Baltany 1921 Review: The Best Watch on AliExpress is Under $200

[@POLO8072]

It's crazy this is better finished than a Fears, makes you wonder what we actually end up paying for when you buy a luxury watch

[@rafaelmtoledo]

Just for a name in order to "fit in" and nothing else...

[@gabrielscheer255]

Truely informative and sublime review as usual. Stunning watch! Difficult to fathom how well this watch is made with so little imperfections and so detailed at this price point. I recall watching one of your Moser reviews that had so many imperfections on the dial when the watch was really the dial and then you have this at this price. Great to be a watch enthusiast nowadays, so many great options.

[@theknightswatch]

It’s getting harder and harder to justify some of these luxury things Decades ago they were the brands that had the machines and the most manpower to be able to achieve higher finishing. But it is becoming more and more democratized. Like you said. Great for the enthusiast.

[@POSUEN]

There is a new version that uses a manual wind movement. Shaves off a millimetre on the thickness! While I would love to see a micro rotor automatic version of this watch, I’m tempted to get the thinner manual wind version.

[@Nefville]

I love how the numerals and hands are done better on this $200 watch than some $40k watches you've had under macro. Like the perpetual Moser. Two things: 1. I wish it was 36mm and 2. I wish it was using the Seagull 7001 clone. PS it was great to see you on Teddy's Christmas special. Congrats!

[@theknightswatch]

Super surprising finish on this one and yep 36 would’ve been awesome. And thank you! Was nice to be invited haha. Have a great Christmas and happy new year!

[@samgrant83]

Well done for spotting the connection to the Excellence Platine version of the 1921 - just the best version of this VC has ever released. I have several VCs, including some very sought after 1950's ones, in a mix of white gold, gold and platinum, and one of which is a very close cushion case to this watch but with teardrop lugs but I have ordered this one for a bit of fun. I've tried on the 40mm version a couple of times in boutiques, but even with a 7.5" wrist, it's undeniably a very big watch, despite the case thinness. All cushion/square/tonneaus wear far larger than their basic sizes suggest. I'm hoping this 38mm will wear more easily.

[@theknightswatch]

Teardrop lugs on a cushion case sound awesome, enjoy that! Hope this one holds up to the rest of your pieces. It is very fun.

[@samgrant83]

@@theknightswatch Mine arrived a day ago - yes, it's far better finished than quite a few watches I own and have seen at prices well above this price point, and the dial and hands really do make this stand out. Sadly the movement is the weakest link, but it isn't as noisy as some. I've not much experience of AliExpress brands, but this does feel like a stand out if you are going for something on the interesting/dress side of things.

[@dultanur]

Excellent review man, thank you. This is a watch I’m obsessed with (the vc I mean). I usually don’t like straight up copies but this seems to be a no brainer. The quality for the price is insane!

[@ramspencer5492]

I'd love to see a version with that (still budget) well decorated, micro-rotar, movement that Baltic used in their similar design... With a display case back... Could still shave a little bit of thickness, as that movement is very thin... I own the Baltic "salmon" (more copper) version of this watch, with the radial, concentric circles. By the way this seagull movement has been around a very long time and has proven generally quite reliable.... Lol! At the end you threw in the exact same comment on the movement that I did! 😎 That would be such an awesome watch! I like It as it is though. Mine is on a naturally slightly textured dark blue strap, with similar stitching to your gray one. If you have any kind of tentative relationship with Baltany as a reviewer.... Please suggest the micro rotor, display back idea with them! Ask them to shave off another millimeter or so because of the thinner movement... I'll buy one. You'll buy one... And I'm sure a lot of people will buy one. Maybe don't suggest $500 though! Lol. It will cost more but they have experimented with more expensive movements and haven't had to go as high as $500 yet... They'll sell a lot of watches if they keep it in AliExpress price I wouldn't mind if they also made a version with a more traditional 12:00 North dial! That would pull in a whole different demographic of customers as well... Though I do like it with the offset dial.

[@alanfang7665]

Great review. No BS. Great shots!

[@andal7404]

As I understand it, you can opt for a Miyota 9039 with a central seconds hand.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Baltany is my favourite chinese brand. Definitely getting their recent vintage Explorer homage.

[@Sammeeee]

Great video and very interesting watch!

[@theknightswatch]

Agreed! And thank you for watching

[@dunderhay9169]

Great review, it is interesting to hear your view on the quality of the dial and case 👍. I have ordered the very similar model that has centre seconds and the Miyota 9039. It is less like the Vacheron, but I like that and I'm happy to swap the small seconds for a 3 numeral and a better movement. I think I will subscribe 👍

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you and thanks for watching. Let me know how you like it when it comes in. I considered the miyota one but I do love a good sub second!

[@dunderhay9169]

​@@theknightswatchI've had the Miyota version for a couple of weeks and I really like it. You are right about hand winding being awkward, giving an auto a few winds to start isn't too bad, but I'm not sure I would enjoy hand winding the Vacheron. I also find I wear it inside the wrist, that way the offset dial is in the right position to read the time. The Miyota is running well with zero beat error in all positions and +5 seconds a day 👍

[@Kciroy]

The one with the subdial is now sold out and i'm so sad i found out about this one way too late, hopefully they'll bring it back in stock

[@a3l0e0x3]

Awesome review as usual! Had my eye on it since it was released but unfortunately it just is too big for my 6.5 inch wrist and especially for a dress watch in my opinion. If they were to release one in a smaller size I'd immediately purchase one.

[@theknightswatch]

Definitely personal preference, my wrist is the same size and I really like it. But 36 would be even comfier

[@nate2188764]

Amazing watch. I really want to pick one up but have been waiting for a solid review. Sounds like I know what to do now. I’d love to hear your thoughts on homage watches for watches that the average or even above average person will never see or own. Personally I feel like it’s one thing to buy a sub homage, it’s another to get things inspired by holy trinity watches.

[@theknightswatch]

It is a great watch no doubt. And ya maybe I’ll do a video on that. I think homage watches have their place. Even a sub is unattainable to a lot of people whether from price or availability. That’s why a brand like ginault exists who does the design very similarly but with its own flair a little bit. I would never spend the 40k on a Vacheron so I like that I can enjoy something similarly styled. I don’t think anyone thinks these kind of homage watches are made to the same level or will stand the test of time as well. But things like this baltany, look good, punch above their price, and is attainable for most people. I

[@nate2188764]

@@theknightswatch couldn’t have said it better myself. I went ahead and ordered one of these and I have to say I’ve been really impressed with communication from Baltany as well. It was out of stock but they notified me of expected restock, notified again of shipment, easy link for tracking provided, if the watch is as nice as the one in the video I won’t think twice about ordering from them again in the future.

[@Kciroy]

@@nate2188764 glad i found your comment about them restocking because it's out of stock again and i was afraid they weren't going to restock it once it's out

[@zillsburyy1]

just ordered a berny titanium, soki full lume and megir drum barrel from Alison

[@doobeedoo2]

The website says that they offer two different movements for it

[@zp3dd4]

Will you review the ixdao engineer?

[@JongChoongShyr]

Is it easy to change the strap?

[@keving4408]

Each of your reviews is like a PhD dissertation on the given watch (I mean that as a compliment). :) Nice watch, but the angled dial would be too awkward for me. Looks exceptionally nice on the brown Theo & Harris strap.

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you, I’ve tried to keep it short before but it never works. I almost just think of them like podcast episodes on a watch now

[@doobeedoo2]

Did you consider the more expensive movement that they offer, with the large seconds hand? If not why not?

[@theknightswatch]

I didn’t only because I actually prefer the small seconds. Really classy addition to most watches I feel. Plus doesn’t hurt to save money!

[@doobeedoo2]

@@theknightswatch i read somewhere that you did a video with Teddy. Could you give me the link if so? I'd like to watch... This was really a fascinating video. We know so little about these PRC firms and ownership/management. Theyre showing both taste and ability to execute. I wonder if winding the other movement is as rough.

[@kingcold7138]

Agree!

[@b_altmann]

That's practically a Baltic. Quite a bit cheaper though

[@eggsII]

Am I crazy or is this watch aligned for lefties? If it were for righties, shouldn’t the 12 be at the 10 or 11 o’clock position?

[@jamie31415]

No. Since people with dominant right hands wear their watches on their left wrist, they don’t need to turn the arm/wrist to see the dial upright. For example when driving, the watch face will still appear upright with your arms on the wheel.

[@gritsteel4559]

Baltany makes microbrand watches, so it is not just an AE watch.

[@gingercrop5855]

So i cannot wear it on my right

[@ProtomanZ]

Cool watch but I can't get over how stuffed up you sound :') Get well friend.

[@theknightswatch]

Haha apologies! I was sick two weeks ago and now the stuffiness is just staying around. Hopefully I’ll be cleared up soon. Thank you!