Huge thank you to everyone who joined me in 2019, here is looking forward to 2020. Also, be on the lookout for a very quick special cameo in this video from an upcoming review. Hint... it's rather blue.
Great to have joined you in 2019 Shane. I am not a quartz fan but when I saw the dial on the Comet Chronograph I just had to say wow. Thanks for all your hard work and I look forward to your content in 2020. Brian
Well done as usual. That Akura drop is a damn shame. I've never done a KickStarter watch, but I would sign up for that grey dial in a heartbeat. Keep that one safe man. Best of luck in the new year and look forward to more!
Absolutely agree with your choices, I tried to get an Akura without success. Bought a Hamilton Khaki and a Vostok 24 hour, love them both. Wish you a great and memorable 2020.
Great summation video. Where did you find that two-toned leather strap for the Khaki King? My black dial version should arrive tomorrow and I think that would compliment it nicely.
I think this is it. babuhandmadeleather.com/product/ombre-brown-vegetable-tanned-leather-watch-band-sw051/ He's based out of Vietnam. At one point he had a store on Amazon and I just randomly came across it. Don't know much about him beyond that. The buckle is a little weak, but pretty nice leather and I like the look.
Thank you for all the videos as well as the one on tips on starting a channel. Just posted my first review where i showed my mug and realised how much work goes into making a vid, which makes me appreciate your effort even more. Looking forward to more awesome videos from you in 2020!
Hey man. Love the channel and the reviews. Your dulcet tones are perfect. Your cinematography and strap choices are awesome. Have you ever considered doing a tutorial on strap pairing? Seems like you always get it perfect. I'm constantly trying to find the right strap or bracelet with little success. Would be really helpful if you have any tips.
Good suggestion. Had a few people ask as well. I'll have to think about it a bit. Partly because I don't really have system. So hard to put into words why I choose what I do.
EXCELLENT reviews. Beautiful and interesting pieces. Really good shots and multiple strap views. Thank you for that. The only critique that I have is that you could calm your demeanor. 😉 You're mellow but not drab at all. Soothing yet not sluggish. Tranquil not tranquilizing. Kept my interest anyway. Yup
Great choices Shane. Especially like the Commet and The Great wall, infact bought 2 Phoibos , The Eagle Ray ant the $100 PX002C Diver both terrific watches . All the best for 2020.
Shane, you misspelled Amphibia @ 0:43. You called it Amphiba for some reason. My favorites out of your 10 are #8 (SWC), #4 (Vario), white dial) and #1 (Akura). Cheers!
Thanks for telling me. I was just typing too fast and wasn't paying attention. Funny thing is I double-checked a lot of the others, like the Irukandji. Yet I never even thought about double-checking the Amphibia.
Excellent stuff as always. YOU are why I own the champagne Hamilton Khaki King. Thanks. The Vario is exquisite. Unfortunately the silver mechanical is sold out as are most of the other color ways in mechanical. I luckily just picked up an auto silver LNIB on eBay. I love micro brands. Have you had a look at Brew watches yet? Not for everyone perhaps, but superb design and detail. Upscale casual feel for sure and not many video reviews out there.
Own a Glycine Airman, and oh my word, what a great watch. Yep, needs some getting used to though. I also have the Hamilton Khaki King, which looks great on a bund (try it). I put my Orient kamasu on an upgraded bracelet, which makes it feel so much better. I would love the Ginault, but they are soo expensive in the UK. Great video, hope there is a 2020 version to take us all away from Covid
Great list! I agree, the Great Wall is just such an awesome watch and looks really cool. The SWCUSA is another winner! I have to give it to Ginault, its a fantastic watch. Besides all the fuss, if someone actually handled the watch in person they would see its an excellent execution. Great video as always.
Enjoyed this, but I have one quibble. You spent all that time talking about Gineault, but never specifically identified the issue. I’m guessing (though not really sure) that Rolex fans accused it of being a knockoff? Did I get that right?
Yah... basically, but it's a bit more complicated than that. As it links Ginault to a replica maker who went by the name TC. Who was pretty well known in the replica community for making some high-quality watches. Shortly after he quit making replicas Ginault relaunched with the Ocean Rover. That's the very short version leaving out whole lot of other stuff. Including accusations of bribery/ corruption on a few reviewers, Watuseek Admins, and some random accusations towards Chris Vale (who owns NTH). I guess I thought more people knew about the story. Both 24 hours at a Time and Jetbluefish made response videos, and a few even took their's down to avoid controversy (Bark & Jack). Yet I left the details out intentionally for a couple reasons. Part of it was because I didn't want it to become the focus of conversation for the comments. As well as part of it was I was more trying to talk about what I was doing behind the scenes. Not to mention it's a pretty long and crazy story, with a few twists and turns. (Including later accusations of human trafficking) So to really talk about it and to truly do it justice, It would be at least another 7-10 minutes. And I didn't wanna go off on that long a tangent. Put it this way. About a month after the article was released I sat down to write more of an official response. I got about 2/3 of the way complete and it's at 1000 words. I never finished it as I decided that most people didn't care, and was just a vocal minority. If you want I could put it up somewhere, but I doubt too many people want to see it. Here is the link to the original article, just be warned it's a pretty long read. lexic.co/deepdweller/exposing-ginaults-illegal-past-tsung-chi-and-thomas-caddell My issue was that people read part of that and jumped to conclusions about the quality of the watch itself. Like it's suddenly a $10 Chinese knockoff, and if you didn't agree you were on the take or something. The thing is the entire article never really goes into the quality of the watch, yet that's what a lot were focusing on. It's more about a specific man, who may be both TC and Ginault.
@@RelativeTime I didn't really understand what you were talking about but read up on the article (yes, all of it), and it is an eye opener for sure. Yes it is a pretty good watch but the whole thing is very shifty. Put it this way, I'm glad I don't own one.
@@saulysw Remeber that's just one side of it too, it's an odd weird and murky story. It does connect Ginault and TC pretty compellingly, but beyond that's it's a bit more speculative. The question I always have is who exactly was this guy. That article makes him out to be the Pablo Escobar of the counterfeiters. Yet his reputation in the replica forums, and what he repeatedly told people, was that this was just a hobby he fell into. That he was just small time and only made watches to sell to those that were seeking replicas, and often times wasn't even making much of a profit. And some of those people think if the connection is real, than Ginault is his attempt to go Legit. The issue is that most of what we know comes from TC himself. Either through his forum posts or his blog (he kept one and it's a pretty interesting read). Yet the question remains is how reliable a source is that. I mean he is a self-admitted counterfeiter/replica maker and smuggler. One issue I have with the article is that it uses some of that information against him, yet seems to ignore other parts that don't make him look as bad. Which for me you can't really have it both ways. Personally, I don't know. At one point there was a pretty interesting a thread on watchuseek that brought up good points on all sides. forums.watchuseek.com/f71/ginault-legitimate-lets-discuss-4989751.html For a while at least. About 50pages in it starts to go off the rails rather quickly and multiple people start attacking the original poster.
@@RelativeTime Well, as I see it the counterfeit beginnings mean that Ginault can never be legitimate. Why? Because they are always hiding for their past. No legit address, no phone number, no stores, just a web site and email address. What is the shame is that if he had started with the Ginault brand as a kickstarter from the get-go, it would by now probably be a wild success. As I understand it (but I could be wrong), a "homage" watch is not illegal if the design is old, and there are many submariner look-alikes. Putting "Rolex" on the dial is something else entirely though, and he blew it as soon as that was done. That is the line that was crossed here, and it is unforgivable, hobby or not.
I own the same Kamasu in red, and it's fantastic. May I suggest you look at Heimdallr Sharkey watches. They are excellent, and in my opinion better than the Seiko's they homage to
Thank you! Ebay might be the only other place. You could also ask Meranom if they have anything that looks similar. I've seen some other 24 hour models, and some fully lumed ones. Yet this is the only one I've seen that's both.
The Vario silver dial really has some great work on it. Here in Glasgow we have a restaurant called the Rogano , it's an art deco seafood place that has been here since 1935 and hasn't changed since then , every time I see that Vario , I'm reminded of this place. If you Google it , you'll see what I mean.
Just looked up the Rogano. I can totally see that. The mirror behind the bar is pretty cool looking. www.designmynight.com/glasgow/bars/merchant-city/the-oyster-bar-rogano
Great list. I really hope that Akura follows through and produces the Wayfarer. That is an incredible piece that would be highly collectible. The lume is stunning.
All the best for the year(s) to come. May 2020 be a great year for you to enjoy (this) passion(s) of yours. But as a friend said "Not much to expect by a year that looks like a locksmith's emergency telephone number!" LMAO!!!!
Thanks for showing your slightly eclectic collection, though all are interesting pieces in their own way. I especially like that the majority are affordable enough to be within most everyone's budget. I have a mini-collection of Vostok beside my regular collection, and your "Ghost Amphibia" is different & interesting enough I wanted to add one, but sadly they are out of stock.
Good show. I have really enjoyed your programming since joining. The Vostok is the one that speaks to me. I just got mine. A very decent watch for a negligible outlay of cash. The cultism surrounding the Amphibia is something else on it's own. Working on getting another LACO or a Seiko Prospex of some sort. In any event; one or two watches a little higher up the chain this year.
Good selection of watches. One thing I like of your reviews is that most of the watches are affordable, at least for me. No pie in the sky models. At least someone keeps bounds in sight! Thank you.
Tks for some different Avenues to add to my collection. Ive been looking for a white dial diver and thinking maybe this 39mm vostok might not wear too small. It looks quality to me. . Looking to buy this..Tks
With the discontinuation of the 007, the Kamasu is the new king of budget divers in my opinion, that red dial is cool, don't see many red dials that I actually like
Also the Orion Hellcat that's now on pre-order. Pretty cool looking, but maybe a tad pricey for a miyota 9015 movement. orionwatch.com/hellcat/hellcat-1
I have the same maroon or "Red" Orient Kamasu and really like it. I would love a true deep red watch like the Akura. I am big fan of red watches and don't understand why there are so few available on the market. I too love the blue and green dials but guess I am in the minority when it comes to red. I just ordered a Deep Blue Gen 2 Master 1000 in Red Abalone dial w/ ceramic bezel and can't wait to get it. Thanks for introducing the Orient Kamasu last year and you led me to purchase it and I really love it too. I have a deep red Blue Shark nato strap that really accentuates the red look. I wish I could find a more deep maroon nato strap but I have yet to find one. Thanks for your channel, it is one of my favorites .
No Problem. Hard to believe it was a year ago. Have you seen the burgundy Orion Hellcat? orionwatch.com/hellcat/hellcat-1 Bit pricey, but pretty cool looking.
Maybe. I've noticed that he's sent a few of the prototypes out to be photographed by a few people. Which is odd as he still has no plans to re-launch. Maybe they just begged him to let them see it.
The Wayfarer is spectacular, I remember tracking down your not-review video after seeing it in one of your intro sequences and being immediately attracted to it. I miss my Kamasu - The crown broke off from mine after around a month of ownership (Hoping this is due to grey market / failed QC stock at drop dot com and not something endemic with the watch). I'm super happy with the Save The Ocean Samurai I bought to replace it (Amazing dial, ISO certified confidence in quality), but the Kamasu has this amazing combination of looks and toughness for its weight and size that I'm not sure exists anywhere else. I hadn't realised the Comet didn't make it - I spent a lot of time looking at that Kickstarter before ultimately not being able to justify the expense. Gorgeous dials. Vario is spectacularly attractive. If I had any use at all for a dress watch I'd snap one up in a second, but it doesn't really suit my lifestyle and I'm a little scarred from not being able to repair my Kamasu locally (Now have a leaning towards watches that are more commonly available - Just in case).
I love the Hamilton you have, I think these watches punch way above their weight, I have the Pro pilot with the internal bezel. While it's not as dressed as the field watch,( your strap choices are really good) this watch just is a durable accurate piece, with that 80 hour power reserve. I think for collectors, longer power reserves are essential. My 50 Fathoms is 100 hours and it frequently is grabbed, if I'm on my way out, because it's running, as is the Hamilton.
Excellent video. That red Akura is a stunning watch that should have been made. I would never part with that watch! The Comet is another watch that I think should have been produced.
Really enjoyed this vid. And it's the first one I've heard you swear. I own the red Kamasu and totally agree with you. I find myself wearing it more than most others. I also own the Khaki Field Auto (in black) but can sea the appeal of the champagne. There are two that I need to go back and watch again, the SWC diver and the Glycine Airman. But as a Submariner will always lean to the Combat Sub. I've just ordered the Seagull 1963. Don't ask why. I'm not sure myself 😁
I swear a lot more in person, but I go into presenter mode when the camera is on. So I usually don't unless I have a good reason. Also think it puts more of an emphasis on it. I've looked at a few 1963s myself, but always get distracted with something else before i buy it.
That's black sailcloth from Artem Straps. A new Australian company. They just sent me that to check out. I haven't had it long so I can't really tell you if it's worth it as they are kind of expensive. I think they are like $80 a strap, but they say there isn't a break-in period. artemstraps.com/ I really like the one at 14:59 . It's a 2 piece leather / Cordura number from Vario. They also sent it to me to check out, but it won't be available for a month or two.
The Wayfarer is somewhat of a grail watch now in its own right considering its impossible to buy. I really do hope that Phillip finds a way to realise his dream and launches this one commercially, the demand is increasing the longer it's unobtainable.
Put me on the list for a gray dial Wayfarer and most likely a black one too. I have multiples of several watches in my collection. Subscribed just to see if it comes back around.
I think Akura will be back at some point. Just not sure the wayfarer will be. Although I hope he is looking at all the support he gets every time I show it off. Might encourage him.
I really like the stripped down sterile Varios.That Blue one really popped in the light.Its nice to see a Watch without 6 or 7 lines of nonsense abt water depths,Horrid Logos and such.
Interesting list. The Airman is really nice and pretty unique, There really is not anything else really like it. The Great Wall is pretty interesting too. Personally, it’s always nice to see interesting watches.
The Akura is VERY similar to the Direnzo that is available in blue, red, and grey/black. And the SWC is coming out with a version 2 that will be even better...taking all the suggestions people have made to improve it. I have the Direnzo blue and will very likely get the SWC blue v2
@@RelativeTime Yes, the 03 called the eclipse. I hope you get the new blue SWC too. Your thorough reviews are great. And will help me decide if I want to buy it.
It looks like your not the only one who was disappointed that the Akura Wayfarer Kickstarter was cancelled. I also would have loved to be able to get one of these. If anyone else would too, then like this comment and hopefully if there's enough interest it may come back 🤞
Actually, Shane should actually receive an actual award for overusing the word "actually". Sorry, a pet peeve of mine and I actually do like your videos.
No problem. There are a few things I say way to often. I'll try and pay attention to that in the future. But no promises when the camera starts rolling. Sometimes it's hard to remember.
@@RelativeTime Don't sweat it. It's a generational thing. There have been many articles written about how the word is used more often now and often misused.
Firstly, congrats on a great year Shane. We can always count on seeing interesting watches on your channel that are never me-too reviews. Example, Kamasu but in red. That said, I missed most videos here and elsewhere in 2019 but here's a few things that have nevertheless stayed with me regarding your channel. Regarding the Great Wall, it's rare to be able to experience someone's flagship. Even if it doesn't compete with a decades-old company's megabuck flagship you can still see they're swinging for the fences and it's that effort that resonates. Happy to say I completely bypassed any of the Ginault drama but your explanation here of how you dug into it "off camera" just to see where it might lead strikes me as key to why we endeavor in such hobbies. Details matter, unless and until they don't, and possessing perspective is what remains if we're successful. Speaking of which, here's to a successful 2020.
Hard work Shane, congratulations, well done. But people like me are getting bored of microbrands, apologize for this 🙏. People are waiting for mainstream brands.
@@RelativeTime there are tons of watches regardless of price. What I am mainly interested in is the successful models of each and every brand. Say from casio, seiko to mid and high range category whatever you want, and the one with the history is among my favorites. Although I know you like automatics as all of us, but deviating in a logical way is an expected feature. For example, quartz, digitals, or other non-battery quartz ones can be included in future reviews. What I'm missing nowadays is your comparison type review of same category watches, defender-snzg was my all-time favorite. That's all I wanted to say, good luck 🤞
@@acyphium I gotcha. I'm planning to try and do a bit more mainstream reviews this year, but there will be a good dose of microbrands too. Plus maybe the occasional Chinese special if I find something interesting. The trick is that these reviews always seem to take longer then I want, so it's hard to do more than once a week. You probably won't be too interested in the rest of the month as I have the Gin Clear Diver and a Zelos Mako 3 to review. I also have this random Chinese diver that's kind of interesting. Horrible name, but the one they sent me has a Seiko Kinetic movement, and I haven't seen that outside of Seiko before. www.crestical.com/ But I am planning on reviewing (and actually have them already) a Seiko Turtle, Cocktail Time, Citizen Eco-Drive Pro Diver, Casio Duro. Plus I have an Orient Star Outdoor on the way (have a friend in Japan who found a good deal), and some point this year I will get a g-shock. Also debating on if I should buy the new Alpinist when it comes out. The smarter decision would be to wait until the price drops but haven't decided yet.
I concur with most of this. I have always looked for clean black or white dial watches. Invicta came out with the grand pro edition and offered RED, i used all caps because this thing is red! And what i call "candy apple forest green" I didn't want to spend morr thsn a C note but these held onto the $124 - $135 sale price. One day i got a rext from Amazon that a RED one hit $110 so it ordered. When it came, i was at my office in a global company whose initals are pg. I opened the box and almost lost it! This thing is BIG and RED! I swear it screams. Over here! LOOK AT ME! I think i had a mini heat attack. Once I recovered from shock, i put it on and its one of my all time favorites. It also gets the most compliments. The green one never came down in price and became instinct. My favorites are candy apple, sunburst, RED, BLUE, GREEN. Tevice has done a nice job offering beautiful, bright coloured watches but I'd rather pay more, i.e. $60 for Loreo or a bit more for pagani or parnis if you want ceramic and sapphire.
@@RelativeTime I only saw the Revise rainbow? In photos. I may have stated to broad a statement. I once bought a 48mm Invicta Grand Pro DVR that was on sale for? Maybe $80usd. It has a white dial and a blue bezel. I am actually OCD to some point. I don't wear it because the two colours bug me. I also bought the Parnis 40mm GMT with a black face, batman, black n blue bezel but I love that one! I don't think I could wear the tuty-fruty Tevice, as for cheap offerings, i have several In the 50 / 60 dollar range that t like a lot. I think we are in a great time for decent, affordable watches and I love it! Thanks for the review.
I originally ran across it on Amazon, said it was handmade in Vietnam. I don't think the seller is using Amazon anymore, but I'm pretty sure this is it. babuhandmadeleather.com/product/ombre-brown-vegetable-tanned-leather-watch-band-sw051/ The buckle is a little wimpy, but it's nice leather and has a great look. Correction... He is still on Amazon. www.amazon.com/Vegetable-Tanned-Leather-Handmade-Buckle/dp/B082WMDJ7B
