Seiko Monster vs. Islander Monster - Who Comes Out on Top?!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

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[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

My heart leans to the Seiko but I do really like what Mark is doing. Thanks for the side by side look Joe!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks Bob! Appreciate your support and kindness!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

With summer being here i miss alot of shows I even had a reminder !

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Glad you didn’t miss this one Junior! Appreciate your continued support!

[@bburk658]

Islander watch has my respect regards to quality, materials, aesthetics and for fair value pricing. I will eventually get one.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

You won’t be disappointed! Glad I’ve had first hand experience. Thanks for watching.

[@dustoff499]

Personal, I feel the Islander Monster comes out on top. The movement is dependable; it looks identical; has some useful improvements; comparable lume and a price that is more affordable. I don't buy watches to collect - I buy them to wear and keep time.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

The Islander is perfect for since you’re wearing it because you enjoy and not for resale. 👍

[@josephballdinger4078]

Learned some new stuff! I’m a fan of the LI watch! Thx joe

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Glad I could teach you a thing or two! 😁

[@clontstable1]

I own the ISL-57. Years ago, my Captain at the Fire Department wore the black dialed 1st Gen, which I always admired. It was so chunky, unique & toolish. So, I figured that the Islander version of this classic would satisfy my cravings & it has done so in spades. Plus it hacks, hand winds & has a double domed Safire crystal.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Glad to see it has met expectations. Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@clontstable1]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews Thanks & FYI, I’ve owned the SRP309, 2nd Gen Orange since 2014. I picked it up off from Amazon for $170.00. Now they go for $500.00 + Incredible!!

[@christopherjohnson4276]

A couple weeks ago I bought the SRPD27 Seiko Monster and I love it. As far as these two go, OG Orange Monster. Great comparison and awesome content as usual! Thanks Joe

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Really appreciate that Chris. Appreciate the support!

[@clam4119]

Great info... love the honesty AJ!!!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Appreciate your support and feedback. Honesty is all you’ll get here. Some people have unsubbed because they couldn’t handle the truth. 😁👍

[@shawn1928]

Didn't even need to watch this review...it's the Islander, hands down. Those who prefer Seiko are either brand-loyal collectors, or they're just naive and can't recognize a better built watch in the Islander

[@TheWatchCorner]

Marc has a phenomenal line of watches. Better build quality then all Seikos. But Seiko Monsters are more valuable as prices will only keep going up as they are not made anymore for all old Generations. Great video my brother. Keep up great content! Loved your version on Head to Head non scoring system!💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯👍

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks bro

[@williamrizzo1285]

I have 3 Islanders, they have great specs for the price and awesome customer service 👍

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Awesome! Couldn’t agree more on the customer support.

[@TheTownWatch]

Nice to see these two watches side by side, I think this is a video many were hoping to see on KZbin at some point and you delivered! I appreciate Marc and what he does and I like the upgrades he's made to the "Monster" watch but as you said, I would go with the original if I could. You know me, I'm not really a "fan" of "homage" watches.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for the feedback and support bud. I’m not typically a fan of homage either and as much as I love the Islander Monster, I couldn’t own one myself. There is an Islander I have currently I want to purchase. Stay tuned.

[@caseanddial235]

Great comparison episode! The islander does offer sooo much. But as you said as far as collecting genuine monsters the OEM will always win. That seiko lume is crazy good for the age of the dial!!😍💚 🧡

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you my dear friend. You’re so right regarding the lume. It still won despite its age.

[@halfpastblog]

Great comparison, my friend. 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you buddy! 😁👍

[@WesWatchRoom]

Great comparison, for me I would want the original but marc did a really great job with his take on it.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@jimmccaig7946]

Had the Monster, loved it, sold it, miss it. Marc has won this. Will buy 👍 Great show. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👏🏼

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you sir! Marc is killing it in the quality dept.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great review my man. I personally like what Marc is doing, but I do hope he comes out with more original designs in the future. Keep up the great work 👏

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I agree but can’t deny his quality. Thanks for watching.

[@mattys1467]

Mark does such a good job on his Islander watches. However, as you say he can't compete on originality with this comparison but he does provide a higher spec for less money. It comes down to personal preference.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Well said my friend. Thanks for watching.

[@somewhereintimewatchreviews]

Great comparison, there is absolutely no doubting the quality of the Islander definitely a higher spec watch. Your thoughts on the 2 watches at the end of the video I think were spot on. Very well done & a good balanced comparison.👍👍

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you matey!

[@losdawg6265]

Outstanding review man. Everything you said is true. I’ll be sure to check out more content and subscribe.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks so much! Appreciate your feedback.

[@GuillermoGonzalez-hz4um]

I went with the Islander. Specs and value are great. Got the purple monster.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Can’t argue with you there. Congrats my friend. Do what makes you happy and what’s legal. 😉👍

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

Please also note Islander monsters are made by Heimdellar, straight out of their factory in China. If that's your thing, that's where to go. Great review.

[@johntanner611]

Great video! This is helping me in my decision on which islander watch to buy! I do like how the islander upgraded the key downfalls of the monster such as the crystal and the movement and comes in a much cheaper price and is a micro brand.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you for the feedback! Glad I could help.

[@VanderJam]

I love that Marc lets us have the Monster experience while making it better (arguably) and cheaper. I think I'll buy an Orange Islander Monster soon. Better specs and way cheaper than a used Seiko. Seiko Monster prices are stupid right now. You can get so much more watch for the money in that price range.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Hard to argue. Good luck with your purchase!

[@AliasEveWatches]

Great comparison! Islander watch really does present great value for money. However, Collectability matters though to a lot of people in this hobby! 🙂

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks Eve!

[@MirrlyonTime]

I suppose it's hard to say that the homage is better than the original, since one wouldn't be without the other, but I gotta say, I would buy Marc's before the original simply because of the price, I can't get the original for anywhere near the price of Marc's offering, and I do have the red dial version of his monster on my wish list on long island watch website. Great comparison!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

You’re the person Marc has created this for! Great feedback indeed my friend.

[@surfitli]

Nice comparison. I do have an Islander Monster, the full lume version. I would agree about the Bezel, but it works and lines up. The Islander beats it with the NH36. Personally this is a bigger deal than sapphire or the clasp. The Seiko is the orginal, and Marc is completely aware that he copied it. In same ways that is more important then the Islander’s better specs. I chose the Islander because of the NH36 and the fact it is new. The Gen 2 would be the Monster I would want, they are extremely expensive for what you are getting, plus they are old now. One little note, the Islander’s Crown is based on the Gen 2 Monster.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you my friend. I learned about the knurled crown after filming. Appreciate you mentioning that.

[@surfitli]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews No problem. Islanders are quality pieces with good specs. They are also USA based, so the watches are already in the US, he ships from Huntington Station , NY, this would be East of Queens. I’m actually about a 2 hour drive from this area.

[@GearheadCountryRadio]

I have one of both , love em both , Great Video . Thank you ,

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you.

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

Seiko is best. The charm and originality far exceeds a 'Frankenstein' copy. It's not the spec's that win the day it's the exclusivity and how the 'personality ', like you said, makes a true watch person feel. Great review, everything covered.

[@hankhillsnrrwurethra]

I have a G1 Seiko I bought new on eBay out of Singapore years ago. I love it; but, the keyless works action is *not* what it used to be. It feels soft and a little like a Vostok. I have an ISL-02 which is the 007 homage from Marc. That thing Rocks. I would not buy a G1 used. A NIB vs the ISL maybe think on that. But Marc is in this for the right reasons.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Every bezel on Seiko vary, they're dependent on the lubrication of the o-ring.

[@TheTownWatch]

😅Loved the F91W Commercial!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

You noticed the “Happy Accident” 😂

[@TheTownWatch]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews That's right! Bob Ross was watching over you in this video! 😅

[@johnv6542]

When will you be doing the video for the Jack turner giveaways

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I have no idea what you’re talking about but am interested in entering. 😂

[@johnv6542]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews omg wrong channel 😆

[@1968jpy]

I just recently purchased the new fourth generation Save the Ocean Antarctica 2021 and 2022 monsters . Personally I’m going with Seiko all day long . Nothing beats the real deal 👍🏻

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

No arguments there my friend. Congrats on the new purchase.

[@1968jpy]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews thanks Joe 👍🏻

[@MirrlyonTime]

Have to say, Seiko pressed clasp is fine by me...I have one on my seiko 5 sports, and the pressed clasp is far more comfortable than the scissor milled clasp that I have on Marc's Islander ISL-19. It is actually a bit of a hair nipper, pressed clasp on my seiko is smooth like butter, so without seeing the clasp on his monster, I would prefer the pressed clasp of seiko over the milled of Marc's if it is similar to the one of his I did get.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Appreciate the feedback and support brother.

[@kse1948]

As a huge fan of the first and second Gen orange monsters I’m a little disappointed in the islander’s lume to be honest, but the upgraded movement is a nice touch although it’s not a make or break for me personally. If I could stomach the extra $300+ for an original monster I would definitely go that route as of now. I’d like to see a side by side of the islander and Seiko orange dials. I do much prefer the crown of the islander as well. Good job on the review!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you so much! I’m reaching out to Marc tonight to see if he’ll send me an orange Monster. Had a few requests for a direct comparison.

[@azdbuk]

I have both in the Samurai case. There is no comparison, the Islander is twice the quality and quality control. And now colors for the monsters.

[@brianmsahin]

Great video. I must have missed this when on holidays! Recently I was trying to get a 2nd gen Monster (pointy teeth!)in pristine condition....€1420. Too much, I got the red Dial Heimdallr Monster instead, better build quality and 11 times cheaper, and it's fine for diving too. I'm not a fan of this particular Monster dial, but if the price was similar I'd get the Seiko, but if it's hugely inflated, I'd go with the Islander. Marc makes great watches. I'm a Seiko fan, have quite a lot of them, but I must admit, Seiko are in serious danger of being outdone in terms of price and quality by the homage equivalents from Island Watch, Steeldive, Heimdallr and others.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

My hopes is that these homage brands are putting heat on Seiko to step it up.

[@shaneclarcke4115]

I am not much of a traditionalist. My pick is the Islander.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Can’t blame you. It’s spec’d out nicely for a good price. Can’t argue that.

[@mauriciotorres5875]

As a collector I stuck to the Seiko- Aliexpress has same Islander copy for less money same spects

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for sharing! I personally would go Seiko as well as I own two Seiko Monsters and zero Islander Monsters. 😉

[@johnv6542]

I choose seiko haha one of my favorite brands great video

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thank you my brother.

[@charliepugh9436]

I agree with you. I like the originals for sure.

[@kewlger]

What I found interesting is Marc said himself on one of the shows he does with TGV that designing a watch is the one of if not the hardest part of watch making. So the upgraded specs are nice on paper but homages will always lack originality. I have nothing wrong with homage watches just their hardcore fanbase (like any) are quite insufferable

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Would love to see more original designs from Marc personally but I can’t deny the quality of his pieces.

[@peterkull8354]

Hi Joe, I like them both, however I was expecting more substantial improvements to the original Seiko watch. Perhaps Marc loves the original so much that he thought : a better movement with hacking and handwinding is o.k. and everthing else can stay unaltered becaus it´s good as it is ?

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Great question to ask Marc if he ever comes in the show. Good insight my friend. Thanks for watching buddy.

[@VanderJam]

I don't know. He always "fixes" the things that people don't like. His Monster has a sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, solid end links, milled clasp and most important... Screws to remove links instead of the stupid pins and collars Seiko refuses to give up on.

[@RampartPh]

if that was a black monster, that would have won my nod by a mile.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@BeeRumblin13]

I have a bunch of dive watches i get it but it makes me laugh when people talk about bezel action. No one is using these kind of watches to dive with . They wear them while diving to look cool and take pictures of it underwater . The bezel may move when they wash their hands or in the hotel pool. Haha.

[@jakeeleebattos9942]

Im waiting for this long island monster to show up at my doorstep

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

How do you like it?

[@davidfinnin3215]

Check out the Seiko 2nd generation Monster.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I have one now. Look for that review in the upcoming months.

[@knzaharin7720]

Bought my black monster 1st edition in 05 it sudenly stop moving n i took it to the watch dealer so sad i hv to spent $200 to fix it.. decide not to do just let it be.. looking for new diver watches now

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Would you be willing to part with it? I could make you an offer. Please email me at [e-mail]

[@ryannewby447]

An islander on my long list. Just need some more fun tokens at moment.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Thanks for stopping by bud.

[@curious5557]

Most Long Island watches are copies of other, previously established watch brands.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Yes and I, too, would like to see more original concepts from Marc.

[@manusverzoni2384]

Mind if I talk about the elephant in the room? China...

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Glad you weren’t referring to my weight gain. I mean, the camera does add 20 lbs. 😂

[@manusverzoni2384]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews I know you are lean like Mr. Town Watch.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@manusverzoni2384 you’re way too kind but Josh is trimmer than I. I’m 210 while he’s about 160 soaking wet. 😂

[@TheTownWatch]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews 😅😂🤣

[@Bob_Smith19]

China is the elephant. I personally try to avoid buying watches made there. But I have a few and I can’t complain for the price. Its the same w/ the Islanders. Marc is paying more money for a higher quality product. Which is how manufacturing works in China.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

Marc’s Islander is WAY superior to the Seiko. Just a better quality watch. Screw pins/adjustment. Sapphire Chrystal. Clasp. Movement. PRICE! Better in every way.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

No argument! Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@Dave062YT]

Non hacking is workable but no hand winding is a bad joke at Seiko prices .

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Yes sir! Agreed!

[@fillerbunny]

It wasn't that big a deal 21 years ago when the Monster was released.

[@Dave062YT]

@@fillerbunny The movement was fine in $50 Seiko 5s and that's it

[@Ge0rGi.]

@@Dave062YT Those were the movements Seiko had between 1996-2000's ; it's like now 4r36 movement it's in Seiko 5 ; turtle ; monster etc I have a first gen monster and let me tell you something ; it's the most accurate Seiko I have . I have Seiko marine master ; alpinists ; turtle ; tunas.

[@ralphlouismendoza1977]

iso certified original dive watch Vs a fake Chinese. which one would you buy?

[@richardtwyning]

I'm getting the white Monster for Christmas. Marc's done an excellent job with all his watches and these days Seiko are overrated.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

No question you’re getting great value with Marc’s Islander.

[@chrisroy1613]

Anti reflective crystal...its something I need on all my watches

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Yessss!!!!

[@zillsburyy1]

HEIMDALLR

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

I need to check one out.

[@zillsburyy1]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews they are quality unlike seiko

[@jamespalsson746]

ISL foam monster is the way

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

It’s a unique dial color.

[@timothyfoley3000]

Islander builds a better Seiko then Seiko...

[@michaelp3010]

Please stop using the doorbell sound my dog always goes crazy when I watch your videos. I am scared.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

😂 sorry about that. I’ll change the sound just for you my friend! 😁👍

[@michaelp3010]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews lmao thank you Joe, absolute lad. Xd

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

@@michaelp3010 I have just the perfect sound. 😆 You’ll have to tune in to the next video to find out. 😉👍

[@michaelp3010]

@@AvgJoeWatchReviews bet.

[@TheTownWatch]

😂

[@scottd7615]

Well one is made in china and the other is made in japan. The winner clear before you even start the video.

[@shawn1928]

@Scott D Sucks though that a chinese factory can properly align a bezel, yet a japanese one can't? And does it matter when I can consistently get a quality bracelet pumped out of a chinese/hong kong factory, when a japanese brand consistently provides a low-quality bracelet coming out of its japanese factory? Made in Japan usually = exceptional quality, except when it comes to Seiko, especially in the last few years where QC has taken a nosedive

[@scottd7615]

@@shawn1928 I fully understand what you are saying. My gripe is about the fact that China steals technology , trademarked ideas, and infringes on existing patents in order to produce their goods. Furthermore , when we buy from China (which I know is often unavoidable , but not in this case), we are feeding a totalitarian government that has no regards for human rights.For me, when I know I have a choice to easily avoid sending my hard earned money to China , I do, every time.

[@shawn1928]

@@scottd7615 What you’re describing (and you’re preaching to the choir believe me) is the bigger picture, larger-scale global economic situation where a lot of first world countries have become dependent on cheap goods (like an addiction to crack) at the expense of Chinese slave labour. You said, quote, “For me, when I know I have a choice…”. Ok so what are my choices, then. 1) Buy a higher-quality, higher-spec'd homage of a Seiko from a Chinese factory, or 2) Reluctantly buy a Seiko for the sake of principal to make my conscience feel better, recognizing that the purchase is such a small-scale, microcosmic economic factor which will have virtually no impact on either the Seiko Japanese factory or the homage brand Chinese factory, and with the only measurable impact being me getting stuck with an inferior Seiko watch that I didn’t want anyway. Is that the choice I want? Nope. So logically I'll take the first one. Should I feel bad? Nope. Should Seiko feel bad though about not making it easy for me (and everyone else) to support their company, their local economy, their workers, so that I can divert my hard-earned cash away from Chinese factory blood, sweat and tears. Absolutely. Where do I truly have a choice? And I'm not plugging these guys, but for kitchenware, online retailers like MadeInCookware.com and for uber-quality kitchenware designed "and" manufactured in Australia (I've purchased from them in the past), SolidTeknics.com (they also sell their stuff discounted via Kickstarter, just put yourself on their mailing list) Want another example? One of my favourite American online coffee retailers chewed me out one day when I asked where their coffee mugs were made and if they were made in China. The reply was "yes", to which I said, "Sorry, I won't purchase them then", and I got an earful of a response saying they've have to charge $60/mug if they were made in the States, and yada-yada. At least here, I know where I can buy mugs not-made-in-China, so I do have a choice in this case.

[@scottd7615]

@@shawn1928 "Ok so what are my choices, then." Well you have way more than the 2 choices you give here. You have thousands of more choices if you want to avoid buying a Chinese watch and/or a Seiko. Certainly, if you are commenting on a YT watch channel, I don't need to list them. :)

[@shawn1928]

​@@scottd7615 I've got over 50 watches in my collection. Many of them are neither Seiko, nor Chinese made. I know about alternatives, just like everyone else. You missed a huge part of my argument above. I think you also missed what this video is about, and why homages exist to begin with. And my patience has evaporated so I'm going to stop here, and let you do some thinking

[@ralphlouismendoza1977]

i hope seiko would sue the crap out of them.