Tandorio 36mm Field Watch that's called a Pilot? Another Gem From Aliexpress?

[@bangkokbullmoto]

Have the sterile version of this on a stainless steel strap, loses four seconds a day and I think it is excellent for the money. I actually like the hands, as somewhat aged eyes can see the hour and minute hands at a glance whilst the ultra thin second hand does not confuse matters. The stainless steel strap is well crafted but has no micro adjustment but luckily is a perfect fit for my small wrist - it is a very nice strap, especially compared with Seiko's costing two to three times as much and worth checking out (not all models come with the same bracelet, though). Went for the sterile version as it is a relatively small dial that seemed too crowded with the logo etc and Tandorio sounds more like an Indian meal than watch brand, possibly putting people off. I paid £61 inc tax and shipping and was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the box. Should also be mentioned that they do free returns for 15 days - that is return to UK aliexpress depot when you get refunded rather than waiting a month for it to get back to China - free return including postage. Have used that on some other items with no problems.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Bill. Will pin this for everyone else to see. :)

[@dunderhay9169]

I built a bronze case Tandorio pilot kit with an old nh35, great watch to wear and I pressure tested it to 50m and it was fine 👍

[@johnswatchjoint]

Good to know!

[@dunderhay9169]

@@Cuccos19 My set up can't go above 50m, but I think a watch actually tested to that should be fine for swimming. I don't see why the design isn't good to go deeper, most likely failures are due to poorly installed gaskets.

[@ianyoung5619]

I now have 12 different Tandorio watches all with my own custom logo, all with NH movements. Great value for the money and great custom dial printing service.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Very nice!

[@ianyoung5619]

My latest build is a coffee, half Arabic, half Roman California style dial GMT. It will have rose gold hands, NH34 movement and a bronze pilot style 39 case. All the parts have been ordered from Tandorio. The people who put my written ideas and rough sketches onto the dial, they are amazing. All in, with the case, movement, dial, hands, dial printing is astonishing £130. All I need to do is modify the centre hole of the dial to fit the NH34 and assemble it. Can’t wait.

[@Fred-rg5vw]

How do you custom the logo, and other things ? Is that an option they offer ?

[@WATCHingJames]

The couple I’ve handled are some of the best budget options I’ve come across.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi James. They do a great job for such budget prices!

[@luist.1919]

Another great review! Tandorio make some good watches for the price. I have one of their pilot watches & the watch has been a good daily wear. Also… for those sticky blue crown protectors, I use a piece of gaffers tape to remove them. Just stick on the tape & peel it right off. Has worked every time for me.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi Luis. Usually as a last resort I use Gorilla tape but unsuccessful this time. Lint free cloth and glass cleaner did it though !

[@jt9842]

isopropyl alcohol does the job well too a q-tip and a dab your good to go

[@マウス-i6t]

My Favorite small watch, my favorite Dial, but with the red seconds . 👏👏👏👏 Good reliable watch wallet friendly, I love it

[@gorillasinthewrist]

I have been tempted a few times mostly by the prices but never pulled the trigger, maybe in the next sale! Great work as ever.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks for your support 🙏

[@AlexanderB.]

Congrats on hitting the 2k milestone John! Following the channel is great fun! 🎉

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Alexander. As long as we're all having fun!

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

Thanks for the callout, John! 😅 Pure chance that I spotted you'd achieved 2K. There's now an Explorer 3 6 9 dial, with white markings/hands.

[@spavliskojr]

One thing they are really good for- modding. Their cases and parts can be had all over AE. They make great cases.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I agree 👍

[@kdks7843]

I bought the watch for hiking, the sterile version with PT5000 movement and metal bracelet. It is very accurate (+2 sec.) and the build quality is okay. Unfortunately, the luminous material is quite poor. All in all, very good value for just under 100 euros.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nikoniannikonian9531]

Is the luminous worse than a Hamilton?

[@lew9223]

Some of these Tandorio field watches are £30 on Ali just now John. Incredible value

[@johnswatchjoint]

If they are then grab them. I am on holiday with no signal pretty much and no internet access:)

[@lew9223]

Ordered the one with the military arrow on dial. Bargain Enjoy your holiday sir 👍

[@thomasstanley6101]

Excellent review, and right on time! I've been in a tossup between the bronze version of this same watch and a bronze captain willard for my first bronze watch. Not sure which I'll do yet, but the price is just right for this one

[@johnswatchjoint]

Solid choices Thomas :)

[@markdeitch3087]

I've just ordered the sterile blue Flieger version for £23 delivered!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Wow. Nice one!

[@AlexanderB.]

Nice little watch! The dial design seems somewhat inspired by the Hamilton Khaki King, minus the day/date complication.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Pretty much!

[@petrosbabinn1695]

Elgin

[@johnswatchjoint]

​@@petrosbabinn1695 ?

[@richcleaver]

Looks really good on that strap John. A great little workhorse with the choice of a sterile dial. Less than a cost of a meal out with the family, what's not to like? 👍

[@johnswatchjoint]

Right on !

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

John, when/if you decide to try another Tandorio sale, could you try the titanium 39mm? Would be a versatile cheap, light watch.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Will keep it in mind ;)

[@BizlaC]

I was looking to grab an nh35 and a pilot style case, then this popped up in the 39mm variant for £33 from the tandorio official store on sale, cheaper than the 2 parts I wanted and has all the rest with it. For the price, that's great, we'll see when it arrives if it's as good as I'm hoping.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I'm sure you'll be happy 🤗

[@martinivanov6538]

Any tips on finding the best prices? Do these sales worm with the welcome deals? Is there a calendar for the sales, what are some major ones I should know about? I'm new to AliExpress so please excuse me but I don't know anything about getting good deals on it. Thanks!

[@hectormonclova7563]

I have the one with the MoD 6B/542 “thin arrow” RAF pilot dial, and it is one of my most cherished timepieces. Planning, if God allows, to buy the Mark XVIII dial, blue.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Both stunning watches. Very nice and not much touted...remember God gave you Free Will to enjoy the simple things :)

[@hectormonclova7563]

Ah, it’s a way of saying to have his Blessings in the adventure...

[@johnswatchjoint]

Yup 🤗

[@petrosbabinn1695]

Ordered the same with a sterile dial and the red seconds hand ❤

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice 👍

[@kenstogie]

Nice video…keep the affordable reviews coming. Subscribed.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks for the sub!

[@adk7962]

I know the name turns people off but their Field / Pilot watches (and judging from their Site, most of their watches) can be had without a logo. Also I think there is definitely a market for these bargain quality watches. Am I going to buy one? Maybe, maybe not. But there are definitely people who will I think. I’m sure when San Martin first started off, a lot of people thought the name was ridiculous. Great review as always!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thank you my friend ;)

[@barryvercueil2346]

Good video. Tandorio is a great place to start getting into Automatic watches.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Glad you agree ;)

[@ianclarke1683]

I just bought this, great watch with perfect 36mm compact brushed case, but here's my gripe. The rehaut is angled making the dial too small. If the rehaut was straight down, larger dial like the 39mm models, would be better proportions. My 36mm looks like it had a bezel that fell off or kinda like someone who has shaved their eyebrows. Just looks out of balance with the inner sloping rehaut. Also, great review, thank you!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Sorry but don't know how you missed that in the images 😔

[@ianclarke1683]

​@@johnswatchjointglad I got it and love what Tandoori are doing esp at 36mm. Thank you for your interest in this brand. Tandorio, if you're listening, change the rehaut and it's better proportioned

[@watchsixto]

This is one of many watch brands I haven't had the experience of. may be down the line they look great for the price

[@johnswatchjoint]

Fantastic little bashers!

[@Pehr81]

I don't think that's circular brush marks, I think it is from a mill or lathe. Anyway, it looks great.

[@Spirit510ak]

This is a good starter watch for people who are curious about automatics but don’t want to spend $100,000 on a Patek. Like you said it’s a strap monster. Got mines and instantly slapped it on a nato. Hell you can get it for kids who are curious about watches. Got mines for $40 which is insane for what it has to offer. Yeah not perfect by any means but for $40 what else can you ask for?

[@johnswatchjoint]

Agree totally ;)

[@jeremiahjohnson8343]

Are you going to pick up one of their 36mm cushion cases? Looks better with 18mm lugs, but a chunk at 14mm thick.

[@johnswatchjoint]

One is already en route ;)

[@r377-g8w]

I wish the case was a little larger

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

My seiko presage loses 6 seconds a day it’s 50 m water resistant hardex crystal which I only wear for dress it already has scratches on the crystal super annoying cost me 375 so I ordered the tandoori sterile version 51$ I can’t wait wanted a Hamilton field in 38 but it400$

[@BagoGarde]

Great competitor for baltany

[@sanctuaryjester]

nah, baltany has a better QC

[@mikeciaudzul1923]

I have this watch ...si very Nice and comfortable

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice one !

[@haroldmolinari6517]

Holaaa Saludos To you all . . . I do have a Tandorio Small 36mm. Sterile face. Caliber PT5000. Blabla bla . . . Question is . . . Ho do you know or assure about its water resistant capability. Let you know that I do trust your judgment better than a brand. But how I'd know, I mean I'm not a diver to prove nor an expert. Can you share something else ? ? ?

[@johnswatchjoint]

With any brand from China I always quote water resistance as "claimed" or "alleged" . I believe these watches to be no more than 50m water resistant. I do not dive or swim with watches , much like most people, but we still like field and dive watches :)

[@YT_user_1]

May I ask what color the metal (non-lumed) part of the hands is? Is it gold or silver on this particular version?

[@johnswatchjoint]

Silver

[@YT_user_1]

Excellent. Thanks!

[@turk914]

Similar priced Addiesdive and Pagani watches have legitimate water resistance ratings of 100 or 200 m. So, until Tandorio fixes that, I'm not giving them a pass as a "cheap watch". I do have a watch similar to this field style, from Militado that cost me about $50. But I have a larger wrist, so the 38 mm dimensions of that one works better for me. And from what I've read, the 100 m. water resistance is real, as well. Which is to be expected because I believe they are made by Steeldive.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I am sorry but you are misinformed. Pagani Design do NOT have guaranteed water resistance...I can testify to that! :)

[@turk914]

@@johnswatchjoint well, I didn't say guaranteed. I don't think any of these Chinese brands are truly guaranteed. But on tests I've seen done, they tend to hold up. Even that beast 1000 m water resistance Addiesdive passed. Regardless, I haven't had any issues with the ones I have taken underwater. Although, I generally go with my Addiesdives and Steeldives for snorkeling. But having seen Tandorios regularly fail their tests very quickly on numerous sites, it gives me some pause.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I paddle board and have put a few to the test unintentionally as I swim like a bus!...I would never take a Tandorio into water and if you watch my reviews I am very clear on that. Addiesdives, Seesterns and San Martins have held up but PD, a Thorn Diver and a Steeldive SD1970 did not. The Steeldive it turned out had no gaskets in it!!!

[@bentackett6299]

In the beginning you said Tandorios aren't made very well and then showed how very well they're made. Just wanted to point that out. 🙂

[@johnswatchjoint]

Tandorios are budget watches. With that there are caveats and sometimes they do punch well above their weight. Maybe I did not make that as clear as I should have. They are great fun as a starter watch and for modding but as I have also repeatedly said, ignore any claims of water resistance.

[@bentackett6299]

@johnswatchjoint I'd be interested in some pressure tests to see. With screw down backs and crowns, the weak link may be the crystal gasket. It would have to be poor manufacturing or design for that to fail. And considering the quality control of the rest, I think you might be surprised.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Unfortunately they are the only brand that have let me down in that department. Water ingress on a typical wet Scottish day in the hills. Gary at I like Watches tested them at pressure and they also failed 😞

[@bentackett6299]

@@johnswatchjoint Rats!

[@mariangroeneveld7401]

John, thanks for your review. Very helpful. I just ordered the green one in the Ali sale for 53 euro. Keep up the good work! Greeting Marian (the Netherlands)

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi Marian. A very good deal well done. Hello back from Scotland ;)

[@martinivanov6538]

How big is your wrist? This watch looks great on you! I'm considering getting it as my first mechanical watch and I'm a bit concerned about it being a bit too small. Thanks!

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's always in the video. 6.75 inch wrist

[@martinivanov6538]

@johnswatchjoint Thank you! I'll have to watch it again, I missed it :) You probably know how to work with AE. How do its sales work? Should I wait for a big sale (like a holiday or smth like that) or periodically keep an eye out? I also have a welcome bonus. How does it affect sales? I have no idea how this works since I haven't used AE and your help would be quite appreciated! I'm a student and a good deal is always something I seek. Thanks!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Subscribe to the channel and all will become clear. I keep everyone in the loop sales wise. It used to be that there were a couple of big sales per year but since the rise of Temu, AliExpress are pretty much having rolling sales events. There is actually a sale on just now until Jan 8th. You will see a list of staggered discount codes on their site. Put an item in your basket and add the discount code at checkout

[@rogeriosartori555]

I bought the same watch but I noticed that there is no rubber o-ring on the stem/crown. I don't know if that's a fault only on mine but I never saw a screw-down crown watch with no o-ring on the stem or crown before... does yours have it?

[@johnswatchjoint]

I have never opened it up.As I always say in my reviews, take water resistance claims from Tandorio with a bucket of salt!

[@rogeriosartori555]

@@johnswatchjoint No, you don't have to open it up. Just pull the crown and check if there's an o-ring on it

[@johnswatchjoint]

I know that but the watch was a review piece and I no longer have it :)

[@daresome1]

Always love a bargain…

[@garyk8285]

Nice piece tbh for the price. What's you're wrist circumference?

[@johnswatchjoint]

6.75 inch....I always say in my vids so everyone knows.

[@srmitsystems5586]

Hello, friend! What is a height of the case? And what is your wrist? Thank you

[@johnswatchjoint]

My wrist size is in the video as is the thickness. 6.75 inches wrist and 12mm depth of case :)

[@eduardopo8908]

Hi friend.what is watch weight without or with strap?

[@johnswatchjoint]

With the strap. Nice and light.

[@عبدالله-ر1س1ي]

شكراً جزيلاً

[@johnswatchjoint]

Glad you enjoyed it ☺️

[@S-Ltd1000]

Decent enough watches but the brand names, Tandorio, Berny, Hroudland, Rdunae etc. What are they thinking?

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's a shame their English translations don't make sense BUT the quality is great.

[@5675492]

@@johnswatchjoint If " Rolex " did not exist and someone came out with that name brand today it would sound like a lame made-up name for a cheap watch too . Our perceptions/preconceptions can be funny like that . Tandorio, as I understand it, is part of a company that includes Parnis , Baltany , and a few other well known Chinese brands .

[@petrosbabinn1695]

​@@5675492 Always found the name Rolex funny as hell.

[@jonassoares9859]

Is the seal good? I just ordered mine from AE

[@johnswatchjoint]

I no longer own this piece but since this video was released others have tested Tandorios for water resistance and they are not to be considered more than splash proof.

[@sanctuaryjester]

​@@johnswatchjoint that's concerning.

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

My 42 mm Hamilton field khaki loses its loom after about an hour

[@borisstepanyan9611]

Nice

[@tabletkapoor3591]

Is it still working buddy?

[@johnswatchjoint]

I move most of my watches on after review as I pay for most myself ...and I'm certainly not a rich man haha!

[@tabletkapoor3591]

@@johnswatchjoint should I take the risk of buying it and using it a daily watch

[@johnswatchjoint]

I don't see a problem but make sure you don't swim with it 😉

[@TechFreakMB]

​@@johnswatchjoint Got it buddy thanks for the reply

[@megasoid]

Not a thing wrong with watches in this range. You can't use a luxury metric to judge a watch on this level. I own a Tandorio and enjoy it very much. The perfect "beater" if you will. If something happens to the watch you won't be a devastated as if you purchased a luxury timepiece from a "legitimate" brand. Everything has it's place and if you're on a tight budget a watch like this will do the trick.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Absolutely !

[@ВиталийСавченко-и5ч]

Думаю такие взять 50 доларов с али

[@johnswatchjoint]

Sorry I don't understand even though I have translated to English?