I've Never Seen This On AliExpress Before.....

[@gatlinguts]

I absolutely love solar watches. When you have over three dozen watches it really cuts down on maintenance. When I started collecting, I thought I wanted a vast collection of mechanical watches, oh how wrong I was.

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Exactly this. Virtually no maintenance, and 1-2 minutes per year accuracy.

[@derbagger22]

Of course, if your mechanical collection is large enough, none of those will likely need maintenance, lol

[@djrudog1158]

I am a quartz man....mechanical is over rated.... I am a carpenter, i used to use a rock to knock nails in old school...now I use hammer it does a good job...

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

@derbagger22: When I say " virtually no maintenance", I mean that virtually no timesetting adjustments will be necessary. Aside from -possibly- advancing the date, and an annual time correction, there's really nothing else to do. Whereas mechanical watches will need to be wound and have their day, date, maybe moonphase set everytime. If on winders, just time and maybe date being set. You can't just grab a mechanical that's been unattended for several months, or even a couple weeks, and head out the door.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

I’ve got a solar Lorus that’s been running for 32 years with no maintenance.

[@AnyoxB.D.]

IMO, Baltany, San Martin & Sugess/Seestern are the Top 3 brands on AE

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Proxima and Cronos are really nice too.

[@gefthetalkingmongoose]

While you're not wrong about the hands, I actually prefer the overall look of the solar - it has a more precision instrument vibe to it, like something from an aircraft cockpit. Tempting

[@EdwardLargenose]

Big fan of Baltany, I've had a fantastic little nh38 field watch of theirs for two years, and just pulled the trigger on their W10. But I think their cases could do with a touch of styling, a bit more of a chamfer or mix of finishes. I appreciate that goes against the military theme, but their cases often look very basic and slightly cheap.

[@OnPointLeatherworks]

I agree with the assessment. I was very excited to hear that Baltany was making a solar version, and planned on buying it. After seeing it, I’ll stick with the original

[@rob.halpin]

I hope they listen to you and v2 this one. It's so close to a perfect watch.

[@RiversScipio]

Picked up a AMZWATCH's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!

[@davidsherrick898]

The last 2ish minutes with the Crono hand off to the right of 12 0' clock was driving me nuts! Great video review as always!

[@G-rig6969]

Good to see some generic brands with solar. The original one with no date is the best (and proper sized hands). It's pretty easy and cheap to change the battery every few years.

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

LOVE IT! Finally Ali is offering solar! If they put the brown one on an all-brushed bracelet, I'd pull the trigger. Would be even better in all-titanium!

[@keithsphone5712]

Is milifortic its sister brand as the are also doing a solar quartz a lot cheaper ?

[@bigdreams5554]

Yes a sister brand

[@TudorUhlhorn]

Just picked up a different Baltany Dirty Dozen Chrono (Model S5033 - Seiko VK-64 Meca Quartz) in the AliExpress 11-11-2024 Sale for only $110.90 after applying a $16.00 coupon! (Jody reviewed it about 1 year ago) It's great to see the price on something lower now than it was a year ago! I like to see the seconds (chronograph) hand sweeping all the time. Does this shorten the battery life on a watch using the Seiko VK-64 Meca Quartz movement? If yes, by how much. Thanks for your answers!

[@Rzv-333]

I really need a 42 one of this in first flavor, with the solar movement!

[@julianb1474]

Nice except way too similar to a Militado I have. 2 things I prefer about the MIlitado are a matte finish and NO DATE which looks out of place here.

[@randym495]

2:09 did the spring bar tool just vanish in thin air?

[@czguy3045]

I do like it, but - solar aside - I don't like the aesthetic changes from your older one. As you mention, largely the hands. I have a VERY similar San Martin branded watch that has sort of creeped its way into one of my favorites over the last couple years. I wore mine a couple weeks ago to show a coworker (who I'm converting into a watch guy) and I was reminded of how much I like it. Might have to wear it again tomorrow. Great video as always.

[@derbagger22]

Hard choice. I love the font and overall look of the type B over the A. But I do agree about overall legibility...

[@kanab22]

That's really nice. I don't normally like a Type B but can definitely see that one in my collection

[@MrSjirafje]

Again, thanks for bringing back the pockershot! It really helps showing how the watch looks in real life. That being said i think i do prefer the look of the old baltany.

[@SecronSeven]

Love the looks of these solar movements, i wonder if it would be possible to fit this with an exhibition caseback.

[@dunderhay9169]

I agree, my only complaints are the date and hands, Baltany make great watches!

[@luist.1919]

Great review! I thought the same that the hands look rather small & thin.

[@AbdulRWatches]

Jody you cost me a lot of one more watches, this is one of them, awaiting it eagerly now. Thanks Jody for always enlarging my collection :D

[@LVD-Trades]

Too much good value on Alieexpress these days

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I stopped myself at three watches this time!

[@hahaproductions1023]

I agree but I don’t see much ‘soul’ in any of them ;/

[@dazherbert2782]

Great looking watch, Solar is really making a move in the market I think these days. I know you said it's very generic, but for less than a grand, who else is actually making anything this purposeful-looking and incredibly practical, yet kinda dressy too? The perfect watch for my present-buying list, there's so much there for the money.

[@ghostofzuul]

i got my Baltany on an 11/11 sale a few years ago... i think it was like $80 something us dollars. it's one of my favorite watches! thanks jody!

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I think it might be priced just below the magic import duty dodging threshold for the UK?

[@niallrobertmoran]

Loving the cowgirl t-shirt 😎

[@geoffdownie7728]

How long will the solar cell / battery / capacitor last?

[@anthonydevono8833]

Looks very good Baltany are really offering some value

[@bigdreams5554]

I prefer the Type A dial.

[@Celebmacil]

There's their Milifortic sub-brand M069 VS75 solar power chronograph which is basically a Type A tricompax.

[@davemerchant8788]

Well, that's seen the solar off 😂 you are sooo influential 😍👍

[@jeus_saaa]

You should review the Baltany 1921 VC Historiques homage. They're really good whether you get the quartz or the auto version. I even saw a video where they said that the hardened steel they use is resistant to scratches to a degree

[@Pushkar147]

Jody, please review the cronos skyline l6028. It's the best integrated bracelet option on sale for 165 USD now and is heavily underrated and mostly unknown

[@welshfinn1]

I bought the original Baltany chronograph you recommended, and have an issue with the second hand not going back to the 12 when reset. Can this be fixed, as far as you know, Jody?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yes! Check the instructions!

[@welshfinn1]

@JustOneMoreWatch I meant after I press the reset button. It resets to either before, or significantly before, the 12. Unless I'm missing something

[@welshfinn1]

@JustOneMoreWatch cheers for the reply tho, much appreciated

[@bt3750]

I like the dial and hands on the older one and the case on the newer one. I'd swap them if possible.

[@shj2000]

Looks to me like the hands on the solar version are scaled to match the smaller font of the minutes. Whereas the hour font of your original are larger with hands proportionately matching. Horses for courses...

[@caseydarrah]

Go for a standard Dirty Dozen style 2-5 and 7-11, ditch the date, and I'd have it in my hand. I've an SM milichrono I freaking love- sitting on a Barton silicone it took the brunt of a Florida monsoon and didn't blink.

[@captbumbler5356]

A great review as always, I agree with you I like the older watch if only they did it is Solar I would be on the first order list. keep up thr good work

[@ericanderson9706]

Big fan of the Type B and solar and the overall look, but yeah, the M&Ns are spot on. Hands too small & the date complication too small/illegible. I'm pretty sure the big crown and those pushers would be digging into the back of my hand in no time. I think the two-tone lume looks great and the price is nice but the compromises are just a bit too much for me.

[@darrenhojnacki6636]

Would love to see you review Balatany’s Explorer watches or their VC homage the 1921

[@Tjalie-j6i]

I wasn't going to buy any more watches this month or for the rest of the year. But i was thinking of a military style chronograph lately 🤔. So,.....now I'm buying a Baltany all off a sudden tnx m8 😆.

[@WatchandSon]

Great review. D12 quartz for me. Banger. 😊

[@axlmasaxlmas]

Why they are not using Seagull ST19 caliber? :(

[@mpenny2008]

My first Baltany. Ordered 😁

[@bauertime]

Put the mechanical ST1901 movement in it and I'll buy one.

[@AnthonyLauder]

You mentioned you always set the date to "3" when it is at the 3 position. In this case, maybe you should have set it to 15.

[@SpinifexV]

Looks fair. The case is pretty boring however. Still, you can get Orient Solar Chronographs for less than $200 these days, with sapphire crystal, ans some sport 200m water resistance.

[@jozsefizsak]

I guess I had the only bad experience with Baltany ever. There was a hair sticking out from under the crystal on my Dirty Dozen watch. I fully expected to return it and reorder after the usual promises to investigate and improve their QC but that isn't what happened. They asked me to cut off the hair with scissors before packing it up and sending it back to them! This makes no sense to me and I've lost faith in the company as a result. It really is unfortunate. 😥

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Wow, sounds like they intend to turn around and sell that watch with no repair first. Not cool. I have the Baltany S4056 ("Red" but actually brown) "Explorer". It's awesome except for one stiff link next to an endlink.

[@jozsefizsak]

@@DonaldJoeKennedy They intended to resell it without even looking at it from the sound of it. I never even thought of that. Crazy thing is that using scissors would mean I mm or two would still be there. I didn't want to give one or two hundred dollars to people who apparently don't think too logically but it is disappointing. There's always Oceanus. ☺

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Yeah, the S100 and T200 are really sweet. Well, so are the others, but those 2 are my faves. Hard to go wrong with Casio!

[@KK-71]

Hopefully they bring out a type A solar version.

[@Microbrandswatches]

“Good news-Baltany has restocked the brown version recently. If you missed it last time, now might be a good chance to grab one. ”

[@deanmarkwell5997]

Are Baltany & Milifortic the same brand ?watches look the same

[@23727bgk]

They must do a solar with 1 thru 12 on the face. And the thicker hands.

[@Plexcom60]

Another very nice little watch.

[@Trex100]

That is damn nice. I thought the lume was surprisingly good. I do, however, agree that the hands are too thin.

[@baronbristow8764]

Baltany is my favourite from AliExpress I think.

[@philspencelayh5464]

I can't believe folks don't make it to the end, they are usually 10-15 minutes. I'm not a big fan of chronographs or quartz but this could have been the one to change my mind, but it wasn't. I've got a kinetic which is on its third battery and one Solar (still on its first) so it'll be interesting to see long they do last.

[@slyfondle1885]

2:35 "I don't think there's anything else that can touch them for the money" Except for virtually identical watches branded as 'Militado' for half the price.

[@marcuscarlgren6994]

Some people say that the crystals on militado are a bit worse.

[@jeus_saaa]

Haven't heard much QC issues on Baltany but heard a lot from Militado.

[@adamselene5957]

MISINFORMATION ALERT: I have a 'Special Love' for chronographs. That is why I wish to clear up a few points of misinformation. Screw-down Crowns and Pushers While it is ALWAYS advisable to screw-down your crown after adjusting the time/date as the crown is the most vulnerable part of a watch, it is NOT always NECESSARY to screw down your pushers. The consideration that there is NO gasket beneath the pushers in watches that screw down is inaccurate. They have THE SAME gasket system that exist in watches sans screw down pushers. That means that if you are NOT going swimming or diving - it is NOT a red alert situation that you have to worry about. Because it is the SAME gasket system in place in other chronos, as long as you are washing your hands, running about in the rain, watering your garden and doing other run-of-the-mill daily activities - don't worry about it!! You ONLY NEED to screw them down if you are going swimming/diving or dipping your arm repeatedly into a bucket of fluids - the EXACT same precautions you might use for any other chronograph! The 'screw-down feature' is an ADDED BENEFIT and not a detractor. I've known so many other watch collectors or appreciators (like myself) who REFUSE to purchase a chronograph con screw-downs because of the inconvenience of 'having to screw and unscrew' the pushers EVERYTIME they wish to utilize the chronograph features. I RARELY screw my pushers all the way into my chrono UNLESS it is going to be exposed to abnormally wet environments. I use my chrono feature all day - every day. You will NEVER have to 'screw & unscrew' UNLESS that happens to be your personal obsession. Just get over it and enjoy the EXTRA protection of the screw-down pushers IF IT IS REQUIRED. Otherwise, it's just a normal chronograph!!

[@johnadair4693]

Hi guys, can anyone tell how import/taxes I will pay importing a £100 watch to the UK form Ali express, thanks for any help.

[@davemerchant8788]

Add 20% , £100 + £20 = £120 😉👍

[@johnadair4693]

@davemerchant8788 I checked on line no duties to pay under £135

[@johnadair4693]

@davemerchant8788 checked online anything under £135 no tax

[@Seether1975]

...and sold out! I blame JOMW! 😄

[@garydworshak5329]

Yep. Had it in my cart, went back to pull the trigger, and sold out. Back to KZbin, and there’s the JOMW video…. Well, that explains it!😂

[@simonwright6882]

Type A, all the way!

[@tkindschi]

I do like the "vibe" of Baltany. Unlike most AliX brands, the name looks good on the dial, and seems like a real place with some amount of history and class. It lies somewhere between Brittany and the Baltics, I'm sure. 😄

[@jamesblonde2271]

Quite a handsome watch. No use in the coming nuclear winter tho.......

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Haha, IF we survive! 😎 But any light source will do. Direct sunlight gets you from dead to 6-months (fully-charged) in about 6-8 hours, but even a dim bunker will charge it to full in around 50-100 hours, and then maintain full charge. 👍🏼

[@DrTerryBooth]

Those straps. I guess you can't say Horween because it's a brand. 'Vintage Style'? Hmm. I'm pretty vintage and, whilst my experience is confined to growing up in the UK, but I don't remember straps like that. Maybe if I grew up in the US of A? However, I did have a 'Nato' strap on my Timex in the early 1970s when the original leather strap fell apart. Obviously only a few years after Connery sported one on his Submariner in Gold finger. Sorry I'm rambling when I meant to quibble. Vintage?

[@taham33]

3:52 there goes my No-Nostalgia Critic November...

[@ZiggityPow]

Watch is too small for my wrist. I need one of those shirts though! Along with everything everything everything everything

[@RiversScipio]

I believe no man can say no to AMZWATCH's watches

[@owenlaprath4135]

Jodi! You OK? I canna see ya!

[@BernardManansala]

Review the Beltany Retro American 1921

[@kroon275]

I love the solar, love the knurled crown, and love the brushed finish. Because of that its the best for me 👌

[@jamesmeader6539]

Exactly what I want... the S5033 isn't solar and doesn't have a calendar, and the S5045 also isn't solar, and the dial is just too "busy". I guess a lot of people agree with me in liking the S6070 because it is sold out everywhere I look, even on AliExpress.

[@encol7953]

Changing the date when the hour hand is in the “red” zone (between 9 & 3)…oh no! 😅

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Lol, I thought the same thing! 😄

[@JoseAntonio-yq4oj]

I love any watch with those threaded crowns, too bad they already returned it to the $211 price already

[@michaelgreenhalgh3369]

Nice 👍

[@robedmunds7163]

Well you might want to take the back off eventually as the rechargeable cell can be replaced when it expires.

[@killpop8255]

Gave this a pass till Baltany become proven in the solar world. Milfortic? Had a similar looking one iirc. Did like the look of the Baltany 100% bronze one tho.

[@rodeoscholar1925]

Seiko/Epson movement should mean a decent amount of confidence

[@waxluthor]

It uses a Seiko solar movement and like the recent Eco-drives and solar G-Shocks they all use Panasonic rechargeable batteries that are pretty easy to find and change yourself down the line if you need to

[@jrbj2000]

Yeah… Seiko definitely isn’t proven 🙄

[@killpop8255]

@@jrbj2000 Sure I know that but some people like to cut corners. I don't know enough about the system to say "It's Seiko it will be fine" or "it's Seiko but Baltany have replaced...".

[@rodeoscholar1925]

@@killpop8255 I see what your concerns are, but these companies are all about keeping costs down. They usually buy the movements in bulk and just drop them into their cases because that's the quickest and cheapest option. These Ali brands (and other microbrands) actually leverage Seiko's (or Myota/Sellita/ETA's) brand reputation/quality assurance when they put one of their movements in a relatively unknown brand watch. Fair enough you may have questions over Baltany's build quality, QC, warranty support, etc. but the movement is probably the lowest risk component of the whole watch!

[@prescottlange]

Whenever they decide to offer these in a 42mm-45mm case size, I'll consider one. Or any of their worthwhile watches for that matter.

[@johnsrabe]

I prefer the Taipei.

[@brianmccord7387]

I wish they would get away from the two-tone lume. I think it cheapens the look of the watch.

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Oh... It's a bit anachronistic, but I really like it. Well, so is a solar Type B Flieger when you think about it, lol.

[@iancourts8435]

Helloooo! Heard you, couldn't see you. Just a disembodied voice, perhaps it's ghost Jody!? 🤣👻

[@rodg2335]

That cell will likely need replacement in as little as 7 years. There is no totally free lunch. Btw, with your line of watches being made in the Baltany region why aren't they even less expensive?

[@Arthurzeiro]

As the owner of multiple eco-drives solar watches are cool, but this one is too simple, just 60 minute timing, not even a perpetual/anual callendar to go on with that long lasting battery.

[@popofofo4701]

The other design is so much better

[@szilarddietzel9071]

Hands too thin aren’t they? As always, entertaining review

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yep, just a wee bit too small.

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

I'd prefer a little bigger hands, but that Type B is gorgeous.

[@artphotodude]

The hands are perfect. The original, as nice as it looks (better I.M.O.), the hands often block the chrono register from being useable. Also, it looks like the chrono register hand now jumps rather than smoothly moving, so if you are actively using it, it probably is much better as an actual chronograph.

[@hrs.ai2018]

It fits your wrist

[@tredici72]

Very nice👌…definitely grabbing one, imo it’s their best version Top video mate🤙

[@YoRHa_2E]

One of the apparent few that always makes it to the end of your videos 😄 You mentioned the hands on the type A, I also think the blasted case makes it look slightly better too, the type B is fine though

[@MarkQuiet]

That shirt is so good! Fuck yeah, Jody!

[@paulkukula6541]

Great review as usual. I don’t have a solar watch in my collection at the moment. I like this Baltany, but not really for me. Just have to keep an eye on what’s coming up. Thanks again Jody.

[@steve10]

I thought it was really nice until you put yours against it , and then I didn't want it , I wanted your version instead. Saying that though if there's a decent bit of money off in the sale it might be worth having

[@radge138]

Nice

[@adk7962]

Thanks for the side by side. That really helps in making the decision. The OG Baltany is in your collection still for a reason I suppose. Thanks again!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Indeed it is!

[@slaphead2965]

Love these Baltany watches. ...Hands down! ⌚😉👍🇬🇧

[@michaelhargis7036]

Spectacular watch. I'm a big BALTANY fan. I don't need another chronograph but this is calling my name. In a perfect world, Marc at Islander Watch will one day carry BALTANY.

[@mobelue]

Interesting the 5 marker is 05 to match the other two digit markers. Are there any sharp edges?

[@ProfessorEchoMedia]

Jody! Send me an Erebus watch for a free gift and I’ll buy you a cup of coffee or a Danish, but not both. Thanks!

[@stephenspain9167]

A+ Baltany

[@andrewchatterton1927]

"I asked them to send it to me"....Why didn't you just buy it like the rest of us would have to?

[@jrbj2000]

It’s insane that this has to be explained to you… He has sent them lots of business. Have you??

[@andrewchatterton1927]

@@jrbj2000Really? There are plenty of reviewers out there who do buy their own watches, and are not tied to particular brands/suppliers. Might count for a more unbiased/independent opinion?