The Best 'Bang Per Buck' Watches You've Never Heard Of.....

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Some serious value on offer today, in either dive or GADA form. No reinvention of the wheel, I admit, but a hundred and fifty quid surely has it's limits. A couple of tweaks to each and they would go from strong 8.5/10s to 9.5s for the money being asked for. Cheers, Jody

[@markloubser2433]

That is an excellent pairing! One more step to Seiko departing the 'affordable' market end. (excluding their movement). The microbrands have it pretty much sewn up and rightly so........

[@MrQuark71]

Omg the name. When i saw it, I thought cistern. That led me to you might as well call it latrine. They look nice, though, but the name is what kills it for me.

[@leegotting4523]

Jodie, I'm also a fan of the GADA style watch and looking to make a purchase. Can you do an 'Ultimate GADA' video to help aid my decision?

[@mazzochi2028]

Fun fact, Cestrian means "of Chester" which is where Watchnation is based. I picked up a master series on a whim for less than £100 from another youtube reviewers eBay shop. Really like it and was pleased during the day the lume doesn't look as green in person compared to pictures. Can't really fault it for the price, only real niggle is the limited micro adjust.

[@presterjohn71]

Which reviewer is offloading watches? I'd love to buy a tested watch.

[@mazzochi2028]

@@presterjohn71 the ones I'm aware of are mostly smaller channels, I Like Watches, Watch the Time, and Johns Watch Joint all sell via eBay.

[@jimron9008]

does it wear smaller than a 40? I usually go for 38mm without a bezel but this seems to have a smaller dial diameter.

[@henrylee8510]

My favorite episode of Star Trek was when Capt Kirk fought off the Cestrians.

[@silentthunder890]

@@jimron9008keen to know this also!

[@Olddirtytiger]

Great watch I have a white dial Cestrian Master Series such value, it was even cheaper on promo , defo getting the dive variant

[@watch-box]

Good affordable watch options help bring more to the hobby, and more choice at any point in the market is a good thing. Personally I would be more interested in 40mm dive and 38mm sports having a smaller wrist, but, whilst they wont win any awards for cutting edge design, they are by no means offensive. Looking at the other colourways there are some nice options. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always.

[@johnsrabe]

6:17 I beg to differ. That crown looks fun! It’s a nice detail on a budget watch.

[@cestrianwatches]

We took a risk with the 3D Cestrian Shield in black resign. Glad you like it!

[@johnsrabe]

@@cestrianwatches However, I still prefer the sapphire in the crown of a certain vintage VC at a shop here in LA. (When I win the lottery.)

[@justizii]

The master seriers in champagne-stunning! Easily best buy champagne bang for buck!

[@cestrianwatches]

🍾

[@joewiltshire73]

I have the white dial dive series, it’s a terrific watch indeed. I actually like the oversized crown also, it’s a lot easier to grip and adjust the time when needed. Lume is as good as any of my seiko’s too and the watch is a perfect size for my 7.5 inch wrist. Great review 👍

[@gazzertrn]

Me too , awesome watch ,very good quality .

[@kiwimark3875]

Look like Ali express specials.

[@finesse49]

They basically are. For those prices they must be made in Asia.

[@LexAngel]

Love my Dive Series. The Master Series with the champagne dial is the one to go for.

[@cestrianwatches]

Glad you’re still enjoying your Cestrian Dive Series Lex 👍

[@lefroy1]

Exceptional value proposition for a UK company. I almost feel churlish for saying I wish the GADA one's lume was a bit less obvious.

[@stephenspain9167]

I have enough auto's, I just like the novel designs of the smaller startup/outfits. I wished little startups would make a small batch with quartz's in them.

[@merlinzipp]

Spot on with your critique of these watches. If the Master Series had the minute hand of the Dive Series I would buy it right now. Even though my 7 3/8" wrist looks best with a 44-47mm watch. 'Larger hands = better legibility at an arms length. And a larger watch doesn't = bigger dial and hands.

[@jmmp7290]

I've had a blue dial Cestrian Master Series for over a month now. The watch is fantastic for the money. It looks great, is reliable, and for about 150 bucks, you can go around doing really anything in it as you don't worry much about scratches. For example, I've been going to the gym and swimming in it, and it feels perfect. I don't really like the "redifing luxury" narrative, but it is what it is. Another thing that would be nice to have is a custom rotor, though the clean one has a nice industrial look as well. Personally, I really recommend the watch to anybody looking for an affordable and reliable automatic cause, hey, I'm wearing it right now and it's great.

[@cestrianwatches]

Thank you for sharing your feedback. Glad to hear you love your Cestrian Master Series 👍

[@robertmorano2372]

That master series is beautiful. The blue on their site looks very intriguing.

[@cestrianwatches]

The sunburst blue dial on the Master Series is a stunning in person, even if we are a little bias 😆

[@stumpyjock]

I picked up the champagne dial master series a week ago, such a cracking handsome watch for not a lot of wonga!

[@cestrianwatches]

@@stumpyjock glad you’re enjoying it 👍

[@williamr.2793]

I appreciate the specifications but I think I would rather have a better brand on my wrist with worse specifications 🥴also It is funny to think that if you bought a San Martin, you would have more people in the watch community know what the brand is than a "Cestrian" haha! The brand reminds me a lot of that "Neymar" brand honestly.

[@cestrianwatches]

Brands aren't built over night but give us a little time 👍Our watches speak for themselves

[@kamehamehajim]

Man, the names they pick

[@ajmarion]

I think I’d go for a San Martin or 5KX before these - great video Jody!

[@briangeorge7965]

Nice to se a UK company trying. Cheers Jody

[@ichris2011]

These watches are a prime example of why specs really don’t mean much in a hobby as nonsensical as watch collecting. On paper these are probably a better buy than most of my favorite budget watches. But I would never buy either of these. Great design and story with subpar materials and specifications > than boring design with every box checked, 9 out of 10 times.

[@philspencelayh5464]

If we were being sensible, Casio do a three hander I've seen for about £8. A one watch collection

[@FrankLeeNacty]

Glad to catch a fresh 1am est episode again, great content Jody.

[@markgoggins246]

I own both of these watches pleased with them both great value for money

[@cestrianwatches]

Thank you for the ongoing support!

[@brizkrieg72]

Being a Cestrian myself, I might pop up the road to have a look.

[@cestrianwatches]

Come on by anytime, we’d love to have a chat and show you the full range in person.

[@StuntpilootStef]

I think these watches are excellent for people with insomnia. In fact, I just woke up and the design already made me sleepy again. Do we really need another sub and another field watch in this price range?

[@jamesharmer4253]

The master series is exactly what I've been looking for! Thank you for bringing these to my attention. I've been on the look out for a "budget" GADA watch for a while that isn't a clone of a more expensive watch such as an Explorer homage from Ali express. It was beginning to look like the only option sub £200 was a Seiko SRPE but having to immediately replace the crystal on a brand new watch really puts me off, it should be sapphire at that price. This seems to fill that gap perfectly and as a bonus is even cheaper!

[@cestrianwatches]

We’re certain you’ll love it 👊

[@jamesharmer4253]

​@@cestrianwatches I've just ordered it in blue. Can't wait to receive it 🙂

[@cestrianwatches]

@@jamesharmer4253 great choice! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts once you receive it

[@radiowardenclyffe]

Love the originality, so refreshing 👍

[@davidsherrick898]

I have this exact watch on my ebay watch list... I need some color in my collection.

[@anthonydevono8833]

I would go for the master series right size all they need is a few more colour options and I will probably get one

[@Johnmk24]

I love these mid priced brands, Cestrian in UK & Islander watch in USA. They fit a niche. Character watches without buying Chinese with a background of copycat branding for the same price or less. Bravo, Bravo.

[@stevenbetge6538]

This seems like an introductory price like jumping on a brands first kickstarter 👍

[@eddiejones.redvees]

Great value watches very tempted to get one but have got six watches over the last 3 months for Christmas and my birthday I better wait for few weeks then a Again are 40th wedding anniversary is coming up at the end of this month my be I will get lucky 😅

[@bubbabrannan5915]

Simplistic and affordable. I like it! 👍

[@adk7962]

Very nice. I was hoping you would review these. Definitely great bang for the buck! I prefer the Master Series over the dive watch though. Thanks for the great review!

[@varunnaik7441]

Correction: it has sapphire glass not sapphire crystal(5:02) but overall a nice watch I'd say 👍

[@DisplayKeesBack]

Solid offerings, can't complain about that. This is fine for like 90% of people.

[@robedmunds7163]

Also the diver in black and the Master in green look even better imo

[@viennakrakatoaleipzignumbers]

Impressive value offering, honestly makes you wonder why you'd ever need to spend more than this for a watch. The minute hand on the second one ends kind of abruptly, perhaps a sword or fencepost would have suited it better? Also not a fan of the Tudor Ranger-esque hour hand. Sometimes sticking to the path most traveled is the sensible option.

[@grahamyoung622]

Love the Orange diver, however the handset is just plain hideous. A real shame as the rest of the watch looks pretty decent (except for the weird crown). The dressier master series one looks a wee bit better, except for the hour hand, which looks like a shrunken version of the one from the diver. Plenty to like here, but not quite in the zone for me.

[@garethsigrist8714]

Wow! Very impressive pair of watches from Watch Nation/Cestrian. Great value for money by the looks of things particularly for us in the UK. I’d maybe beef up the handset a bit and move the date to 6 o’clock but there’s a lot to like here particularly for the money.

[@whereisvanuatu]

Just ordered the Champagne Master, thank you very much!

[@WATCHingJames]

Let me know if it’s worth buying.

[@whereisvanuatu]

@@WATCHingJames, sorry, man, but after you seemingly went out of your way to ignoring my last comment on your channel, I'm pretty much done with recommending stuff...

[@grogthegrolie]

Let me know if it's worth buying.

[@whereisvanuatu]

@@grogthegrolie 😂

[@cestrianwatches]

We can't wait to hear what you think of it once it arrives. Enjoy!

[@AlexMi77]

Very well designed and built for the extremely low price point.

[@MrAl68]

Their one-and-only bricks and mortar store is about 400 metres from my house, I walk past it almost every day so can see these watches through the window. They look decent, but I don't like the branding personally. "Cestrian" is a term referring to someone/something that comes from Chester, UK (like me). So certainly for me it isn't aspirational in any way, and on top of that the typeface and style of the 'logo,' if you can even call it that, is rather uninspiring. They might have been better off trying to spin something off Chester's Roman heritage, which is what it's known for by most visitors to the City. I accept my perspective is rather different than the vast majority who are not Cestrians! The watches themselves, fine, no problem with them, they look pretty good in the flesh.

[@tomcarey3457]

Right the "Cestrian" font/logo looks very generic.

[@GregMilner]

Just bought the new Cestrian Field Series and I can't take it off my wrist.Hope you can review it soon, Jody.

[@technoboy21]

Looks pretty bad, in my opinion. I'd go with an AliExpress option any day.

[@robertevans214]

Great review. Might be one for me to consider in the future

[@robedmunds7163]

This is why your channel is so good fella. We get to know about watches that are under the radar. Thanks to you have an Armitron green LED, great fun for the money an very well finished. Would never have known it existed if I did not watch your channel. Means I do not have to wear my vintage Trafalgar LED from the 70s so much.

[@rodiow369]

Same, I bought the green LED after watching the review and I am well chuffed with it !

[@mr22guy]

I really like these Cestrians. The only issue I really have is with the name though - it means "from Chester (England)" but they're actually from China.

[@a0r0a7]

That's why I like the Rotary super 7, British design on the dial but clearly made in China, extremely well made in China. You know what you are getting. Cestrian name does not really bother me though, cracking watches and specs.

[@TheMindfulman1]

Be interesting to see a comparison between the master series and it’s competitors? If only seiko could include their own NH35 movement in their own watches and a sapphire crystal then it would be job done. Another subject would be dial production and what makes a good dial ?

[@scottsj4625]

The Masters series piques my interest by its specs of it. The diver is too big, too thick, and too heavy for me but the master series on paper seems it would work out. I have no idea about the shipping from the UK to the USA. I know it is a lot more than it was a year ago and might be a deal breaker if it is too much. Thanks for sharing the watches on your channel.

[@jeremiahjohnson8343]

Just checked. The prices include 20% VAT, but not shipping to the US. Shipping is 19.17 GBP (~$23 USD). So, excluded from VAT, but including shipping brings it to about 131 GBP (~160 USD) or essentially the same price as the UK. The price is low enough that it should be excluded from duties in the US.

[@TXTime1010]

Love the review, Jody! The blue dial on the Master series is very well done for the price.

[@nineteenninetyfive]

These watches seem like a great gateway into watch collecting. Affordable and very wearable. I approve.

[@cestrianwatches]

Thank you for the kind words 👍

[@rickrounds2173]

Not a fan of arrow hands but the Diver Series looks nice because the hour and minute hands have the same design. The Master Series hands have different designs and are too narrow.

[@BrianHartman]

Great video as usual, Jody. :) I really like both of these. It's great to see an affordable watch take on Seiko for bang for the buck (or quality for the quid, if you prefer :)). The idea that Seiko could charge you almost $70 more and give you Hardlex instead of sapphire, and a worse bracelet, is just kind of shameful. Cestrian just has to dump the "affordable luxury" verbiage. That kind of thing ... doesn't inspire confidence.

[@wintermute8315]

Shameful of Seiko? Seiko give you quality, heritage, value and style. This thing gets nowhere near Seiko, let alone "luxury".

[@BrianHartman]

@@wintermute8315 I'm talking about specs. There's no contest in specs here. I think too many watch companies coast on "heritage" when they should be delivering *value*.

[@jaybrockmeyer9218]

Nice innovation here. The dive watch: indices always look better with chrome plating surrounding them. Like the hands. Like the bracelet. Love the exhibition case back. Hate the date.

[@johnnychin]

The polished mid links doesn't really work for me, but it's pretty incredible what they can offer for that price point P.S. While we're on the subject of retailers starting their own brand, have you had the chance to review an Islander from Long Island Watch Jody? I've heard great things about Marc's products and would love to hear your thoughts on them

[@vlk092]

man i've been tracking islanders myself for a while! want the hawkeye really badly but since they dont have any european retailers, the import taxes alone almost double the price :(

[@Nick_2i]

I know a random commenters opinion isnt worth much, but I recent got a rose-gold dial Manhasset and its a really fantastic watch. Marc definitely has something special with that brand.

[@jamesblonde2271]

That second one has very Milgaussy vibes, really solid choice for someone otherwise stuck at the value end of the AliX catalogue.

[@MrBasHolland]

I recently bought this watch with NH35 movement. I winded it on thursday morning 9:00 55 times. Wore it continously except for sleeping and cooking so thats minus 8 hours a day. It stopped running at 6:25 this morning.... Is this normal?? Im afraid when have to wind it too often the screw threads gonna wear of?....How many times a week you have to wind it?...

[@billj5645]

The diver looks good, it has the elements it needs and nothing else so in this case "less is more". I have a Kano and I really like it, and I like the look of the Rotary too.

[@c0mmanderd0g17]

The shield logo is nice but the name is a turn down, it sounds like a disease.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Cesspool

[@jean-sebastienturgeon5861]

I looked it up, that’s what residents of the town of Chester are called.

[@philspencelayh5464]

​​@@jean-sebastienturgeon5861 And that's where the company are based

[@brianmsahin]

That's a strange connection you made there. Lol. For me I was reminded of Equestrian or the name of some Greek hero. I suppose it all depends on what comes to mind first. However, I don't like it either! It's exactly like one of the more weird and stupid Ali Express names like RMALTI, Feice or Phylida which really does sound like a communicative disease. 😂

[@mikeellis4345]

Reminded me of incestrian .. and that’s a big “no thanks”

[@mohammedhasan7546]

Which should one buy the new kamasu or this any advice?

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

Imo the dive watch is meh but the other watch isnt too bad. Id have to put a brushed finish on that bezel and those center links.

[@karlsenula9495]

Wish I could mix and match here I like the look of the Master series lum, crown and dial better and the date blends in nicely on the black dial with white markers (this is where I think the double markers help) ... but I like the bracelet better on the 1st Orange watch as well as a screw in crown for a GADA watch and visually I like the look of the caseback better on the 1st watch. Again you are right swap out the clasp.

[@jonathanedwards2983]

I like the Master.

[@nickmavro9412]

Any Bezel issues? We did not see any part in the short video describing the first diving watch bezel's quality and action?

[@noobybadgerFTW]

I'd love a video on the Swatch Irony watches. The red/purple and the teal look good but don't wanna commit to the purchase. No video on KZbin at all.

[@alejandrocerezo8399]

The diver is kinda generic, but the masters is a beauty, specially for this price.

[@karlsenula9495]

I noticed the caseback says sapphire glass as opposed to the usual sapphire crystal? Any significance to that?

[@RandallSlick]

I missed out on the Maen Greenwich 38, so perhaps that Master series is as close as I'll get. Love what this company's doing however. Might this be the UK's answer to Long Island Watch? Time will tell.

[@briankrailerks347]

Check out Traska. Really digging their Seafarer in mint green.

[@andysmith1996]

3:38 "[A]nd you can see that everything lines up nicely". Maybe it's just the angles, but the 10, 15, and 35 don't look to line up to me.

[@davidlloydjones752]

Living only 15 miles or so from the store, I like their having a go at their own range. 👍

[@cylentone]

Interesting timepieces - thanks for sharing. What worries me a bit - it looks like the diver has the problem of the Seiko SNXS of a caseback that protrudes so much that the case doesn't actually sit on your wrist, but hovers above it. Did you notice this?

[@frankdefranco9436]

That GADA watch is so perfect. Only thing is if the can make the hand a bit more wider that'd be insanely awesome for that price. Nonetheless it's a killer deal.

[@johngibson7127]

great review-totally agree with your comments about Gada one. These doubles give it a botched diy look which really spoil an otherwise well done dial. The diver looks good but hate the hands design-they dont seem to belong. Great value watches though - just not for me

[@sinjinadams2862]

You're right, I've never heard of them.

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the review. Nice looking, affordable watches. You love your orange and yellow dials.

[@elmoelms2743]

Morning Jody, I think for the money these two are excellent value. I look forward to seeing if they bring anything else out. As for the name I can live with it 😂

[@cestrianwatches]

Keep you’re eyes out for more collections later this year 👀

[@metatechnologist]

Bonus points need to be given in "lume wars" for watches that use more than one color lume.

[@gamesetmatt23]

The dial text fonts look SUPER dated. Can't see past it unfortunately, and I agree the Master Series has too much happening on that small dial. The logo and execution of the crown just add to the overall dated styling. If you told me these were from the early-mid 2000's I'd have no trouble believing you.

[@Nick_2i]

I couldn't figure out what exactly was bothering me, but you're right, its definitely the fonts on the dial. They remind me of the watches I saw in department stores when I was a kid in the early 2000s.

[@drebarthelotte5712]

Those are really good qualities for our British watch people. I like to get watches from different parts of the world without having to pay too much money for. Sherwood is another option, but it's nice to see that actual people who love watches are producing something for us. Seiko does for money, but I get a vibe. These are gifts for the people who enjoy a nice watches. Why buy 1 overpriced rolex when you can have 50 smaller brands that are good watches. Cheers to my British friends from Canada. Thank you again for your help with the watch hobby. 👍

[@boonie3]

I can't really complain about anything at that price, but if I had a nitpick it would be that the 'cestrian' text on the dial is a little too big and bold. Also the dial markers like you mentioned could be singles instead.

[@arcane6144]

Can we change the strap in master series?

[@mercster]

Nice looking watches at the right price! Thanks Jody.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Phoibos is bringing back their original 300m quartz diver the PX002 as I spoke to them and it's a beauty. This watch is nice if not a little generic for me but great value for a first time diver watch...

[@ranchopuntacoyote]

I take Cestrian for my high blood pressure

[@richardb22]

Not a shop/brannd i knew .I have just had a look at the on line shop. Off topic but worth mentioning is they have Kids watches. Thats is a rere and beautiul thing. Not many of them but more than I have seen elsewhere. More kids watches please .

[@Lee2k4]

Steeldive is n01 for affordability, quality, and aesthetics

[@duckrutt]

Mentour Pilot shirt. Nice.

[@steffenaarsnes8066]

Great specs for the price indeed, but I'd say they're both about 10% too large in every dimension to peek my interest. I don't fancy the names of the watches either, nor the font or amount of text on the dials. Apart from that the design is so generic that there's nothing else that makes up for its faults. And if it doesn't look good or wear well, then the amount of specs or value for money doesn't really matter, because it's always more affordable to not buy it than to get a great price for a watch you don't really like. Hope they do well with their future collections though!

[@subspeciez]

Master series for the win! A different handset would really help this one out!

[@alexkwan3]

the diver looks kinda gaudy to me personally, but i think the everyday style watch looks pretty decent and priced really well

[@mattclarke8791]

I like the Master, but a quick look at the site didn't reveal a colour that jumped out at me

[@chris7015]

I love an orange watch, but would have preferred an oyster bracelet.

[@johnbuckmaster8117]

I’m familiar with Rotary as far as having seen a couple of other reviews and I even got as far as placing an order for one a while back. UNTIL I saw the shipping and taxes to export to the US. There doesn’t appear to be any US distribution or way around what appears to be $70+ dollars added to the price. Like both of the watches, though…

[@denisdaly1708]

Good picks Jody

[@WatchMatt]

The price and the specs are killer. And I really do like the proportions of the smaller GADA one. However, the branding is halfbaked and generic and the design is somehow both overcooked and undercooked. I guess you can't have everything. I'd happily take a lightly used Seiko DressKX over this any day.

[@tinymotogarage]

I'd like to see that Master at 38mm - nice watch.

[@borisstepanyan9611]

Nice watches

[@cestrianwatches]

Thank you 🙏

[@dpns2ster]

Nice shorts Jodie! Where can I get a pair?

[@ElderPinto254]

very nice !