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Posts by Dave

About Dave
Dave is a Christian missionary living in rural North East Japan who also happens to loves to collect affordable watches. In his spare time he runs the Just the Watch channel on YouTube. Living in Japan he has a particular interest in JDM watches, but covers all sorts of watches on his YouTube channel and blog.
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

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
New Christopher Ward Pan-Am GMT + 4 Standout Microbrand Watches (January)
Strap Mill Canada Watch Strap Review | Unboxing, Try-On & Sizing Test In this video, I unbox, size, try on, and test three watch straps from Strap Mill Canada — including a premium ratchet clasp rubber strap and two high-quality leather watch straps made with Horween and Palmellato leather. Check out SMC: https://www.strapmillcanada.com/ Get a Just The Watch hoodie: https://shop.justthewatch.com 📦 What’s in the Box Black Ratchet Clasp Rubber Strap – $77 Carrot Palmellato Padded Leather Watch Strap – $50 Black Horween Chromexcel Vintage Leather Watch Strap – $54 Strap Mill Canada coasters ⌚ Black Ratchet Clasp Rubber Strap Review This strap combines a CTS rubber strap with a tool-free micro-adjust expansion clasp, giving it the feel of a bracelet with the comfort of rubber. It starts compact (not oversized), expands smoothly, and feels premium enough for luxury watches while still elevating budget pieces. I walk through how to size the strap, including where to cut and how to dial in the fit safely. Paired here with my Ginault Silent Service, this is one of the few straps that can genuinely compete with the stock bracelet. 🟧 Carrot Palmellato Padded Leather Watch Strap A bold, saturated leather strap with a unique Palmellato texture. This color works best with lighter dials — shown here on my Erebus Ascent (white dial). The padded construction adds structure without feeling bulky. ⚫ Horween Chromexcel Leather Watch Strap (Black) A classic Horween Chromexcel leather watch strap with a smooth finish, deep black color, and surprisingly lightweight feel. I paired it with my Pitzman Chronograph, and it’s the kind of essential strap every collection needs — excellent quality at a very reasonable price. 🧵 Strap Materials & Details Black Ratchet Clasp Rubber Strap – $80 Premium rubber strap with tool-free micro-adjust expansion clasp. Palmellato Padded Leather Watch Strap – $50 Vegetable-tanned leather from Puccini Tannery, embossed with a cork roll texture. Lined with Zermatt leather from Haas Tannery (France) for water resistance, breathability, and comfort. Horween Chromexcel Vintage Leather Strap – $55 Made with leather from the Horween Tannery (Chicago) using a combination vegetable and chrome tanning process. Features a natural pull-up effect and Zermatt leather lining. 👍 If you enjoy watch strap reviews, unboxings, and real-world tests, consider subscribing and let me know which strap you’d choose in the comments. #WatchStraps #StrapMillCanada #WatchStrapReview #HorweenChromexcel #RubberWatchStrap #WatchUnboxing #MicroAdjustClasp
This Rubber Watch Strap System Is Brilliant | Strap Mill Canada Review
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Latest Videos

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
New Christopher Ward Pan-Am GMT + 4 Standout Microbrand Watches (January)
Strap Mill Canada Watch Strap Review | Unboxing, Try-On & Sizing Test In this video, I unbox, size, try on, and test three watch straps from Strap Mill Canada — including a premium ratchet clasp rubber strap and two high-quality leather watch straps made with Horween and Palmellato leather. Check out SMC: https://www.strapmillcanada.com/ Get a Just The Watch hoodie: https://shop.justthewatch.com 📦 What’s in the Box Black Ratchet Clasp Rubber Strap – $77 Carrot Palmellato Padded Leather Watch Strap – $50 Black Horween Chromexcel Vintage Leather Watch Strap – $54 Strap Mill Canada coasters ⌚ Black Ratchet Clasp Rubber Strap Review This strap combines a CTS rubber strap with a tool-free micro-adjust expansion clasp, giving it the feel of a bracelet with the comfort of rubber. It starts compact (not oversized), expands smoothly, and feels premium enough for luxury watches while still elevating budget pieces. I walk through how to size the strap, including where to cut and how to dial in the fit safely. Paired here with my Ginault Silent Service, this is one of the few straps that can genuinely compete with the stock bracelet. 🟧 Carrot Palmellato Padded Leather Watch Strap A bold, saturated leather strap with a unique Palmellato texture. This color works best with lighter dials — shown here on my Erebus Ascent (white dial). The padded construction adds structure without feeling bulky. ⚫ Horween Chromexcel Leather Watch Strap (Black) A classic Horween Chromexcel leather watch strap with a smooth finish, deep black color, and surprisingly lightweight feel. I paired it with my Pitzman Chronograph, and it’s the kind of essential strap every collection needs — excellent quality at a very reasonable price. 🧵 Strap Materials & Details Black Ratchet Clasp Rubber Strap – $80 Premium rubber strap with tool-free micro-adjust expansion clasp. Palmellato Padded Leather Watch Strap – $50 Vegetable-tanned leather from Puccini Tannery, embossed with a cork roll texture. Lined with Zermatt leather from Haas Tannery (France) for water resistance, breathability, and comfort. Horween Chromexcel Vintage Leather Strap – $55 Made with leather from the Horween Tannery (Chicago) using a combination vegetable and chrome tanning process. Features a natural pull-up effect and Zermatt leather lining. 👍 If you enjoy watch strap reviews, unboxings, and real-world tests, consider subscribing and let me know which strap you’d choose in the comments. #WatchStraps #StrapMillCanada #WatchStrapReview #HorweenChromexcel #RubberWatchStrap #WatchUnboxing #MicroAdjustClasp
This Rubber Watch Strap System Is Brilliant | Strap Mill Canada Review
Anson Belt & Buckle: Step up your belt game — get 2 bonus pieces FREE with the Box Set at http://ansonbelt.com/jtw100 You can still get great watches for under $100 — if you know where to look. In this video, I went looking for the best watches under $100 that you can actually buy right now. These are watches I personally like, would enjoy wearing myself, and would confidently recommend to anyone getting started in watch collecting, or anyone looking for a great affordable everyday watch. Why $100? This price point is the sweet spot where you can still get a durable analog watch that looks better than a smartwatch or cheap digital watch, and can handle daily wear. It’s ideal for a first watch, trying a new style, or building a versatile budget collection. I cover 7 watches under $100, including options from major brands like Casio, Timex, and Invicta, Chinese brands like Addiesdive, Steeldive, and Miltado, and even a rare microbrand option that surprised me. Along the way, I also explain: Where to find good affordable watches (Amazon, AliExpress, microbrands) What to avoid at this price (cheap cases, bad water resistance, poor straps) Why bad straps aren’t always a deal breaker What specs actually matter under $100 If you’re wondering “Can you still buy a good watch for under $100?” — this video answers that question. Watches Featured in this video (Affiliate links) 1. Casio MDV-107 (Bracelet): https://amzn.to/4qpc8KQ Casio MDV-106 (Strap): https://amzn.to/49oCYwH 2. Timex Waterbury: https://amzn.to/4aYDnqZ 3. Invicta Pro Diver: https://amzn.to/49XAPZ2 4. Steeldive SD1944 https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4e3MTmP 5. Addieddive AS2030: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4CWnuWT 6. Miltado: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4BDXVSr 7. Ratio Freediver: https://amzn.to/3Liz2Vf 0:00 Can you get a good watch for $100? 2:08 Mainstream Watches 2:30 1. Timex Waterbury Chrono 6:33 2. Casio Duro 9:00 3. Invicta Pro Diver 11:00 Chinese Watches 11:35 4. Steeldive 13:42 5. Addiesdive 16:32 6. Miltado 18:44 Microbrands 19:23 7. Ratio
The best watches under $100 -- and how to find them
Is this the best digital watch Casio has ever made? In this video, I review the Casio G-Shock GW-BX5600, the first square G-Shock to combine a MIP (Memory In Pixel) display, Bluetooth, and Multiband 6 in a classic 5600 form factor — and I explain why it may set a new benchmark for real-world watch functionality. LINKS TO PURCHASE WATCHES IN THIS VIDEO (Note, the MIP watch featured is not yet available in the US) GW-BX5600 (MIP): https://www.casio.com/intl/watches/gshock/product.GW-BX5600-1/ DW-5600RL (LCD) (Affiliate): https://amzn.to/3NkZ8qZ Casio Royale (LCD)(Affiliate): https://amzn.to/3YsOLE7 AE-1500WH: https://amzn.to/3NdkTcj My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justthewatch The GW-BX5600 builds on earlier MIP G-Shocks like the GBX-100, GDB-200, and DW-H5600, but refines the formula into a smaller, simpler, and more practical everyday watch — all at around $200 / ¥30,800. 🔍 What I Cover in This Review • MIP Display – Pros & Cons The biggest upgrade. Higher resolution, better contrast, wider viewing angles, larger numbers, and labeled menus that make setting the watch dramatically easier. I also cover the downsides, including the slower refresh rate and screen timeout behavior. • Backlight Performance The LED backlight is usable in total darkness but dim compared to other Casios — and I explain why it holds back otherwise excellent legibility. • Size & Wearability Nearly identical to the DW-5600, with a slightly larger screen: 44mm wide 48mm lug-to-lug 12mm thick • GW-M5610 vs GW-BX5600 Same core functions, but with Bluetooth added and a vastly improved display — plus a discussion of what you don’t get compared to the 5610. • AE-1200 “Royale” Comparison Why the Royale still wins on accessibility and backlight — but not on accuracy, durability, or long-term convenience. ⌚ Features & Functionality Time & Date World Time 5 Alarms Stopwatch (1/100s) Countdown Timer Auto LED Backlight Bluetooth (phone finder & easier setup) Multiband 6 atomic timekeeping Solar powered (no battery changes) 🏆 Why This Might Be the Best Watch Ever When judged on the things that actually matter in daily life — accuracy, durability, legibility, functionality, and convenience — the GW-BX5600 arguably ranks at the very top. It’s incredibly low-maintenance, always accurate, intuitive to use, and tough enough to outlast almost anything else. It’s not a smartwatch. It’s not flashy. But as a pure tool watch, this may be the most complete digital watch Casio has ever made. If you’re interested in G-Shock reviews, Casio MIP displays, or finding the best everyday digital watch, this one’s worth a close look. 👇 Let me know in the comments: Is the GW-BX5600 the new king of G-Shock squares?
Casio’s MIP G-Shock Might Be the Best Watch Ever
The Vario Futurist might just be the most unique microbrand watch release of the year. Designed by Singapore-based microbrand Vario, this watch channels a 1970s vision of the future while delivering modern specs that make it a true GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) watch. CHECKOUT THE FUTURIST: https://vario.sg/ Get a Just the Watch Hoodie: https://shop.justthewatch.com At first glance, the Futurist looks wild — and it is. The standout feature is the faceted sapphire crystal, which resembles the windows of a retro spaceship and creates incredible visual depth. The engraved stainless steel case, finished with a radial sunburst pattern rather than traditional brushing, is completely unlike anything else on the market. Add in the 12 o’clock crown, and you get perfect horizontal symmetry and a sleek, futuristic case shape. Despite its bold design, the Vario Futurist is highly functional. It features a 39mm case, 48mm lug-to-lug, 11mm thickness, and 20mm lug width, making it very wearable on a wide range of wrists. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, and the lume is outstanding — easily the best I’ve seen from Vario to date. Inside is the reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement, paired with a sapphire crystal with AR undercoating for everyday durability. Dial options include Black, Orange, and Purple, each adding to the watch’s bold, retro-futuristic personality. The Futurist comes standard on a beautifully embossed Italian leather strap, but Vario also offers an optional elastic metal bracelet for $32, which perfectly complements the vintage-future aesthetic. While the 12 o’clock crown can be a bit tricky to wind and the engraved case may require extra cleaning over time, these are minor trade-offs for such a striking and original design. At $688, the Vario Futurist proves that microbrands can still push boundaries. This is not a novelty watch — it’s a thoughtfully designed, modern mechanical watch that feels like it came straight from the future imagined in the 1970s. Easily one of the coolest microbrand watches of the year.
Easily the coolest watch of 2025 - Vario Futurist Review
In this video, I take an in-depth look at the Nadir Vespera GMT, a rugged adventure-style true GMT watch powered by the Miyota 9075 automatic movement. Priced at $700 USD (with free EU shipping from Poland), the Vespera GMT offers genuine traveler GMT functionality, a bold and unconventional case design, and impressive specifications for the money. Get the Watch: https://nadirwatches.com/collections/vespera-gmt Get a T-Shirt: https://shop.justthewatch.com The Vespera GMT is the upgraded version of the original Vespera, featuring a new true GMT movement, an updated dial with applied indexes, and the same distinctive winged case design. Available in multiple colorways, this review focuses on the green dial version, which stands out with its unique color accents and strong visual identity. I break down how the Miyota 9075 True GMT works, including its traveler-friendly jumping local hour hand that allows you to change time zones without stopping the movement. The dial features large applied Arabic numerals, a green-tipped GMT hand, a 24-hour rehaut, and strong BGW9 lume for excellent nighttime legibility. A domed sapphire crystal with four layers of AR coating ensures clarity from all angles. The 42mm case wears more compact than expected thanks to its hidden 4:30 crown, offering comfort and reducing wrist bite. With 200 meters of water resistance, this watch is clearly built for travel and adventure. The included black leather strap features matching green accents, a signed buckle, and complements the case nicely, while a leather watch roll is also included in the package. That said, no watch is perfect. I discuss my main issue with the Vespera GMT: the sharply machined caseback, which tends to snag wrist hair and can become uncomfortable over long wear. Aside from that flaw, the watch wears well and offers strong value for a true GMT at this price point. If you’re looking for a distinctive microbrand GMT watch, a true traveler GMT under $1,000, or something visually different from the usual sports watch designs, the Nadir Vespera GMT is absolutely worth a closer look.
A True GMT with a Truly Unique Design - Nadir Vespera GMT
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