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Posted inReview

Casio W-219h Review: a great, cheap, G-Shock Alternative for 2024

Posted by By Dave April 6, 2024
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Posted inRanking

Watches with the Best Lume: Full Rankings

Posted by By Dave March 31, 2024
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Casio W-219h Review: a great, cheap, G-Shock Alternative for 2024

Casio W-219h Review: a great, cheap, G-Shock Alternative for 2024

Posted by By Dave April 6, 2024
In recent years Casio has started pumping out cheap digital watches that, at least in terms of style, share a lot of DNA with their G-Shock premium digital watches. One…
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Watches with the Best Lume: Full Rankings

Watches with the Best Lume: Full Rankings

Posted by By Dave March 31, 2024
Just the Watch Lume Rankings I love lume. So much so that a few years ago I developed a rating system to compare the brightness of lume across the watches…
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Casio AEQ-110: Almost a great beater watch

Casio AEQ-110: Almost a great beater watch

Posted by By Dave March 29, 2024
A tough, great looking ana-digi model from Casio that looks like a real bargain at $30, but the lack of an active light makes this a questionable buy. Read on…
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The Best Affordable Automatic Chronograph of 2024

The Best Affordable Automatic Chronograph of 2024

Posted by By Dave March 14, 2024
Founded in Korea in 2021, Pitzmann is a new microbrand that's been catching attention with excellently crafted watches that combine both western and eastern influences. Today we'll be looking at…
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The Best $30 G-Shock Alternative is still a Casio

The Best $30 G-Shock Alternative is still a Casio

Posted by By Dave March 2, 2024
Sometimes I'm not sure what the guys over at Casio are thinking. While every other brand has been increasing prices, Casio seems to be doing the opposite by creating ultra-affordable…
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The Best Affordable Black Bay Alternative of 2024

The Best Affordable Black Bay Alternative of 2024

Posted by By Dave March 2, 2024
In this video we see what Swedish Micro brand Tuseno is capable of with their new flagship dive watch, the Shellback version 2. With a silhouette that is reminiscent of…
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This New Seiko 5 GMT is the Best Affordable Rolex Explorer 2 Polar Dial Alternative

This New Seiko 5 GMT is the Best Affordable Rolex Explorer 2 Polar Dial Alternative

Posted by By Dave March 1, 2024
Seiko SBSC009 Review The Rolex Explorer II, particularly the white dial "polar" dial variants have always been a grail of mine. But since it's way outside my price range I've…
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The Best Watch Available Today Costs Just $20

The Best Watch Available Today Costs Just $20

Posted by By Dave March 1, 2024
Today we're checking out a watch that I think is a genuine contender for the title “Best Watch of All Time,” in the Casio AE1200WH. We’ll be putting this claim…
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Seiko SBDC159 – An affordable Rolex Explorer Alternative

Seiko SBDC159 – An affordable Rolex Explorer Alternative

Posted by By Dave March 1, 2024
As an avid watch enthusiast residing in Japan, I have encountered numerous timepieces that have captured my attention. Among them, the Rolex Explorer stands tall as one of my favorites.…
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Latest Videos

In this February edition of Microbrand Monthly, we’re taking a look at six of the most interesting new microbrand watch releases — ranging from a 38mm stone-dial sports watch to a massive 48mm GMT, plus one of the most creative art watches on the market right now.

This month’s lineup includes:

The Formex Field Automatic in the new Golden Honey colorway from Formex
The wildly creative Monster Melter 3000 from Mr Jones Watches
The Nebula from Santura featuring stone, mother of pearl, and aventurine
The Wormhole Space Diver from Kunuck Time Pieces with a Musou Black dial
The ultra-thin Feyman VI powered by an ETA 7001 manual wind movement
The oversized 48mm Lapizta Skyros GMT

*PAID PROMOTIONS INFORMATION*
Watches from Mr. Jones, Santura and Lapizta were provided for free to Just the Watch.


Full reviews of select watches are available on Shane and Bob’s channels (links below).
Shane ( @RelativeTime  )
Bob ( @TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces  )

WATCHES FEATURED
Santura x Bauche Nebula: https://santurawatches.com/
Mr. Jones Monster Melter 3000: https://mrjoneswatches.com/
Formex Field Auto: https://formexwatch.com/
Cunuck Timepeices "The Wormhole": https://canucktimepieces.com/
Feynman VI: https://feynman.watch/
Lapizta Syros GMT: https://slatewatchcompany.com/


We cover specs, finishing, value for money, movement choices (including Miyota 9039, Sellita SW200, ETA 7001, Seiko NH38, and Ronda quartz GMT), dial details, and honest pros and cons for each watch.

If you’re interested in:
Microbrand watch reviews
Affordable mechanical watches
Unique dial materials (stone, mother of pearl, aventurine)
Independent watch brands
Field watches, GMT watches, and art watches
This episode brings them all together in one place.


Subscribe for monthly microbrand roundups, in-depth reviews, and honest takes on independent watchmaking.

0:00 Feb. Microbrand Monthly
3:24 1. Santura x Bauche Nebula
6:04 2. Mr. Jones Watches Monster Melter 3000
8:35 3. Formex Field Auto
13:01 4. Canuck Timepeices Wormhole
15:00 5. Feynman VI
16:44 6. Lapizta Skyros GMT
6 Microbrand Watches You Should Know About (February Edition)
Anson Belt & Buckle: Step up your belt game — get 2 bonus pieces FREE with the Box Set at http://ansonbelt.com/jtwgshock
Is the $200 G-Shock GW-BX5600 actually the best watch ever made?

In this video, I make a reasoned case that the MIP G-Shock isn’t just a great value — it might outperform every category of watch, including a $400,000 Royal Oak, luxury tool watches, smartwatches, and even feature-packed quartz competitors.

First, we define what a watch actually is. Once you do that, the comparison becomes clearer — and more uncomfortable for luxury brands.

The Watch in Question
The Casio G-Shock GW-BX5600 features:
MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) display for superior legibility
Bluetooth + Multiband 6 atomic timekeeping
Tough Solar charging
Perpetual calendar
World time
5 alarms
Stopwatch & countdown timer
200m water resistance

At around $200, it delivers nearly every classic watch complication — plus accuracy that mechanical watches simply cannot match.

I compare this G-Shock to 4 amazing challengers and explain why the G-Shock still comes on top
1. AP Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillion/Column Wheel Chronograph
2. Garmin Instinct 3
3. Seiko Astron SSH175
4. Casio Royale AE-1200wh

0:00 The G-Shock Square "MIP"
1:30 vs. a $400,000 AP
6:25  The Criteria
9:15 vs. Garmin Instinct 3
12:17 vs. Seiko Astron SSH175
14:13 vs. Casio Royale
Luxury Watches Have a Problem… It’s This G-Shock
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Latest Videos

In this February edition of Microbrand Monthly, we’re taking a look at six of the most interesting new microbrand watch releases — ranging from a 38mm stone-dial sports watch to a massive 48mm GMT, plus one of the most creative art watches on the market right now.

This month’s lineup includes:

The Formex Field Automatic in the new Golden Honey colorway from Formex
The wildly creative Monster Melter 3000 from Mr Jones Watches
The Nebula from Santura featuring stone, mother of pearl, and aventurine
The Wormhole Space Diver from Kunuck Time Pieces with a Musou Black dial
The ultra-thin Feyman VI powered by an ETA 7001 manual wind movement
The oversized 48mm Lapizta Skyros GMT

*PAID PROMOTIONS INFORMATION*
Watches from Mr. Jones, Santura and Lapizta were provided for free to Just the Watch.


Full reviews of select watches are available on Shane and Bob’s channels (links below).
Shane ( @RelativeTime  )
Bob ( @TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces  )

WATCHES FEATURED
Santura x Bauche Nebula: https://santurawatches.com/
Mr. Jones Monster Melter 3000: https://mrjoneswatches.com/
Formex Field Auto: https://formexwatch.com/
Cunuck Timepeices "The Wormhole": https://canucktimepieces.com/
Feynman VI: https://feynman.watch/
Lapizta Syros GMT: https://slatewatchcompany.com/


We cover specs, finishing, value for money, movement choices (including Miyota 9039, Sellita SW200, ETA 7001, Seiko NH38, and Ronda quartz GMT), dial details, and honest pros and cons for each watch.

If you’re interested in:
Microbrand watch reviews
Affordable mechanical watches
Unique dial materials (stone, mother of pearl, aventurine)
Independent watch brands
Field watches, GMT watches, and art watches
This episode brings them all together in one place.


Subscribe for monthly microbrand roundups, in-depth reviews, and honest takes on independent watchmaking.

0:00 Feb. Microbrand Monthly
3:24 1. Santura x Bauche Nebula
6:04 2. Mr. Jones Watches Monster Melter 3000
8:35 3. Formex Field Auto
13:01 4. Canuck Timepeices Wormhole
15:00 5. Feynman VI
16:44 6. Lapizta Skyros GMT
6 Microbrand Watches You Should Know About (February Edition)
Anson Belt & Buckle: Step up your belt game — get 2 bonus pieces FREE with the Box Set at http://ansonbelt.com/jtwgshock
Is the $200 G-Shock GW-BX5600 actually the best watch ever made?

In this video, I make a reasoned case that the MIP G-Shock isn’t just a great value — it might outperform every category of watch, including a $400,000 Royal Oak, luxury tool watches, smartwatches, and even feature-packed quartz competitors.

First, we define what a watch actually is. Once you do that, the comparison becomes clearer — and more uncomfortable for luxury brands.

The Watch in Question
The Casio G-Shock GW-BX5600 features:
MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) display for superior legibility
Bluetooth + Multiband 6 atomic timekeeping
Tough Solar charging
Perpetual calendar
World time
5 alarms
Stopwatch & countdown timer
200m water resistance

At around $200, it delivers nearly every classic watch complication — plus accuracy that mechanical watches simply cannot match.

I compare this G-Shock to 4 amazing challengers and explain why the G-Shock still comes on top
1. AP Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillion/Column Wheel Chronograph
2. Garmin Instinct 3
3. Seiko Astron SSH175
4. Casio Royale AE-1200wh

0:00 The G-Shock Square "MIP"
1:30 vs. a $400,000 AP
6:25  The Criteria
9:15 vs. Garmin Instinct 3
12:17 vs. Seiko Astron SSH175
14:13 vs. Casio Royale
Luxury Watches Have a Problem… It’s This G-Shock
Help Dave, Shane and Alton fix their collections! Collection Conundrum is back, this time we'll be going over the state of our watch collections and figuring out where we need go next.
Our Watch Collections Need Some Work...
In this video, I take a close look at the Englemaan Enterprise, a Chinese-made automatic watch that delivers an unusual level of manufacturing and feature set for its $280 price point.

Get the watch: https://englemaan.com
Get a Hoodie: https://justthewatch.com


This is a 40mm tool watch clearly inspired by the Sinn 104, but the real story here isn’t the design—it’s what’s happening under the hood. The Enterprise includes features that are rarely seen at this price, including a ball-bearing bezel assembly, a clutched crown, and a smooth on-the-fly adjustable clasp.

You also get a ceramic bezel insert, sapphire crystal with AR coating, an anti-magnetic case, and an anti-scratch coating on both the case and bracelet. Powering the watch is the proven Seiko NH36 automatic movement, known for its reliability and easy serviceability.

In this review, I’ll cover:

Build quality and finishing

Bezel and crown execution

Bracelet and clasp design

Movement choice and performance

How it compares to other watches in the sub-$300 category

Whether this level of manufacturing actually matters in real-world use
I've never seen this in a watch this cheap...
Casio MRW-200 & MRW-230 Review | Affordable Analog Casio Watches

In this video, I review the Casio MRW-200 and Casio MRW-230, two highly affordable Casio analog watches that offer strong everyday functionality at a very low price. Both models feature 100m water resistance, day/date, a rotating timing bezel, and extremely light, comfortable wear — making them solid options as cheap Casio watches or casual daily beaters.

Get a JTW T-Shirt or Hoodie: https://shop.justthewatch.com
More Cool watches in my Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justthewatch

The focus is on JDM (Japan-only) MRW models, including versions with Kanji day wheels, and how they compare to US-market releases. The MRW-200 line includes field watch and retro diver-style designs, while the newer MRW-230 has a more streamlined diver layout with a metal bezel insert and improved dial legibility.

I also cover lume performance, strap compatibility (18mm lugs), comfort, durability, and pricing differences between Japan and the US. If you’re looking for an affordable Casio watch, a budget dive watch, or a simple analog Casio with real water resistance, the MRW-200 and MRW-230 are worth considering.

Links
US VERSION (Affiliate)
MRW-200 (Tactical): https://amzn.to/4tqt8SO
MRW-230: https://amzn.to/4tqt8SO

JAPANESE VERSIONS
https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Casio-Collection-%E3%80%90Domestic-Regular-Product%E3%80%91/dp/B09C1N8445
https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Casio-Collection-%E3%80%90Domestic-Regular-Product%E3%80%91/dp/B09C1MX3ND
https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Casio-MRW-230HJ-Wristwatch-Collection-black/dp/B0FN7V6VYR

Straps Shown
FKM Rubber Strap: https://skxmod.com/products/fkm-rubber-band-for-ae-1200-1300-ws-1600-series
Leather Strap: https://vario.sg/collections/watch-straps-for-casio-ae1200wh-world-time
18mm Nylon Strap: https://cnswatchbands.com/
All the watch you need for $20
January Microbrand Monthly – Best New Microbrand Watch Releases (Dive, Field & GMT Watches)

Welcome to the January edition of Microbrand Monthly on Just the Watch — a once-a-month roundup where we highlight the best new microbrand watch releases so you can stay up to date without watching dozens of individual reviews.

Watch Brands in this video:
MMI: https://www.mmiwatches.com/
Mark Time: https://marktimewatches.com/
Helm: https://helmwatches.com
Heron: https://www.heronwatches.com/
Christopher Ward: https://www.christopherward.com

This month is a little different: I’m joined by two trusted watch reviewers — Shane from@RelativeTime and Bob from @TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces  — each bringing hands-on coverage of standout microbrand watches they think you should know about.

Watches Featured in This Episode:

MMI Cuttlechron Wave Tri-Lume Diver – A unique square-case dive watch with a fully lumed dial inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa

Mark Time M6 – A boldly minimalist sports watch with brutalist design and exceptional legibility

Helm Togiak Field Watch – Helm’s first field watch, featuring classic tool-watch durability and signature Helm lume

Heron Mirabell GMT (Cigar Club Edition) – A dressy traveler’s GMT with a salmon enamel dial and fully lumed face

Christopher Ward C60 Clipper GMT Pan Am Edition – A limited-edition GMT celebrating Pan Am aviation history

All watches discussed are hands-on, with a mix of personal purchases, loaners, and review samples. Full specs, wearability impressions, movement choices, and design critiques are covered throughout the video.

If you’re searching for:

Microbrand dive watches

Affordable GMT watches

Field watches under $1,000

Unique lume dials

New microbrand watch releases

…this video is for you.

0:00 Welcome to the Microbrand Monthly
2:18 – MMI Cuttlechron – Lume as Art
5:00 – Helm Togiak – Why This One Matters
7:25 – Christopher Ward Pan-Am – The GMT I Didn’t Expect
10:04 – Heron Mirabel – A Dress GMT That Actually Works
12:07 – Mark Time M6 – Love It or Hate It Design
Top 5 New Microbrand Watches — January Edition
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