A Glaring problem. The Two Worst Watches I've filmed. Reef Tiger RGA1616 & Spinnaker Hull Riviera

[@FitOutPost]

I could barely see those hands on the Reef Tiger and I also noticed how horrible the seconds hand on the Spinnaker looks like when you look at it on your macros.

[@RelativeTime]

Dauphine hands are hard to photograph anyways. They usually just reflect the black lens black and blend in. Yet here they are an issue even in real use. If you have the watch at just the right angle they look beautiful, but straight on and they just blend into the background. Pity as the case is really nice for the price.

[@robjohnston6785]

Thank you for reviewing the Spinnaker Hull Riviera: you saved me 250.00!

[@sundayduffer]

i get addicted listening to your tone... freaking so good... i dare to put you up there with David Attenborough....i really think you should do this professionally...contact Discovery Channel, NatGeo, CBC, etc....pitch yourself bro.

[@josephj7387]

Ha ha I have to agree...he would make an excellent documentary voice over artist

[@sundayduffer]

@@josephj7387 Ive listened to Relative Time without watching the video...he still makes sense..and sounds really fluid, smooth and very soothing.

[@RelativeTime]

@sundayduffer Thanks! Maybe I should just upload the audio as a podcast to Itunes.

[@sundayduffer]

@@RelativeTime i listen to ghost, scary stories on youtube everyday...perhaps you should try short stories.. you can get stories on reddit...these stories get hundred thousands of views..some in mils.

[@RelativeTime]

@@sundayduffer I was thinking about starting a second channel like that. Or on history. Something that would be easy to make and not as time consuming. I just wasn't sure where they got the actual stories from. I'll have to look into it. I came very close to doing something for Halloween for here. Just ran out of time. Was either going to read something from Poe. Or was just going to be Vincent Price's monologue from Thriller.

[@inkitatus1]

Came close to getting a Cali dial version, but decided it was too much of a homage & specs weren't good enough so got an Alpinist instead...maybe one day tho 😉👍

[@RelativeTime]

I actually jumped on the Beafort kickstarter. beaufort-watches.com/ Was kind of an impulse decision right before it ended. Mostly because they hit their stretch goals and upgraded the movement. So eventually I'll have another Cali Dial. There is a good chance I'll order one of the new alpinists when they are released. Just not sure if I want to go with the classic green and gold or one of the other two.

[@RelativeTime]

@@silverghost4206 supposedly the new versions will be out this month, but with a big price increase. You used to be able to find an alpinist for $300-350. I think the new ones are gonna be $600-700.

[@RelativeTime]

@@silverghost4206 Maybe? Kinda of hard to say without seeing it or seeing any early reviews. It is going to have an upgraded movement, but not sure about the rest. This shows it's MSRP is 75000 Yen, which is about $700. So I think it will initially sell for that but hopefully, drop lower as time goes on. www.seiyajapan.com/blogs/news/the-alpinist-will-make-a-comeback-in-jan-2020 And for comparison, I believe the MSRP on the original was around $500. Honestly, if I do get it when it's released it's mainly because I have the channel and it lets me do stupid things from time to time. Yet the smart plan would be to wait and see. On a personal note, my itch to get an Alpinist went away when I was able to get one of the Akura Wayfarer prototypes. But that's not something anyone else can buy. instagram.com/p/B4YVYjtHOmj/

[@rumatadestora]

I've been looking at this particular RT model for a very long time, though I thought about buying a gold and blue version. I think it should have less glare problems. The strap is not a huge problem for me since I have a ton of spare 20mm straps at home)))

[@BH-ModernTimes]

Very good topic! Legibility depends on many factors, but one is for sure: for a "pleasant" look at dial, AR coating is a must. Some say "is not that important.. is hard to tell the difference..". Yes, the difference is small if you try to "find the difference". However, in daily use, the difference is huge. I can forgive a $100 watch, but it's a shame that even more expensive well known brands try to save money by not using AR coating.

[@peternic1]

Thanks Shane. I was interested in seeing your review for the Reef Tiger as I've been looking at it for a while. But, as glare on a dial is my number one hate about a watch, that makes it a definite pass from me. Thanks for making the decision easy. Cheers.

[@szilarddietzel9071]

I have the very same Tiger Reef model, bought it for fun, and it is a very very very good looking watch. It looks and feels thin (agree with the review, for this price this is a good feature) , the finish is far better than anything I have ever seen for under USD400. Well applied indices, case back is a beauty, the strap is rubbish though. Now, as with the dial - it is not as bad as suggested by the video. Any sunburst dial would leave you with the same issue, but that's like polishing your car and then complaining it's too shiny. You buy such a watch because you like sundials, and they will shine like a star :) AR would be good, yes, but again, the watch is very much legible.

[@RelativeTime]

Good to hear another opinion on it. The camera always makes things look worse than they are. Yet it did bug me out in the real world. Maybe I'm just too OCD and started focusing on it. Still a well made watch for the price, and I think a few small tweaks and it would be a real winner.

[@GODSPEEDseven]

I'm not certain what you use to make your videos, but might be good to put the lens behind a Polarized filter to remove most reflections.

[@RelativeTime]

That's a really good idea. I'll give it a shot and see how it works.

[@thenexthobby]

Can AR coating not be applied to a dial? It seems to be a question manufacturers don't ask. I"d even choose AR coating on a mineral crystal over a sapphire one without it, but there as well seems to be a "not invented here" solution among the groupthink of makers.

[@RelativeTime]

It probably could be. I'm just not sure if it would help. Trying to remember my basic physics and how AR actually works.

[@dazzlerjohnwatchman8215]

Shane I could sense your frustrations at these watches. Interesting format but to a photographer glare is really a pain. I bought the Spinnaker Hull Chronograph in green today so I hope it's a better look than either of those watches. The review although complete left me feeling a little flat. I guess we all like you being a bit more upbeat? Not possible with those two shiny examples pardon the pun.....

[@theosudarja]

I'm trying to swap the strap on that Reef Tiger. But I can't pry the pin out. I've tried to the point my fingers sore. How's your experience, do you find just easy like any other watch pin?

[@RelativeTime]

I don't remember it being any more difficult than normal. Keep trying I guess.

[@theosudarja]

@@RelativeTime I looked again today. And I realized it is Fat Bar. Unfortunately after 15 minutes I still fail at this.

[@vicentelopez3526]

Thanks.Another glaring problem: Lobinni (AliExpress)

[@RelativeTime]

Haven't seen that one. Maybe I shouldn't. :)

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

That Spinnaker was just FILTHY on the inside. Glad as hell I didn't buy one of those. Sheesh!

[@lubomirazarkova2713]

Spinnaker have interesting watches. Thanks for the video👍✔️☕

[@Cherishthemoment]

I have had nothing but problems with my reef tiger watch. Had it for one month, one of the markers came off under the sapphire dome. Tried contacting reef tiger about 30 times, impossible. So after much complaining to the 3 party that sold me the watch they finally agreed to send me a new watch if I paid for shipping and once they received the damaged one. So, after about a month I got the exact model of watch about two weeks went by and another marker came off inside the dome. So , I took it to a jeweler in my area , here in Canada , they sent it a watch repair man in Toronto. After a few weeks they told they may break the dome removing it and the repairs would then cost me about the cost of a new watch. So , I am waiting to go and pick up the piece of junk , bring it home and do a video of me smashing it with a hammer. I will post that when I do it……

[@GFWatch]

Same problem with the Tissot Visodate, especially the black dial version. The domed sapphire crystal without any AR coating makes reading time a challenge.

[@RelativeTime]

Sometimes I wonder if companies even test this stuff. Or even take their watches outside before producing them in mass.

[@chrisb5986]

The macro footage of the Spinnaker look terrible, not because of your excellent footage, because it is terrible.

[@RelativeTime]

Usually they do a better job then that. If you check out the macro shots on the Dumas they are awesome looking. Here they droped the ball.

[@josephj7387]

Shane have you tried using one of those white umbrellas that diffuse the light ? The ones you find at studios....it might help with the glare and would bring additional character to your setup...as always cheers from Bengaluru India

[@RelativeTime]

Not yet. Lighting is one thing I need to learn a bit more about. I'm still not happy with my setup. So I'll be trying a few things. My main limitation up to now has been size of the equipment. Just to maintain my wife's sanity I've kept to smaller setups I can easily break down and put in the closet when I'm done.

[@josephj7387]

@@RelativeTime ha ha omg I hear ya! Isn't that a similar situation with all married folks 😂 me included 😆 whatever is necessary to not raise the Mrs eyebrow 🙉

[@possumsam2189]

Judging from your review, I think of a number of Reef Tiger models that could possibly share that issue with glare. (With the white dials, the problem should be lessened.) Makes me wish that they invested a bit on AR coating and maybe bump up the price to USD$180? As for that Spinnaker, the QC for that sample they sent you clearly isn't there.

[@ceeb2275]

Been seeing Spinnakers on Drop for a few months now. But I've always passed on them. I've also stayed away from black metal cases. As scratches on silver coloured cases add character. On black they look bad. The Reef Tiger wouldn't get any wrist time. Regardless of the glare great reviews.

[@RelativeTime]

At the right price some models are good. They tend to give out review samples like candy. So the bad is that when a new model comes out it seems to saturate the airwaves and people get sick of hearing about them quick. Yet the good side of that is there are a lot of good footage and opinion on each if your actually interested in one. If I was to get a spinnaker right now it would probably be the Bradner.

[@csharpewalls]

With my artificial lenses both of these would drive me nuts, well since I’m already nuts, it would dive me crazy.😂

[@RelativeTime]

😆

[@frankiesdaliydrinks]

Your videos are so relaxing thanks

[@MrSlicer2424]

Lol. I can sense your absolute frustration with this review even though your calm Cadence!

[@surfitli]

Nice review of 2 watches I really do not like. The Reef Tiger just is not my thing, however I like the side profile. Sometimes a watch can half a really nice side profile file even if it’s so-so head on. The Hull is tryin twas be different and failed in his case. The 3 and 9 look completely out of place on the dial, and I never really liked Paneri’s. The format is fine, I think there was still plenty of good info for anyone who might find these interesting.

[@ivanbcanada6454]

What strap is the one shown at 7:42? Awesome video by the way!

[@RelativeTime]

Sorry about that. Forgot to add the strap info in the description. I usually do. It's a Hadley Roma MS-3344 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EJG6PK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@viceroy6837]

What is the lug width on the reef tiger

[@RelativeTime]

20mm. You can see the rest of the dimensions at 1:25

[@77cjam]

Why are Spinnaker releasing so many models, I think they are probably having a Jerry Maguire moment, "Show me that money!". Fair play to them, like all watch companies their ultimate aim is to make money. I think they make some very nice watches and have been tempted by a couple. Think this is another, though not sure of the 3 and 9 in there. As always mate great video 👍

[@RelativeTime]

Maybe. Or they accidentally ordered too many Hull cases and had to do something. No clue. I don't mind so much they released so many so quickly, but if this was their plan from the beginning they should of announced them all at once. Otherwise it was a suprise new hull every month. I think they ran the risk of annoying some of their customers. Someone may have purchased a Cali version in the beginning, but would of held off if they knew the chrono was coming a month later.

[@Norman-yq3hl]

FIne with combined for issue watches. 1 1/2 minutes on a MVMT as opposed to 20 minutes on a Rolex seems appropriate to me.

[@JohnCannonBand]

Great video but how many bodies are in your basement? Lol

[@RelativeTime]

I don't have a basement...

[@JohnCannonBand]

@@RelativeTime Good Answer lol

[@damacknificent151]

I wouldn't mind the reddish one. Just give me a good quality piece. I dont want dust inside my watch.

[@Ferien7]

Random question. If you had to pick just one affordable watch (under $1000), what would it be?

[@RelativeTime]

That's a tough one. What I want always seems to be a moving target. Out of the watches I've actually seen it would be the Akura Wayfarer. Which you can't buy since the project was canceled. I bought one of the prototypes and I haven't really taken it off since I got it. Out of watches I haven't seen in person. I'd say the new Nodus Duality. Which I ordered and should have next week. I've heard nothing but good things from Christopher Ward C60, especially from a few other reviewers. Yet I think I would go with the Nodus. It seems much more interesting to me.

[@troynasello2085]

The Spinnaker is just not a very attractive watch. They have much better looking models.

[@RelativeTime]

They do. Some of the new Cahill mid-size look nice. Although they didn't ask me if I wanted to see one. So maybe my dumas video annoyed them. 😎 Although if I were to get one Spinnaker now it would probably be the Bradner.

[@JusttheWatch]

I really like the dial on that Riviera. Not as much a fan of the strap.

[@RelativeTime]

I think that waterproofing just makes them so stiff. The last AVI-8 had a pretty good one.

[@steven3379]

Yes, the Hull with the textured dial is the one I'd pick.. Thanks for the video!

[@Andrew-J316]

Yay! Reef Tiger finally! :D Thanks for the review and pointing out the issue! I like the watch but for the glaring issue I will pass! As always appreciate your reviews and take them seriously when considering a watch.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks! I'ts a pitty as I really do like the case. It's quite good. I think the silver one might be better, but not sure. I'm guessing that as almost all the photos on aliexpress are of it.

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

Maybe taking some footage of the watches outside in some shade might help with glare ... I'm the world's worst photographer though.

[@RelativeTime]

Might be worth a shot. I know if it's an overcast day and I try to film something outside it just looks awful. usually all you see is a reflection of the clouds.

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

@@RelativeTime I took some footage of watches outside... The results weren't too bad.

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

@@silverghost4206 One would need a good flash cube on the top of their Kodak camera.

[@voiceofexperience]

So that's 2 ugly watches out of the way...

[@RelativeTime]

I debated on if I should even do anything with either of these. There are other reviews of the Spinnaker, but not much on the Reef Tiger. So I thought I should do something on it for those that have been tempted. Or for those that will search for it in the future.

[@karimdelakarim]

Cool man.

[@callmev.2397]

I would recommend lowering the exposure and defusing the light. I use a thin white bed sheeth to defuse light. You can then add a white piece of paper to bounce the light from another direction. If you want to talk to me more about this dm me on Instagram @v._edc I am happy to help.

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks. I might take you up on that. The led lights I use have a plastic diffuse over them, but may not be enough. I'll give it a shot before putting the watches away for good. Lighting is still one thing I need to work on and learn a little more about. So far my main limitation has been smaller more portable equipment. Just for my wife sanity. Stuff I can easily setup and break down and put in a closet when I'm done.

[@TinBin-Craig]

not really fan of both them watches... cheers

[@tylerrohn6938]

I like the spinn

[@raymondrichardson6061]

Thanks for trying. I can feel you trying to be +ve. They are though, awful. That doesnt mean its not an interesting review. It really was. The Reef Tiger is terrible. Shiny, with a poor logo, and strap. Looks like a toy. Spinnaker do good looking watches, but this isnt one of them. This one will be in the clearance sales, soon. When Spinnaker get it wrong, they really do miss by a field. Hey, I guess youve got to kiss a few frogs, before you find a princess.

[@stevenc8054]

Like the video don’t like the watches unless they’re under 30 bucks

[@icegiant1000]

Slow down man, ur gonna give yourself a coma.

[@kenspear5077]

The blue dial on the reef tiger is beautiful but useless if you can't see it.

[@RelativeTime]

Exactly!

[@storm3016]

Woohoo, first!

[@RelativeTime]

WOOO!

[@angeljusticia1946]

Why do you speak so weird and slow?

[@RelativeTime]

I grew up watching Bob Ross.

[@angeljusticia1946]

@@RelativeTime 🤣 Didn't know him. Don't get me wrong, it was sone kind of joke. Thanks for the work and the honesty in your videos, I'll keep watching them 👍👍