We NEED To Talk About Ali-express And Microbrand Watches… (Best Value For Money Watches)
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- Опубліковано 11 лис 2023
- Discord : / discord
In todays video we simply talk about how absolutely insane aliexpress and microbrand watches are getting in terms of quality and value for money, because they could kill the big name brands in this industry! Formex, Maen, Christopher Ward, Monta, Mido, Farer etc all beat seiko (seiko presage, seiko 5, seiko prospex), orient (orient bambino, orient kamasu), Citizen (citizen tsuyosa), tissot (Tisoot prx, Tissot gentleman, Tissot seastar), Hamilton (Hamilton field) and more large brand models! Its getting bloody worrying!
(footage by Teddy Baldassarre + Watch Geek + Bens Watch Club + YoureTerrific + WristWatching)
#swiss #watch #watches #rolex #luxury #list - Навчання та стиль
What use is heritage if you don't feel it on your wrist?
I know some people don't like it, but this is what a healthy market looks like.
New brands making more with less and older ones have to either adapt or die off.
I have little sympathy for the established luxury brands - they have been raising prices way beyond inflation for years. They think that customers will just cough up. Rolex is the most arrogant, but Omega is now doing the same. The premium they are asking just because of the name and 'heritage' is no longer justified.
Agreed.
I did hold that view but at the same time - we are to blame. If the prices rise then people are buying them at that price. Market forces apply to watches just as much to any other goods - "veblen good" or otherwise. There are only so many workers in Switzerland and many developed nation populations are declining, so there are natural supply limitations. Rolex already does a lot of automation and Tudor's new factory is massively automated. That's the only way they can boost supply. Rolex are doing that with a new big factory coming online in 2029 and some other make-shift measures going live before then. So they are ramping up supply, but demand is currently outstripping it.
But I also hold the view that they are arrogant and also taking backwards steps in may of the models with sizes and proportions and overall designs. I'd go as far to say they are betraying their heritage, and I think it's fair game that other manufacturers revive some past designs and/or improve and adapt existing ones.
I'm wearing a 39mm San Martin Explorer homage with green dial right now. I received it Saturday and can't stop looking at it. Just a beautiful watch. Also, it's my third San Martin and maybe twelfth Ali Express watch. The value of them is just outstanding.
The value is genuinely insane, doesn’t get better bang for your buck to be frank
Just ordered a San Martin. Insane value, tbh.
@@Harudes yup
I got several san martins , you cant go wrong with them . Who wants a Rolex that will nowadays get ripped off your wrist.
And the Sans are good to look at , first class choice , now you started you wont stop buying them .Quality👍
Same here,
The 70's there was the quartz crisis and now there might be a Chinese crisis. Its an interesting concept for discussion. Microbrands and AE watches are killing it and traditional watches are struggling to keep up! I for one love the idea that I can buy a Seiko or Citizen and know there is heritage and know that they have the infrastructure and support in place to take care of me when something happens...Except they in some cases don't and the consumer is left out to dry. Something microbrands are particularly good at is client feedback and adaptation and customer care. You work with the people who make the watch and love what they do, not some guy who hates his 9-5 job. As for heritage... All brands had to start somewhere and supporting the little guy seems a bit more ethical than support a large soulless corporation like Swatch etc... Have a great week bud! 😁👌
I agree! And as always you’re first on the scene! Much love my man, also I tried to add in a lot f more editing, good or bad?
@@WatchConnoisseurClub Thanks bud! Looks great man! Very polished and professional!
I think citizen, Seiko, and Casio are safe considering the wide consumer audience. The other brands tho..
@@CybertroninfiniteOfficial oh yeah and they suppply the movements in the aliexpress watches, but theyre still outperforming the big name brands
@@CybertroninfiniteOfficialpagani and other homage brands are honestly beating seiko 5s (in specs) for like a quarter of the price its honestly insane
I think a huge problem too is Seiko randomly deciding to move "upmarket" and start increasing their prices.....while offering worse specs. If they still had fantastic watches for cheap it'd work, but they just don't! To me it seems like they're trying to go upmarket and make Orient the "starter" watch brand.
It's not random. It was to bring up the perceived value of Grand Seiko. They removed Seiko label from the GS dials.
I'll never buy Seiko again. My old friend is now dead to me.
Yup I agree, they’ve gotten more expensive but worse specs consistently since the skx was discontinued
They also have ALBA brand that sell cheaper models.
@@Chris-de2qc Then what does that have to do with the Seiko brand? Grand Seiko is already a separate brand that we know is their upmarket brand. Seiko is their main brand. So now they're selling $750 watches, sometimes still using hardlex and the same 4R movement that their $200 dollar watches have.
Really nice video. Thanks for including the model numbers within the vid. I will be getting a San Martin in the future for sure. Cheers!
Very well presented with high quality images. I thought you were a well established channel that I’ve never seen before. You’re going to make it in the UA-cam space. Liked and subbed!
Appreciate the support! Trying my best over here xD
Regardless of whether you love them, hate them or are indifferent to them, I don't think you can call Christopher Ward a microbrand anymore.
I suppose I agree!
Christopher Ward is amazing
Excellent work my man, so proud of the progress!
Much appreciated my main man!
Could it be that the big brands were gouging us all along?
Pfft probably
Of course...
Of course they were - like sheep punters queued up to be “ dipped” !
Great video, the micros out there are smashing it out of the park, value,origonality,specs and quality. Its been a year of microbrands for me and its going to continue. And as for the ali watches, if you can get over the non origonal designs of most, they're really good value and even the cheapies like pagani for what you pay, you get a lot of watch.
Agree, you can get some stunning timepieces for some really low prices!
Always a good video , going direct to the point 😊 love that Rudi !
Appreciate the support as always my man!
@@WatchConnoisseurClub 🤗🤗🤗💐
I picked up an Addiesdive For £80 and the quality of the watch is extraordinary for the price. Comparing it side by side with my £680 Seiko Alpinist there really isn't much difference in finishing. The big boys need to watch out, the quality of these Chinese watches is getting better all the time.
Fully agree, especially value for money wise, an £80 watch should not be comparable to a £680 watch lol
I somewhat disagree. Most of my collection is name brand Japanese, Swiss, and (mostly US-based) micro-brand watches, but I've bought half dozen or so Aliexpress watches (San Martin, Seestern, etc.). The Chinese watches are fine and good values, but 90% are homages or even replicas, and the few unique designs are all very meh. They are still in the copy-cat phase of development and mostly reliant on Japanese or Swiss movements, with the occasional seagull or hangzhou movement. And they are manufacturing at such a smaller scale than the Seikos of the world. Their very best sellers sell a couple to a few hundred units, whereas a limited edition Seiko is 4,000-15,000 units. And brands still matter with watches, as they are a form of accessory/fashion item. So, yeah, if you want a casual beater type watch, the Chinese watches are terrific. But I still think they have a ways to go to challenge the Japanese and the Swiss makers.
I do feel differently about the Microbrands. There I see more innovation and customer service. I do love many of them, like Baltic, Lorier, Traska, Maen, the resurrected Smiths brand. These have found a great niche in the $400-$1,000 price range offering interesting watches that do rival some of the established brands.
The Chinese AE brands are moving onto a new phase whereby competition among themselves is forcing them to up their game in regards to quality control, resulting in better value.
We are just starting to see the manufacturers getting to the point that some of them are starting to realize that the homage game is getting too competitive so they are gaining the confidence to branch out into more origina inhouse brand designs.
Along with this we are seeing the quality rise but also the prices are rising also.
Sure there are still cheap homages getting pumped out but also there is a trend towards more interesting designs.
I am of the opinion now that the Rolex dive watch type/style watches are so copied and homaged with some new design tweaks that I consider the dive watch to be more of a generic thing now than an attempt to copy.
As long as the Rolex name is not on them anywhere of course. Rolex, Omega, Seiko, Longines etc,,, etc,,, all have dive models out there so the design has become a generic style of watch with the same but essentials but with different takes of the basic design.
Just don't steal brand names in an attempt to pretend to be something that you are not. That is low class and kind of pitiful at best.
I have addiesdive watch.
The case finishing and bracelet are great.
Spec list is crazy considering £55.
I've already got a bunch of AliExpress watches, plus a bunch of custom ones with parts from there. Just bought 5 over the weekend in the sale. Prices were too good to resist - San Martin, Sea-Gull, Merkur, Berny, and Specht & Sohne. In the past I've bought Heimdallr, Seestern, Steeldive, IX&DAO etc. There is just a ton of great brands to explore
Great value and a cracking collection you must have!
All or most of those "brands" are just different names for the same CCP junk made using child slave labor.
I thought I might have a problem, having binge purchased 11 AliExpress watches this past January. Your post has squashed that notion. Many thanks.
new sub !! love it !!
Excellent video *subscribed
Much appreciated!
This is a superlative video. Great production and presentation. I have the Pagani Design PD-1692 that I bought in July of 2022 for $86.00. It's a homage to the current Air King with its own twist. It has everything that I like about the 2022 and 2023 Air King. No crown guards and the older Oyster case from the 2022 and the 05 markers. I'm always blown away by the quality. Oh, and it contains a Seiko NH-35 movement.
It's rated at 200 feet. I've taken it snorkeling and swimming and it's been perfect. The only flaw is that it's micro adjustments are impossible to adjust. Easily solved with a $15 aftermarket glidelock clasp.
Much appreciated! Some of the clips aren’t mine as the description says, a few are but for other clips I use I have asked or have credited those that the clips belong to :)
I know what you're talking about with those micro adjustments haha. I don't have the watch myself, but helped to adjust it. You have to pull the spring bar out with some dental floss, then put it back in the hole you want. I'm sure you're much happier with the new one. Stupid design, sure you can't see the holes. It still needs to be adjusted. Aesthetics over function there.
Nice vid. Subbed!
Much appreciated!
Great video. I believe San Martin watches actual value tops out at $200-$250 maximum. Over that, it’s pricing itself out of the market. I can buy Swiss Mathey-Tissot, or Glycine at or below those prices. BTW, I have a San Martin Tiffany dial w/PT 5000. Wile at $151.00 it was a value it had issues.
Excellent video! Spot on a very accurate!
Much appreciated!
Great points and I totally agree with you mate.
However, I notice that some of your footage looks very familiar and might have been taken from other UA-camrs’ videos. Next time, it would be good to credit their stuff or put a source at the bottom corner of the screen saying where the footage is from 😊 Just my two cents. But otherwise, good stuff!
EDIT: I just saw that you did that in the description which is totally awesome, but it would still be great to see it at the bottom corner of the screen so we know which footage comes from where, and we can search up the videos directly! Cheers!
Will do from now on! Also a few of the UA-camrs I borrow footage from I’ve asked to directly and got the green light, for Teddy bladassarre for example though I’m struggling to get in contact with him to ask :p
I would have never consider an established brand without these new brands bringing me into the market. I adore my Baltany linen dial and now I am working with a jeweler form my childhood on a couple new Jaeger-LeCoultre watches.
Damnnn awesome JLC are some cracking timepieces
I'm a fan of San Martin and Christopher Ward. Grest bang for buck with each of these brands. Seiko can suck it - unsigned crowns, mineral glass, ceappy bracelets and missligned bezels - hah!
I completely agree lad! Seiko have so many recourses and infinite experience yet they keep dissapointing
It makes sense cuz you are getting a Seiko movement with a better design and finish with regards to case and bracelets
I received my first Zelos last week and wondered why I hadn’t already got more in the collection. Also have an eye on the 11/11 Ali express sale with 7 watches in my basket whilst I try to decide which to buy! I also have the 3861 speedy pro, a Seamaster and BB58. Not sure I ll ever spend that kind of money ever again.
These watches are so good at the price so there’s almost no point in buying luxury watches nowadays lol
i just now found these watches, i found one i really like, $9 = 9 F'n $ ! = how the hell can that be !?! i have, of late, been looking at the $100k+ watches, the only way i could afford one of those is to win the lottery. but, in the end, as of now, i am not a watch wearer. (edit), i just thought, i could buy a few and wear them here at my desk and i could pretend i am important. maybe buy some penny stocks and pretend i am an investor, lol, sad.
Or maybe it will force the legacy brands, whether mid-range or high-end, to find ways to cut costs but not quality. Might be healthy for the whole industry.
Also a good argument, I look forwards to seeing what happens
The watches in your video are all so gorgeous! Can you provide links to them all? I guess we have the same taste!
I just ordered another Pigani. Great stuff
Good video with really valid points.
Appreciate the kind comment lad! Microbrands are great value and low price for the specs you get, but I’m worried about what that will do for the industry, it’s like we had the quartz crisis on the 70’s, now we’re gonna have the Chinese crisis lol, Chinese made watches are so great for the money it’s insane
I can’t argue with anything you said, you were spot on.
So true. For a new watch enthusiast who is looking for a great quality watch for a affordable price, there's nothing offered by seiko at this moment.
Exactly, they’re dominating the budget market these days
They even discontinued the perennial name-brand "starter automatic", the SNK800 series. There's the SRPH29, SRPG27, etc. which are very similar, but street prices for those are nearly 3x higher! I realize that with inflation being what is has been, they can't sell the barely-upgraded versions for the same price, but they should have just replaced the 7S26 in the SNK80x's with the 4R34 for the hacking/handwinding, priced it at ~$195 retail (~$150 street) and called it a day.
I've got a Thorn BB58 (Sapphire, NH35, great lume, around £110 UKP) and a Christopher Ward Trident (Sapphire, SW200, really great lume, £660 UKP) and I wear the Thorn a lot more. Looking at aa San Martin "Pelagos" next, also a great spec and titanium to boot. Brand have a certain amount of value, but great looks and quality that matches brands that are 5 or 6 times the price is impossible to ignore.
Not surprising, they’re incredible quality!
I really like the lesser known homages by seestern and San martin. The don't read as a homage to most people but there are great quality for the price. I still like Seiko designs and most of the homages I own are Seiko designs
They’re all great quality timepieces
Thank you dear for taking us along. Can't wait what the nkuwan queen picked up at Fendi
What a nkuwan
Great topic and solid talking points. I’d appreciate it if you credited me for my Addiesdive clip at 0:22. Keep up the hustle.
Oh funnily enough I was just watching ya! And yeah will do my apologies, love your channel so much the value for money you cover is amazing! Join my discord I’ll add it to the description now, and let’s talk watches some time!
@@WatchConnoisseurClub Thanks a lot, Rudi. Appreciate it! Seriously, keep up the hustle. You’re doing great and I’m sure you’ll blow up in no time. I’ll join your Discord once I get around to reinstalling the app. ;)
You said alot that made alot of sense... well done... I don't even know if we should even call Christopher Ward a microbrand any more. That being said, we've left out 1 important factor... a watch isn't a cellphone... with care and occasional servicing, it should last for decades. One day my child will be wearing one of several of her Daddy's watches, she will remember her Daddy when she puts it on and she might remember seeing that watch worn by me throughout the day... she may get it serviced and plan to pass it on (long after my car is gone)... I feel better if my watches are Seiko's (the presage was chosed for her actually), rather than San Martin's.
I would personally bet on a seiko presage for example outlasting a San Martin going off the fact they have the same movement but San Martin have better finishing and quality control, whichever you prefer though! I’m sure your daughter will love em :D
I ordered my first micro brand from Ali. I had Seiko SKX007, now I have a couple of G-Shocks and one vintage Raketa GMT USSR. And I've never had saphire crystal. Let's see how it would turn out, maybe I woulnd't be able to buy any other brand other than microbrands )
I got a Boderry Voyager in red, it has the Seiko NH36 movement, titanium field watch for $90, beautiful and with great specs for a bargain, count me in
Seiko still rules the dial-game. Only the dial.
Nowadays I prefer a PT5000 movement over another NH35 if the option is there. I also love how the ST19 dominates the budget mechanical chrono market.
Agreed!
Firstly , I'm not a watch collector but I do like a nice looking one and feel naked without a watch. Not into expensive and big brands , having two requirements that are
a watch for leisure time and one for work . Value wise for the last few years I've been using Casio MRW-200H's , rugged , reliable ( I'm in the building trade ) for work
and never been let down. Leisure wise , a basic date style Sekonda ( about £20 a shot ) . I broke one but still have two fully working. Got the urge lately and have just bought
a Sekonda divers style whilst at half price then ordered a Pagani Design in Ice Blue whilst on offer at Ali Express ( about £30 inc tax ). Hope I don't get the bug , can only wear one at
a time. Lol.
What’s the watch at 00:53 ? Beautiful!
I've owned pretty much every brand out there, and at this point in history, Ali Express is where it is at. There's some things that can't really do .. like imitate a G-Shock, but there's not a lot of reason these days to buy the traditional brands.
Oh interesting what brands have you owned?
@@WatchConnoisseurClub Rolex, Casio, Citizen, Tissot, Hamilton, Smiths, Seiko, Orient, Bertucci, Marathon, Halios, Helson, Laco, Steinhart, Lum-tec, Orient-star, Sea-gull, Stowa, TWCO, Wenger, Mondaine, Georg Jensen, Luminox, Bulova, Seestern, .... probably others I can't think of now
That Yema at the end of the video is 😍
I bought a San Martin SN09 from AE out of curiosity, I was literally gobsmacked on the quality for price , I went too but the same watch again from them for a friend & they said unfortunately we can’t do that watch anymore as the stainless 5 link strap was too expensive too produce
Shame, but yeah the quality is unbelievable
Not an easy topic - I like traditional working companies. But if there is no point to it besides it will not work anymore. Another point is that falling prices from Rolex and so on will increase the downfall even more. Because there are more and more really rich people who do not want to wear the same watch as normal teacher or doctor.
I'm a huge fan of these watches. You just can't go wrong for the money. I really like that if you have a problem down the line, swap the movement and keep on, vs having to get an expensive service.
I agree they’re such insane value it’s incredible what they can do!
You can go wrong as QC is still a lottery. See my other post. 3 of the 6 San Martins I've bought have had QC issues. I have a 7th on the way - fingers crossed.
@@thegornfor sure, I've experienced that as well. When they are good, they are really good though. Because of this, I only buy on Amazon or direct from Watchdives nowadays. Much more direct and quick resolving issues vs Ali, although you'll pay more. The sales are great, but I won't bother anymore
this is exactly my thinking 🔥
@@thegornsorry for the late reply, just saw this reply. I agree, which is why I only buy from Amazon or Watchdives. I'll happily pay a bit more to be able to exchange easily. Watchdives also claims to qc their watches, and id believe it. I've bought a half dozen from them with not a single flaw
Hi first.
So I am a proud owner of a Proxima mm 300, a Steeldive mm 300 and an original Seiko Marinemaster mm300.
The first two mentioned are really very nice watches, run reliably, are excellently built and I still enjoy wearing them both.
But if you put the original between the two, you can easyly see where the more than tenfold price probably comes from!😉
Nice watches lad!
Yep totally agree. Finely someone knows what they are talking about lol.
I think Steinhart is offering good value if you don't mind a homage. Quality is high and they use Swiss movements. Seiko NH movements are workhorses, but the tactile feel of a Swiss movement is worth the premium, at least to me. I had a San Martin GMT and a Steinhart GMT and the difference in the movement was night and day. The Steinhart was slightly better build-wise, too. It was twice the money, but still less than $600 USD. But you are right to focus on what will happen in the future. The Chinese are closing the gap with the Japanese, esp. at the low end. All the best.
Appreciate the kind comment! And yup I agree, Chinese watches won’t be on the Swiss or German level but definitely will compete with the Japanese soon
I love my Formex reef GMT. The essence is next. I love having watches people don’t have or know
Even the "photocopier" brand Pagani Design is pulling off some decent quality. Good enough for me to try a second watch during the promotion, a doxa 600t homage from Seestern at $115.
Yeah it’s impressive
Good video!
Appreciate the support!
Please don't forget watches like seagull I have two both have the 2428-2 clone the ST2130 high beat movement sapphire domed crystal one is dong feng re issue stunning silver sunburst dial red second hand beautiful, other is a wi yu re issue champagne dial stunning watch both within +3 secs a day I bought beads of rice bracelets both all together around £200 each. My beater watch is a guanqin commander miyota 8215 'hacking' movement also now running around +3 secs a day sapphire crystal very comfortable and £66 delivered, I haven't loads of money to warrant spending on watches but it doesn't mean you can't still have some beautiful dependable watches all aliexpress EOL and seagull official store fantastic, and guanqin store also also lots of others thank you for this review
Agree 100%! Started with a Casio, Seiko and even a Longines. Now a dozen Pagani Design watches later no reason to go back…the value is mind blowing.
Exactly! They have some insaneeee value for money, specs and qc are so amazing finishing too
I would still pick a San Martin and a Seestern before Pagani.
@@unwokeneuropean3590 yes I have a Seestern too, it was just twice the price.
Shame the quality isn’t there with the Chinese brands. Pagani is crap and the two I’ve had have literally fall apart under normal wear.
As an experiment I bougtht a Yazole for £1 incl postage. I like it.
The only problem with micro brands is longevity. I recently had to have extensive work done on my 1974 Seiko 6139-6002, my watchmaker had no problem in sourcing OEM parts. On the other hand, when I tried to buy a bracelet for my four year-old Christopher Ward, I was told it is out of production. The fact is that carrying an inventory of parts is expensive, but to those who want to keep their watches for a lifetime, it is an important issue to consider. I own 38 watches, dating back to 1972 and have never sold a watch… I buy watches to celebrate important occasions and events, and they hold sentimental value for me.
This is, of course, not much of a problem for micro brands under $500 for daily use as you simply buy a new watch if things go wrong. Due to my longevity concerns, I cannot bring myself to pay the high prices of Monta, Oak & Oscar, etc. but rather buy hertitage brands such as Seiko, Zodiac, Squale and Longines.
All extremely valid points my friend! I will say that for budget watches it’s fine but on the higher end you may want a second thought
Thanks for your prompt response! I totally agree… apart from Proxima and San Martin, it is hard to ignore the Baltics of the watch world. This an excellent video… thought provoking and raising interesting discussions. Liked and subscribed.
@@edteach3r really appreciate the support! And very interesting comment too, much appreciated:)
2:27 Who makes this watch? I checked all your previous videos' thumbnails and didn't see it. Have you reviewed it?
Sorry I finnaly found it. anordain model 1 Fume.... Wait that's a 3500.00 watch. I thought this video was discussing Chinese low priced high value watches?
healthy competition between all brands and it is good for open market. i'm not so keen on heritage or history as long it is value for money or bang for buck.
Yup, I personally would get a bunch of microbrand and aliexpress for high specs finishing and qc
@@WatchConnoisseurClub couldn't agree more sir. 👍
I love micro brands that are carving out their own identity. I bought a Formex Essence for $1,500 as the Omega Aqua Terra at $6,000 was too easy to pass up. Zelos, Christopher Ward, and Jack Mason have made offerings that make buying legacy brands a hard pass. But have yet to see a San Martin or Ali Express watch I'm willing to gamble on yet.
What is the watch at 1.14? Thanks
I’m a fan of micro brands, they really do give you great designs, it’s like the big boys are on a leash when it comes to design where micro brands aren’t tethered! They offer great value for money and in a lot of cases these days as good if not better! You got Baltic, Farer, CW, Lorier, Nivada Grenchen and Zelos to name a few making big waves. I think it’s great to see. Why spend thousands when you can get something equally good looking for way less!
I agree I love a good microbrand, so cheap yet such good quality!
@@WatchConnoisseurClub true although I wouldn’t say cheap, £600 for some might be very expensive for others, that’s where the san Martin, addesdive, casio G’s and F91W’s of the world fill the whole of good affordable watches. What’s great is there is something for everyone now and you can find quality at all these price points. I’ve put down for a Clemence Munro so looking forward to that when it comes next year!
Can anyone help me by identifying the model at 0:37 please? I kind of need it.
It’s the farer bernina chronograph!
I have never both from aliexpress what about customs charges and the price will be double by the time customs ripoff charges are added
Oh yeah of course aliexpress take a cut, but in comparison to the cut a retailer would take it’s nothing, it’s much easier for microbrands and any direct to consumer brand for that matter to get better quality watches out for lower prices while still turning a good profit
What’s that watch near end of the video at 3:52?
Autodromo Group B
I agree in principal, but i have a vintage Submariner from my Dad properly serviced and runs perfectly it's over 30 years, so let's see if these watches will actually last since they are designed as tools in first place. Time will tell 🤔
Well they’re insane for the budget category but as for luxury watches it’s a different story, they aren’t near the same quality or reliability
@WatchConnoisseurClub And I do actually use mine nearly daily and on some dives, not tucked away in a safe 😊. But I'm not really a watch collector just like to view videos about different industries, as long as one enjoys their watch and not hiding it away 😀
Nice to see a scurfa towards the end of the video 😉
Pfft glad you enjoyed xD
Can someone please tell the name/reference of the Gold watch with green dial @0:11 Thanks
I can’t 100% tell but the logo looks like Christopher Ward to me
I was just saying this to a friend. With the new machines coming out, even heavy tool work can be programmed. It'll be a hard day when companies in the middle, from Lognines to Omega get crushed with as good, or better, finishing for 1/10th the price. That'll leave only craftsmen at the extreme luxury end who can justify making watches by hand. The thing is, I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing...as much as I love mechanical watches and analog things, the reality is that democratizing things is NOT bad. There are still companies producing equestrian gear...it's just very expensive OR Western...is that really bad? Also, loved seeing the Vero Open Water in your montage as I picked one up last week and am smitten.
Awesome pick up! Also yeah it’s debatable whether it’s bad or not, I love better watches for a lower price but like, it’s making the entry luxury brands with heratige like longines a bit useless
San Martin is crushing it with their finishing and what appears to be very good QC.
Yup, movements are a bit bland and designs are either okay or homages which is debatable, but you can’t fault their finishing or qc!
I have to add Wise into the mix, mine is absolutely a GS killer.
Sounds like something I should check out!
So do you own a Grand Seiko to make that claim?
Only reason i havent switched over to microbrands personally is because of proven longevity, i know with all my Casio's, Timex's, tissot's and etc common brands i will not have an issue finding parts,info on older models i own or finding new models of the series's i love. Personally feel those companies will be here for a while given their proven history. Not saying the microbrands will go under but you cant deny it is a much bigger chance of those disappearing than thr name brands. I will admit though...im close to breaking my word with those San Martin's....the full lume models are out of this world nice
Yeah that’s fair enough lad!
Infinitesimal means very small . Also , it's et cetera , not ec cetera. Great vid !
Which is the best place to buy San martin watches? So many websites its confusing
Aliexpress official store is best, search up San Martin in aliexpress and at the top press official store :)
Thanx!
What brand is 00:50?
Ocean X, San Martin, Pagani, Steeldive... all excellent excellent watches for the money..
Agreed!
There is a good reason I haven't bought a single Seiko yet despite loving the brand. They are just charging too much for too little watch😅
Exactly, cracking timepieces, if they were only a bit cheaper
It’s simple terms there’s another “crisis” like in the 70’s. The fact that Seiko expects consumers to buy their watches with Hardlex just because SEIKO is emblazoned on the dial is crazy. Micro brands are disrupting the space in a good way, hopefully this time it sticks.
Two san Martin and one Cronos, very good watches.
Name of the watch @ 0:13 ??
Is there a list of these brands that are good quality and affordable?
The most worrying thing in my opinion is the fact that less and less people wear watches nowadays. Between smartwatches and looking at their phones, people consider traditional watches a unnecessary luxury. I was at a dinner party the other day and among a dozen or more men of all ages there, I was the only one wearing a traditional (budget priced) chronograph, which actually became the center of attention briefly as a curiosity. I am in my 50s and have been wearing watches since my teenage yrs and thinking of getting a smartwatch as my daily, but won't give up on my watch collection anytime soon.
That's because people have been conditioned to be addicted to technology. Folks don't even realize the danger this poses, to have something which emits wireless radition on your body 24/7 and many others. It's about transhumanism and people are so uneducated on the subject.
After enjoying my first San Martin GMT pepsi Tudor homage so much i just ordered the steel bezel GMT Tudor homage also, cost me about 151 Euro..... The Pepsi costed me 240 Euro around 6 months ago so combined thats 391 Euro, my Tissot PRX+ leather strap costed me around 850 euro which i love to death and for the money there is no Swiss watch that comes close to the look. The movement of the Tissot feels way nicer and crispier but for the money you pay for a San Martin there is nothing that comes close, i also have a Orient Mako 1 i guess and you just cant compare it to my San Martin thats how good they are!
Anyway waiting for my new San Martin GMT!
Cracking watch!
In my watch purchase I don't want my money going into management, advertising campaigns, research, logos, promotion events, ADs, third parties. I want my money to go into the watch it's simple. Love my micro brands.
Does anyone know what watch was displayed at 0:55? Thanks
Brew Watch Co Metric Retro Dial, lovely watch 👌🏻
What is that watch from 0:53 - 0:58?? I must have that one!!!
I just bought a San Martin Tudor Black Bay "homage" and honestly, looking beyond the brand, it could easily be a 1000$ watch for a 230$ price tag. And for that price you don't even need to worry if you smash it or lose it snorkeling etc.
Yup!
Aliexpress watches are varied in quality. Pagani, Lige, Steeldive, Addiesdive, Seagull, Ailang , North Edge, Courgeut,Spech n Sonne are some of the best valued high quality mechanical n quartz watches
Today's micro brands are tomorrow's Big Brand.
Hi, can anyone tell me what the watch at 54 seconds into the video is please?
It's a Brew Watch Co Metric Retro Dial, lovely watch, apprx $450 or €420
Have had a Rolex Sub (sold it) and bought a Date Just 36. Really wanted an Explorer I 36 but not able to get even after two purchases. Now have a San Martin Ranger Homage - great watch, less than $200US. Tudor was to be not Rolex but it seems they are working hard to get there.
San Martin have some cracking watches for the price, value for money in unbelievable
Kind of hard for Chinese microbrands to go wrong ripping of the original maker with a total copy only difference is the name. The original brands keep the market floating is the clomage watches ripping of the original design.
Yup! These Chinese brands would be nothing without the original, but you can’t argue the insane value either way!
Some are total copies, some are original designs. What do you have to say about the latter, or are you wilfully blind for the sake of your fragile, ignorant worldview?
@@WatchConnoisseurClub The Chinese brands are adapting fast to the watch culture. I notice that they are becoming quick to respond to customer feedback and suggestions.
They are not quite there yet but competition between the Chinese brands will lead to even better adaptations. They are definately responding to the fact that they are all competing for the same watch fans dollar. Ali or not, the competition is leading to better value and specs.
I got into watches. bought some mid tier brands, glycine, Seiko, Tissot, Citizen, then jumped to AE for some great high quality Paganis, Planet Ocean Homages, Tudor Homages and GMTs for under $100. So yea, AE is upping their game, faster shipping, better after sales and incredible qualiity, better specs. To this day I'm flummoxed that Seiko cant put a saphire glass on a $450 watch. AE has set the baseline and so have other Microbrands.
we had Quartz Crisis. Time is long overdue for a Rolex Crisis
It would be interesting to see the sales numbers. I think that while us watch enthusiasts are buying microbrands and aliexpress watches by the bushel, we're a very niche market and probably the VAST majority of watch sales are to people who have no idea that aliexpress even exists. To this day I have never seen a single microbrand or Aliexpress watch on a wrist other than my own in the 'real' world. I still see seikos and citizens and casios every day. Even the rolex 'homages' I occasionally spot in the wild are made by fashion watch brands or some random department store brand as opposed to the much better offerings available online.
Oh yeah we’re a tiny niche, but a growing one :)
I am a watch collector for 40 years. I am done with expensive brands such as rolex cartier etc etc. I am now going for the Aliexpress Microbrand Watches. for a 10th or even a 100th of the price you get a lot of watch with the best specs. my latest Microbrand Watch is a San Martin Lapiz lazul dia. for $300 I get the entire luxury package of a 1500 luxury watch brand.
Agreed
I am more worried about mid tiers like Seiko, Citizen etc. At this rate, they will be the first ones to be killed off.
Wouldn’t surprise me
A lot of the watches out there are "Swiss made in China" these days, the Swiss brands outsource like mad. This benefits the consumers because the microbrands are made in the same factories that build components for the big names, with comparable quality. At 1/10 the price.
Exactly my point!
Swiss Made watches are made in Switzerland. If it's a watch made in China that states Swiss Made, its a fake. Not one Swiss watch company outsources their watches to China. Some may buy cases or bracelets from them but they are shipped to Switzerland where the Swiss movement is coupled together with the case. That's the extent of Chinese involvement in Swiss made watches.
. I think that you are a little more confident that the "made in Switzerland " brands are being upfront than I am.
I don't trust that they are as Swiss as they claim.
The rules for "Made in Switzerland " are easily manipulated.
No quaility controls, no warranty, this is what you might think when buying in AE (and of course, customs)
Good quality control, fair enough no warranty but in the budget range that’s fine, as for quality, finishing, specs and availability they beat out budget brands in every regard! They’re an awesome option you should open your mind up a bit and check one out! You’d be pleased :D
San Martin appears to have quite decent QC.
@@Harudes Have bought 4 Steeldives for zero QC issues. Have bought 6 San Martins (all hot selling models heavily covered on UA-cam - nothing weird) and have had 3 QC issues. They were a patch of worker arm hairs underneath caseback tucked under end links, a misaligned bezel off by quite a bit, and a misprinted dial which meant the 12 o'clock - pinion - 6 o'clock line was well skewed on the bottom, and I could not rely on that piece for accurate timekeeping.
@@Harudes I talk about AE brands in general and in a vast mayority
I don't know much about all the Microbrands, but I am very happy with my two Christopher Wards. I have a C60 Trident bronze Ombre. Water resistant to 600m and COSC certified for $1150. The other is a C65 Trident GMT. I would put either of them up against watches twice their price where you are paying double for a brand. 🙂
Christopher Ward are absolutely amazing, really can’t go wrong at all!
I give out the Pagani Paul Newman as a joke gift "see I got you a Rolex and this is how you treat me". But a year later they're all still wearing it out in public and getting compliments. The only missing piece on Ali watches is that the reflective crystals totally betray all the hardwork done on the cases, dials, bracelets and sourcing Seiko movements. That reflection on the crystal just ruins it. From across the room you see that reflection and know it's an Chinese homage.
Fair point, if it catches the wrong lighting yup
I got a steeldive 1953, and it is amazing and runs at +1 sec a day.
I got three of them. Green/black, Blue/Blue, and Green/Green (bezel/dial). The only one I wouldn't recommend is green/green as the sunburst creates long white lines on the dial. On the blue it is far more subtle and pleasant. Not a QC issue but a style preference. I also own a SD1970 and love it. Out of the four Steeldives I own - none have had any QC issues. All have been great. Maybe I have just been lucky. For San Martin - 3 of the 6 have had QC issues. Maybe I just got unlucky. But considering that San Martin are 3x the price of Steeldive (for my models at least), suffice to say I have been disappointed with San Martin's QC. Do better San Martin!!
@thegorn I was thinking of changing my bezel insert to green since I have the black one.
Great pick up!
A steel dive with a NH35 in it running at +1 second a day? Highly doubt that. Not when they range of error is -15 to +40 seconds a day. lol
@@daleyfamily2179 Maybe if you knew or understand what the accuracy range means you would understand it is perfectly possible if regulated. And it is not -15 to +40, the range of accuracy is -20 to +40, I encourage you to read about something before commenting on it.