Are Islander Watches Any Good?

[@MattSeesGray]

One time I bought a crystal and bezel for my Dress KX from Marc at Long Island Watch. While I was replacing them, I tore the crystal gasket. Completely my own fault. I asked Marc if I could buy some replacements, since I didn’t see just the gaskets on their website. He sent me a bunch for free in case I broke another one. People aren’t lying when they say Marc is a good dude. 👍

[@vktravellog1242]

This is why he is so successful! You can trust he will take care of you!

[@MrSteveESQ]

Mark is such a likable fellow & deserves all the success he's had.

[@karlsenula9495]

I've bought 2-3 from Mark (great communication and service) ... but not an Islander yet.

[@Andrew-w6m4y]

He might be likeable but is it a good watch , I'm a likeable fellow and you wouldn't pay me double what I paid for my spb143

[@adk7962]

The great thing about Marc is that he is an enthusiast first and businessman second. And his watches show it. Looking forward to the comparison. His older bracelets and clasps definitely are a little outdated, but his new watches have addressed that also.

[@macguyverson9370]

I recently gave in as well. Liked it so much I turned around and bought another Islander model within a few weeks. I love it as well.

[@iguessifyousayso]

I own an Islander Southold I purchased in December of 2022. Works well and a good tool watch for an everyday beater. IF I want a watch that is of the highest quality I would have looked for a Grand Seiko. Islander is a good value for the price... I actually wanted this watch (or similar model) you are reviewing but was sold out at the time.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

I like brands like Islander, when the brand is not just made up faceless name, but there is actually someone standing behind the name. Especially when that someone is such a nice guy as Mark. All the best wishes, his brand deserves all the recognition and respect.

[@kenbuffie2877]

Recognition and respect for you too Tomás. Your watch channel is always a pleasure to view. Your reviews are very genuine.

[@gazzertrn]

i have a islander urban gentry , lovely watch .

[@TheJC123]

Gotta get an Islander Northport. That's the real banger of the brand for me. I've had my blue and white Northport since it was released and I absolutely love it. Definitely give one of those a go!

[@markhondaturbo]

I just checked out the Northport, man what a gorgeous watch.

[@fredcrook8228]

I have the ISL-116 Southold, a 42mm, NH35, and 166 grams on the bracelet. It's my favorite watch. I've also bought some mod parts from Marc to make what I call a Faux-Lander. :D I bought their fully luminous dial and lumed bezel insert to make an SKX mod. I have a couple of their SKX compatible bracelets as well. There's great value for money throughout their product line.

[@lgroves336]

Marc creates some GREAT watches. It is his gift. I do not do micro brands but I bought 2 of his watches to give away as gifts.

[@wordrebel]

I have several of Marc's watches and am actually wearing an Islander right now - the Amerigraph!

[@megasoid]

Love Islander. Marc runs a wonderful customer focused business. Larger outfits should take note.

[@KenFritz-j8u]

I purchased the Islander, ISL - 19 about three weeks before Christmas and then received a Seiko SSK 019 as a Christmas present. Both watches are good, but I find the islander 19 a better overall watch and I do wear it more. The sapphire, crystal, the lume, the Jubilee bracelet,and the ease of reading the dial are better on Mark’s watch. It’s just a killer watch, and for the price it cannot be beat. Simply put, Mark puts out a quality product for a very reasonable price.

[@cmc6040]

Lovely watch, I'd consider buying one if those. I dont have any Islander watches in my collection yet, but its probably about time i put that right. Thanks for the video!

[@ReviewsforNerds]

I love my isl -87. Picked it up off ebay. One of my favorites and I'd love to have another.

[@asiantimepieces]

If I was US based I’d have some Islander watch(es) in my collection but I tend to refuse paying abusive customs and postal services fees charged by my country. Mark is a wise and nice guy.

[@martinowl]

Yea the vat payment of 20% to be added for UK buyers, makes them a touch on the expensive side for what you get , in my opinion.

[@asiantimepieces]

@@martinowl 21% in Spain plus postal fees 🙃

[@martinowl]

Ouch! That will make imports expensive.

[@johnhawkwood3616]

at least 50% in Brazil kkkkkkkk

[@mirekkudzia7052]

Customs fee in the UK from Long Island Watches is £15.00 flat

[@waffle911]

I have an ISL-82 Mitchell in DLC black on a black Zulu strap that was my daily when working in an auto shop, held up well and didn't stand out while being super legible to keep track of job time. Also have the first Rangemaster collab with Urban Gentry (ISL-135 I think?), wearing it now in fact, on a Wrist Candy Watch Club NATO strap that was also designed by TGV with similar colors to the ones used in the watch itself.

[@exsleepyink]

Nice unboxing. It looks great! Marc’s awesome. Still waiting for him to make a green and gold dial (maybe with some white) and call it the Lindy, for Lindenhurst. We’re on the rise over here on the south shore and I would definitely represent

[@TerminusVox]

Thanks for checking Islander out! They are a bit out my my usual price range but an interesting brand that pays attention.

[@KenFritz-j8u]

Keep an eye out for his sales. Mark puts out sales for his watches that are enticing.

[@vktravellog1242]

I just got the Islander Melville and wow the quality for the price is incredible! The dial is amazing. My NH35 so far after 24 hours is running +0 seconds! I plan to buy a lot more instead of overpriced Seiko with horrible service! Also we all love Marc and he is killing it with design🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Best value in the watch industry!

[@G1966TK]

I have bought two watches from Marc. Both came as ordered. I also order a Christopher Ward Watch and they sent the wrong Dial Color and it cost over 1 Grand. Islander always has sent the watch that was ordered!

[@AlexanderB.]

I think this kind of watch is referred to as a "Spork", a mixture between a dive watch and a pilot's watch. I've owned and handled three different Islander watches so far and what strikes me is the remarkable absence of QC issues.

[@karlsenula9495]

If I recall Mark earned his chops doing Seiko homages (especially SKX) with better specs under the Islander name but in addition his store also offers some other nice brands with excellent service and communication (surprisingly I got a response from Mark directly).

[@AlexanderB.]

​@@karlsenula9495Or his partner Ryan who's also pretty responsive.

[@mikesheehan5946]

Good to finally see an Islander on here! There's not many brands that don't release a watch I don't like. Somehow Marc knows exactly what I want! If there was a UK source to buy from I'd probably have one by now

[@gorillasinthewrist]

My experience of Islander watches reflects this, I was initially a bit disappointed with the bracelet, but beyond that I couldn’t find anything negative, quite the opposite, the head of the watch was fantastic, bright, colourful and really well finished with excellent lume.

[@HORIZONTIMEPASSIONEOROLOGI]

I really like listening to the topics of Watch Island and Urban Gentry, they are two great watch enthusiasts that I really appreciate. It is a very beautiful and well made watch

[@karlsenula9495]

Just something to consider ... sometimes Mark is willing to do a video chats to discuss Islanders and watches in general. Doesn't hurt to ask and see if you can coordinate something.

[@ConradAquilina]

Good choice you did this video. And I am writing this while viewing the video, not knowing your judgement :)

[@jacc88888]

Noticed you tried it on wrist at the end but didn’t comment on that. How was the balance of the bracelet? In reality the bracelet thinness is only a negative if it makes the watch feel unbalanced on wrist. Looking forward to the full review and comparison!

[@LymanPhillips]

I've resisted buying and Islander for years. But when the HMBT edition came out, I grabbed it. I think engineer style bracelets are too heavy. So I put it on a StrapsCo blue and white rubber rallye strap and it's the perfect summer watch. It's the first watch that my wife went out of her way to compliment me on.

[@morganthedruid1]

I'm one of those miserable people who doesn't like the Islander logo but I really like the watches themselves. Also great to see the jump in subscribers, after it snailed its way to 35K it seems to have pushed on a bit

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks, posting less videos but trying to make them more varied and it seems to have had a big impact

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I don't like it either i even ask Mark if he made any with sterile dial No . I think the logo makes it look like a kids watch.

[@TheBimmer74]

I have two Islanders and they are keepers!

[@dm9078]

😂😂😂😂😂I’m wearing my islanders I love it. Mark produces incredible watches and the value for money is unreal

[@chunkhenderson1878]

Nice, Islander have always gone a good looking watch.

[@ginom407]

That's a Great looking watch! I'm really looking forward to your review! 👍

[@Sicarius888]

So far I avoid Islanders because of vat and import from USA paperwork hassle, but they look so nice I might eventually order one or two.

[@panospeter_pan4257]

I have the islander northport seafoam and it's perfect 👌.

[@nedflanders3769]

Marc’s logo is pointing at 4:20 😅😅

[@martinowl]

Should be some good comparisons to be made between Island & such as San Martin, as far as homages are concerned.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

That'll be interesting I'd say San Martin for the win 👍

[@grahams8468]

Nice review the dial reminds me of the Seiko SPORK that was discontinued years ago

[@chrisprsnacct4322]

I’ve bought several watches from Marc over the years, I’ve yet to have a bad experience. I have the ISL-82, 94, 193 and the latest collaboration with TGV. The ISL-94 is going on 4 years and still ticking!

[@cossie6824]

What is the reasoning for the crown at the 4 o’clock position,please?? Is it just aesthetic, or is there a practical purpose? Thanks

[@jimporter7209]

I bought a Greenport, and it is a beautiful timepiece

[@johnmexico61]

Of all the beautifully done dials, and colorful choices at Long Island Watch, that one is probably about the last model I would imagine you would choose. Love your videos though!

[@jbfrank7519]

Purchased a purple monster watch from mark, my daughter loves it.

[@res00xua]

Mark is a good guy as are you! I supported you with your stuff and this was a good decision.

[@DouglasRosser]

Being an entrepreneurial spirit, I'm willing to bet Marc takes anything said on KZbin in stride and takes his real feedback in the form of sales figures.

[@sinjinadams2862]

I may be one of the few people on the planet that has never owned a Seiko SKX so I don't know how this one compares. Did it have this type of bracelet and clasp. Is Marc trying to stay true to the original. If not, I agree about the links. I would definitely make them thicker and I would also change the clasp to a glide lock style. I think a glide lock clasp should be standard on every dive/sport watch made today.

[@ilikewatches]

They came with a j style bracelet

[@gerardoarellano7698]

I love my ISL-49 Pepsi diver. Perfect for smaller wrists like mine!👍

[@TheDesius]

Since you are doing the finishing comparison I’d love to see Swiss Watch Company featured, they have the best titanium finishing I’ve ever seen. They also just announced their new diver today Ps. I see the new diver will be steel and not titanium

[@ianrutter9243]

I want that knife but cant find on Ali Express

[@StampStamp.]

Looks good👌🏼

[@barryvercueil2346]

This is such an amazing piece. The logo only looks brilliant.

[@Tobi_Jones]

curious to see how this matches up against the other skx homages as well as the real thing. maybe a 3 way comparison video?

[@paulelliott7493]

Well without having one to handle all i can say is that it looks like good quality, i certainly agree the bracelet looks just too thin for the case size, it looks unbalanced visually. Other than that it looks to be fair value.

[@Eigedomskatten]

Good looking watch - had to pull my Northport out of the box after watching this video 👍

[@PheasantPluckersMate]

Fair play, Gary. You were right to not review in the past, and you are right to review one of Marc’s watches now. Personally, although I really think Marc a great chap, I just wish he would redesign his logo! That stylized clock face is too unrefined for my taste. But that’s just me…😉

[@progguy10]

He seems like a classy guy but his watches kind of always leave me thinking you know it’s fine. Just nothing they do ever gives me that I want it feeling

[@julianarbelaez2928]

Ok, just to make sure, is there any good Rolex President 36mm without the Roman numerals homage?

[@ilikewatches]

Not that I know of

[@keving4408]

Gary - do plan to review Jody's Erebus Origin?

[@danielthegeek4582]

NH36 is the one with the day complication as well, right? Seems an odd choice over the NH35, or even the NH38, the latter of which I don’t understand why manufacturers don’t use, as it doesn’t seem to be any more expensive than an NH35.

[@garyk8285]

They have better models... In no order, I'd deffo look at these if you can: ISL214 ISL206 ISL145 ISL195 ISL149 ISL225 ISL155 ISL178 ISL151 ISL176 Cheers Spearman!

[@howieportal]

Okay so you have put an islander up against others.!! Now i challenge you to put the islander up against an erebus.!! Lets call it the battle of the youtubers.!? 🤔 Seriously though i am genuinely interested which is best.? I know you will be honest so please lets see it happen.. They are both around the same price so let the battle begin..?? Islander Vs Erebus 👍😁⌚️

[@jjp4360]

Definitely a Seiko Spork homage, I used to own one and it was a great watch!

[@larx4074]

Gorgeous watch - very spork........

[@dadmodswatches]

Why an NH36?? Why not an NH38?? I know you`re going to read this Mark, so honest question. Do you even take the date and day wheels off to use in other projects? Is it a savings because the NH38 is more expensive to buy in bulk? I won`t build a watch with a ghost position unless there in no other option, and there almost always is. Great video! Great watches!

[@simonwright6882]

I've always wondered how much import tax if buying from the UK. To factor the overall costs?

[@anthonydevono8833]

Very nice watch i like the 38mm version they did of the skx but the import/vat to uk makes it not worth while

[@mikelob6707]

Oddly, I have a small islander collection of 2 watches, like 5 casios, and a few different vintage watches; islanders are solid

[@airtiger360]

The lack of pricing info and the value proposition compared to any number of identical looking products on AEx is intentional I'm guessing.

[@ilikewatches]

It’s just an unboxing video…I’ll cover that in the review

[@airtiger360]

@@ilikewatches oh ok, didn't realize this is just the unboxing video. my bad. looking forward to the review.

[@dongleberry1980]

I've fancied one of these for a while, but the import charges to the UK always put me off!

[@briangeorge7965]

Great looking watch . I like the slimmed down bracelet . On a side note. With all the knife crime in the UK , I’d rather you didn’t promote where you are getting them from. ATB

[@gilbertoflores7397]

The thing that had always bugged me about Long Island Watches. Is they're very similar to aliexpress watches. Just more expensive, and the only justification is he has better warranty. I remember he got really heated once when he released his monster variant, and someone commented that heimdallr was actually a better quality and half the price. He said he's an American business who actually pays his employees a non-slave wage and has to offer warranty. It felt off, like I'd rather just buy the cheaper and better version if that's his view of the situation rather than making a better product. His prices are a lot higher than they should reasonably be, as he is trying to sell to a market unaware of the Chinese specials.

[@martinowl]

That’s the reality of where he is in the market. If you produce a homage, then there will be plenty of competition from the Ali brands. If potential buyers don’t see any advantage in buying an expensive alternative, then they won’t, irrespective of how nice a guy, Mark seems to be. I do wish him every success with his watches.

[@gilbertoflores7397]

@@martinowl he does seem like a nice guy, I've bought stuff from him before. But, since I seem to understand this market better with guys like Gary being more transparent about quality and cost of items in this space, I see his watches as being very overpriced for what he offers. So I've never bought any islanders, not that I wouldn't ever, he just needs to make something good that aliexpress might not offer. As he's dabbled with a Sarb homage with a miyota 9000 movement, but it's a little underwhelming with him mixing it with other things to not make it a homage.

[@WLVFX]

Should have added a endlink conversion kit.

[@watchalot919]

I have owned a couple. They are decent, but fall short of a San Martin

[@watchalot919]

I remember a KZbinr producing a watch called the Exciton 2, and think that represented better value🤣

[@ilikewatches]

Yeah, that was probably one of the best value watches ever

[@PpaStrmpf]

I hope he gets EU shop. Marc is incredible guy and a good guy too. Like his watches. They are everything Seiko should be and is not.

[@zosothezephead837]

Sinn 657 homage (that pre-dates the Seiko SPORK)

[@RobinhoodarrowsRHA]

Bracelet not an issue for me personally. They dont have to have the feel of a 90'2 rappers gold necklace 🤪

[@zillsburyy1]

i like mark's accessories more than the watches

[@jorgeconj]

Bracelet can’t be worst than a Seiko. After all they are all upgraded Seikos.

[@renngretsch]

Big Fish, Little Fish, 3:26 Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[@YOutsider]

the angst you feel about Islander and Marc is self-imposed. Islanders are so affordable, we can buy one without much fear of disappointment regarding value. run your ridiculous yet useful tests, but just relax.

[@astrobusa]

Its a repro of the Seiko Spork.

[@violinmke]

It's a Chinese made watch but it's a Chinese with. better quality control and man who will standbehind what you bought which is what you want. especially handy if you're in N America.

[@voidifremoved]

Review Pagani Designs as well. Reviewing copies of more expensive watches, but wont review watches that copy a brand name? You are loosing out on other channels that review the same type of watches that you do and is hypocritical. Just constructive criticism, I watch all your videos.

[@mbingham10]

Answer without looking No

[@fredochinaski9968]

Mark knows his stuff, for sure, but only homages!!!!!

[@hrs.ai2018]

I suppose islander just as good as aliexpress watches.

[@marklbarnard]

Not another dive watch,BORING

[@ilikewatches]

Not a diver….a spork 😂

[@sheepdog-kp9hb]

Just get a citizen promaster and quit your bishen thanks

[@Ninono7878]

This one is too blend, too empty to my own taste...

[@kiwilonewolf]

Oh look... another dive watch...

[@ilikewatches]

Nope….its a spork

[@Spireite41]

They're just Overpriced seiko clones!!!

[@cmc6040]

Disagree. They're excellent quality and higher spec compared to Seiko watches.

[@Spireite41]

@cmc6040 not that different from seikos. I'd much rather spend £100-£150 less and buy a seiko or citizen.

[@scottgordon6740]

I also disagree. First off, both the Spork and the SKX are no longer manufactured by Seiko. Second, the LIW watches give you many of the things you used to have to mod an SKX to get like double domed Sapphire crystal, lumed bezel, and decent bracelet with screwed links. Also, the original Seiko watches used the 7S26 movement which didn't hack or hand-wind. I have a couple of watches from Mark and both are top notch for what I think is a fair price compared to other comparable models out there.

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

They're simply Ali Express high-level watches customized for Island Watch and produced in relatively large numbers before being then sold at +100% markup, minimum. I made that mistake once or twice myself, but learned my lesson.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I'm anxious to see how it stacks up to the Exciton. Personally i don't like the Logo 🥷