Should You Buy THIS Instead Of AliExpress Watches? - Islander Port Jefferson

[@danspanos]

I've been waiting for the white dial version to come back in stock for a while now, but the salmon dial is definitely my second choice. I've purchased quite a few Islanders over the years. If I ever have an issue, or a question on a product I'm interested in, I usually get replies to my emails within an hour, and most of the time it's from Marc himself! Personally, I love their logo. If you know the meaning behind it, it makes sense. Marc explained it in one of his vids a while back.

[@WristWatching]

That’s so true, Marc replies emails at lightning speed! Any idea when the white dial is restocking? If it’s a long wait, I’m sure you’re going to be happy with this salmon dial. It’s a lovely shade in the flesh.

[@danspanos]

@@WristWatching It's been out of stock for at least 5 months now. I didn't have the extra funds when it was available. I haven't emailed to ask when it will be back in yet. I think I need to wait. We may have all the same watches, but I need to have different colors at the very least! 😂

[@XjohnjohnX88]

Good to know

[@WristWatching]

@@danspanoswe’re going to have the exact same collection one of these days 🤣

[@jazzman5598]

I put a couple of small drops of 3 in 1 Oil on the stuck bezel on my ISL-73. Feels luxurious now. Fine vid! Thanks

[@WristWatching]

Great tip!

[@goldfools5445]

The logo is not adaptive to all styles. IMO. Seems like a good company to deal with.

[@WristWatching]

Very true on the logo. I’ve heard only good things about their service. That’s commendable.

[@thegorn]

We heard you like watch faces, so we put a watch face on your watch face - so you can watchface when you watchface!

[@goldfools5445]

@@thegorn it’s ok, you will sober up in the morning.

[@corychecketts]

Luxury watches are great and all until you get hit with a $750 servicing bill. The maintenance costs of Swiss watches is exactly why I've sold them all off and am interested in brands like Long Island Watch. I own a few LI watches and have been really impressed by them. I just bought a Port Jefferson today, so I'm excited to experience it. Great review!

[@adk7962]

Islander are not just great watches, Marc seems like a genuine good guy and complete 100% watch nerd. Thanks for the great review!

[@danspanos]

Totally agree! 🍻

[@adk7962]

@@danspanos The white dial is my favorite for this watch also!

[@danspanos]

@@adk7962 Great taste bro! I can't wait for them to restock it!

[@WristWatching]

Thanks for watching mate, Marc definitely seems like a stand up guy!

[@KB-vf4gz]

This videography is amazing dude. Best watch close ups I have seen on KZbin

[@WristWatching]

Wow, thanks so much man! 🙏🏾

[@ahirshfield]

Love the watch and Marc’s brand and channel. As you are comparing to AliEx value, I think there may be a QC issue on your sample. Is that a scratch on the surface of the inner chapter ring at the 8-minute marker - between the 1 and 2 indices? Visible in the video @4:43.

[@WristWatching]

Good spot! This is a prototype unit that Marc loaned me for the review, so it didn’t go through the usual QC process. I should probably have highlighted that in the video.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi Harvind. Just popped by to see what you are up to. Just reviewed this watch in a different colourway. Provided by Long Island Watch. A really cool piece. I see you haven't posted in a while so I presume you are on holiday. Need to pick your brains on a new keyboard when you are back :)

[@WristWatching]

What are the odds that you, Eric and me reviewed the same watch so close to each other! Haha just got back from a much needed break from YT. I’ll drop you an email with some keyboard recommendations ;)

[@SpaceG95]

When comparing price you need to consider labor costs in the country of origin. There is a big difference in the cost of living and fair wage between the US and China.

[@WristWatching]

Of course!

[@TomasPerez-en6bp]

God I could genuinely gush about the aesthetics of this watch the way the salmon is a almost powdery texture on the dial giving it that eye candy and the orange is similar to all the old tropic dials, the beautiful inner chapter ring that just frames those lume plots like a pelagos, the thinness of the watch head and that smooth sweep, the way the dark blue ceramic just works with the salmon even though you wouldn't expect it too, the color matched date wheel and seconds hand that just tie it all together. This really is a perfect evolution for islander honestly some other amazing designs from them (to me) include both their swiss and Seiko movement GMT they both look gorgeous. But Marc as the brand owner has been one of the nicest I've seen on KZbin and his watch and learn series was one of the first I saw.

[@WristWatching]

Really well said! This really is the perfect representation of the brand’s evolution. I probably watched all of Marc’s ‘Watch & Learn’ series when I first got into the hobby. It’s a goldmine of knowledge.

[@TomasPerez-en6bp]

@@WristWatching Exactly, I always tune in for his monthly watch talk with TGV and honestly they can be a great gateway into the hobby let alone how they try to use their platforms to more charitable endeavors. But back to the watch and brand you're right the only real problem I'd pick with it is the clasp but if there was maybe a ratcheting micro-adjust the watch itself would probably cost a lot more.

[@WatchWitt]

These look SO well done. While I like plenty of their previous releases, this one REALLY connects with me. Love the tuning fork indices.

[@WristWatching]

Man, I didn’t even notice how the indices look like tuning forks. They look even cooler now!

[@greggusan]

I like the case, and the overall quality of this watch. But no Islander has yet really grabbed me. I don't like their color palette throughout their watch range on the most part. Having said that, this one is almost there for me. And I do REALLY like that applied silver scale on this dial. Very nice touch. Still waiting for the Islander that really speaks to me though.

[@WristWatching]

I’m in the same boat. This is the only one that’s did it for me so far.

[@bignz721]

I bought the straight-up Black/Grey NORTHPORT as it has near identical specs to the Seiko 62MAS spb143 reissue. It hits all the marks, has arguably better hardware & except for 'SEIKO' on the dial, is perfect in everyway I needed. Awesome desk diver. Plus .. Marc & LIW has incredible customer service, so they have my loyalty, esp after getting burned my AliExp a couple times

[@WristWatching]

Good choice! The Northport definitely gives the SPB143 a run for its money

[@mrmagoo.3678]

Islanders are Fantastic for their Price!..Great Customer Service too.

[@WristWatching]

They really are!

[@thegorn]

Islander watches often look like home-made SKX mods, although this one looks well done. That navy and salmon go so well together. The logo though is a stylised watch face. It's like...imagine if Ferrari's logo was a toy-car instead of a stallion, or the Nike logo was a pair of shoes instead of the swish. You get the point. But Marc is stubbornly sticking with it, and so I'm stubbornly never buying one.

[@WristWatching]

I can’t unsee that comparison!

[@dunderhay9169]

I don't want to knock Marc or Islander watches, but just want to point out that not all AliExpress watches are homages. I just received a San Martin sn0116 an original design with a beautiful dial and case. It is also worth remembering that the Chinese make most of the parts used to make Islander watches (and a lot of Swiss), if they didn't, Marc couldn't possibly sell them at such competitive prices. Marc no doubt provides a much more solid warranty and better customer service.

[@WristWatching]

I’m with you on that. Islander is going to have stiff competition once more Chinese brands release original designs, but as things stand, 99% of Chinese watches are homages. It’ll be interesting to see how this space evolves!

[@dunderhay9169]

@@WristWatching Yes very interesting times ahead for watch enthusiasts 👍 I can't help thinking Seiko moving up market has left space for new watches at bargain prices.

[@Time4Life321]

I can’t believe we are reviewing the same watch, at the same time. I’m posting my video on Monday. I also love the fact it’s an original design, really well made, the customer service is top notch and it’s affordable. The originality is something that’s lacking from most Ali express brands. IMO, this offers more value than an homage watch simply because those homage watches are interchangeable.

[@WristWatching]

Haha I can’t believe we’re twinning, what are the odds of that?! Looking forward to your review. I was really impressed by this. I love AliExpress homages, but I completely agree on the interchangeable aspect. Very few stay in my collection for the long haul.

[@H0kram]

I definitely like this look. I think you went with the best color combo. Also, Marc is just a great add for his brand, his channel and reputation speak volume. Who I buy from counts for me, and I know it does for many others. As always, a stunning camera work and smooth narration on this review :)

[@WristWatching]

I totally agree! Thanks so much for watching 🙏🏽

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Its a very nice looking watch. I'm not sure if the salmon dial goes with the blue, but that's me. I've been looking at the prices for preowned micro brands on ebay and I'm shocked by the amount of value they loose. I got a preowned SanMartin water ghost v3 WITH a high beat movment for £120! On the time graph is 0-1 second a day... I'm a subscriber and enjoy your reviews so thank you.

[@WristWatching]

Thanks for the continued support mate! I wasn’t expecting the colour combo to work well together, but it looks cohesive in the flesh. That San Martin you got is a steal!

[@thatspiritualhumane]

Personally, I don't like overpriced homages. Maybe its just me, but I feel this is a hyper up homage watch, but yes it is well made. But, I'd prefer a Seiko 5 Or Orient over any homage, I mean at this $450 price. But, yes if Mark can bring down the price to $250, it is worth it

[@WristWatching]

It’s quite original though, I don’t think this homages any watch I know of. Do you know similar looking watches this takes inspiration from?

[@XjohnjohnX88]

I really enjoyed the video! Very honest comparison with AliX watches. AliX watches are better value for money, but Islander watches have a way better warranty, and now there are some original designs 👍 Unfortunately, I'm afraid they are too expensive here in France because of the TVA (french taxes, 21% 😭). Have you paid taxes from Portugal?

[@WristWatching]

Thanks for watching man! EU taxes are definitely one of the pain points. I got mine on loan from Marc, but those of us in the EU will probably have to add taxes on top of the watch prices. Not the same killer value it is compared to buying it in the US.

[@antoinecharpentier7687]

I know color matched date wheels are kind of a meme, but here it just looks bad. An ordinary white date would complement the indices, this looks muddy. Also these half minute hash marks just make it hard to tell the time. Those are my only 2 complaints though, good otherwise.

[@WristWatching]

I’m a sucker for colour matched date wheels, but I agree, they don’t work on all dials. Personally, I think it works really well here. Thanks for watching!