Not Another BOREALIS WATCH YouTube COMMERCIAL: Portus Calle, Sintra, Adraga Reviews!!!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

DIY watch kit- shop.diywatch.club/?ref=avgjoewatchreviews& - use coupon code: Avgjoewatchreviews at checkout for 5% off New Sales Every 72 Hours at Jomashop.com- www.dpbolvw.net/click-100755909-10722196/AvgJoeWatchReviews/Jomashop New Sales Every 72 Hours Pre-Owned Watches at Jomashop.com - www.kqzyfj.com/click-100755909-13492497/AvgJoeWatchReviews/JomaShop Pre-Owned Watches Trade-in Your Watch! - www.tkqlhce.com/click-100755909-12884306/AvgJoeWatchReviews/ Trade-in Your Watch/ JomaShop Casio at Jomashop.com- www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100755909-13492493/ AvgJoeWatchReviews/Casio/ Jomashop Hodinkee $150 off all pre-owned watches!- www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100755909-15448594 / AvgJoeWatchReviews / Hodinkee -$150off Hodinkee Classic Dive Watches- www.kqzyfj.com/click-100755909-15303916/AvgJoeWatchReviews / Hodinkee-Dive Watches Hodinkee Latest Arrivals- www.jdoqocy.com/click-100755909-15303803/AvgJoeWatchReviews/Hodinkee Latest Arrivals To purchase any watches or tools featured on the channel, click here - www.amazon.com/shop/avg.joewatchreviews?ref=inf_own_avg. ***Disclaimer: All links provided above are affiliate links. Any purchases made with these links will yield a small commission to the channel BUT products cost the same as if you purchased directly through the website. Commission from affiliate links assists in funding the channel.**** To contact me: [e-mail] PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND SMASH THAT NOTIFICATION BELL Visit me, Avg. Joe, on IG at- AvgJoeWatchReviews

[@MrBacchus18]

Having to get upload approval should be a red flag, glad to see you have a problem with that.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you for your honesty. Appreciate that.

[@uhmerrykan]

I'm blown away by your transparency and integrity. Too few watch reviewers are this way.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I appreciate that. Thank you! I hope you can stick around and subscribe. 👍

[@markwagner6566]

One thing I hate about KZbin these days is that every single person who owns a watch is doing reviews. There is no end to what people will do for a freebee.

[@Fahrenheit1407]

Why would you hate more options of channels to watch. Don't be so cynical, people with 50 subs aren't doing it for freebies, it's probably just for fun

[@markwagner6566]

@@Fahrenheit1407, simply because they review the same old AliExpress junk. Mark my words, in the long run it will hurt the serious reviewers.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you all for watching and venting your opinions.

[@DesignAtelier]

Why did I miss this? Well done. I’ve worked with many brands and companies. I’m also fine with sending my footage to them but not at the sacrifice of my freedom of speech.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

For some reason the algorithm isn’t the biggest fan of my channel at times. 😂 I appreciate you chiming in! Hope you’re well!!!

[@Matthew-to5lm]

Awesome video!! Thanks for sharing the truth. You and Elizabeth are the few content creators that have the balls to expose these clowns like Borealis and other watch Y2bers

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I appreciate that!

[@peterc3700]

Good video Joe. It’s disappointing to hear that this is still happening. How can it be a review if the seller has to approve it. As you said it becomes a commercial. Thanks!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you Peter. Couldn’t agree with you more.

[@tommydude969]

The adraga is like 550 similar to the sintra, it was 275 down payment 275 fore shipping. the 650+ price is steep but I paid 450 for my sintra brand new upon launch

[@DougFNJ]

I LOVE this video! I love what you did with your approach, I love that you didn't just purchase the watches to bash the brand and the watches, but gave a thorough honest true review. Keep up the fantastic work, subscribed!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you so much! These watches were lent to the channel from a good friend. Appreciate hearing that from you. I will check out your channel as well and subscribe. Have a great day!

[@somewhereintimewatchreviews]

There is nothing wrong accepting a "free" watch in return for a review as long as the company in question is open & transparent enough themselves to have their products honestly reviewed. If they want to preview a video for approval, then surely that would suggest that they have little faith in their products. On the point of anything being free, surely a reviewers time is worth something. If anything, the " paid promotion" banner that we are obliged to display at the front of any video where a product has been gifted is as relevant to whoever provided it as it is to the recipient.i.e. they are paying for a service. Let's face it if a company has to use the traditional methods of bringing a product to the attention of any prospective customers. Their bottom line would be a lot higher. Sure, we all do this as a hobby & most of the time as with any hobby. It has a financial cost to us as well as our time.But if any company requests to make use of our time and resources, why should anyone expect us to do it for free? Would any of these people go & do their 9--5 for free for 4 or 5 hours? I doubt it. But above all, honesty & integrity are far more important than any freebie as someone so eloquently put it. So you stick to your guns mate you've always been honest with your reviews & I know that will always be the case. As for the watches, I quite liked the diver, the Omega homage I thought was too much $ the star of that trio for me was the white dial.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

You nailed it mate! Well said. Appreciate your input as it’s spot on.

[@gunnarguggs2725]

I appreciate your stance on the Borealis' offer, but I felt that you were a bit brutal on your reviews, especially when 2 out of 3 were well priced. The only aspect of the review that was beyond questioning was the Sintra price point.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you for watching and I respect your ability to share your opinion openly with me. Have a great day! 👍

[@pbxl]

Wowww sure other mark do the same bought a Signum Cuda based on review of one more watch…. Time is unreadable during the night… but the reviewer get a free watch…nice. Thx for the honesty

[@MirrlyonTime]

Great review AJ and I do appreciate your honesty and integrity did you purchase these or have them loaned? I love that white dial version looks like a linen dial, and the blue one is beautiful as well but you are correct it’s way over priced, but that linen dial looking one whew I dig that! Definitely homage watches but that’s ok by me. Very interesting take on the vertical brushing making the case look thicker I had never thought about that before but you are spot on, on camera it definitely looked to me to be 12 plus thick under 12 very surprising. Great job on the video as always

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for your honest feedback mate. Appreciate your support. These were not loaned or gifted from Borealis. A very generous friend loaned these to the channel.

[@MirrlyonTime]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews meant to say loaned by someone else so you could review em…

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@MirrlyonTime yes sir. That is correct.

[@Trapvision3D]

This is a very interesting vid. Great breakdown of the watches, but that's weird how they approached you concerning your content. You'd think they'd offer you $25k versus a watch for your review (commercial)

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Right!!?? If I was out for a free watch, I would’ve taken the watch and not made this video. My integrity is more valuable than anything else. Happy New Year buddy.

[@godzillasuzuki2374]

You killed them.

[@bitterboar]

I wish more channels called out watch companies for this behavior. It definitely changes my opinion on the brand. Great video and reviews.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

So do I and thank you. Transparency is key in building that trust amongst our viewers. I appreciate that feedback.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I know I'm a bit late getting onto all of this controversy, but funnily enough that was because I was working on my review of the Borealis Bull Shark. I did not have the same terms about having to submit the raw footage. Also I tested Borealis claim about only needing to see the review prior to publishing, to check the quality and not to sensor or ask me to amend certain points. The review is up on my channel now for those who are interested in seeing a 100% honest review of the watch. Going over both the pros and the CONS.

[@somewhereintimewatchreviews]

Haha. Late to the party!!!? This was nearly 2 months ago! I think you've got the wrong video mate. The "controversy" was on another channel altogether....🤣

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@somewhereintimewatchreviews They mentioned this video in the one you're on about though.

[@andrewk7422]

I’m not a fan of them wanting to approve the video to make sure it is positive, but I do see an argument for them wanting to make sure it is factually accurate. You got the movement wrong on the Sintra and the Adraga - it’s a Miyota 90S5 (not 9055. 90S5 is the open heart/no date version of the 9015). More importantly, you got the price wrong on the Adraga $275 was a 50% deposit with another $275 due at shipment. So it’s $100 less than the Sintra. To each their own, but I could see a $100 difference between the two. Still not cool if they want to bias the content, but I understand factual accuracy.

[@StefaanVdV1961]

I admire your courage in doing this kind of critical review Joe, despite personally benefiting from it. This is why your channel is one of my favorites, good job👍

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you very much. Sadly, it does take courage to tell the truth which is why very few do.

[@felo6035]

Glad to see you expose this side of Borealis. Any brand who is not willing to (1) Lend or (2) Donate any of their watches and in return ONLY ask for a fair and honest review is not acting in the most professional and ethical manner - in my humble opinion. Receiving open, honest and uncontrolled feedback only helps companies get better. Thank you for not only exposing how Borealis operates (probably not the only ones), but also for your fair & honest review of the featured Borealis watches. Keep up the good work Joe. Well done brother 👍

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I appreciate the feedback. I do my very best to be as honest as possible and exposing this information shows transparency that this is going on and the viewers need to know about it and hold those responsible accountable. Merry Christmas my friend! God bless.

[@felo6035]

@Avg. Joe Watch Reviews Thank you again my friend, and a Merry Christmas to you and your family as well 👍

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@felo6035 Merry Christmas brother Christmas 🎄

[@nesarsultani1446]

Great review! I am really disappointed from my purchase of Borealis NH34 powered watch. I bought it without any previous experience, I trusted KZbin reviews. I am waiting over 4 months for my watch and still counting. They started another kickstart of different watch before delivering the GMT powered watches. I bought NH34 powered watch from Zelos 3 weeks ago and received it. I will never buy another Borealis or encourage others to waste their money on world of disappointments.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for sharing. You’re not alone on your thoughts. They are having a hard time staying out of trouble lately. 😉👍

[@josephballdinger4078]

This actually pisses me off. I’ll make sure to spread the word. Took guts to make this video and expose these clowns. Good on you mate.

[@TheWatchConcierge]

Is this after the whole Instagram screenshot or before? Did you reach out to them first or did they reach out to you first? I like their watches, but I think they are overpriced. I do agree that brands, especially micro-brands, should not have all those requests and ask for permission to view or approve before posting a review, because then it just doesn't seem honest and seems like they just want you to say good things and if you make any criticism they don't like then they won't "approve".

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

They reached out to me beginning of December asking me to review their watch for a “free watch”. They asked me. If I was in it for a “free” watch, I would’ve accepted and never shared all this. I cannot name a single reviewer that has shared this with anyone. I could be mistaken but I attempt to be transparent and honest with my viewers to gain trust but also expose those who are being shady. I’m glad you agree that there should be no restrictions or conditions for an honest review. It was an easy “no” for me and hopefully set a precedent for other reviewers.

[@TheWatchConcierge]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews right this time they reached out to you but there were some screenshots going around before December of you approaching them on Instagram, was that real?

[@gregalonzo747]

I have seen reviews by other content creators who praise this brand but they just sound disingenuous. Two Australian reviewers immediately come to mind. Both have never seen a watch that they didn't like.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Partly 'cos they don't review the dogs.

[@markwagner6566]

@@jamesblonde2271, sounds like you are one of the guilty. LOL!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for sharing Greg. My title applies to those who accept those terms. Obtaining these watches on my own released me from being a slave to the company.

[@gregalonzo747]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews, that's why so many of us place our trust in you for an honest review.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@gregalonzo747thank you very much. I was just having lunch with my family and said to my wife, I’d rather be respected for my honesty than well liked. I’m humbled to hear you say that brother. Really respect that as it means a lot to me.

[@allthingsgood156]

The blue one is a stunner! Overpriced though. Thanks for review.

[@tomwiechert]

So basically these guys are selling the same stuff as San Martin and Pagani Design, but charge 5-10x more for it?

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

🤔

[@andrewk7422]

Honest question, does Pagani or SM have a Miyota 90S5 watch available (homage is totally fine) for $65-$130? I’d absolutely buy one! Does SM even have a watch at $130 these days? That’s the price we’re talking, right?

[@kevins8971]

My least favorite of the three? Tough choice for sure!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching Kevin.

[@matthewhowell1455]

Thanks for exposing them! I will avoid Borealis in the future, as their reviews, unlike your own, cannot be trusted. Regarding the ghost position, Marc at Long Island Watch has said in the past that it can be difficult to get the NH38 movements, and he has used NH35 or NH36 movements in no date watches himself.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you so much for sharing! Appreciate that.

[@gotsouced4943]

It's kinda a bummer I like borealis. I bought bullshark and like it alot. Only problem I had was the female endlinks don't articulate more like male endlinks

[@madrockwatchesadventure4501]

Prior to making this video, did you tell them you were going to make this video and discuss their terms openly?

[@chriswalls6667]

When I get my Borealis GMT I’ll send it to you for review.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Chris, that is extremely kind of you. Thank you for the generous offer. I have decided to black list the brand indefinitely in light of the circumstances surrounding the brand. I hope you understand.

[@chriswalls6667]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews I also have a Phoibos Venture GMT and a Steinhart Ocean 1 Titanium

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@chriswalls6667 I’m definitely interested in the Steinhart if you don’t mind lending that one. You have my email right?

[@chriswalls6667]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews I have your address but I don’t know about your email

[@manwithclass09]

Good on you Sir..... A number of other very famous watch "reviewers" are reviewing a number of Borealis watches..... Interesting - I wonder if they were also offered the same "free watch program"....... Disappointing if they have and went out to the public with reviews without making it VERY clear to the viewing audience that they were presenting an advertisement and not actually doing an unbiased review. Interesting - but quite disappointing.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you so much! There’s no question that there are some reviewers, if not all that have agreed to these terms. Like Elizabeth said in her video and I, in mine, we cannot confirm this. It would however, appear to be highly unlikely this wasn’t a mass email campaign which consisted of different terms and conditions for different folks as it’s a copy and pasted email. I know of another influencer who sent me the same email and he also denied their offer.

[@manwithclass09]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews Once again - good on you Sir...

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@manwithclass09 welcome to the channel. Hope you’ll stick around and hope to see you in the comments sections of future videos soon! Have a good day! 👍

[@manwithclass09]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews Will do Sir - thanks so much...

[@scatterbrain9490]

Good info

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you my friend.

[@TheTownWatch]

I’ve had a few Borealis watches on my channel as loaners through a “tour” when I was apart of Random Rob’s discord group. I’m general I’ve liked the watches I’ve seen from them and they usually come in a pretty good price points. Any watches or other items I’ve received as “gifts” from companies are always contingent on them letting me do an honest review without any restrictions from them. If a company wants to approve my review ahead of time or give me a list of things I can’t say, that’s an automatic “no go” for me. I’ve never been paid money for any of my reviews but if a brand were to pay someone for a “review” and give that person certain requirements for a video I can understand how that situation might be different but then it probably can’t be considered a genuine “review” but rather a paid advertisement in all reality.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

To your last point… it would be a genuine review if the reviewer had full control of their content. Whether paid money or goods, payment is payment and that is another debate altogether. But assuming that one is okay with being “paid” for a service or in our case an honest review, my point is that we need full transparency in order to build trust.

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Way to stick to your guns. I respect you and your reviews 💯 because you maintain integrity, and don't compromise. Merry Christmas my friend!!!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you my friend. I’m no saint but integrity is utmost important to me. Even more than kindness if you can believe that. 😉👍

[@dazzlerjohnwatchman8215]

What I think is sad Joe is that some LAWYER in the sales department has ruined the reputation of this brand. Your honest but complete lack of enthusiasm in these reviews kind of made it a bit of a yawn for me. I actually nodded off a few times. Not your fault. Do me one favour and don't do this brand for a while after this review. It was so mixed up that it made my head spin. Prices are all over the place and it's like they spent all their budget on corporate lawyers rather than designers and engineers. Thanks much for showing us Boring Borealis and there road to oblivion.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

All good. It doesn’t surprise me you nodded off a few time. These watches were a bit of a bore for me as well. My apologizes. I’ll never feature this brand on my channel again nor would I ever buy one. I can promise you that. Thanks for watching.

[@markedfortime]

It's a shame Borealis is playing these games. They make a fairly solid watch at a good value (excluding the $600+ range). I'm not sure what they're thinking by offering identical specs for twice the price. When they break the $500 range, I'd like to see a more refined bracelet with quick adjust. This requirement is now the minimum for me and I will no longer consider a watch without it. Zelos has been doing it for years! They also should be including a quick release bracelet and strap options. On the movement side, I've had bad experiences with the SW200 and STP1-11. The NH series is boring, but rock solid and I've never had issues with Miyota 9000 series, so while I agree, I'd like to see something better, I'm just not sure what it should be. If they go Selita, at least use the elabore grade and add a see-through caseback. They did a good job with the lume and the textured dials. Case dimensions are spot on as well. I agree with you on the diver, but it's an older model, so I can cut them some slack.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Great perspective. I agree with you. Thanks for watching.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Hello Buddy I haven't been getting any notifications for your videos 🤷‍♂️ sorry i haven't been in touch ✊

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for letting me know. Please make sure you hit that bell 🔔 notification if you haven’t already. Appreciate your support.

[@jodysilvia2]

Didn't Random Rob do a collaboration with borealis recently.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Yes sir. Special Edition with RR on the case back actually.

[@0611930024838]

well done

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you!

[@alexbizz]

Great Effing Video

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you so much. Had to be done.

[@alexbizz]

Thanks @Avg. Joe Watch Reviews we are all in this hobby for fun. Shout out to Elizabeth Grant!

[@jayeyesacks1604]

Better brand name: BoringAllofUs

[@JusttheWatch]

Not only are they asking you to make them a commercial they're also trying to severely under pay you. If you went with that and had a negative opinion of the watch, and they wouldn't let you post the video you'd be out all the time it took testing, filming and editing only to get a watch you presumably didn't like.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

That’s assuming they weren’t offered payment on top of that. Good points Dave. Nice to see you chime in brother. Thanks for watching!

[@johnnguyen385]

the watches are OK but Borealis made such a poor decision on their marketing.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Agreed 👍

[@samayoa95]

Hi Joe, I like your channel, but you just might be wrong on this one. Jody from JOMW always includes three moans and niggles with every review, and he has done 7 on Borealis models.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you for watching and liking my channel. I appreciate your opinion and expressing it freely to me. Despite what you said, this is their criteria for reviewers, whether it be for some reviewers or all that get the stipulations. My question to you is in regards to subscriber count… does someone with more subscribers get more leeway? Does a channel with less subscribers have less creative control and therefore more stipulations? Is this an issue? Would my review, which had far more moans and niggles pass their filtering process (in which no other micro brand company has implemented on my channel)? Has to make you wonder at the very least.

[@samayoa95]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews Thank you for reading my comment. Please continue making great content, Joe.

[@jaer.6540]

*Miyota 90S5

[@jodysilvia2]

Life's to short move on.

[@16jan1986]

650 dollar hommage.... I see fail eventhough it looks nice .... Hommages belong in the max 300 dollar range

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@dany1024]

I have a Borealis Sintra, and it suck 🤮

[@traquakuppler]

Borealis 🤮

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

The Explorer homage looks great! I like that dial. Good call on turning them down.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks bud! Wish I saw more influencers do the same.

[@mohdrizalbaba9544]

Glad you still maintain the integrity bro... I love your chanel for the honest reviews you did.. always got my support bro -ejalbaba_horologymaniac-

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks bro. You’re one of the few that have stayed around and supported the channel. It’s recognized and appreciated.