Spot on James. I have five San Martin watches. Make my older Omega look cheap. I don’t care if they are homages or not. I just love the “feel” quality all the way.
I can no longer justify buying ANY watch over about US$600 when there are SO MANY excellent watches out there for, relatively, little!! I have US$40 amphibians and US$200 Orients..... all the way up to several $$$$ watches... that have stopped getting any wrist time simply because I am SO BLOODY IMPRESSED with what can be had for US$250ish and under. And you dont have to worry about the accidental bash or ding. The only thing you really have to worry about is your fav being discontinued and no longer available if it takes a tumble and needs to be replaced. I bought a US$63(shipped, on sale) Loreo 'SUB' homage that I wore today and had a compliment on it and the guy was pretty shocked when I explained what it was and what it cost....with ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal.....It DOES run a bit fast but it's just secondS/day, not minutes, so im good with it.... Love the channel....great stuff!!
Very nice collection and some very good recommendations. Thank you. I have the Steeldive version of your Tactical Frog and it is an absolutely outstanding watch. I wear quite regularly and it has not skipped a beat, ever. I also have a San Martin and that is outstanding in every way. Every time I wear it I look at and cannot figure out how they made it that good at that price. Thank you for your time and making another fantastic video. Keep up the good work mate.
Nope, not crazy. These and several others from AE can hardly be matched anywhere for the price or in most cases anywhere near the price. Among others, i would add my Steeldive Doxa 300sub homage. :-D
I agree with you 100%. because people undervalue aliexpress watches. but actually they are super price quality ratio watches. it's easy to buy an overvalued watch for a few thousand dollars. you only pay for the name. but it is very difficult to find a super watch. but they are there on Ali. and yes you can call them from my Grail watches. i own them too. and they often run better than my Fucking Rolek which is 200x more expensive
Personal Grail Watches works for me. A really interesting range, thanks for sharing. Be nice if you mentioned if they're sapphire or mineral glass. The turbine on the last one is fascinating, I can imagine watching that and forgetting the time :)
I did not wish to spend too much time on each watch as it might make the video a bit long. I have reviewed all the watches or am about to review them so there will be much detail in those videos. Thanks for WATCHing
What a wonderful video. Love your choices! I half watched the video thinking it was going to be click bait. However, you pulled one solid selection after another out of the hat. I have to agree, there are some real gems in your list.
I really enjoyed your watches you showed and I totally agree with you on all watches shown , imo the last watch was the best and you've gave me a heads up on this particular watch so thank you , I've also been really surprised by steeldive watches I've got four now and each of them are so good , so if you ain't yet got a steeldive in your life what ya waiting for .lol .
I got the San Martin 004 with the Pencil Hands I got the Berny with the sapphire version I got the Hruodland F013 PT5000 coincidentally I found it after watching your turbine video. Very beautiful, I have had it for a while, haven’t worn it yet. Plan on wearing it this weekend. Do you think the Tactical Frog is better than the Steeldive? I have the Tandorio version of your Escapement Time. I technically have 3 of the 5. The F013 I think is just as amazing. My pick is hard, but I think the San Martin Year of the Dragon would be in my current Top 3
There is also a seagull dress watch that is similar looking to the nomos tagente which is lovely as well since it uses in house movements and well speced for a dress watch..
right now, the Ali watch I'm really eyeing is the San Martin Vintage GMT. Quite pricey, but the value definitely seems to be there. Hopefully it'll come down a bit during the next big sale (and to better compete with all the new GMTs coming out)!
Excellent list. Nothing on there that I feel compelled to buy, but the Seagull almost achieved that - but I am wearing a Seagull 1963 40mm Exhibition back sapphire gooseneck ATM which is my current pride and joy..... and I don't think I can justify two such similar watches - but the price of the one you suggest is amazing.
Great video, thank you! Still waiting for that Hruodland Turbine’s availability, and I just added the Gustav Becker to my shortlist, although I made a point of not going over 42… Speaking of my shortlist, these are the watches I’ve added to my cart in anticipation of the 11.11: - Seestern’s 40 Baby Blue GS; - Baltany’s 42 Blue Mil-Sub; - Heimdallr’s 42 Red Monster; - Addiesdive’s 40 Black Certina PH200; - Seig Flamma’s 42 Black GMT. Based on your review I already have the Type 2 PT5000 ET flieger on its way and I got to the point I’m checking the tracking app every couple of hours :)) From personal experience I would add the Sugess champagne Panda I’m currently wearing, even though I understand your reason for not including it in this video (those lugs, man…).
I know this is not a fresh post. Hopefully someone will read this. It's gotten to the point that even $50 Casios are being faked today. So when I go on Ali Express I'm afraid to buy anything. Any tips for safely shopping on Ali anyone?
Definitely. Buy from a store that has a lot of followers. A store that has lots of sales and feedback. Especially feedback that includes photos taken by the customers. I have also included links in the video to the stores I bought from. So I can say, at least in my experience, that the watches that arrived were real and good watches.
I like PD. But I always keep in mind to be aware that they are built to a budget. I also prefer there non rotating bezel options. Their ys003 is one of the best for the money I have come across.
Cheap and bad copies. All clearly failing to capture the essence of their models. The last one is interesting, except for its aviator look while not having a clearly readable second hand. Funny but still a fail!
The reason why the Roadland Pilot is as cheap might be that not only the design of the case/dial aswell as the whole strap is stolen/copied from the IWC Big Pilot. I wouldn’t call it a fake watch but yeah…
That Tactical Frog H5 has been my daily watch for this summer, i still where it daily. The best diving watch i have ever known, i would not change it for Rolex Submariner. This is a watch that i will use as my daily on me and my wifes fall vacation in a weeks time, as i told you caribbean and cruising.
Beautiful pieces of time, i own 2 steedive and they have excellet quality, love the Baltany brand, beautiful watches and the Rdunae brand that has an homage for the military and historical master piece, the Tornek-Rayville, this Will be my next pick!
Great video James and great watches. Could be fine if you compare the frog 6105 homage with the Rdunae 6105-8110 from WR Watches. In my humble opinion, the Rdunae is closer to the original Seiko and is a better and cheaper watch than the Frog, a friend of mine bought both and that's why I'm saying that. I saw both in person and the Rdunae looks awesome. Thanks and see you in the next video.
Hello! My name is Ricardo I live in Brazil, and I also love Aliexpress fantastic watches. I was wondering If you have ever seen a Seadweler (Rolex homage) made by Pagani Design that actualy is called Pagrane Design (model PG 1677) and nobady talks about It. I think that we are all so full of submariner homages (and videos about them) that we need to see other homages videos such as the Seadweler homage. Thanks Man! From a Brazilian subscriber of yours!
Hello Ricardo. Thanks for WATCHing. I have seen it on the AliExpress store and it does look very interesting. I’m sure I saw a review some time ago about it.
Subbed just for that Berny recommendation. Not seen that covered on UA-cam before and it's currently £40. Ridiculous for a well-regarded automatic watch
That is a great list James and a couple of them I've never even seen. I've used my budget for the year but might throw a couple in the basket for the November sales! As for being a bit loopy, all us watch guys are a bit loopy. I mean, who really needs more than one watch? Lol. Watches are very infectious though. My wife has caught the bug and now she has 5 watches! Excellent video. This is a great subject.
A lot of Chinese watches are great but they are let down by the names and the logos which is a shame. I'm waiting for my first buy. As I collect Japanese JDM GMT's it's got a high hurdle to cross
How many "the holy grail"s are there? By definition, its a singular item. That's where I get the value from AliExpress - I can try things out without the pressure of "the One" (which I probably wouldn't be comfortable buying even if I could afford it). I've purchased more than a dozen. The AliExpress watch I've had the most fun with is the Parnis GMT. Not the one that looks like a Rolex, the other one that you see all the time on the site - the cream dial. The black dial looks a teensy bit like the Hamilton Khaki Navy. But not exactly. If this watch is an homage, I've never figured out the antecedent - my guess would be some old Longines. Anyone know?
I might throw in the Seestern Doxa 300T homage in here, Pagani (yes I said Pagani) Daytona or Speedmaster mecha-quartz homages - 1000% better value than the Moonswatch.
Good pick of good value watches. But I would not call them grails, for I would want more originality to warrant that tag. This you will generally not find on Ali in pilot's watches or divers. Possibly in dress watches (criminally neglected on youtube watch reviews), but most likely in chronos. I am not really into chronos, but this is the watch genre where there are quite a few original designs out there on Ali (not only the flipping 1963 again) that at least have the potential to be a bit special.
Thank for WATCHing and taking the time to comment. I love dress watches as well. I just bought an amazing Oris that will be featured on the channel soon.
I notice that there is a red spot on the propeller of the Hruodland Turbine Pilot, James. Presumably where a seagull flew into it. 😉 I have recently acquired the white dial version of the Berny automatic. I also have an Addisdive diver (quartz version).
Awesome video! Great concept and wonderful spotlight on these pieces. I really liked the Escapement Time and the turbine seconds hand watch. Good stuff!
Thanks for subscribing. I do have a few Canadian viewers. Happy to add it. I’m a bit ahead with my filming so might not be in the next 4 weeks of videos.
Thanks James. I am really happy with how this one turned out and the watches that I mentioned are watches that I absolutely adore. I’m wearing the Hroudland today.
I’ve really liked the design of the Gustav Becker but the case diameter is larger than my preference of 36-41mm. I’ve wanted to get the San Martin in as a mod base but haven’t gotten around to it. In the recent 11.11 sale, I almost got the BERNY full lume railway but decided to get the Rdunae Tournek Rayville homage instead. If I ever decide to get a flieger again (Type B of course), Escapement Time is top on my list (sold my Laco to fund other watches). Needless to say, James, I agree with your list 😉😁👍. It appears that you are my watch brother from another mother 😁
@@WATCHingJames Incidentally, I just unboxed the Rdunae, my first. Very impressed so far. Their catalog is rather limited when compared to the other AliExpress brands, but based on this one, a brand worth keeping an eye on. Take care!
just going for Seagull ST19 hand winded ones for a longer time. Tired about the endless copies of Mercedes hand clones. Hard to get was the "Tin Tin" Moon Watch homage - also this one was the last ordered a few month ago... - nothing more of interest - may be when the new GMT will be used for non Rolex clones.
I’m really excited to see what comes out using that Seiko gmt movement. I think it will certainly change what we think about certain AliExpress brands.
@@WATCHingJames the Pearl isnt the best, but works inside a few GMTs in my collection with acceptable tolerances. Think the Seiko ones will be more expensive than the 75 € got my "Pearls" at a sale :D - think beginning next year the first ones will pop up at Ali brands - or using a clone of the Seiko GMT - the chinese "Copy Shops" work quite fast :D
I do agree with the terminology used. A grail, I feel, should be irrespective of price. Price is not indicative of quality, as we all know, and should therefore not be indicative, of the lack thereof, in cheaper models. For me, it's the Rmalti RM001 Grand Seiko homage of the new "Evolution 9 Collection." Amazing for the price, and is a grail of mine. Cheers, James.......
@@WATCHingJames Oh yeah....update for you, James. Just received the Rmalti RM001 "Grey linen-dial," NH35 mvmnt, on a bracelet today, and I've got to tell you, I am super-impressed. Very well designed and constructed. The finishing is amazing (to my naked eye at least). I really think that you're going to be impressed as well. Looking forward to it....
Seagull movements are not bad movements, if you are leaving the well known "swiss movement snobbery " topic aside - most (not all) mid to high-end Seagull movements are as good and as reliable as the off the shelf ETA movements that are swiss and costs 4 times more per movement.
Maybe for a person who spends thousands on watches (or on single watch) this statement would be lunatic. But for me, it sure makes sense. Great selection!
There is actually a female end link version of this one as well. People did complain about the male end links so they actually listened. Not a usual thing in the watch world to pay attention to your customers. But it’s not for everyone. Thanks for WATCHing
I notice how a common misconception is how the watches that these "homages" copy are too expensive therefore you can buy something from Ali Express that's just as good or better (which is generally highly debatable) for a fraction of the price. Well, when you're offering a product where you've barely had to invest a cent in design, R&D, engineering, marketing etc and install a generic Chinese or Japanese (in most cases) movement they should be a lot cheaper. Don't get me wrong, I myself own a couple of "homages" and they're ok, but I'd never be deluded enough to believe they would be as good or better than the original. As for the term homage itself; as per the dictionary definition (special honour or respect shown publicly) I believe they are what should be termed copies (not fakes, there's a difference) As for affordable, that is a purely subjective term depending on what an individual(s) themselves can afford. Please, before anyone gets to annoyed, this is only my opinion.
I certainly don’t think they are as good as the originals but they can be at a price that is more accessible by lots of people. Homages happens to be the word used. Not sure if it best describes them but it has established itself. They should be tributes or replicas maybe. But that’s what we call them now so I’m just going with it.
This is one that I’m wanting to find too. I just bought a escapement time quartz. Which was really affordable and has a bit of a iwc top gun feel. I’m still waiting for it to arrive.
I do intend on doing another one. But I need to find those extra special watches that I think are “AliExpress grails” I have two already. But really want five before making the episode. Thanks for WATCHing
G'day James from beautiful Thailand. Have a look at the Baltany range of Military timepieces, particularly the A11, W10 and G10. They are excellent value for money, incorporating the NH35A and NH38 movements and also quartz movements. ( though I much prefer the automatic movements.) The A11 is my particular favourite and is available with a black or off white dial and the Luminescence is spot on. I enjoy your reviews, keep up the good work. JANBOY. RN. Rtd.
Thanks for WATCHing. Great to hear from everyone around the world. It’s been a few years since I visited Thailand. I’ve had an eye on the Baltany watches for some time. I’m sure I’ll end up with one at some stage.
James since you have bought, reviewed/shared your learnings in so many videos, your concept makes sense. The tank watch (Gustav Becker aka rebranded Sea-Gull) is one I'm glad to see, along with the usual suspects. Please focus on this til 11/11!
No it doesnt! Maybe to you but these are not even close to grain watches! Their nice and all I own a few but nothing beats the satisfaction of a good brand watch!
Spot on James.
I have five San Martin watches.
Make my older Omega look cheap.
I don’t care if they are homages or not.
I just love the “feel” quality all the way.
Absolutely. It is really amazing how good some of these watches are.
I reckon if all the snobs who look down their noses at homages had the opportunity to wear a San Martin for a day, they would change their minds
It would be interesting to get a few unbranded and get opinions from a few people.
@@WATCHingJames like a blind comparison? Yes, definitely.
👍
There's something about the Berny, looks so simple yet elegant.
It is one of the watches I am impressed most with.
It is great, but then you consider the price and it’s almost unbelievable.
My Uncle Berny is very much the same. A grail relative 😅
@@WATCHingJames
I can no longer justify buying ANY watch over about US$600 when there are SO MANY excellent watches out there for, relatively, little!! I have US$40 amphibians and US$200 Orients..... all the way up to several $$$$ watches... that have stopped getting any wrist time simply because I am SO BLOODY IMPRESSED with what can be had for US$250ish and under. And you dont have to worry about the accidental bash or ding. The only thing you really have to worry about is your fav being discontinued and no longer available if it takes a tumble and needs to be replaced.
I bought a US$63(shipped, on sale) Loreo 'SUB' homage that I wore today and had a compliment on it and the guy was pretty shocked when I explained what it was and what it cost....with ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal.....It DOES run a bit fast but it's just secondS/day, not minutes, so im good with it....
Love the channel....great stuff!!
There are some amazing watches at great prices.
It is fantastic that we have so many to choose from.
Thanks for WATCHing
Thank you for showing me the Gustav Becker watch did't know about that one and really like the look of it
I’m really impressed by it and for the money I don’t think I’ve handled any better.
Thanks for WATCHing
Very nice collection and some very good recommendations. Thank you. I have the Steeldive version of your Tactical Frog and it is an absolutely outstanding watch. I wear quite regularly and it has not skipped a beat, ever. I also have a San Martin and that is outstanding in every way. Every time I wear it I look at and cannot figure out how they made it that good at that price. Thank you for your time and making another fantastic video. Keep up the good work mate.
Thank you.
I continue to be amazed by the quality of these watches.
I now just want to find a few more 😄
Nope, not crazy. These and several others from AE can hardly be matched anywhere for the price or in most cases anywhere near the price. Among others, i would add my Steeldive Doxa 300sub homage. :-D
I had the seestern Doxa homage and that one was also particularly good.
Thanks for WATCHing
I agree with you 100%. because people undervalue aliexpress watches. but actually they are super price quality ratio watches. it's easy to buy an overvalued watch for a few thousand dollars. you only pay for the name. but it is very difficult to find a super watch. but they are there on Ali. and yes you can call them from my Grail watches. i own them too. and they often run better than my Fucking Rolek which is 200x more expensive
There is certainly a lot of value to be had and some, like these ones, have just blown me away.
Personal Grail Watches works for me. A really interesting range, thanks for sharing. Be nice if you mentioned if they're sapphire or mineral glass. The turbine on the last one is fascinating, I can imagine watching that and forgetting the time :)
I did not wish to spend too much time on each watch as it might make the video a bit long.
I have reviewed all the watches or am about to review them so there will be much detail in those videos.
Thanks for WATCHing
I can see RMALTI and Escapement Time GS homages falling into this category
Both of those are sitting on my wish list. They look great.
The Rmalti is amazing!
What a wonderful video. Love your choices! I half watched the video thinking it was going to be click bait. However, you pulled one solid selection after another out of the hat. I have to agree, there are some real gems in your list.
Thanks Robert. I really do believe in every watch I mentioned.
I’m still wearing the Hruodland regularly
I really enjoyed your watches you showed and I totally agree with you on all watches shown , imo the last watch was the best and you've gave me a heads up on this particular watch so thank you , I've also been really surprised by steeldive watches I've got four now and each of them are so good , so if you ain't yet got a steeldive in your life what ya waiting for .lol .
Thanks Darren. I am always looking at the steel dives. I will have to pick one up.
Nice round up....not a fan of the Berny but that's mostly down to the branding I think....🏴⌚🏴⌚
Thanks Brian.
There are a few interesting names from AliExpress.
I don’t mind Berny but certainly understand why some don’t.
@@WATCHingJames I just think of the movie 'weekend at Bernie's'
I got the San Martin 004 with the Pencil Hands
I got the Berny with the sapphire version
I got the Hruodland F013 PT5000 coincidentally I found it after watching your turbine video. Very beautiful, I have had it for a while, haven’t worn it yet. Plan on wearing it this weekend.
Do you think the Tactical Frog is better than the Steeldive? I have the Tandorio version of your Escapement Time.
I technically have 3 of the 5. The F013 I think is just as amazing.
My pick is hard, but I think the San Martin Year of the Dragon would be in my current Top 3
Yes. The TF is better than the steeldive. But it is also more expensive
There is also a seagull dress watch that is similar looking to the nomos tagente which is lovely as well since it uses in house movements and well speced for a dress watch..
That one does look very good and it is listed at a great price.
I recently had another of their dress watches and I was very impressed by it.
right now, the Ali watch I'm really eyeing is the San Martin Vintage GMT. Quite pricey, but the value definitely seems to be there. Hopefully it'll come down a bit during the next big sale (and to better compete with all the new GMTs coming out)!
That one looks great. SM does some amazing watches.
With the sale coming soon it is worth waiting to see what discounts are available.
As always a fun, interesting watch video. I have a few Aliexpress grails including a San Martin (blue) SN036-G and a titanium Tactical Frog.
Thanks Daniel. I am particularly happy how this video came out.
Excellent list. Nothing on there that I feel compelled to buy, but the Seagull almost achieved that - but I am wearing a Seagull 1963 40mm Exhibition back sapphire gooseneck ATM which is my current pride and joy..... and I don't think I can justify two such similar watches - but the price of the one you suggest is amazing.
I’ve been tempted recently by the bronze version of the 1963. It looks very nice.
Great video, thank you! Still waiting for that Hruodland Turbine’s availability, and I just added the Gustav Becker to my shortlist, although I made a point of not going over 42…
Speaking of my shortlist, these are the watches I’ve added to my cart in anticipation of the 11.11:
- Seestern’s 40 Baby Blue GS;
- Baltany’s 42 Blue Mil-Sub;
- Heimdallr’s 42 Red Monster;
- Addiesdive’s 40 Black Certina PH200;
- Seig Flamma’s 42 Black GMT.
Based on your review I already have the Type 2 PT5000 ET flieger on its way and I got to the point I’m checking the tracking app every couple of hours :))
From personal experience I would add the Sugess champagne Panda I’m currently wearing, even though I understand your reason for not including it in this video (those lugs, man…).
Great suggestions. Thanks for sharing.
Great selection, James. You’ve won me over. New subscriber, here.
Thank you so much for WATCHing and supporting me by subscribing.
I know this is not a fresh post. Hopefully someone will read this. It's gotten to the point that even $50 Casios are being faked today. So when I go on Ali Express I'm afraid to buy anything. Any tips for safely shopping on Ali anyone?
Definitely. Buy from a store that has a lot of followers.
A store that has lots of sales and feedback. Especially feedback that includes photos taken by the customers.
I have also included links in the video to the stores I bought from. So I can say, at least in my experience, that the watches that arrived were real and good watches.
How do you rate the Pagani Design pieces?
I like PD. But I always keep in mind to be aware that they are built to a budget.
I also prefer there non rotating bezel options.
Their ys003 is one of the best for the money I have come across.
How about the Oupai Elvis Special triangular watch? Looks great but £180 is quite a lot.
I’ve not seen that one. I’ll have to have a look.
Cheap and bad copies. All clearly failing to capture the essence of their models.
The last one is interesting, except for its aviator look while not having a clearly readable second hand. Funny but still a fail!
Thanks for WATCHing
The reason why the Roadland Pilot is as cheap might be that not only the design of the case/dial aswell as the whole strap is stolen/copied from the IWC Big Pilot. I wouldn’t call it a fake watch but yeah…
It is a homage of a limited release. 12 only, IWC. I can only image how much they cost. You can’t find a price online.
Love the channel! Keep up the great content! Cheers from Texas.
Edit: I just realized you sort of look like the great Scottish actor Kevin McKidd!
Thank you so much. I appreciate your support.
It's crazy how they make them look like it and 9/10 they look better than the original
It really is. They definitely also seem to be getting better. Or I’m getting better and picking the good ones.
Interested to hear what made you choose the Tactical Frog willard over the Steeldive one.
The Gustav and the Hruodland were impressive.
The TF is a lot better. I love the steeldive. A great watch and super affordable but the TF is significantly better in quality.
In my opinion
That Tactical Frog H5 has been my daily watch for this summer, i still where it daily. The best diving watch i have ever known, i would not change it for Rolex Submariner. This is a watch that i will use as my daily on me and my wifes fall vacation in a weeks time, as i told you caribbean and cruising.
It is truely an amazing watch. The quality shocked me.
A great one to take travelling.
A cruise sounds like the perfect place for the frog 🐸
So if you had the opportunity to swap you would turn it down? Really? Haha
Beautiful pieces of time, i own 2 steedive and they have excellet quality, love the Baltany brand, beautiful watches and the Rdunae brand that has an homage for the military and historical master piece, the Tornek-Rayville, this Will be my next pick!
Get pick for your next watch. This one is already on my wish list.
Thanks for WATCHing
Great video James and great watches. Could be fine if you compare the frog 6105 homage with the Rdunae 6105-8110 from WR Watches. In my humble opinion, the Rdunae is closer to the original Seiko and is a better and cheaper watch than the Frog, a friend of mine bought both and that's why I'm saying that. I saw both in person and the Rdunae looks awesome.
Thanks and see you in the next video.
That would make a great video.
Good to hear about the Rdunae. I’ll have to have a closer look.
Thanks for WATCHing
Hello! My name is Ricardo I live in Brazil, and I also love Aliexpress fantastic watches. I was wondering If you have ever seen a Seadweler (Rolex homage) made by Pagani Design that actualy is called Pagrane Design (model PG 1677) and nobady talks about It. I think that we are all so full of submariner homages (and videos about them) that we need to see other homages videos such as the Seadweler homage.
Thanks Man! From a Brazilian subscriber of yours!
Hello Ricardo. Thanks for WATCHing. I have seen it on the AliExpress store and it does look very interesting.
I’m sure I saw a review some time ago about it.
Subbed just for that Berny recommendation. Not seen that covered on UA-cam before and it's currently £40. Ridiculous for a well-regarded automatic watch
Thanks Rick. I appreciate your support.
The Berny is a great watch. Still the best super affordable mechanical watch I’ve come across.
@@WATCHingJames No problem James, although I should reprimand you to contributing to my newfound AliExpress watch addiction 😂
Aliexpress..... once you go in there's no coming out. I bought stuffs I don't even need.
Hahahaha. Yes. I know that feeling too.
That is a great list James and a couple of them I've never even seen. I've used my budget for the year but might throw a couple in the basket for the November sales! As for being a bit loopy, all us watch guys are a bit loopy. I mean, who really needs more than one watch? Lol. Watches are very infectious though. My wife has caught the bug and now she has 5 watches! Excellent video. This is a great subject.
It certainly does draw you in.
My wife loves seeing mine but only has a one watch collection herself.
Probably a good thing 😂
I think I have 50, ...4 more watches then I'm done.
@@96kyh But then.....60 will look like a more even number. 😂😂😂😁👍👍
A lot of Chinese watches are great but they are let down by the names and the logos which is a shame. I'm waiting for my first buy. As I collect Japanese JDM GMT's it's got a high hurdle to cross
Some of the names can put you off. But I’m ok with some of them.
How many "the holy grail"s are there? By definition, its a singular item. That's where I get the value from AliExpress - I can try things out without the pressure of "the One" (which I probably wouldn't be comfortable buying even if I could afford it). I've purchased more than a dozen. The AliExpress watch I've had the most fun with is the Parnis GMT. Not the one that looks like a Rolex, the other one that you see all the time on the site - the cream dial. The black dial looks a teensy bit like the Hamilton Khaki Navy. But not exactly. If this watch is an homage, I've never figured out the antecedent - my guess would be some old Longines. Anyone know?
Thanks for WATCHing.
If you are talking about the vintage looking one I’m not sure. But it has been on my wish list for some time.
I might throw in the Seestern Doxa 300T homage in here, Pagani (yes I said Pagani) Daytona or Speedmaster mecha-quartz homages - 1000% better value than the Moonswatch.
That seestern is incredible too. Definitely worth being on this list.
Too bad that Berny AM038M dont't seem to be in production anymore.
That is a shame
Oh come on, on these price ranges you can buy Orient, Citizen, Seiko...
Thanks for WATCHing
Good pick of good value watches. But I would not call them grails, for I would want more originality to warrant that tag. This you will generally not find on Ali in pilot's watches or divers. Possibly in dress watches (criminally neglected on youtube watch reviews), but most likely in chronos. I am not really into chronos, but this is the watch genre where there are quite a few original designs out there on Ali (not only the flipping 1963 again) that at least have the potential to be a bit special.
Thank for WATCHing and taking the time to comment.
I love dress watches as well. I just bought an amazing Oris that will be featured on the channel soon.
I notice that there is a red spot on the propeller of the Hruodland Turbine Pilot, James. Presumably where a seagull flew into it. 😉
I have recently acquired the white dial version of the Berny automatic.
I also have an Addisdive diver (quartz version).
Hahahahaha. Now that’s all I’m going to see every time I look at it.
gustav becker? a swedish first name and german surname on a chinese watch? what? :O
It is slightly odd. But better than a lot that I have come across
Awesome video! Great concept and wonderful spotlight on these pieces. I really liked the Escapement Time and the turbine seconds hand watch. Good stuff!
Thank you. It was a fun video to make and something I had been thinking about for a long time.
I really like the strap on that Becker watch. Is that strap the one that came with the watch? Too cool!
Yes. That’s the one it comes with
Your name Is not necesary, i visit this chanel to see watches not people.
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Just “stumbled” across your channel, but really impressed with your presentation. If possible, could you add a Canadian price equivalent?
Thanks for subscribing. I do have a few Canadian viewers.
Happy to add it.
I’m a bit ahead with my filming so might not be in the next 4 weeks of videos.
Check out the Escapement Time Furlan Marri homage. Its stunning!!
I’ve been keeping an eye on it. I love my flieger from them so assume the quality is good.
Have you got a Seagull Horizont. That would be nice to see
No I don’t. They do look good
In aliexpress, in which store or where i can buy swiss replica watches?
All of them generally do homages to well know watches.
Check out San Martin and Cronos.
A great idea for this video James. Appreciate your insight, Thanks James.
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Dude...more than three minutes until you get to the point? C'mon
I do like talking. Hahaha. Sorry
Just shows you do not need to spend many many hundreds or even a thousand plus to get a great watch.
Exactly. So many amazing affordable watches.
this was a fantastic video, i really like your recommendations...!!!
Thanks James. I am really happy with how this one turned out and the watches that I mentioned are watches that I absolutely adore.
I’m wearing the Hroudland today.
No Tevise?
Where's the Benyars?
Overfly and Chenxi?
I’ve not experienced those brands.
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@@WATCHingJames maybe they are sold under different brand names there
I’ve really liked the design of the Gustav Becker but the case diameter is larger than my preference of 36-41mm. I’ve wanted to get the San Martin in as a mod base but haven’t gotten around to it. In the recent 11.11 sale, I almost got the BERNY full lume railway but decided to get the Rdunae Tournek Rayville homage instead. If I ever decide to get a flieger again (Type B of course), Escapement Time is top on my list (sold my Laco to fund other watches). Needless to say, James, I agree with your list 😉😁👍. It appears that you are my watch brother from another mother 😁
That’s great. I seem to be finding lots of people who feel the same.
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@@WATCHingJames Incidentally, I just unboxed the Rdunae, my first. Very impressed so far. Their catalog is rather limited when compared to the other AliExpress brands, but based on this one, a brand worth keeping an eye on. Take care!
Gustav Becker also does a Panerai homage which I have been curious about - and because because it is a Panerai homage it is supposed to be big.
@@cecilyau4440... I have their compressor which is VERY nice.
just going for Seagull ST19 hand winded ones for a longer time. Tired about the endless copies of Mercedes hand clones.
Hard to get was the "Tin Tin" Moon Watch homage - also this one was the last ordered a few month ago... - nothing more of interest - may be when the new GMT will be used for non Rolex clones.
I’m really excited to see what comes out using that Seiko gmt movement.
I think it will certainly change what we think about certain AliExpress brands.
@@WATCHingJames the Pearl isnt the best, but works inside a few GMTs in my collection with acceptable tolerances. Think the Seiko ones will be more expensive than the 75 € got my "Pearls" at a sale :D - think beginning next year the first ones will pop up at Ali brands - or using a clone of the Seiko GMT - the chinese "Copy Shops" work quite fast :D
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Just subscribed, James is a refined Australian man who retains that great Aussie directness and succinct subject matter commentary.
Thank you Nathan. I appreciate the positive feedback.
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Interesting but all prices have increased substantially since this video. You can get Seiko and citizen for better value
There has definitely been some increases.
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I do agree with the terminology used. A grail, I feel, should be irrespective of price. Price is not indicative of quality, as we all know, and should therefore not be indicative, of the lack thereof, in cheaper models. For me, it's the Rmalti RM001 Grand Seiko homage of the new "Evolution 9 Collection." Amazing for the price, and is a grail of mine. Cheers, James.......
Thanks Tara. I am eagerly awaiting the Rmalti GMT which I think is the RM001. It should arrive later this week.
@@WATCHingJames I'll be looking forward to that review. 👍👍
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@@WATCHingJames Oh yeah....update for you, James. Just received the Rmalti RM001 "Grey linen-dial," NH35 mvmnt, on a bracelet today, and I've got to tell you, I am super-impressed. Very well designed and constructed. The finishing is amazing (to my naked eye at least). I really think that you're going to be impressed as well. Looking forward to it....
Seagull movements are not bad movements, if you are leaving the well known "swiss movement snobbery " topic aside - most (not all) mid to high-end Seagull movements are as good and as reliable as the off the shelf ETA movements that are swiss and costs 4 times more per movement.
They are really great to have in some watches and are powering one of my favourite all time watches. The Turbine Pilot.
Great channel and good choises James! For months already I am totally in love with my Addiesdive Tuna watch, I bought it for 78 euro on Aliexpress!
There are some incredible value and quality watches on AliExpress.
There is also some junk. But they are reasonably easy to avoid.
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Maybe for a person who spends thousands on watches (or on single watch) this statement would be lunatic. But for me, it sure makes sense.
Great selection!
That’s great to hear. Thanks for WATCHing
Great choices a lot of which I hadn’t seen before.
Thanks Simon. I’m so impressed with these watches and I do try and find some that are not the normal reviewed watches on UA-cam
Prefer my heimdallr 6105 homage to the tactical frog h5 (an offshoot brand from hiemdallr) sharks are cooler then frogs 😅 about the only differnce
It does look like they are probably the same except for the branding.
Sharks are definitely cooler than frogs hahaha 🐸 🦈
You have very good taste for watches, I really like most of them but there's some Cadisens and pagani designs that are amazing for the price
Thank you. There are some amazing watches available from AliExpress.
Thanks for the direction!!! Beautiful watches
I am so impressed by these watches.
Thanks for WATCHing
I’d stay with Seiko Citizen Orient watches until these off brands drop to sub hundred in price
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Hi. Gustav Becker and Hruodland Turbine Pilot watches are no longer available.
I have been trying to find out why the Pilot is unavailable but was not aware that the GB was not available.
That’s disappointing
Since they started to add import tax in the price there's no deals to be made on Aliexpress unfortunately.
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Awesome video. Picked up that Escapement Flieger for $54.
A great watch and even better at that price.
The first watch did look nice but as soon as I saw the bracelet endlink sticking out like that its a big fail…cheap for a reason
There is actually a female end link version of this one as well.
People did complain about the male end links so they actually listened.
Not a usual thing in the watch world to pay attention to your customers.
But it’s not for everyone.
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I notice how a common misconception is how the watches that these "homages" copy are too expensive therefore you can buy something from Ali Express that's just as good or better (which is generally highly debatable) for a fraction of the price.
Well, when you're offering a product where you've barely had to invest a cent in design, R&D, engineering, marketing etc and install a generic Chinese or Japanese (in most cases) movement they should be a lot cheaper.
Don't get me wrong, I myself own a couple of "homages" and they're ok, but I'd never be deluded enough to believe they would be as good or better than the original.
As for the term homage itself; as per the dictionary definition (special honour or respect shown publicly) I believe they are what should be termed copies (not fakes, there's a difference)
As for affordable, that is a purely subjective term depending on what an individual(s) themselves can afford.
Please, before anyone gets to annoyed, this is only my opinion.
I certainly don’t think they are as good as the originals but they can be at a price that is more accessible by lots of people.
Homages happens to be the word used. Not sure if it best describes them but it has established itself.
They should be tributes or replicas maybe. But that’s what we call them now so I’m just going with it.
Of course they aren’t as good as the originals, but then again the originals are wildly overpriced, oftentimes by thousands of dollars.
Thanks for the suggestions! Some watch brands that I had not heard of before that I will keep an eye out for.
Thanks for WATCHing.
Any recommendations for a homage IWC Top Gun Mirimar?
This is one that I’m wanting to find too. I just bought a escapement time quartz. Which was really affordable and has a bit of a iwc top gun feel.
I’m still waiting for it to arrive.
San Martin GMT Pepsi is outstanding
I have had my eye on that one for a while. It has great reviews about it.
This is the 1st video I've seen of yours and find it exceptional and very useful. Many thanks.
Thank you. I really enjoyed making this video.
You are right - Grail watches
Great to hear I’m not the only one thinking this way.
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Make another one please
I do intend on doing another one. But I need to find those extra special watches that I think are “AliExpress grails”
I have two already. But really want five before making the episode.
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Such a nice, positive video! New subscriber!
Thank you for the nice feedback and for subscribing
I keep check checking for the Hroudland pilot watch. No luck.
I do too. I’ll put out a community post if I see it available
I couldn't quite make out what the last one was. I like the look of that, especially with the turbine seconds hand.
I love the Hruodland turbine. It remains my favorite AliExpress watch. But also just one of my favorite watches.
@@WATCHingJames thanks, I'll look for it 👍🏼
Super review James. Cheers Noel
Thanks Noel. It was a fun video to make.
You are right on all counts!!
Thanks Greg.
G'day James from beautiful Thailand. Have a look at the Baltany range of Military timepieces, particularly the A11, W10 and G10. They are excellent value for money, incorporating the NH35A and NH38 movements and also quartz movements. ( though I much prefer the automatic movements.) The A11 is my particular favourite and is available with a black or off white dial and the Luminescence is spot on. I enjoy your reviews, keep up the good work. JANBOY. RN. Rtd.
Thanks for WATCHing.
Great to hear from everyone around the world.
It’s been a few years since I visited Thailand.
I’ve had an eye on the Baltany watches for some time.
I’m sure I’ll end up with one at some stage.
those Hruodland watches are all sold out, such a shame!!
I’m keeping an eye on them. They do come back into stock but not often.
Back on sale now. I had to wait for the black dial with blue hands for a while, but its on its on its way now.
@@WATCHingJames yeah, they are finally back
And here I am, paying over 8K for Omegas. Crazy.
Hahahahaha. Thanks for WATCHing
All too large
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The idea of a grail watch from AliExpress may sound a bit strange. But stay with me and hopefully it all makes sense in the end 😄
James since you have bought, reviewed/shared your learnings in so many videos, your concept makes sense. The tank watch (Gustav Becker aka rebranded Sea-Gull) is one I'm glad to see, along with the usual suspects.
Please focus on this til 11/11!
No it doesnt! Maybe to you but these are not even close to grain watches! Their nice and all I own a few but nothing beats the satisfaction of a good brand watch!
I have a first impressions video of it coming out shortly. It is particularly good.
I do know that feeling.
AWESOME !
Thank you
Skip to 3:03
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I believe you can find all of them much cheaper
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A grail watch is always the next one.
I must have a lot of grail watches ahead of me. 😁
@@WATCHingJames haha! Me too.
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Video starts at 3:05. You're welcome.
I do like to talk. Thanks for WATCHing
I have the Berny It's great and inexpensive.
I really enjoy it. They have just released a new version using the same case. Very much homaging the Mondaine.
Nice
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No lumeshots? 😫
Sorry no. Not in this video.
All of the watches I’ve shown I have done full reviews and captured lume in them.
@@WATCHingJames Hooray 🥳 thank you 😊
just waw good job mate we want more please !
Thank you. I want to make a second but I need to find enough amazing watches.
I have three more at the moment.
Great video. Thank you.
Thank you
You are completely right 👍
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8fps
Nice watches tho mate 👍🏻
Thank you. They really impress me. Much more than I could ever had thought.