As the prices of "brand name" watches continue to climb into the clouds, and these "homages" are so amazing in quality, the "debate" about these really becomes valid. It's not as simple as it used to be like 5 years ago.
If I had money for the ‘real’ watch, I’d buy seven homages instead. The Swiss brands take off each other’s designs constantly but there aren’t many complaints. The Chinese watches are well made, continually improving and unbeatable value. What does it actually mean to be loyal to a brand anyhow? Half are just names that have been bought and sold multiple times.
Have to admit that it was kind of fun hearing your angst over this watch 😉. I like these “homages” a lot, and I use them more often as mod bases. I think anyone who gets super worked up about these homages should just lighten up a bit. This is just a fun hobby we should all enjoy and not take too seriously 👍.
No one that's a Doxa fan is going to mistakenly buy one of these. No one else has heard of Doxa or Seestern and many would think you'd taken leave of your senses if you bought the Swiss option. I have several ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200 movement watches, yes the smooth sweep is nice but that's the only advantage they have over Seiko's NH35A masterpiece. My V3 sub 300t runs at +3 SPD every time I wear it, and I've just got Seestern's Sub 600t which gains about a second within 3 hours of fully winding but is spot on again at 8am the next day. (Accuracies quoted are based on 24 hours continuous wear, and making sure that movement is fully wound. I use an online UTC clock as a reference) These are great watches, well made, they probably get Doxa some brand awareness. In China ideas aren't important, execution is. Seestern have nailed the execution (at least by V3 they have)
@@oktc68 I own several Swiss watches, Christopher Ward & Davosa, with SW-200 movements. Great movements, but they only have 38 hr power reserves & have a major flaw. If you overwind them, the teeth on a gear inside will grind off. For 2K, you’d think Doxa would put an upgraded movement in their watches.
@@oktc68 I own several SW200 watches as well. I love them all, but I need to limit winding them because I might strip out an important gear in the movement. This is the Achilles Heal of these movements.
Given the current dangers of wearing an expensive watch, there's something to be said for having a less expensive homage on your wrist. This one doesn't look bad at all.....and is a functional diver.
I could never wrap my head over the price of the D. in regard to the outdated design and technology applied, so I've purchased one of those Seestern lately, first time ever I'm buying a replica and I'm amazed by the value for the price.
A lot of diver watch guys love orange dials and at this price a lot of diver watch guys won't be able to ignore this. Thanks for the excellent overview.
I absolutely love my Seestern Orange dial. Gotten lots of compliments, and just like you said, it was around $200. Accurate, easy to read, and wears very comfortably. Also, the company seems to keep making improvements/changes as they go. I remember when they announced the other dials like pearl, etc. : )
This a great piece. In fact I liked it so much I bought two! I have the orange and the blue variant. Fantastic value for money at the tenth of the price of the Doxa. I can highly recommend Seestern.
I own the mother of pearl dial which has a great sunburst effect. I picked mine up a couple of months ago in the UK for £150. I own a couple of homage watches, like you said for the money they're great beater watches. Keep up the good work..
Don’t know if you’ve seen on their website but under the Sugess name they sell a… whatever you want to call it of a Zenith Chronomaster Revival using the Seagull movement, for $250 shipped really a very nice watch. Planning on one of these next.
As it is becoming evident that “the other brand” is in fact mainly Chinese in manufacture, the Seestern becomes even more appealing. I am with you, Rob… I tied to make a case for the other, but their prices are just so exorbitant.
Here's another analogy... A #'s matching 65 Shelby Cobra can set you back $500k+ to well over $1m. Not everyone has that in their bank account to spend at their leisure. Now, a 65 Shelby Cobra replica will set you back about $75k, give or take. Does this mean that the buyer of the Replica due to limited $$ resources is any less of an enthusiast than the one that bought the original?
If you think, that most Swiss watch companies manufacture their watches in Switzerland, you’re wrong. China produces most steel goods and made everything so cheap, it’s often not feasible for western manufacturers. Plus more profit for them. And it’s easy to outmaneuver the „Swiss made“ condition.
Both the current Doxa company and this SeeStern have nothing to do with the original Doxa watches. Both are made in China, this one with a Japanese movement the other with an ETA movement. All homages are just copies, but why pay €2k as opposed to €200 when neither are the real thing. I’ll take the SeeStern in this instance.
I’ve purchased two watches from AliExpress, a Cadisen with sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and automatic miyota mvmt for £50 ! And bought myself the pagani “black bay” and I love it ! Just crazy value for the money !
You can’t knock them, they’re pretty good, actually very good watches. I’ve had a few homages and they’re fun. That’s it though. I’ve found I didn’t really take to wearing them and pined for the real thing. My take on them is if you want to know it you’d really want something like a Doxa and are worried about the sort of money it will cost for you to find out then buy one of these to see how you feel about it. Wear it for a few weeks and you’ll know wether to cough up the cash for the real deal.
Some of these Ali brands are building some good watches. Doesn’t bother me they are images. I scooped up the San Martin Bronze Willard. Love that thing, if Seiko made that watch, easy 2-3K for for it.
I bought this exact watch as well, but I did end up selling it. Turns out I don’t particularly like the Willard case shape (Sacrilege! 😳), but the San Martin quality was excellent. So much so that I bought 2 San Martin bronze Submariner homages to mod. Absolutely love the warm patina developing on both cases.
Just ordered mine direct from them. Under $170. I don’t even care if it takes the full 3 weeks to arrive, its totally worth it for the value. I needed an orange dial diver in the collection and was going to go with a Monster until i saw this little beauty. Not to mention it also has BGW9 which none of my current watches have. Thanks for this Rob!
I don't blame you for being surprised. The rate of improvement with some Ali express brands over the last two years or so is absolutely insane. In terms of build quality brands like San Martin have become absolutely on par with let's say Oris for example. Sometimes they are trying out original designs of their own now, besides the usual homages.
I have 2 doxas yet missed the train on the synchron military. Gonna get the seestern version. I think theres a lumed dial option 😀 as well. I've seen plenty of doxa lovers on forums that enjoy the heck out of the homages especially the marinez Samui with the titanium cases and other dial variants like the Irish star .
I bought Seestern Monster homage in Teal which is really more of an aqua color. Very nice. $175 last November. I’ve noticed they change their offerings somewhat frequently. So buy it soon if you see something you like. As someone else mentioned it’s a great way to try out some styles. I didn’t want to pay $1,000+ for a jade monster. When I saw Seestern’s Teal monster I grabbed one before they dropped the color. Just thought it’d be a fun summer/lake watch. Really like it.
Great review Rob. It seems to me that some hate on these types of watches because they are too concerned about what others would say if they bought one. True watch enthusiasts appreciate watches far beyond just the name that's on the dial and value-per-dollar is right at the top. That's why I love this hobby because I buy what "I" like and that's all that matters.
The proper term is homage. It's looks are unmistakeable, but there are differences, including the name, and case shape is slightly different. Personally, I have no problem with them. I actually have a few I wear as beater watches. Unlike you, I can't bring myself to mow the lawn in my Oris! 😂
I bought the same exact watch and it is definitely a nice piece. I had to laugh because I think me and everyone else watching this video felt the same way to some degree. Rarely do you get more than you pay for and I think this watch is an exception with everything it offers.
I’m on the same boat, I recently discovered the world of watches available in Aliexpress, and after watching tons of videos, I was truly surprised about the build quality of some of those brands. For a beater, to explore designs, or just to have a really good watch for a reasonable price, they look amazing. I was looking for a timex or try my luck with a moonswatch, but now I’m always finding myself comparing what would I get for the same money. Most are obviously not original, but honestly that is not high on my priority list under 500 dollars
I got the MOP dial because the 'other' brand don't do that and it looks original. There is a lot to like. Only gripe is there isn't enough real estate on the hour hand for lume, so that is first to go.
I bought one during the last AliExpress sale. It's awesome. I'll never be able to afford a real doxa and this one really scratches the itch nicely. I'm gonna get a yellow one next and eventually a blue. There so affordable they're like dam potato chips. I wish they didn't use that Sugess brand on their other line of watches cuz I would pick up their zenith Chrono homage, but that name 🤪 I hope they do a 200. I'll be all over them.
It is a good watch. I don't mind wearing the Seestern's homage. For those who don't have much money, why not? I think it is better than the Seiko Sport 5.
It's doesn't matter that the watch is designed off another. The fact that people can't bring themselves to like them or think there's something nefarious to it all are just strange. You are literally getting a watch made to the highest quality and it's wait for It 200.... just embrace it and enjoy the fact you're not getting shafted ($1500) by the name of the brand.
I really like the Coral blue and may pick it up! My watch budget is very low so affordable watches really let me enjoy watches similar to the originals. I have a Matic diver with PT5000 it was $190 and I no longer want a Seamaster as I am totally happy with the Matic.
If Doxa isn’t careful, it will price itself out of the market. I’ve got an incoming Seestern in Tiffany Blue. The NH35 in these puppies, IMHO, are on par with the basic SW-200s in the Doxas, both solid movements, but nothing special.
I know what you're saying about these watches. I initially felt the same way. I'm not buying some cheap Chinese ripoff of a real watch! Then I got one in hand and realized, man, this is a really nice watch. It's not at all what I expected. My whole outlook changed. I actually just purchased this watch during the Ali Express Cyber Monday sale for $162 US dollars! Fantastic deal, fantastic watch!
As far as i know doxa changed ownership a couple of times and the current ones are homages to the original ones too.. they just have the right to use the name.. it’s not like it’s made in the original doxa manufacture… if there was one ever..
Rob, Well i guess i ping pong between love and hate for Ali Express Watch company. In the 80's I had lots of Vostok watches even though the Russians used Swiss machinery from the 1950's to build crap quality homages. Since the 2010s I have bought many Chinese watches. Why? I am a watch addict. I need my hit. So yes I bought a Seestern, The first one had a broken movement and I sent it back for a refund, Instead they gave me a better one that works, is accurate and well built. I agree with you Rob, lets buy what appeals and enjoy it. For major brands drop your ridiculous prices and compete.
You should check out the Heimdallr titanium SKX “homage”. I picked one up a while ago, full titanium case and bracelet, good lume. Made a video on it, and people say it’s the watch they wanted Seiko to make. And all for around 160-180.
Wow. Just bought one. It even has inner AR coating. I have been wanting "the other brand" for years and could never justify the price. I own the Maranez brass one and love it so this is a great addition. Thanks for the video.
Set the eta 2824-2 movement in the Doxa aside and the Seestern is actually a better watch. I personally have no problem with the Seiko NH35. The lower vph preserves components of the movement making it last longer between services.
I look at these as a watch that is a current version of a watch that is no longer made by the company that originally made the watch. Doxa from the 60's does not exist today so even a gen Doxa is just a Doxa by Name. Even Synchron released the Synchron Military which looks just like the Doxa Army. Which is the gen? It might be a Seestern by name but in some way to me is even more close to the early models than Doxa's of today. For the price is is an unbelievable watch.
Finally! You have joined the homage side. I’ve seen homages that blow originals out of the water. Maybe a part of your channel devoted to homage reviews that you like?
I've known about this brand (and this homage) for a year or so. It's one of the better quality homage brands for sure. When you compare the specs and quality relative to price with that other watch, there just isn't a contest. When you strip everything else away, that leaves you with brand logo, prestige and heritage. Many will say paying so much more money for these intangibles is worth it. But if you have the money to buy a luxury car like, say, a Ferrari, NOBODY is going to buy that thing if it doesn't have the specs to match and has a max speed of 60 mph... even if it has the Ferrari badge. So why in the watch world? 😉
Watch manufacturers of "high end" watches have priced themselves out of the market for the average person. The rich will continue to buy them. Me..I'll take a replica, homage, copy...whatever....and NOT worry about it if it gets scratched. I buy them because I like the watch, NOT the name. Granted a high end watch is made with better materials etc...but at this day and age?...and at these prices?.....who cares.
I have the orange dial version. The lume on mine is ok wish it was better especially on the hour hand. The only other gripe I have and this goes for all the homages that use an NH movement stop please use a better movement. At least up it to a Miyota 9 series please I’m sick of the NH movement.
Are we being taken for a ride by the big brands? Better lume than watches costing many times more, sapphire crystal and the like. I'll buy another Seiko! 😁
If you look into the history of watches, most watches benefit from the design of other watches. All of them! Rolex, Omega, the whole lot. I say bravo to those companies who make quality watches at realistic prices.
Everyone should check out a video done by the UK channel "The Watch Guys" about the "other brand". He has some interesting things to say especially about his interactions with their HQ.
Bought one a month ago, it's a really good watch but can't get my head round it being a copy so didn't bond with it - but selling it cheap to a younger chap who's just getting into watches so that's a win . Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
As the prices of "brand name" watches continue to climb into the clouds, and these "homages" are so amazing in quality, the "debate" about these really becomes valid. It's not as simple as it used to be like 5 years ago.
If I had money for the ‘real’ watch, I’d buy seven homages instead. The Swiss brands take off each other’s designs constantly but there aren’t many complaints. The Chinese watches are well made, continually improving and unbeatable value.
What does it actually mean to be loyal to a brand anyhow? Half are just names that have been bought and sold multiple times.
Have to admit that it was kind of fun hearing your angst over this watch 😉. I like these “homages” a lot, and I use them more often as mod bases. I think anyone who gets super worked up about these homages should just lighten up a bit. This is just a fun hobby we should all enjoy and not take too seriously 👍.
Agreed! No one ever seems to make fun of my Ford that looks just like the Lioncoln version minus the nameplate, and some internal upgrades! 🍻
No one that's a Doxa fan is going to mistakenly buy one of these. No one else has heard of Doxa or Seestern and many would think you'd taken leave of your senses if you bought the Swiss option. I have several ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200 movement watches, yes the smooth sweep is nice but that's the only advantage they have over Seiko's NH35A masterpiece. My V3 sub 300t runs at +3 SPD every time I wear it, and I've just got Seestern's Sub 600t which gains about a second within 3 hours of fully winding but is spot on again at 8am the next day. (Accuracies quoted are based on 24 hours continuous wear, and making sure that movement is fully wound. I use an online UTC clock as a reference) These are great watches, well made, they probably get Doxa some brand awareness. In China ideas aren't important, execution is. Seestern have nailed the execution (at least by V3 they have)
@@oktc68 I own several Swiss watches, Christopher Ward & Davosa, with SW-200 movements. Great movements, but they only have 38 hr power reserves & have a major flaw. If you overwind them, the teeth on a gear inside will grind off. For 2K, you’d think Doxa would put an upgraded movement in their watches.
@@oktc68 I own several SW200 watches as well. I love them all, but I need to limit winding them because I might strip out an important gear in the movement. This is the Achilles Heal of these movements.
Given the current dangers of wearing an expensive watch, there's something to be said for having a less expensive homage on your wrist. This one doesn't look bad at all.....and is a functional diver.
The little mini hand pointing out the gaskets 😂😂😂 love it ! Great honest review…
The pointer gets it done! Haha
I have always wanted the other brand but could never justify buying one. I now have the Seestern in blue and am extremely happy with it!
I could never wrap my head over the price of the D. in regard to the outdated design and technology applied, so I've purchased one of those Seestern lately, first time ever I'm buying a replica and I'm amazed by the value for the price.
I have had one of these for two weeks now and absolutely love it. The amazing thing is that it has not lost one second in two weeks. UNREAL!
Reallllyyyyy!!!!!
My Seiko turtle Lost 20 secs a day!!!!!!
While my CITIZENS are extremally accurate
Thanks for the great review! Sold me…just ordered my Seestern 300T. Had to go orange.
A lot of diver watch guys love orange dials and at this price a lot of diver watch guys won't be able to ignore this. Thanks for the excellent overview.
just ordered @ aliexpress and now the price is $152. Orange V3 shipped in US.
I can really feel where you are in this watch journey. Brilliant.
I absolutely love my Seestern Orange dial. Gotten lots of compliments, and just like you said, it was around $200. Accurate, easy to read, and wears very comfortably. Also, the company seems to keep making improvements/changes as they go. I remember when they announced the other dials like pearl, etc. : )
This a great piece. In fact I liked it so much I bought two!
I have the orange and the blue variant. Fantastic value for money at the tenth of the price of the Doxa. I can highly recommend Seestern.
How do you like the color of the blue variant? I really like that shade of blue.
I own the mother of pearl dial which has a great sunburst effect. I picked mine up a couple of months ago in the UK for £150. I own a couple of homage watches, like you said for the money they're great beater watches. Keep up the good work..
Amazing piece...wow
Don’t know if you’ve seen on their website but under the Sugess name they sell a… whatever you want to call it of a Zenith Chronomaster Revival using the Seagull movement, for $250 shipped really a very nice watch. Planning on one of these next.
Thumbs up for this review Rob and thank you for appreciatting Seestern
I have been wearing mine for the last 2 months, very happy with it.
Just a little top heavy.
Thanks Rob.
The original is not light weight either :)
As it is becoming evident that “the other brand” is in fact mainly Chinese in manufacture, the Seestern becomes even more appealing. I am with you, Rob… I tied to make a case for the other, but their prices are just so exorbitant.
I've got the dark blue version of this watch. Crazy value IMO, love wearing it.
This is by far your best video ever!
Here's another analogy...
A #'s matching 65 Shelby Cobra can set you back $500k+ to well over $1m.
Not everyone has that in their bank account to spend at their leisure.
Now, a 65 Shelby Cobra replica will set you back about $75k, give or take.
Does this mean that the buyer of the Replica due to limited $$ resources is any less of an enthusiast than the one that bought the original?
I’d like a Rolex milsub but I’ll never afford one-homage to the rescue 🛟.
Got the orange 🍊 dial, do more of such videos Rob! 👊😉
If you think, that most Swiss watch companies manufacture their watches in Switzerland, you’re wrong. China produces most steel goods and made everything so cheap, it’s often not feasible for western manufacturers. Plus more profit for them. And it’s easy to outmaneuver the „Swiss made“ condition.
Both the current Doxa company and this SeeStern have nothing to do with the original Doxa watches.
Both are made in China, this one with a Japanese movement the other with an ETA movement.
All homages are just copies, but why pay €2k as opposed to €200 when neither are the real thing. I’ll take the SeeStern in this instance.
I’ve purchased two watches from AliExpress, a Cadisen with sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and automatic miyota mvmt for £50 ! And bought myself the pagani “black bay” and I love it ! Just crazy value for the money !
That lumed date wheel is killer!
Cool to see you enjoying these watches. I’ve been a Sugess fanboy for about 3 years now. I also have this same orange Seestern and it’s a great watch.
Seastern is the best value I've seen in a long while.
You can’t knock them, they’re pretty good, actually very good watches. I’ve had a few homages and they’re fun. That’s it though. I’ve found I didn’t really take to wearing them and pined for the real thing. My take on them is if you want to know it you’d really want something like a Doxa and are worried about the sort of money it will cost for you to find out then buy one of these to see how you feel about it. Wear it for a few weeks and you’ll know wether to cough up the cash for the real deal.
This sums up my thoughts perfectly.
Some of these Ali brands are building some good watches. Doesn’t bother me they are images. I scooped up the San Martin Bronze Willard. Love that thing, if Seiko made that watch, easy 2-3K for for it.
I bought this exact watch as well, but I did end up selling it. Turns out I don’t particularly like the Willard case shape (Sacrilege! 😳), but the San Martin quality was excellent. So much so that I bought 2 San Martin bronze Submariner homages to mod. Absolutely love the warm patina developing on both cases.
Just ordered mine direct from them. Under $170. I don’t even care if it takes the full 3 weeks to arrive, its totally worth it for the value. I needed an orange dial diver in the collection and was going to go with a Monster until i saw this little beauty. Not to mention it also has BGW9 which none of my current watches have. Thanks for this Rob!
I don't blame you for being surprised. The rate of improvement with some Ali express brands over the last two years or so is absolutely insane.
In terms of build quality brands like San Martin have become absolutely on par with let's say Oris for example. Sometimes they are trying out original designs of their own now, besides the usual homages.
I have 2 doxas yet missed the train on the synchron military. Gonna get the seestern version. I think theres a lumed dial option 😀 as well. I've seen plenty of doxa lovers on forums that enjoy the heck out of the homages especially the marinez Samui with the titanium cases and other dial variants like the Irish star .
I bought Seestern Monster homage in Teal which is really more of an aqua color. Very nice. $175 last November. I’ve noticed they change their offerings somewhat frequently. So buy it soon if you see something you like.
As someone else mentioned it’s a great way to try out some styles. I didn’t want to pay $1,000+ for a jade monster. When I saw Seestern’s Teal monster I grabbed one before they dropped the color. Just thought it’d be a fun summer/lake watch. Really like it.
Great review Rob. It seems to me that some hate on these types of watches because they are too concerned about what others would say if they bought one. True watch enthusiasts appreciate watches far beyond just the name that's on the dial and value-per-dollar is right at the top. That's why I love this hobby because I buy what "I" like and that's all that matters.
I recently got a Yellow V2 and it's a great watch, killer for the price! Don't regret buying it, at least until one day when/if I can get a Doxa. 😅
Sugess and Seestern are sister brands. Also the word Seestern is German for Starfish.
Yep & pronounced “Zeeshtern” 👍
The proper term is homage. It's looks are unmistakeable, but there are differences, including the name, and case shape is slightly different. Personally, I have no problem with them. I actually have a few I wear as beater watches. Unlike you, I can't bring myself to mow the lawn in my Oris! 😂
Buy what makes you happy, it's as simple as that 👍
I'm sure 1000 years ago a couple of guys were arguing over one copying the design of the other's Sun Dial........ :)
Lol. Love this
I bought the same exact watch and it is definitely a nice piece. I had to laugh because I think me and everyone else watching this video felt the same way to some degree. Rarely do you get more than you pay for and I think this watch is an exception with everything it offers.
I’m on the same boat, I recently discovered the world of watches available in Aliexpress, and after watching tons of videos, I was truly surprised about the build quality of some of those brands. For a beater, to explore designs, or just to have a really good watch for a reasonable price, they look amazing. I was looking for a timex or try my luck with a moonswatch, but now I’m always finding myself comparing what would I get for the same money. Most are obviously not original, but honestly that is not high on my priority list under 500 dollars
I have an orange doxa sub 300t, and a yellow seestern which is great for the price, only the clasp lets it down.
I got the MOP dial because the 'other' brand don't do that and it looks original. There is a lot to like. Only gripe is there isn't enough real estate on the hour hand for lume, so that is first to go.
Haahaa.
Rob’s getting frustrated looking at a “good value watch”
😂
A true watch enthusiast.
Cheers 🍻
I bought one during the last AliExpress sale. It's awesome. I'll never be able to afford a real doxa and this one really scratches the itch nicely. I'm gonna get a yellow one next and eventually a blue. There so affordable they're like dam potato chips.
I wish they didn't use that Sugess brand on their other line of watches cuz I would pick up their zenith Chrono homage, but that name 🤪
I hope they do a 200. I'll be all over them.
do you mind if i ask you what the price was during the ali sale?. its currently 178 on ali. Was yours cheaper?
@@datta55 sorry for the late reply. I paid 169 shipped. Helluva bargain at normal price even better on sale.
Keep it clean! Lol. Can’t deny the value especially if you are on the fence for a larger purchase and want to test drive first.
It's a spec monster and well worth having.
It is a good watch. I don't mind wearing the Seestern's homage. For those who don't have much money, why not? I think it is better than the Seiko Sport 5.
It's doesn't matter that the watch is designed off another. The fact that people can't bring themselves to like them or think there's something nefarious to it all are just strange.
You are literally getting a watch made to the highest quality and it's wait for It 200.... just embrace it and enjoy the fact you're not getting shafted ($1500) by the name of the brand.
Definitely getting one.
Love the clean white indices, not like the brand it looks like (which uses an off-white color). 👍
In Australia, the Doxa is $3900. There’s no fecking way I’m spending that much on a bloody watch. I’m getting the Seestern.
Did you end up buying one? I just ordered mine last night, no way i was passing this up for the price.
@@ProjectSerpo90 yeah I got one, and it’s a great watch. Awesome bang for buck. Let me know how you like it mate.
That real nice .it look solid
Nice! Where can you get integrated rubber straps?
I really like the Coral blue and may pick it up! My watch budget is very low so affordable watches really let me enjoy watches similar to the originals. I have a Matic diver with PT5000 it was $190 and I no longer want a Seamaster as I am totally happy with the Matic.
If Doxa isn’t careful, it will price itself out of the market. I’ve got an incoming Seestern in Tiffany Blue. The NH35 in these puppies, IMHO, are on par with the basic SW-200s in the Doxas, both solid movements, but nothing special.
I know what you're saying about these watches. I initially felt the same way. I'm not buying some cheap Chinese ripoff of a real watch! Then I got one in hand and realized, man, this is a really nice watch. It's not at all what I expected. My whole outlook changed. I actually just purchased this watch during the Ali Express Cyber Monday sale for $162 US dollars! Fantastic deal, fantastic watch!
The sad part is most of a Doxa watch (less the movement) is also made in China 🇨🇳-possibly from the same factory 😎!
Many agree. So, allegedly the Doxa is an homage to the old Swiss made Doxa watches.
I got into this video a few minutes in and got past the lumed date window when I realized it was not a Doxa.
Good review.
As far as i know doxa changed ownership a couple of times and the current ones are homages to the original ones too.. they just have the right to use the name.. it’s not like it’s made in the original doxa manufacture… if there was one ever..
Rob, Well i guess i ping pong between love and hate for Ali Express Watch company. In the 80's I had lots of Vostok watches even though the Russians used Swiss machinery from the 1950's to build crap quality homages. Since the 2010s I have bought many Chinese watches. Why? I am a watch addict. I need my hit. So yes I bought a Seestern, The first one had a broken movement and I sent it back for a refund, Instead they gave me a better one that works, is accurate and well built. I agree with you Rob, lets buy what appeals and enjoy it. For major brands drop your ridiculous prices and compete.
You should check out the Heimdallr titanium SKX “homage”. I picked one up a while ago, full titanium case and bracelet, good lume. Made a video on it, and people say it’s the watch they wanted Seiko to make. And all for around 160-180.
How many brands sell SKX style case watches of various flavors, including Long Island Watch? That's pretty well accepted at this point.
Solid point. It’s a great time to be into watches. So many choices
Yeah baby - lumed date wheel 👊
Wow. Just bought one. It even has inner AR coating. I have been wanting "the other brand" for years and could never justify the price. I own the Maranez brass one and love it so this is a great addition. Thanks for the video.
Set the eta 2824-2 movement in the Doxa aside and the Seestern is actually a better watch.
I personally have no problem with the Seiko NH35. The lower vph preserves components of the movement making it last longer between services.
They lume the date wheel, guys... 🤣
😅 Welcome Rob - as you said yourself, "call it whatever you want, these are just good watches"
I look at these as a watch that is a current version of a watch that is no longer made by the company that originally made the watch. Doxa from the 60's does not exist today so even a gen Doxa is just a Doxa by Name. Even Synchron released the Synchron Military which looks just like the Doxa Army. Which is the gen? It might be a Seestern by name but in some way to me is even more close to the early models than Doxa's of today. For the price is is an unbelievable watch.
What is the strap on the surges. Very nice
It is a great watch and a solid value. The price is really reasonable for what you get.
I was gonna get the doxa, but after seeing the way the bracelet kinks up on the wrist I will get the seestern instead
They are good. I have one and the 62 MAS red on Bracelet. Fantastic.
I think you need to check out San Martin (and Proxima) Rob! 😉
Finally! You have joined the homage side. I’ve seen homages that blow originals out of the water. Maybe a part of your channel devoted to homage reviews that you like?
I get your point 👍🏻
Got the blue one on sale for $150. Not mad.
I wish they would make a sub 200 homage
We are at Peak Chinese Watch get em while you can
"Homage" is an elegant word for "knock-off". Anyway it would be more like CLONEAGE lol
Haha “clone age”
Dude, did I see a gasket on the screw crown?😱
Value!
If you think that's wild Rob...you should check out Proxima. They have a Marine Master Homage...its GOOD. 👌
Lol I really like how he tried very hard not to mention that the only problem is that it's from Chy-na.
As long as it is not illegal... YOU DO YOU.
I've known about this brand (and this homage) for a year or so. It's one of the better quality homage brands for sure. When you compare the specs and quality relative to price with that other watch, there just isn't a contest. When you strip everything else away, that leaves you with brand logo, prestige and heritage. Many will say paying so much more money for these intangibles is worth it. But if you have the money to buy a luxury car like, say, a Ferrari, NOBODY is going to buy that thing if it doesn't have the specs to match and has a max speed of 60 mph... even if it has the Ferrari badge. So why in the watch world? 😉
The key term in your paragraph is "if you have the money". 😉 Then again, I don't know anyone who can afford a Ferrari either! 😂
Watch manufacturers of "high end" watches have priced themselves out of the market for the average person. The rich will continue to buy them. Me..I'll take a replica, homage, copy...whatever....and NOT worry about it if it gets scratched. I buy them because I like the watch, NOT the name. Granted a high end watch is made with better materials etc...but at this day and age?...and at these prices?.....who cares.
Do you want the tool or do you want the status symbol attached to the tool
What do you call the strap you had for the toptime sugess?
Xeric. Not sure they sell the exact one anymore
Thank you bud
I have the orange dial version. The lume on mine is ok wish it was better especially on the hour hand.
The only other gripe I have and this goes for all the homages that use an NH movement stop please use a better movement. At least up it to a Miyota 9 series please I’m sick of the NH movement.
Isn't it true the bezel pip doesn't have lume or something? So not really dive worthy?
Oops, I see it's lumed. Must be that other homage then
Lol watch that looks like another watch!!! I agree the whole homage bs copy debate is tired. You like it cool.
Are we being taken for a ride by the big brands? Better lume than watches costing many times more, sapphire crystal and the like. I'll buy another Seiko! 😁
If you look into the history of watches, most watches benefit from the design of other watches. All of them! Rolex, Omega, the whole lot. I say bravo to those companies who make quality watches at realistic prices.
I bought the tactical frog but should have got the seestern 😢
Why is the seastern better?
Everyone should check out a video done by the UK channel "The Watch Guys" about the "other brand". He has some interesting things to say especially about his interactions with their HQ.
Bought one a month ago, it's a really good watch but can't get my head round it being a copy so didn't bond with it - but selling it cheap to a younger chap who's just getting into watches so that's a win . Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
I have that same issue. It bothers me that it is a copy of another watch.
To be honest, most people have never even heard of Doxa, so it shouldn’t really be an issue.
@@tezzanewton yeah, agreed - but I know & that's the point. Couldn't care less what other folk think. Thank you for your comment 👍🏻
@@SaSpursFan exactly 👍🏻👍🏻