AliExpress 11.11 Sale...My Haul of Shame!

Well...the sale has been and gone and I hope you all had a good one...and I sincerely hope it was better than mine!
I ordered 8 items but you will have to watch the video to find out just how badly it went. Ouch is all I can say.
You can find the watches listed in the presentation in AliExpress affiliate links below.
You will of course not pay any extra but you will be helping to support the channel going forward. Thanks for your support :)
Link to my eBay where I sell my reviewed watches:
www.ebay.co.uk...
Escapement Time Murph
s.click.aliexp...
Seestern S434
s.click.aliexp...
Baltany Chhronograph
s.click.aliexp... x
Tandorio White Willard
s.click.aliexp... x
12 slot watch box
s.click.aliexp... x
Steeldive Doxa
s.click.aliexp... x
Thorn Titanium Pelagos
s.click.aliexp...
Addiesdive AD20333
s.click.aliexp...

[@michaelperry9261]

The blue Thorn looks stunning. I really appreciate the tip on how to claim a refund if the carrier cancels. I've started hearing of this happening more & more recently with Aliexpress deliveries.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It has only ever happened to me twice. Both times got refunded :)

[@AlexanderB.]

The information about how to get in contact is really useful stuff mate. I once had a similar problem and I did some random clicking on AliExpress's help pages and all of a sudden I got into contact to a real person who could actually help me. I then later couldn't duplicate that for the life of me! 😅

[@nedflanders3769]

I got the SM version of that Seestern GO homage but yours looks cooler, with the gold accents. Thanks for the videos!

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

I have fallen in love with the Thorn its an absolute stunner, looks like I will be saving up for that one.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It is the best Pelagos homage imo Jon :)

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

I will get one for sure.@@johnswatchjoint

[@nigeljames3695]

I only bought the Addiesdive in the 11/11 sale and its ok..ish...The delivery progress from China to Uk took 5 days, then royal mail decided to hang on to it for 5 days..sad state of affairs

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

The 11.11 sale was frustrating (codes gone in the first 24hrs and rarely refreshed). Black Friday was MUCH easier as the Ali system stored the codes, which seemed to not run out. Lookong forward to your Thorn 'P39' review, to showcase the tool free (maybe fiddly) bracelet and what looks like a beautiful homage. Thanks for showing the 'Customer Service TCA' method with the chatbot!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Cheers Bensy. Good to be back :)

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

@@johnswatchjoint Great watch choices, you are treating us, when you do these reviews. This preview was excellent. Stay well!

[@danspanos]

You may not like the SeaQ, but it certainly likes you! In my opinion, that was the best looking watch on your wrist out of the lot! Sorry you had such a hard time with this order, and all the back problems to boot. I was MIA myself. I just got out of the hospital yesterday. It was a close one this time. Ugh. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi Dan. I have minor problems Dan. Just something I have to deal with and my tolerance is now very high. I hope you are OK buddy :)

[@johnrb9397]

At least your getting watches in. My woe is still been shipped.

[@Thexcalibur]

Haul of shame😂 glad you’re ok man. That back pain has to be harsh. Thanks for shooting this and making some awesome vids

[@johnswatchjoint]

... and thank you for watching :)

[@defender1006]

John, I really admire your fortitude and keeping your sense of humour despite the issues you had with your orders. For me the standout item is the Thorn with that amazing blue dial and bezel. The field watch was also a nice looking interpretation of that classic designs. The others I can take or leave, but they're interesting none the less, as I just like/love watches etc. I hope the back problems have abated and don't reappear anytime soon! Great to see Molly putting in a star appearance again!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thank you... And she is always in the background... Especially in winter... Snoring in the background!

[@daveindevon5240]

Man, you really are unlucky with your AE purchases John. Maybe next year will see a change of luck for you. The Thorn bracelet interested me, as Addiesdive produced a 39mm Explorer homage with this tool free bracelet adjustment about a year or so ago. It was so good that I wondered why no one else had picked up on the idea, but now Thorn obviously has. Good for them, as the design is a brilliant innovation and makes sizing so easy. The rest of the watch looks pretty good too and this might well be a future purchase for me, if I can get over my dislike of snowflake hands! Really glad to hear that the back has recovered. You've been missed!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi Dave. The Thorn is close to being the best titanium Pelagos I have handled. The Seestern was always my favourite. Currently holding it for inspection and it may have taken the crown!

[@bifflee3603]

The thorn bracelet adjustment not seen anything like that looks amazing - more brands should use that

[@johnswatchjoint]

I will cover it in depth on the full review :)

[@tomepetrovic3038]

I think the baltany will arrive it is usual for AliExpress to say it is in local office and then back to transport

[@johnswatchjoint]

Fingers crossed :)

[@kevprs87]

Great to have you back. Been waiting for someone to review the addiesdive. Looking forward to the full review. You mentioned you sell your watches after reviewing them - where do you sell them? Sorry if I’ve missed this.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I just sell them on ebay UK

[@markmahood3093]

Haven't had a chance to watch this yet but it's first on my list when I get the kids to bed! Good to see you back.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks buddy... Good to be back.

[@markmahood3093]

​​@@johnswatchjoint thanks for the tip at the end. I'm going to be using that tomorrow! I've ordered 6 items and got 3. Don't know what's gone wrong this time. Very strange.

[@952651869]

Glad you're better John! So sad you've had all these problems with the watches

[@johnswatchjoint]

No problem at all. It will all sort itself out. :)

[@TomasPerez-en6bp]

Welcome back I'm glad your feeling a lot better. It's a shame a few of the watches didn't show up but you are right better to focus on the upside out of all of this with the ones that have. I can't wait to see your review on that thorn it might be the biggest looker of the current set.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's next :)

[@davidcooper8621]

Thanks for an interesting video, most of us have experienced some issues buying from AliExpress, but yours seem particularly unfortunate John. I have just had my first cancelled order and have applied for a refund. If I do not hear anything in the few days I will take your advice and try your method.

[@johnswatchjoint]

As long as you have done it via AliEpress and you haveva screenshot that shows it is cancelled you will be fine.

[@yukishredder]

Glad your feeling better, great video and very helpful information at the end thanks

[@johnswatchjoint]

Glad to help

[@willmarshall4685]

Whoa! That thorn is very nice! I hope your back settles down, I’ve been struggling with mine as well….a literal pain in the ass.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yeah it's a bummer haha!

[@franciscomoliner1296]

You certainly had bad luck this time John. The Escapement Time looks much better on wrist. Been resisting the Seestern up to now, how long, who knows. Regards

[@Unwoken_European]

if you go for the S434 model, get the models with golden details. I have a blue with gold model and it's looks good at every occasion, with T-shirt or a formal white shirt.

[@franciscomoliner1296]

@@Unwoken_European Thanks for the comment. Yes, the Blue/Gold would be my pick also. Regards

[@BAF605]

I bought three; one cheap; one middle price; and one more expensive. All arrived quickly with no problems. Sale prices were so good this year I doubt I'll be on Ali until we see similar discounts again. Another tip about problems with items ordered.. I always go straight to PayPal if the seller is unwilling to help or there is a delay on Ali for claiming refunds. They usually ask a few relevant question of the seller and make a chargeback immediately if they can see the item has not been dispatched. Always had a refund within 24hrs. Love the Seestern SeaQalike but like I said I'm waiting for the deals now. Glad you're better.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Absolutely but usually you don't have to :)

[@BAF605]

@@johnswatchjoint Ali Customer service is improving but go back two years and PayPal was your only recourse to any problems. I think everyone should keep the PayPal route in mind JIC. Chinese consumer protection law is aeons behind the West.

[@johnrb9397]

I think this is my first and last sales purchase. Ain’t cheap if you don’t get it…

[@MrBacchus18]

I bought 2 Pagani design watches on Black Friday, cyber Monday got them super fast. Maybe Ali is cheaper but Amazon is more secure.

[@darrenblaney6910]

😂

[@karlsenula9495]

It happens but rarely in my opinion .. I've had one order cancelled on me, one wrong watch arrive (and they told me to keep it and then sent me the correct watch) and one that didn't arrive and cancelling the order wasn't an issue using the link. That has been in 5-6 years of Aliexpress shopping and multiple sales a year. I've also had problems with Amazon sending the wrong item fyi.

[@violinmke]

18 days I finally got Boderry off their asses with an email to ship my titanium field watch . Addiesdive is good I've always had good luck with them.

[@brianmsahin]

Take care of back, glad it's improving. At least what did arrive was pretty good, apart from the watch box, maybe better to order one locally. Maybe Argos or similar will have decent ones that are probably made in China anyway! And really appreciate the tip for what to do in case of a non delivery from the shipper. Thanks a lot!

[@that_which_is_not]

Such bad luck! Thanks for bringing us what you got. I woke up to discover my watch has landed in the UK but has been handed onto Evri for the remaining part of the journey to me 🤦 I was hopeful up until that point I might actually receive the watch!

[@johnswatchjoint]

... Think positive thoughts... Our Evri depot here has completely turned it around... From an outfit of jokers to very reliable... Hold that thought :)

[@that_which_is_not]

@@johnswatchjoint It landed! It’s the Addiesdive AD2023. Wanted to say thanks again for sharing the link to it at a rock bottom price. Due to financial constraints watches have rightly been no go for me for a while, this was a bargain however that I could afford and a homage of a watch that I’ve loved ever since discovering the joy of wristwatches! 🙏

[@felo6035]

Thank you, John, for sharing your experience with AE and the workaround to get some issues resolved. I ordered 5 watches during the 11.11 sale: 3 X San Martin, 1 X Proxima, and 1 X Sugess S442. All arrives flawlessly except for the Sugess S442 which the shipping has just been canceled with no explanation 😕 I just contacted the Sugess Official Store. Waiting for a response....

[@johnswatchjoint]

Not good. At least you know how I handled my cancelled shipment!

[@felo6035]

​@johnswatchjoint Thank you John 🙏

[@jonbravo6262]

Thanks for the important TCA info, I’ve got a few unusually slow-not departed CN items remaining.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Sorry to hear about that. Dunno what is going on with shippers just now!?

[@johnrb9397]

Thanks John TCA

[@walroz87]

First time I find ya mate, subbed for the great closeups and good lumefootage - love your personal opinions and takes on designs ! Thanks for the tips on returns and missing items very useful! High-five from Denmark

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thank you and welcome aboard sir :)

[@kolbe4373]

I wonder if that new way of sizing the Thorn bracelet has a name? Also, do you think it's reliable? Seemed to easy to be sturdy.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's not tgat easy. A good bit of resistance. Full review to come :)

[@kolbe4373]

That's good, I'll try to look out for that one. Nice looking watch.

[@richardpool9970]

Quite common in Finland that watches seem to have cleared local (FI) customs and be out for delivery and then the next day the package is in Latvia, Lithuania or another eastern European country. Still waiting for anything to turn up from 11.11 sale but all package seem to be somewhere in Europe.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Patience in your case is absolutely a virtue :)

[@PaulSutton64]

I feel your pain John, I ordered the Seestern in blue and gold. It shipped, but had a problem at the departure hub and was returned to the sender. Seestern we're aware, kept promising to resend every day until the sale ended. Not happy with their customer service, just don't lie to me. I did get a refund though. I'll still probably buy one in the next sale 😞

[@johnswatchjoint]

Ouch. That is not acceptable. Glad you got your refund.

[@robh.2400]

Sorry for your problems. Thanks for the tips. All my watches arrived from 11/11 with the only problem being that my IXDAO Engineer has one of the 12:00 markers misaligned. I sent them pictures but they claimed it was straight (it's not). It's not worth worrying about it to me. It's a pretty small problem, but one that can't be unseen. The others are all excellent.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Depending on the store you might have a free return option. If so... Take it :)

[@dunderhay9169]

Sorry you had so much trouble, but I am sure your tips on getting the refund will help many of us. I hope the Baltany arrives soon 🤞. I love the Murph and am tempted by the Escapement Time, but the hands let it down I think.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I wasn't sure... For me it was a marmite watch. I love it it hand. It's pretty much a one and done watch. Go for it... You will definitely sell it no problems afterwards if you don't like it :)

[@dunderhay9169]

@@johnswatchjoint Good point 👍

[@boomshanka8743]

I got the evil panda chrono and pulseometer chrono from Escapement Time last year and love them, it is a shame they are downgrading their crystal material though. I hope your Baltany shows up, they are my current manufacturer of choice. For my next watch I cant decide between the chrono you ordered and the V&C 1921 homage, though i know i will end up with both eventually.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Haha.... I feel your pain... Touch choice!

[@morganstrapco]

Out of the 5 I ordered I only had one dud and it was the one that I really wanted. The Sugess el primero. The watch itself was ok but I found it hard to wind because of the small crown and just didn’t enjoy the watch as much as I thought. All my other 11.11 watches are simply fanatics. The service was good as well.

[@johnswatchjoint]

That's a shame... I have that one on the way!

[@morganstrapco]

@@johnswatchjoint I hope you like it better than me my friend. Great video and thanks for the tip.

[@anthonydevono8833]

I only bought 3 straps in the end still waiting for them to arrive

[@johnswatchjoint]

They will come. There is a universal shipping issue.

[@Unwoken_European]

Seestern (See-sh-tern -german name) S424 is a watch I own for a few months. A wonderful piece.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It is very nice :)

[@Unwoken_European]

@@johnswatchjoint Mate, I got in my mail today that San Martin BB58 v2 with matte bezel. A wonderful watch as well and I have to agree with everything you said in your review. Only a handful reviews of that watch so it's still a limited piece in general populus.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice one my friend. Enjoy it :)

[@Ian-dd5dm]

Like that strap idea, John what would you say was the commonist screwdriver size for bracelet adjustment please ?

[@johnswatchjoint]

Unfortunately they are all different. Best to get a small screwdriver kit that only costs a few dollars.

[@10년차대기업중소인사]

THORN BRACELET IS VERY BRRRRILIANT ! AMAZING BRACELET SYSTEM.!

[@gorillasinthewrist]

Wow, I buy three or four watches at each sale, I have had one dead PD, one dead Bliger and a watch that AliExpress refunded because the seller never processed it, over a 5 year period. All were refunded or replaced. I suspect you buy a few more than me, but all that in one haul? Hope you’re feeling better.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi buddy.... Yeah it's a bit of an abhoration but it's small fry and will sort itself out with a little patience. Thanks for the words of support.

[@handsomewong2469]

Stunning watches!

[@johnswatchjoint]

They are!

[@ismaelbanosvegara2154]

Hi John, I am very interested in buying the thorn titanium when do you think you will upload the review of that watch?

[@johnswatchjoint]

I am reviewing it now. Upload tomorrow!

[@ismaelbanosvegara2154]

@@johnswatchjoint thank you so much! I look forward to it

[@MrBacchus18]

lol Thorn is suspiciously close to Tudor and has the snowflake hands 😅

[@johnswatchjoint]

It is a beauty.

[@johnrb9397]

I’ve got stuff not getting through customs.. most items 14 days delivery won’t be anywhere close to that. Any tips John would be appreciated with cancelling if the need arises.

[@johnswatchjoint]

With customs you just have to wait. It will either clear customs or it won't. When it does, you will get it. There is no way I know of to contact customs.

[@950boy2]

Just trying aliexpress for 1st time and got 3 watches en route hopefully they turn up

[@johnswatchjoint]

Don't believe all the negative nonsense :)

[@karlsenula9495]

Sorry about your bad luck .. I have had some of this but never all at once ... (knock on wood).

[@johnswatchjoint]

It will all come good :)

[@karlsenula9495]

@@johnswatchjoint... my opinion is yes you occassionally have the hasselhoff but but the specs and value for money are still worth it.

[@asiantimepieces]

Yeah sometimes delivery times are a gamble. From 7 days which is crazy, to 2 months or never arrived. If your covered by Ali warranty only disappointment will hit you and not economic loss. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@johnswatchjoint]

My deliveries have pretty much always been 8 to 13 days. This year's sale has been a bummer for most :(

[@WLVFX]

Where do you sell your watches? Maybe I can pick something up from you in the future.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I list them on ebay UK.

[@WLVFX]

@@johnswatchjoint Are you able to share a link to your store?

[@johnswatchjoint]

There are no links permissable in the comments as it is impossible to keep the channel free of spam pork link's but my username is meekvox

[@mikeellis4345]

Ali express has become more miss than hit this last year especially. As well postage workers are getting wise to watches being sent through and some of them helping themselves to watches at least that’s what I know of here in Australia. No more AE watches for me, not until AE sorts out their awful claim problems. I’m sick of being ripped off. Imagine if a global watch brand authorised seller did same as AE? No me neither.

[@johnswatchjoint]

? AliExpress are not responsible for the postage... Carriers are!?

[@TheFelicityWildcams]

How did you figure out your watch was stolen? I’ve had this worry when sometimes my package hasn’t moved for ages.

[@johnswatchjoint]

When the postie turned up with the empty box wrapped in Post Office stickered celaphane! The sticker said the box had been loose and opened at the local depot. Watch removed and all the stuffing still in the box including the watch wrappers.!

[@joeconrad3828]

Shame about the Willard, John. When you say that it was stolen from the office, do you mean the local post office or an office where you work? Would love to know what kind of sad low-life steals a $50 watch. I also ordered 8 items but I’m on track to get them all. Last two are currently making their way to me.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice one Joe. Unfortunately local post office responsible for the theft :(

[@joeconrad3828]

Holy smokes. I don’t know about how it works with the Royal Mail, but if my local USPS office told me that I’d be over their demanding someone’s head on a platter. LOL

[@johnswatchjoint]

Oohh.... they got the message :)

[@killpop8255]

Catching up. John what to do if you thought you were buying one thing, but were sent something else however you still want the thing you thought you were buying. Who resolves that? All I can see are ways of getting a refund. Anyone else is free to chip in.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi buddy. I am out of action after an accident. Simply return the item as it is not what you ordered. This should not be a problem. Place a separate order for the item you did want to speed things up.

[@killpop8255]

@@johnswatchjoint hi i just been on chat and CS agrees with me the seller was lying being deceitful with their product page. i've asked for reshipping before opening a dispute as don't want to have to learn ins and outs of returning something really - something will go wrong. your back have you tried a chiropractor? I had a heavy motorcycle accident. out of body experience. my back went worse and worse over three years. Drs kept sending me to Councillors because "nobody still has pains this long after an accident"! I finally went to a chiro and they made my back a lot lot better. it's still not 100% but they were a revolution to me.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I have had back problems for years and have a regular chiropractor but this is from a fall on ice. I do not recommend taking customer service word for it. File claim now... Honestly or you will lose out as this is a diversion tactic. Open dispute for item not as described. If no answer from seller AliExpress will step in.

[@killpop8255]

@@johnswatchjoint ok ta. i asked for reshipment i'll see if they reply in a few days or i'll have to dispute but i'd rather have the item. hope your back gets a bit better. i also found inversion boots a help now and then. i can't use them now as live on my own and have chest pains. I might hang and put too much force on my heart and I'd just die hanging upside down. Osteopaths have been a help too. Orthodox professionals never helped at all. Also rehabilitation...if you haven't asked the chiro about good exercises to get muscle to help keep everything in place / where it should be.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I have had a regular regime over the years as a former martial artist but have 3 problematic discs that just do their thing now and again... I had just recovered from an occurrence when I fell on black ice on the house steps. Awaiting results of MRI.

[@Cravenfr]

Wanted a Seagull, all I have is package lost / stolen from FedEx 😁👍 First and last experience with AliExpress lol

[@johnswatchjoint]

Sorry to hear that but that is a carrier issue like I had. Still raise claim with AliExpress. You will get your money back and they will claim from FedEx. Simple. :)

[@adk7962]

Long comment ahead. Damn mate. First, didn’t realize your back was hurting. I’ve had lower back problems since high school so I understand. Second, I purchase from Chinese companies with my eyes wide open, but a 50% success rate is abysmal. Although I guess we can’t blame Aliexpress for a thief in your local Royal Mail Office. If it makes you feel better, we don’t hire the paragons of society here in the U.S. Postal Offices either… stay strong my friend and appreciate all that you do.

[@johnswatchjoint]

'tis but a flesh wound haha. All good my friend. Thanks for the kind words :)

[@bifflee3603]

I only buy with PayPal now after having trouble getting refunds in the past

[@johnswatchjoint]

The best way :)

[@jackochainsaw]

Deep woe John. I did better, I got a Baltany dress watch with satin dial and 2 straps in the 11/11 and a Duka sports/diver for Black Friday. All arrived in good order.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Lucky bu**er haha. Well done :)

[@bgoode2903]

I enjoy your content, don’t be put off by the Good Lord trying to encourage you to buy British lol..! 😇 I purchase stuff from international sources too.

[@johnswatchjoint]

🤗

[@bartlebob]

God works in mysterious ways. You only got the watches you deserved lol. Joke aside, some great pieces here.

[@johnswatchjoint]

New review out. Now.

[@jaumet7972]

I bought a Proxima and it took 3 months to get it plus 70€ in taxes. Never again from Aliexpress.

[@johnswatchjoint]

That is nonsense. In order for you to pay £70 in taxes the watch would have to have been £350 and you would have had to agree to it.