So jealous James! I really wanted this watch as the face proportions and the aesthetic in general would have suited me perfectly. The homage was VERY good but on seeing this watch on your wrist I can tell it wears a lot bigger than the original here. Great review my friend :)
I actually love the smaller dial. The homages just don't have the same proportions, so I've been really resistant to pick one up. So instead... this is the plan for 2yrs from now.
My Chronometer version 5303-3 just arrived yesterday. Its amazing. I can say it makes the ipose/IX&DAO version look like what it is. A cost-effective Homage geared toward maximum profit. Its not nearly in the same league as the Serica. I quickly realized, at roughly $1500 USD the Serica is swinging high. It should be priced higher. $2500-$4000. I own the Homage in white with ETA. Its decent, basically San Martin quality or a bit less. Bezel wont line up & a few other minor issues. I wear it quite a bit because it looks good and keeps good time. I'll keep it and put it on a strap, because its worth absolutely nothing now. Just like almost any ali-watch. Resale is darn near $0. Bracelet is nice. But again, its notches below Sericas bracelet. Just feeling the bracelet and comparing the two side by side tells the story. Also, I dont want a date complicaton on my watch. It bothers me every time I see it on the Ipose. Maybe it will bother me less now that I actually own the Serica, and the Ipose can stand more on its own as a good looking, decent watch (as long as you dont choose the pt5000 movement - all three of mine have failed in San Martin watches) Ipose Cant touch the Serica. The Ipose watch is def bigger. Each watch fits me just fine, but the Serica hit the sweet spot. Its the smallest watch I own (other than Casio digital), but fits better than any other watch as well. My wrist is sub 7" and this is perfect fit and wrist presence. Why doesnt Serica offer an Oyster style bracelet? Come on, Serica! Since I just received it, I havent had a chance to try on a strap with the Serica, but Im sure it fits just great! The Ipose watch should be good on a strap as well. Im counting on that. For the price I paid for the Ipose in white (almost $400 with ETA), I feel the quality is still lacking. I've lived with it since April 23. (About the same time I put my order in for Serica) For the price I paid for the Serica in blue (almost $1500) the quality is SO there. The brushing, Polishing, everything is on point. Movement, bezel and crown all feel buttery-smooth. This is no $1500 watch. This is a good deal on a unique Swiss made, French watch. I feel Serica is not a Micro Brand. They are a relatively small, new watch brand. Same as Seiko, Rolex, Citizen, etc used to be. Serica will be relevent years from now. The 5303 will stand the test of time. This new Chronometer version seals it.
@@WATCHingJames Seems spot-on for the two days Ive been wearing it. Its still settling in right now, but runs about -3 per day so far. As far as the crown action. Its the best of any watch I own. Buttery smooth winding and no problem finding threads to screw-down. I cant stop looking at the Serica. The bezel color is just mesmerizing... It seems to change based on its environment. Sometimes grey, sometimes blue, its a chameleon. The dial is a differnt story. Tough to see the blue in the dial, as its super dark. But it is blue. The dial and bezel color/stainless work SO well together, at least to my eyes. The watch face catches nice reflections from the crystal. They play well with the index markers and hands. I really like the size of it on my wrist.I was a bit scared about the fit, since Im unable to try on first, but I got very lucky. The Ipose fits well too, but definitely a larger watch altogether, even though I consider it to be on the smaller side of desk divers as well. I will say that the Ipose seems to have the edge on lume, but cant confirm until Im out and about a bit more. Everything on the Serica's face is a bit smaller compared to the Ipose, including hour markers and hands, so definitely more surface area available for lume on the Ipose. I much prefer Sericas Crown compared to Ipose. Bigger and better. Great presence on this smaller watch. And finally, James and James can disagree about the date complication. I HATE IT. I love tudor BB58 with no date, I love Serica 5303-3 with no date. I fell in love with the Serica partly because of the NO Date complicaton. Yes, I can see your reasoning to have a date (convenience). But if thats true, then EVERY watch should have a date complicaton becaue its just more convenient. To me, on this watch it kills the symmetry. I accept it on the Ipose because its NOT a Serica. But I wouldnt have spent upwards of $1500 on the Serica if it had a date complication. At least Ipose put the date at 6 o'clock. If this watch is gonna have a date, thats the place! Sorry, I know you only asked about the Movement and Crown action. Once I get going...
The smallness of dial makes me think of the Doxa Sub 300T, which has that big dual-scale dive bezel. Love the look of this. It would be great if they could open up the dial a bit without extending the lug-to-lug. I'd love to see a Sellita movement in it rather than the Soprod. The caseback is fairly sterile for sure. A nice design would be good. Obviously cannot be a display caseback, unless one likes to look at the soft iron core and not the movement.
It think that’s why the homage that I bought may actually be a better option for some people. I have a side by side, original vs homage, in a week or two
@@WATCHingJamesThat’s EXACTLY what I was hoping you would do. Does the store that lent you the Serica also sell the IPOSE? I would buy from them. They seem like nice folks.
I bought the serica commando. A dial beauty but Ended up by swapping the manual soprod by a seagull auto st2130. Will never buy a soprod again. Unstable movement, shifty feeling with the crown.
I saw that too. Looks like they have doubled down on the movement choice. I have not heard anyone’s opinions on that particular movement yet. I’ll keep an eye out for any reviews of it.
I've had two 5303's (selenic silver and crystal blue). They are lovely watches. Incredibly acurate, great personality and wear wonderfully. Mine are more accurate than my COSC certified watches. The hacking and time setting issues are overblown. Both of mine have the problem but are easy to live with. The new updated Chronometer version with a new movement is coming out soon. Maybe revisit this watch and review the new version as a follow-up.
I said it from the start, you made the right choice. See, for the better finishings of a 1000 usd watch and above the diffrence is not that great and for me thats not a good reason enough to spend on those. Especially when it has a movement like this.. Thanks for this review. I hope you enjoy your Ipose bc its awesome!
I am still enjoying the Ipose and I’ve just finished making the side by side video with my watch and the Serica. I have it scheduled for release in a couple of weeks.
This is a tough one. It’s such a beautiful watch and apparently it’s doing well enough where you need to be on a waiting list. But they seemed to have doubled down on the bad movement. I’m not really into Homages that are “similar” in price to the real thing, but this one I will always go with the Homage because of that movement. Thanks for the great review. I think you and Jody are the only ones who have reviewed this watch who also reviews Aliexpress watches on the regular.
Just an FYI, your thumbnail represents the new Chronometer version. Viewers may think you are reviewing the currently unreleased Chronometer instead of the original.
Great video as ever, I do love the look of the Serica it was on my radar, but the movement issues put me off and at that price shouldn't have them. I was hoping over the time they've had since the 1st release they'd have sorted it by now, but looks like they haven't. And the crown, now that's a big no no. Sticks out from the case, will get knocked and maybe bend the stem or damage the seal. Such a shame on such a gorgeous looking watch (and I love the looks). Didn't get the hommage because I felt a bit sorry for serica, don't mind a hommage of the big boys but not of a little company, but as they haven't sorted the QC issues and that awful design of the crown, looks like my money will go to ipose, plus it uses a pt500 which I'm exited to try out. Thanks James.
The crown sticking out slightly is surely a design choice, as is no crown guards. I personally much prefer the clean absence of crown guards and I can’t imagine how a crown could ever be knocked to the point of damaging the stem when it’s clamped to a wrist. In such a freak incident the stem of your watch would be amongst the very least important thing on everyone’s mind… one could even argue it could help the police determine the time of the wearer’s incredibly violent death!
James…you did good Bud. I am totally going to get the IPOSE with the ETA 2824-2. Where can you find an ETA nowadays? And Serica, when given an opportunity to do right…..oh, it was a “Kickstarter” OK.A kick in your nuts. Still selling a crap movement for a Grand USD. RIDICULOUS. Thanks James!
I am still waiting for Serica to change the movement or fix the current one . They still have not and for the price 9 times out of ten the crown fails is not good enough. I will continue to wear my lovely Ipose IX and Dao with a SW200. Serica should have dumped that Soprod Newton and thought about their customers. I would not usually buy a homage to an independent brand but i dont have confidence in Serica . Shame . I wonder about the movements in their other watches ?
If Serica designed it, isn’t that discussion over? Imagine throwing your whole life & livelihood behind a new venture by designing a fairly unique looking watch and then watching a huge nameless corporation swoop in to steal your precious design followed by an army of UA-cam advertisers to promote the hell out of it. What happened to pride for owning something original or for supporting an original creator?
The same can be said about many things. Fortunately or unfortunately this does happen a lot. I am just happy that in cases like this. We the consumer have the option. Because as nice as the Serica is. I would not buy one.
@@WATCHingJames More choice is indeed better and the Serica owner no longer has the choice to show off their new watch without people wondering if theirs is a real one or a copy. I still think it's wrong to jeopardise someone's creative output & livelihood but seeing it from the perspective of the Serica owner definitely adds a dimension normally overlooked. Maybe?
So jealous James! I really wanted this watch as the face proportions and the aesthetic in general would have suited me perfectly. The homage was VERY good but on seeing this watch on your wrist I can tell it wears a lot bigger than the original here. Great review my friend :)
Thanks John. It is a beautiful watch. I was lucky to get some time with it.
I actually love the smaller dial. The homages just don't have the same proportions, so I've been really resistant to pick one up. So instead... this is the plan for 2yrs from now.
If you like to looks and dimensions then I would definitely recommend it.
It is a lovely and beautiful watch.
My Chronometer version 5303-3 just arrived yesterday. Its amazing.
I can say it makes the ipose/IX&DAO version look like what it is. A cost-effective Homage geared toward maximum profit. Its not nearly in the same league as the Serica.
I quickly realized, at roughly $1500 USD the Serica is swinging high. It should be priced higher. $2500-$4000.
I own the Homage in white with ETA. Its decent, basically San Martin quality or a bit less. Bezel wont line up & a few other minor issues. I wear it quite a bit because it looks good and keeps good time. I'll keep it and put it on a strap, because its worth absolutely nothing now. Just like almost any ali-watch. Resale is darn near $0.
Bracelet is nice. But again, its notches below Sericas bracelet. Just feeling the bracelet and comparing the two side by side tells the story.
Also, I dont want a date complicaton on my watch. It bothers me every time I see it on the Ipose. Maybe it will bother me less now that I actually own the Serica, and the Ipose can stand more on its own as a good looking, decent watch (as long as you dont choose the pt5000 movement - all three of mine have failed in San Martin watches)
Ipose Cant touch the Serica.
The Ipose watch is def bigger. Each watch fits me just fine, but the Serica hit the sweet spot. Its the smallest watch I own (other than Casio digital), but fits better than any other watch as well. My wrist is sub 7" and this is perfect fit and wrist presence. Why doesnt Serica offer an Oyster style bracelet? Come on, Serica!
Since I just received it, I havent had a chance to try on a strap with the Serica, but Im sure it fits just great! The Ipose watch should be good on a strap as well. Im counting on that.
For the price I paid for the Ipose in white (almost $400 with ETA), I feel the quality is still lacking. I've lived with it since April 23. (About the same time I put my order in for Serica)
For the price I paid for the Serica in blue (almost $1500) the quality is SO there. The brushing, Polishing, everything is on point. Movement, bezel and crown all feel buttery-smooth. This is no $1500 watch. This is a good deal on a unique Swiss made, French watch.
I feel Serica is not a Micro Brand. They are a relatively small, new watch brand. Same as Seiko, Rolex, Citizen, etc used to be. Serica will be relevent years from now. The 5303 will stand the test of time. This new Chronometer version seals it.
How are you finding the newer movement? And the crown action?
@@WATCHingJames Seems spot-on for the two days Ive been wearing it.
Its still settling in right now, but runs about -3 per day so far. As far as the crown action. Its the best of any watch I own. Buttery smooth winding and no problem finding threads to screw-down.
I cant stop looking at the Serica. The bezel color is just mesmerizing... It seems to change based on its environment. Sometimes grey, sometimes blue, its a chameleon.
The dial is a differnt story. Tough to see the blue in the dial, as its super dark. But it is blue. The dial and bezel color/stainless work SO well together, at least to my eyes.
The watch face catches nice reflections from the crystal. They play well with the index markers and hands.
I really like the size of it on my wrist.I was a bit scared about the fit, since Im unable to try on first, but I got very lucky. The Ipose fits well too, but definitely a larger watch altogether, even though I consider it to be on the smaller side of desk divers as well.
I will say that the Ipose seems to have the edge on lume, but cant confirm until Im out and about a bit more. Everything on the Serica's face is a bit smaller compared to the Ipose, including hour markers and hands, so definitely more surface area available for lume on the Ipose.
I much prefer Sericas Crown compared to Ipose. Bigger and better. Great presence on this smaller watch.
And finally, James and James can disagree about the date complication. I HATE IT. I love tudor BB58 with no date, I love Serica 5303-3 with no date. I fell in love with the Serica partly because of the NO Date complicaton. Yes, I can see your reasoning to have a date (convenience). But if thats true, then EVERY watch should have a date complicaton becaue its just more convenient. To me, on this watch it kills the symmetry. I accept it on the Ipose because its NOT a Serica. But I wouldnt have spent upwards of $1500 on the Serica if it had a date complication.
At least Ipose put the date at 6 o'clock. If this watch is gonna have a date, thats the place!
Sorry, I know you only asked about the Movement and Crown action.
Once I get going...
Thanks once again to Jason from Houtman Watches for lending me another of his personal watches to feature on my channel
The smallness of dial makes me think of the Doxa Sub 300T, which has that big dual-scale dive bezel. Love the look of this. It would be great if they could open up the dial a bit without extending the lug-to-lug. I'd love to see a Sellita movement in it rather than the Soprod. The caseback is fairly sterile for sure. A nice design would be good. Obviously cannot be a display caseback, unless one likes to look at the soft iron core and not the movement.
It think that’s why the homage that I bought may actually be a better option for some people.
I have a side by side, original vs homage, in a week or two
@@WATCHingJamesThat’s EXACTLY what I was hoping you would do. Does the store that lent you the Serica also sell the IPOSE? I would buy from them. They seem like nice folks.
I bought the serica commando. A dial beauty but Ended up by swapping the manual soprod by a seagull auto st2130. Will never buy a soprod again. Unstable movement, shifty feeling with the crown.
It does seem to be a consistent complaint from a lot of people.
There are new COSC swiss movements embedded in the last (and more expensive) series of serica 5303
I saw that too. Looks like they have doubled down on the movement choice.
I have not heard anyone’s opinions on that particular movement yet.
I’ll keep an eye out for any reviews of it.
Really informative James, you have an eye for detail.....really interesting. Don't think I love the watch but really enjoyed your point of view. 🤪
Hahaha thanks Paul
Look forward to seeing the comparison video!
It should be out within the next 2 weeks
I've had two 5303's (selenic silver and crystal blue). They are lovely watches. Incredibly acurate, great personality and wear wonderfully. Mine are more accurate than my COSC certified watches. The hacking and time setting issues are overblown. Both of mine have the problem but are easy to live with. The new updated Chronometer version with a new movement is coming out soon. Maybe revisit this watch and review the new version as a follow-up.
I would love to gets hands on with the new one.
Maybe one day 🤔
The issues are overblown..”both of mine have the problem” 😂😂😂
When the new one is coming?
@@TheDiegobalthazar already released! I've had the new chronometer version since October.
@@brandonbaxter5219 so now you would say is safe to buy? I was on the fence because of the movement problem
I said it from the start, you made the right choice. See, for the better finishings of a 1000 usd watch and above the diffrence is not that great and for me thats not a good reason enough to spend on those. Especially when it has a movement like this..
Thanks for this review. I hope you enjoy your Ipose bc its awesome!
I am still enjoying the Ipose and I’ve just finished making the side by side video with my watch and the Serica.
I have it scheduled for release in a couple of weeks.
@@WATCHingJames thats great it would be very interesting.
I bought the IX&DAO. Fantastic watch. Zero reason to buy the potentially 'inferior' and much more expensive Serica
I’ve preferred it too. Mostly for the dial size difference
This is a tough one. It’s such a beautiful watch and apparently it’s doing well enough where you need to be on a waiting list. But they seemed to have doubled down on the bad movement. I’m not really into Homages that are “similar” in price to the real thing, but this one I will always go with the Homage because of that movement. Thanks for the great review. I think you and Jody are the only ones who have reviewed this watch who also reviews Aliexpress watches on the regular.
It is a very nice watch. I love the design.
I have a side by side with my homage coming out in a couple of weeks.
Just an FYI, your thumbnail represents the new Chronometer version. Viewers may think you are reviewing the currently unreleased Chronometer instead of the original.
Thank you for pointing that out. It was harder than I expected to find a good picture online to use.
When it's coming?
The serica looks great. I'll wait to see the comparison to say if you made the right decision 😀
It has been great to gets hands on with this one
Great video as ever, I do love the look of the Serica it was on my radar, but the movement issues put me off and at that price shouldn't have them. I was hoping over the time they've had since the 1st release they'd have sorted it by now, but looks like they haven't. And the crown, now that's a big no no. Sticks out from the case, will get knocked and maybe bend the stem or damage the seal. Such a shame on such a gorgeous looking watch (and I love the looks). Didn't get the hommage because I felt a bit sorry for serica, don't mind a hommage of the big boys but not of a little company, but as they haven't sorted the QC issues and that awful design of the crown, looks like my money will go to ipose, plus it uses a pt500 which I'm exited to try out. Thanks James.
Thanks Robert. I’ve got a side by side video with my Ipose and the Serica coming out soon.
It was interesting to see the actual differences
The crown sticking out slightly is surely a design choice, as is no crown guards. I personally much prefer the clean absence of crown guards and I can’t imagine how a crown could ever be knocked to the point of damaging the stem when it’s clamped to a wrist. In such a freak incident the stem of your watch would be amongst the very least important thing on everyone’s mind… one could even argue it could help the police determine the time of the wearer’s incredibly violent death!
James…you did good Bud. I am totally going to get the IPOSE with the ETA 2824-2. Where can you find an ETA nowadays? And Serica, when given an opportunity to do right…..oh, it was a “Kickstarter” OK.A kick in your nuts. Still selling a crap movement for a Grand USD. RIDICULOUS. Thanks James!
You are very welcome.
I have a side by side with my Ipose video coming out in a couple of weeks which might also help with your decision making.
@@WATCHingJamesI am really looking forward to that one!
I am still waiting for Serica to change the movement or fix the current one . They still have not and for the price 9 times out of ten the crown fails is not good enough. I will continue to wear my lovely Ipose IX and Dao with a SW200.
Serica should have dumped that Soprod Newton and thought about their customers. I would not usually buy a homage to an independent brand but i dont have confidence in Serica . Shame . I wonder about the movements in their other watches ?
It has surprised me too. With the constant reports of issues I would have changed it.
Maybe there are other factors.
Hommage? Thats a disgusting rip off of a micro brand
Thanks for WATCHing
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If Serica designed it, isn’t that discussion over?
Imagine throwing your whole life & livelihood behind a new venture by designing a fairly unique looking watch and then watching a huge nameless corporation swoop in to steal your precious design followed by an army of UA-cam advertisers to promote the hell out of it.
What happened to pride for owning something original or for supporting an original creator?
The same can be said about many things. Fortunately or unfortunately this does happen a lot.
I am just happy that in cases like this. We the consumer have the option.
Because as nice as the Serica is. I would not buy one.
@@WATCHingJames More choice is indeed better and the Serica owner no longer has the choice to show off their new watch without people wondering if theirs is a real one or a copy. I still think it's wrong to jeopardise someone's creative output & livelihood but seeing it from the perspective of the Serica owner definitely adds a dimension normally overlooked. Maybe?
another far too small watch for my taste 😁
Bigger watches coming soon to the channel 😁
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