Rolex Explorer vs 10 Cheap AliExpress Clones - Which Gets Closest?

[@BensWatchClub]

*Get up to 55% (50+5%) off Eskter wallets with my code: BENSWC by going to* partner.ekster.com/BENSWATCHCLUBNEW Which result from this test surprised you the most? For me, it was the fact that some of these clones look so clean under macro!

[@jb678901]

4:55 Duh ... ... "Cronos" (or Cronus / Kronos) was a Greek Titan and the father of Zeus. Geeze Louise.

[@M.huzaifasultan-sl3qx]

Hello ben please do a review over the casio mtd 130d. That would be interesting.

[@seanannigans5191]

You should make this a series, Ben! Taking iconic expensive watches and putting budget options to the test with side by side comparisons. Could be interesting to see how clones of other brands or iconic watches compare…

[@vaclav_fejt]

Inside and outside! Movements make a big part of the watche's manufacturing cost.

[@Megatraum504]

i said the same. Id love to see this with gmt master 2

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@vaclav_fejt Unless you are really into the mechanics, even the default 1.5 bucks quartz movement from Miyota (Citizen) are more accurate than any of those. So if it's just jewelry or time telling it doesn't matter.

[@vaclav_fejt]

@@Alias_Anybody I am somewhat into the mechanics. Did you know there's a difference between the original Seiko Baby Alpinists and the continued manufacture of the green one? More plastic parts, even the dial is thinner. Stuff like this mostly matters to watchmakers, but it also plays into the durability and longevity. Mechanical watch feels different than a quartz one. Even with all other things being equal. Oh, I have one quartz Miyota movement. It has a battery so tiny it doesn't even last two years. I also have a Timex, almost three years since purchase and still going strong. The crown is smooth, but the pushers are rubbery. My solar G-shock is tough, but cold. Watches are an emotional matter. I find that having to wind a watch by crown or rotor is much more personal. I make my own time.

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@vaclav_fejt I think the batteries on the default movement are supposed to last 3 years. Anyway, a new one is 30 cents and you can easily change it yourself. If you own 2 or more you will never run out of juice.

[@K.Maroon]

Those "Chinese vs Swiss" type of videos are so addictive Please do some more!

[@Spectrecontrol]

Phylida is now treatable with antibiotics

[@wag7854]

😂

[@ob4149]

😂😂😂

[@nunyabiznesse6917]

That word means friendship/tribe/fellowship, i guess you would wanna treat those with ABs

[@Spectrecontrol]

@@nunyabiznesse6917 😄

[@jaredstephenson6468]

This is the best, most objective and valuable video you've ever produced.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Considering how damn good the lume is, I personally see Addiesdive watches (with quartz movements) more as the better alternatives to some low-ish end Casio stuff, rather than a true luxury replacement. Classic designs, above average finishing, waterproofing has never failed and they just keep running.

[@kevinwall795]

I have owned 3 Rolex over the last 30 years, including a stainless steel Daytona from new, which I sold in 2022 after 18 years of ownership. For fun, I dived into the homage market. I have a few Pagani Design (look decent, but generally poor quality). I own one SanMartin, which is better than average quality. I own three Cronos, which I absolutely love; a Submariner date, a blue Submariner no date, and this Explorer. All of them are great quality and I really enjoy wearing them. I am not stupid - I know they are not real Rolex, but I have to say, they really do give me 95% of the Rolex experience, for 1% of the price.

[@96kyh]

A realistic observation, and I'm grateful to know your experience.

[@jb678901]

I agree! I too find Cronos makes some very nice watches for daily use. Living in Switzerland, the Swiss watches are quite prevalent. Nevertheless, for daily use I tend to wear microbrands or AliExpress watches from the likes of Seestern/Sugess, Cronos, San Martin, Thorn, Steeldive, Addiesdive, Baltany. I literally could buy 6-8 very nice AliExpress watches for the price of my last Rolex service. For business travel outside of Western Europe...I tend to avoid the Swiss watches...I value my arm more than any watch!

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

Both Cronos and Octopus Kraken are excellent brands, I've owned several watches from each and never had a bad example.

[@alex70max]

Which models do you have?

[@doolderaaz]

This type of videos could become new series in the channel. Huge potential ❤

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

You been dropping bangers Ben! This and your watch crystal comparison video are just on another level from other reviewers.

[@jacobambach8143]

I really enjoy these types of videos, Ben, and would love to see more comparisons between AliExpress homage watches and the original luxury timepieces that inspire them. For future content, it would be great to explore homages to iconic models like the Black Bay 54/58, Rolex Submariner, and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, among others.

[@rentresna440]

Finnaly "The Homages Watch War" we waiting for.

[@mikesucho]

This is great Ben. Thanks for doing this on your own dime and not sponsored.

[@steventaylor3884]

His own 20pence.

[@HaonProductions]

I have the Octopus Kraken since it has a few nuances I like, but I wish the logo was a little squiddy boy that looked like an upsidedown Rolex crown! That would have been clever.

[@Symphoniics]

That’s genius

[@07thomasd]

Absolutely brilliant video Ben. I lost it when you introduced "Octopus Kraken" 😂 I once saw someone say Phylida sounds like an STD lol. I used to be massive for AliExpress watches, but have since replaced many with mainstream brands. I still own a San Martin (homage of the long discontinued 50's sub) which you previously had on the channel. With the value for money proposition of these brands paired with timeless design, you can see why they're a no brainer for many. I strongly agree you should make this a series, it'll be such a success if you do.

[@M123OCT]

In 2020, I bought myself a Rolex OP for my 60th. But since then, I've also bought five watches from Cronos. The quality is quite stunning, and certainly on par with San Martin, which I also have. Cronos don't seem to have such a high profile as other brands, but I would highly recommend them.

[@abmorose6531]

Agreed 👍

[@joemyers9893]

I have a few Cronos models,excellent build quality and value for money.

[@adrianhjordan1981]

With regards to Cronos - he was one of the Greek Titans - father of Zeus. There are a few spellings of his name, but it does include Cronos

[@ikeman5774]

What a great review. It's the Cronos Explorer for me. I like the brand and would probably get it with the pt5000. Thanks for sharing

[@justmyinterpretation707]

Great work Ben, spot on pitch and pace. I'd value seeing the same produced for the Explorer II.

[@FlatcapHobbit]

Thanks for this, the Explorer is a huge favorite of mine! While the Baltany has been teasing my interest for a while it’s hard to square the clone/homage route. Currently have the Seiko 5 Dress KX and the Vaer S3 Tradition and while not homages of the Rolex they still both have a great Explorer feel to them while still having their own identity.

[@paulkukula6541]

Good stuff Ben. Really enjoyed this review. Look forward to more.

[@lacanian_lifter]

The Islander Manhasset is an explorer homage. Bought it, and now I don’t need to think about buying a Rolex. Its fantastic.

[@KabobHope]

Thanks for this vid. I love the Explorer and there are so many choices.

[@joaochastre1641]

I watched some of you videos, and this was by far the one I found more useful to me. Like another user said, you should make this a series!

[@United_EDC]

Great review, man. For the same reason, after my research, I bought Cronos, but a 36mm version. I also like their logo, which they put on a 36mm model. Reviewed it on my start up channel recently.

[@TheSerbianG]

I want to see this series for every single Rolex model. Currently I love the San Martin Ghost (submariner homage) and my Cronos GMT Pepsi dark bezel (Pepsi GMT), and a Sugess Daytona Le Mans edition. If there are other good homages I would like to see them go head to head.

[@andrewd7586]

Ben I have 3 Cronos watches & their build quality, quality control, movements, finishing is very high! Especially for the price.👍🏼😎

[@kaunas888]

I like the look of the older rounded numbers on the dial, instead of the newer squared off hands on the current Explorer.

[@vaclav_fejt]

I love these deep dive videos! They're always worth waiting for.

[@adk7962]

Thanks for the excellent comparison. I personally have some rules that I follow when purchasing a 1:1 “homage” watch, but it’s hard to argue against one of the higher end Chinese Brands like Cronos and San Martin when it comes to finishing and craftsmanship. And with San Martin now coming out with original designs, they are starting to become undeniable. Thanks again!

[@DekkerExpat]

What are the rules?

[@adk7962]

@ For me, the watch has to be discontinued. For example one of my favorite watches I own is a Seestern Homage of a 62mas. I know Seiko reissued it but for me that’s fair game. No Homage of Micro Brands and if I buy a Homage of a modern watch, it has be at least ten times more expensive than the Homage. I know these are silly rules, but everyone has to draw the line somewhere, but that’s where I personally draw the line (s).

[@DekkerExpat]

@@adk7962 thanks for sharing. Personally I am less and less interested in Chinese brand watches, but for political reasons. To each their own sensibilities!

[@adk7962]

@@DekkerExpat I understand your stance as well. 👍🏼

[@Sparkadian]

The Cronos holds up in the water too, my wife poached it off me soon after buying one and has been wearing it the pools and spas at her rehab job 5 days a week, it’s a great watch.

[@hypnovike]

I always heard Cronos had the highest quality "homage" watches, but never knew if it was only limited to their Submariner designs. Never even heard of "Octopus Kraken", but very surprised a watch with a name that strange came out with such a high quality "homage"!

[@brandongouge]

Really digging these comparison videos! Keep em’ coming!

[@WH250398]

I once considered getting an Omega. Then I saw what it costs to repair them and never considered it again. Ridiculous.

[@speedracer2please]

One of the selling points is that a co-axial escapement doesn't need as much servicing, but you can replace an entire seiko movement several times for less than one Omega service fee lol

[@mrbrisvegas2]

@@speedracer2please Seiko factory 'servicing' is a movement replacement.

[@leeharris5135]

Great video, it’s a shame you didn’t have the Watchdives Explorer homage, VH31 movement 36mm looks beautiful. Watchdives are on fire at the moment.

[@davidsherrick898]

I bought the Cronos 39mm with the PT5000 as soon as it came out. I'm pleased with it. Great video as always!

[@sinjinadams2862]

Absolutely fantastic video! This is by far the best comparison video I have ever seen for this watch. I am not surprised by your results, I think you were dead on. Cronos has always been my favorite Chinese watch brand and it would definitely be my pick of the group.

[@Danilyn_Livao]

Great comparison, Ben!💯 I really appreciate the value you provide for watch enthusiasts looking for affordable alternatives without compromising too much on quality. Definitely a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of watches!

[@Peter-z5f]

If you're into modding, the NH35 version of the Bliger is actually kind of a good platform to mess around with. For one it's dirt cheap, and the bracelet is reasonably good if you're willing to get in there and smooth it, because it has screw links and glidelock. I don't know how consistent their QC is, but all the screws on mine are all good. Also the dial is a 28.5/29mm, which is an extremely common size for dive watch dials, so there are a lot to choose from, same with NH35 hands. I have mine fully brushed out, with a Sinn 556 style dial and hands, powered by an NH36 day'date movement with the white day wheel swapped for a black one to give the dial more symmetry. For me it's a perfect casual GADA. The fact that it's cheap and not a good clone of a Rolex made the decision to mod it a lot easier. In stock form I'd probably never wear it, but as a mod it's one of my main watches.

[@Hipnosis65]

Great content Ben.

[@jakecoventry9004]

I’m really keen to get a Rolex Explorer, but before I take the plunge I might get one of these, to see if I REALLY want one. See how much I wear it and like the look of it. Kind of like a free trial!

[@predog18]

I did this and now I know for sure I don’t want one lol

[@magichackerv8]

Please make this a series. I’m sure a lot of us would like to know which homage is worth the money.

[@totempolejoe1]

Most likely a hot take, but I love that there is a watch brand called Octopus Kraken. I hope they never change that name. I would consider buying their Fauxlex purely for the name; it just happens to be one of the better ones you tested here, too!

[@andrebann1620]

Guys… I like a lot of you have bought lots of brands but after partying with my hard earned cash my number 1 choice is always Octopus Kraken throughout their range and I got 10 of their watches, then it’s Cronos and San Martin side by side, forget the rest these mentioned 3 are the best… period

[@johnhunterpPhD]

Baltany has good offerings if you're into their style

[@carl7517]

Got the Octopus Kraken, it's really a speechless gorgeous watch, 36mm, top tier of finish, better movement than other competitor, slimmer profile, even thinner thickness than 36mm original rolex explorer model...

[@darrenhojnacki6636]

I have the Baltany 36mm. I enjoy it and the dial is very nice. I like that it is not exactly a clone but a little different while knowing exactly that it is a homage of the Explorer

[@scottmurray8526]

If you are looking at the 36mm Baltany, there are two models that differ in how the indices are modelled (and maybe the face). One has the silver border (Homage) and the other without (Retro). I order the later in error, thinking I was saving a few bucks, but I'm happy with it. Bracelet was, OK but I have it one a brown leather strap to match the dial.

[@kaunas888]

I would be even more interesting to do the test on Rolex GMT homages, since they have more details. But that would cost more.

[@escargot8854]

Well made review. you can tell a lot of work went into this. thank you!

[@funtaril]

Great idea and great video, the only thing I'd like to see is both the original and replica side-to side at the same time while you describe each model's exterior and finish.

[@vaclav_fejt]

I bought a Tisell Explorer 36 before I knew about Cronos or Baltany. And before any of them had EU warehouses. More expensive than the San Martin, but still less than Steinhart. Glide lock clasp, Miyota 90s5. Two years of flawless timekeeping.

[@consumidorbrasileiro222]

The only thing I wanted to see you haven't shown: how similar to the original each copy looks, side by side.

[@RantAboutTime]

This is one of the best/fun videos I have seen so far this year …

[@cosmodoc]

Super interesting video, Ben!

[@michaelcoates7475]

I really enjoyed this comparison!

[@friskjidjidoglu7415]

11:23 they aren’t inferior. A major advantage with pins is that they do not strip, unlike screws

[@betog.6229]

I don't think I'd personally buy a homage watch ever but this video was impressive and surprisingly informative. If you could keep them going, I'd appreciate it, Ben!

[@theillusionist8407]

For the pagani, you either have to unscrew them upside down or add a bit of tension on the sided to get the threads to grip. I have their homage to the milgauss, and it has the same issue, but like you said the clasp is great.

[@treehugger3615]

For me it's the Baltany. I dig the domed sapphire a lot. The one with the brown dial looks amazing too.

[@nikolastojadinovic2534]

You should rewiev Tisell watches, very little rewievs of them but they look very nice.

[@boldmeregarden637]

I have the Pagani, i got it because of good reviews, £60 ish price tag, the fact it has the logo on the dial rather than the name. I ditched the bracelet for a leather strap and love it.

[@oscarsanchez298]

Great execution on this type of video. Really enjoyable, would like to seem more.

[@ender1077]

Great topic for video, and very informative. Was a topic I have been interested in for a while. It would be a lot more expensive, but a budget microbrand non-Aliexpress version of this would also be a great follow up. Examples, Islander, Traska, RZE, Lorier, Smiths, and Vaer all make a highly praised 3,6,9 and I don't think I've ever seen a video similar to this one for those level of Explorer style watches.

[@ThePirateCasey]

I really enjoyed this video, I hope you can do more like it in the future. I know this cost you a lot to make, but they should all sell easily if you wanted to get rid of them. Take care and I'll look forward to the next one!

[@Nick.Morris]

Cronos used to be named Lugyou. So I'd say they've done alright going with Cronos, ha.

[@Se7endSe7en1]

Ben, I just received a Cronos L6031 explorer homage with a PT5000 movement that I bought based partly on your video. Time will tell on the longevity, but initial impressions are good. Thanks!

[@HollyWaters-h2m]

my dad bought a Rolex Explorer from wristova a few years back and the super clone is so good and still working perfectly great!!

[@slaphead90]

To be honest if you want a Rolex then you're better off getting a clone or homage to begin with, because anybody who sees a watch branded Rolex just assumes it's a fake anyway, regardless of whether it is or isn't.

[@bulj]

This would assume that you're buying rolex just to flex

[@davidparker.2227]

​@@bulj Nobody in the entire galaxy is buying a rolex for their amazing utility and versatility.

[@slaphead90]

@@bulj Isn't that the only reason to buy Rolex? There are plenty of other top end and classier Swiss watches if you really want to spend 5 figures on a watch.

[@TheAechBomb]

@@davidparker.2227 the only rolex I'd consider would be a Milgauss for the magnetic resistance... but at that point I'd just buy a cheap casio because quartz doesn't care about magnets anyway lmao

[@ozzy1154]

@@slaphead90this is ridiculous. Rolex is perhaps the most robust luxury watch at their price range with the absolute tightest QC and almost completely fully integrated, rather than so many “Swiss” brands which are really just Chinese.

[@Zkahwei]

Add in the Smith PRS-25 for comparison, I know its not from AliExpress but worth comparing as well. Cheers😊

[@LordNeonhelmchen]

Terami is using the "feel never" logo. Hence the F N in it. So you can feel the watch now, but it still sounds like something I would expect to find in a gardening shop. :D

[@DoyThinksThis]

Octopus Kraken...can never get past the name. So close.

[@ptzoitis]

Truly great video! Pls make more like this 👏👏🙏🙏

[@chuckcharles5963]

I know it’s not your cup of tea but maybe a comparison with the Replica Explorer made my Clean Factory would be interesting. If you google for it you will find a macro-comparison with the real deal and it’s shockingly close. I would bet that the octopus gets some parts from the same supplier.

[@arnaudtorres]

What's the difference btw the Cronos you show in the video (without logo in the dial) and the Cronos on AliExpress with the little logo, looks like it's not the same Cronos ? thanks :)

[@znuteri-s7b]

Cronos makes the best "homages". Their "Sub" homage is realy good too.

[@sukinelson2153]

Big fan of this concept series would love to see another version of this video

[@Shadowman-1960]

Cronos for me in two colors and they're very accurate.

[@BeeRumblin13]

I built my own from Ali parts. I got a sweet "Seiko" dial for mine. My first full build. Turned out cool for maybe $100 U.S.

[@leonbeale5431]

I have about 40 of these Chinese watches. Most are excellent value for money and look superb. Cronos is named correctly and IMO it's a pretty good name. Not a fan of the rest; in particularly Pagani which usually has notoriously bad lume. Addiesdive are great watches with a dreadful name and logo. With a good logo/name I would rank them second. Finally San Martin are the most overvalued of any Chinese watch - for the price you can actually buy a mid range watch in a reputable brand. Also I don't care about the packaging provided it is not a plastic bag - it just goes in the bin - will never be able to resell these. I hear good feedback on Octopus and may have had Phylida once as a young man. Cronos is my pick as #1.

[@MrReese]

I did not expect there to be so many different clones, I would have assumed most come out of the same factory and just have a different name on them! Very interesting indeed.

[@markmahood3093]

Would habe been interesting if you had seen how well they were running. The cronos i had was at +3 seconds a day.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great video man 👏

[@Peodinn]

Well. If you go to a Rolex boutique, they don’t sell you anything. If you go online, you likely buy a fake watch assembled in Hong Kong at 80% of the listed price. Now, going to Aliepress should be a no-brainer, and just don’t blame us for buying a watch for ourselves.

[@DragosDreamer1989]

11:00 - strange issue; I own a Pagani Design 1751 and had absolutely no problem with the bracelet screws. Dare say, they look quite well made.

[@Lito-Lapid]

Agree. I've never had any issues with my bracelet screw.

[@robfaulkner7016]

I own the Baltany in 39mm. I liked the explorer look but would never spend the money for a Rolex. I also didn't want an exact clone so I went for their chocolate brown sunburst dial which looks amazing. The quality of the watch is fantastic, keeps fantastic time, the bracelet is comfortable and far exceeds my expectations for the £200 I paid. The sapphire crystal is so clear and the indices are very well applied and the lume is great. Baltany specialise from what I can tell in vintage homages of watches that can be difficult to find, and they do it so well that I may get a few more of their watches. They also have a UK website which means they avoid import duty and customer service should be pretty good. All in all I love my watch and can recommend it if you like the explorer look but don't want to spend a fortune.

[@KorenaErrera]

Backpack kislux - also works for Compare - I can't find any difference and still use it for the gym

[@ZinniaOriente]

I have a Chanel lambskin square pearl bag and a Chanel handbag but my lambskin square petal bag I have worn 2 times and I am very careful but somehow still has small scratches on the leather and the gold on the clasp. I don’t know what happened but I paid over $3,000 for it a few years ago and I am upset that it already has scratches. No one notices now but I notice the price I paid for it. I’m saving up to buy another kislux bag now that I won’t be paying full price anymore.

[@David-jb5dv]

Loved this ben

[@chriss2254]

20:21 Would the Addiesdive 36mm be the better pick compared to the cronos in 36 with an NH35 movement?

[@tpop3723]

Everybody copies everyone else, just look at Ford and Aston Martin.

[@Ratgibbon]

Well, Ford used to own Aston Martin in the 90s/2000s.

[@johnbuchan2388]

@@Ratgibbonpurely for access to the designs

[@wewwew236]

Man, octopus keeps doing this. I had the Fifty Fathoms homage from them and it was amazing. Though I messed it up trying to fix the broken movement after a drop (shock absorption was nonexistent, this one looks much better). I wish they stopped putting the name and just kept the logo on their dials though.

[@compaqdeskpro5770]

The Explorer is the only Rolex I really like, but I choose quantity over quality and set a hard budget of $200, so the real thing is leagues out of the question. I bought the Cronos with the PT5000 Swiss knockoff movement through your link. I already have Seikos anyway, so might as well go full Chinese.

[@SteppingR]

best choice imo

[@spheremotel1772]

I got the Corgeut NH35A version for about £54 plus shipping - surprisingly good in my humble opinion.

[@Phidarus]

Hey Ben! Great comparison! Really great! I just wanted to draw your attention to the 36mm Addiesdive AD 2023-AC. It is an automatic version of the one you have shown here, featuring the PT5000 movement!!! A great little buzzer 🙂 Thanks again for your great work

[@martinowl]

I got one 6 months ago. I think it’s great , wears comfortable. Love wearing it.

[@ConradAquilina]

Thanks for a video many watch YT channels are afraid to go for!

[@DaveJohnson]

That extension link on the Rolex looks like a 'Steel Reef' aftermarket link extension. I've got one on my Tudor Chrono and it's really useful.

[@Nachovalenti899]

If I have to buy one of these, definitely Cronos is the best one. Many thanks for the video.

[@sonson-ct9cm]

Super dedicate 👍 thank you Ben

[@lihanou]

i've always wondered how these homages compare to the real thing, thanks for the video

[@aethelwulfwarlord1475]

The new Cronos 36mm is the one to get