I have a Submariner, but I bought it at a time when you could walk in and buy them without the nonsense involved nowadays. There's no way I'd jump through the hoops required now when there's so much other choice out there.
Elitist crap. I'll never join a country club and I'll never own a Rolex. If I ever have that kind money to burn a Grand Seiko will do just fine. And I'm unlikely to get mugged!
I'm with you on Benyar watches. After I discovered that their "stainless steel" cases were anything but, I haven't reviewed any since and warn people about them.
Marc at Long Island is awesome. I slipped while installing one of his bracelets on one of my watches and had to chew up the spring bar to remove it. I sent him a message just confirm the actual springbar type to buy and he just sent me new ones. Incredibly great guy and I’ll be buying my next watch from him. If I can decide.
Gary - per other comments, the transparency and honesty is appreciated. Regarding Islander watches, completely understand your “lose, lose” perspective but suggest you buy a couple over time and experience them (knowing that you’re not going to produce content on them), by all means sell them through your eBay store (suspect you would not lose a huge amount); because then you would be in an informed position to knowingly reference them in other reviews/conversations rather than having a “blind spot” in your knowledge/experience. They bump up so closely against the core of your content that it seems a shame not to have them as a reference point. V best
The main thing i got from this sit down chat is honesty ...if your not honest in your reviews the word get out, you lose credibiltity and viewers.Always stay true to yourself and say what you really think. It is actually refreshing to hear a reviewer tell people what they will not review and why.
I understand the Vostok during this time but I have both a komandierski and an Amphibia both of which I have slightly modded and they are great. Old but in house movement, long history and very inexpensive.
They are really good watches. I had a Komandiersky with an automatic movement as my first mechanical watch for many years. It is sad that P. has dragged europe to another unjustified war ( not that any war is justified...). Anyway, since there are many Vostok watches in the used market (or new old stock) outside of Russia I think they deserve a review. I have seen many offered by Ukrainian sellers as well.
@@BigMek456 Well, just as before the war. It might take some time more but it is the same procedure. During the last year I have made a couple purchases from Ukraine without a problem. (I also have to state that I am in Greece, as most youtube viewers tend to automaticaly think every viewer is american or british 😒)
@@vasilis_k_97 Ukraine isnt under western sanctions atm. Russia is. Also Im pretty sure someone with a Greek name isnt easily mistaken for an American lol
I look at the "made in" sticker when possible nowadays. We sell millions and millions of products with a made in an undesirable place sticker on it. The customers ask about it all of the time, and I have to explain the packaging in made overseas....corporate is aware of the issue.
Pagani is interesting to me. I got one with a gift card just for a Daytona homage but when I saw what I got for the price I was hooked and now own 20 Pagani watches. I might have went overboard and probably could have gotten two or three respectable watches instead but Pagani helped me learn a lot about watches and movements. I also own a couple Seiko and Bulova. I live about an hour from Marks shop in Long Island but haven't been there yet. I do like a lot of his watches and being a local it only makes sense I should own one. Maybe this coming holiday season I'll take a trip out and pick up an Islander watch. 😎👍
I now own 7 or 8 Pagani Design watches and I bought a BB58 homage with black face and red bezel and its bloody beautiful.....all the way around......the only thing I do NOT like is that its 42mm and not 40mm. I have one of their 'Sub' homages in green/green that I just LOVE. Their Datona homage is one of the only quartz watches I own(other than several vintage G-Shocks) and its marvelous....for the $$$. The Surgess Daytona homage is in my future I think.
Long island watches are the watches seiko should have made. Saphire crystal, solid links, solid end links, milled clasp, screw pins and loads of options. Plus communication with Mark is very pleasant and profesional. Great value for the money. Only problem is UK impoert tax.....
Having seen what you've been though over the years, I completely understand your approach to Pagani Design... As for Mark at Long Island Watch, send him one of yours!
Great video Gary, appreciate your honesty. I agree with you on all except for Long Island (Marc). I think regardles of feedback resulting from your review, i believe this is a brand desering your attention and review time, i know Marc will appreciate it no matter the feedback as he is an honest and straight shooter. Having Long Island in this list doesn't seem right to me. Just my 2 cents. Thank you again.
Check out Marc's recent neutral review of the Clive Cussler Doxa (a brand he doesn't carry). He also did some features on the new electrostatic Accutrons a while ago I believe. But yeah, Marc is one of the nicest guys in the industry.
I’ve got to agree about Rolex. I saw a Black Sub in a Shop window this morning and thought it was underwhelming. Having seen so many reviews of homages, it didn’t stand out as a Quality Watch. I’d be very disappointed if I’d bought one.
My dad bought a Roller Sub back in about 1981 or 82 and it was the one I really like...black face and two tone stainless/gold bracelet......he was pissed because it wouldnt keep time.....he got rid of it and bought a Cartier......the chump......lol
Man bush.. Lolol😂 Good list, I don't agree on the Pagani Gary. Pagani aren't making motor cars and this is not the only instance of a different product using an auto makers name and even other types of industries. Mercedes Chocolatier of Finland are not related to Mercedes, and Mercedes Benz ALSO have class 14 and indeed class 30 which is for food products. It doesn't make Mercedes chocolates of Finland fake chocolates even though you can get Mercedes car branded foods, beer, chocolates etc at the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart, (well worth a visit by the way!) Many large organizations own every single trademark class as a matter of form, though if they don't take advantage of that by making and selling something in that class, it opens it to others....and talking of Form, that Formex watch is using a trademark of a company that makes concrete products for bridge construction called Formex. I remembered that from my summer work experience in college! My wife is a commercial lawyer and I asked her about this. She has handled some related cases. She said, if a company doesn't exercise it's right to make something specifically under a class it registers, for example if Pagani Motors never made a watch or licensed the making of a watch, after a period of years depending on the jurisdiction, the class becomes what's called "open". It can be a grey area but if Pagani Motors never made watches, and Chinese Pagani did it first, the Pagani is not fake unless a court decides it is, and that hasn't happened as far as I know anyway. A funny memory. Back in 2004 when on my round the world backpacking trip, in Cambodia, I found on a roadside stall a deodorant called Rolex! 😂😂😂 As for Vostok I've no problem. Would you not buy an iPhone because America and it's allies killed almost a million people in Iraq after lying that they had weapons of mass destruction?
I’ve spoken to representatives at PD about their issue and even they acknowledge that it’s a problem which is why they have tried a number of other brand names but unfortunately none of them have worked. The Pagani Design branded watches sell so well now that they are just continuing while they can…
@@ILikeWatches2 Thanks Gary! Good to know. As they're still selling them and they're not getting confiscated by customs which will often happen to fakes, it's likely that if Pagani of Italy don't start making watches they'll probably be ok for a while. I do think there's a big difference in a fake Rolex and a Pagani as there is no Italian Pagani watch. But I see your point! 🙂
I wouldn’t class them as fakes because they aren’t trying to make it look like they are watches made by the car company…customs will not be aware of any trademark infringement unless the car company starts to address the issue. I personally can’t risk reviewing them because from a legal standpoint they are technically fakes. Believe it or not, AliExpress brands do trademark their names, Pagani Design haven’t because they can’t. No trademark agency would allow it. They would all almost certainly be telling Pagani Design that it’s too close to the name trademarked by the car company.
I absolutely love your channel! Yours was the first one I started watching that really got me interested in Chinese/AliExpress watches. I bought my first AliExpress watch, a San Martin because of your review. I haven't looked back. I'm at about 40+ watches now thank you very much! Things have kind of changed over the years .Watch channels seem to concentrate on certain brands. San Martin and Cronos are two of the big ones for you. Other channels seem to concentrate on other brands. I watch a lot of different channels now to get a broad spectrum of all the different brands and new releases. No one channel is the go to place now for all AliExpress watches. I love Titanium watches and Titanium watches are really popular now and other channels are really covering these watches. It's really not possible to review everything. I think you do a great job and NO, do not review Rolex!
I think you're overthinking the "Islander" situation, Gary. You've more than established that you're an unbiased reviewer, so why would people immediately assume your review of an Islander watch would be inherently biased??? I have their GMT (ISL-139) and it's a fantastic watch!!! If you're interested in the brand, review it. I've been debating picking up his skin diver as well (ISL-179). Marc's been teasing a new, affordable GMT, and I'm excited to see what he comes out with.
My Matic is the only watch that I have bought that has failed. Some say that I shouldn't have hand wound a PT5000. I would say if you can't hand wind a watch it is not fit for purpose.
It's good to be clear about these things. Vostok, so sad, nice watches, but I won't buy since the war 😥. Bremont are quite open about their history, I went on a tour of their factory and it was very good. They are enthusiastic and the only company really trying to bring large scale watch manufacturing back to the UK. They are expensive, so I wouldn't expect you to buy for review, but should they offer to lend one, I think you should accept, I would love to see an independent review of the brand.
I'm conflicted on Rolex I guess. I'm old enough to remember when they were still inexpensive enough to be a real tool watch. Like when Land Rover Defenders were a real utility vehicle. I appreciate what both companies have done with pushing their branding upmarket but neither resonates with me anymore.
Pls revew for us the well made watches of Venezianico Italy . They are utilizing sellita ,soprod and Nh movements. I believe they deserve your honest revews. With great appreciation Nizar
Good video Gary. Your honesty is very important for us to understand what you are thinking. It's appreciated because I have been watching your channels for some years now, and i like to hear your thoughts on watches. Your my online watch buddy who fixes me up on proper watches that are actually good. You don't need to change. You give back to us more than any other reviewer. You have my respect 😊
The Great Lakes were an area that saw many battles between the British, French and the newly formed American army that were formerly British. Wayne County where Detroit lies is named after General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. There are many buildings named after him in the Great Lakes region. Many bones of many British soldiers are lying in this southern Michigan counties as well as Ohio. One day they are walking the streets of Manchester and London, the next day they are on a ship to America and then dying a horrible death in the Great Lakes region. Then a hundred years later all three of these enemies became the strongest of allies in WW1 and WW2.
100% agree on your remarks about Mark at Long Island. Yes he’s does obviously have a vested interest in selling watches. In particular with his own line. Having said that I did buy one of his Islanders about 18 months ago & it was/is a extremely well built, well finished watch! Absolutely can’t criticize his dedication to making fantastic watches! 👏🏼 As for Rolex, again we all know the games they’re playing. Yes I’d have one yesterday but I’m not gonna wait & grovel to any AD for the so called privilege!
Second comment: for brands that have *bad* branding, I'd still like a review on it. Leave it up to the viewer to decide if they can get over the name Tactical Frog, Oktopus Kracken, Mysterious Code, Parnis and so on. Especially since some of those brands represent really good values. Can the prices/quality overcome the brand name? Personally, I bought a Parnis and it was the best looking watch I've received from AE but the movement came dead and their CS has been meh (idk what my expectations should be--I haven't gotten the watch replaced yet--been offered money to fix it, and been offered a new movement). I also got a Mysterious Code and it's the same exact quality of a pagani design.
Man bush 😂😂 That's a new one Gary! Maybe if they called it a Brazilian it would have done better! 😝 I got one of those Benyars once a few years ago and got a skin rash. Thankfully it was around the wrist, not the manbush. On your note regards Pagani, I do own one only. I liked the red Swatch Mars watch but I couldn't bring myself to wearing plastic so I have one Pagani. The new red one with the sapphire crystal and sapphire bezel with the Seiko mecaquartz and it's really a fantastic watch. I can understand but it's not as if they're copying an Italian Pagani watch. Legal things aside it's not as if they're selling another branded watch with the same name. I'd never wear a counterfeit watch but you can't counterfeit a watch that doesn't exist. This isn't really a cut and dried situation in my non legal opinion. I just read the other man's comment about Mercedes and the Finland Mercedes chocolate company and it's not black and white. By the way he mentioned the museum. I live in Stuttgart, and a bit of tourism promotion now, ANYONE interested in the history of cars who wants to see some of the most beautiful and amazing automobiles should take a day for the Mercedes Benz Museum and another day for the Porsche Museum also here in Stuttgart. Now I've done my best to help tourism in our recession hit Germany! Great channel my friend. I do have mostly higher priced watches from Omega, IWC Schaffhausen, and medium price like Laco, Tissot etc, but I've discovered that you can get some nice watches at good prices if you really look hard on Ali Express. Of course I made a mistake with the Benyar it looked almost too good to be true and it was!!
Ha ha I can just see a phone call next week from an AD, ah hello Gary your much awaited Rolex is here waiting for you. I’m with you I’d buy it even though the mrs would be having kittens. It’s win win situation. What a review that would be. I’m with you on the Vostocks. I own five or six and spares to make a couple more, I love them but I can’t be dealing with Russian companies with what’s going on at the moment. Keep it up mate, it’s appreciated.
Thank you for being honest Gary. The thing abt Islander watches is that they're awesome. I have the dlc monster with the carbon dial and it's the best monster, even compared to seiko, ever produced. I love Marc and i know he's a salesman but i also know every brand he sells is a good brand like phoibos and spinnaker. I did notice that he is honest abt the brands he sells and points out all the specs, even if it's negative. Some reviewers conveniently leave out those specifics. Especially on paid promotion. Would like to see you review watches you like and you're passionate abt. Even if they're not perfect or not my own personal taste. I watch your channel bc i love the channel..😊
Gary you will not get a call from the Rolex AD. You have to have a buying record for other watches in the Rolex range before you will even be considered for a sub, that's the Rolex way, you can't get any of their watches that are not a standard model until you have bought other watches from the catalogue.
When going into a Rolex AD, dress more formal, they will happily sell to you. If you go in dressed in jeans t shirt and running shoes they will ignore you no matter how much money you have. I’m just a messenger don’t hate me for the inside info.
Really great video Gary, i admire your honesty, i have a watch from that list you would not want to review, and its not the most inexpensive, take care mate.
Ha, your comment about Rolexes not holding up under macro! I laughed out loud. My Rolex Explorer 214270 (bought new from an AD in 2020) has lint/lume on the dial! Can you believe it? I need to take it back to the AD I suppose. Just not got around to it. By contrast, a Pagani Design I bought the same year had a pristine dial!
There a few brands on Ali I kind of like, but I just wouldn't buy them. It's too much of a trust, or lack of, issue. I'm OK with parts : bracelets, straps, clasps, etc.. . I'm OK with shirts, hoodies, t-shirts. Watches, no.
The problem Marc at Long Island would have producing independent reviews is he would constantly be accused of bias, especially if he said something negative. I do believe he is upfront with what he does and I generally see his channel as more of a here is what we have done.
I followed Bremont for a long time, affordable watches, 2824 inside (but called something else) but never quite there, waiting for that design tweak. Then almost overnight you're heading into Omega territory for the standard models with umpteen " special ediitions" for £40,000. The Rolex business model (as with most companies) is mainly about making money not watches. When they started writing Rolex around the chapter ring I lost interest. Interesting what you said about Formex, they make a big thing of the floating sub chassis for extra comfort.
Didnt expect Formex to be on this list. I have two formex watches and they are my most comfortable and best looking watches. But i also never saw the clasp you showed before. The patented carbon fiber one I bought from formex is very good and comfortable
What was the reason you misspelled their name? It seems that you didn't want them to know that you are telling people to purchase their watches. It have two and they are great! Never had your problems at all.
Benyar has been great for me so far, excellent quality for the price. PD offers insane value for money as long as you are smart enough to avoid their bad watches. When I pay less than $60 for a watch I refuse to be petty and vindictive about it. FORMEX, I've hear nothing but good things about Formex too, It's one of those very few international SWISS brand that offers great value for money. Bremont is way too overrated imo along side with Islander watches. Also I hate fashion brands. VOSTOK is a great Russian brand btw.
I have half a dozen Vostok watches....not the 'Vostok Europe' ones, the real ones.....and they are......just stupid good. I have a 24hr komandirskie that just makes me laugh when I wear it.....its interesting how may times I get that ".....wutkinda watch IZAT???....." and have to explain that the hour hand only goes around once a day... it a 24 hour watch....and the blank stare is your cue to just keep going....LOL
What does make me laugh is when some hate on fashion watches say Armani or Hugo Boss because they are ripping people off putting there name on a watch and doubling the price when in a way that’s what Rolex are doing. People buy them for silly prices, are they really that much better than say Omega? The ultimate fashion watch in a way. I know Rolex make great watches but the prices are ridiculously inflated just for the name and false rarity!
I had the same experience with Ali Express and didn’t get my money back despite several attempts. I am now very reluctant to order more watches from Ali Express as they fobbed me off and the seller just ignored my claim staying it had been delivered to the ‘Post Office!
I bought one of Marks' original Monster homages, the bezel action was so bad I gave the watch away to a kid at work, my seventeen year old Monster still has better bezel action, worn as it is.
Remember AVI-8 guys? They were very popular on youtube several years ago, but now much less so. I thought they had some decent watches, but never pulled the trigger on one.
Agree on Rolex as a brand becoming less popular with good people. I’m on a lot of watch forums and the owners manner is similar to the 80-90’s BMW yuppie brigade. Obnoxiously arrogant. Bremont I quite like. It may be a brand with a faux history, but if you can look past that and go to their boutiques and get your hands on the product, they are beautifully made. It’s a brand I’d like to own one day.
I honestly believe that some of these Rolex forum commenters actually have the Rolex logo sitting on top of a shrine. You mention one negative about their pagan Rolex god and they will lose it on you.
Bremont- I'm sure they did a design thing with that famous horologist Ronnie Wood, yes , of The Rolling Stones ( I wish I heard that suggestion 1st hand - probably at a Formula 1 racetrack pit, or at Goucho's bar). Te: Islander- buy 1 & wear it for x months & just say ,'yes or no worth it' ( short & not on depth but ..).
Only one i disaster with you, is Formax. On steel no issues. Didnt have the wrist problems on a strap. But I do respect your reason. Its not a cheap watch and causes discomfort your reasons are correct.
My biggest issue is that they paid a reviewer to review it and they blatantly lied in their review plagiarising the Formex promotional material in their review. Supremely comfortable my arse!
@@ILikeWatches2 That is probably more common than we all know. I think I‘ve seen only one video on the CW “Twelve” that did not sound like a paid one. One big channel had not even handled the watch in the flesh and talked it up like it was the best thing since sliced bread. So I’m really happy about your refreshing honesty.
New to the hobby, nice to see the up front honesty on display. All of your explanations were valid and well explained. As I said, new to this and still weeding my way through sites, deciding on ones I feel I can trust, or not. Glad to know that you're not a "horology whore" giving good reviews for free watches of questionable quality from whatever company supplies them to you. I enjoy your delivery and overall presentation style. You inform in a peer to peer manner that is very comfortable. Keep up the good wok.
Really understandable reasoning. I agree about Marc and LIW. I, too, think he's doing great work over there and his engineering experience gives him a unique perspective. Also... Vostok. I purchased two of them 4+ years ago and have been tempted to bin them. I haven't but I also don't wear them any more.
A watch brand, from your home town, which is gradually returning design and manufacturing of high end watchmaking to the UK. Got to be worth a bit of respect.
Has been entertaining listening to this. I think actually you might get over Bremont and Island watches. There is no real reason not to, as a well-rounded reviewer. I am not very keen on Bremont design, but I do like that they use (some) Horage movements now. The only brand outside of Horage, to my knowledge. I don't fully understand the Formex situation, but ultimately an honest review should always win. I now, obviously, feel deprived of knowing more about Manbush... That was predictable.
I will not select a Rolex from Rolex to purchase. Why? I choose the watch brand .... the watch brand doesn't choose me. Therefore I nominate the anointed at Rolex the bud light Award.
Gary, just like the reviews the insight into many/some brands you've reviewed. I've bought quite a few homage watches, but there are some outstanding micro brands on sale out there, mostly impressed on what I've received overall. Just keep doing what you're doing. I'd love to meet up for a coffee/tea at some point locally?
Hi Gary ,I wish you would get one of Marc’s Islander watches in for a review. Let’s be honest any watch you review will have pros/cons but at least with your reviews it would be honestly done,so no bullxxxx then it’s up the your subscribers if they buy one or not. Islander is on my bucket list however the pound shillings and pence isn’t 😂😂
I have 3 color variations of the Northport from Islander. Mark and his team did a great job and really think you should pick one up for yourself. Even if you don't review it, they are that nice that I think you would get a lot of personal enjoyment from having one.
I'm curious why PD is on the list. There must be a story behind that decision, which we would enjoy hearing. I have two of their watches and one is excellent, PD-1701. The other, PD-1644, is a very recent purchase that was underwhelming at first, but has since grown on me. In fact, on the back of its growing charm, I'm compelled to buy the PD-1676. I was not keen that they advertise the PD-1644 model that I purchased as having a meteorite dial, when, in fact it is not made of that material. But, for the money, it's inappropriate for me to be upset, since the execution of the dial is still nicely done and is more unique than less. Perhaps you'll share your reasoning about why you do not review that brand.
I might make a video on it…but basically they don’t own the name..they can’t trademark it because the car company owns it even for watches so they are technically fakes
@@ILikeWatches2 Pagani Design Watch Properties is copyrighted, if not trademarked. Pagani is merely a surname. There was a kerfuffle a couple of years ago, prompting the temporary name change, but the name has since returned and, it seems Pagani Automobili S.p.A. doesn't want the headache.
This doesn’t stop UA-cam from deleting my videos or channel when my troll points this out to UA-cam…I don’t care about legality I only care about preserving my hard work
@@ILikeWatches2 I heard that. Fortunately, I have not had this troll see my small channel. I have unboxed two PDs and shall be unboxing a third once the package arrives. Ironically, you'd think the troll would take issue with the fact that PD is blatantly homaging watches from brands that are more well known and larger companies than the automobile company. Funny how they pick and choose the battles they fight.
Mark's started to review stuff he isn't selling, or at least was testing the waters for that seeing if his subscribers were interested in that content, so you may well get your wish
I can afford a Rolex but refuse to do so, any brand that basically says I'm not good enough to buy their product won't ever get my custom.
im with you on that
I have a Submariner, but I bought it at a time when you could walk in and buy them without the nonsense involved nowadays. There's no way I'd jump through the hoops required now when there's so much other choice out there.
The fan boys will just throw in the’you can’t afford one’ comment. It seems to be the standard reply to anyone who gives an opinion similar to yours.
Elitist crap. I'll never join a country club and I'll never own a Rolex.
If I ever have that kind money to burn a Grand Seiko will do just fine. And I'm unlikely to get mugged!
Very well said , only insecure people need a logo .
I'm with you on Benyar watches. After I discovered that their "stainless steel" cases were anything but, I haven't reviewed any since and warn people about them.
Marc at Long Island is awesome. I slipped while installing one of his bracelets on one of my watches and had to chew up the spring bar to remove it. I sent him a message just confirm the actual springbar type to buy and he just sent me new ones. Incredibly great guy and I’ll be buying my next watch from him. If I can decide.
Gary - per other comments, the transparency and honesty is appreciated. Regarding Islander watches, completely understand your “lose, lose” perspective but suggest you buy a couple over time and experience them (knowing that you’re not going to produce content on them), by all means sell them through your eBay store (suspect you would not lose a huge amount); because then you would be in an informed position to knowingly reference them in other reviews/conversations rather than having a “blind spot” in your knowledge/experience. They bump up so closely against the core of your content that it seems a shame not to have them as a reference point. V best
That’s a really good comment and point of view…I’ll consider it
The main thing i got from this sit down chat is honesty ...if your not honest in your reviews the word get out, you lose credibiltity and viewers.Always stay true to yourself and say what you really think. It is actually refreshing to hear a reviewer tell people what they will not review and why.
Im pretty sure Vostok are as much to blame for the war as the chinese factories are for the kung flu
It’s not quite the same but I get your point
Who wouldn't want a Manbush on their wrist? 😂
Or a MuffDiver watch.
@@maninthestreet01 I'd proudly wear one of those! I've got a nine inch tongue and can breathe through my ears.
Non-english speaker here. Dictionnary doesn’t include the word. Meaning is?
@@cedarcanoe Untrimmed, untamed and overgrown male p*bic hair.
@@cedarcanoe
Male genitalia.
Hands up who wants a Man Bush review 😂 🙋
I understand the Vostok during this time but I have both a komandierski and an Amphibia both of which I have slightly modded and they are great. Old but in house movement, long history and very inexpensive.
They are really good watches. I had a Komandiersky with an automatic movement as my first mechanical watch for many years. It is sad that P. has dragged europe to another unjustified war ( not that any war is justified...). Anyway, since there are many Vostok watches in the used market (or new old stock) outside of Russia I think they deserve a review. I have seen many offered by Ukrainian sellers as well.
And how exactly would you import these watches?
@@BigMek456 Well, just as before the war. It might take some time more but it is the same procedure. During the last year I have made a couple purchases from Ukraine without a problem. (I also have to state that I am in Greece, as most youtube viewers tend to automaticaly think every viewer is american or british 😒)
@@vasilis_k_97 Ukraine isnt under western sanctions atm. Russia is. Also Im pretty sure someone with a Greek name isnt easily mistaken for an American lol
I look at the "made in" sticker when possible nowadays. We sell millions and millions of products with a made in an undesirable place sticker on it. The customers ask about it all of the time, and I have to explain the packaging in made overseas....corporate is aware of the issue.
Hey Gary, I think you should do a review on a “Muffdiver” watch! Real brand!😂
Pagani is interesting to me. I got one with a gift card just for a Daytona homage but when I saw what I got for the price I was hooked and now own 20 Pagani watches. I might have went overboard and probably could have gotten two or three respectable watches instead but Pagani helped me learn a lot about watches and movements. I also own a couple Seiko and Bulova. I live about an hour from Marks shop in Long Island but haven't been there yet. I do like a lot of his watches and being a local it only makes sense I should own one. Maybe this coming holiday season I'll take a trip out and pick up an Islander watch. 😎👍
I have a couple of Marc's Monster homages, the DLC carbon fiber dial & the full lume dial. They're legit.
Good to hear even Americans love Pagani Design now.
I don't think Long Island Watches has a walk in retail store.
@@wafarris oh I thought it was. Ok ill just shop on line thanks
I now own 7 or 8 Pagani Design watches and I bought a BB58 homage with black face and red bezel and its bloody beautiful.....all the way around......the only thing I do NOT like is that its 42mm and not 40mm. I have one of their 'Sub' homages in green/green that I just LOVE. Their Datona homage is one of the only quartz watches I own(other than several vintage G-Shocks) and its marvelous....for the $$$. The Surgess Daytona homage is in my future I think.
Long island watches are the watches seiko should have made. Saphire crystal, solid links, solid end links, milled clasp, screw pins and loads of options. Plus communication with Mark is very pleasant and profesional. Great value for the money. Only problem is UK impoert tax.....
Having seen what you've been though over the years, I completely understand your approach to Pagani Design... As for Mark at Long Island Watch, send him one of yours!
Lol…
Great video Gary, appreciate your honesty. I agree with you on all except for Long Island (Marc). I think regardles of feedback resulting from your review, i believe this is a brand desering your attention and review time, i know Marc will appreciate it no matter the feedback as he is an honest and straight shooter. Having Long Island in this list doesn't seem right to me. Just my 2 cents. Thank you again.
Check out Marc's recent neutral review of the Clive Cussler Doxa (a brand he doesn't carry). He also did some features on the new electrostatic Accutrons a while ago I believe. But yeah, Marc is one of the nicest guys in the industry.
Really interesting comments on islander; a tough place to be if you're an independent watch critic. Marc Frankel's a clever guy.
I’ve got to agree about Rolex.
I saw a Black Sub in a Shop window this morning and thought it was underwhelming.
Having seen so many reviews of homages, it didn’t stand out as a Quality Watch. I’d be very disappointed if I’d bought one.
My dad bought a Roller Sub back in about 1981 or 82 and it was the one I really like...black face and two tone stainless/gold bracelet......he was pissed because it wouldnt keep time.....he got rid of it and bought a Cartier......the chump......lol
Man bush.. Lolol😂 Good list, I don't agree on the Pagani Gary. Pagani aren't making motor cars and this is not the only instance of a different product using an auto makers name and even other types of industries. Mercedes Chocolatier of Finland are not related to Mercedes, and Mercedes Benz ALSO have class 14 and indeed class 30 which is for food products. It doesn't make Mercedes chocolates of Finland fake chocolates even though you can get Mercedes car branded foods, beer, chocolates etc at the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart, (well worth a visit by the way!) Many large organizations own every single trademark class as a matter of form, though if they don't take advantage of that by making and selling something in that class, it opens it to others....and talking of Form, that Formex watch is using a trademark of a company that makes concrete products for bridge construction called Formex. I remembered that from my summer work experience in college! My wife is a commercial lawyer and I asked her about this. She has handled some related cases. She said, if a company doesn't exercise it's right to make something specifically under a class it registers, for example if Pagani Motors never made a watch or licensed the making of a watch, after a period of years depending on the jurisdiction, the class becomes what's called "open". It can be a grey area but if Pagani Motors never made watches, and Chinese Pagani did it first, the Pagani is not fake unless a court decides it is, and that hasn't happened as far as I know anyway. A funny memory. Back in 2004 when on my round the world backpacking trip, in Cambodia, I found on a roadside stall a deodorant called Rolex! 😂😂😂 As for Vostok I've no problem. Would you not buy an iPhone because America and it's allies killed almost a million people in Iraq after lying that they had weapons of mass destruction?
I’ve spoken to representatives at PD about their issue and even they acknowledge that it’s a problem which is why they have tried a number of other brand names but unfortunately none of them have worked. The Pagani Design branded watches sell so well now that they are just continuing while they can…
@@ILikeWatches2 Thanks Gary! Good to know. As they're still selling them and they're not getting confiscated by customs which will often happen to fakes, it's likely that if Pagani of Italy don't start making watches they'll probably be ok for a while. I do think there's a big difference in a fake Rolex and a Pagani as there is no Italian Pagani watch. But I see your point! 🙂
I wouldn’t class them as fakes because they aren’t trying to make it look like they are watches made by the car company…customs will not be aware of any trademark infringement unless the car company starts to address the issue. I personally can’t risk reviewing them because from a legal standpoint they are technically fakes. Believe it or not, AliExpress brands do trademark their names, Pagani Design haven’t because they can’t. No trademark agency would allow it. They would all almost certainly be telling Pagani Design that it’s too close to the name trademarked by the car company.
Gary of coarse your wearing a San-Martin 🤣😂 You should be reviewing Pagani ! Viewers would like to see best bang for the buck $$$ watches.😉
I absolutely love your channel! Yours was the first one I started watching that really got me interested in Chinese/AliExpress watches. I bought my first AliExpress watch, a San Martin because of your review. I haven't looked back. I'm at about 40+ watches now thank you very much! Things have kind of changed over the years .Watch channels seem to concentrate on certain brands. San Martin and Cronos are two of the big ones for you. Other channels seem to concentrate on other brands. I watch a lot of different channels now to get a broad spectrum of all the different brands and new releases. No one channel is the go to place now for all AliExpress watches. I love Titanium watches and Titanium watches are really popular now and other channels are really covering these watches. It's really not possible to review everything. I think you do a great job and NO, do not review Rolex!
Thank you…really appreciate the feedback
I think you're overthinking the "Islander" situation, Gary. You've more than established that you're an unbiased reviewer, so why would people immediately assume your review of an Islander watch would be inherently biased??? I have their GMT (ISL-139) and it's a fantastic watch!!! If you're interested in the brand, review it. I've been debating picking up his skin diver as well (ISL-179). Marc's been teasing a new, affordable GMT, and I'm excited to see what he comes out with.
The one about manbush is hilarious! I think if only they switched it around to Bushman It might have had a chance.
I have 2 islander watches they're awesome but he needs to change the logo. A clock for a watch logo screams redundancy
My Matic is the only watch that I have bought that has failed. Some say that I shouldn't have hand wound a PT5000. I would say if you can't hand wind a watch it is not fit for purpose.
It's good to be clear about these things. Vostok, so sad, nice watches, but I won't buy since the war 😥. Bremont are quite open about their history, I went on a tour of their factory and it was very good. They are enthusiastic and the only company really trying to bring large scale watch manufacturing back to the UK. They are expensive, so I wouldn't expect you to buy for review, but should they offer to lend one, I think you should accept, I would love to see an independent review of the brand.
I’ll have a think about it then
It is insanity not to buy from them. I am anti Putin but Putin is not their CEO.
British don't want to get into that territory of Russia & wars British haven't exactly got a good track record themselves...
I'm conflicted on Rolex I guess. I'm old enough to remember when they were still inexpensive enough to be a real tool watch. Like when Land Rover Defenders were a real utility vehicle. I appreciate what both companies have done with pushing their branding upmarket but neither resonates with me anymore.
It was less than ten years ago when you bought a "used" rolex, it was actually less than msrp for most models.
Pls revew for us the well made watches of Venezianico Italy . They are utilizing sellita ,soprod and Nh movements. I believe they deserve your honest revews.
With great appreciation
Nizar
I’ll take a look
@@ILikeWatches2 mamy thanks . Appreciate so much
true. Venezianico deliver outstanding quality and designs for very acceptable prices.
My last purchase was a Vanbanner thanks to reviews on UA-cam. My next purchase will be a specific Momentum thanks to reviews on UA-cam.
Thanks for your honest opinion. I hope you get more Seesterns in. They are hands down my favorite Aliexpress Brand.
How could you forget to include the most famous brand that you don't review! Haha. Time to get in a TueDIx?
I know…what a dope…
Good video Gary.
Your honesty is very important for us to understand what you are thinking. It's appreciated because I have been watching your channels for some years now, and i like to hear your thoughts on watches.
Your my online watch buddy who fixes me up on proper watches that are actually good.
You don't need to change.
You give back to us more than any other reviewer.
You have my respect 😊
Awesome thanks
You are bang on about Rolex! A wait list????? WTF is that about???? 4 years you say, our tastes change so much over a few months let alone 4 years!
Love that Great Lakes shirt. 😎
Marc from Long Island Watches does great collabo vids with The Urban Gentry about all kinds of watches as well.
The Great Lakes were an area that saw many battles between the British, French and the newly formed American army that were formerly British. Wayne County where Detroit lies is named after General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. There are many buildings named after him in the Great Lakes region. Many bones of many British soldiers are lying in this southern Michigan counties as well as Ohio. One day they are walking the streets of Manchester and London, the next day they are on a ship to America and then dying a horrible death in the Great Lakes region. Then a hundred years later all three of these enemies became the strongest of allies in WW1 and WW2.
100% agree on your remarks about Mark at Long Island. Yes he’s does obviously have a vested interest in selling watches. In particular with his own line. Having said that I did buy one of his Islanders about 18 months ago & it was/is a extremely well built, well finished watch! Absolutely can’t criticize his dedication to making fantastic watches! 👏🏼 As for Rolex, again we all know the games they’re playing. Yes I’d have one yesterday but I’m not gonna wait & grovel to any AD for the so called privilege!
Ditto.
It would be great to see a review of a fashion brand watch. Just for a laugh lol
Second comment: for brands that have *bad* branding, I'd still like a review on it. Leave it up to the viewer to decide if they can get over the name Tactical Frog, Oktopus Kracken, Mysterious Code, Parnis and so on. Especially since some of those brands represent really good values. Can the prices/quality overcome the brand name?
Personally, I bought a Parnis and it was the best looking watch I've received from AE but the movement came dead and their CS has been meh (idk what my expectations should be--I haven't gotten the watch replaced yet--been offered money to fix it, and been offered a new movement). I also got a Mysterious Code and it's the same exact quality of a pagani design.
Man bush 😂😂 That's a new one Gary! Maybe if they called it a Brazilian it would have done better! 😝 I got one of those Benyars once a few years ago and got a skin rash. Thankfully it was around the wrist, not the manbush. On your note regards Pagani, I do own one only. I liked the red Swatch Mars watch but I couldn't bring myself to wearing plastic so I have one Pagani. The new red one with the sapphire crystal and sapphire bezel with the Seiko mecaquartz and it's really a fantastic watch. I can understand but it's not as if they're copying an Italian Pagani watch. Legal things aside it's not as if they're selling another branded watch with the same name. I'd never wear a counterfeit watch but you can't counterfeit a watch that doesn't exist. This isn't really a cut and dried situation in my non legal opinion. I just read the other man's comment about Mercedes and the Finland Mercedes chocolate company and it's not black and white. By the way he mentioned the museum. I live in Stuttgart, and a bit of tourism promotion now, ANYONE interested in the history of cars who wants to see some of the most beautiful and amazing automobiles should take a day for the Mercedes Benz Museum and another day for the Porsche Museum also here in Stuttgart. Now I've done my best to help tourism in our recession hit Germany! Great channel my friend. I do have mostly higher priced watches from Omega, IWC Schaffhausen, and medium price like Laco, Tissot etc, but I've discovered that you can get some nice watches at good prices if you really look hard on Ali Express. Of course I made a mistake with the Benyar it looked almost too good to be true and it was!!
We want Manbush!! 😂😂
Morning Gary. Thanks for your video. I appreciate your review and pitfalls to avoid.
Ha ha I can just see a phone call next week from an AD, ah hello Gary your much awaited Rolex is here waiting for you.
I’m with you I’d buy it even though the mrs would be having kittens. It’s win win situation. What a review that would be. I’m with you on the Vostocks. I own five or six and spares to make a couple more, I love them but I can’t be dealing with Russian companies with what’s going on at the moment. Keep it up mate, it’s appreciated.
Thank you for being honest Gary.
The thing abt Islander watches is that they're awesome. I have the dlc monster with the carbon dial and it's the best monster, even compared to seiko, ever produced.
I love Marc and i know he's a salesman but i also know every brand he sells is a good brand like phoibos and spinnaker. I did notice that he is honest abt the brands he sells and points out all the specs, even if it's negative.
Some reviewers conveniently leave out those specifics. Especially on paid promotion.
Would like to see you review watches you like and you're passionate abt. Even if they're not perfect or not my own personal taste. I watch your channel bc i love the channel..😊
Thank you…nice to know
Gary you will not get a call from the Rolex AD. You have to have a buying record for other watches in the Rolex range before you will even be considered for a sub, that's the Rolex way, you can't get any of their watches that are not a standard model until you have bought other watches from the catalogue.
I can only imagine the name of the diver watch by ManBush.
Manbush Trunks I assume
When going into a Rolex AD, dress more formal, they will happily sell to you. If you go in dressed in jeans t shirt and running shoes they will ignore you no matter how much money you have. I’m just a messenger don’t hate me for the inside info.
I understand not reviewing Islander watches but don't be afraid to buy one.
I only buy watches to review now. Can’t afford to buy watches just for me and then not review them sadly
Really great video Gary, i admire your honesty, i have a watch from that list you would not want to review, and its not the most inexpensive, take care mate.
Ha, your comment about Rolexes not holding up under macro! I laughed out loud. My Rolex Explorer 214270 (bought new from an AD in 2020) has lint/lume on the dial! Can you believe it? I need to take it back to the AD I suppose. Just not got around to it. By contrast, a Pagani Design I bought the same year had a pristine dial!
Love the Michigan shirt
There a few brands on Ali I kind of like, but I just wouldn't buy them. It's too much of a trust, or lack of, issue. I'm OK with parts : bracelets, straps, clasps, etc.. . I'm OK with shirts, hoodies, t-shirts. Watches, no.
The problem Marc at Long Island would have producing independent reviews is he would constantly be accused of bias, especially if he said something negative. I do believe he is upfront with what he does and I generally see his channel as more of a here is what we have done.
Way to go Gary, keep up the great work! My Milgauss Benyar feels quite cheap, now it's confirmed why. Interesting with the Bremont take too!
I followed Bremont for a long time, affordable watches, 2824 inside (but called something else) but never quite there, waiting for that design tweak. Then almost overnight you're heading into Omega territory for the standard models with umpteen " special ediitions" for £40,000. The Rolex business model (as with most companies) is mainly about making money not watches. When they started writing Rolex around the chapter ring I lost interest. Interesting what you said about Formex, they make a big thing of the floating sub chassis for extra comfort.
Sitting watching in Kalamazoo Michigan. It would be pretty hard to hate a guy that always where's that shirt. Love it
Lol
Thanks Gary for all your efforts. Keep up the good value gems whatever the brand may be.
A review of watches you won't review. LOL
Love it. ;)
I'd love to see you review one of Ben's 'Spaghetti Scametti' watches
Any chance we can see your Manbush?
Oh and any chance we can see any watches from this video 🤣😂🤣
I agree with your thoughts on not reviewing Islander watches. It really is a lose/lose situation.
Really enjoyed that gary! Love the vids where you talk over your thoughts and the channel path👍🏼
Thanks!
Didnt expect Formex to be on this list. I have two formex watches and they are my most comfortable and best looking watches.
But i also never saw the clasp you showed before.
The patented carbon fiber one I bought from formex is very good and comfortable
It’s an old clasp and they changed it quickly when they realised so many people found it so uncomfortable.
@@ILikeWatches2 I really hope Formex can mend things with you because CEO Raph is one of the industry good guys like Marc from LIW
What was the reason you misspelled their name? It seems that you didn't want them to know that you are telling people to purchase their watches. It have two and they are great! Never had your problems at all.
Islander lol. Had me for a second there. Love my 002 like one of my children.
Benyar has been great for me so far, excellent quality for the price. PD offers insane value for money as long as you are smart enough to avoid their bad watches. When I pay less than $60 for a watch I refuse to be petty and vindictive about it. FORMEX, I've hear nothing but good things about Formex too, It's one of those very few international SWISS brand that offers great value for money. Bremont is way too overrated imo along side with Islander watches. Also I hate fashion brands. VOSTOK is a great Russian brand btw.
I have half a dozen Vostok watches....not the 'Vostok Europe' ones, the real ones.....and they are......just stupid good. I have a 24hr komandirskie that just makes me laugh when I wear it.....its interesting how may times I get that ".....wutkinda watch IZAT???....." and have to explain that the hour hand only goes around once a day... it a 24 hour watch....and the blank stare is your cue to just keep going....LOL
I did wonder why Phylida stopped appearing. Shame as I like mine and bought it when you said they were good value.
They are great
Love San Martin watches and have been happy with Watchdives service. They have help me scratch the Tudor and Rolex inch.
What does make me laugh is when some hate on fashion watches say Armani or Hugo Boss because they are ripping people off putting there name on a watch and doubling the price when in a way that’s what Rolex are doing. People buy them for silly prices, are they really that much better than say Omega? The ultimate fashion watch in a way. I know Rolex make great watches but the prices are ridiculously inflated just for the name and false rarity!
Such a good point
You'll be happy to know Manbush took your comments to heart and changed their name. They are now Girlbush.
Lol…
I’m not a Tshirt guy but I like that one your wearing👏🏾 GO BLUE
P.s of course move video.
Review the Manbush Gary! 😂
😅
I had the same experience with Ali Express and didn’t get my money back despite several attempts. I am now very reluctant to order more watches from Ali Express as they fobbed me off and the seller just ignored my claim staying it had been delivered to the ‘Post Office!
I feel you. The older I get, ya, I careless about certain things....life's too short.
I bought one of Marks' original Monster homages, the bezel action was so bad I gave the watch away to a kid at work, my seventeen year old Monster still has better bezel action, worn as it is.
Aragon, you need to review their newest 😊
That moment when I realised I bought one of these from you. :-(
Remember AVI-8 guys? They were very popular on youtube several years ago, but now much less so.
I thought they had some decent watches, but never pulled the trigger on one.
I promise to appreciate your review of islander watches AND to be critical of it.
Lol
Ok i cant be the only one thinking that i now wanna se the manbush. 😁
Agree on Rolex as a brand becoming less popular with good people.
I’m on a lot of watch forums and the owners manner is similar to the 80-90’s BMW yuppie brigade. Obnoxiously arrogant.
Bremont I quite like. It may be a brand with a faux history, but if you can look past that and go to their boutiques and get your hands on the product, they are beautifully made.
It’s a brand I’d like to own one day.
I honestly believe that some of these Rolex forum commenters actually have the Rolex logo sitting on top of a shrine. You mention one negative about their pagan Rolex god and they will lose it on you.
Bremont- I'm sure they did a design thing with that famous horologist Ronnie Wood, yes , of The Rolling Stones ( I wish I heard that suggestion 1st hand - probably at a Formula 1 racetrack pit, or at Goucho's bar).
Te: Islander- buy 1 & wear it for x months & just say ,'yes or no worth it' ( short & not on depth but ..).
Only one i disaster with you, is Formax. On steel no issues. Didnt have the wrist problems on a strap. But I do respect your reason. Its not a cheap watch and causes discomfort your reasons are correct.
My biggest issue is that they paid a reviewer to review it and they blatantly lied in their review plagiarising the Formex promotional material in their review. Supremely comfortable my arse!
@@ILikeWatches2 That is probably more common than we all know. I think I‘ve seen only one video on the CW “Twelve” that did not sound like a paid one. One big channel had not even handled the watch in the flesh and talked it up like it was the best thing since sliced bread.
So I’m really happy about your refreshing honesty.
New to the hobby, nice to see the up front honesty on display. All of your explanations were valid and well explained. As I said, new to this and still weeding my way through sites, deciding on ones I feel I can trust, or not. Glad to know that you're not a "horology whore" giving good reviews for free watches of questionable quality from whatever company supplies them to you. I enjoy your delivery and overall presentation style. You inform in a peer to peer manner that is very comfortable. Keep up the good wok.
Really understandable reasoning. I agree about Marc and LIW. I, too, think he's doing great work over there and his engineering experience gives him a unique perspective. Also... Vostok. I purchased two of them 4+ years ago and have been tempted to bin them. I haven't but I also don't wear them any more.
A watch brand, from your home town, which is gradually returning design and manufacturing of high end watchmaking to the UK. Got to be worth a bit of respect.
I certainly appreciate what they are doing but there’s just a fake ness to it all…
Ive always considered Reef Tiger, sad to hear the watches never shipped
Has been entertaining listening to this. I think actually you might get over Bremont and Island watches. There is no real reason not to, as a well-rounded reviewer. I am not very keen on Bremont design, but I do like that they use (some) Horage movements now. The only brand outside of Horage, to my knowledge. I don't fully understand the Formex situation, but ultimately an honest review should always win. I now, obviously, feel deprived of knowing more about Manbush... That was predictable.
I will not select a Rolex from Rolex to purchase. Why?
I choose the watch brand .... the watch brand doesn't choose me.
Therefore I nominate the anointed at Rolex the bud light Award.
Thanks on the heads up on Benyer🤙🏻
Rolex- Irritating. So apt!
Gary, just like the reviews the insight into many/some brands you've reviewed. I've bought quite a few homage watches, but there are some outstanding micro brands on sale out there, mostly impressed on what I've received overall.
Just keep doing what you're doing.
I'd love to meet up for a coffee/tea at some point locally?
Hi Gary ,I wish you would get one of Marc’s Islander watches in for a review. Let’s be honest any watch you review will have pros/cons but at least with your reviews it would be honestly done,so no bullxxxx then it’s up the your subscribers if they buy one or not.
Islander is on my bucket list however the pound shillings and pence isn’t 😂😂
Totally agree with you Gary on Bremont
I have 3 color variations of the Northport from Islander. Mark and his team did a great job and really think you should pick one up for yourself. Even if you don't review it, they are that nice that I think you would get a lot of personal enjoyment from having one.
I bought my Vostoks pre invasion, i love them. Mod them a lot and very robust, they have taken the most punishment
I'm curious why PD is on the list. There must be a story behind that decision, which we would enjoy hearing. I have two of their watches and one is excellent, PD-1701. The other, PD-1644, is a very recent purchase that was underwhelming at first, but has since grown on me. In fact, on the back of its growing charm, I'm compelled to buy the PD-1676. I was not keen that they advertise the PD-1644 model that I purchased as having a meteorite dial, when, in fact it is not made of that material. But, for the money, it's inappropriate for me to be upset, since the execution of the dial is still nicely done and is more unique than less. Perhaps you'll share your reasoning about why you do not review that brand.
I might make a video on it…but basically they don’t own the name..they can’t trademark it because the car company owns it even for watches so they are technically fakes
@@ILikeWatches2 Pagani Design Watch Properties is copyrighted, if not trademarked. Pagani is merely a surname. There was a kerfuffle a couple of years ago, prompting the temporary name change, but the name has since returned and, it seems Pagani Automobili S.p.A. doesn't want the headache.
This doesn’t stop UA-cam from deleting my videos or channel when my troll points this out to UA-cam…I don’t care about legality I only care about preserving my hard work
@@ILikeWatches2 I heard that. Fortunately, I have not had this troll see my small channel. I have unboxed two PDs and shall be unboxing a third once the package arrives. Ironically, you'd think the troll would take issue with the fact that PD is blatantly homaging watches from brands that are more well known and larger companies than the automobile company. Funny how they pick and choose the battles they fight.
Mark's started to review stuff he isn't selling, or at least was testing the waters for that seeing if his subscribers were interested in that content, so you may well get your wish
QA
I wish you’d reconsider the Islander one
Hahaha enjoyed this 👌🏻please review the Manbush 😂
I immediately sold my Vostok in the Spring of 2022. I couldn't look at it anymore
I agree with almost all 12
Haha finally someone gets the King's New Clothes aspect of FORMEX. Pants.
Nice content. How about a video on watches you want to review but haven’t been able to get your hands on? Just figured it’d would be good content.
Good suggestion..thanks