The Under £200ish Watch and occasional Opera Thread! Vol2

[21st Century Man]

pistonheadforum said:

Out of interest what is it in the real world.

I'll let you know, it only arrived this morning.

[redrabbit]

pistonheadforum said:

Any pointers on brands to trust from the large tombola that is Ali Express?

Many thanks.

From my experience, Steeldive and Pagani are excellent.

Others have been happy with Parnis and Corguet, from recollection.

[21st Century Man]

21st Century Man said:

Kes Arevo said:

Really like that strap!

I've got three similar coming in different colours from AliExpress. £1.57 each delivered.

I've just put it on a deployment clasp, even better

[sideways man]

pistonheadforum said:

Any pointers on brands to trust from the large tombola that is Ali Express?

Many thanks.

I’ve got this Tag Monaco, er sort of replica coming sometime, I’m hoping it’ll be ok

[Barchettaman]

pistonheadforum said:

Any pointers on brands to trust from the large tombola that is Ali Express?

Many thanks.

As others have said, Steeldive seem to be a sweet spot where value, specs and quality collide in a happy way.

There is also a UK reseller (in Cardiff) if you’re uncomfortable or unwilling to buy direct from China.

Other brands:

San Martin get the best online reviews re quality and finishing, but aren’t without their own QC issues

Pagani Design
Heimdallr (weird name, great watches)
Corgeut
Watchdive
Addiesdive and many more!

Keep an eye out for coupon codes and sales (although you just missed one) as these will drop the price significantly.

[SWoll]

I'll add Sugess and Baltany to the AliExp list.

[Mammasaid]

sideways man said:

pistonheadforum said:

Any pointers on brands to trust from the large tombola that is Ali Express?

Many thanks.

I’ve got this Tag Monaco, er sort of replica coming sometime, I’m hoping it’ll be ok

Ditto, only a week to wait....

[kuro]

Barchettaman said:

pistonheadforum said:

Any pointers on brands to trust from the large tombola that is Ali Express?

Many thanks.

As others have said, Steeldive seem to be a sweet spot where value, specs and quality collide in a happy way.

There is also a UK reseller (in Cardiff) if you’re uncomfortable or unwilling to buy direct from China.

Other brands:

San Martin get the best online reviews re quality and finishing, but aren’t without their own QC issues

Pagani Design
Heimdallr (weird name, great watches)
Corgeut
Watchdive
Addiesdive and many more!

Keep an eye out for coupon codes and sales (although you just missed one) as these will drop the price significantly.

I've had a couple of San Martins from that Cardiff reseller (Steeldive UK)

The first was an SN0014 retro diver that was missing the bracelet resizing tools and the extra strap.

The second was a sub homage sn017g which arrived with two links already removed, no protective plastic anywhere on the watch and dings and scratches to the case. It had had clearly been used and returned. I did get a brand new replacement but communication took a nosedive from that point leading me to believe the the seller knew all about it.

[Barchettaman]

kuro said:

I've had a couple of San Martins from that Cardiff reseller (Steeldive UK)

The first was an SN0014 retro diver that was missing the bracelet resizing tools and the extra strap.

The second was a sub homage sn017g which arrived with two links already removed, no protective plastic anywhere on the watch and dings and scratches to the case. It had had clearly been used and returned. I did get a brand new replacement but communication took a nosedive from that point leading me to believe the the seller knew all about it.

Wow, that’s piss poor.

[Ninjin]

Just picked this up in HK coming in with discount under the £200 thread topic.

Great value for swiss made and swiss movement.

Edited by Ninjin on Thursday 6th April 15:20

[21st Century Man]

Don't forget Tianjin Seagull, the original Chinese watch manufacturer with an interesting history and heritage. Dare I say an iconic brand? The biggest watch company in the world by far, producing a quarter of global volume, and product at all price points.

Edited by 21st Century Man on Thursday 6th April 16:50

[Dal3D]

SWoll said:

I'll add Sugess and Baltany to the AliExp list.

I took a punt on a Baltany and I was pleasantly surprised. Quality seems good as to the wind out chronograph buttons. Feels unobtrusive on the wrist too.

[Kes Arevo]

Anyone had a Curran or Naviforce?



I like this for the rope detail.



Also spotted this one, which seems very PH.

[redrabbit]

Another one. This time in green. Because I love them

[RSTurboPaul]

redrabbit said:

Another one. This time in green. Because I love them

Oooooooh

I may have to get one of these, I've only got one green watch and these are very 'clean' in design and legibility.

[redrabbit]

RSTurboPaul said:

Oooooooh

I may have to get one of these, I've only got one green watch and these are very 'clean' in design and legibility.

I know, right? It's a fabulous finish, much better than the pic. Perfect period colour for this style. V happy with them all, I'm a total Pagani convert. I can't tell you how pleased I am with that that Polar Explorer upthread as well. Excellent watches.

[ridds]

I've jumped on this again (second time around). Didn't think it was a bad price for something penned by FS. Polarising car designs, probably the same with the watch

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fs-cosmos-watch...

[SWoll]

ridds said:

I've jumped on this again (second time around). Didn't think it was a bad price for something penned by FS. Polarising car designs, probably the same with the watch

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fs-cosmos-watch...

Now that I do like. Might put my name down tomorrow, just need to decide on the colour.

ETA - Blue I reckon.

Edited by SWoll on Thursday 6th April 22:28

[Kes Arevo]

Straps came, so put them on the Skmei to see how they look.

I like the green and orange, but I'm colourblind so who knows!

[blue_haddock]

I finally pulled the trigger on an orient m-force from creation watches after a decent 10% code.

Hopefully should arrive when I get back from holiday.