The Best Bang For Buck Watch You Can Buy!

#aliexpresswatches #johnswatchjoint #watchdiveswatch
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/ @johnswatchjoint
Today We are looking at the Watchdives WD1969 Pro Diver.
If you are looking for a great grab and go watch that will more than do for the office, a hike or even a swim then this could be what you are looking for.
I am very impressed with this one as when it is compared to one of my champions of 2022/23, I think it beats it fair and square...and it's leass than half the price!
You don't need to impress your friends...you just want a good watch for not too much money!
This is a lot of watch for not a lot of money!
The Watchdives WD1969 Pro is beautifully made with the kind of finishing we come to expect from more premium brands but they are constantly improving so maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised at its quality.
It is a valid Pelagos alternative!
You can buy one via Watchdives direct and take advantage of their $10 off introductory discount or you can also buy via their store on AliExpress.
Both links are affiliate links but using them will not cost any extra but you will be helping to support the channel going forward.
Thank you for your continued support.
John :)
Link to the WD 1969 Pro Diver on Watchdives store:
watchdives.com...
Link to the Watchdives 1969 ProDiver on AliExpress
s.click.aliexp...
Do you want To See My Top Ten GADA Watches?
• AliExpress Sale March ...
Looking for quality watch straps that won't break the bank?
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Discount Codes:
JWJTTG15 One-Off 15% discount on your first order.
JWJTTG10 10% Discount on each order after that! :)
Important note to KZbin and to viewers:
Please note that this channel reviews original and homage watches.
Homage watches are perfectly legal and most watches on peoples' wrists are an homage of another watch.
To be clear I do not handle or review fake watches here. I never have and never will!
It is a scourge on the hobby I love.
All music/ sound effects are legitimate and licensed properly via Epidemic Sound.

[@felo6035]

Truly amazing what WD is doing. Nice to see this company pushing the boundaries and shaking the market.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi Rafael. This one is bloody good. It doesn't come across well in pics but hopefully comes across better in the video. It is genuinely THAT good!

[@felo6035]

​@johnswatchjoint Your video was excellent, John. It really helped in featuring this watch's beautiful features.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I appreciate that my friend 🙏

[@johnswatchjoint]

I just prefer them. Personal choice 🤗

[@adk7962]

This is brilliant. I’m proud to say I was an early adopter of Watchdives. I could tell they were approaching their business very differently. There was a vigor and enthusiasm that I didn’t see in other Chinese Brands. And they seem to really embrace the KZbin community and the feedback they received. Thanks for a great review as usual!

[@johnswatchjoint]

I totally agree with you Albert. They have a great team who are very proactive and they are very professional.

[@scottlewis2372]

I am astounded. It's just crazy for that money. I could easily daily that thing and leave my 60 other watches in the boxes!

[@johnswatchjoint]

It kinda caught me off-guard too be honest. Watchdives are really pushing.

[@danieldayton3064]

Sounds like you are feeling better, John! That's good news. Thanks for another excellent review.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Daniel. Still in the doghouse...as the wife is now unwell...not good news as she'll get me back 😳

[@danieldayton3064]

@@johnswatchjoint 😵‍💫

[@johnswatchjoint]

I am looking after her though..This virus is rife just now. Just about everyone I know has it.

[@danieldayton3064]

@@johnswatchjoint My wife was down with it about 3 weeks ago. Somehow, I emerged uninfected. Thoughts and prayers for her speedy recovery.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks buddy 😊

[@Trex100]

That is a really excellent overall package of a watch. For people who do not have the bucks for a Tudor, this is a very attractive and classily understated substitute for a Pelagos. I can't blame anybody for buying that.

[@Trex100]

104 dollars. Damn, It's almost scary.

[@AJB1702]

This is a terrific find. Thanks, John.

[@johnswatchjoint]

🤗

[@さいごのかぎ-d4d]

I bought this watch as soon as I saw your review, It's a homage of Tuder Pelagos, but I really like the circled index. It will almost be delivered. I'm so excited that I can't calm down!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Nice 🤗. I am sure you will love it. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@drazenprahin7754]

Got the blue one during the 11.11. sale, should arrive soon..the fact it passed your review with flying colours makes pulling the trigger even sweeter😊

[@johnswatchjoint]

Well done. I hope you also approve. It is a wee stunner!

[@aethelwulfwarlord1475]

I have one along with the SM and OK. Its exceptional for the money and the dial is virtually identical to the SM

[@timeandnourishment1961]

It's a banger/stoater, John! Glad you're feeling better. Cheers 🍻!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Aye indeed, a stoater it is! 🙃

[@Qm455]

I hope Watchdives are considering a Titanium version of this watch, that would be perfection!

[@LauDynasty69]

San Martin makes one!

[@johnswatchjoint]

@ChrizzLau69 yeah and I have reviewed it but it was not very good.

[@geotactical]

Comprei esse WD e fiquei muito impressionado!! É o meu steel que mais gosto da coleção que possuo!! Essa marca e relógio humilha o steeldive!!

[@johnswatchjoint]

I'm glad you like it 😀

[@BosunM8James]

I've seen a few of your WatchDive reviews and I must say they seem to be very impressive. I'm looking forward to my first WatchDive purchase, the WD1972. I hope it has the fantastic build quality that the diver you just reviewed has. I absolutely loved the lume shot in the cupboard of doom!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks buddy. I'm sure you'll love it 🤗

[@JagPapi]

Very nice watch, they keep getting better. I'm waiting for them to make a watch inspired by Christopher Ward The Twelve, not necessarily identical, but similar. It'd be great

[@daynevickers1079]

Another great review, John. I'm thrilled to see WD expand their offerings with the VH31 quartz movements. They're ahead of the game in that regard, and I love the results here as in others; thinner, lighter, more accurate, more reliable and less expensive than automatic movements. All great things. I guess you forgot the carpenter's code on that FKM strap.... measure twice, cut once 🤣. Could you tell me this...are the bottom side of the head of the watch beveled at all? I couldn't tell, but if so , it makes the watch more comfy.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Not bevelled as such but there are no sharp edges at all which is a bonus 🤗

[@PlaylistER-t1p]

Impressive what these guys are doing

[@AlexanderB.]

Basically a good watch. The new watchdives logo is a step up. It looks surprisingly nice on the black rubber strap. I don't mind this being made of stainless steel, the bezel action greatly benefits from that. I would prefer this without polished elements, though.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Cheers Alex 🙂

[@salam-s9y]

I was about to buy this for my grandfather, but my family talked me out of it, as he is happy with his older watch

[@josephpatenaude642]

The watch dive seems to offer better contrast and legibility, nice watch definitely

[@johnswatchjoint]

😊

[@dunderhay9169]

Good review, that really does look an excellent watch and very good value. I'm not a fan of Tudor's hands, so I won't buy one, but I'm keeping a close eye on Watch Dives and their new coloured and textured dial models look very interesting 👍

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Duncan. It kinda snuck up on me after looking at my small diver collection. It's better made and the movement makes it a great everyday watch.

[@dunderhay9169]

@johnswatchjoint Yes, the last few watches I have bought have been quartz, I love the way I just just pick one out and wear it straight away. I still have hand winding and auto watches too though 😁

[@fantochebartolo1]

Great watch. I'd pay some more money for one with a ceramic bezel

[@LauDynasty69]

The new logo is so much better.

[@stuartthornton3027]

I had a figure of £140 - £160 in my head, then nearly chocked on my coffee when you said the price, that has to make it the best value for money if you like the Pelagos look. It looks great with the circular indicies, getting vintage submariner vibes. I'm still slightly torn between this one and the blue Thorn you reviewed a few months back. A question for anyone, are Watchdives likely to sell extra links for this bracelet. I need another inch 😮 Great review 👍

[@johnswatchjoint]

Get in contact with them. I'm sure they will accommodate you 🤗

[@stuartthornton3027]

Thanks

[@michaeldasilva5079]

Hi John great video and a really nice watch. Did you have any problems getting this from Watchdives? Reason I ask is I’ve bought another of their watches exactly 1 week ago and it still won’t ship for another 3-4 days. Not sure what they’re up to but very tempted to cancel my order and grab this one instead.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Watchdives are excellent to deal with but they are very popular at the moment pumping out new releases and it could have sold out. Send them a message and tell them you are a subscriber to my channel ( you are aren't you? 🧐) and just ask the question. They are normally very quick responses and in shipping.

[@michaeldasilva5079]

@ Thanks John, I’ve messaged them. The store I bought from was in fact called Diver Watch factory store and not Watchdives. They are one and the same?

[@chris_topher1984]

Steeldive watches are as low as $40 with coupons and sales, to me that’s the absolute best deal you can find.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Unfortunately I don't agree. I have had four and they have all been stinkers. I absolutely won't recommend them to anyone sadly 😞

[@chris_topher1984]

@@johnswatchjoint wow that’s unfortunate. I’ve had really good luck with the few that I own, they are insanely accurate. I prefer collecting sugess and seagull watches though, lots of bang for the buck with those two brands too.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I'm glad you got a good SD, so don't get me wrong but as a reviewer I have to relate my experiences and both the watches and the stores I bought from were awful.

[@randompty]

i think WD is providing great looks and the perfect price point....i don't see an obvious need to buy san martin

[@johndudley9118]

Eyes been wearing minds wrongly eyes had its inside out, thanks for showing me dah rights way eyes taughts it wazz broken 👍

[@AWWA-y1g]

Great watch. I wish it was 37mm.

[@johnswatchjoint]

If I can wear it...so can you 🤗

[@franktrainer1405]

You want the WD7922 then. I have the one with the matte red bezel, and that one is the real budget dive watch of the year.

[@johnswatchjoint]

It's good but this has taken it up a notch in finishing and the crystal seems clearer...not forgetting the new twin trigger spring bars 🤗

[@tayterlik]

Maybe that's the niche they found: high quality homage with a cheaper (quartz) movement? I'd love to see their version of SN0144 or Seestern 434 but with quartz. Applied indices and so on, good lume, but not mechanical movement.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Personally I prefer an automatic but equally grew up with quartz ..when the seconds hand DID hit the indices. My two vintage quartz pieces are testament to that. This is a VERY good watch at this price and I was very surprised it was just better than my previous favourite.

[@pzwolski]

I like this is a quartz. No need to set it every few days.

[@karlsenula9495]

Logo reminds me a bit of the Warner Bros. Logo.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Their old one did but this is the 🔱

[@samwang5831]

Only two things I dont like 1. Case back makes battery change more difficult, 2. No on-the-fly adjustment for the bracelet. For the price, it is still a very good deal

[@johnswatchjoint]

At that price you are definitely asking too much 😆

[@DBPooper654]

I got the Watchdives 50 fathoms clone. It’s one of my favourites.

[@johnswatchjoint]

I rocked that one for a while too. Fantastic watch and the best 50 Fathoms homage out there.

[@LordBurke]

Not a big fan of the snowflake, but other than that, pretty impressive

[@johnswatchjoint]

It is indeed 😄

[@spx1416]

I really do wish someone would do a pelagos in 42mm! (apart from tudor obviously)

[@johnswatchjoint]

Unfortunately large watches are not the trend anymore. Smaller is in...which is good for me for a change. Sorry buddy 😟

[@randompty]

buddy, how do you see this as an alternative to a used seiko skx 023...i'm almost ready to buy this, now that the logo is so much nicer

[@johnswatchjoint]

I have not handled the SKX023 but that 7s26 is long in the tooth now. It's down to your personal preference I'm afraid ☺️

[@randompty]

@johnswatchjoint Good point. Brand new watch here. quartz movement. totally reliable.

[@randompty]

@johnswatchjoint by the way you helped me to make the decision to purchase the tandorio 37 mm diver. That was a great review.

[@randompty]

Should be arriving this week

[@jrbj2000]

$104 for a quartz is a pass for me. Watchdives are great. I have a few of their automatics.

[@danspanos]

Hey, John... Do you like this one more than their bb54 homage? Thanks buddy!

[@johnswatchjoint]

Hi Dan. Most definitely. They've taken their finishing to a higher level 🙂

[@jeffking2214]

Do you prefer your other favorite watch you mentioned and showed briefly/Seesturn?

[@johnswatchjoint]

I got the Seestern in just to show as a gauge...yes I took a double hit for the team! The Seestern is a good watch in its own right but when a watch like this comes along, the order has to change!

[@springbay1]

That is a really good looking one. And for the price not the least. But which one is the keeper, the Seestern or the WD?

[@johnswatchjoint]

I deliberately got the Seestern in as I knew the Watchdives was coming. Yes a double hit for the team! The WD would make more sense for me now...and I did get a great sale price on the Seestern 😉

[@mr_bisley]

The more I look at the one with round indices the more I'm not feeling the square ones. Too bad that's the one I bought.

[@lumsdot]

not keen on the hour hand

[@harryno]

Since when is Addiesdive a quality benchmark to pass?

[@johnswatchjoint]

In this budget range they are the biggest seller and are seen by buyers as a trusted brand .

[@harryno]

@johnswatchjoint I haven't seen an AD watch since my first Chinese watch purchase of a sterile AD type A Flieger (which I still enjoy very much) . It's a very basic but solid all round piece, I'm very curious about how much more refined they've become...but that GD'd name and logo!

[@donnymac575]

Budget banger 😊❤

[@johnswatchjoint]

It certainly is!

[@Fred-rg5vw]

I just dont like dive watches . So this company unlikely to be my cup of tea. Does look good qualiry for the price, for those that like the look. Enjoyed your rewiew.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Thanks Fred. Unfortunately I can't please everyone all of the time 🤗

[@Fred-rg5vw]

@johnswatchjoint Hard enough keeping the Mrs happy , from my experience. All good mate, still good to see what brands are out there and what there quality etc is like.

[@johnswatchjoint]

2025 will see a change in channel direction. Less AliExpress content and more of what I like. Since I came back I have been inundated with supplier requests. I've also turned down many but it has gotten ridiculous. I always check myself and take stock!