Proxima PX1697 Full review

[@daynevickers1079]

I had decided I was done collecting watches, but....man, this one hit ALL of my hot buttons! Not only is it an absolute strap monster, it's gorgeous, original design is so appealing; thin case (and it'll fit just about any wrist with a 45mm lug-to-lug), beautifully finished, with a dial and handset that sets it apart from just about any watch under $1,000 to 1,500. I love the rotating bezel (I use my other watches with this feature to time things ALL the time). I like to adjust my watch bracelets 'just-so' for my wrist, so I truly appreciate the included half-links which will guarantee me a perfect fit. Throw in the excellent lume and crystal, and damn...here I go again, jumping back into watch collecting! Thanks as always for your awesome reviews, Steve.

[@sopapillas6398]

At long last! The most hotly anticipated AliExpress review of 2023 :)

[@EscapeWheel]

Hahaha! Enjoy!

[@tims]

I'm a big Proxima fan. I've got a couple of their other models, and they're all well built. This one is definitely in my wishlist now. Great review!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you! Like I mentioned, if I was really into those Seiko cases I'd probably have a couple already. Value seems to be really good.

[@ikeman5774]

I ordered my Proxima last night, and it is my first Proxima as well. The reviews on this watch have been very positive and the watch visually in the reviews is very nice. Great dimensions, fit, finish, and alignment. It's going to be a long 2-3 weeks getting here. Great review. Thank you.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks for watching and Enjoy the watch! It's a good one!

[@richning]

These reviews are NOT accurate. I just received this watch today. Yes the watch itself is fairly nice. The bracelet is not. The clasp is no where even remotely as good as San Martin. Winding the movement is NOT as smooth as they say. If you rub your finger between the crystal & the bezel it is very sharp on all sides. It is a nice a watch, but no where near perfect. San Martin is way better.

[@whereisvanuatu]

Never thought I’d see Farer, Direnzo and CW thrown together like that. Now that’s a proper Frankenwatch.

[@kostar500]

I like it

[@hassankhwaja]

An AliExpress watch which looks really nice (good alternative to the CW Aquitaine), great specs, very nice proportions, solid bezel and lume. Great review Steve, would love to see more Proxima watches.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, Hassan!

[@andrew4274-q4m]

Getting this in the sale soon. Nice clear camera work, really makes a difference.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you, and enjoy the watch!

[@darrenjones2070]

Nice watch. Might add this to the collection with the SW-200-1. Thanks for the great review. Love the dial and the bezel on this watch for sure.

[@MPiKMS72]

The mix of all sans serif typeface on the dial and serif numbers on the date is odd. Overall om impressed and glad it can be bought without the silly unicorn 🦄. If they made this in green enamel I'd really have to buy one.

[@wadehodges8006]

Amazing review!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also an amazing piece! Mine should be arriving today! Your Instagram posts about it being so good sold me before the review even came out! To your point about the customer service…. It’s the best I’ve experienced on Ali especially since they sent pictures with my name attached to the hang tag and were super speedy in answering questions!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Nice review mate. It seems that we both love this one. It's quickly become one of the favourites in my collection already.

[@AlexanderB.]

I agree about the date wheel font, it's looks a little off. Other than this it's a great watch punching way above it's weight.

[@EscapeWheel]

it was an odd choice..but so minor it gets a pass in an otherwise fantastic watch.

[@n0ne846]

Just FYI re: CW, if you are in the US. I would pay in gbp and use a cc with free conversions charge or pay the 2-3% as the currency exchange rate will make it well worth your trouble (do a mock check out and you’ll see what I mean). Moreover, they often have a 100gbp off coupon.

[@michaelj8793]

Been hooked on Proxima for quite some time I'm really glad to see a decent bracelet on this one I was worried they were going to use the usual bracelet Great to see they're listening also agree on future dial colors should be interesting Thanks for another great review my friend 👍

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianmsahin]

Great intro. Like that Proxima font, prefer it to the unicorn, though the unicorn is not terrible in my opinion. It's a very nice everyday watch, a dial that's not too busy, the PT5000 is actually a very reliable movement, probably no need to go Swiss. Nice size to suit many wrists. The slim curved down case and female end links really make this a winner. The caseback is very well done too. My favorite straps, the brown suede and that orange perlon. I might get one of those for my grand old orange dial Orient Mako XL. You've inspired me with that strap!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks man. Those Perlons are great for the summer months

[@zimbarbaluba]

I wasn't 100% convinced about the white dial before, but seeing it on those colourful straps has me wanting one for the summer now!

[@EscapeWheel]

🤣🤣. Will be a great summer watch for sure 👍. Thanks for watching!

[@runninondeaftime]

Been waitin all year for this review! Literally ;) fell in love with this one when you posted it on IG...definitely might have to order it now.

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, I'm such a tease 🤣.

[@Buck380]

Looks nice, will have to keep an eye on it. Like how thin it is.

[@XjohnjohnX88]

Wow, it's a stunning watch! It's a shame there is not other colors (with no snowflake as they do on some of their watches). Very complete review, as usual. Great work 👍

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, Jonathan! Hoping to see more color options soon 👍

[@UltraLab157]

Great review Steve. Like yourself I haven't handled a proxima but that looks lovely. My only issue with the brand is their logos,, I'm not a fan of the unicorn. It's good that you're able to order it without though.

[@EscapeWheel]

I like the unicorn, but more in a satire kind of way...lol

[@USSJeff]

Nice! I kind of wish I could get a no date version.

[@Clarioner1]

It is a beutiful watch. The date window font bugs a bit, it is not in keeping with the font used in the Proxima logo.

[@jaroslavklos6189]

Thank you very much for the detailed review. Excellent work. I have finally decided to add this one to my collection. Thank you!

[@EscapeWheel]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@wayne6981]

Check out the 'Watcher' video on the Seig Flammer homage to the CW watch. Same case but in 42mm and at a $154USD is a steal. Quality is fantastic for an AliExpress watch. I have the red bezel one. Only real difference is that it's got an NH35 movement and the lume wouldn't be as good as this Proxima watch. Well worth a look.

[@Q.Q.]

Informative review, as usual. Thanks for addressing the spring-bar. Hindrance or not, the crown-side of that CW "light-catcher" case is one of the most attractive case-sides in watchdom. The crown-guards add so much to the aesthetics of that design. Whether due to cost considerations or design choice, Proxima missed a trick there omitting the crown-guards.

[@EscapeWheel]

It's the face on look of the crown guards that get me... Not a fan. But that's all personal preference. I have a tendency to lean towards more retro cases, so I like the non-guarded crown on this

[@davidc3903]

@@EscapeWheel I have similar feelings Steve. My preference is for the unguarded crown. The CW I also really liked (but was too slightly big for me) was the C65 Dartmouth, which I think has the closest styling to this PX1697

[@EscapeWheel]

@@davidc3903 agreed. I'm seeing 2 different bezels. One is sapphire one is aluminum...guessing different generations. But yeah, a smaller Dartmouth case, with the GMT dial and some different hands. I love the combo

[@thewatchfemme4051]

Wow! How lovely! I really hope this isn’t a limited addition, I’d love to get one, it’s so gorgeous. Let’s see if this ushers in an area of white dial watches, I’d be up for that. Love your reviews, thanks!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you! I'm all for white dials 🤣. Love em'

[@jaelee2263]

The Case finishes are Phenomenal. I won CW watches. Definitely better case and in the dial index… fantastic!

[@apelincoln8427]

Really wanting this one! Would also love to hear your thoughts on the Proxima PX01 some day, looks very unique especially their lume design. I've got my eye on the silver dial version for sure.

[@ronb4115]

Insane value… is the dial bright white or does it have some tint? The black vintage leather looked perfect, but you seemed to think the cream stitching clashes with the dial. I would love to them copy Trident Pro 300 and add a crown guard and an hour hand that’s an arrow.

[@himselfwhatanoob5781]

Gotta say, this is hard to pass up on. Been waiting for this review, I saw on another post we can request a change of hands on this thing, I quite like the dauphine hands on the other model.

[@EscapeWheel]

Yeah, they seem to be able to swap parts across models. Pretty cool

[@carlogalopo2605]

This one is built well, I just don't trust PT5000 movement. Would like to buy one if it's using miyota, seiko or even Epson

[@tombayerl7442]

A really nice watch, but sadly a pass for me. I would go for it with a applied logo, a NH35 and better looking font type on the date wheel. Am I too picky?

[@EscapeWheel]

Hey man, it's your money...lol. you can be as picky as you want to be 🤣

[@scottlewis2372]

That's gorgeous. To me, it's begging for a rivet-style bracelet. That would put it in the, "Shut up and take my money!", category.

[@EscapeWheel]

hahaha....that would be nice.

[@YannickKhong]

Awesome review man. I'll wait to see what other dial options they can come up with. Maybe a grey sunburst or something. I've had an octopus kraken oct05 smp300 homage with a white dial/black bezel before and found the off-white indeces too much from the white dial 👍.

[@EscapeWheel]

I've seen a lot wanting that dark gray sunburst dial. fingers crossed they'll make one.

[@CKT1138]

The only thing I don't like about the date font is that it's the only Serif font on the watch... Otherwise, WOW! Gorgeous watch!

[@RA6162]

We need one with a NH35 OR YN55. Waiting on that !

[@EscapeWheel]

That would be a cool option for sure, not sure they could keep the thinness, though.

[@williamsipe1151]

I wouldn't have tried it, but it looks fantastic on the light blue silicone.

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, indeed it does. Snagged an electric blue NATO for the summers as well and it looks awesome.

[@craig2100]

Looks very nice, and for the money...wow.

[@larrydalton2205]

Nice looking white dial diver. I can see that the hands are more pure white than the dial and other indices but is the dial still fairly white or really cream colored?

[@andrewlineberger7544]

I jus ordered the 1708 orange one... Thankye from Denver NC

[@EscapeWheel]

Nice! That looks great. Enjoy it!

[@ramspencer5492]

I've heard these are made in the same factory that makes Sean Martin. This isn't a direct homage, is it? They really need to start adding some matte ceramic bezel inserts..... Date wheels that are off tend to be consistently off on the whole batch.

[@davidgutierrez8795]

at 1:45 minutes you said, "you guys dont pay any extra....." why should we pay? pay for what??

[@ajgolab]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I love the look and dimensions. I will likely never pay for Christopher Ward but I will pay for this. Proxima is a brand to watch.

[@pkn5607]

There are plenty of used CW on ebay for not much more than this and are well worth it. Sw200 with some nice refinement not included here such as deeply signed crown, on the fly adjust bracelet, incredible bezel action. Life's too short to get just about what you want

[@fr0d0scious]

That really is Microbrand Territory quality from Proxima.. quality engineering AND design.. so lacking on the cheaper far east brands. And WOW at your intros Steve you really knock those out of the park. Serious should be breaking down your door to use those on their ads.

[@lassejupin6684]

Such a very nice watch. Great review as always 👌

[@Ericdagreat]

I like this watch a lot!!!! Great review!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you

[@garyk8285]

I like this watch, but I'd love to see a more colourful bezel like a pepsi or batman, or black/yellow one on this watch even if it's in good old aluminum. Its hard to find a nice white dial retro style watch with a colourful bezel, it would be great for summer. That date font looks a bit funny, but it's okay. Can't say I'm a massive fan of female end links, the end centre link looks a bit flabby and not so defined on this one, but it's decent for price. The San Martin female end links have a bit more definition. But that's just nitpicking. Overall a very nice piece tbh.

[@EscapeWheel]

I'm just waiting for more color options. There's make a killing IMO

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

Looks nice but i'm more interested in the snowflake version.

[@markkuzminski3922]

If they produce a red or burgundy dial version I may well be "in"... Thanks for reviewing this one Steve.

[@EscapeWheel]

Agreed....I'd probably pick up a blue one as well. 👊

[@felo6035]

Absolutely gorgeous watch Steve, thank you for sharing 👍

[@EscapeWheel]

My pleasure, and thanks for watching.

[@TheDiveWatcher]

Proxima I once held much respect for until it came down to making their words verbs, to talk it then walk it and say it, be it. I'm a watch reviewer and proxima gave me a small discount on my second proxima. My first one I paid full price. Anyways even with proxima giving me a small discount on my second and last, the watch took over a month to get to me which is ridiculous. I tinally received the piece and loved it. The blue dial, simply striking. 4 days later the PT5000 flat out bricked! Defective bad movement which sometimes shit happens. I simply asked them to replace my dead on arrival watch and I would send it back no problem. Proxima showed me who they truly are. They refused to replace my brand new piece and stalled for weeks trying to get out of then giving me my money back. I had to file a claim with my bank and I told them I was getting my money back regardless and no matter how much character you lack. See my proxima 300m quit working review to hear what otherwise would have been a fantastic review. I'll never associate my name behind proxima again. Great review! I left a like!

[@EscapeWheel]

Sorry to hear than man. This is just (sadly) the truth with most Chinese OEMs. If you get a great watch everything is fantastic, but the moment you have problems shit gets weird and frustrating. I appreciate the view and the likes and comments, and I've already watched your reviews as well, including the one in question.

[@danielsavadel2151]

Great build quality but also a great company to do business with.

[@EscapeWheel]

Yeah, they are really good to deal with. A breath of fresh air

[@Boro1978]

Hi. In the past I had several issues with San Martin/2x/ and Seestern bracelets. Probably due to the bracelets containing Nickel /as a cost saving measure/ my hand had a burning sensation everytime I tried the watches on. That was until I changed the bracelets. Now to the point. How does the bracelet feel? Any sharp edges? Any uncomfort of wear? Any "burning sensation" after some wear time? Thank you in advance

[@EscapeWheel]

Hmm, no issues with burning for me, with the proxima or San Martin bracelets. This one is definitely a "softer" bracelet on wrist, nicely smoothed. No discomfort at all

[@leonardkoh6926]

Nice review thanks. My wrist is only 15cm, can help me check what’s the smallest size it’s able to size with all links remove. Thanks

[@rhoever]

What caused all the scratches on the bracelet at 17:39?

[@EscapeWheel]

Rubbing against the clasp. I had it on the smallest micro adjust hole, then put a link back in and went to the bigger hole.

[@rhoever]

@@EscapeWheel Thanks for the quick reply. It seems like a lot of damage for such a new watch, which makes me wonder about the quality of the bracelet. It is a great looking piece though.

[@EscapeWheel]

@@rhoever it happens with a lot of bracelets, I have actually started leaving the protective film on that area to stop this from happening. Quality is still very good.

[@garmin1488]

should frame the date window for symmetry

[@howyduinyall7653]

Or make it round and lower it to match the hour markers!

[@AvidUTuber]

This watch is actually prettier than your video suggests. I've been bing watching videos of it 😊 You need better lightning boss.

[@Tangylives]

Looks like a Christopher Ward C65 homage to me. Good job for the money.

[@EscapeWheel]

Yes, indeed. I like what they've done

[@pryanik3741]

The watch is gorgeous, very beautiful and well made! But there are some nuances that stop me from buying. There is no logo on the clasp of the bracelet and on the crown. This greatly reduces the cost of watches. I hope Proxima will eliminate this misunderstanding.

[@richning]

These reviews are NOT accurate. I just received this watch today. Yes the watch itself is fairly nice. The bracelet is not. The clasp is no where even remotely as good as San Martin. Winding the movement is NOT as smooth as they say. If you rub your finger between the crystal & the bezel it is very sharp on all sides. It is a nice a watch, but no where near perfect. San Martin is way better. I own one of them too. Way better.

[@pierpaolo626]

It deserve more colors dials,blue,for example

[@EscapeWheel]

💯% and it think they will make them.

[@HughR3GO]

Is the dial itself a homage to something or is an original design? It looks original to me but I'm not sure.

[@EscapeWheel]

It's got a Christopher ward Dartmouth dial, maybe some C60 hands.

[@HughR3GO]

@@EscapeWheel interesting, I didn’t even notice the big triangle design element from the Dartmouth since the proxima has the circular indices instead of dashes like on the Ward. Really interesting way to take bits of the Ward dial.

[@EscapeWheel]

@@HughR3GO there's a couple versions of the Dartmouth. One of them has the same exact dial (or damn close) triangle at 12, trapezoidal things at 3 and 9, circles everywhere else.

[@HughR3GO]

@@EscapeWheel thanks for the additional info. I ended up buying the watch. Your review was super helpful!

[@EscapeWheel]

@@HughR3GO nice! Glad I could help! You won't be disappointed 👍

[@VenerableYorge]

F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! 💯👍😀

[@kikika6823]

Lume?

[@cedarcanoe]

Is that a Christopher Ward case?

[@EscapeWheel]

Yes. But I don't think CW sells one this soze. Proxima told me the case and dial elements came from a factory that also makes a certain Swiss watch brand....wonder whick one🤔🤔😂

[@cedarcanoe]

@@EscapeWheel indeed 😎

[@stevec2569]

Any discount codes for this watch?

[@EscapeWheel]

Sorry, I don't have any at the moment.

[@stevec2569]

@@EscapeWheel no worries, do you still recommend this watch?

[@EscapeWheel]

@@stevec2569 yes, 100%, it's great

[@stevec2569]

@@EscapeWheel ok, thanks

[@danpodina438]

I really would love to get this watch but it is just too small. Even a 40mm looks a little odd on my wrist.

[@Sergei-S-Ivanov]

$264 incl bonuses.. yeah, it's atleast $100 more then the Ali watch should cost..

[@ivanbalbontin3236]

Never again a Proxima watch, it's garbage, the lume doesn't last more than an hour, PT 5000 garbage, every morning when I wake up I have to wind it because it stopped, the brushing on the bezel and the bracelet is good but it has some sharpe edges and the claps feel cheap. I have the blue one. I feel cheated by the purchase :( :( :( I don't recommend anyone buy one.

[@EscapeWheel]

Wow, first time I've heard a complaint about one. If you aren't happy, return it!

[@richning]

I just received this & am quite disappointed after watching all these super positive reviews.

[@stavros_katsopr]

Well, i assume it's fine for me to wish you all the best and a happy new year since you're still dealing with 2022's stuff, right? 😋 Be well mate, a great, happy, healthy and cheerful 2023 mate, and many more to come, cheers! PS Damn, that's a nice watch, but so... old, looks like... last year!!!! 😜😂😂

[@EscapeWheel]

Lol, yes, I guess that's fair enough, Stavros..same to you as well 👍

[@richning]

These reviews are NOT accurate. I just received this watch today. Yes the watch itself is fairly nice. The bracelet is not. The clasp is no where even remotely as good as San Martin. Winding the movement is NOT as smooth as they say. If you rub your finger between the crystal & the bezel it is very sharp on all sides. It is a nice a watch, but no where near perfect. San Martin is way better.

[@allenmontrasio8962]

One and a quarter minutes of intro is too long.

[@EscapeWheel]

I put timestamps in for a reason

[@kostependrhs]

Very expensive. At 300eu i would rather buy a seiko. Or an orient or citizen. These chinacheapies should not cost more than 100eu.

[@the-watcher1596]

I've never had the chance to get a proxima but this one is so so beautiful 😍

[@carforumwanker]

same as a Baltic with yet another name on the face !!

[@EscapeWheel]

Which model. Not getting aquascaphe vibes at all. But I'm not familiar with their full catalogue

[@carforumwanker]

@@EscapeWheel they all come from a catalog!! Contact china . Tick boxes from menu . Decide logo etc and boxing . Make up fake heritage . Make a few pound .

[@EscapeWheel]

@@carforumwanker I get that....but I'm just not seeing Baltic in here at all. Christopher ward, sure.