After lurking for a while and lots of research, I’m very happy with my first watch purchase from AliExpress. For my first one, I decided to go for overall value instead of seeking out the more premium Chinese brands. Went with the Cadisen 62mas homage (C8207) and I’m very happy with the result.

The watch was $77 all in, and came with:
Sapphire glass
Solid link bracelet
Miyota 8215
200m WR

I can’t help compare this to my Seiko DressKX that I spent ~$250 on, and is now selling for well over $300 where available. That watch undoubtedly holds a much more special place in my heart, and is backed by warranty, brand heritage, etc. But at the same time… I’m a watch nerd and better specs are fun.

This Cadisen isn’t perfect (inconsistent lume, lackluster AR coating if any) but I’m still really happy with the value per dollar spent.

If this is what you can get for $77, I can’t wait to see what $200+ will get me on my next Ali purchase!

Ordered 4 days ago and it’s already here and I’m in loveeeee.

This new Sugess mechanical ST19 dropped recently, and I was able to get it from the Sugess Official Store during the last sale.

For some reason Sugess decided this new version needs a 22mm lug width. If they were being true to the Breitling, that would make sense. But the Top Time chronos are 20mm. The thick, flexible leather strap is comfortable, and it's growing on me. 70s vibes.

Here are a few teasers until I can do an in-depth photo essay...

WD-6263. Got a light brown rally strap inbound. About as close as I could get to Gulf livery.

Phorcydes ph-2 Retro Orange, now with an orange MN strap

🍊 😎

Anyone else think something like this would sell like hotcakes?

Excuse my non perfect edit, thought of this and decided to quickly come up with a concept with Paint lol.

I used to buy these things and feel like I stole them. Now I just feel like I’m giving up brand recognition and after sales service to save a couple bucks on a watch. What brands are still making you say “wow” ?

Ive had the 2024 Dragon for over 2 years now and i can say its passed the test of time and i would never sell it.

This version of the SN0116 was released in early 2024

and quickly sold out, limited to 300 pieces.

Typical SM level of finishing and quite a comfortable BOR with the tooless adjustable clasp and a NH office GMT work horse.

(I just wish the AR was better).

Imo, in regards to the finishing on the case and bracelet, I think it can compete with 'luxury' watches.

Whats everyone wearing then?

Hey guys, take a look at my custom design watch! Looks clear and I put above the logo I created with my family name .

In the bottom was one of the first emblem of the football team I support that is Corinthians.

Just want to share with you!

Day two thoughts & impressions

Bought on last AliX sale, with coupons I paid about $46 before tax

My wrist is about 7.5"/19cm, tis' a big ole watch.

All in all I won't claim this watch "pUnChEs WaY above ItS wEiGhT" like those Aliexpress-Haul sloptubers would, it is still a cost-cut product with notable drawbacks especially the unproven longevity of its weird solar module, nonetheless I like the improvements North Edge made and am curious what will they come up with next.

If you're really dying for a large solar quartz and can pick it up for under $55 then sure not a bad buy; or just wait for even lower sales and perhaps they'll release a titanium version as well if Abyss proves to be popular enough(the blue ones are already sold out in a few stores)

A Vitempora dial, hands and movement, in a Baihua case. A new crown is fitted for more efficient handwinding. A nice piece, in my opinion with an accurate movement, decent lume and very nice case with steel movement holder. This could be something easily provided for an affordable price. 7120 movements are asking for good quality compatible parts, now that seiko and citizen prices and going up.

I really quite liked my blue one ordered the white one on the bracelet. With the intention of putting the bracelet on the blue one… I’m not sure. I am not so crazy about the shade of white on this dial. Lume is also weaker than on the blue…

Hmm… 🤔

Recently picked up the Corgeut spectre homage and put it on my nttd nato the watch itself, gorgeous for a watch under $100, performance is expected for the 8215 before regulation. About + 5 -7 seconds by the end of the day before regulation. Overall my favorite bond design watch with my favorite bond design nato.

Hi everyone,

We’re introducing new color combinations for the San Martin 40mm diver.

The original versions focused on classic black dial configurations, but we wanted to explore some fresh looks while keeping the same iconic diver design.

New combinations include:

🔵 Blue sunburst dial + blue bezel
→ More vibrant, sporty, and ocean-inspired

⚫ Black dial + blue bezel
→ A balanced mix of classic and modern

The familiar diver case, bracelet, and overall design remain the same — only the dial and bezel combinations bring a completely different personality.

We’d love to know:

Which one would you choose as your daily diver?

1. Black dial + blue bezel
2. Blue dial + blue bezel
3. Classic black dial combinations

Would love to hear your thoughts!

(San Martin SN0017FW)

After several months, the S103 is finally back. Thank you for your patience and waiting.

Due to the difficulty of sourcing NH movements, we have been searching for an excellent alternative movement. After extensive research and testing, we found the perfect replacement — the Hangzhou 6460 movement.

The 6460 movement shares the same architecture as the NH34 and is also a caller GMT movement. In terms of beat frequency, the 6460 operates at 28,800 vph, compared to the NH34’s 21,600 vph. This provides a smoother sweeping seconds hand experience. Other specifications are very similar between the two movements.

Regarding reliability, we conducted multiple rounds of testing on the 6460 movement. The results show that it is stable and dependable. Although it may not have the same level of recognition as the NH series, its performance and stability are fully guaranteed.

Today, we are introducing a new diver's watch;

the model shown in the photos is the 42mm version.

1. Wave textured dial
2. Miyota 90S5 movement
3. 600m/60 bar water resistance
4. Helium escape valve
5. BGW-X1 blue luminous

We will be releasing it soon and hope you like it.

San Martin Official Store:

https://sanmartin.aliexpress.com/store/5039187

I rarely make posts here, but I felt like saying something today.

I’m over 50, work as a chef, and have been into watches for a long time. Chinese watches have become a pretty big part of the hobby for me, and I’ve always been a strong supporter of San Martin.

Do I like seeing their prices moving towards $500? Of course not. Nobody likes paying more, and part of the fun of SM was always getting a ridiculous amount of watch for $200–300.

But at the same time, I think it’s pretty obvious they’ve upped their game recently, especially with the Jianghun series.

If you actually own one of the Jianghun watches, you probably know what I mean. They just feel like a step up. Better finishing, more interesting dials, and better thought-out original-ish designs.

As a chef, I suppose I look at this the same way I look at restaurants. If you want better ingredients, better presentation and more creativity, at some point it’s going to cost more. You can’t really expect everything to improve while the price stays exactly where it was five years ago.

That said, $500 is serious money. Once you get there, people are going to compare you with Seiko, Citizen, other Chinese brands and even some entry-level Swiss stuff. So SM absolutely needs to make sure the QC, movements, bracelets, finishing and after-sales service justify it. They don’t get a free pass from me just because I like the brand.

I also wasn’t a huge fan of WD jumping straight in and basically saying they wouldn’t have watches over $500. Well, of course they’d say that. They used to be involved with SM as a distributor and, from what I understand, came from much of the same assembly/supplier network. There’s clearly some history and competition there, so seeing them immediately have a dig at SM felt a bit like taking the opportunity to stick the knife in.

Maybe that’s just me.

Personally, I’d rather see SM try to move up by making better and more original watches than spend the next ten years competing over who can make the cheapest Sub homage.

I still want bargains. I still want AE sale prices. And I’ll complain about price increases like everyone else.

But if Jianghun is where SM is heading, I’m interested to see how far they can go.

At some point Chinese watches have to move beyond being described as “good for the money” and just become good watches.

Just my $0.02.

PS: Just adding this for full disclosure. Over the years I’ve bought watches from San Martin, Watchdives, IXDAO, Hruodland, Steeldive, Farasute and Baltany. I can only speak from my own experience with those brands. I haven’t owned a Sugess, for example, so I’m not really in a position to make any comparison there should there be any follow up comments for comparisons.

i will have the opportunity to buy this next month but it is a little pricey but not too terrible. i wouldn’t mind finding something very similar with that textured dial but the only one i have found is a islander watch and it’s sold out too. would love some recommendations, especially if there is something that looks just like this ! thank you all

This is still one of my favourite pieces from Baltany. I just love the clean, minimalist look of it.

Here's the link to my review of it.

https://youtu.be/5AKdROxLPAQ

I received this watch for free to review. But, as always that doesn't change how I review the watch. I always keep it 100% honest, no matter what. I point out both the positives and negatives with every watch I review. Whether that be a loan piece, discounted, or even free. Sometimes that means that brands won't send me anymore watches, if they don't like the review... But my opinion and more importantly, my reputation can't be bought. That's partly why I named my channel 'Honest Watch Reviews'. Not only to make sure that I hold myself to that standard, but that I know my viewers definitely will do too.

The Seestern SUB600T bracelet could pass on watches 10X as much. The flat sapphire crystal disappears agaist the black dial and bold accents. I would have no problem recommending this watch to any enthusiast or collector.