Is it the BEST? Tisell 9015 Explorer 39mm Full Watch Review - Best Explorer Homage?

It has been great to have this Explorer homage on wrist and today I am doing a full in-depth review.
Thank you so much for WATCHing my video and I hope that you check out all my other content.
I release 3 videos per week, all watch related, including reviews, first impressions and general watch related topics.
I try very hard to diversify my content as well and will feature big known watch brands, microbrands as well as Aliexpress watches.
The majority of the watches I feature are in the affordable range but I do try and get some less affordable watches as well.
Most of the watches that I feature I have bought with my own money. I buy them to enjoy and wear but I also to feature them on this channel.
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Below are affiliate links for my absolute favorite watches on Aliexpress. Each of them I have owned and had positive experiences with the stores that they are linked to.
San Martin SN004-G (my favorite San Martin Watch):
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Berny AM038M (The best super affordable mechanical watch):
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Tactical Frog H5 (Simply stunning):
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Gustav Becker (This one surprised me how much I love it):
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This watch goes out of stock a lot so if it’s not available at that store then check this one out:
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RMALTI Grand GMT Homage featuring the Seiko NH34:
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SEESTERN: SE2021-OO2DOXA V2 (well made and a great homage):
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My favourite engineered bracelet (I use mine all the time):
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Cronos Sub Homage with the PT5000 (so well made):
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SEAGULL 1963 (It is so loved for very good reasons):
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Pagani Design Pilot Watch PD-YS003 (hands down my favorite Pagani Design watch):
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[@WATCHingJames]

So after some time on wrist do I think it is one of the best homages of this watch. Well check out the review. Thanks for WATCHing

[@brianmsahin]

Excellent review James, that's definitely a nice looking watch. Very impressed by the sliding adjustment on the bracelet. Every watch bracelet should have this. 39mm is a good size and I could wear that too, though 42mm might be more ideal for me. I'm a bit of nice caseback fan myself so a bit of engraving might be nice, but certainly it's a nice one and certainly great value.

[@WATCHingJames]

The clasp is particularly nice. This style should be used more often.

[@watchsixto]

I've been tempted by Tisell's explore homage and I like what they have done with it

[@WATCHingJames]

They have done a good job with it.

[@Hipnosis65]

Good review, nice watch, but for the money I am looking at the Lorier Falcon S III. Original watch with hints of the Explorer and the Omega Railmaster. Thanks for the review.

[@WATCHingJames]

The Lorier watches look great.

[@curt4930]

12.2mm thick are you kidding? the way you reviewers say "only" 12.2 mm thick as if that's some sort of achievement! I've got vintage watches from the 60's & 70's with fully automatic movements some with day date complications & they are all less than 10mm thick!! watchmaking must be the only industry that has "advanced" backwards when all others are managing to reduce sizes. All these homage watches are a joke, they just buying a dial & assembling bought in parts into a "new" model watch. not much to shout about in my opinion.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@tarasmathers7423]

"To the end-warrior".... Well done, brother James. I would have to agree w/ your assessment of the overall styling of the "Explorer." I own the Pagani version of said homage. It's my "go-to, everyday watch," and I really get a lot of enjoyment from it. I consider it to be excellent value, for the money. And though I think it's "strong-suit" is that it can work with any occasion, I don't know that it is always "the best choice," for every occasion. As you pointed out, it can be a bit on the bland side, at times. That said, there's a reason that it's such an icon, and has developed such a cult following. I personally feel, that the design of it, is one of the best candidates for the, "one-watch guy," and is about, as close to "timeless," as a design could be. It's changed very little throughout it's storied history, and I believe, is one of Rolex's last true sports-watches. Just my opinion though. Many blessings to you and the channel my friend....many blessings. Cheers....

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you as always for WATCHing and taking to time to comment.

[@irishwatchenthusiast6647]

I've had this watch for almost 2 years now, and I have to say for my money it's the best modern Explorer homage. The San Martin version copies the older 1016 style reference, which is great if you like that kind of thing, but if you are after the current dial style, but in a more flexible 39mm configuration, the Tisell offers most bang/buck. The end links are a slight weakness in the implementation, but the certainly don't render the watch unwearable. The Miyota movement is well suited and if you buy the watch from Tisell's far Eastern factory, the watch is one of the best bargains in the homage game.

[@WATCHingJames]

I completely agree

[@Watch-connoisseur]

1st like 1st view 1st comment Always my fav James

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Aamir

[@WhoIsSerafin]

The Tisell watches interest me over the Chinese ones because it's a free democratic country. They are quality and im supporting what i believe.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a great watch. Definitely worth considering if you are chasing this design.

[@mdivito11]

James what do you think about the cronos 39 explorer homage ? I am trying to choose between them

[@WATCHingJames]

I have not had hands on with the Cronos version. It does look very good. I’ve owned two watches from them and have been happy with both. I’ve also been very tempted by the Steinhart version.

[@asiantimepieces]

Well I don’t know if it’s the best but certainly is well made. The lume is strong 🔥 Thanks for showing us!

[@WATCHingJames]

It is good. But there are so many options when it come to this style so a bit hard to say if it is the best.

[@arikcagan7123]

The reflection from the angle you holding the watch is killing the presentation and making the dial look grey and dull. Sorry it’s annoying. Otherwise very good review as usual

[@WATCHingJames]

It is hard to film inside sometimes and looking through the camera at the same time. Sorry about that. I hope the outdoor shots helped.

[@arikcagan7123]

@@WATCHingJames no worries. Nice watch. I have the SAN Martin version. But this looks better.👍

[@naomiredpath4351]

Really enjoyed this review! Great job James.

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@rickhammel9541]

42mm would've been great, a little too small

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@thetimebombardier]

nice review dude, I've been thinking of picking one of these up for ages and kind of slipped off the radar a bit so thanks for the refresher 😎😎

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@dazzlerjohnwatchman8215]

James what a good value watch mate. Nice fit and finish to this one. Deep dish always looks great on Explorer style watches. The male end links are a weakness thankfully the other dimensions help pull it in. I do like the hi-beat movement also but losing time even a little is something I am not crazy about. For me I wish for slightly fast. I agree with your suggested improvements on this one. I think it is time you designed a watch of your own cobber.

[@WATCHingJames]

I would love to do that. Maybe in the future. I have a few developing ideas already. Thanks for WATCHing

[@tonyalbrecht7169]

This watch looks nice and has a strong lume. Good review James.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Tony

[@franciscomoliner1296]

Nice quality watch and pleased to see more high beat options comming to the market. Good review James

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I do like this movement. I see why it is being used

[@WristWatching]

Great review! Loved my Tisell Marine Diver way back, but the bracelet was much lower quality than the watch head. They seem to have fixed that. Check out the 36mm San Martin SN021-G-B1 if you haven’t. It’s my favourite homage of this style out there, absolute quality.

[@WATCHingJames]

I have heard good things about it

[@548vikings]

I had a very involved incident with a couple of bandits over my Glashutte SeaQ. Retained it but learned a valuable lesson. Purchased this watch, slapped on a bland leather strap to muffle the bling and it’s now my travel timepiece.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@ianmarshall3633]

Hi James. Great video. I've been very lucky with mine. No end link issue even after 3 years of constant use. Time wise, mine only gains 4 seconds a week. The high beat Myota no date is brilliant if a little noisy. I agree with you that female end links would make an already good watch a brilliant one 😊

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a great watch and I do really like the high beat miyotas

[@Shadowman-1960]

Have you compared this watch with the Cronos L6016 and if you have which one do you like better?

[@WATCHingJames]

I have considered the Cronos as well as the Steinhart. But not had them in hand to do a comparison

[@Shadowman-1960]

@@WATCHingJamesThank you.👍🏻

[@jazzman5598]

Fine review James. Thanks!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you.

[@saevans63]

Nice homage and the size is perfect for me. Thanks for the review 👍🏻

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@BCallum]

Thanks for the review. I wonder how the San Martin "Explorer" homage stacks up to this one, or even the Pagani Design...wondering if we have to spend a lot to have a nice homage.

[@WATCHingJames]

It would be interesting to put them all side by side. I have had some feedback saying this is the best. However for the money the San Martin is amazing.

[@cedarcanoe]

Funny, I considered this very watch myself a few weeks ago and I really was tempted to bu6 it.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is very good. Especially if you can find it at a good price.

[@naomiredpath4351]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@elmoelms2743]

Morning James, good review on a lovely looking watch. There a plenty of this homage style watches about and yes I’m tempted to pick one up. Thanks for showing this one it’s probably one of the best I’ve seen

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Elmo. There certainly are a lot of options for this style. It was nice to have this one in the collection.

[@deanwaller8283]

The steinhart 39mm is also worth a look at swiss movement and german construction

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve had my eye on that one too. Thanks for WATCHing

[@deanwaller8283]

@@WATCHingJames I've just bought one,so I'll let you know if it's any good when it gets here👍👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@deanwaller8283]

​@@WATCHingJames well,the steinhart has arrived, absolutely blown away by the quality,it's so far ahead of the other homages out there,and it has female end links.

[@Delveinformation1]

I just received my Tisell and am blown away by the quality and price.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s fantastic. I have really enjoyed mine

[@anels9]

What’s your wrist size James? I’ve got a 6.5” wrist and think I’d best to go with the 36mm offering, especially with the shorter lug to lug and those male end links. Such a shame they didn’t use female ones. But still a relatively small price to pay

[@WATCHingJames]

6.75. The 36mm would be great in the smaller wrist. Especially because of the male lugs

[@anels9]

@@WATCHingJamesI agree with your criticisms James, I’d like basic info on the caseback. Don’t need the brand name as that’s on the dial (so many do this and makes no sense to me), female links and maybe a slightly smaller claspbut still have that wonderful glide lock and the tisell t. Nice review. Ps, I noticed you said tissot not tisell about the T on the clasp. I’ve certainly done that and had a chuckle 😂

[@WATCHingJames]

Yes. I noticed that as well. Whoops. Hehehehe

[@alexstrat]

I ordered the 36mm right now. I think they mentionned on the site that there are female bracelet now... So I'll check that when I'll receive the watch.

[@anels9]

@@alexstrat thanks that’d be great to know. Do they say that on the Tisell euro site or the Korean site?

[@alanm2809]

$235 on the tisell kr website I assume US dollars, about $335 aussie, much cheaper than the European website.

[@WATCHingJames]

Always worth shopping around.

[@christrayling1852]

Thanks for the review James, very informative. I've now ordered one direct from Tisell. Have you done a review of the large wooden clock behind you? Is it an Ansonia?

[@WATCHingJames]

I have made a video. It is my grandmothers and I did a minor restoration of it.

[@christrayling1852]

@@WATCHingJames Thanks for that, I don't think it's an Ansonia now that I've watched the video. Shame you didn't research the manufacturer or any maker's marks on the movement. That 'dongy thing' at the bottom is called a gong - really unusual to have a movement striking on a gong and a bell, I'd really like to know more of the history of this clock. If you ever have another go at it please feel free to contact me as I've restored many antique clocks over the years. All the best to you.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

Imo if you like this plain Jane style watch then this tissel is all you need excellent review

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks John

[@archievthapa3593]

Super duper review - so easy to understand & love with hearts content !!!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you very much for WATCHing

[@chorrachorrix9602]

The Cronos explorer is better looking IMO. (Cronos if you are reading, please make a 36mm version!!!). Pros of the Cronos: smaller clasp, silver applied logo, slightly lower profile, slender crown, cheaper, other colors available. Cons: slightly worse 8215/8315 movement.

[@WATCHingJames]

I am sure the Cronos would be amazing. I have had great experiences with them in the past.

[@ronnieh1326]

Yeah I agree with the female end links.

[@WATCHingJames]

Definitely

[@lassejupin6684]

The movement on those end links is unacceptable which is a shame…

[@WATCHingJames]

It is disappointing but not noticeable when wearing it. Thanks for WATCHing

[@Tom_Kowalczuk]

@@WATCHingJames Maybe "fat" springbars would keep it more in place.

[@scatterbrain9490]

Nice

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@garyk8285]

I think San Martin in 39mm is better.

[@WATCHingJames]

It would be interesting to see them side by side. Thanks for WATCHing

[@larrydalton2205]

I can't say the San Martin 39 Explorer is better than Tissell since I don't have Tissell. However, I can say that the San Martin 39 that I have with the BGW9 lume, applied indices and female end links is really very good. Easily one of my favorite watches. There are however earlier versions that may still be good sale that have painted indices with old Radium lume that are not nearly as good. I would prefer the Miyota 9 series movement that the Tissell has over the San Martin SN020G with the Epson movement. Both watches look very hood.