but for me you're absolutely right, nothing like wearing an original. Can't afford a 7k Explorer? then buy a Seiko or Hamilton or anything else that is not trying to be something else.
That speech is just a lame excuse that watch snobs use in order to try to keep an allegedly uniqueness in their timepieces. Guess what? There is nothing unique in a Rolex watch. It’s just a mass-produced-very-overpriced watch. Not everyone can afford a Rolex, and some people just think that they are not worth the price, despite their timeless designs. A homage isn’t trying to fool anybody. People should just buy whatever makes them happy.
No one wants to acknowledge that modern technology, manufacturing, and quality control have caught up to the once elite watch brands. The best mechanical watches had already been beat out by a quartz in the 60’s. Sapphire, titanium, 400 parts movement mechanical automatic watches are under $1,000.00 … you can pay $5,000 or $100,000 but what are you actually getting aside from a name or design that honestly isn’t artistically groundbreaking. I also work a blue collar job - I’m not wearing a $5,000 watch that might get damaged, broken beyond reasonable repair, lost, or under the right circumstances stolen. I can see paying up to around $2,000 on the highest end and after that ya lost me. I keep it under $700 normally.
Great points and thank you for watching!
People don’t get into the luxury watch game because they need an accurate timepiece for work. I wear my Casio for work.
They get into it for a number of reasons. For the nerds, the complications and design make watches a blend of artistry and engineering. Whether it’s the finishing on the movement, the dial design and the proportions, or the needless mechanical complications, certain luxury watches just stand out, set trends and inspire other watchmakers.
Some people buy them to commemorate a milestone by buying something specifically because it’s expensive. Gold has very little practical use for most people, yet people buy it because it’s rare and it’s coveted. Same thing with watches.
And some people just like to show off their wealth, and honestly, they’re not hurting anyone by doing that.
No need to make watch collecting a purely logical endeavour.
@@yashnigam6 You bring up some great points the table as well! Thank you for watching!
Well said. Agreed 💯
Can't help thinking that the bezel is too thick. The Addiesdive quartz and auto homages are nearer to the mark.
(AD2112 & AD2023)
If the name/logo is too plain for you then you will be the only person to like those of the Addiesdive.
If Baltany put a quartz movement in this then I would be the first in the queue to buy.
The bezel could definitely be slimmed down, but in person it doesn’t look bad. Thank you for watching 👍🏼
Same here. I like that Baltany stayed true to the dimensions of the 1016. The proportions on the Addiesdive still look great, but for some reason they decided to make it bigger while decreasing the lug width to 19mm. Probably not a dealbreaker for most because their version is also a fourth of the price of the Baltany. Still, WHY?
Damn! I didnt know baltany made this incredible quality great video bro!
Great watches for not a lot of $! Thank you for the the support my man!
The Baltany looks lovely for the money .. I think it’s fine to buy a homage until you can afford the real thing .. that’s if you decide to keep it. I have a Smiths Everest and it’s absolutely amazing even compared to its Rolex equivalent
Agree 💯 and I need to buy a Smiths, such cool watches! Thank you for the support.
Yeah . I like 'em . Got the brown . Got it with bracelet but like it best on a tan leather NATO I turned into single pass , trimmed the end and got rid of the second retainer . A real one would be extra great (Rolex) but I just enjoy the homages and watching other people enjoy their Rolex . Also have the Armida with the ETA 2836 in it and it's really great but a bit thick with 300 meters and a huge box domed sapphire .
I bought one too. They sent me a brown leather strap with it on request. However, I'm unsure I want to change it to leather now.
I think you should take a closer look at the logo the subtle detail on the A and L are very well done. I also much prefer their font choice on the automatic and water resistance markings compared to San Martin who truly does use the most basic font you can find. I appreciate that Baltany leans for subtlety and attention to detail over loud and ornate logo design. There’s not a single Chinese homage watch brand logo I would rate higher than baltany and I challenge you to show me one that is actually more pleasing to look at on the dial if your watch
@@TimChang-n6h Thanks for the comment and watching 👍🏼
Nice video! I do like that logo, simple, elegant, good name too, unlike many Chinese brands that are unpronounceable. I agree with you, I’d also like white numerals instead of the fauxtina ones, easier to wear with almost everything. Baltany does have that design that they keep throughout their line, all their watches have that vintage-classic look. Keep the good work!
@@charliealva4833 Thank you 🙏 for the support!
Just got my dark brown 36mm Baltany and what can I say. Dial, the brushing, the applied indices, the sapphire distortion, the bracelet. Just wow. And the +1 second a day with the nh38.
I've actually just ordered a Cronos 36mm too but with a piano black dial to pair with this one. I splurged in choosing the sw200. Can't wait.
@@vic7939 A lot of people are sleeping on Baltany. Congrats on the acquisitions and thank you for watching.
How's the Cronos compared to the Baltany?
Good review. ❤ I agree with you about the logo. All of the Chinese watch companies pay homage to the cases of watches which they copy, but is a mystery to me why they think that text (fonts, size, placement…) can design without homaging. 🤷♂️ Also why don’t they put some text below 6 o’clock? When designing the watch it is all in small details and places which are not visible.
@@tomislavp1352 Thank you 🙏 for the support and comment!
With the printed dial, it is like an Explorer/Tudor-Ranger hybrid. Stylish! Would make for a good beater watch or decoy if traveling in sketchy areas.
@@Orozco_PNW Thank you for watching!
...... I've tried several Explorer homages and the best by far is the Armida A6 ..... 36mm case , no fauxtina , drilled lugs , ETA movement , superb finishing , a seriously good quality watch ...... however it is more than two and a half times the cost of the Baltany ( although they do have a sale several times a year ) .... but worth every cent if you want to scratch that original 1016 itch ....... and none of that crap you have to go through dealing with the Smiths from Timefactors .......
Thank you for sharing 👍🏼
For many people the 1016 is not only out of reach financially and the chances of actually seeing or holding one is also slim.
I agree , for those who want to try the style and size before a larger purchase why not try something like this.
Agree and thank you for watching!
Great video, i was waiting for a review on this marvel that suits a brand like Baltany very well. I favour vintage references of the Explorer but it's out of question getting one, specially for actual use, so a high quality homage like that is my way to go (and for a fraction of the costs). I absolute appreciate the female endlinks and exaggerated 'claimed' water resistance.
Definitely a great homage watch for the $! Thank you for watching 👍🏼
Why do people who can afford to spend Rolex money & are prepared to pay for one complain about people who can’t or won’t , when they buy a cheaper option? The homages are not fakes, claiming to be something they aren’t. Very few watches can claim to be totally original designs anyway.
Because humans like to complain about everything 😂 thank you for watching 👍🏼
@@SoCalWatchReviews well, yea, that’s true! Lol
i had a 1960s explorer, but sold (for a hefty sum) it due to it's high maintenance cost ($500-$600 every three years). I'll take a Seiko movement any day. Rolexes are highly over-rated status symbols. Btw, my 1960s Explorer was purchased for $150 in 1984. That's about all it was worth. The Baltany looks cool, but I'm not crazy about the dial.
@@tomhill4003 Thank you for sharing your story and watching the video!
I would actually love to see a homage of the Smiths watch.
👍🏼
Awesome vid brother! I agree that Baltany always delivers over its price point! 😎🙌
Thank you for the continued support ❤️ we need to get you in contact with Baltany, would love to see your videos on them!
Thank you for the continued support ❤️ we need to get you in contact with Baltany, would love to see your videos on them!
Honestly I've seen several homages of the explorer but I think this one from Baltany is the better one awesome review as always Miguel
Agree and thank you for the continued support my friend!
That bass hit hard
💯 👍🏼 agree
Great video 👊😊. Love the 1016❤
One day we will be 1016 twins ❤️
If I like the Baltany... then I already have a watch that I liked. Why should I get the Explorer, when it is a homage of the Smith at 25, 50, even a 100 times of the Baltany? Is it a 100 times better or gives me a 100 times
More of the joy??
@@andromedagodit2492 Thank you for watching and commenting 👍🏼
BTW do you know they have an option that they can put your logo or writing (non copyrighted) on the dial on Baltany's site for like ~$38? I wanna put a logo of my company, it's just me and my bud in the company so we would have our own "merch" watches😂I so want the bezel on this 1016 be thinner, closer to original tho. I'm battling with myself for a month now if I should buy it with the custom dial or not lol
@@armancz Yes I was aware and thanks for the reminder, I’ll mention it in the next review. Thank you for watching and I think you should totally customize the watch 👍🏼
@@SoCalWatchReviews I still hope they come up with updated bezel version, it's the only thing missing for a perfect 1016 homage. Forgot to say - great review, finally someone who owns a real Explorer chiming in with Baltany's review on that watch :D
@@armancz Thank you 🙏
They do a version of the Vacheron constantin 1921 which gives that funky look.
Enjoyed the video as usual
I need to bring that one in for review and thank you 🙏
With "hardened" 316L steel. Unfortunately only the automatic 1921s (they also have quartz versions) were confirmed to me by Baltany to have the hardened steel in their entire lineup.
Beautiful watch terrible name haha! This is a lovely take on an absolute classic! You are right my friend... This will make a great GADA watch! Have a great week Miguel!
The name definitely needs some work 😂 and thank you for watching brother!
@@SoCalWatchReviews 😄👌
Tudor's entire business model was built on copying Rolex, nkt even homage, straight rip and while theyve moved on to more original designs they still produce Rolex copies yet any watch snob considers Tudor a legit brand. The only difference between Baltany, San Martin, etc and Tudor is time.
Thank you for watching and your comment 👍🏼
Time and the fact that Tudor and Rolex are sister companies, and Tudor was started by the founder of Rolex to take Rolex cases and insert standard movements so that they could be more affordable, and Tudor is still a Swiss company with a strong warranty behind it and solid in house movements.
Yes!! The 1016 is THE best Explorer variant IMO. Great video!!
Agree with you and thank you for the support my man!
you can buy a Pagani Design with exactly the same specs for $65
@@steventurner197 👍🏼
Great Miguel 👍
Gracias 🙏
Such an interesting question. Is the Rolex worth the premium? In real terms, clearly not. An unitiated person could easily prefer the looks of the Baltany and the improved movement is far worse in all functional respects than a decent quartz movement. The name Rolex does have value and history but most of all, I think, if we are being honest, the Rolex makes the statement that you are a successful person who can afford to wear it.
@@Hemebean well said!
Thank you china . We have been getting gouged by the Swiss watch industry, China it’s a game changer like Japan was in the 70 s.. hopefully they will have to compete and the prices will drop or they will go out of business.
@@davidreid1805 👍🏼
Octopus much better true to
Thank you for watching 👍🏼
Baltany look like the tudor ranger not explorer😂
Incorrect, the Ranger has the numeral at the 12’oclock. This homage has the same numerals as the 1016. Furthermore the ranger is an homage of the Explorer 1016. Thank you for watching 👍🏼
It’s pronounced like Bal-ta-knee. Not Bal-Tany.
Thanks for the English lesson 👍🏼 not sure Baltany is even an English word, but thanks for caring so much.
Don’t buy homages/copies. Buy the original. Nothing else will satisfy the urge. You’ll end up spending more money…
This is an opinion many are parroting just because it’s what big companies want them to say. The truth is that luxury watches are overpriced, and it’s time some of the idiots in offices tone down the luxury facade when in reality their products aren’t more valid than most cheaper watches.
It’s popular to hate on homages, but as an ex Swatch Group, now LVMH WJ employee, I can firmly state that the difference in external build quality is no longer a point of contention. My San Martin is better assembled than any Bulgari Al, Tag Heuer or Longines, which are all made in China as well, even though the marketing offices don’t want you customers to know the truth.
@@PocketUau I have bought homages and regretted it .. sure price is more than the quality gap, but still, original is best.
@@Dr_LK I personally don’t buy homage watches to keep long term, as said in my video, homage watches can help someone decide if they want to splurge on the real thing. We can all agree these watches have zero originality as they’re copies of the real thing, but it terms of build quality they’re some brand out there like Baltany, SanMartin that overdeliver on their price point.
it might work with some people but for me you're absolutely right, nothing like wearing an original.
Can't afford a 7k Explorer? then buy a Seiko or Hamilton or anything else that is not trying to be something else.
That speech is just a lame excuse that watch snobs use in order to try to keep an allegedly uniqueness in their timepieces. Guess what? There is nothing unique in a Rolex watch. It’s just a mass-produced-very-overpriced watch. Not everyone can afford a Rolex, and some people just think that they are not worth the price, despite their timeless designs.
A homage isn’t trying to fool anybody. People should just buy whatever makes them happy.
you’re literally my comfort person i love you #nkuwan !
Thank you 🙏