They’re both beauties. I thought the 36mm would look small on your wrist, but it looks bang on. Great review as always! I’m boring so I would probably still get the black.
I agree with you completely on the thickness of the bezel. Once I noticed that I couldn't unsee it. That clasp also looked quite chunky when seen alongside the Watch Dives version. Shame really, as I'm a big fan of Baltany watches. Good, honest review as usual John.
I bought mine a few days ago and they seem to have listened and reduced the width of the bezel. It is significantly narrower than my Pagani Design Explorer which looks a bit ridiculous. There is a marked step up in quality between that and my Baltany but both are very nice watches at a price that is far better than we deserve.
Thanks John, you're hitting it out of the park with these excellent videos. Even my wife is looking at them. I just hope she doesn't catch the watch bug, it'll cost us a fortune😂. These are very nice. I don't have a Baltany but they're on my list.
These are much better than the 39 mm. I fully agree about the bezel proportions. But brown isn't really my cup of tea and the only alternative is that matte black. I'd rather have a glossy jet black or at a least a black sunburst.
Excellent review 👍. Thanks for showing the Baltany next to the Watchdives, wow the Baltany looked much better, dial, crystal, steel finishing! The brown dial on the brown leather strap looks superb 😎
Beautiful, that amber brown looks amazing in sunlight. We are getting very close to the point where any serious maker needs quick release everything and on the fly bracelets.
It's great that in its recent releases, Baltany responded to the feedback online (including your reviews) that a signed crown would be an improvement. Bravo!
Another cracking review on a cracking wee piece from Baltany, I’d be seriously tempted if I hadn’t already bought my proxima px1698, love it!!!! Next new piece on my radar will probably be the San M Aquaterra homage (in blue), presently sold oot everywhere, patience old chap!!!’
I've had the black one for a week and didn't notice the signed crown until you mentioned it. For once I remembered about your discount code, so thanks for saving me some cash (albeit a fraction of what you've made me part with over the past year or so).
Thanks for the review, John. I got the 39mm about three weeks ago and it appears that Baltany did pay attention to the feedback - the 39mm now comes with a fully brushed bracelet and a signed crowd and clasp. I went for the brown dial and I'm really enjoying it.
I bought the 36mm brown one which is currently held up at customs so that sucks! The black one looks awesome too though John and my gosh your reviews are detailed. Just love how you point out every single good and not so good on the watch. Love it!
Excellent review! Comparison with 50$ equivalent is a very good touch, justifies Baltany price for all that doubt. Plus the NH38, proves attention to detail by Baltany. Brown one is stunning.
I have tried to like the 36mm watch but on my 7 in wrist the 39mm case size is truly, as you say often, the Goldilocks size for my wrist. It's nice to see these companies listening to the consumers request which I feel is often lacking in the bigger, more familiar brand watches, that often charge a lot more for the same value. Wonderful review and one thing you brought to my attention, I never thought a signed crown was a big deal to me but once I seen the upgrade Baltany did, by signing their crown; I must say it was really a nice extra touch to the overall look to the watch.
Nice review there John. I used your JWJ15 promo code and the final bill was £210 for the Wine Red option. My only concern was the 36mm case size, but we're similar wrist sizes and it looks great on wrist in the vid.
That brown dial is absolutely gorgeous, even though I'd feel the need for an espresso every time I'd look at it. I don't like Mercedes hands in general and I think a normal baton style hour hand would have accentuated the simplicity of the design and the beautiful execution thereof. I'd have liked the other one to be a deeper black, piano lacquer style or sunburst would've both worked for me.
The dial color is uniquely beautiful, like a mix of coffee and burgundy. The sapphire is clearly better when placed side-by-side with the cheaper watch. The rest is in line with an Alie watch at this price level. It would be nice to have an OTF bracelet. It may cost 10usd more but it is well worth it. Overall a very nice watch for slim wrists
Based on your video, it looks like you like the brown colorway better than the black. I will say the brown dial does look a lot more interesting than the black.
I’d go for the brown, I think the black dial is a bit dull mat looking, probably chosen to give it a vintage look along with fauxtina. My wife has a Cronos explorer which has an almost enamel looking black dial which to me looks better. I love the explorer dial layout, probably my absolute favourite. Which would you keep John, given the choice?
I think I might prefer the watch dives one. I don't mind the slimmer crown if its a quartz. I wish they had gone with a brown tropical fume dial like the Smiths Commando. I loved that dial but sold it on as L2L made it a bit small for my medium wrist and it also had a horrible gappy clasp too (I hate gappy clasps). Personally I think at that price point OTF adjust would help them sell a lot more units. Looking at that Artem strap I wondered if you have tried the NorthStar sail cloth ones. I can't find any reviews on them?
I wish Baltany would make bigger watches. I have a 39mm chrono and it does look a little small on my 7.5 inch wrist. I love Baltany watches and they make some great watches jjust a little small.
Hi John - is the crown on the Baltany 36, the same size as on the 39 model? Or have they scaled down the crown. If you have both to hand please could you do a quick calliper measurement for us… else just for 36 so I can compare with my own 39. Ta, Adam
Any chance you could review some Dress Watches, i do like Japanese Dress Watches like Kuoe, i Know there a bit pricey but you might be surprised,Thank You.
No problem. The channel is making huge inroads with lots of new contacts and offers but a lot of offers are for Paid Reviews and I will not sacrifice my integrity with that. My reviews are always done in the same way regardless of whether the watch is bought, discounted or supplied for free. The playing field is therefore always level :)
Lovely looking watch, but my god will it age badly with that bezel. A fine review as always. Where did you find the brown distressed leather strap from? Unusual
Matt black dial? That’s a disappointment! But the brown in it’s "honey-Guiness" colour looks great! This bezel overhang is an odd choice but it is what is, as long as this edge is not sharp.
The colour of the markers is a deal breaker for me. I get that since it's a clomage, Baltany needs to look as different as possible but why not go a completely different route and make the dial white instead? I appreciate the design of "B" for the crown though.They should use it more, especially on the bracelet.
Baltany have done a few different dials and a few watches that don't follow the mold as it were. I just wish I knew who started the terms "Deal-breaker for me" and "hard pass". A term that is in itself a homage and not original ,;)
@@johnswatchjoint using everyday phrases that others commonly use and understand is basic communication, and not paying homage to anyone ;) a bit different than producing items that eerily resemble other products that are less attainable ;) Anyways, I've just thought that a white dial would look interesting; a bit of a mix of the Explorer and the Explorer 2.
I get what you are saying and I do agree. My remark about the common terms used was not directed at you btw. It's just used in every other comment I see now having only started recently. I would love to slap whoever started it haha 😆
I have the black dial, this looks like a dark coffee colour because of the indices. The inevitable comparison with the Rolex Explorer is unfortunate. It detracts from what is a great watch in its own right. It has the feel and looks of something much more expensive. The only thing that lets it down is the clasp which is too raised. Everything is nice and in good proportion but it is NOT an Explorer. Only a real one will scratch that itch so don't even try.
Thanks for the comment but on the Rolex itch, I did try it and it did not scratch an itch for me. These Baltany's do a fantastic job and for those who can't afford one or would never wear an overly expensive watch, like the Explorer, then this IS an option. I have a huge range of buyers on this channel, from budget to luxury and this type of watch will fit the bill for a fair few 🤗
@@johnswatchjoint Totally agree. Thankfully I have my 'icon' watch in the very affordable Hamilton Murph 38 so this Baltany is my 'Explorer' keeper and I miss it when I'm rotating my other watches and can't wait to get it back on. Baltany really is that good and I have two variants of their Dirty Dozen military field watches and they are spot on too. I got to compare my black dial with a real JLC the other day and couldn't believe that the Baltany looked better !
Is it me? I find the dials on the chinese watches really boring. Simple, uninspired. Gone are the days of the 70s when the manufactures put most of their efforts on design. I guess the only effort is advertisement through youtube. Not interested. Sorry.
Excellent review John! In hindsight it does not feel quite as bad now that the Tactical Frog store on Ali messed up my order of the WatchDive Explorer, because it will get much easier for me to motivate picking up the Baltany 36mm Explorer on the next sale
They’re both beauties. I thought the 36mm would look small on your wrist, but it looks bang on. Great review as always! I’m boring so I would probably still get the black.
Never boring Albert ;)
I really like that brown dial and beige strap combo 👌🏼👌🏼
The black dial gives the impression of being a dark coffee colour because of the yellow applied indices.
Brown dial really pops! Great review. Covering the important issues for true watch fans. Thanks John.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Have to say your comments are spot on and the quality of your reviews just get better and better.
Thanks Jon. That means a lot coming from you :)
I agree with you completely on the thickness of the bezel. Once I noticed that I couldn't unsee it. That clasp also looked quite chunky when seen alongside the Watch Dives version. Shame really, as I'm a big fan of Baltany watches. Good, honest review as usual John.
Cheers Dave. Thanks for stopping by :)
I bought mine a few days ago and they seem to have listened and reduced the width of the bezel. It is significantly narrower than my Pagani Design Explorer which looks a bit ridiculous. There is a marked step up in quality between that and my Baltany but both are very nice watches at a price that is far better than we deserve.
Good to hear 😊
Great to a couple of versions. It is a great looking watch.
...Not perfect but really nice :)
Thanks John, you're hitting it out of the park with these excellent videos. Even my wife is looking at them. I just hope she doesn't catch the watch bug, it'll cost us a fortune😂. These are very nice. I don't have a Baltany but they're on my list.
Haha. Imagine both of you hiding watches from each other around the house haha 😆
@@johnswatchjoint 😂😂
These exact dials on a slightly thinner case, with the Traska Sumiteer hardened coating & micro adjust bracelet would be perfection.
Very specific ! 😆
These are much better than the 39 mm. I fully agree about the bezel proportions. But brown isn't really my cup of tea and the only alternative is that matte black. I'd rather have a glossy jet black or at a least a black sunburst.
I totally agree
Excellent review 👍. Thanks for showing the Baltany next to the Watchdives, wow the Baltany looked much better, dial, crystal, steel finishing! The brown dial on the brown leather strap looks superb 😎
It does. Is it just me or has Jonathan at The Thrifty Gentleman found the ultimate leather watch strap?
@@johnswatchjoint It isn't just you, I'm sure I will buy one soon 😁
Beautiful, that amber brown looks amazing in sunlight. We are getting very close to the point where any serious maker needs quick release everything and on the fly bracelets.
I totally agree!
Mmmmm i could go for a Guinness right now. Cheers.
Haha. Cheers!
I have one in front of me right now Barry . My first Easter pint !😂😂
Octopus explorer 36 can be a good candidate too
Absolutely 💯
It's great that in its recent releases, Baltany responded to the feedback online (including your reviews) that a signed crown would be an improvement. Bravo!
Hi Bensy. They have done well. The clasp is not a deal breaker but should have been sorted 😕
Fine review John. I have the 39 mm tri-compax date model Baltany (looks like a 7750 layout) which I really like. Thanks
Cool, thanks 🤗
That sunray brown dial is stunning. Great presentation as always John!
Thank you kindly!
Another cracking review on a cracking wee piece from Baltany, I’d be seriously tempted if I hadn’t already bought my proxima px1698, love it!!!!
Next new piece on my radar will probably be the San M Aquaterra homage (in blue), presently sold oot everywhere, patience old chap!!!’
Aye that San Martin is a stoater. A proper good looking Gada!
Love my chrono baltany, great discover...
I've had the black one for a week and didn't notice the signed crown until you mentioned it. For once I remembered about your discount code, so thanks for saving me some cash (albeit a fraction of what you've made me part with over the past year or so).
Yikes...Sorry Bob! Thanks for sharing 😀
Great intro, John. Looking forward to this. You have great taste and a critical eye. 👍
Awesome, thank you my friend 🤠
Love those straps! They totally change the look of the watch
I agree 💯 🤗
Nice watch, Baltany have some really stylish pieces
I agree!
Thanks for the review, John. I got the 39mm about three weeks ago and it appears that Baltany did pay attention to the feedback - the 39mm now comes with a fully brushed bracelet and a signed crowd and clasp. I went for the brown dial and I'm really enjoying it.
Nice. I am keeping the brown too 🤗
Great to see a talking head section! Fantastic review as always, John. The size looks perfect on your wrist.
Hey Harvind. Second vid I've made an appearance in now. Horror movies always have sequels right?
I bought the 36mm brown one which is currently held up at customs so that sucks! The black one looks awesome too though John and my gosh your reviews are detailed. Just love how you point out every single good and not so good on the watch. Love it!
Hiya.! It shouldn't be stuck too long and it will be worth the wait :)
The 200m water resist is a no brainer! Superb.
Thanks for the review, I have the 39mm on the way!
Good choice! 👏
Excellent review! Comparison with 50$ equivalent is a very good touch, justifies Baltany price for all that doubt. Plus the NH38, proves attention to detail by Baltany. Brown one is stunning.
Thank you. I appreciate that ☺️
Cracking piece John !
🙏
Loved the review. Subscribed.
Thank you 😊
I have tried to like the 36mm watch but on my 7 in wrist the 39mm case size is truly, as you say often, the Goldilocks size for my wrist. It's nice to see these companies listening to the consumers request which I feel is often lacking in the bigger, more familiar brand watches, that often charge a lot more for the same value. Wonderful review and one thing you brought to my attention, I never thought a signed crown was a big deal to me but once I seen the upgrade Baltany did, by signing their crown; I must say it was really a nice extra touch to the overall look to the watch.
I agree. The signed crown makes a world of difference 🤠
Nice review there John. I used your JWJ15 promo code and the final bill was £210 for the Wine Red option. My only concern was the 36mm case size, but we're similar wrist sizes and it looks great on wrist in the vid.
Thanks for the vid and TTG discount code, just saved myself £6 😊
No problem 👍
That brown dial is absolutely gorgeous, even though I'd feel the need for an espresso every time I'd look at it.
I don't like Mercedes hands in general and I think a normal baton style hour hand would have accentuated the simplicity of the design and the beautiful execution thereof.
I'd have liked the other one to be a deeper black, piano lacquer style or sunburst would've both worked for me.
I’m cursed with a very small wrist…for a man. So these smaller sized watches are great!!
I have a 114270 and still thought this watch was amazing quality and bought one.
Nice 🐱🙂
Brown dial is popping. love the curved sides.Too small for me though. Big boy wrists. 😁 Nice coopin though. Looking Groooovvvy.
Thanks for watching
The dial color is uniquely beautiful, like a mix of coffee and burgundy. The sapphire is clearly better when placed side-by-side with the cheaper watch. The rest is in line with an Alie watch at this price level. It would be nice to have an OTF bracelet. It may cost 10usd more but it is well worth it. Overall a very nice watch for slim wrists
I agree it's something Baltany could include on some models.
I’m going to wait for the clasp niggles to be improved and an on the fly adjust added, then it’s a no brainer for me 👍
No plans for an OTF clasp.
I hope they can put a purple dial like they did at their 39mm Quartz.
I wish they have the SW200 movement as an option for the 36 mm like they do with the 39 mm
I love these
🤗👌
Based on your video, it looks like you like the brown colorway better than the black. I will say the brown dial does look a lot more interesting than the black.
Do you any link for those beautiful straps ? thank you
All of my recent videos have the links in the description. They are from The Thrifty Gentleman.
Hello, this one or the Crono explorer? I'm undecided.
Thanks in advance.
Only you can decide . I have not handled the Chronos 😊
If it was 38 to 38.5mm it would be perfect size. 😊
They do it in 39. As mentioned in the video. A link to that vid is in the description.
I’d go for the brown, I think the black dial is a bit dull mat looking, probably chosen to give it a vintage look along with fauxtina.
My wife has a Cronos explorer which has an almost enamel looking black dial which to me looks better.
I love the explorer dial layout, probably my absolute favourite.
Which would you keep John, given the choice?
I am keeping the brown 🤗
@@johnswatchjoint That would be a keeper if it joined my collection 👍
Is it a self winding watch or manual😊?
Automatic
I think I might prefer the watch dives one. I don't mind the slimmer crown if its a quartz.
I wish they had gone with a brown tropical fume dial like the Smiths Commando. I loved that dial but sold it on as L2L made it a bit small for my medium wrist and it also had a horrible gappy clasp too (I hate gappy clasps).
Personally I think at that price point OTF adjust would help them sell a lot more units.
Looking at that Artem strap I wondered if you have tried the NorthStar sail cloth ones. I can't find any reviews on them?
Hi Karl. No I haven't tried those Sailcloth straps. I'll have a look ☺️
Love the brown and was very interested until you pointed out all the negatives so will probably wait until they fix them. Thanks for the review
They are just niggles but it's my job to point them out. It hasn't stopped me adding the brown one to my collection :)
Just can’t get past that bezel! I’ve not got the cash to waste, it has to be bang on for that kind of money.
I'd get the black one if it had white indices. Anything but white just doesn't work on an Explorer type dial.
Thanks for the review! In the cupboard of doom, does the brown dial lume look more vibrant than the black one?
No. They are both very potent as per the Lume section in the video.
@@johnswatchjoint thanks! Why'd you have to release this video only after the anniversary sale has ended 😭 lol
It's all down to when I receive the watches. I have done 4 videos for the Anniversary Sale which is a lot of work. I don't wear a red cape 😂
I wish Baltany would make bigger watches. I have a 39mm chrono and it does look a little small on my 7.5 inch wrist. I love Baltany watches and they make some great watches jjust a little small.
Unfortunately, they homage watches from an era when they were more traditionally sized.
Hi John - is the crown on the Baltany 36, the same size as on the 39 model? Or have they scaled down the crown. If you have both to hand please could you do a quick calliper measurement for us… else just for 36 so I can compare with my own 39.
Ta, Adam
Hi Adam. It's Easter weekend and I am travelling so I don't have my calipers. I no longer have the 39mm to compare.
If only they can make the same watch with 10mm thickness. Would really like to find the perfect thin sport watch for wearing with black sweater.
Baltany do quartz versions similar to this style :)
Not that watch, but my first Baltany is arriving today!
I'm sure you'll be very pleased 😀.
Is the Brown in your review the same as the Wine Red on their UK web site?
Yes there are only two colours. I dunno why it is described as wine red :)
Any chance you could review some Dress Watches, i do like Japanese Dress Watches like Kuoe, i Know there a bit pricey but you might be surprised,Thank You.
I have asked but so far have had no response. I cannot afford to buy it just for review...I would lose 50% in selling it :(
@@johnswatchjoint Thank you for your honesty John, keep up the great work.
No problem. The channel is making huge inroads with lots of new contacts and offers but a lot of offers are for Paid Reviews and I will not sacrifice my integrity with that. My reviews are always done in the same way regardless of whether the watch is bought, discounted or supplied for free. The playing field is therefore always level :)
A OTF adjustable clasp, would have been 100% 👍🏻
I agree 🤗
What colour are those hands? In certain lights they look gold?
It's just a trick of the light and the faux patina merging. The hands are silver :)
@@johnswatchjoint thanks so much! I live in hope of a 36mm gilt explorer like the smiths Everest. One day :)
Hi there. Does the 39mm have brushed centre links too?
Yes they have now switched from polished links :)
@@johnswatchjoint Thanks ! How would you compare this to the Cronos Explorer or a San Martin (Ranger homage )?
I just gave my impression of the Chronos a couple of weeks back
Lovely looking watch, but my god will it age badly with that bezel. A fine review as always. Where did you find the brown distressed leather strap from? Unusual
Hi there. The link to the strap store as mentioned is in the description below the video :)
@@johnswatchjoint Checked them. Strap no longer for sale.
So after my original comment, I purchased the brown dial 😅 Should be delivered in a couple of days.
Nice. Enjoy :)
Matt black dial? That’s a disappointment!
But the brown in it’s "honey-Guiness" colour looks great!
This bezel overhang is an odd choice but it is what is, as long as this edge is not sharp.
The colour of the markers is a deal breaker for me. I get that since it's a clomage, Baltany needs to look as different as possible but why not go a completely different route and make the dial white instead? I appreciate the design of "B" for the crown though.They should use it more, especially on the bracelet.
Baltany have done a few different dials and a few watches that don't follow the mold as it were. I just wish I knew who started the terms "Deal-breaker for me" and "hard pass". A term that is in itself a homage and not original ,;)
@@johnswatchjoint using everyday phrases that others commonly use and understand is basic communication, and not paying homage to anyone ;) a bit different than producing items that eerily resemble other products that are less attainable ;) Anyways, I've just thought that a white dial would look interesting; a bit of a mix of the Explorer and the Explorer 2.
I get what you are saying and I do agree. My remark about the common terms used was not directed at you btw. It's just used in every other comment I see now having only started recently. I would love to slap whoever started it haha 😆
@@johnswatchjoint No worries. None taken ;)
Shame of Baltany that clasp QC issues.
Putting circular brushing right next to vertical brushing ruins so many watches for me.
That is the way watches were traditionally finished.
I have the black dial, this looks like a dark coffee colour because of the indices. The inevitable comparison with the Rolex Explorer is unfortunate. It detracts from what is a great watch in its own right. It has the feel and looks of something much more expensive. The only thing that lets it down is the clasp which is too raised. Everything is nice and in good proportion but it is NOT an Explorer. Only a real one will scratch that itch so don't even try.
Thanks for the comment but on the Rolex itch, I did try it and it did not scratch an itch for me. These Baltany's do a fantastic job and for those who can't afford one or would never wear an overly expensive watch, like the Explorer, then this IS an option. I have a huge range of buyers on this channel, from budget to luxury and this type of watch will fit the bill for a fair few 🤗
@@johnswatchjoint Totally agree. Thankfully I have my 'icon' watch in the very affordable Hamilton Murph 38 so this Baltany is my 'Explorer' keeper and I miss it when I'm rotating my other watches and can't wait to get it back on. Baltany really is that good and I have two variants of their Dirty Dozen military field watches and they are spot on too. I got to compare my black dial with a real JLC the other day and couldn't believe that the Baltany looked better !
this or the san martin copy
Sorry but I cannot make your choices. This looks to me to be the better watch but the decision is yours 🤗
I should stop buying these cheaper watches and buy a Smiths PRS-25.🤣😉👍🏾🇬🇧
I bought three Smiths and sold them all. The crystal has a horrid opaque ring on its outer which looks awful
That rustic lume - too bad
? It performs exactly the same as the BGW9?
Fake ageing seems schmaltzy@@johnswatchjoint
Doesn’t look good, bracelet is too wide for the watch case
Is it me?
I find the dials on the chinese watches really boring.
Simple, uninspired.
Gone are the days of the 70s
when the manufactures put most of their efforts on design.
I guess the only effort is advertisement through youtube.
Not interested.
Sorry.
It is just you...bye!
Excellent review John! In hindsight it does not feel quite as bad now that the Tactical Frog store on Ali messed up my order of the WatchDive Explorer, because it will get much easier for me to motivate picking up the Baltany 36mm Explorer on the next sale
That's the spirit. Live to fight another day!