PHYLIDA AQUATERRA HOMAGE: The Best Affordable Watch on AliExpress Full review and Corgeut Comparison

[@Robosan4000]

I've got the "older" Phylida model (even though I got it a week ago). Its a black dial with a white date wheel. It had the vertical teak striping on the dial instead of the horizontal teak. The crown is smaller and more like the Corgeut. The caseback is solid, sterile, thinner and doesn't have the scalloped design. It still has the NH35 movement. Has the domed sapphire crystal. The lume is pretty bad - just not much surface area for lume....I think its green not blue on mine. Bracelet looks to be the same. I like the bracelet. Its better than the Phylida "moonwatch limited edition" bracelet in fit and finish.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Oooh Interesting, I've done a bit of extra digging and seen that yes there does in fact seem to be two versions. Thank you for outlining some of the Key differences between their models. I'll pin your comment if you don't mind as i think others will find it very useful!

[@artyom-ei2mf]

Does the older version has a sunburst dial like the new ones ?

[@Robosan4000]

@@artyom-ei2mf I shined a flashlight on it and it doesn't appear to have any sunbursting as far as I can tell. Does the newer one have sunburst in addition to the teak effect?

[@artyom-ei2mf]

@@Robosan4000 thanks for the info. And yes. The newer versions have a sunburst effect

[@Robosan4000]

@@artyom-ei2mf Cool. Sounds like an excuse for me to get a new one in a different color!

[@DutchBulldog]

The Phylida’s thicker profile is probably due to: - The Seiko NH35 movement (which is thicker than the Seagull). - The 10ATM water resistance (which probably requires a rubber ring inside to prevent water from leaking in).

[@tthaas]

Nice video, I especially like the comparison between the two. The Aqua Terra is my third-favorite Omega model (after the latest SMP, and the Speedmaster), I might have to pick one of these up to "scratch the itch" while saving up for the original. I kinda wish Phylida would do an AT with the Seagull movement and solid caseback, just to thin that profile a hair, as everything else about it looks much better than the Corgeut; I'd be on a thinner Phylida version like white on rice.

[@drzaius844]

16:45 it looks like you got the bracelet scoring backwards. So the overall score would be 4 points closer? Just based on looks, the Phylida looks better.Thanks for the video, the AT is on my “next to buy” expensive purchase - I have looked at these recently - appreciate your work on this!

[@petergoldie4078]

Hey, did you know Phylida are now shipping bracelets with female end links on the AT homage? Might be interesting to update this review.

[@hootonhoot]

Just noticed the female endlinks as I just ordered the 2021 edition Phylida AT

[@WorthAWatchReviews]

I got mine in the grey/blue colour-way. Beautiful looking watch, but be aware that it's a thick case back, and the lugs are straight with no down curve; so if you have smaller than a 7inch wrist (mine is 6.75 inch), it looks a little long and sits very tall on wrist. This means you have large gaps towards the end of your wrist. A leather strap helps but you still have some gaps. If you want something smaller, you can pick up a Casio that looks similar to the Corgeut in the video.

[@serenityinside1]

👍 thanks

[@fatihayhan5150]

So I noticed that the white dial phylida has a crown that looks more like the corgeut one

[@duckrutt]

The hands on the Corgeut sold me. That and the leather strap version was on sale a couple weeks ago. As far as the movements goes, the difference in height is .06 or.46mm (There are two NH series of movements M and L. The L is for a thinker dial and has longer pinions. Who knew?) so I don't know why the NH is usually in a chunkier case. It's an extra couple mm across so maybe proportions or machining or something? Dunno.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

I must say I popped the Corgeut on a leather strap I own and it looks great, such a versatile piece! Which colour way did you go for? Thanks for the info on the NH movements, very interesting I had no idea 🤙🏻

[@duckrutt]

@@IBoughtAWatch The white dial version, I like the hands and minute track on that one the most. Also for some reason nobody makes date wheels for Miyota (and their clone) movements so going with white means I don't have to worry about fixing it.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

@@duckruttYeah not sure why that is, real gap in the market! I do think the Corgeut has slightly better proportioned hands now that you mention it...

[@daveyoder9231]

In addition to the specs you mentioned, the Phyllida has 100m of water resistance. Very good looking watch for the price.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

That is a very good point, can't believe I forgot to mention that 🤦🏼‍♂️ Thanks for watching!

[@DutchBulldog]

Corgeut looks nice, but with only 50 meters water resistance it is a “no go” for me. I will probably get the Phylida AT with a white dial during springtime. I own a Phylida Air King; solid and well-executed watch. Incredible that they can sell that for €70 and still make a profit.

[@NathanChisholm041]

I was looking at getting the Phylida air king as they look ok! So what's the case finishing like?

[@DutchBulldog]

@@NathanChisholm041 go for it! For the money it is a really solid watch. From personal experience I can say that Phylida is one step above in terms of quality control and build quality compared to Pagani Design and Parnis. I ended up liking the Air King homage way more than I expected; the busy dial (with the 369 and the double digit numerals) and the green seconds hand (which really pops) make the watch way more interesting to look at. Only thing that I am going to do is brushing the lugs. With brushed lugs this piece is going to look killer. Btw, currently I wear it on a military green canvas strap from Barton (which matches really well with the green seconds hand).

[@jacobansley5864]

The whole wr trend is silly I mean who is going to seriously dive especially beyond 50 meters.

[@skylinexj100]

the minute indices font on the phylida is the only thing holding me back.

[@commentjedi]

Great comparison! I think Phylida reduced the case width in version 2 .... Down from almost 42mm to around 40mm.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Thanks for the extra info I'm sure people will be keen to hear differences 🤙🏻

[@commentjedi]

That's good. I got another idea. You may swap the case backs. I have v1 Phylida case and a Corgeut and I was able to swap case backs.

[@ToasterMeltdown]

Did you also find an Aqua Terra homage in the smaller 38mm size?

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you for a great comparison...I have been thinking about getting a Aqua Terra homage (to mod) during the 11/11 sale. your timing is perfect 😊👍

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Haha no worries mate glad I helped just in time!

[@jaypatterson380]

Hilarious, you posted this 5 hours before I found the same review...

[@onshisan]

Based on the colorway and the text on the dial, the Corgeut shown here is evidently an homage to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra > 15,000 Gauss. Curiously, both Corgeut and Phylida's version of that specific watch use a white date wheel... whereas the OG has a black date wheel.

[@the_9ent]

This is looooovely. Great pick, Oscar. I think it’s the green that draws me in 👏

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Yeah she's a real Beaut! Thanks for watching Pal 🤙🏻

[@tikkathreebarrels]

These watches, at the price, are just amazing. I'm lucky enough to own two vertical teak dial ATs and the likeness overall is simply great. You point about lume and the limited area of application mirrors the Omega AT very nicely so the Omega doesn't feature great big lume tracks either.

[@davidsandrovitch7635]

I see this comparison is a few months old. I have the Corgeut in white, and think it's tremendous value for money. I didn't like the striped second hand on the version shown here. I was thinking of getting the green Phylida, and given the positive comparison here, there's certainly no reason not to get it. Thanks.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

It's a great watch for sure! Yes the corgeut is by no means bad, the Phylida is just that little bit more refined. The striped second's hand is actually homaging the aqua Terra 15000 Gaus which was a model made to commemorate the new higher anti-magnetic movement standard now found in almost all omega's. If you want a more in-depth history I've covered it in the corgeut review!

[@AlexanderB.]

Hi Oscar! Brilliant review video! I like this watch. Nicer dial options, domed crystal and a far better movement than on the Corgeut counterpart. The biggest selling point of the Corgeut is the bracelet with female end links. Cheers mate! 👍

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Just to point out it doesn't actually have female end links, in the video I've got it on the Corgeut bracelet, full explanation in the video description! And as always thanks for watching 🤙🏻

[@hootonhoot]

Phylida now appears to have female end links 👌

[@claywebb8199]

I have the Corgeut in blue with the Seagull movement. I’ve been dithering for days as to whether to get this in the green dial it’s SO nice but the thicker dimensions have put me off. Actually now I think of it I could get one and swap the face, crown and possibly crystal (looks domed on the Phylida) and have the best of both! Is there a Chinese Frankenstein?

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Haha now that would be some watch!

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

My next watch. I'd like to see a review of Phylida's "Bathyscaphe" homage. I've got my eye on that one too.

[@tomlee4064]

Which lume is on the watch?

[@stevenwymor1398]

You can buy the Corgeut with the NH35 for just a bit more.

[@richardshaw1968]

The bracelet (lost track of which one!) without half links makes sizing a bit hit or miss.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Yeah they unfortunately both don't have Half links. A bit of an issue with these Butterfly clasped bracelets unfortunately 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mikesmith5389]

I would have rejected the Corgeut straight away because of the skipping second hand between the 12 and 6 positions. Something that is really common in cheap Chinese indirect drive watch movements and another reason the Seiko NH35 is a budget watch buyers dream because it doesn't suffer the problems that Chinese movements have and is nearly always accurate to no more than 10 seconds a day, and is often a lot more accurate than that.

[@LeeTanczos]

Extra shouty audio in this one :-)

[@serenityinside1]

Agreed. Harsh on the tabs ! 😮

[@Ginsanity77]

Eyeing this model for tomorrow. Should I get the sterile version or the Phylida version? I'm not a fan of the brand name but I wonder if it would look better with some text on the dial. Also green or the black and yellow?

[@IBoughtAWatch]

I'm afraid i'm going to have to leave that decision to you! Personally I prefer the text on the dial and it's small enough and in a plain enough font to not really draw too much attention. In regards to colour the only thing i would say is the black and yellow is their older model I believe. So may not have all the features of the one i've shown. Notably I think it has a white date wheel and a slightly different case shape/dimensions from what i can see in the pictures. Hope this helps you make the decision and please use my affiliate links 🤙🏻

[@AnthonyLauder]

I just took a look, and it seems Phylida isn't offering any 11/11 discounts, unlike most watch companies :(

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Yes I only realised after filming, they are however offering a range of coupons site wide that do apply and are grouped around the 11th Luckily! But I agree would've been nice to see a more substantial discount!

[@stevenwymor1398]

You’ve rated the Corgeut bracelet higher but scored it lower on screen.

[@kypham6292]

I have the corgeut bracelet, it seems to fit perfectly, but for some reason I can't mount it onto the watch with the spring bar. The end of the spring bar slides between the lugs, but they don't fit into the holes. How did you get it to slide into the holes?

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Little bit of forcing if I can remember and it fit 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@petergoldie4078]

@@IBoughtAWatch Great and thorough review. I love this Phylida AT homage but am debating whether to purchase the Corgeut bracelet separately to use on the Phylida as you've done. I like the idea of the half links for a better fit. A major omission on the Phylida. Mine is either too tight (in summer) or too loose. Now that some time has gone by since this review; are you still happy with having swapped the original Phylida bracelet for the Coregeut? and is it fitting securely in the (Phylida) lugs still?

[@WatchWitt]

LOVE this green dial! I checked out the gray one, too, and liked the touch of blue on the second hand and dial script. But without seeing it on video like this, I’d grab the green one hands down. What are your thoughts on sterile dials for resale? Do you think others would prefer no branding, or that make it even more of an homage flag?

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Yes I totally agree! Pagani design have been doing it a little recently and I think it's been much better for making informed purchases. I also fancied the Grey and blue version but needed to check out the Black date wheels for a change. As far as Sterile Dials, they are not my personal taste I prefer the branding and some text on the dial (also allows people to google the brand when reselling). That being said I know some people are really not a fan of PHYLIDA as a name in general so might dissuade some if reselling is something you're keen on. Typically does not bother me at all! If you do, please consider using the affiliate link in the description it really helps the channel grow!

[@WatchWitt]

@@IBoughtAWatch I'm not saying it's the case with this one, but with some off brands I'd rather skip the branding, if I think I'm going to keep the watch forever. But I prefer all the rest of the script, just omit the logo or brand name. Completely blank dial looks naked to me!

[@EliteSim]

Nicely done man, I had my eye on one of these for a while but something held me back, would have definitely grabbed one in the 11.11 but doesn't seem to be part of it.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Yeah it's really unfortunate isn't it had hoped to see some great deals from PHYLIDA during 11.11, still got to say this is an amazing value proposition!

[@EliteSim]

@@IBoughtAWatch me too, but like you said, great value on offer from them

[@TheJoel1892]

If I wanted to change the dial on the Phylida, do you know what size dial it uses?

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Sorry don't really have a way of measuring it accurately (don't have my equipment) for you, as a rough guesstimate it's at a min 34mm. I'd reach out to Phylida on Ali Express for a more accurate answer

[@pierce_fierce]

I believe that the Official Phylida store sells the dials by themselves. You should be able to get the sizes from those listings.

[@TheJoel1892]

Thanks

[@rickyang1749]

The phylida aquaterra is so beautiful especially the sand blasted one with a grey dial. Please review it....

[@IBoughtAWatch]

I've Got a Sand blasted Rail Master Homage coming up on the channel, but i'll give this a look!

[@craigsteele4344]

Did you put the strap scores the wrong way round ?

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Haha well yes/no the PHYLIDA has the Corgeut bracelet and Vice Versa

[@chrisk6309]

I’d definitely trust the Phylida over the Corgeut, having owned the Corgeut before. I’m going to get the rail master homage I think but will wait for you to review for sure. And definitely will use your affiliate link.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Good choice! the Rail Master Homage is a great piece I'm hopefully getting that done by early next week 🤞🏻

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Love the green on this! Somehow I feel like I need an Aero Aqua Terra now 🤔

[@IBoughtAWatch]

The Aero Aqua Terra is a watch companies nightmare, the watch to end all watch collections! 😶

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

@@IBoughtAWatch if the only watch i need for the rest of my life is an Omega im good with that

[@williamrizzo1285]

Good-looking watch! I have the green dial Aqua Terra and my date window is in the 6 position.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Thank you, and thanks for watching! Absolutely adore the Aqua Terra, hopefully one day i can get the real thing on the channel 🤞🏻If you have the date window at the 6 I presume you have a display case back showing that beautiful co-axial movement love the wave pattern on the rotor!

[@williamrizzo1285]

@@IBoughtAWatch yes it has the new 8900 movements. Thanks again.

[@kaneshkumaranalseevalingam7436]

They have stopped production of this PHYLIDA AQUATERRA HOMAGE. The Aliexpress site even stopped responding to questions. Anyone with any update ?

[@TheWatchConcierge]

Great video and review but the volume sounds very loud and blasted/distorted at some points in the video.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Sorry about that, I'm working on updating just hard to find a decent mic on my rather small budget!

[@marvinberwart]

I really think you should be sparing for the real deal, if you haven't already. I have been through the same process, buying several pieces to scratch the itch for an aqua terra. I even considered myself satisfied for a time with a certina ds action (the non-diver version) , wich I would consider a quite viable affordable alternative. I finally took the plunge after a year of sparing and selling most of my seikos and bought the aqua terra worldtimer, and I really feel fullfiled now. Anyway, nice vid, subscribed!

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Hey Marvin, first off massive congratulations on your new AT World timer a stunning watch! Which colour did you go for? On that topic, I often have this debate with myself on pulling the trigger on the real deal. But the true reason for the collection is also just to have a bit of fun and experiment (and also helps with content for the KZbin channel obvs) I am putting aside some money and saving up but at the moment dropping 5k on a watch is sadly not really an option especially with the current economy 🤷🏻‍♂️. Also I'm pretty indecisive so for that 5k might instead end up going for a 3 Swiss watches (or a Rolex explorer 1 is another competitor), or however many Ali watches 😅 Think I just need to experience more pieces and wait for a special occasion to push me over the edge. Sorry for the ramble and massive thanks for the sub!

[@marvinberwart]

@@IBoughtAWatch Thanks mate! My AT worldtimer is the blue one, it's the only one in steel, the other two models are platinum and sedna gold thus quite out of reach for me. I might be a little bit biaised of course, but for me the Aqua Terra line packs tremendous value, much better than any other watch in this price range. You get a really versatile piece, can be sporty on rubber strap, dressy with the bracelet or leather, a top notch coaxial movement, resistant to 15.000 gauss, in a waterproof case. And all this from a brand with a fantastic history. Imho, there is no rolex even approaching this level of quality, technology, refinement. I am not a rich guy and had to make a lot of sacrifices for this watch but I'm super happy I did it, knowing I have a piece that will last me a lifetime.

[@lesbolstad]

Great review! Really like this one. That case back is weird. Is there a special tool to remove it, and if so where can I get one? Thanks

[@soneeeee4440]

you could use needle nose pliers with a cloth, although why would you be opening it? these watches usually set to run a few seconds fast

[@rangorango7545]

Real classy look, dat green is engaging, and the dial is wow

[@IBoughtAWatch]

The Dial is definitely the best i've seen for the price from an AliExpress offering, in fact they're actually putting Seiko to shame with budget quality dials!

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

I got it for £39. It looks so good I thought there must be a major problem with it...

[@roybrolsbeak]

Oh men, that watch on the gorgeut bracelet would be an instant buy. And i dont understand why they dont make a video so customers can see the colours of the dial. Im not in a mood to take a 70 euro risk.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

I agree video showcases of the watches would be a game-changer!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Good comparison review mate.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Glad you liked it

[@neilpiper9889]

The Corgeut has a Seagull St16 which hacks. The St17 does not.

[@rumatadestora]

Nice comparison, though I still prefer Corgeut

[@IBoughtAWatch]

They're great pieces, especially with them on Sale during 11.11!

[@MartinBrownFFD]

Aqua Terra is great and I loved it for two years but traded to the Globemaster. Fantastic.

[@gardiyan76]

I have the corgeut with the miyota but planning on selling it. En i am about to order the phylida... But i hate thick watches..now you made me question my decision:) love my chinese watch collection tho:)

[@IBoughtAWatch]

although this one is thick on paper It really doesn't wear thick on wrist! So unless you're planning to wear it on a NATO/Zulu i'd strongly consider it.

[@gardiyan76]

@@IBoughtAWatch allright. Next question is ofcourse wich color hahahah😁

[@IBoughtAWatch]

@@gardiyan76 Haha now that is the question! Please consider using the affiliate link if you do end up pulling that trigger 🤙🏻

[@tedblack2415]

The 2 things i can see that the phylida has over the corgeut are (a) the date wheel and (b) the lug tip ends are more squared & true to the original, as for movement options its 6 of one n' half dozen of the other ,there's not much between the three , there's elements of the two watches that'd make one really good one but the lume will always be shyte which i'm not that fussed about tbh.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Cheers Ted think you're the first to actually send in your own results 😅 Overall I agree the Lug tips and the case machining in generally is definitely a step up above the Phylida. Yeah movement choice i think is a really personal preference thing between watch collectors especially in the budget range. As for lume I'm afraid you're right by far the biggest cost cutter but like you said I hardly care don't find myself needing it anyway 🤙🏻

[@emmanuelcaraza7842]

Excellent review

[@edwardklein5692]

My Certina DS day date will suffice

[@timothythomas1626]

I do like the bumble bee second hand

[@IBoughtAWatch]

It's a great splash of colour!

[@mabbottify]

I like the grey, but the blue text kills it for me . All in all, a great value watch

[@yushiwang8502]

I believe they do sell a version without dial markings

[@emiliosbdte6836]

It would be interesting to see their Nautilus homage. After watching this I think they have the potential to make something great out of it

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Have been eyeing it up, hopefully look to get one on the channel soon!

[@funkmon]

Wow this is doing well for you in views! People must be clamoring for these Phlo Rida watches

[@stevenrobertson6656]

Great comparison 👍

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Glad you think so!

[@jacobansley5864]

Most watches can go way beyond the wr rating. Some can handle ridiculous depths so to me if the rating is 50m then it could really handle 300m or more

[@bikeman123]

You have a lot of faith in what is probably just a bit of dial decoration to the Chinese.

[@josephmauri3185]

I wish the made it in 38mm

[@giorgiamondani]

Interesting video, subscribed, Regards, Giorgia Mondani.

[@BackTheBlu]

All of their watches seem to be sold out

[@IBoughtAWatch]

I've unfortunately not had any updates on when more might be released!

[@oliviersebastian1516]

Pagani is very way better must review it❤

[@DanishKhan-ky8su]

amazing homage watch.. it's just the name that won't allow me to buy it.. sounds like an STD.

[@watsondna]

It is nice but I believe we all know that the explorer is in fact #1.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

I've got a PHYLIDA Explorer Homage on the way, stay tuned 🤙🏻

[@watsondna]

@@IBoughtAWatch will it get there before 11.11? I am really itching to buy one.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Unfortunately not pal sorry 😅 but luckily (not sure if that's the right word) PHYLIDA aren't really doing a 11.11 discount as such so wouldn't really affect the price

[@watsondna]

@@IBoughtAWatch I noticed that but was ordering other watches and thought why not?

[@UFA-jc8gu]

Couldn't buy a watch with that name

[@Donnybrook10]

the hand thing is weird

[@Bob.martens]

Cheap AR can really dull a dial. Better to have no AR than 'just any' AR for the sake of being able to advertise AR. AR is overrated.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Just a quick note, I have spoken to the seller and they hope to add AR coating to future models so if that dissuades you I'd pick one up sooner rather than later

[@azgoth1255]

Please turn your mic down next recording!!

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Is my most recent video better?

[@azgoth1255]

@@IBoughtAWatch just watched the 11.11 allieexpress sale. And it's much better, but I would turn it down juuust a smudge. Like 10% maybe. You can hear once in while when you turn your voice a bit up it distorts a little bit in the other video, but its so much better then this one. The overall content is great though. Keep it up mate!

[@IBoughtAWatch]

@@azgoth1255 Cheers pal, always looking for ways to improve and I really do appreciate the feedback 🤙🏻

[@azgoth1255]

My pleasure man!

[@Mystery_Man84]

Sorry but the San Martin Aqua Terra blows this out of the water. I don’t like the name of this one Phylida- just not doing it for me

[@tmt7912]

pagani design 1688 is better

[@MrCuckoobox]

The NH35 is over rated........I have had several failures with them......In my Book - NH35 vs. Chinese Movement - same.....Both are roll the dice.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

I've yet to have a failure with either, but I usually prefer the NH35 in general as it's easier to get parts for and replace it with a Gen in the future if the watch is worthy

[@rasc0030]

Saphira without AR is just stupid.

[@lanceedwards7169]

The Corguet Aqua Terra homage is of terrible quality. Mine broke after 5 months and the Corguet official store would not honor the one year guarantee. DONT buy this watch and DONT buy from this store unless you want to waste your money. The Phylida is much better and there also is a Pagani available now.

[@gerum009]

a Watchfinder wanna be!

[@alexharris8500]

Man what a mess of a vedio. Mixing up bracelet, watches, sound quality. Resulting in a confusing and cluttered and uncomfortable viewing experience. (this is all constructive criticism, intended to be helpful).

[@malikshabazz7596]

Oh man ,you stole your Video style from the Watchfinder ,you are real funny. Well Mr l Bought a Watch,l am not being rude but truth is truth,you don't have the style, fashion, intelligence or wit of the man who does watchfinder, I can't stop laughing.

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Haha thanks for watching mate, I'm flattered you'd suggest I'm similar to Watchfinder! Thank you so much! Glad to give you a laugh in these hard times, Thanks for watching friend 🤙🏻

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

That dial is really great!

[@IBoughtAWatch]

Really stunning!