Focus On IXDAO...IXDAO Engineer & a Beautiful IXDAO Bronze Diver. Have New Standards Been Set?

[@Zotrax1946]

Hey 👋🏻, Ix&Dao are selling half links to the Engineer. On their website ☝🏻🤗

[@johnswatchjoint]

Well spotted sir I will update the community. Thank you :) 😊

[@dazzlerjohnwatchman8215]

Hi John. Like you I love the IXDAO Engineer as I am a huge fan of IWC Watches. However The bronze diver with that green face takes the prize. I was not a fan of the Serica homage or the homage of the Pelagos 39 but these latest homages wow. The Engineer is all quality a real tool watch that can be worn under a cuff. I want one soon. The bronze diver is my taste in the green or blue face being my choice. Again this is real quality on the wrist. Thanks John try to get some more IXDAO watches that can be won as a prize? Great reviews as always.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I would if I could afford it but I paid full price for these and I have around 22 watches in various states of being reviewed, coming in and going out ..it's a lot at this time of year and I am still a pretty small channel 😔

[@dazzlerjohnwatchman8215]

You're a good man and your channel will continue to grow 🎉

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

Superb review and must say I do like the bronze but the winner for me is the all steel Engineer, I could imagine Mr Bond wearing one.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yes. I might even look sophisticated myself for a while haha 😆

[@96kyh]

I think I'll just say this; this pair of IX&Dao are stunning and their top notch quality is very clearly seen thru your video.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thank you 🙏

[@Zotrax1946]

I totally agree!! I own and enjoy the engineer and have a huge itch for that bronze piece!

[@johnswatchjoint]

I just love it and I still don't know why! 😆

[@Zotrax1946]

@@johnswatchjoint it’s just one of the best watches I ever owned. It looks amazing, the work and finishing is absolutely premium, and it is so very comfortable! And I’m saying this with the fact that the bracelet doesn’t fit me- too large or to tight. And still, I LOVE it. (I have the teal blue version)

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice. We will all be in the same boat...loose in winter right in summer ;)

[@aeh3486]

Nice review of two interesting watches. I ordered a grey engineer a couple of weeks ago and this review has made me even more excited about receiving it

[@johnswatchjoint]

Good choice 👏

[@allthingsgood156]

Fab review thanks! I've already ordered an engineer but with mop dial.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Good choice...enjoy ;)

[@TomasPerez-en6bp]

I absolutely love both of those they look amazing and honestly the bronze looks good on you the green fume dial definitely pairs well with the bronze that could be why you like it a lot more I don't know if it would have the same effect if it was regular stainless steel compared to the engineer. The engineer is just cool on its own merit though I think I saw another video where they opened the back and there was an antimagnetic shield and that just made me smile cause the aren't just writing that down it actually has a way to help prevent the movement being magnetized. I just hope they eventually start oiling and properly performing qc like proxima if they did honestly it would be hard to deny these are some of the best watches of the year.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I have to agree with you. We'll see how they perform over time.

[@TomasPerez-en6bp]

@@johnswatchjoint youre right but I do admit both watches are absolute lookers.

[@DogsOfWarr]

My engineer arrived today & sadly I fall into the slightly too tight - or very very loose - camp (7 inch wrist). It's definitely a beautiful watch, but an expensive gamble as to whether or not it'll fit. Hopefully IXDAO will release half links soon!

[@JagPapi]

So it looks like it's a good thing I didn't buy it. My wrist is very similar in dimensions to yours😐

[@DogsOfWarr]

@jagpapi4946 I've messaged them to see if/can they do half size links, but they obviously have no idea what I'm talking about (they just keep sayingI can buy extra links if I want), so I wouldn't bet on this being fixed in a v2 😂

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yep... I had that very same communication breakdown sadly :(

[@JagPapi]

I hope so. I keep my fingers crossed for our "friends"😁

[@ponjk101]

Iv also got this, smaller wrist than 6.5inch - 5 links removed fits me fine.. So for smaller wrists mayb fits better.. But agree should hav half links supplied.

[@danspanos]

Try putting a darker/distressed strap on the bronze watch, and I bet they change their mind about it! If that doesn't work, try taking the extensions out. I love it either way! The only thing I don't like about the Engineer is the flat undercase. That's just a personal preference though. Great video as always bro!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Cheers Dan. I'm hoping to get elasticated nylon with bronze hardware but that strap is just so comfortable. Good to hear from you and hope you are well :)

[@MrJames19676]

Brilliant review mate.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thank you 🙏

[@richardpool9970]

In the 11.11 sale I had to pick these up (and was naughty and slipped in the Baltany Pilot Chrono quartz as it was barely over €100 euros). I picked the bronze with the brown dial and I picked up the engineer with the teal dial. After watching your video I'm even more excited as I can really hear how happy you are with them in your tone. Only bummer is they are even cheaper in the Black Friday sale.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's something I have to deal with all the time. I buy them in sometimes full price just so you can see them and then have to take a big hit :/

[@dunderhay9169]

A great review of two very nice watches, I hope you are allowed to keep the bronze one 😁

[@johnswatchjoint]

I hope so too ...Funny how we sometimes fall for an oddball !

[@spencerm7817]

It's good to see so much competition (and more choice for us) on Ali Express. Cronos, Baltany, Octopus Kraken to name a few are all producing beautiful watches. Ali Expess used to be dominated by Pagani Design watches, but they have now fallen way behind these new players.

[@WATCHingJames]

They are doing some great looking watches

[@cleverson007]

Great review as always John. Ixdao is making amazing watches. I liked. Im considering a fume dial. This look amazing.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thank you. Both watches are stunning ;)

[@paulandrews7622]

I'm a sucker for a Bronze watch, and I love Green dials !! Bugger, that's more cash I shouldn't spend lol. Great reviews as always.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Uh oh...sorry buddy...give your wallet to the wife for safety perhaps??......nah...bad idea 😆

[@charlieryan531]

I'm so close to getting. Did you get one? What do you think? I'm thinking brown or brown California. Cheers...

[@libertyisparamount1443]

lovely video, I am also enamoured with the bronze w green dial, but don't know if it would look good on me and it will be really tricky to match w clothes

[@redbarchetta8782]

They can't even show the watch now on Aliexpress. Just the dial.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yep...and I got one for £158 in the sale 🤗

[@redbarchetta8782]

I bought the blue MOP, it's even more amazing than the waffle dial.

[@libertyisparamount1443]

the engineer is just stunning, top of my list after pelagos

[@spencerm7817]

Great review as always. Im waiting for my green dialled, bronze watch to arrive. It was your previous review of this watch that piqued my interest. Its a 'Wow' watch, not a marmite. IX&DAO are serious hitters now, and Proxima deserve a mention here. Both have released two beauties to coincide with the black friday sales.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Enjoy your new watch. Proxima are prominent on my channel and I rate them very highly having reviewed all of their watches. I also have their Serica homage in black with JWJ on the dial in my collection. Remember to subscribe.

[@spencerm7817]

Hello John. I am subscribed and we spoke before. I sent you a photo of the Proxima Green dial back in the Summer. I have the Serica homage, the California Dial, which you didn't like😢. Can't wait for my bronze IX&DAO to arrive. Keep up the good work.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Of course Spencer...I do apologise. Forgive me as I am inundated with messages and requests and my older brain sometimes throws a wobbly. Age does not come alone my friend!

[@spencerm7817]

😅 I know exactly what you mean by that. Off topic but what is the intro music you use on your videos? I love it.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Tbh I don't know. It was something I put together via Canva and Epidemic sound and had to get it verified for use on YT. I have used it ever since as everyone likes it for being upbeat :)

[@johnholkham2420]

Hi John just brought the Engineer black early this morning in March sale. Seemed to get a great price of £229 for the Sellita version. The AliExpress code that I used to get extra £35 off has disappeared but may still work for others. I’m not sure how much longer this model will be around as IWC have taken action to stop sales and the IXDAO site does not show pictures only a blow up of the logo. I suspect a new version will appear with changes to address copyright issues.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Well done. Tbh I stayed well clear of this model as I did not want a copyright strike on the channel. Good on you for doing the leg work. It's a great watch. Make sure you get half links ;)

[@johnholkham2420]

Have also ordered hope I get the right ones.

[@stevenmccarthy112]

Hi John,I just ordered that bronze diver with brown dial at a really good sale price. I've been lusting after it for months and originally liked the Chinese dial but in the end i've gone for the regular dial. Love that 11.5mm thickness.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Well done sir. You won't be disappointed. Gorgeous piece ;)

[@johnnemo6509]

Do like the bronze diver...may be some repressed steampunk urges on my part. Would be interested in seeing a cupboard of doom end of year review, showing the best lume of 2023 a "King of the cupboard" if you will. Lume is often the weakest link in the budget watch chain so it's really cool to see great performers like the IXDAO and the Steeldive SD1979 head to head. Happy thanksgiving !!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hey John. Yeah I will have to consider something like that. Loser stays in the cupboard ...and hides from the taxman haha!

[@johnnemo6509]

@@johnswatchjoint Like it! "Consigned to the cupboard of doom not to Burn out but to slowly fade away"..well maybe not that slowly in the losing cases. Taxman is famous for squeezing blood out of a stone....I wonder how many Bar or meters of pressure their grip is equivalent to? I used to work in an audio company and the saddest thing was to take all these audiophile level components we have been testing and smash them up at the end of the year for the "depreciate to zero" tax write off....I was always "can you look the other way then report them (quite accurately) as stolen?" ..no joy.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yeah. It's ridiculous. So much waste too :(

[@WristWatching]

I'm with your wife and daughter on this one, John. Can't wait for my MOP Engineer to arrive in the mail. Your video is helping me cope with the wait. 🤣

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks on the one hand but I'm in the huff on the other.... where's my support network when I need it !?!? Haha

[@darrylhalim436]

Which colour did you order? xD

[@WristWatching]

@@johnswatchjoint Don’t worry, I’ll be back on your side for the next debate haha

[@WristWatching]

@@darrylhalim436 The black MOP dial!

[@darrylhalim436]

@@WristWatching me too! Can’t wait for the review!

[@vonkruel]

If the Engineer came with half links I would have bought one in the 11.11 sale. I'm keeping an eye out for the Engineer V2. In the meantime I did find a nice Black Friday deal on a PRX quartz. Anyhow, great channel you've got here! 👍

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thank you. A great community too. Remember to subscribe :)

[@DogsOfWarr]

My engineer arrived today - definitely needs half links as I'll have to wear it slightly too tight, which means it'll probably just sit in the watchdog until IXDAO release a fix

[@vonkruel]

@@DogsOfWarr They should make the half-links available to the "early adopters" of the watch. It's just 1 glaring omission and they seem to have done so well everywhere else. I'm sure they've got the message that people want half-links, so we'll watch & hope for the best. In the meantime I'm enjoying my new quartz PRX 40mm that just arrived. The second hand isn't missing any of the markers too badly, which is a great blessing 👍.

[@vonkruel]

@@garylangford6755 Yes I noticed that. My PRX was $270 @ Joma.

[@XjohnjohnX88]

Hi John! I'm sorry, I've been away lately for some reasons but mainly because my dog died and was devastated. It maybe sounds weird but I was so gaga for him 😅 Anyway, I love the Ixdao Engineer. Maybe my next watch if I can afford it for Christmas. Great review as usual! Well done, John 👍🏻

[@johnswatchjoint]

I'm so sorry to hear about that! Pets are family. Before Molly came along my best buddy was Poppy. She was a silver Maine Coon. She was 16 when we lost her. Thought I would never recover...and now Molly is here. Moral of the story...it may not seem like it but you will heal and remember all the good stuff ..not what you've lost :)

[@XjohnjohnX88]

@@johnswatchjoint thank you for your kind words. Really appreciate it! I agree with you, pets are family. They give you so much happiness. Have a good weekend, John.

[@philliprackow7153]

Just when I started enjoying the Tissot PRX i bought after getting a better job to celebrate this thing came along... The IWC being homaged might be my favourite integrated bracelet design besides maybe the Tissot PRX Chrono. Couldn't afford it with my last paycheck so I bought the Quartz. Guess I'll be pulling the trigger on this IXDAO soon.

[@johnswatchjoint]

The finishing on this watch is the best I have seen on Ali. The bronze diver was a real surprise too but alas I just can't keep it. Soooo many really nice watches being released... I have to be strong!

[@robh.2400]

Thanks for the video. I have an Engineer on the way from the 11/11 sale. Hoping it fits (I also have a 6.75" wrist most of the time).

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice one. You will love it ;)

[@adk7962]

Great review(s) as always. That Engineer is on the top of my list of potential next watch purchases. IWC took a play out of Rolex’s playbook, and the only way you can get the IWC version is to pay three times retail on the Gray Market. 😑. To all the viewers in the States, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Albert ☺️

[@ThePaulv12]

A watch review channel that actually reviews watches - you picked up a sub! I didn't like the Engineer much but as you describe it - particularly the movement options I can see this is a substantial watch. I did indeed check them out. The deal breaker for me, is for the moment at least, I'm on a high beat no number plain dial no day or date fetish. I really want a silver dial watch. I found a secondhand fully serviced ultra high beat (36000) manual wind King Seiko but it's more than I want to spend considering import duties etc and it doesn't have its original bracelet so I'd have to find a new Milanese type but it won't look right. It's all too hard even if the price is fair for what it is.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks for watching and for the sub. You know exactly what you want so something will turn up that suits you precisely :)

[@ThePaulv12]

@@johnswatchjoint I like a straight talker. You're that.

[@r377-g8w]

I love the bronze watch currently my favourite on Aliexpress

[@johnswatchjoint]

I think it's stunning too!

[@bobanderson7313]

I got a perfect fit on the Engineer with two links removed for my seven inch wrist. So, I guess, if any of your viewers are hesitant, they'll be OK if their wrist size lands on a quarter inch increment. I splashed out and got the SW200 - silky smooth.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice one !

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Pretty and well made. Would be interesting to see if they disappear like Rimalti/Rmalti.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yeah... That was strange. Came from nowhere... Made decent watches and then that was it... Nothing?!

[@gorillasinthewrist]

Love the engineer, always been a fan of the original but could never justify buying one. I know the butterfly clasp is the best aesthetic choice but I just hate them, gorillas and butterflies… love the diver but not that strap

[@johnswatchjoint]

Understandable... For me it's getting a leather strap that fits. I would happily pay extra if brands would ship two straps with watches...with different hole positions! :)

[@DjCaTar]

Don’t forget showing us the bronze aging!

[@johnswatchjoint]

....if I get to keep it haha 😆

[@kenweller2032]

That Engineer is gorgeous. I understand about the clasp, but isn't it very similar to that on another make?

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yes , the clasp is the elephant in the room...it must have half-links :)

[@AllenReinecke]

I'd love to add the Engineer to my collection but the potential issue with getting the perfect fit is indeed holding me back. A snug fit is very important to me. Hopefully, they will improve the bracelet adjustment!

[@charliebad]

Buy if, fit doesn't matter if you're working on a 28 watch rotation.

[@BAF605]

The Swiss, Japanese, and German watch industries and all microbrands are having a lot of parts manufactured in China/Hong Kong. It's not surprising they are becoming good at it as they are required to provide good QC. The IX&DAO Sericalike which I bought in the sale for £150 has impressed me greatly, If these brands get serious about design they will make some real waves.

[@johnswatchjoint]

You are correct. I hear so many say Homages will be the death of the big players...they will if the big players abandon this lower end of the market. Seiko have abandoned it and just don't cut it anymore sub £350. ...whereas Citizen are actively pushing back. They have the right mindset :)

[@libertyisparamount1443]

the reality of it is that we are perfectly happy to buy copies and these manufacturers are happy to make them for us - and they do not care about creativity at all - there is NO example from any industry of them being creative, none - phones, laptops, cars, e-bikes - it's all remixes catering to western demand

[@davidsonviray1403]

Is it really 45.5 lug to lug? I think it's more of a 48.5 if you include the overall endlinks

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nope. They are female and don't add any extra to the overall length. Fits my 6.75 inch wrist nicely :)

[@davidsonviray1403]

@@johnswatchjoint i see, how about 6 1/2 inch wrist do you think it will fit and not look big?

[@johnswatchjoint]

I couldn't say. That's up to you as I have a 6.75 inch wrist :)

[@Maderpakk]

Something that ixdao coulve done wouldve been to atleast change the dot-screws on the bezel to 6 of them instead of original 5. With 6 of them they couldve made it more symetric to the crown with screws at 12-3-6-9 positions which could make it even better than the original look.

[@redbarchetta8782]

They now sell with halflinks.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I know. I announced it when they came out. I now have one in my collection.😉

[@alexprendido2023]

Thanks for the video

[@johnswatchjoint]

No problem!

[@CATARINOVICTOR]

I would like to see the bronze watch in a denim strap i think its Will be amazing

[@johnswatchjoint]

...I would just like to see it stay in my collection haha...but I can certainly see the combination working nicely. Thanks for the comment. :)

[@ms.bunniesarecute2287]

Just got the engineer in green with logo only. I regret not getting the ETA becuase the watch is so good. Buying my husband the black one with an eta, and myself im getting the new sugess tona homage. My excuse is christmas, its not becuase im an addict or have a problem in any way...promise 😅

[@johnswatchjoint]

Sure...I'll see you at the next meeting haha! Your lucky husband is getting a great pressie :)

[@craigweston5371]

I'd only consider a watch with butterfly clasp it if is supplied with two 1/3 links.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I have asked but we are in a communication breakdown phase at the moment. Frustrating 😞

[@moneymikz]

I know I’m gonna love the San Martin GMT I ordered on 1111, but at the time I didn’t know this was going on sale and I’m kind of kicking myself

[@johnswatchjoint]

...well there is always a next time. :)

[@jackochainsaw]

Like both of those.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

The bronze diver is delicious

[@ThienNgocVo]

Very nice, is your engineer ixdao black or grey dial?

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi there. It is the black dial.

[@ThienNgocVo]

@@johnswatchjoint thanks you, very nice

[@samwang5831]

The engineer is the kind of watch that never grow old. The logo looks good and it blends in well with the dial. The other one is also good but the design is becoming a bit too popular.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I wish it was popular with the wife haha 😆

[@AlexanderB.]

Zero points for originality for the "Engineer" but it's incredibly well made for the price. It looks so expensive! By the way, "Engineer" is particularly cheeky! 😆

[@johnswatchjoint]

Ingenious :)

[@goldfools5445]

Both fabulous.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks my friend ☺️

[@justinc8157]

What's your wrist size?

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's in every video . 6.75 inches.

[@justinc8157]

@@johnswatchjoint Thanks!

[@newbielives]

Lol I thought you were interviewing an engineer at Ixdao

[@johnswatchjoint]

DOH!

[@watchthepoint1604]

Update on the half links, they are no different from the normal Watch links. They are not 1/2 the size to help with refining the bracelet fit. Do not buy them unless you need extra links because you have a large wrist. Waste of $25

[@johnswatchjoint]

That is a bummer. It is not a waste of $25 though. Just return them as they are not as described. They are marketed as half links!...of course it is possible they sent you the wrong links such are their communication skills!?!?

[@JagPapi]

That's bad😐

[@GEELASOUNDTV]

His Irish accent is hard to understand but he explain good

[@johnswatchjoint]

I am not Irish. I am from Scotland 😠

[@952651869]

Two beautiful watches, very good quality, the swiss automatics are well overpriced.The Chinese are leading the way.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I wish they hadn't put Engineer on dial . On the bronze watch i wish they would have used a different hour hand & just used there logo.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Why?

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Because they look to homagie if that's a word. The snowflake hand shouldn't be used on anything but Tudor & Mercedes hands belong on Rolex .

[@johnswatchjoint]

Personally I think trademarks are getting out of hand...NATO, Snowflake, Tiffany blue for goodness sake...it's gonna get real messy soon. What if someone said you cannot make tyres now because we are trademarking them! It's nonsense. Books all have paper pages with words on...what's next trademark the written word as somebody else thought of it first?? Point taken but you can see what I'm getting at :)

[@giusepperocchi2979]

@@johnswatchjoint So it would be fine to put “Pelagos” or “Submariner” or “Explorer” on a homage watch’s dial ?

[@juniorjohnson5961]

​@@giusepperocchi2979 I agree we're getting a little close to fake watches . Personally i think if your gonna copy a watch at least change a few things .