We all know that if “Swiss Made” was on the dial, an extra zero would be added to the price. It’s high time Chinese watchmakers embraced their art, didn’t use strange wording such as Interlaken etc, and said to the world “Look at what we can do!”. Once upon a time Swiss watch making copied from France & England, then overtook them to dominate the world until Japanese watch making came along. There’s no reason why China won’t be the next main players. Incidentally, I have Omega, Rolex, Longines, Seiko, Edox, Armand Nicolet plus some micro brands in my collection, and this Lobinni will sit very nicely alongside them 🙂
there are a lot of reasons why China won't be a main player ever, such as - the same reason why white people are not going to be a main player in hip-hop for example - it's a completely different race of people
The HZ 5000A still need some work, it has some issues with long term accuracy. also, for a micro-rotor movement it's rather thick, so almost impossible to use it as base for other dial configurations (e.g. adding a complication)
Perhaps it is time for these Chinese makers to embrace their origins. Just like made in Japan went fro “cheap” to “high quality” China can do it too. This is a very nice looking watch.
I feel the same as you do. I've recently ordered a San Martin SN004G and I specifically wanted the version with their logo. The style is obviously derivative, but they've done a good job so why would I want to keep their name a secret? I actually wish more serious Chinese producers would graduate from silly-sounding names or references to embracing their work and branding with pride what they have to offer.
Yeah. I accidentally ordered a sterile dial Steeldive turtle. I'd much prefer the logo version so at least it looks legitimate. It's a decent watch. Want to try a dial change on it now as my first mod attempt 🤞
I'd have more respect for them if they did. I really like some of my Chinese watches, and while I'm OK with homages I'm not OK with copies or deceptive advertising. I don't care if it's "Swiss registered" or not, it's NOT a Swiss watch and it shouldn't be, and doesn't need to be, masquerading as one.
I'm very happy you reviewed this watch. I ordered one about 3 weeks ago &it is about 2 days from being delivered. I live in the US and it cost me $183US dollars. I chose the ss case and black dial. I look forward to getting it. Thank you!
Stunning watch. Mine has been running all week at plus 2 seconds per day ! My only negative comment is that my movement has a noisy rotor, but I can live with that !
Absolutely gorgeous. The dial alone makes this watch look a lot more expensive than it is, in my opinion. At sub 40mm and 10mm thick it's a no brainer dress watch for me. Can't wait for the next Aliexpress sale!
Holy Toledo gary! This is a great watch. Very pretty, very retro, and just a pretty design. So glad to see you moving out of the sports watch category. I hope that people are purchasing it and supporting you through the links. I'm definitely considering this one. Too bad I work from home so no one ever sees my wrist except for me.
Beautiful watch with a spectacular movement!!! I can see why you went absolutely bonkers over it! Simple design is just what I’m looking for, and it would actually fit my 8 1/2” wrist! I want one!!! Great review as always Gary!!!
Great looking watch, the movement looks good and seems to run well, and the style isn't a homage to any particular brand. I would be happy to wear one of those 👍. To those who don't like the European style name, I own an Ibanez guitar made by the Japanese and it is brilliant!
I've had that one on my radar since it first "emerged" on Ali a month or so ago... After your review, I definitely think I'll succumb to its charms soon. Only problem for me is the dial colour choice. The silver/white looks great, but then again, the black is just that tad more unusual and may well the "right route" for me.
I would also gravitate toward the black, maybe a tad more interesting, modern, edgy maybe? Gary didn't even mention that it comes in 4 versions, I don't think.
Stunning movement and a very nice watch but falls into the category of one I’d buy and never wear. Just not my style but I do love the look of it. Would love to see that movement in more watches though! Fantastic review Gary!👍🏻👍🏻
Great Review Gary - Picked myself one up after your Top 10 video and totally agree with you - Spent my entire first week with it on my wrist seacrhing for new straps!
Seen the Solas Starlight? It's on kickstarter and got the same movement. And with a venturine dial. Very cool movement indeed. Hope to see more brands utilizing this 5000a! Nice watch but i'd go for the Solas. Great video, Cheers Gary 🤗
This is a beautiful watch for around $200. And the micro-rotor movement is definitely appealing. I think the microbrand you referred to is an Irish watch brand with an aventurine dial. Beautiful as well, but more expensive and even more unique, which probably limits its appeal.
I like the look, also the previous Lobinni you reviewed. Will have to do some research on those movements, as i do find them interesting and different, but if I was to pay a little more for the movements uniqueness, I do want to know it is a half decent movement. Putting a nicer strap on it (agree, it is required) also brings it to a new price point. I think it looks a little like some of the Zeppelin watches, especially in the dial fonts used and handsets. Do like the overall looks though. Thanks for bringing some more dress watches to us!!
I don’t think it’s comparable to super luxury watches polished by hands and things like that. But the difference between this Lobinni and all the other watches like under 500 dollars it’s unbelievable.
@@TheCrosbyOfChaos why should it matter if it's polished by hand and stuff if the result is the same? On top of that I was mostly referring to those that aren't like rolex, omega, jlc, etc.
I love that decoration. I wonder whether they've got a CNC machine doing it. I don't much mind the German text on the movement, but I think that putting a Swiss (or is it Michigan?) town on the dial is like putting the Broad Arrow on a piece of kit that isn't issued by the QM.
I am kind of the opposite using a city name is pretty generic ... i.e. cities like New York and Paris exude a feel, a mood and emotion .. so long as they don't call themselves Swiss using the city name of Interlaken is ok for me. However the German text on The movement (let's face it German isn't a commonly known language) could be designed to mislead that it is a German or Swiss movement to me that is a step too far - if you notice there are other symbols on there too designed I suppose to imitate the Swiss hallmarks. That said it is a nice movement so why do they feel they need to do that?
I like what lobini are doing..I'm sure I've seen this microrotor movement on another cheaper watch years ago.. but still.. these seem fantastic value, I'd have to change the strap though.
This is so great! I'm really happy the chinese finally moves into the microrotor-movements category. It's close to perfect, I just love the breguet-numerals and the hands! However with a 38mm case and no-date, it would be one step closer.
it’s absolutely amazing that the Chinese can make things like this at the prices they do. With things like this and some of the other Chinese “haute horology” brands it really makes me think Chinese watches may be the only real true value left in the watch world. the second the world becomes okay with “made in China” i can’t imagine things like this costing $200
Nice watch, at this price point are we now suggesting that this Lobini Is now at the table when deciding on a sub £200 dress watches with option like the Orient Bambino, Seagull M17, Tissor PR100, etc, etc....
Nice review! Beautiful! I like my Lobinni with moon phase and chapter ring date pointer based with ETA clone mvmt. No problems - yes changed out the strap.
Superb, being nitpicking I wished this watch had the hands blued as the ones on the Escapement Time dress watch. Any chance you get watches from Merkur? I've spotted the FOD Rallye chrono vintage that looks very nice and is not bad priced at all for a mechanical chronograph, plus very vintage sized at 38mm. Excellent review for this real orient gem.
Gary I'm watching this little marvel by months, I'm really really interested in this micro-rotor movement just to... change movement as you said, and at some point I will buy it by your affiliate link
Thanks for this video. I am waiting for mine to arrive. It looks just like the Patek minute repeater except I prefer the look of this movement. And I love the date window. It works for A. Lange. And this costs a mere 1,633 times less than the Patek which costs 50% more than my house. One commenter suggested that no one will wear it. I guess my name is No One. I also bought the Lobinni chronograph with the day, date, and month complications. That one looks very much like an A. Lange, another favorite. I think I am going to remove that animal case back and go with a display case back. For the life of me, it a watch is not a diver, I can’t figure out why all mechanical watches hide their movements. Anyway, great video.
Great review. That is a cool watch. Are you sure its 316L sainless steel? The latest craze is to cut one in half. Should we test it out? LOL. No, it is too nice of a watch to hurt it. I do like it a lot.
The problem I have with Lobinni Interlaken is the branding. An Italian name of a watch supposely developped in Switzerland, but almost 100% made in China. They should change their name into something significant of the Chinese culture.
It would be nicer if only "Lobinni" be displayed on the dial, clean and simple - regardless of the fact that the watch is Chinese and had nothing to do with Switzerland (even though I have red somewhere, that the higher-end Chinese movement manufacturers in China are actually using Swiss Watchmaking Machinery that was brought to China to produce those movements)
Love the micro rotor and the whole backside of this watch. I have a different Lobinni model and it's incredible however the only issue it has is the 6 o'clock indicator which is misaligned. I plan on getting this one as well though and hopefully it will come with no issues. I'm gonna ask for a heavy discount to make up for the issue with the first one.
After having mine for over a month, here is what I have noticed. The squeekiness that people hear from the band us actually the springbar holes being drilled too close to the case, causing the cheap gloss finish of the strap to rub against the case. I changed my strap for a suede one, eliminating the squeek, but it still rubs against the case. Since I have the "gold" version on this watch, my guess is that it will eventually rub the finish off the case. Second, the rotor sounds like plastic. If you tap the case in any place, you get a rather lound rattling/plastic sound. These issues aside, which I have seen in ZERO reviews fawning all over this watch, it's the only affordable micro rotor watch on the market and is worth it, if just not to have it. I love having an automatic that is this thin.
Really very nice watch finishing movement and dail comparing to the price in the first look its like a lang and sohne with the big different of course if u do close look between your hands
What a great looking piece! I wonder what your wrist size is, as I have pretty thin 6,25" wrists and wouldn't be sure if this is a bit too massive for me?
Parnis makes a Vacheron Constantin 1942 Triple Calendar homage that nobody talks about, Seagull 1690 movement with GMT hand, date subdial at 6, it's like a very elegant field watch, I had the cream dial which looked great on a sand canvas strap, kind of wish I hadn't sold it & you can pick them up for about £55. Tempted to get it again.
@@piquetuk thank you I'll check it out. I do have a Parnis GMT on a jubilee .. I'll see if it is the same one. Nope a different one but I do have two others in my Aliexpress inbox; W2994 and PA-2120.
Fantastic find Gary....lovely movement, hopefully will prove to be reliable. Have you put it on your time grapher? Wondering what are the numbers.... Thank you for sharing. Cheers
This is really a nice dresswatch with a very interesting movement and a beautiful crystal! It's micro rotor allows it to be very slim for an automatic watch. And the fact that its well regulated in five positions is advertised by the engraving on the back in almost correct German. I haven't seen this on any other Chinese movement! 😀 Cheers Gary!
The engraving is copied from what 'A. Lange & Söhne' put on their movements. It is certain that it's just a style element and not actually regulated to 5 positions.
This watch and movement is 100% worth the $220. In fact I bought one before I even finished your video. I believe that a lot of the HCinese movement manufacturers have been trying to make a commercially viable micro-rotor for a couple decades now and HG are the only ones who have sucessfully done so (I'm not sure if Seagull were in this race). I'm glad to see this movement finally filter into watches available to the end consumer as previously they were only being sold ebauche to kickstarters etc.
Beautiful watch but after having it for 4 months and wearing it couple of times it isn't working anymore. Got in contact with the seller but no answer yet. Fingers crossed they make it right.
@@juniorjohnson5961 No answer from the seller so the watch remains broken. I can get the watch to run if I open the back and give the balance a little bump.
I appreciate that it's not just another dive watch, and really appreciate you bringing such an interesting movement to our attention. Unfortunately, it's not really my cup of tea. I don't get display case backs and their attempts to convince people it's a Swiss watch is rather pathetic. In good conscience I can't support that.
I kinda love how the movement even emulates the german engravings on the dial, that you would find on watches made by Lange or Glashütte Original (even though "reguliertin fünf Lagen" should read "reguliert in fünf Lagen"). Thanks for the review! Still a smidgen too big for me though (especially the dial), but then again I'm a bit of a fascist when it comes to the proportions of dress watches. ;)
I wondered how long it would take AliExpress watches to start using this movement. The Solas Starlight microbrand watch that I reviewed a while back used the same movement. I can't believe you got it for free. You lucky git 😉 Great review Gary.
I feel lucky about coming across this review. I didn't know nor think there would be such a watch from Lobbini, and it's freaking gorgeous. Unlike many ppl here in the comments, I do like the dial. Specially those applied numerals and that ever so slightly sandblasted finishing and the ring texture on the seconds sub dial. Not a fan of the red 60 thought. Maybe we'll start to see Chinese manufactures that aim to resemble German watches too, and not just Swiss.
Lobinni does have a couple of Great Affordable Watches that are practically unbeatable in terms of value but the Faux 'Mushroom branding' puts quite a few people off, just like what happened with Reef Tiger.
@@possumsam2189 what happened with Reef Tiger? I actually wanna buy one watch from them. Yeah... Many people support that *mushroom brand" thing. I've never understood what does it mean or what mushrooms have todo with Chinese manufacture.
@@TheSupertecnology Mushroom brand is a term coined up to describe brands that often pop up and claim to have 'German/Swiss/French/British/American' Horological heritage but their watches were made in China or another country altogether. They oft claimed to be made and/or designed in Europe (Commonly Switzerland or Germany) and used it as their main marketing shtick to sell their watches in Intl and Chinese markets. Examples on Aliexpress include Carnival, Reef Tiger, Agelocer & Lobinni. Quite a few of these brand creators are EU/US/UK citizens themselves, contracting Chinese OEMs or Watch OEMs in other nations to cash in on their 'brand'. Some are Chinese OEMs who decide to use the same unsavoury trick. People dislike these 'Mushroom brands' mainly because of the deceptive marketing and their 'mall brand' image. It is a shame because some of their watches simply can't be beaten for the price and value.
I thought of getting one but I'm torn between this one and the San Martin GMT you have away awhile back. Also this watch would look great on a dark brown Ostrich strap.
Got mine last week. Date window is stuck. Crown movement also feels a little cheap compared to other Chinese brands imo. They said they'll fix it and I could send it back for service but still haven't heard from them.
I like it a lot, but I can't shake the feeling there's a catch somewhere... That movement with that finishing for that price? Sounds too good to be true.
The catch is you can never pretty mcuh never get this serviced. I've seen this HG micro rotor in a kickstarter (the Solas) before and it's a really cool movement, but I think it would be hell to get serviced if you don't have a good local watchmaker. EDIT: I did buy one though. haha
@@StuntpilootStef Certainly not saying it should stop anyone from buying the watch - just that if it breaks the only likely recourse is to replace the watch entirely. Other than the unknown longevity of the movement, which I think HG developed in-house rather than a copy of an existing movement, I can't see any notable drawbacks.
If this watch was being advertised by a Californian microbrand as "Affordable Luxury yadda yadda" it'd be priced in 4 figures, this thing is astonishing. But also massive out of my budget given the exchange rate between the US Dollar and my local currency.
Let me know if you’d like to have a look at the Sólás Starlight to see the difference between an Irish brand using this movement and something direct from China (pros and cons in terms of factory watches and microbrand watches 😊)
It's a beautiful watch. Thanks for your review. I looked at Lobinni's Alipress official store, the watch is on 11-11 sale with their promotion of the final price of $175. I tried several times and I just couldn't get $18 Spend & Saving discount as they promoted. May I ask how to get the discounts for the final price $175? Thanks a lot!
Many of the comments highlight how the Chinese are making inroads into the next level of horology. I believe it is inevitable that the Chinese watchmakers are going to take over the sub-$1,000 mechanical watch market with watches that are well designed, have good specifications, are well manufactured with good QC and are made to be serviced so they can be passed on just like Swiss watches of old. Most Swiss watch brands today are going in house and raising prices. Yes there are still $1,000 deals out there with Tissot and Longines offering Powermatic 80 movements for less than $1,000. But, Oris just increased the price for their Aquis by over $1,000 for their in house 400 movement over the same watch with a Selita movement. To date, many Chinese companies have focussed on Rolex, Omega etc. homages. Gary does a great job informing us about the latest Submariner and Daytona homages. And he also informs us about watches like this 1888. Here is my current watch to check out, the Parins W2997 GMT vintage style. Fabulous at under $100. And more watches are coming each month from a plethora of existign and new Chinese watchmakers. Now, if someone would make an homage to the VC Historique 1921, or the Longines I would buy both of them immediately.
The Actual Chinese companies are more focused on complications than beating the Swiss/Germans with homages. To be more precise, they had been concentrating their efforts on complications such as Reliable Automatic chronographs, Minute repeaters, multi-axis tourbillons, perpetual calendars etc. It is ultimately good for the watch enthusiasts when previously inaccessible $XXX,XXX++ complications become available to the everyman. Heck, they have already succeeded in making tourbillons, chronographs & now microrotors ultra-affordable.
Does the micro motor auto winding can provide energy for a week? Micro rotor is usually made of precious metal like platinum, gold, tungsten to compensate for its losing weight to keep winding inertia same as big rotors. It cant be platinum nor gold since $200 cant even cover the material cost. Maybe they coated the tungsten with gold tone? If they just coat the steel rotor with gold, you might need violent shake each morning to keep it from stop during the day.
Wow from me as well, I ordered one and after receiving it I found out it rattles when you tap on it, this is coming from the Micro Rotor and it's not because of it rotating, It's because it wobbles even though the screw is fully tight. Not worth the money if you ask me
We all know that if “Swiss Made” was on the dial, an extra zero would be added to the price. It’s high time Chinese watchmakers embraced their art, didn’t use strange wording such as Interlaken etc, and said to the world “Look at what we can do!”. Once upon a time Swiss watch making copied from France & England, then overtook them to dominate the world until Japanese watch making came along. There’s no reason why China won’t be the next main players. Incidentally, I have Omega, Rolex, Longines, Seiko, Edox, Armand Nicolet plus some micro brands in my collection, and this Lobinni will sit very nicely alongside them 🙂
I don't have Rolex, but I have the others! But still not a Lobinni until they are able to change their branding.
@@MrLeandroRJ the branding is horrible!
Haha you mean, add 2 zero's
there are a lot of reasons why China won't be a main player ever, such as - the same reason why white people are not going to be a main player in hip-hop for example - it's a completely different race of people
Stunning movement. Hopefully they put this movement in some different designed watches because the case and dial doesn't do much for me
The HZ 5000A still need some work, it has some issues with long term accuracy. also, for a micro-rotor movement it's rather thick, so almost impossible to use it as base for other dial configurations (e.g. adding a complication)
Poor man’s Patek?
This is incredible for the price. Also great size. Nice review Gary!
Perhaps it is time for these Chinese makers to embrace their origins. Just like made in Japan went fro “cheap” to “high quality” China can do it too. This is a very nice looking watch.
I feel the same as you do. I've recently ordered a San Martin SN004G and I specifically wanted the version with their logo. The style is obviously derivative, but they've done a good job so why would I want to keep their name a secret? I actually wish more serious Chinese producers would graduate from silly-sounding names or references to embracing their work and branding with pride what they have to offer.
That's what they're doing. You seen the rotor had a engraved dragon ☺️
Yeah. I accidentally ordered a sterile dial Steeldive turtle. I'd much prefer the logo version so at least it looks legitimate. It's a decent watch. Want to try a dial change on it now as my first mod attempt 🤞
Those that know already know. The Swiss are mostly smoke-and-mirrors and marketing hype.
I'd have more respect for them if they did. I really like some of my Chinese watches, and while I'm OK with homages I'm not OK with copies or deceptive advertising. I don't care if it's "Swiss registered" or not, it's NOT a Swiss watch and it shouldn't be, and doesn't need to be, masquerading as one.
I'm very happy you reviewed this watch. I ordered one about 3 weeks ago &it is about 2 days from being delivered. I live in the US and it cost me $183US dollars. I chose the ss case and black dial. I look forward to getting it. Thank you!
Stunning watch. Mine has been running all week at plus 2 seconds per day ! My only negative comment is that my movement has a noisy rotor, but I can live with that !
Absolutely gorgeous. The dial alone makes this watch look a lot more expensive than it is, in my opinion. At sub 40mm and 10mm thick it's a no brainer dress watch for me. Can't wait for the next Aliexpress sale!
Holy Toledo gary! This is a great watch. Very pretty, very retro, and just a pretty design. So glad to see you moving out of the sports watch category. I hope that people are purchasing it and supporting you through the links.
I'm definitely considering this one. Too bad I work from home so no one ever sees my wrist except for me.
Beautiful watch with a spectacular movement!!! I can see why you went absolutely bonkers over it! Simple design is just what I’m looking for, and it would actually fit my 8 1/2” wrist! I want one!!! Great review as always Gary!!!
Holymoly that's a gorgeous movement!
Great looking watch, the movement looks good and seems to run well, and the style isn't a homage to any particular brand. I would be happy to wear one of those 👍. To those who don't like the European style name, I own an Ibanez guitar made by the Japanese and it is brilliant!
this channel is getting better everyday
I've had that one on my radar since it first "emerged" on Ali a month or so ago... After your review, I definitely think I'll succumb to its charms soon. Only problem for me is the dial colour choice. The silver/white looks great, but then again, the black is just that tad more unusual and may well the "right route" for me.
I would also gravitate toward the black, maybe a tad more interesting, modern, edgy maybe?
Gary didn't even mention that it comes in 4 versions, I don't think.
You are absolutely right Gary, it's a great looking watch, from both sides. Not much I would change on it.
Stunning movement and a very nice watch but falls into the category of one I’d buy and never wear. Just not my style but I do love the look of it. Would love to see that movement in more watches though! Fantastic review Gary!👍🏻👍🏻
Great Review Gary - Picked myself one up after your Top 10 video and totally agree with you - Spent my entire first week with it on my wrist seacrhing for new straps!
So glad you like it!
I was literally waiting for this review
Seen the Solas Starlight? It's on kickstarter and got the same movement. And with a venturine dial. Very cool movement indeed. Hope to see more brands utilizing this 5000a! Nice watch but i'd go for the Solas. Great video, Cheers Gary 🤗
an Irish microbrand ? very interesting
This is a beautiful watch for around $200. And the micro-rotor movement is definitely appealing. I think the microbrand you referred to is an Irish watch brand with an aventurine dial. Beautiful as well, but more expensive and even more unique, which probably limits its appeal.
I really don't have a need for another dress watch , if I wanted a $200 dress watch I'd look at Seagull . Thanks for showing us nice review 👍
Thanks for sharing. V cool watch. I might buy one.
Waiting for mine. Should be here soon
I like the look, also the previous Lobinni you reviewed. Will have to do some research on those movements, as i do find them interesting and different, but if I was to pay a little more for the movements uniqueness, I do want to know it is a half decent movement. Putting a nicer strap on it (agree, it is required) also brings it to a new price point. I think it looks a little like some of the Zeppelin watches, especially in the dial fonts used and handsets. Do like the overall looks though. Thanks for bringing some more dress watches to us!!
The finish on that movement puts so many much more expensive watches to shame.
That pricepoint puts every other over-priced $XX,XXX+++ Swiss Microrotor to shame
I don’t think it’s comparable to super luxury watches polished by hands and things like that. But the difference between this Lobinni and all the other watches like under 500 dollars it’s unbelievable.
@@TheCrosbyOfChaos why should it matter if it's polished by hand and stuff if the result is the same? On top of that I was mostly referring to those that aren't like rolex, omega, jlc, etc.
biggest question stays, is this good looking movement also as accurate, solid and repairable as the more expensive counter parts?
I love that decoration. I wonder whether they've got a CNC machine doing it.
I don't much mind the German text on the movement, but I think that putting a Swiss (or is it Michigan?) town on the dial is like putting the Broad Arrow on a piece of kit that isn't issued by the QM.
I am kind of the opposite using a city name is pretty generic ... i.e. cities like New York and Paris exude a feel, a mood and emotion .. so long as they don't call themselves Swiss using the city name of Interlaken is ok for me. However the German text on The movement (let's face it German isn't a commonly known language) could be designed to mislead that it is a German or Swiss movement to me that is a step too far - if you notice there are other symbols on there too designed I suppose to imitate the Swiss hallmarks. That said it is a nice movement so why do they feel they need to do that?
I know China tends to do a lot by hand because it's cheaper but this isn't one of those situations.
I like what lobini are doing..I'm sure I've seen this microrotor movement on another cheaper watch years ago.. but still.. these seem fantastic value, I'd have to change the strap though.
Lobinno make some really classy dials, I've a few in my cart, I wish they used this micro rotor in all of them !
This is so great! I'm really happy the chinese finally moves into the microrotor-movements category. It's close to perfect, I just love the breguet-numerals and the hands! However with a 38mm case and no-date, it would be one step closer.
it’s absolutely amazing that the Chinese can make things like this at the prices they do. With things like this and some of the other Chinese “haute horology” brands it really makes me think Chinese watches may be the only real true value left in the watch world. the second the world becomes okay with “made in China” i can’t imagine things like this costing $200
Nice watch, at this price point are we now suggesting that this Lobini
Is now at the table when deciding on a sub £200 dress watches with option like the Orient Bambino, Seagull M17, Tissor PR100, etc, etc....
It’s pretty and I do like the movement but I would go with the Perpetual SC-03 if you don’t mind waiting 6 months to get it.
Nice review! Beautiful! I like my Lobinni with moon phase and chapter ring date pointer based with ETA clone mvmt. No problems - yes changed out the strap.
Superb, being nitpicking I wished this watch had the hands blued as the ones on the Escapement Time dress watch. Any chance you get watches from Merkur? I've spotted the FOD Rallye chrono vintage that looks very nice and is not bad priced at all for a mechanical chronograph, plus very vintage sized at 38mm. Excellent review for this real orient gem.
You only see a movement like that in haute horology, so I'd be excited, too!
Gary I'm watching this little marvel by months, I'm really really interested in this micro-rotor movement just to... change movement as you said, and at some point I will buy it by your affiliate link
Thank you for helping to support my channel, I do appreciate it!
Stunning watch Gary. I love it 😉
Thanks for this video. I am waiting for mine to arrive. It looks just like the Patek minute repeater except I prefer the look of this movement. And I love the date window. It works for A. Lange. And this costs a mere 1,633 times less than the Patek which costs 50% more than my house. One commenter suggested that no one will wear it. I guess my name is No One. I also bought the Lobinni chronograph with the day, date, and month complications. That one looks very much like an A. Lange, another favorite. I think I am going to remove that animal case back and go with a display case back. For the life of me, it a watch is not a diver, I can’t figure out why all mechanical watches hide their movements. Anyway, great video.
Great review. That is a cool watch. Are you sure its 316L sainless steel? The latest craze is to cut one in half. Should we test it out? LOL. No, it is too nice of a watch to hurt it. I do like it a lot.
It's a good looking watch with very nice looking movement at a fair price! I think your strap choices were excellent ! How long did it take to ship ?
Around two weeks
The problem I have with Lobinni Interlaken is the branding. An Italian name of a watch supposely developped in Switzerland, but almost 100% made in China. They should change their name into something significant of the Chinese culture.
Agreed! Their real name is Foshan Junshen
It would be nicer if only "Lobinni" be displayed on the dial, clean and simple - regardless of the fact that the watch is Chinese and had nothing to do with Switzerland (even though I have red somewhere, that the higher-end Chinese movement manufacturers in China are actually using Swiss Watchmaking Machinery that was brought to China to produce those movements)
100% agreed
Here in Switzerland (Ticino Canton) they speak Italian, even tough the Interlaken city it's on the German side.
like labotomi because thats what likely to happen
Love the micro rotor and the whole backside of this watch. I have a different Lobinni model and it's incredible however the only issue it has is the 6 o'clock indicator which is misaligned. I plan on getting this one as well though and hopefully it will come with no issues. I'm gonna ask for a heavy discount to make up for the issue with the first one.
Great looking watch, might get this in the next AE sale ☺️
After having mine for over a month, here is what I have noticed. The squeekiness that people hear from the band us actually the springbar holes being drilled too close to the case, causing the cheap gloss finish of the strap to rub against the case. I changed my strap for a suede one, eliminating the squeek, but it still rubs against the case. Since I have the "gold" version on this watch, my guess is that it will eventually rub the finish off the case.
Second, the rotor sounds like plastic. If you tap the case in any place, you get a rather lound rattling/plastic sound.
These issues aside, which I have seen in ZERO reviews fawning all over this watch, it's the only affordable micro rotor watch on the market and is worth it, if just not to have it.
I love having an automatic that is this thin.
Really very nice watch finishing movement and dail comparing to the price in the first look its like a lang and sohne with the big different of course if u do close look between your hands
Yes, yes, and yes. Why not. A thing of beauty.
What a great looking piece! I wonder what your wrist size is, as I have pretty thin 6,25" wrists and wouldn't be sure if this is a bit too massive for me?
Mine is around 7.25
Parnis makes a Vacheron Constantin 1942 Triple Calendar homage that nobody talks about, Seagull 1690 movement with GMT hand, date subdial at 6, it's like a very elegant field watch, I had the cream dial which looked great on a sand canvas strap, kind of wish I hadn't sold it & you can pick them up for about £55. Tempted to get it again.
Do you have a model number?
@@karlsenula9495 If you put PA 6086 into AliExpress you'll find it. There are a few on Ebay but not under that number, try Parnis GMT.
@@piquetuk thank you I'll check it out. I do have a Parnis GMT on a jubilee .. I'll see if it is the same one.
Nope a different one but I do have two others in my Aliexpress inbox; W2994 and PA-2120.
Amazing how good is made for the price
Is it actually a homage or is it really the design of Lobinni itself? Thank you for the great review!
Fantastic find Gary....lovely movement, hopefully will prove to be reliable. Have you put it on your time grapher? Wondering what are the numbers.... Thank you for sharing. Cheers
Yes, that was in the video...
@@ilikewatches lol...now I feel bad...this is what happens when I walk away for a couple of minutes and fail to pause....😂
Lol....don’t worry....I appreciate you watching and supporting
@@ilikewatches Thank you kindly Gary 🙏
This is really a nice dresswatch with a very interesting movement and a beautiful crystal! It's micro rotor allows it to be very slim for an automatic watch. And the fact that its well regulated in five positions is advertised by the engraving on the back in almost correct German. I haven't seen this on any other Chinese movement! 😀 Cheers Gary!
The engraving is copied from what 'A. Lange & Söhne' put on their movements. It is certain that it's just a style element and not actually regulated to 5 positions.
This watch and movement is 100% worth the $220. In fact I bought one before I even finished your video. I believe that a lot of the HCinese movement manufacturers have been trying to make a commercially viable micro-rotor for a couple decades now and HG are the only ones who have sucessfully done so (I'm not sure if Seagull were in this race). I'm glad to see this movement finally filter into watches available to the end consumer as previously they were only being sold ebauche to kickstarters etc.
What does hg stand for?
@@saadabdullah4245 HanGzhou watch movement. Maybe HZ is more accurate.
Nice movement and watch, but I wish they can rearrange movement according to center second or second at 6'clock position
Loving it!! Great review
That is a cracking beautiful watch
Beautiful watch but after having it for 4 months and wearing it couple of times it isn't working anymore. Got in contact with the seller but no answer yet. Fingers crossed they make it right.
I hope you get it sorted…
What happened with getting the watch repaired or replaced ?
@@juniorjohnson5961 No answer from the seller so the watch remains broken. I can get the watch to run if I open the back and give the balance a little bump.
Very affordable micro rotor I would say. Is it actual geneva stripes or just stickers? Thanks for the review 👍
That movement 😍🤩
Great review! I wanna wear that watch backwards...
Lol...I should have done that in the review!
that a nice watch that movement wow looks nice cheers
I appreciate that it's not just another dive watch, and really appreciate you bringing such an interesting movement to our attention. Unfortunately, it's not really my cup of tea. I don't get display case backs and their attempts to convince people it's a Swiss watch is rather pathetic. In good conscience I can't support that.
I kinda love how the movement even emulates the german engravings on the dial, that you would find on watches made by Lange or Glashütte Original (even though "reguliertin fünf Lagen" should read "reguliert in fünf Lagen"). Thanks for the review! Still a smidgen too big for me though (especially the dial), but then again I'm a bit of a fascist when it comes to the proportions of dress watches. ;)
The dark grey strap at the end look best to me
That watch hits the sweet spot 👍
That is a style of watch that would look better without any name or logo ...I like the m
I wondered how long it would take AliExpress watches to start using this movement. The Solas Starlight microbrand watch that I reviewed a while back used the same movement. I can't believe you got it for free. You lucky git 😉 Great review Gary.
When are going to hit up watch manufactures about getting freebies for reviews?
@@NathanChisholm041 I've been trying.
Well worth the money imo.
Looks very classy.
I feel lucky about coming across this review. I didn't know nor think there would be such a watch from Lobbini, and it's freaking gorgeous. Unlike many ppl here in the comments, I do like the dial. Specially those applied numerals and that ever so slightly sandblasted finishing and the ring texture on the seconds sub dial. Not a fan of the red 60 thought. Maybe we'll start to see Chinese manufactures that aim to resemble German watches too, and not just Swiss.
Lobinni does have a couple of Great Affordable Watches that are practically unbeatable in terms of value
but the Faux 'Mushroom branding' puts quite a few people off, just like what happened with Reef Tiger.
@@possumsam2189 what happened with Reef Tiger? I actually wanna buy one watch from them. Yeah... Many people support that *mushroom brand" thing. I've never understood what does it mean or what mushrooms have todo with Chinese manufacture.
@@TheSupertecnology Mushroom brand is a term coined up to describe brands that often pop up and claim to have 'German/Swiss/French/British/American' Horological heritage but their watches were made in China or another country altogether.
They oft claimed to be made and/or designed in Europe (Commonly Switzerland or Germany) and used it as their main marketing shtick to sell their watches in Intl and Chinese markets.
Examples on Aliexpress include Carnival, Reef Tiger, Agelocer & Lobinni.
Quite a few of these brand creators are EU/US/UK citizens themselves, contracting Chinese OEMs or Watch OEMs in other nations to cash in on their 'brand'.
Some are Chinese OEMs who decide to use the same unsavoury trick.
People dislike these 'Mushroom brands' mainly because of the deceptive marketing and their 'mall brand' image.
It is a shame because some of their watches simply can't be beaten for the price and value.
great watch and great review!!
Wowow..im impressed! ❤️
Great movement with the accuracy of a quartz, well almost. Still would like a much better dial. Sweet all the same
I thought of getting one but I'm torn between this one and the San Martin GMT you have away awhile back. Also this watch would look great on a dark brown Ostrich strap.
I almost love this. There's just a bit too much ink at the small seconds for me. Spoils the minimalist look of the rest of the dial.
Got mine last week. Date window is stuck. Crown movement also feels a little cheap compared to other Chinese brands imo. They said they'll fix it and I could send it back for service but still haven't heard from them.
Please email me at oldmantimegary@gmail.com so I can give you an email address of a reliable contact....
Thanks, I will contact you. 😃
Do you know what the rotor is made of? When it's so small, it needs to be extra heavy to be efficient at winding the watch.
I don’t but it is quite thick
Oooo my giddy aunt that is nice!!
A little watch that looks big.
I like it a lot, but I can't shake the feeling there's a catch somewhere... That movement with that finishing for that price? Sounds too good to be true.
The catch is you can never pretty mcuh never get this serviced. I've seen this HG micro rotor in a kickstarter (the Solas) before and it's a really cool movement, but I think it would be hell to get serviced if you don't have a good local watchmaker. EDIT: I did buy one though. haha
@@Tangylives Nobody is claiming this is an heirloom. And you wouldn't service it anyway, it would cost more than the watch.
@@StuntpilootStef Certainly not saying it should stop anyone from buying the watch - just that if it breaks the only likely recourse is to replace the watch entirely. Other than the unknown longevity of the movement, which I think HG developed in-house rather than a copy of an existing movement, I can't see any notable drawbacks.
beautiful video thanks
If the seconds hand is at the middle bottom, I'd buy it.
I'm afraid if i ask someone to look at my lobinii they'll call the police !
If this watch was being advertised by a Californian microbrand as "Affordable Luxury yadda yadda" it'd be priced in 4 figures, this thing is astonishing. But also massive out of my budget given the exchange rate between the US Dollar and my local currency.
How is it working now ? Still good ? I am
Thinking of buying one any advice please ?
Excelent review as alwas.
Let me know if you’d like to have a look at the Sólás Starlight to see the difference between an Irish brand using this movement and something direct from China (pros and cons in terms of factory watches and microbrand watches 😊)
Do be cautious with those magnetic clasp straps around your mechanical watches.
Added to cart, thanks for the review
Does the micro rotor adds power to the mechanism or just decorates the movement?
It is a fully functioning micro rotor
It's a beautiful watch. Thanks for your review. I looked at Lobinni's Alipress official store, the watch is on 11-11 sale with their promotion of the final price of $175. I tried several times and I just couldn't get $18 Spend & Saving discount as they promoted. May I ask how to get the discounts for the final price $175? Thanks a lot!
Many of the comments highlight how the Chinese are making inroads into the next level of horology. I believe it is inevitable that the Chinese watchmakers are going to take over the sub-$1,000 mechanical watch market with watches that are well designed, have good specifications, are well manufactured with good QC and are made to be serviced so they can be passed on just like Swiss watches of old. Most Swiss watch brands today are going in house and raising prices. Yes there are still $1,000 deals out there with Tissot and Longines offering Powermatic 80 movements for less than $1,000. But, Oris just increased the price for their Aquis by over $1,000 for their in house 400 movement over the same watch with a Selita movement. To date, many Chinese companies have focussed on Rolex, Omega etc. homages. Gary does a great job informing us about the latest Submariner and Daytona homages. And he also informs us about watches like this 1888. Here is my current watch to check out, the Parins W2997 GMT vintage style. Fabulous at under $100. And more watches are coming each month from a plethora of existign and new Chinese watchmakers. Now, if someone would make an homage to the VC Historique 1921, or the Longines I would buy both of them immediately.
The Actual Chinese companies are more focused on complications than beating the Swiss/Germans with homages.
To be more precise, they had been concentrating their efforts on complications such as Reliable Automatic chronographs,
Minute repeaters, multi-axis tourbillons, perpetual calendars etc.
It is ultimately good for the watch enthusiasts when previously inaccessible $XXX,XXX++ complications become available to the everyman.
Heck, they have already succeeded in making tourbillons, chronographs & now microrotors ultra-affordable.
Does the micro motor auto winding can provide energy for a week? Micro rotor is usually made of precious metal like platinum, gold, tungsten to compensate for its losing weight to keep winding inertia same as big rotors. It cant be platinum nor gold since $200 cant even cover the material cost. Maybe they coated the tungsten with gold tone? If they just coat the steel rotor with gold, you might need violent shake each morning to keep it from stop during the day.
There are two other brands that used this movement.
One legacy brand, Shanghai Zuanshi
One Microbrand, Solas.
I’ve got to pick this one up!
Merci für dies interresante Video, ich habe beide Uhren vor einer Woche bestellt, diese Uhren sind ihr Geld wahrlich Wert 😊
Nice price drop for 11-11 to $182.00. Tempting.
Grabbed one, came out at like $164 after the $3 off every $30 deal. Can't wait! Was between that and the panda Sugess chronograph.
Swiss watch with similar dial and usual SW200 (maybe with decorated rotor) will cost three times as much. So, how is it possible not to like it?
Nice watch, but putting "Interlaken" on there is kind of embarrassing.
How comes?
@@andrei-cosmin.popa85 😁😁😁
@@Zzutubez because Lobinni isn't based in Interlaken, and it makes them look bad.
Thank you!👍
Fun fact - apparently the first watch which used a microrotor was a “Universal Geneve” in 1955
Es un reloj muy interesante y atractivo, de tamaño ideal, hermosa maquinaria, 100% chino, si pudiera lo compraría👍
Wow from me as well, I ordered one and after receiving it I found out
it rattles when you tap on it, this is coming from the Micro Rotor and it's
not because of it rotating, It's because it wobbles even though the screw
is fully tight.
Not worth the money if you ask me
That’s a real shame....