I love how we all can have different opinions, yet still be friends in the watch world. I love integrated bracelet watches (and own 3). I think roman numerals on watch dials look classy. Aaaaand I own several homages by Pagani Design and their subsidiaries. I enjoyed watching this video, it's so nice to see a RU-vidr having their own opinion and being 100% unbiased, instead of just going with the flow to gain views and followers! 👏
I pretty much agree with all your points. Roman numerals,male end links,California Dials (which I didn’t know what it meant until you explained it!),watches that cost thousands-with piddle poor bezel actions! I’m guilty on the homage front though. An SD1970 with an NH35 movement for £90 against a real Willard for £1200 shows why budget brands will always have a place at the table for a large proportion of enthusiasts.
@MultiBamBamBamBam what? You gotta under stand that 1200 bucks is not a attainable price especially for something as shallow as a watch, "the real thing" is more than 12 times the price at a similar quality. Point is granted with fasios but not in this case
@MultiBamBamBamBam well too bad you cant tell noone what to do with their money. Point stands, similar quality at a fraction of the price is very much what any buyer, no matter economic status, will find appealing. Seiko doesnt give premium specs, let alone luxury, so why bother to buy one, better get the knockoffs with an actual aligned bezel
@@ClaudiaARocha For me the Fasio was the one thing I disagreed with him on. I wouldn't buy the g-shock but the F91w is pretty much the generic digital watch form factor at this point. Several brands e.g. Timex make more expensive watches that are arguably homages. And there are all kinds of interesting customizations to the LCD screen and watch surround...I don't think the authentic-ness is really a factor for this kind of watch.
Homage watches are a great way to get discontinued/vintage designs with modern reliability and reasonable prices. They also offer additional colorways a lot of the time. In these ways, they're offering a service/product that you literally can't get "for real" a lot of the time. I bought a San Martin homage of a Helm Vanuatu for about as much as a real Helm Vanuatu would cost, because I liked their unique colorway and upgraded movement. I think getting the watch you want is ultimately what it's all about.
I have the Steeldive homage (or knockoff, if you prefer) of the Seiko 6105 "Captain Willard"; it's a good watch, keeps good time and quite honestly, represents excellent value for money. Which leads to the very question you asked: why can't Seiko offer similarly well-made products for less? I've noticed over the last few years that Seiko seems to be creeping into the luxury watch market segment, and in my honest opinion, that's a mistake (they've already got Grand Seiko, after all). Offer consumers great value for money, like Steeldive and the other "homage" watchmakers you mentioned, and Seiko would do even more business than they already do.
Imagine a Seiko at a reasonable price with sapphire ( the sarb's long gone) & an adjustable clasp that San Martin have recently produced? Of course, a rhetorical question.
Seiko is very overrated in my view. Seiko has horrendous quality control and just generally bad quality watches, and they are usually ugly, it's only their lume and famous heritage that keeps the brand going.
Thats why Orient and Citizen are both seeing a raise in sales due to seikos vaccum. Both Mechanical and Quartz consume needs are covered with these 2 brands, as for seiko... Good luck going after tissot, hamilton, Rado mido etc.
I bought a steeldive... The "great wave" dial. Excellent lume, bezel is great, overall I love what the watch could have been... However they put the 6 o'clock indice so crooked it's laughable. The date quick change function also broke within a week. But it's a nice paperweight now. 👍
I just discovered your channel and I have never laughed so watching a watch video. I've subscribed and going through your catalog of videos. Your unique and entertaining approach to your videos is wonderfully done. Cheers!
I used to 100% agree with the male end links - but after owning the Seiko 62mas re-issue, which is already quite long at 48mm lug to lug, I did dread it's male end links - until I tried it on, and also tried swapping for a rubber strap. On a rubber strap, the watch starkly drops down, makes the watch not only look taller and bulky, but makes the lug to lug actually look too big on my small 6.5 inch wrist. Whereas on the bracelet with its male end links, it rounds out the watches profile so it looks uniform on the wrist, especially as the end links curve down around the wrist. Just goes to show you have to try on a watch before knowing if you like it. It also helps that the 62-mas re-issues not only have a hardened steel case, but also a hardened steel brushed bracelet. For anyone with small wrists: don't rule out +40mm dive watches, and don't rule out male end links!
An excellent episode, sir. You did a great job of stating your opinion and doing so in a fair, balanced way. I would have a hard time arguing with any of the points you made.
I actually really like integrated, only when done right though. It would be like buying a Royal Oak and putting a NATO strap on..... Totally devalues the hard work that went into a timeless design.
Integrated bracelets are great as long as they have a push button release so you can switch from bracelet to rubber to leather. I prefer those to watches that have a gap once you remove the bracelet and swap in a leather strap. The integrated look has a nicer finished look. They also avoid that unsightly taper of a wide Maxi cases with a skinny looking shoe string strap. An integrated case allows the strap to have a more graduated taper.
I’m with you on quite a few of these MWC. The great thing about watches is there is one out there for everyone! More than one come to think of it 😂💸 Fantastic show as always 🙌
Great video as always Russ! I have to agree with you on most of the things you talk about, the only thing I’d add to homages is that it can also give you a feel for a style of watch and what suits you. Before I bought my Tudor BB I wore the homage from San Martin and it was thanks to that I decided to save up and by the real thing. Also the wife may have a point with the gold G Shock ahaha look the full metal but silver or black for me! 😂
It's funny how your previous clip comparing both PRX watches were the final brick towards my decission about buying one (quartz ofcourse, could add a bit more pennies and aim towards hamilton territory instead of thinking about automatic PRX).
By far the best and funniest watch channel on the internet. You seem like a guy I'd love to have a beer with. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Austria, Max
Many homage Watches continue to keep getting better and better, and the prices are still about the same. Also, many use Japanese automatic movements that are reliable and accurate. I own a vintage Rolex submariner, but I also have an Invicta, pro diver, and a Pagani design moonwatch homage. They look great, have Japanese movements, and I enjoy wearing them. Total cost for both was under $200 !
Great episode and glad to see one of my watches in your episode a couple of times (Seiko tank) I pretty much agreed with the whole list but those Omega fan boys will be on the defensive soon🤣
Always funny and entertaining! The poor old PRX gets singled out though.... Lol. Its been a good watch for me though. It's also been a commercial hit for Tissot too!
Thank goodness you did not include the g-shock rangeman on the list because I'm collecting that watch, now I have 8 different rangeman on my collection 😊
Fantastic show Russ, thank you kindly! I laughed out loud at "Fasio" :-) Thanks for that! I also share your opinion there too and am confounded at the fake Casio market. I'll admit this is mostly personal as Casio as a brand is near and dear to my timekeeping journey. For me, the main "watches" I avoid are smart watches. I just find them too invasive. I tried one for fitness tracking once, but ended up trading it away and going back to my trusted Casio. Instead of checking my metrics, I just go until hard until I'm sweating bullets and can barely breathe. I figure that works well enough, haha.
I am SOOOO with you on the Roman numerals and California dials!!!! Spot on. Oh, and my inner 12 year old couldn’t help but giggle when you said, “I like playing with my strap.” 😂😂😂
Well, I have a Tandorio. It is not necessary a “homage”, since its dial (originally Ministry of Defence Specification 6B/542 for RAF pilots) ended appearing in legions of British GI watches and others (like the IWC Spitfire model). And for around $68 USD you have a stainless steel 20 ATMs water resistant watch, with the reliable Seiko NH35 movement, screw-down crown, and a Sapphire crystal, I think it is not bad business at all... :)
Nice one Russ! Totally with you on the end link thing, you find the perfect sized watch, perfect lug to lug and damn! Those end links turn a swallow into a condor. Grrrrrr!
Whew...I'm glad someone else feels the same way about the PRX. Its a fantastic watch but it just doesn't do it for me. Skmeee? When I saw the Royale clone, my first thought was why? & A homage that costs more than the original? So much head scratching I think I lost hair. I do have 2 Steeldives & 2 Pagani's, but totally understand your point. Outstanding video as always.
I agree all of these. Refreshing to see I'm not alone or insane. That lolly on the end of that omega seconds hand is the one thing that stopped me from buying that thing. Cheers!
Amen on the PRX, finally... I agree with you on the strap. Cannot get over the look of the strap. And yet this watch makes just about the "must own" list out there.
Hi Russell, some excellent points there mate, my favourite hand set, lumed or nicely polished Dauphine they're just classical, but they can be designed wrong, when they start to look identical so it's difficult to see which is which but when they're right it's just brilliant, hand wound v's automatic they both have good points,i do like a mechanical though. cheers Russ.
Romans look perfect on Cartier tanks, not so much on round watches. I like California dials - funky and different. Male end links work well on 36mm watches (eg. Rolex Explorer and Oyster Perpetual). They add wrist presence to a smaller case size. Agree on Casio clones and luxury divers with bad bezels, they are ridiculous. I'm not a fan of integrated bracelet watches, but the PRX represents excellent value in that segment. Agree on the seconds hand and displaying ugly movements. Cheers!
Agree about the California dial. I'm not a fan of Mercedes or snowflake hands as far as handsets go. I think the Mondaine railway clock/watch deserves an exception regarding the lollipop on the very end of the second hand. Today i shall be wearing a watch with roman numerals, only a cheapo Sekonda quartz but i've had it for years and while not being among my faves i still rather like it :)
Great video. I love my divers and field watches. (No homages here). My pet hate is stamped deployment clasps on mid range watches. I’ve just purchased a Luminox Adventurer Atacama (RRP £675) for £200. I was going to buy another Tissot Seastar but I’m not paying North of £800 for a stamped deployment clasp. Also the bezel on my Seastar sounds like Jiminy Cricket playing a comb, so disappointing.
Great video, thanks! I'd be interested to see what you think of the original San Martin designs. It seems to be a new and welcome direction they're taking. Cheers !
Agree with you on skmei and homages, everything else I'm not really bothered by and are things that can be easily overcomed if the rest of the watch can compensate
Don't buy homage watches! Just remortgage your house, sell your internal organs and send your children to the children's home so you can afford a real Daytona 👍
I totally agree with you regarding Roman numeral dials I’ve never owned one and never will, however 😂😂 the 41mm Tudor royal with the diamond set dial has taken my interest because that watch has Roman numerals but only at the 3,6 and 9 if you go for the diamond set dial, it looks gorgeous IMO 👍
Surprisingly balanced, especially re homage watches. It's good to see your position on these watches reflecting most peoples' reality, but I had to smile when you mentioned Doxa in nearly l the same breath 😊. As a self confessed 'assembler', a modern Doxa is basically an Ali watch with a swiss movement and 'Doxa' slapped on the dial. It wouldn't surprise me if the cases for Doxa and Seestern watches were made in the same factory. Anyhow, it might be interesting to look at San Martin more closely over the next few years. I reckon they're about 3-5 years behind Islander in that they're just emerging from the 'learn by copying' stage and are now producing more orignal designs - still inspired, but not direct copies. They've released a nice nh34 gmt recently that for me has a Cpt Cook case and bracelet, a CW dial and a Farer colourway. Haven't bought it myself but youtube seems to be impressed with it. Take care.
I am an enthusiast and collector of Casios, but I cannot help but observe that Skmei's homages have a reason for being. In less developed countries, the price difference between a Skmei and a Casio is really significant - we're talking double or triple the price - so, even though in Europe or the US it's kind of stupid to buy a Skmei, in the rest of the world , there is a strong economic case for this.
After all this progress of humanity,labour, technological breakthroughs and so many years of hard work of almost every person,even in more financialy troubled nations,for progress sake, the average individual should have been able to at least get one to two authentic original Rolex during their lifetime.....For rugged use only the high end Casio ones that cost over 800$...still, in the end of the day it remains a really cheap watch...800$ to 1000$ shouldnt have been much for no individual at this time...Lower class copycats shouldnt exist.Give options to people for a higher grade life...Not always make them settle for less...🎉
Well done for being brave enough to criticise some popular watches 👍. Have a look at the San Martin sn0116, I'm not keen on homages, so when I saw they had made a great looking original design I had to buy one.
I'm still your friend, mate! You made several valid points on watch purchasing which I took to heart and concur. Buy what you like and wear what you buy. I was changing out a fog light under my buddy's truck and he warned me about messing up my new watch. I said, "It's a G-Shock! That's why I bought it!"
MWC, I used to be in full agreement with you on the California dials until I tried a Spinnaker Hull California. I cant say its changed my mind for all California dials but on that watch, it's a "Stunner". Hopefully you'll get a chance to try one and see if you can be swayed too.
Russ, I don't agree with all of your choices and opinions, but I DO agree with you, it's all about having fun; and you make a valid point... it is YOUR channel. Nobody is entitled to give you any grief just because their choice of watch isn't yours. I love your channel and I wish you all the best. I'm totally with your wife and her reaction to the Gold G-Shock square (who said Drug Dealer's kettle? 😉) But if you love it, then good for you.
Well I definitely see your point but let me just say one thing about the doxa. The doxa 300t or 1500t don't really give you anyting that impressive other than their Heritage. Their movements are pretty much subpar ETA movements and the finishing on the watch is nothing to be jumping up about. So when you have a brand like seestern that makes the same watch well kind of the same for you know 20th of the price it's more enticing to me. At $2,400 from the doxa, youre not really getting much out of it other then the name, sooooo. There you go
The Skmei F91W has better specs than the original, which to be fair is not hard. The lume actually works, for instance, and the water resistance is better.
I'm very new to seriously thinking about watches and I love your enthusiasm. Just got a few Casios at the moment but seen an expensive watch I will get if I reach a big goal. Thanks for the videos!
I've bought and received yesterday a Skmei 1220, homage to Casio AQ 230, It is superior to Casio in almost all ways and for the quality/price is unbeatable, payed around 10 euros. Casio, unfortunately, it's more expensive in my country or in Amazon, for example, around 40 to 60 euros, so I don't mind at all, and I am very happy with the purchase. I do respect your position about homage watches and I understand it, but in this case it's a no brainer to go to the Skmeeeeeiiiiii!! 😂 Love your videos! Cheers! 🫡
I agree on most of your list with the exception of the Pagani Daytona homage. It’s a great watch because I’ll never be able to afford the real thing. Great video! Have a great day!
Agreed. And, I'd say the same for the Pagani Date-Just. I'd never spend Rolex kind of money on any watch. (Unless I had stupid amounts of money to burn like winning the loto or something like that.) I'm just too hard on such things and would never see the value in a watch that cost $15-20 + K. It would just sit in the safe.
@@meizuc9504 And not to mention that the Chinese homage's typically have the chapter ring properly aligned the process too. Ya. Seiko had better step it up or they are going to get left behind. (You could argue that "maybe" they already have ?!)
Great video Russ! The points that really resonated with me are the Roman numerals/California dials (🤮) and the aliexpress brands (🤮🤮🤮)… and I bought a prx when the hype was nuts and I NEVER wear it and need to sell it. I’m not completely against an integrated bracelet watch, but the prx is a totally bland snoozer.
May I add a butterfly clasp? I don't own one but the lack of adjustment sends shivers down my spine ( my Oceanus' integrated bracelet ( never again!) formed this opinion & made my think about my grail- an aqua terra ( CW now think this a good idea?!)). Phew- rant over; blood pressure now stable.
Ooooooo yes! Having said that the GS SBGN003 had the butterfly clasp and that bracelet was amazingly comfortable! Just the luck of the wrist size draw!
Love the vid sir, some interesting points to watch for, for sure. And thanks for the knowledge, finally know that those dials are called California dials.
Spot on Russ good to hear your thoughts, I agree with mostly everything and I do understand your feelings on the homage clomage market and I would probably feel the exact same way if I was in a similar position as yourself, able to amass so many great watches in a collection, the fact is these homage watches are not made for you, they are made for us, who just want something that looks nice and cant justify spending thousands of pounds on an overpriced watch.
Great episode, as always, my friend. By the way ,I love Gshock but still agree with your wife taste. Congratulations to you both for the new child ❤🎉 With great love and appreciation Nizar -Israel
Love it! Great show Russell! I 98% agree with all of your "Hot Takes!" I hate a bad bezel action (personal note at the end on this), I hate a too small crown (and I will add to that the action of the movement behind it, which is why I'm not a fan of the Miyota 9K movements. Technically a superior movement to the NHXX, but feels like it's made of rocks when you try to wind the thing), and I really hate a male endlink! I don't know why these days they even still exist! It's kept me from buying a few watches I really loved (the Spinnaker Spence as an example). The only thing I'll 2% disagree with you on is a Homage watch. While I would never buy one now, my Steinhart did bring me into the watch lover world. I've moved past homage watches (and did so rather quickly), but can't fault them and I still do love my Steinhart (the build quality is excellent!), though I have to admit I don't wear it very often. Now, my own "Hot Take" on Bezel actions: I hate a bad bezel action and really hate a friction bezel, that is until I experienced the bezel on the Breitling Navitimer 8 I received recently as a gift. An odd watch, with a field watch dial and a very small friction bezel (a bezel on a non-dive, non-GMT watch?). But I have to say, I love the bezel on this thing! It's smooth and has just the right amount of resistance, it feels like you're cracking a safe. At first I wasn't sure about this watch, but have kind of fallen in love with it.
I have a couple of dials with Romans, one because it's also a bit wacky and was crazy cheap Sapphire Swiss quartz, the other because of the other things I liked, super thin no date Swiss quartz with Sapphire but I have to overcome my dislike for the IIII at 4 rather than IV,, two digits they use for 6!.. Nomos recently used the correct IV.
Agree on most of the points (I do like transparent case back even on a simple movements), especially about Roman numerals 😀. I could add that I hate thick cases.
I have the Casio Royale and I bought the Smei for 5 euros shipped. The Smei keeps better time and is amazingly accurate. I don't wear it much if ever but you can take to the bank that the Smei has the edge over the Casio.
Agree with most of your list, but one exception... PRX + gold for some reason goes over my aversion to integrated bracelets... I'm scared I could take the plunge sooner or later 😅 It's that 80's flex look...
I really wanna get one of the Ice-Blue Dial'd PRX's.. gotta be Auto tho not Quartz for that Extra line of Dial Text I wont be able to read anyways😂 I get people getting 'miffed' off with the Gerald Genta stuff but the PRX is one of My all time Fave's.
I bought the 35mm gold auto PRX, tried it on in store and compared with the 40 etc. Love it. If you're interested, go and try one on and if you love it just take the plunge. It's what YOU like, not what other collectors like :D
How dare you Diss the PRX. But I see your point on the replacement strap scenario. But there are a number of strap alternatives out there, that look pretty good and price point-wise, are not level parr with some of your faves out there, like Artem. I'm bang on side with the Casio homage watchs, as there's evidently no point. Great video my friend
I am glad to hear I’m not the only one that doesn’t like integrated bracelet watches like the PRX. I’m also with you on the copy cat watches- it’s essential like a forgery. A homage is fine, if it has something that sets it apart.
Latest Timex T80s have a problem where they don't show AM or PM indicator (it will only appear when actually setting the time on the watch). Timex told me to return it for a refund. I have 2 that have the same problem and have seen others online report the glitch/problem.
Agree with everything with maybe one exception of romans and California dials (love them). About number 10, look at Revelot's Hexmariner! They took the sub clone and really made it into something unique and even had fun with it knowing it was inspired by. Or Spinnaker's fifty phantoms.
I agree about Omega bezel action. I agree about the Tissot prx. I don't mind the lollipop tip, it's not that hard to hack it bang on. Not into homage watches myself, but do think San Martins are well made. I don't mind a display back over a pedestrian movement, not a deal breaker. I think Damasko has the best bezel action in the business.
Russ, we're still friends! I have (1) Skeeemi! I was a beginner and inexperienced. I do not like lollipop on the end either. I have been tempted by aliexpress if it's less than $100 I will consider it. You're videos are great fun...
My Serica 4512 California has one of the nicest dials I‘ve seen in ages: clean, legible, iconic and even quite dressy. It‘s a mere matter of proper execution.
I do love your 'Wife Review' section. My question is: Will we ever see her on the channel, and if so, will it be like Kenny from South Park, with her face covered? Keep up the good work TMWC!
The thing that bugs me the most, and I made this mistake when I didn’t know what to look for with a Citizen when the width or design of the lugs make it impossible to change straps.
I bought a Pagani diver on a strap just to see and it's OK but I've never worn it because it's 4th diver in line. Not knocking it as it was worth $120for a SS diver with Sapphire n fair lume. If I had the sort of physical hands on job that in combo with my clumsiness would be a watch killer it could be a daily work watch. As it is I can't decide whether to get rid on E bay'gum or use the decent strap n keep the watch as a donor Seiko NH movement for my real Seiko diver..
