Serica 5303 vs. China and YouTubers

Serica made a lovely, but a little being, watch. Then they tried to bride KZbinrs.
Maybe they should've just bribed me :)

[@watchbonobo]

I picked up a 5303 2nd hand from ebay - checking first that the crown issues were not present on it. The reaction Serica had to this problem was not a good look as you say. However the watch is stunning and unlike anything else I've ever owned. I've had a couple of email interactions with the brand owner and he's been nothing but polite and professional with me as a customer. I owned a 4512 a couple of years back and I can tell you that they are fantastic watches, I only let it go because I couldn't get along with a screw down crown on a hand wind movement. I presumed it would only be a matter of time until something failed on it. I think Serica deserve to survive but I also think they MUST use a more trustworthy movement going forward.

[@Not-a-bot222]

I agree. I bought the second run 5303 brand new. I’ve experienced the second hand tick away after hacking about three or so times. Anyway, serica sent me a print out via email for a US watchmaker that will completely test and inspect my watch and correct the crown stem or hacking function or anything needed free of charge from me. Step in the right direction for sure. Also I’m experiencing +1 spd.

[@motherhubbard3428]

I love the blue dial 5303 and will own one as soon as the known issues are corrected. Until then I have an Ipose. It’s not that Serica is over $1,200.00, it’s that Serica is over $1,200.00 with known issues and Serica won’t take responsibility. I have seen on forums where Serica owners are selling their 5303 and buying the Ipose, that tells me a lot. If Serica doesn’t care about and doesn’t want to defend their reputation, why should I?

[@Not-a-bot222]

Serica sent me an email with an attached print out for a free check and correction via a California watchmaker. All charges covered by serica. That’s a step in the right direction and honestly my watch has experienced the second hand continue to tick after hacking but, only two or three times. To be fair my watch keeps time at a +1 spd rate. It’s beautiful, it’s unique, it’s great.

[@jazzman5598]

Super well said. On my way for an IPOSE with the date, being run with a lovely, old school, 4 hertz 2824-2.

[@martinyong2806]

Every brand has its flaws; as they grow larger, it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain control. In my opinion, it's essential to consider both perspectives. For instance, if a movement is 'Chronometer certified,' I believe it's crucial to delve deeper into the new owner's narrative. I disagree with the 'Homage or fake' business model, as it dissuades honest and passionate individuals from crafting high-quality watches accessible to lower-income groups.

[@charliegabriel7431]

Once i lay my eyes on Serica's watch i was instantly drawn into it. I understand sometimes you cant compare on the pricing, however as a consumer i feel i would like to purchase something that's worth while such as Seiko, Hamilton or Orient which the brand gives me the confidence. Now i see so many negative comment it's more deterring to purchase it but i gotta say, really like the design of the watch.

[@rodsalvador3608]

In your tum tum, hahaha! keep making videos lol. I have hard time rewarding copycats, so I'll sit back and wait and see if the new 5303 batches are OK.

[@Jason-hv4eu]

IMO If it is ok to homage a mainstream brand then it’s ok to homage a micro brand.

[@Bonpu]

Just like it’s the same if you steal from a bank or from an elderly lady.

[@idkwatches6707]

As long as you understand how it affects each type of company differently, I say do what you want!

[@timemasterhms]

​@@idkwatches6707 It affects a microbrand most, though if you're going to buy a 'homage' or copy, you were never really going to buy the original.

[@julianb1474]

I have the IPOSE V3 on it's way to me with the PT5000. I already own a couple of watches with this movement and they have been fine. It's a premium hi-beat movement, a legal clone of the ETA 2824

[@eazye619]

Great video!

[@roamy3605]

What? I'm you're first commenter? OK then. I've been around Micro-brand watches from about the time the 1st micro watch brand came out (well close maybe). I would say buy this "homage". It sounds like the movements are better. If Serica get's their movements straightened out then maybe get one from them too and do a comparison, or not. Over $1,000 for a micro-brand is a lot of money to spend especially when they didn't do their homework on the movement. Hey, Serica isn't even paying much for marketing or distributing. Serica made a huge mistake that could completely wipe them out as a company. Serica owes everyone who bought their 5303 a change out to a new movement and apologies for being buttheads. I was ready to buy this Serica as well but when I heard about the movement issues I wouldn't touch them now. Good luck with your channel!

[@ogikilla]

I was one of the OG buyers of the 5303 (whitedial). LOVED it at first sight and when I got it, it was my go to watch everywhere I went. I ran into the issue with the crown being finicky, didn't bother to get it fixed as I was about to head over there to have them do it. Sadly, it was lost to the Cuban beaches during my recent trip. RIP SERICA. Now debating if I should get another one.

[@timmanning5357]

The defensive and dismissive response from Serica in regard to the faulty movement added insult to injury for those who were unfortunate enough to be landed with a lemon. Personally I don't care how beautifully designed any of their watches are, there is no way I would hand over my hard earned $ to a company that trys hard to convince people a faulty movement is just part of the experience and they should just learn to live with it. No thanks

[@jamesw5763]

I got my email last week from Serica... 5303-3 COSC Certified Chronometer Midnight Blue available for Pre-Order. I jumped on it. Im weak. It should arrive in September. Seems they are sticking with the Soprod movement. Not thrilled with that choice, but I REALLY like this watch. I KNEW there was going to be some kind of change, but was really hoping for an ETA or Selitta movement. Looks like they also added a measure of anti-magnetism in the form of a soft-iron inner sleeve.(Kinda cool, if Im ever chased by a smokin-hot terminator chick through underground magnetized tunnels). And thank you Serica for keeping it a no-date watch. As for the iPose watch... Just got mine last week. In white. Was supposed to be V2, but is not. Just two lines of text (glad about that), and bezel is off on one spot (not thrilled about that). I really dont care for the date. I think iPose messed up adding it. Maybe make it an option? ETA 2824 movement. BAM. Under $400.00 shipped. WITH AN ETA. The Bracelet is really REALLY nice. Someone mentioned being unhappy with it in an earlier response. He may have gotten a bum unit. The one thing I keep hearing about this iPose watch (other than praise using a movement that actually works) is the bracelet quality is top-notch. For the most-part, I agree. I'l probably keep the white iPose watch, as it seems to be working well. Just checking on the atomic clock now, and after setting the time around noon 4/20/23 the time is 12-13 seconds fast. 4 days, 12 seconds fast. Not bad, Ali-Express. NIts on both watches... Quick connects for bracelet and straps. Come on. Give us quick connectors.

[@Kosthoms]

Gosh, in the beginning of the video I thought you were gonna say that Serica was in fact an Ali Express watch on which they got rid of the date 😅

[@fcc5923]

They should defend themselves. And, at more than 1000 usd product, they should love their customers too!

[@bluesdog645]

I went with the Ipose with the Selita movement. I love it. It looks great and performs excellently.

[@joostkiefte7683]

I went for the Ipose PT5000.

[@bluesdog645]

@@joostkiefte7683 How is it running for you?

[@ricardodiaz6187]

Serica are a bunch of jack offs. They make the most absolute beautiful designed watches and put a trash movement inside, then acted like the customers are trippin. I’m glad China made a copy.

[@edvardschock9739]

Great info thanks

[@mariog7213]

That channel that had that email exchange with Serica is known for bullying and actively trying to take down other reviewers channels. I’d be careful about talking to that dude

[@jazzman5598]

My dream watch would have at least 10 sub dials……all of them the amazingly useful 24 hour dial! Oh the…..BALANCE!!!

[@roycedot]

They never said sh*t or apologize did they?

[@watchalot919]

That's the French for you. Nothing wrong with homages. They are legal and give people without pots of money the opportunity to enjoy a nice looking watch. It happens in every other industry, so why should it be an issue with watches

[@Beck-Stein]

Plus, highly likely from the same factory with blueprints. Cost of using overseas manufacturing.

[@gabrielpyh5608]

Lets go Chinese Movement! Tired of irresponsible watch brands!

[@patrickriarchy6054]

They should have used an off the shelf proven movement until their in house one was ready and tested. Bought a Tandorio version for $75 for the head and $55 for the bracelet. No date and sterile.

[@robertarevalo5306]

I didn’t know Serica was going after KZbinrs and bribing them. Why didn’t this French brand go after the movement manufacturer. Probably because they are afraid of them. Go after the manufacturer not the KZbinrs. The two clowns that own serica need to man up, admit they messed up and get a better and reliable movement. If you stand behind your product and believe in your own brand you will do what’s necessary to make these watches work properly regardless of the price.

[@multipl3]

I got the Ipose V2. Bezel is still misaligned and the strap is not fit for purpose. It dropped 5 or 6 times and when I reported it they wanted me to send a video... I still love it but be warned the bracelet will need disposing of

[@idkwatches6707]

Dang, I was really excited about the bracelet.

[@millersciencesms762]

Sorry to hear that. I received the V2 with the Sellita about 10 days ago, have not experienced any of those issues. My main issue is the added line of text and made in China below 6:00.

[@Televisiontechnology]

Ive got the original, no problems at all. NEWS - serica has new movement and greater anti magnetism. Size and build is not the same on copy

[@millersciencesms762]

@@Televisiontechnology ?

[@jamesw5763]

My bracelet is awesome. I cant believe how much attention to detail.

[@S-Ltd1000]

The guy behind Wr4k is believed to have been responsible for having other watch channels taken down. He's not a nice person.

[@jazzman5598]

Serica blew it. I have ZERO problem buying an IPOSE with (I can not believe I’m saying this) a difficult to find ETA 2824-2 movement for $400.00 USD. The end.

[@rdvgrd6]

Good for you killing creative business by promoting rip offs of original r&d

[@roycedot]

@@rdvgrd6maybe watch the video…

[@Bigsex448]

Goated youtuber