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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

Can a Chinese watch brand really deliver Grand Seiko-level finishing for less than $300?

San Martin has built a reputation for producing some seriously impressive affordable watches, and this latest release might be one of their most interesting yet. Inspired by Grand Seiko's famous dive watch designs, this watch combines beautiful finishing, an incredible textured dial, excellent lume, and a surprisingly sophisticated bracelet with on-the-fly micro adjustment.

But there's one big catch...

Instead of the familiar Japanese Seiko or Miyota movement, San Martin has opted for a Chinese-built ST2130 automatic movement. It looks impressive on paper, but does it have the reliability to match its Japanese competitors?

In this review, I'll take a detailed look at the design, finishing, build quality, bracelet, lume, and movement to find out whether this is one of the best affordable Chinese watches you can buy.

And with the AliExpress 11.11 sale coming up, there's a chance to get an already impressive watch for even less!

BUY THE WATCH HERE (Affiliate Link):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c326l0Mf

IN THIS REVIEW:

Grand Seiko-inspired design and dial finishing

Case finishing and overall build quality

Bracelet construction and new tool-less micro-adjust clasp

BGW9 lume performance and my J-Score lume test

Seagull ST2130 automatic movement

Accuracy testing and concerns about long-term reliability

Is this a better alternative to affordable Seiko and Citizen watches?

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Can San Martin Match Grand Seiko?
00:56 – Design & Grand Seiko Inspiration
04:50 – Build Quality, Bracelet & Finishing
06:16 – The Chinese ST2130 Automatic Movement
09:11 – Final Thoughts & Verdict

This watch was provided by San Martin for review. They had no editorial control over the content or conclusions of this video.

If you enjoy affordable watches, Chinese watch brands, microbrand reviews, and discovering interesting alternatives to mainstream brands, subscribe to Just the Watch!

#SanMartin #GrandSeikoHomage #ChineseWatches #AffordableWatches #WatchReview #AutomaticWatches
Grand Seiko Quality, Seiko 5 Price.
Welcome back to Microbrand Monthly – November Edition! This month, Dave from Just the Watch is joined by Shane from Relative Time and Bob from Time2Go Travel and Time Pieces to check out four interesting microbrand watches.

We've got an incredibly affordable automatic traveler's GMT, a military tool watch developed for British Special Forces, a beautifully designed British-made field watch, and the debut release from a brand-new sister company to one of the most popular microbrands around.

Four watches, three reviewers, and plenty of opinions. Let's find out which ones are worth your money!

WATCHES FEATURED

✈️ Pegoude Watches Ondelure – A vintage-inspired aviation watch with a unique external control for its internal 12-hour bezel. https://pegoud-watches.com/

🪖 Elliott Brown Holton – A rugged military tool watch developed for British Special Forces, with serious durability testing and 200m water resistance. https://elliotbrownwatches.com/

🌊 Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT – An automatic traveler's GMT powered by the Miyota 9075, with some incredible dial options at a surprisingly affordable price. https://phoiboswatch.com/

⌚ Marloe Watch Company Field Watch – A sleek 37mm British-assembled automatic field watch with vintage aviation styling and an interesting cinematic connection. https://www.marloewatchcompany.com/

CHECK OUT MY CO-HOSTS

Shane – Relative Time
https://www.youtube.com/@UC8f-EQaYP-UQuAltA3VHsNw 

Bob – Time2Go Travel and Time Pieces
https://www.youtube.com/@UCL3seRTVYThXWh7OK4aGziw 

Both channels have full reviews of watches featured in this episode, along with plenty of other great affordable watch reviews!

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Microbrand Monthly: November
00:53 – Pegoude Watches Andelure
03:43 – Elliott Brown Holton
10:01 – Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT
13:15 – Marloe Watch Company Field Watch
15:55 – Wrap Up & Next Month

If you enjoy affordable watches, independent watch brands, microbrand reviews, and discovering interesting new releases, make sure to subscribe to Just the Watch!

Which of these four watches is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

#MicrobrandWatches #WatchReviews #AffordableWatches #AutomaticWatches #GMTWatch
This GMT Is Raising The Bar... But Wait Until You See The Others
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Latest Videos

Can a Chinese watch brand really deliver Grand Seiko-level finishing for less than $300?

San Martin has built a reputation for producing some seriously impressive affordable watches, and this latest release might be one of their most interesting yet. Inspired by Grand Seiko's famous dive watch designs, this watch combines beautiful finishing, an incredible textured dial, excellent lume, and a surprisingly sophisticated bracelet with on-the-fly micro adjustment.

But there's one big catch...

Instead of the familiar Japanese Seiko or Miyota movement, San Martin has opted for a Chinese-built ST2130 automatic movement. It looks impressive on paper, but does it have the reliability to match its Japanese competitors?

In this review, I'll take a detailed look at the design, finishing, build quality, bracelet, lume, and movement to find out whether this is one of the best affordable Chinese watches you can buy.

And with the AliExpress 11.11 sale coming up, there's a chance to get an already impressive watch for even less!

BUY THE WATCH HERE (Affiliate Link):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c326l0Mf

IN THIS REVIEW:

Grand Seiko-inspired design and dial finishing

Case finishing and overall build quality

Bracelet construction and new tool-less micro-adjust clasp

BGW9 lume performance and my J-Score lume test

Seagull ST2130 automatic movement

Accuracy testing and concerns about long-term reliability

Is this a better alternative to affordable Seiko and Citizen watches?

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Can San Martin Match Grand Seiko?
00:56 – Design & Grand Seiko Inspiration
04:50 – Build Quality, Bracelet & Finishing
06:16 – The Chinese ST2130 Automatic Movement
09:11 – Final Thoughts & Verdict

This watch was provided by San Martin for review. They had no editorial control over the content or conclusions of this video.

If you enjoy affordable watches, Chinese watch brands, microbrand reviews, and discovering interesting alternatives to mainstream brands, subscribe to Just the Watch!

#SanMartin #GrandSeikoHomage #ChineseWatches #AffordableWatches #WatchReview #AutomaticWatches
Grand Seiko Quality, Seiko 5 Price.
Welcome back to Microbrand Monthly – November Edition! This month, Dave from Just the Watch is joined by Shane from Relative Time and Bob from Time2Go Travel and Time Pieces to check out four interesting microbrand watches.

We've got an incredibly affordable automatic traveler's GMT, a military tool watch developed for British Special Forces, a beautifully designed British-made field watch, and the debut release from a brand-new sister company to one of the most popular microbrands around.

Four watches, three reviewers, and plenty of opinions. Let's find out which ones are worth your money!

WATCHES FEATURED

✈️ Pegoude Watches Ondelure – A vintage-inspired aviation watch with a unique external control for its internal 12-hour bezel. https://pegoud-watches.com/

🪖 Elliott Brown Holton – A rugged military tool watch developed for British Special Forces, with serious durability testing and 200m water resistance. https://elliotbrownwatches.com/

🌊 Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT – An automatic traveler's GMT powered by the Miyota 9075, with some incredible dial options at a surprisingly affordable price. https://phoiboswatch.com/

⌚ Marloe Watch Company Field Watch – A sleek 37mm British-assembled automatic field watch with vintage aviation styling and an interesting cinematic connection. https://www.marloewatchcompany.com/

CHECK OUT MY CO-HOSTS

Shane – Relative Time
https://www.youtube.com/@UC8f-EQaYP-UQuAltA3VHsNw 

Bob – Time2Go Travel and Time Pieces
https://www.youtube.com/@UCL3seRTVYThXWh7OK4aGziw 

Both channels have full reviews of watches featured in this episode, along with plenty of other great affordable watch reviews!

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Microbrand Monthly: November
00:53 – Pegoude Watches Andelure
03:43 – Elliott Brown Holton
10:01 – Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT
13:15 – Marloe Watch Company Field Watch
15:55 – Wrap Up & Next Month

If you enjoy affordable watches, independent watch brands, microbrand reviews, and discovering interesting new releases, make sure to subscribe to Just the Watch!

Which of these four watches is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

#MicrobrandWatches #WatchReviews #AffordableWatches #AutomaticWatches #GMTWatch
This GMT Is Raising The Bar... But Wait Until You See The Others
Anson Belt & Buckle: Step up your belt game — get 2 bonus pieces FREE with the Box Set at http://ansonbelt.com/jtwbudget

Can Citizen beat Casio at the budget watch game? 

Citizen’s Q&Q watches offer some serious competition for Casio, with affordable solar-powered divers, feature-packed digital watches, and everyday watches with 100m water resistance. In this video, I compare five Q&Q models against Casio’s popular budget watches to see which brand gives you more for your money.

Some of these are genuine Casio killers. Others… not so much!

Amazon US Links (Affiliate)
E04A-004VK: https://link.amazon/B049kzTEx
H064-004: https://link.amazon/B0ch4iGga
SmileSolar: https://link.amazon/B0c08IA7c

Amazon JAPAN Links (SHIPS TO US, and usually cheaper)
H064-004: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Citizen-H064-004-Waterproof-Analog-Urethane/dp/B08MDMCNJ4
E04A-004VK: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Citizen-E04A-001VK-Wristwatch-Replacement-Urethane/dp/B0CFRGK5DN
SmileSolar: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Citizen-RP10-002-Wristwatch-Waterproof-Urethane/dp/B08PB5XPKZ
Radio Controlled: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/D01A-003VK-Wristwatch-Radio-Controlled-Waterproof-Urethane/dp/B0CHVNSZFN


WATCH CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction: Citizen Q&Q vs Casio
00:48 – Q&Q SolarMate H064004 vs Casio MRW230
04:59 – Q&Q Solar Radio-Controlled Digital Watch
06:54 – Q&Q E04A-004VK vs Casio MQ-24
08:59 – Citizen Smile Solar Watches
11:00 – Citizen Royale vs Casio AE-1600
14:28 – How to Buy Q&Q Watches Outside Japan
15:11 – Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Which would you choose: Citizen Q&Q or Casio? Let me know in the comments!


#Citizen #Casio #QQWatches #BudgetWatches #WatchReview
Citizen is beating Casio at it's own game
Get the Watch: https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com/collections/stone-dials
Get a Just The Watch T-Shirt: https://shop.justthewatch.com

The Nivada Grenchen F77 Special Edition is a vintage-inspired Swiss integrated bracelet sports watch with a fascinating history, a premium Swiss automatic movement, and some absolutely stunning stone dials. But at nearly $2,000, can it compete with the growing field of affordable luxury sports watches?

Originally released in 1977, the Nivada Grenchen F77 takes design cues from the integrated sports watch era while maintaining its own distinctive identity. This special edition celebrates Nivada Grenchen's 100-year history with a faithful recreation of the original design, modern specifications, and a beautiful natural stone dial. In this review, I'm looking at the smoky quartz dial version to see whether its premium features and vintage heritage justify the price.

Inside is the Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, offering a 68-hour power reserve, a 28,800 vph beat rate, and impressive factory-regulated accuracy. The compact 38mm case, high-domed sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and excellent finishing make this an intriguing alternative to watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak—at a fraction of the price.

But it's not perfect. The lume is disappointing, the polished case sides seem prone to scratches, and the price puts it up against some serious competition from both established brands and microbrands.

Is the Nivada Grenchen F77 Special Edition worth nearly $2,000? Let's take a closer look.

In this review:

    Nivada Grenchen F77 history and its connection to the original 1977 model

    Smoky quartz stone dial and how it changes in different lighting

    38mm case dimensions, finishing, and sapphire crystal

    Integrated canvas strap comfort and fit

    La Joux-Perret G101 Swiss automatic movement

    68-hour power reserve and real-world accuracy

    Lume performance and scratch resistance

    Price, competition, and whether it's a compelling Royal Oak alternative

What do you think of the Nivada Grenchen F77 Special Edition? Would you spend nearly $2,000 on this watch, or would you choose something else in the integrated sports watch category? Let me know in the comments!

If you enjoy affordable watches, microbrands, vintage reissues, and honest watch reviews, subscribe to Just the Watch for more.

00:00 – The F77: A Royal Oak Alternative?
01:33 – Specs, Price, and Swiss Heritage
03:50 – Design, Finishing, and Smoky Quartz Dial
06:06 – Strap Comfort and La Joux-Perret Movement
08:12 – The Downsides, Competition, and Final Verdict
This Watch Is Gorgeous. But There's a Catch.
Spinnaker x seconde/seconde/ returns for Halloween with the 50 Phantoms, a wild limited-edition dive watch featuring 50 glowing ghosts, a custom ceramic bezel, a multi-layer dial, and a Miyota 9039 automatic movement. In this review, we unbox the new Spinnaker Fleuss 50 Phantoms, explore its unique lume, compare the Crazy and Quiet editions, and check out all the extras—including three strap options and a glass display dome.

Is this the best 50 Phantoms yet? I cover the specs, build quality, wrist fit, pros and cons, and whether it's worth the $600 price tag.

🎃 Spinnaker 50 Phantoms Release: October 16, 2026

What do you think of this year's Halloween collaboration? Let me know how it compares to previous 50 Phantoms releases in the comments!

#Spinnaker #50Phantoms #WatchReview
The 2026 Fifty Phantoms is pure chaos!
GET $100 of Erebus Nexus with code: JUST100
(One use per customer at https://erebuswatches.com/)

The Erebus Nexus is Erebus Watches’ take on the increasingly popular integrated bracelet sports watch—and I think it may be their most impressive and original watch yet.

The Nexus comes in both standard and premium versions, with the standard model featuring a Miyota 9015 automatic movement and the premium version using a Swiss Sellita SW200-1. Both versions feature a 38.5mm case, sapphire crystal, 100 meters of water resistance, screw-down crown, and a custom integrated bracelet.

But the real stars of the show might be the dials. Erebus offers everything from clean white enamel to striking gradient dials and intricate mother-of-pearl mosaic dials.

In this review, I'll take a close look at the Nexus's case finishing, integrated bracelet, butterfly clasp, dial options, lume, movements, dimensions, wearability, and overall value—and I'll also go over the few things I think Erebus could have done better.

Erebus Nexus $100 Discount Code: [LINK]

At the time of this review, the Nexus is available for pre-order and is expected to begin shipping around April.

Erebus Nexus Specs
Case diameter: 38.5mm
Thickness: 12mm
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire with AR coating
Standard movement: Miyota 9015
Premium movement: Sellita SW200-1
Bracelet: Integrated solid-metal bracelet
Clasp: Butterfly clasp
Standard version: Date at 6 o'clock
Premium version: No-date dial
Multiple dial colors and finishes

The Nexus is an interesting option if you're looking for an affordable integrated bracelet watch, especially if you're interested in something more distinctive than the usual Royal Oak-inspired designs.

What do you think of the Erebus Nexus? Which dial would you choose—the mother-of-pearl mosaic, purple fade, teal, or white enamel?

Let me know in the comments!

👕 Just the Watch T-Shirts & Hoodies: https://justthewatch.com

#ErebusNexus #ErebusWatches #WatchReview #MicrobrandWatches #IntegratedBracelet #AutomaticWatch #AffordableWatches #WatchCollector
An Integrated Bracelet Watch Done right.
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