DON'T BUY Your Next Watch until you see this $200 Masterpiece | The Borman 'Moonphase'

This watch is the most "Haute Horlogerie" Chinese watch I have ever seen in my life, that I can afford that is.
I hope you enjoy this video!
Do let me know what you feel and your suggestions in the comments section, please do subscribe, Thank You very much for watching!
Here is a link for the watch:
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Deb...
Here are some relatively cheap tools I have meticulously tested and tried, and that I highly recommend:
(links will give me some commission, thanks for supporting!)
Bergeon Spring Bar Tool ~ $35
www.bergeon.swiss/03-outillag...
Watchmaker's Screwdrivers ~ $25
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ALiKTA
Precision Tweezers ~ $20
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9AtFCM
Watch Dust Blower ~ $4
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ACUhkU
--------------------------------------------------------------
🎵 Music "wanderlust" by ‘moonboy’
• wanderlust 🗻 jazz...
💿 Listen everywhere:
ffm.to/moonboywanderlust
✅ For more Copyright Free Music visit:
youtube.tamamusic.com
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:58 - Specifications
03:22 - Case
06:00 - Caseback
06:51 - Strap & Clasp
07:28 - Dial
11:15 - Movement
17:08 - Price
17:59 - Outro

[@LegendX2010]

At that price point, this watch looks like it was designed to make a statement more than a profit.

[@L.A.C_Santos]

Some years ago it was impossible to imagine a sapphire crystal, stainless steel case, autoamtic movement, great design, dial, see through case for that money.

[@cynical8126]

Hi Tone, thanks to your review ( I watched it over and over) and then decided to buy one for myself. Its an amazing piece for the money paid. Your video pushed me over the fence to order one, absolutely having no regrets rightnow. Cheers! Edit: I saw your posts on reddit and was waiting for this review. worth the wait!

[@Tone_SA]

Thank you very much for the kind words! Hope you enjoy the watch!

[@jpcough6591]

Just found your channel, subbed! 👍 Strong Watchfinder & co vibes, and since that’s one of my favorite channels, I’m a fan! I’ve owned some nice watches, all the way up to Vacheron and Patek. For some reason though, I’ve been recently drawn to “cheap” watches. My last watch purchase was a Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, which I actually love! Going to check one one of these, thanks so much for the info, and best of luck moving forward with the channel! I’ll be watching 🤜🤛

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Thank you for your review. It's a big step up from the average You tube videos. I love the original watch that this is a homage of. I'm going to get this as they have done a great job.

[@morgan97475]

This watch is quite incredible given the price. Great looking dial & movement.

[@whatdididolastnight]

Excellent precision in timekeeping. Well made. Shame it’s not a true moon phase. But it would certainly be a watch wearing it case back up, where it would really shine.

[@L.A.C_Santos]

I have it and it’s a beauty. The movement looks very high quality.

[@SunsetSheen]

Beautiful watch. The dial and caseback are amazing for the price point. The handset is a bit dainty imho and it would be great if the watch was couple mm smaller.

[@poppi4975]

The production qualty of this video is really great, hats off! If you keep it up, you'll have a few thousand subscribers in no time. And that Borman is really pretty, I immediately knew you were going to compare the dial to an H. Moser & Cie. The rotor is very appealing as well. Some things I don't really understand though: Why put a high-beat movement into this watch, if you can't even really see the smooth sweep of the seconds hand anyway? Also, why put 'Genauigkeit Instrumente' on the dial (which in and of itself is a rather poor translation, if it's supposed to be a translation at all)? This watch doesn't need to make itself look like it's a German watch, and I sometimes wish these Chinese manufacturers took some more pride in their work. That being said, still nice watch and nice video.

[@Tone_SA]

Thank you!

[@Jack_the_rider]

Your channel is really an underrated gem...The cinematography is top-notch...It's sad to see you leave KZbin.

[@Tone_SA]

Haven't left, just incredibly busy lately with studies. Hope to be back soon though.

[@beyond36horology]

Great camera work and voiceover as usual.

[@Tone_SA]

Thank you!

[@monkeypawism]

It's cool. I wish the. case size and the moonphase diameter were smaller though.

[@WatchDanReviews]

Nice looking watch! Can’t believe that much detail can be had at that price. Hongzu also manufactures parts for gas grills 😂

[@zimtage1744]

This is a very interesting piece

[@holgermuller3597]

Very very nice watch, WOW! The printing reminds me on SINN watches as "Präzisions Instrumente" or "Nautische Instrumente". For the sake of accuracy, in correct German it has to be "Genauigkeits Instrumente"; they missed the "S". All in all a very fresh dresser, that is looking much more expensive. Thanks for this review 👍👍👍

[@Kontrolleuchte]

I don't know - shouldn't it say "Präzisionsinstrumente"? "Genauigkeitsintrumente" does make little sense, as little as "Accuracy Instruments". I do not understand why these Chinese manufactures never seem to seek advice from native speakers when dabbling in foreign languages 😃. I would have advised "Hochpräzisionsinstrumente" to get a proper mouthful

[@karimandkat]

This watch is giving me some H Moser vibes. Very nice.

[@Discoworx]

Nice video. Good job.

[@zschjoke]

Because of your review I bought this watch. And yeah, it's a true pearl when it comes to precision (Genauigkeit :) , timekeeping and look&feel. Amazingly, this Hangzhou movement is the most accurate in my collection of automatic movements. After some research I found out that this Borman moonphase and a Japanese watch called Kayuga Moonphase share the exact same case and movement. Hard to say which one came into existence first.

[@Tone_SA]

Probably the same factory produced it, or possibly they were contracted by the creators of the kaguya kickstarter to produce it.

[@artbanks27]

This is truly incredible what the chinese industry can do nowadays i want to see what they will came up in 10 years.

[@glasgowjohn7831]

i can't afford it but that's a really gorgeous watch

[@kirkatkins2140]

Looking for a new dress watch and am impressed by this one as well as the Sugess moon phase that you recently reviewed. Between the two, which one would be your top pick?

[@Tone_SA]

I'd pick this one if you value more on the looks. The sugess is not as good looking but will be easier to service and has a generally better movement.

[@kart182]

Damn that is beautiful

[@gorillaofjohn15]

Hi there. Thank you for the detailed and very well photographed review! I followed your link to the Aliexpress page and there are 3 colour options. You have mentioned in the video that you chose the brown. However in your video, it looks much darker than the Aliexpress site's brown. In fact yours look much closer to black. So i would like to confirm with you that yours is indeed the brown version? Thanks much!

[@Tone_SA]

Yes mine is brown.

[@gorillaofjohn15]

@@Tone_SA thank you. Stunning watch!

[@michaelhorn8962]

Engravers..? I saw on Jody's channel that the Lobinni micro-rotor watch also says "Engravers" but only on the packaging and documents. This is a nice one! Seriously considering it. I wish they wouldn't pretend to be German, though. I'm sure there's some form of Chinese artistry they could have employed in the branding, which would have reflected some pride in who they are and what they are accomplishing. They deserve it with this one! I've been curious about Zeppelin watches. Maybe you could review some of them?

[@Tone_SA]

I think lobinni and Borman are under the same company. And a few others as well

[@ElderPinto254]

did you see the borman glashutte SA hahaha i realy look nice... genauigkeit instrumente it means precicion instrument in german ....

[@kdseydlorsky]

I have read and heard from different sources that this is NOT a true moon phase. The moon phase is basically a 31 click date complication.

[@Tone_SA]

Yes I mentioned this in the video

[@k.s.8959]

"Genauigkeit Instrumente" ... is very google translated. "Genauigkeitsinstrumente" would be correct. Fun Watch thought :)

[@dimasakbar7668]

Now you mention that second hand, i wonder why they not just use normal second hand. I like seeing that mechanical sweep on a beautifully made second hand

[@Tone_SA]

I think they didn't want to add it as it may damage the minimalist look of the whole watch

[@dimasakbar7668]

@@Tone_SA well yes they had made their artistic choice. I just want that level of finishing, on that price, with a sweep 🥺

[@EricMiller]

Nice!!!!

[@wasnt.here.3853]

Wonder if B/PV stands for Borman / Pinkvenom

[@Tone_SA]

Very possible, maybe pinkvenom is the case manufacturer or something.

[@gu1111]

Great review, but missed the lug to lug length!

[@Tone_SA]

03:46

[@gu1111]

@@Tone_SA Thanks, appreciate that 😊

[@swrpn]

It is nice to look at, however is it a true moon phase watch?

[@Tone_SA]

Nope

[@redbarchetta8782]

Not a true moonphase is my only issue with the watch. It's just a calendar with a moon disk not a 29.5 measurement.

[@Tone_SA]

Yep, quite sad, but it is a limitation of available movements. I can't seem to think of any cheap movements with a functioning moonphase in that same spot with the same complications. Closest is an st1908, but that has 3 other subdials and a chrono so that wouldn't be possible. Seems like they just really had no choice.

[@benjaminvis]

Very nice, except for the needless engraving in the side case, the uneven finish of the bead blasting, and the fake moon phase. It's a little big for me. Actually it is the highly dubious Hausmann brand that brought me here. They ask some 2290euro for the same watch with some outlandish claims. The branding is more attractive and there is no silly engraving on the side case. Would they have fixed the uneven bead blasting for that additional 2090euros? Also, apparently it is made in Glashütte, not China, by a watchmaker exclusively found on stock photo.

[@Tone_SA]

😂

[@faalbmusic]

Bro, where are you? We miss you!

[@Tone_SA]

Studying, will be back hopefully in a month or 2

[@faalbmusic]

@@Tone_SA Thank you for your quick reply!

[@moeb3325]

Great review. Just heard of this brand when I came across this video. However, the level of snobbery in the comment section is crazy. Also the existence of the 'never shall ever' crowd continues to amaze me. As do the angry Germans. If you don't like it, fine. Keep it moving. If you're here position yourself on some type of elitist soapbox, then maybe a watch review with "$200" in the title was not for you. Your presence is unnecessary. This watch CLEARLY is borrowing design cues from Moser, and maybe a little bit of FPJ and Lange. But for a watch positioned where it is in the market, it's nothing short of a feat. Highly decorated movement? Hands other than sword, cathedral, etc.? Someone taking the time to use proper machining techniques when designing and executing the look of the movement, when they could have just punted and went with a vanilla movement? At $200? How is this not good for the hobby? It gets people involved in actual horology to some degree rather than simply brand chasing. The average Rolex buyer cannot name the parts of a watch, much less the movement. This watch is clearly designed for individuals who appreciate watchmaking at ANY price point. Sure the translation is off, but they will improve their game. You're able to get a hint of uncommon watchmaking aesthetics on a budget. As for the Sinophobes out here...maybe take a look at where your phones or computer components are manufactured.

[@Tone_SA]

Well said.

[@marcjames3487]

Is that a true Moon Phase just based on 28 days ?

[@Tone_SA]

Its a date wheel, not a true moon phase

[@sprezzatura8755]

The crappy music is an unnecessary distraction.

[@markhondaturbo]

Why do they do that with the second hand?

[@Tone_SA]

No clue, guess its better to cap it with something then leave it with the bare seconds pinion sticking out. Could do better without the black arrow though, but thankfully, it's not very noticeable.

[@markhondaturbo]

@@Tone_SA I would actually like a second hand since it's a high-beat movement, you can enjoy the smoother sweep of the hand

[@CatGPT_]

HRUUUOODLAND

[@theloniousmonkiv5982]

Engravers B/PV = Engravers By Pink Venom?

[@Tone_SA]

Good catch

[@samad3251]

The seiko quartz watch for 200$ that I received last year left me very disappointed. The bracelet was so hollow that it made a really cheap clicking sound even with a slight hand movement and was a horrible hair puller. The cadisen that I have is leagues ahead than the seiko that I got.

[@sougaiki6909]

They should have called it "Biermann" Zeitanzeiger, Zeitmesser, Messinstrument etc.

[@Tone_SA]

Probably not Messinstrument haha. The English speakers may find that humorous.

[@Kontrolleuchte]

😂 Biermann is a great choice - how about "Meßinstrumente" - or, better related to the beer reference - "Massinstrumente" 😃

[@laisocerer6901]

Tribute to H.Moser & Cie "PERPETUAL MOON" ??? (1801-1201)

[@Tone_SA]

I think it's a mix, but a great catch. Since a lot of watches have a similar moonphase layout. Probably a modern Moser + older moser mix.

[@artvandelay5157]

No second hand?

[@Tone_SA]

Has a tiny knob in the middle. I feel the addition of a second hand would defeat the minimalist design of this piece though. They made the right call imo.

[@FezanRafique]

how about the reliabitliy of these watches?

[@Tone_SA]

Mine still works after 2 months, but of course, it is always possible to get a bad one, though the chances are low.

[@FezanRafique]

Thanks for the reply. My father's seiko are working even after 25 years :)@@Tone_SA

[@Stuff_And_Things]

The moon art is too clean for me. Otherwise it is a very nice watch.

[@manatwork5388]

I am always waiting for watch on the wrist. Video is useless without it

[@paulanthony7268]

That's the best you've seen..lol

[@Tone_SA]

"at this price range"

[@ursh8632]

Accuracy instruments is incorrectly expressed. It should read "precision instruments". Or in German: Genauigkeit Instrumente ist falsch ausgedrückt. Es muss heissen "Präzisions Instrumente".

[@nicknicholson1268]

Excellent. Finally I can see a KZbin channel where the producer says that the watch is made in China, I don't believe it! Question: Why they didn't write "Made in China", or "China Made" on this piece of garbage? Kind regards.

[@Tone_SA]

They probably choose not to, because unfortunately some people think that as long as a watch or product is made in china means that it's of low quality. Which is quite the contrary.

[@nicknicholson1268]

@@Tone_SA Yes, they should have one more reason to write "Made in China": quality, besides patriotism. They chose not to because, in my opinion, they know that people are fed up with buying made in China, as being synonymous with poor quality. They go as far as to write a deceptive "Japanese Movement", or "Swiss Movement" on their watches. Please don't get me wrong, most of my t-shirts are of excellent quality made in China, but I would never buy a car made in China, or a watch made in China. The majority of the timepieces in my personal collection are Swiss Made. Also, please excuse my digression, all my kitchenware is Made in Germany or France, and proudly marked so on each piece. But again, thank you for replying to me and I personally appreciate your courage to say that the watch is made in China. Cheers.

[@Tone_SA]

Appreciate your comment! Though from one collector to another, I'd highly suggest trying brands from other countries. Grand Seiko would be a good one to start, their pieces are really cool! You never know till you try.

[@nicknicholson1268]

@@Tone_SA I confess I have never thought of Grand Seiko, but I will think about this possible addition to my collection. Many thanks for your advice.

[@HerrSommerjunge]

With there being about 80 million of us Germans, many of us helpful persons, it is really hard to understand why borman chose to put some German-like bogus on their dial. I might buy it to laugh at the irony of precisely messing up the translation of ‘precision instruments’

[@ericx7206]

"Promo sm"

[@eggcorner7829]

The sand blasting was done in a sweatshop I bet

[@echeng5271]

Clearly, this caliber stems from a fake Rolex watch. Yet, it is good that they give up making fake Rolex watches and use the calibers to make a new watch brand.

[@Tone_SA]

This caliber does not actually resemble much of a rolex caliber actually, though it features some of Seiko's ideas.

[@sammuller2176]

As a German I have to say these words are completely senseless. The watch might be beautiful for the price but the wording destroys it.

[@geral1187]

My watch instict dosen't allow me to buy chinese watches. Why ? No tradition, fake name, no factory address, no compromise with the future. Today exist, tomorrow who know's ?!?! Dobious warranty for repair and matainence, and no official representation in Europe. Well..I pass, thank you, but no. For that price range I rather stick with Orient, Casio, Roamer, and others that, may be less spectacular, but have a solid history of quality, and for sure future value.

[@Tone_SA]

Understandable. Fortunately, I can fix my own watches, so this isn't too much of a problem for me. Though I must add that none of my Chinese watches have broken yet. Some have lasted 3 to 4 years which are well beyond the average warranty period for watches at this price. But definitely, Orient, Seiko are all brilliant brands as well!

[@geral1187]

@@Tone_SA Thank you for your reply. Your (re)view is also perfectly valid. You are right, I don't fix my watches, I don't have the time nor the skills for doing so, and patience to... I also understand that Chinese are becoming good in almost everything that you can possible buy, and I don't think, that is good for western country's, as well?!?! That's other story... What bothers me the most with chinese thing, I tell you. Is that, they don't give a chinese name for a brand, because they want to sell it, and they don't have the same respect for watch tradition as western brand do. If you buy a disposable product with looks, It's ok,but not ok, if you want something with meaning, history,tradition,effort,respect for the client, and last but not least, image of you when you wear it. keep on with the good reviews👍and take care.

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

Well said

[@salimxav1er]

Talk about watchfinder copy, no originality

[@Tone_SA]

Valid, but I don't want to show my face. Not a lot of other formats for reviewing watches, any suggestions?

[@salimxav1er]

@@Tone_SA yea buy you don't need to straight up copy watch finder, maybe have a different style of setup, and your own natural hand movements now a literal copy of watchfinder

[@WhighamIII]

Not a copy but a homage…..🧐😳🤣🤣👍🏾

[@brotherandrew3393]

"Genauigkeit Instrumente" are two German words that would never be used in this combination because it doesn't make sense. In English you also don't say "Accuracy Instruments". You would say "accurate instrument" in order to describe the quality of an instrument. But even calling a watch an "Instrument" is not a good choice. This nonsense alone would prevent me from buying this watch. And of course its bad legibility and poor build quality.

[@Tone_SA]

The build quality is actually quite good and its also pretty legible though.

[@brotherandrew3393]

@@Tone_SA According to what I see it is not very legible. Abd build quality is a question of interpretation. But a fake chinese watch which pretends to be something else will never be my choice. I never would support such crap and give it a presence on my wrist.

[@daintiestquarters3411]

I am tired of fake shit. From Trump to fake watches.

[@007josiah]

How tf am I 8 minutes into this video and you still have not mentioned that damned circle things on the dial. You failed horribly. 4F-

[@Tone_SA]

Circle things? If you mean the moonphase, watch the dial section using the timestamps. This is my longest video so far.

[@daintiestquarters3411]

What? A chinese watch pretending to be german? Why? I would respect the brand if it were honest. But, the wording makes it very ugly, no matter the price.

[@Tone_SA]

I think a lot of chinese brands do this cause there seems to be an unfortunate connotation in the west that chinese watches are low quality and not worth the money. I am sure they would be happy labelling it a chinese name if it were not for the possible decrease in customer reach and so on, quite sad.

[@WhighamIII]

Exactly. Watch collectors and enthusiast are not gonna collect this watch because of the reputation that China has in the watch community. Actually, the name is simple enough and it doesn’t sound badly when you tell someone that you are “wearing a Borman“.

[@richardnedbalek1968]

No Chinese watches for me.

[@user-uf3ht4hq9h]

Chinese watches of this quality remind me of Chinese cars ( Nio, BYD ) & how both Chinese watches & cars now reflect the genius of the Chinese to capitalize on mainly Western consumption & need for ever more & newer commodities. China is now feeding addictive drugs to the world of western consumption addicts. We cant help but salivate for glitzy but affordable commodities that only the Chinese can provide

[@GEMSofGOD_com]

69th comment. Hruodland for most f--king win of all!