The 3 Best Affordable AP Royal Oak & Patek Nautilus Watch Alternatives: $300 to Around $1000

[@Lamattack]

Love this! Being an average person, it's incredibly comforting seeing a watch KZbinr focus on affordable options. I feel like some watch KZbinrs forget that not everyone is made of money.

[@מימוןבןאברהם]

No doubt. The luxury brands were more accessible before the quartz crisis so now they intentionally market themselves with insane prices relying more on name currently.

[@119fatty]

​@@מימוןבןאברהם seriously. I did a quick calculation on the Rolex Air King when it was first released. In 2023 currency, it cost about as much as a Seiko SRPE37

[@מימוןבןאברהם]

@119fatty Omg!!! That is outrageous! Also, I have heard too Rolex watches are no longer truly hand-made. They intentionally limit the units per year and hype it up to people who are more into a brand rather than having a quality product.

[@aroshgk]

Agree

[@aidanhughes8090]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...TGV is a man of the people.

[@ZackSilver77]

What does tgv stand for?

[@partofthegame2691]

​@@ZackSilver77 I was going to type this question

[@aidanhughes8090]

@@ZackSilver77 tristano geoffrey veneto- the great man himself

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

let’s see what Paul Allen has for the people

[@basedorientcoyote8883]

Train à Grande Vitesse

[@kristianfurness900]

These past two weeks I have been looking for a decently priced gerald gents watch, this video couldn't have been released at a better time. Keep up the great work!

[@MisterTurtleTime]

Nivada is slowly starting to become my favourite brand! I really love their designs and the story behind the brand. Awesome video TGV, the F77 is on my wishlist✅

[@theshadow1812]

Good value the Nivada I have a Super Antarctic - great explorer style watch - fyi supposedly coming out in a 36mm version later this year!

[@80sVHS]

Great video as always! All 3 are a great alternatives. I personally closed this Genta itching with quartz prx, as for me it's about the style and shape, not the movement

[@Mmarks9156]

I did the same

[@69fastfurious]

Agree with you 100 % man , Tissot it’s much more fun watch than all these 3 affordable “options” even that said what’s the point of review just these brands a Casio should be mentioned ok it was near the balance weight 😉 buy me , pay me …

[@richardseaton6390]

I trust I’m not alone in appreciating the blazer and polo neck combo! Thanks for another vid, Richard

[@victormarrotti2575]

I enjoy watches and his thoughts on many brands.

[@josepht.7937]

I'm scrolling through KZbin for watch videos, and my brain told me to click on TGV! Tristano, I love the beginning of this video... The seventies nostalgia is amazing and very much appreciated! Please, do videos like this again. I absolutely loved it! And by the way, your suggestions were on point!👍

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Joseph, I very much appreciate it. Onwards and upward! Best regards, TGV Ps. If you enjoyed this intro, check this one out if you missed it 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZuocmqijryorac

[@kjeldpedersen666]

Hi TGV Agree! The Manhattan... Have a nice weekend & keep up the good work😊👍

[@jimmski9908]

I just ran across the F77 and wanted to see if anyone had reviewed it. To my delight, you produced an excellent review that provided the insight I needed to possibly purchase this watch. Thanks so much.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Woah as someone who lived j In Bahrain these Nuun watches are amazing. I feel like I have to get one just for that connection alone! Love the Arabic numerals, very well done!

[@kennethMblake]

Very nicely done. Brands to look for as an alternative to something worth a small mortgage. Thank you, TGV for making this video and suggesting some additions to the collection.

[@andywilson3761]

What an intro! (Get Carter the highlight). Top video as always TGV. Can’t wait for the next one ☝️ 🦖

[@dominicrusho]

Totally unrelated to this video, but I tried on the Black Bay 54 today and I have a feeling you will love it, TGV…looking forward to you getting your hands on it!

[@albertorbinati5511]

Great review, as always. The Nuun caught my attention the most - slender, ease of bracelet/strap change, Arabic typography. These days, I am into quartz much more than I used to be. A winner for sure!

[@mattys1467]

That 70s montage 👌 I've never tried an integrated bracelet watch, though often admired. Three excellent, left field choices. One day 🤞

[@daltondriscoll517]

the intro in this video is ALL TIME - great work TGV. cheers.

[@dennisthespeedmenace7530]

I just wanna say thank you for turning me onto Squale. Just received my watch today and I’m impressed!

[@mdunn6900]

Fantastic! I appreciate how much thought is put into each video. And I must say; Nivada is hitting it out of the park these days.

[@anickname6960]

The Nivada is a beauty but for me the Maen is probably the most interesting of the three, especially because of that beautiful dial. Also, the editing of this video is, as always, as gorgeous as the watches that are presented.

[@Boblw56]

Thanks so much for introducing me to three beautiful pieces I knew nothing about- and thoroughly!

[@77cjam]

Wow that strap on your Dan Henry looks class sir. Great video as always. One thing about the 70s that can be said is it gave birth to some stunning watch designs. Bold, occasionally in your face but definitely distinctive to that decade. I love my early 70s Ricoh automatic with it's transitioning gold to black dial. Thanks for the video and have a smashing weekend 👍

[@theurbangentry]

VERY VERY true what you say about 70s design. Thank you Chris as always. As for Ricoh, yesssss, they had some really crazy stuff back then, much more adventures than Seiko and Citizen at the time, however, how the tables had turned by the 80s. Have a wonderful weekend too! Best regards, TGV

[@fabiankunz7599]

amazing intro once again, I can only repeat myself so often, youtube has a king of intros, long live the Gentry

[@theurbangentry]

🙌🙌🙌 Thank you Fabian, Best regards, TGV

[@gary2632]

Now that sir, is what I call an INTRO ! Another great and informative video. Thank you 🙏

[@gervers]

Great show! They always are! I love all 3 watches and I really like the Maen Manhattan 37. I’m just about to turn 50 and my loving wife has bought me a Zenith Defy Skyline! It’s stunning! Yes it’s expensive but no where near the price of the holy trinity watches or the new IWC but I think it’s real class! It is without doubt the greatest gift I have ever received and o feel that I’m the luckiest man alive that my wife bought me such a magnificent gift and timepiece!

[@theurbangentry]

Wow, you certainly are lucky, she has great taste. I recently saw one, amazing watches. Absolute class as you say. Thank you for sharing that, enjoy 🥂😎 Best regards, TGV

[@tomrivington5154]

I've already ordered the Manhattan and that F77 looks amazing too, I've signed up for the release offer.

[@matthiasvangysel938]

you are the king of cool TGV. That intro was fabulous and the information you provide is very useful. Thank you!

[@alexm2113]

Wow, that Nivada is absolutely 🔥! Thanks for sharing these TGV. Discovered some new watches for sure today!

[@heikowallauer]

Good evening TGV! With Watches & Wonders behind us, I think it's fair to say that 2023 we're having a Genta-revival! With the watches in the video I'm torn beteeen the Maen and the Nivada. The Maen reminds me of an old Junghans-watch that was passed on to me. Great video, nicely executed! Have a great evening!

[@theurbangentry]

I don't blame you for being torn, both pure class in different ways. As for W&W, wow, over already?!?! Thank you as always my friend, have a great evening and weekend too! 🥂😎 Best regards, TGV

[@heikowallauer]

@@theurbangentry Just realised there are two days more left for W&W 😂 I was maybe a bit metaphoric in the sense that all the big brands have announced their new releases. And there are some really nice pieces this year, like the BB54. And the 1908, what a classy piece! I find it very remerkable that Rolex release one of their dressiest watches in years, whereas Patek Philippe goes sporty with the 6007G.

[@tbone121974]

Thank you TGV. I really like the F77. I would consider adding it to my collection. I do have a Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 blue dial variant. To me, it is a cracking watch. I understand the concerns about servicing. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

[@khronokraze]

Thanks for the video. Been looking for more images/videos and insight into the F77. Pretty much plan to get the blue dial with date when it comes out in about a week from today.

[@theurbangentry]

You and me both! Best of luck my friend. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@0017Bulldog]

Well my man, I have watched them all, but you remain where others have fallen. I so enjoy your show. It is so much different and above the others. Thank you for what you do. I have no idea why, but I love to watch your shows on Friday evenings. Very special to me. Press on regardless.

[@alecjarnagin9041]

Great video. I've been so impressed by all things Nivada Grenchen and happily own a Super Antarctic.

[@Barbien194]

@tgv: Fun fact, the Maen Manhattan is the homage of the Vacheron Constantine Royal Chronometer of the 70s, not the infamous RO

[@drunkenbelafontemaine6826]

I just bought a 1982 omega constellation quartz marina black “port hole” ref 396.0879 designed by “Gerald genta !! Possibly as they say but definitely” fits better than any watch I’ve ever owned and I’m 43 years old. Grab them when you can cheap as chips they made a white dial with out the horizontal lines only in 1981 which is on my radar. Again love the show TGV #1

[@drunkenbelafontemaine6826]

Can I also add, I bought a 369 tropical dial NIVADA GRENCHEN 38mm and it was shipped from Mendrisio Switzerland a month later than stated and when I finally got it the seconds hand fell off 4.5 days a ee I was wearing it. Emails later and zero response so I had to fix it by my local jewel ee watch repair really bad service worst I’ve had in all my life. Warning ❗️

[@LaFritePerreGoat]

Nice to see already reviewing the nivada quite a cool reissue they have here as always.

[@johnstyron6543]

Bravo TGV! What a classy and distinctive group of fine classic-sized, well made and affordable watches that stand on their own. Forget the Royal Oak and the Nautilus! 😅

[@rossfindlay7760]

If I had my choice it would be the manhatten, I really like the look of the dial and hands. Thanks for the great content as ever TGV.

[@DustandPiers]

The Nivada in blue, no date, is a total slam dunk! My favorite dial of the three, and that double domed crystal really brings the dial to life. A cool alternative to the now-ubiquitous PRX, too. The F77 would also look great with a sashiko fabric jacket of some kind... I'm doomed! Great episode - I've been daydreaming about something Genta-esque that won't leave me wearing a barrel.

[@jeremycorrao]

The Nivada is a nice looking watch! Great video as always! Cheers!

[@GuyVanderAa]

Great video! Those are three beautiful watches and interesting alternatives indeed. Thank you for this! I’ll be looking for that Nivada. 😎👍

[@TheTrueHasenfeffer]

Excellent intro. Super polished, friend. Starting my holiday early and what better way to begin.

[@EricZ726]

Most times I don’t agree with your taste. But I love your introductions and the videos. 🙏🙏

[@robworthington7431]

Thanks TGV, hadn't seen the Nivada before.

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello Rob how are you doing 😊

[@JS-ev4xc]

Nivada is stunning. I recently modded my tough solar square G-Shock G-5600UE with metal case & bracelet. The first impression of the effect is a steroid version of Nautilus with its ears and brushed square bezel. So in a way, Casio has both RO (with 2100 series) and Nautilus (with 5000series) homage watches in retro-futuristic version.

[@peterm8294]

Nice with a new video this friday :) Have been thinking of such a watch to add to the collection

[@alexbusson4414]

I have the 35mm PRX in quartz, and I have to say the value is incredible. I absolutely love it. I haven't spent much time with a Powermatic, but I get the impression that - at nearly twice the price - it doesn't pack the same punch in terms of value.

[@donmongoose]

I don't know how I'd put a value on the pleasure I get from frequently just staring at the beautful textured dial of the automatic version, but I do know I'm glad I paid the extra. It's not the phenominal value the quartz model is, but its still bloody amazingly good value for money.

[@alexbusson4414]

@@donmongoose Yes, I've no doubt on that one. Unfortunately it's too big for me. If it wasn't, I'd have seriously considered it; it's a lovely watch.

[@donmongoose]

@@alexbusson4414 Luckily (or in some cases unluckily) for me I've got big wrists and hands so its perfectly proportioned. My only regret is I went for blue and now I wish I'd gone for green.

[@Stanjara]

Yes 35mm quartz... you did nothing wrong my friend.

[@bigdavedave9865]

@@alexbusson4414 I’ve seen the 35mm auto prx on Reddit or KZbin I can’t remember which 🤔but it looks great 👍

[@RedwoodAggie]

The Maen is cool, but I'm really intrigued by the F77. It's the first attainably priced integrated bracelet watch to catch my attention since the PRX. I almost ordered a PRX Powermatic in ice blue recently, but ended up making a big purchase so that will have to wait. The I appreciate the heritage of the F77 and the dial and look are just so good. I would probably get the blue with date as well, if I were to get one. I'm definitely keeping it on my consideration list, but I must hold off on purchases for a bit. Maybe one of these will be my ask for my birthday later this year.

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello Sean how are you doing 😊

[@macrowatchman]

Really cool watches, TGV! Thanks for another great video, as always🙌

[@lordchancellorhatton1910]

Great video, the editing is top notch as always.

[@mieszkogulinski168]

Nice to see small and unknown brands :)

[@dinodavanzo8536]

Such a good review of some very interesting timepieces. The Nivada blue is on my list.

[@tobias1752]

Being a Natostrapguy, I‘m totally hyped by the Integrated-bracelet-trend.. love the new IWC Ingenieur.. or the Yema Wristmaster Microrotor… still thinking wether I should preorder it… probably I‘ll buy a PRX first, to see if it’s suits my style… BTW, the Nivada looks marvellous!! Great Video, TGV…thank you so much!!

[@firasmaruf5045]

Agree totally about the Maen branding being too ‘Aliexpressy’. Wish they’d spend a bit of cash on an emblem/logo

[@kronkita01]

The intro was amazing, just pure love for pop culture

[@DaveMGmovies]

Great, balanced reviews and fantastic to see the microbrands getting some love.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Dave, always appreciated, O&U! Best regards, TGV

[@MrDominicharrison]

Love that image fest of the 70s u showed at the start! And pics of the Porsche 928 with Pascha upholstery oooooomy dream right there 👌🏼

[@jameshunt4611]

The 1970s was quite the decade. Incredible.

[@ten_oclock_scholar4690]

The Maen may have more generic branding, but it looks like it has better proportions for smaller wrists, so that's the one I would go for.

[@FreshYoungDude]

Suspiria and Dressed To Kill in the montage! ❤ I’ve been so close to pulling the trigger on the F77, but the messy end link area bothers me too much. Maybe I’ll get over it.

[@sinesaii]

That Maen is amazing

[@marcelqqq]

Holy moly,my childhood 😢. Thank you TGV.

[@michaelriera6277]

Beautiful watches affordable to the average joe. Pure class!

[@karlsenula9495]

The Nuun is definitely intriguing - if still an unknown brand. I like the cocktail time dial with the Nautilus case. The one that stands out to me is the Maen Manhattan. You nailed it when you said it looks Art Deco. That appeals to me. The Nivada Gretchen looks almost a 1 to 1 "homage" of the AP Royal Oak. Even though it is the 'heritage brand'.

[@heliopijpe]

Manhattan all the way ^^

[@jimmski9908]

I was seriously considering the PRX, but it left me a bit ho-hum, but the Nivada F77 just has so much more of that "wow factor" for me. I am on the waiting list.

[@maritimuse9127]

The best watch channel on KZbin, hands down.

[@spacejaime]

If not for TUG I would never know about these three exquisite brands and their retro collections. I'm particularly interested in the Nuun Montre at its price point and looks. I may pull the trigger and get one from their website. Thank you so much for this wonderful video!

[@alastairheptonstall7982]

Another very enjoyable and beautifully made video TGV! If you still have your SARB bracelet it’s worth trying it on your 1962. The fit is close enough to work well and it transforms it into more of a modern sports look (the Uncle Seiko jubilee for the SARB also fits it). Thanks again! 🍸

[@Masterpsflood]

Love the Maen Salmon dial

[@randkjournal]

Your production adds artistic flair to presenting watch-focused content. Entertaining, engaging, and informative. Perhaps to add to this eclectic and attainable options --> Michel Herbelin's Cap Camarat which comes in both automatic and quartz options. Speaking of which - a suggestion for future content: French watch manufacturers (outside of Cartier) such as Yema, Lip, Herbelin, etc. It would be interesting to hear your stance on these. Thank you for your work. Fantastic as always.

[@Maderpakk]

Been here since late 2015....saving to watch this video later in peace :D

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Koss, I deeply appreciate that. O&U! Best regards, TGV

[@Trapvision3D]

Another classic! Thanks for the introduction to another brand. You have a particular set of skills that deepens thus horological rabbit hole 🕳 😅

[@richardcharles8301]

TGV- You rocked the Intro!!

[@lionary]

Amazing video quality as always. That will be two Maen's for me please.

[@random-vl1li]

Thank you so much for the informative video TGV. I've just placed an order for the blue dial with date as well. 👍

[@RevLev06]

Great into video montage - you have captured the 70's quite well, brings back old memories.

[@theurbangentry]

Robert! So glad to hear, thank you my friend, have a great weekend. Best regards, TGV

[@mariarusso1155]

Hello Robert how are you doing 😊

[@tacomn]

@The Urban Entry , If it was you, would you pick the F77 or the CW 12? Or maybe to make even less of a reasonable comparison, or lastly the Nivida Antarctic? All good looking watches, so I think it can be helpful to hear your own impressions given how I respect Your outlooks on watches I have heard you talk about in the past. Thanks and love the vids 🤌.

[@king0fheart4711]

Bravo on the new hairstyle. I just have one suggestion. Boar brush. It'll give it a much fuller look.

[@timbaker4879]

Invation of the body snatchers 1978 I remember it well and had the “fotonovel” pure class. Happy Easter TGV.

[@rushs3577]

I can never ever not hear that “turtle neck and blazer” song now

[@znasser1]

TGV - You deserve an Oscar for this vid! 👍👌

[@digitunicorn]

Brilliant video! Even more watches to potentially take my money 😂

[@tonylevoyageur]

The MAEN is my choice. When I see it I don’t see a Nautilus or a Royal Oak.

[@MisterKnightly]

I'm so glad that F77 comes with a no date version. I may even grab one.

[@4evalost948]

Man I really like all 3 watches very sleek looking but by far the Manhattan by far love how clever hands love the dial and blue is my fav color what ever watch people decided to get one thing is for sure they well be happy.

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Timely vid. Loving the new Ingenieur announced this week by IWC. Not overly affordable mind you 😉😭

[@jipke]

Good vid. Just for the record: maen is pronounced 'maan'. Drag out the 'ah' sound. 'Maan' is actually how moon is spelled today.

[@JJherne]

Off topic - you never told us you’re a film star! I was watching Murder on the Orient Express the other day (the 2017 Branagh remake) and realised our friend TGV is in it, playing the mysterious and rather badass Count Andrenyi. Watch it, you’ll see what I mean 👍.

[@duncanidaho2130]

Really? Get the fcuk outta here! Gunna totally watch it.

[@theurbangentry]

😅😅 Thank you, I will add it to my watch list! Best regards, TGV

[@seanblackwell8725]

The maen logo is in need of a go over in my opinion. But that dial is just 🔥

[@SuperSchaps]

Love that Nivada Grenchen. Also big fan of the Yema Wristmaster Traveller in this category

[@theurbangentry]

YESSSSS!!! I was considering getting one. Not sure after experiencing the F77. Yema did an amazing job with the WM, Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@basilqne9401]

I was looking through the comments for the Yema WM. Bought it a few months ago, love this watch!

[@aurellio33]

Fantastic montage at the start a who's who of great cinema and music 👍

[@megasoid]

Great segment! And clips from real movies as well.

[@richardtwyning]

Excellent! I think you might have sold me a 37mm watch 😁 F77 is definitely my choice too 👍🏻

[@user-qq8jn5bb4m]

How did you get a hold of the F77 as the first batch ships out in June, next September? Thank for uploading!

[@Stunlite]

Great video as always, loved the 70's montages. The Yema Wristmaster Traveller could be in this mix as well.

[@sirthom3275]

The Maen wins it here for me. Now I just need a comparison to a PRX.

[@michaeldgs]

Damn it! You made me buy another one!! Again! Black date F77 on the way to Denmark! 😄🤦🏻‍♂️🤜🤛

[@laurencehogg6010]

Very enjoyable as always, and a clever approach to mixing up the formula to keep the reviews fresh and interesting. I wanted to point out the elephant in the room though: San Martin. Yes their offering in the 'Genta space' will be too close to the original for some, but they've now been around longer than both Nuun and Maen, and the quality of their watches - especially the finishing - regardless of the price is now very well established. Maybe it's time to take a look?

[@keithh2028]

I know I'll catch a lot of flack for saying this, but I've never been a fan of the "Royal Oak" or similar styles. They just seem too understated and boring for my tastes.

[@stevenfernando1842]

I got a Bell & Ross BR 05. Which is a great alternative in my book being a 70’s kid. Affordable 1970s Industrial Design.