So far I've always heard good things about Islander and Long Island Watches. A great review TWI, That lume is fantastic, super sharp, the crystal design and the Easter day complication is great too. I'm in the UK so may have to check out the international costs at some point. You can tell that Marc is an engineer at heart. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much! Yeah Long Island Watch has been my go to for Seikos for years and at the start Islander didn't interest me much bc I already had a bunch of Seiko divers. But after I got my first one and now this I want to get a Turtle version!! I was expecting the Samurai to be good but I was genuinely shocked at how good it really is. And the day wheel was the cherry on top 😁 Yes for sure check out the intl duties bc I think even after the fees it'll be well worth it especially if you plan on swapping bezels and bracelets! Yes Marc has the engineering attention to detail for sure👍
1:50 I guess we call that Chinese date wheel because the writing is in Chinese(well actually the Kanji date wheel writing is also in Chinese). Fun fact: if you look at Friday which is 五 (five in Chinese)closely, it has exactly 5 strokes too
You're my lifesaver! And thats so cool that friday has the five strokes, seeing it again is definitely another reason to look forward to Fridays! But i had no idea that the kanji day wheel is actually also in chinese! Excuse my ignorance but what exactly is the kanji day wheel then? I was always under the impression that it was Japanese bc of how much Seiko used it. Are they simply characters shared by both Japanese and Chinese writing?
@@thewatchidiot I'm not Japanese but a Chinese so I could only answer from my perspective, you're right, Kanji date wheel is in Japanese and the date wheel on this Samurai is in Hanzi. Japanese and Chinese share more than half of the characters. For example, the Sunday 日 is the same for both Kanji and Hanzi date wheel
Ah ok that's very interesting I didn't know about Hanzi! I'll be sure to call it a Hanzi day wheel then for sure. And I also didn't know that there are that many shared characters between Chinese and Japanese! Thanks for the info, its nice to learn something new😁
The fit and function of my ISL-27 is awesome. The dial is simply beautiful and when sunlight hits it it is awesome. There is not anything that I dislike about this watch.It is a fantastic watch.
Great review... Hard to come by reviews on the Islander and Marc himself doesn't go as deep on the specs.. Though he does introduce his upcoming models.. Thanks for the comment on the dimensions btw... Cheers..
Sure thing!! Dimensions for me are probably the most important part of a review bc it gives me a sense of what it's going to be like in real life and on my wrist so I'm glad that I was able to help out!!😁
Thank you so much!! And yeah I love all kinds of watches regardless of price point and actually I'd venture to say that the affordable end of watches is way more interesting! I'm glad to hear that you think the same and appreciate the diversity bc in the end any watch has the potential to put a smile on someone's face and that's all that matters in this weird horological world of ours😁
Yeah it's got such a cool looking case so it definitely makes for a fun watch to see on the wrist! If it was a normal case with the same dimensions I think it would end up being too large for me! Also I love that everything (other than the bracelet) is compatible with SKX mod parts!
The islander watch line is a great watch. I have about 4 islanders. My only complaints are that of the bezel. It is one of the hardest to turn. When your hands are wet, or even moist from sweat, the bezel is useless. I have to remove the rubber o-ring on all the bezels to make it functional. But now the bezel is so soft that you don't feel the "click."
Oh that's awesome which other Islanders do you have?? But I agree with you, the bezel on my ISL-69 (baby turtle ish) was pretty much rock solid and it was relatively tough to take off as well. I think I might have gotten lucky on this ISL-27 bc the bezel feel is super smooth! BUT taking the bezel off was one of the most difficult things I've ever done with a watch bc it was so rock solid. I had to buy a separate pry tool with actual leverage to pry it open using two hands. Bc I was using two hands, I had to get someone else to slot in a different thin metal pry tool into the open gap to keep the gap open at which point I repositioned my tool to open it around the case. The top right lug does not look great hahahahah
I don't know the isl numbers. But i have the 43mm black diver, the 38mm blue diver, the 40mm mini turtle, the black aviation/pilot, and the field/pilot watch in black. The islander bezels are one of the easiest to take off, at least the one that i have are. I just use a pry caseback knife and it pops right out. I do not own the samurai yet, but its on my to-buy list. Maybe the bezel is made differently on that model for it to be that difficult to take off. Talk about difficult bezel to take off? Try taking off an orient kamasu bezel. I gave up taking the bezel off. I had to go to my local watch repair shop. And he was having a hard time taking it off. He had to literally cut the bezel off with a mini dremel disc, lol. If anybody know of a way to take off an orient kamasu bezel, let me know, hahaha.
That's an awesome set of watches! Yes definitely take a look at the samurai is really good (and actually my latest video is on the islander samurai!) That's so crazy that you had to take the kamasu to watchmaker and then he had to use a Dremel tool to get it out hahahaha I'll definitely be keeping that in mind! I haven't owned any orients yet but I definitely would like to do I think the kamasu would be first in line. I was thinking the orient star at one point but it's a bit too expensive for the time being as my first orient
Do they Loom the underside of the hands to? At 3: 04 there's a reflection on the dial of the Luned hands, and it looks like the hour hand is also illuminating the date will from the underside of the hand.
As far as I know, the hands actually start off as an empty frame with no material inside. The he lume is then applied to it in layers which leaves the lume visible from underneath. Definitely makes for some cool lighting situations below the hands especially when the lume is as bright as it is on this Islander!
Thank you so much!! Yes they're incredible I've been using this pair for over 2 years now. I used to buy frames and lenses from LensCrafters but then switched over and haven't noticed a single difference in terms of fit, finish, or most importantly optical quality. The only difference is that the entire set costs only $95 vs at least $300!😂
Those are Chinese characters. 👍 - Oops, sorry. I guess I should have read the other comments first. Sorry to be the umpteenth person to tell you about the day wheel 😳
Looool not a problem at all I appreciate the help! I'm glad that I was able to find the right answer bc it's such an incredible little detail that just sets the watch off😁
@@thewatchidiot Thanks, man. I just discovered your channel a few days ago, subscribed, and have really enjoyed your content. Thanks, and look forward to your next review!
Nice video. However, I have a different opinion about LIW. I just feel there's not an inch of innovation or personality in these watches, even the names of his watches are bluntly copied... I always chuckle when we Westerners complain about the East stealing our intellectual property. Because that's exactly what LIW does here. I know many companies do that, but still... A bit of an own touch would be worthwhile here; not just adding a nicer bracelet or a sapphire crystal... Just my opinion.
You make an interesting point and I've thought about the subject before. I'll admit that when Islander first started off with the SKX lineup it didn't interest me at all bc I had an SKX and didn't see the value in them bc I was already happy with mine and I didn't need the upgrades being offered. But Islander really caught my eye when they released the ISL-69 bc it was a case design that was never used (as far as I know) by Seiko but it added the extra functionality of being completely compatible with my SKX013. The same goes for the Samurai bc the case is the same but the value goes way up for me bc it's a Samurai with better bezel proportions and it's using the parts of an SKX, which I could then use on my SKXs which I can't do with any other watch. This is probably why I haven't added their SKX or Turtle variants. Bc they don't offer a unique case like the ISL-69 nor do they add a brand new case option for SKX parts like this ISL-27 So in that way I actually almost think of Islander more as an easy to use platform (like a kit car, and in a way like a ready made restomod), as opposed to an actual watch if that makes sense.(although as a standalone watch it's still pretty great).
@@thewatchidiot great that there can be a civilized conversation about the subject. And of course your arguments are valid. Because I don't follow LIW from close by, I suppose there can be more individually styled models among them that I haven't heard of. Let's say he gets the advantage of doubt... I also imagine Marc is creating watches that will certainly sell in order to finance more daring designs in the future. So maybe I'll keep a lookout for those... Greetings from Belgium
Yes it's always great to get different views on a subject! I love many watches from many brands but that for sure does not mean each brand is perfect. But yeah Marcs got a lot of watches out now and he's releasing new ones quite quickly which is pretty cool and hopefully many more daring ones too! Greetings from the US!
@@BVcello You actually get it, thank you: " I also imagine Marc is creating watches that will certainly sell in order to finance more daring designs in the future."
Awesome to see you here!! That's exciting that this is your plan can't wait to see what you've got coming up! Also even with my new BB58 925, I can't get my ISL-27 off my wrist 😁
So far I've always heard good things about Islander and Long Island Watches. A great review TWI, That lume is fantastic, super sharp, the crystal design and the Easter day complication is great too. I'm in the UK so may have to check out the international costs at some point. You can tell that Marc is an engineer at heart. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much! Yeah Long Island Watch has been my go to for Seikos for years and at the start Islander didn't interest me much bc I already had a bunch of Seiko divers. But after I got my first one and now this I want to get a Turtle version!! I was expecting the Samurai to be good but I was genuinely shocked at how good it really is. And the day wheel was the cherry on top 😁
Yes for sure check out the intl duties bc I think even after the fees it'll be well worth it especially if you plan on swapping bezels and bracelets! Yes Marc has the engineering attention to detail for sure👍
1:50 I guess we call that Chinese date wheel because the writing is in Chinese(well actually the Kanji date wheel writing is also in Chinese). Fun fact: if you look at Friday which is 五 (five in Chinese)closely, it has exactly 5 strokes too
You're my lifesaver! And thats so cool that friday has the five strokes, seeing it again is definitely another reason to look forward to Fridays! But i had no idea that the kanji day wheel is actually also in chinese! Excuse my ignorance but what exactly is the kanji day wheel then? I was always under the impression that it was Japanese bc of how much Seiko used it. Are they simply characters shared by both Japanese and Chinese writing?
@@thewatchidiot I'm not Japanese but a Chinese so I could only answer from my perspective, you're right, Kanji date wheel is in Japanese and the date wheel on this Samurai is in Hanzi. Japanese and Chinese share more than half of the characters. For example, the Sunday 日 is the same for both Kanji and Hanzi date wheel
Ah ok that's very interesting I didn't know about Hanzi! I'll be sure to call it a Hanzi day wheel then for sure. And I also didn't know that there are that many shared characters between Chinese and Japanese! Thanks for the info, its nice to learn something new😁
The fit and function of my ISL-27 is awesome. The dial is simply beautiful and when sunlight hits it it is awesome. There is not anything that I dislike about this watch.It is a fantastic watch.
The random detail which makes a watch for me is the blue/red color of Saturday/Sunday.
Great review... Hard to come by reviews on the Islander and Marc himself doesn't go as deep on the specs.. Though he does introduce his upcoming models.. Thanks for the comment on the dimensions btw... Cheers..
Sure thing!! Dimensions for me are probably the most important part of a review bc it gives me a sense of what it's going to be like in real life and on my wrist so I'm glad that I was able to help out!!😁
Nice review and good stuff that you are reviewing watches varying in different price categories👍
Thank you so much!! And yeah I love all kinds of watches regardless of price point and actually I'd venture to say that the affordable end of watches is way more interesting!
I'm glad to hear that you think the same and appreciate the diversity bc in the end any watch has the potential to put a smile on someone's face and that's all that matters in this weird horological world of ours😁
Would the strap fit a Seiko 5 Sports?
Islander has always been on my radar but I think this might be the watch to pull me in
And there just happens to be an amazing sale going on....I think the time has come😁
Would a samurai manta ray dial fit?
Another absolutely killer video! Keep 'em coming man!
thank you so much my man! Lots more to come😁
The Japanese second language date wheel tipped me over the edge to buy the ISL-65 a few hours ago!
yessssss i'm glad I'm not the only one who loves these bilingual day wheels! I love seeing it especially monday- wednesday for some reason lol
I have the isl-66 red dial. It is the only big bold watch I own and fills the role perfectly.
oooo yeah thats a good one! and as far as big bold watches go this one is great bc it wears like a dream too!
@@thewatchidiot I like that it's not just a large curvy watch but that it has those sharp dangerous looking angles
Yeah it's got such a cool looking case so it definitely makes for a fun watch to see on the wrist! If it was a normal case with the same dimensions I think it would end up being too large for me! Also I love that everything (other than the bracelet) is compatible with SKX mod parts!
The islander watch line is a great watch. I have about 4 islanders. My only complaints are that of the bezel. It is one of the hardest to turn. When your hands are wet, or even moist from sweat, the bezel is useless. I have to remove the rubber o-ring on all the bezels to make it functional. But now the bezel is so soft that you don't feel the "click."
Oh that's awesome which other Islanders do you have?? But I agree with you, the bezel on my ISL-69 (baby turtle ish) was pretty much rock solid and it was relatively tough to take off as well.
I think I might have gotten lucky on this ISL-27 bc the bezel feel is super smooth! BUT taking the bezel off was one of the most difficult things I've ever done with a watch bc it was so rock solid. I had to buy a separate pry tool with actual leverage to pry it open using two hands. Bc I was using two hands, I had to get someone else to slot in a different thin metal pry tool into the open gap to keep the gap open at which point I repositioned my tool to open it around the case. The top right lug does not look great hahahahah
I don't know the isl numbers. But i have the 43mm black diver, the 38mm blue diver, the 40mm mini turtle, the black aviation/pilot, and the field/pilot watch in black.
The islander bezels are one of the easiest to take off, at least the one that i have are. I just use a pry caseback knife and it pops right out. I do not own the samurai yet, but its on my to-buy list. Maybe the bezel is made differently on that model for it to be that difficult to take off.
Talk about difficult bezel to take off? Try taking off an orient kamasu bezel. I gave up taking the bezel off. I had to go to my local watch repair shop. And he was having a hard time taking it off. He had to literally cut the bezel off with a mini dremel disc, lol. If anybody know of a way to take off an orient kamasu bezel, let me know, hahaha.
That's an awesome set of watches! Yes definitely take a look at the samurai is really good (and actually my latest video is on the islander samurai!)
That's so crazy that you had to take the kamasu to watchmaker and then he had to use a Dremel tool to get it out hahahaha I'll definitely be keeping that in mind! I haven't owned any orients yet but I definitely would like to do I think the kamasu would be first in line. I was thinking the orient star at one point but it's a bit too expensive for the time being as my first orient
Do they Loom the underside of the hands to? At 3: 04 there's a reflection on the dial of the Luned hands, and it looks like the hour hand is also illuminating the date will from the underside of the hand.
As far as I know, the hands actually start off as an empty frame with no material inside. The he lume is then applied to it in layers which leaves the lume visible from underneath. Definitely makes for some cool lighting situations below the hands especially when the lume is as bright as it is on this Islander!
Very cool! Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it, it's definitely an awesome watch!
What glasses are you wearing?
Warby Parker! I think the style is Percy? Not completely sure tho
@@thewatchidiot They look very good on you sir. Are you happy with them yourself? As in fit, quality, value etc?
Thank you so much!! Yes they're incredible I've been using this pair for over 2 years now. I used to buy frames and lenses from LensCrafters but then switched over and haven't noticed a single difference in terms of fit, finish, or most importantly optical quality. The only difference is that the entire set costs only $95 vs at least $300!😂
Those are Chinese characters. 👍 - Oops, sorry. I guess I should have read the other comments first. Sorry to be the umpteenth person to tell you about the day wheel 😳
Looool not a problem at all I appreciate the help! I'm glad that I was able to find the right answer bc it's such an incredible little detail that just sets the watch off😁
@@thewatchidiot Thanks, man. I just discovered your channel a few days ago, subscribed, and have really enjoyed your content. Thanks, and look forward to your next review!
Awesome thank you so much and welcome to the channel!! Yes lots more to come from here so I'm glad you'll be a part of it😁
Nice video. However, I have a different opinion about LIW. I just feel there's not an inch of innovation or personality in these watches, even the names of his watches are bluntly copied... I always chuckle when we Westerners complain about the East stealing our intellectual property. Because that's exactly what LIW does here. I know many companies do that, but still... A bit of an own touch would be worthwhile here; not just adding a nicer bracelet or a sapphire crystal... Just my opinion.
You make an interesting point and I've thought about the subject before. I'll admit that when Islander first started off with the SKX lineup it didn't interest me at all bc I had an SKX and didn't see the value in them bc I was already happy with mine and I didn't need the upgrades being offered.
But Islander really caught my eye when they released the ISL-69 bc it was a case design that was never used (as far as I know) by Seiko but it added the extra functionality of being completely compatible with my SKX013. The same goes for the Samurai bc the case is the same but the value goes way up for me bc it's a Samurai with better bezel proportions and it's using the parts of an SKX, which I could then use on my SKXs which I can't do with any other watch.
This is probably why I haven't added their SKX or Turtle variants. Bc they don't offer a unique case like the ISL-69 nor do they add a brand new case option for SKX parts like this ISL-27
So in that way I actually almost think of Islander more as an easy to use platform (like a kit car, and in a way like a ready made restomod), as opposed to an actual watch if that makes sense.(although as a standalone watch it's still pretty great).
@@thewatchidiot great that there can be a civilized conversation about the subject. And of course your arguments are valid. Because I don't follow LIW from close by, I suppose there can be more individually styled models among them that I haven't heard of. Let's say he gets the advantage of doubt... I also imagine Marc is creating watches that will certainly sell in order to finance more daring designs in the future. So maybe I'll keep a lookout for those... Greetings from Belgium
Yes it's always great to get different views on a subject! I love many watches from many brands but that for sure does not mean each brand is perfect. But yeah Marcs got a lot of watches out now and he's releasing new ones quite quickly which is pretty cool and hopefully many more daring ones too! Greetings from the US!
@@BVcello You actually get it, thank you: " I also imagine Marc is creating watches that will certainly sell in order to finance more daring designs in the future."
Awesome to see you here!! That's exciting that this is your plan can't wait to see what you've got coming up!
Also even with my new BB58 925, I can't get my ISL-27 off my wrist 😁