The Classiest Looking Watch Under $100

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Looks expensive, but isn't. I really like this one, it is a great size for most, and looks much, much more expensive than the price tag. Not perfect, and some of the branding is dubious, but I'd love to see more like this from the brand. Cheers, Jody

[@K.J.H_]

Not a one-to-one copy, but a lot of Orient Kamasu in there to my eyes. Initially I thought it was a direct homage, but once you get past the indices and daydate layout you start to see a lot more differences. Hopefully they do well and more of the aliexpress manufactures go down this track of originality. Even if they only hodge podge a few designs together.

[@mikeprice1875]

Came here to say the same.

[@rangersmith4652]

Yes, I agree. I guess we can say the Kamasu has "arrived" now that it's being homaged.

[@holgermuller3597]

@@rangersmith4652 Thats soo funny! But you are right!

[@edmunddantes4757]

I own both. Different watches. Case, bezel, hands, different. At some point you have realize that watches are somewhat the same.

[@K.J.H_]

@@edmunddantes4757 For sure, 'nothing is new under the sun' as they say.

[@bingers]

I grabbed myself one of these during the AliExpress 11/11 sale in blue and it really is a perfect budget watch for the office. Slides nicely under my shirt cuff, the date complication is handy when I'm having to sign & date documents and I use the bezel to time my breaks. Certainly a decent daily

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Nice Steven. And is the blue one all colour matched OK?

[@waris3732]

@@JustOneMoreWatch Yeah I want to hear that

[@damyr]

@@JustOneMoreWatch Original comment: 1 hour ago. Jody's reply: 2 hours ago. Someone is clearly back from the future. 😄

[@bingers]

@@JustOneMoreWatch Yes, the blue is colour matched very nicely!

[@Extramayor]

i’m tempted to buy an i&w off of AliExpress, different model but they claim it’s authentic. Do you recommend?

[@Watchmade]

The power of names, words and letters. The whole text on the dial, the brand name and this Swiss kills it for me. Imagine they would make it a simple brand name and water resistance information on the dial, thats it. And this watch would be a killer.

[@not-a-raccoon]

Yours remains my favorite watch channel on KZbin. Great value watches with a realistic and honest reviews, and what we can actually expect when our high value watches arrive.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thank you my friend, much appreciated!

[@chrispenn715]

Prices also went up in the UK because the UK Customs have caught up with us! Most Aliexpress purchases now attract 20% VAT. Fair enough I guess, but still a bit of a pity......... On the plus side, quality also seems to be continually improving on Aliexpress. My 'gateway drug' to Aliexpress was the famous Tevise 'perlative ceranometer' 🙂

[@brianmsahin]

It's a very neat looking watch. Swiss security is a mystery. Maybe the factory watchman did a security course in Switzerland! It's actually really good value for the money, despite the lume. However I personally need better lume so wouldn't buy it, but if I didn't care I'd definitely go for it. That's a lot of watch for $85, even $100!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hello Brian!!

[@karlsenula9495]

Achtung! Halt! Verboten! Nein! ... congratulations ... you've passed Swiss Security.

[@danielleclare2938]

Swiss Security is just a bad translation for Waterproof or secure from water via Swiss Quality.

[@PatQuakernaat]

I used various Carnival watches for the last few years. In general they are really good value for the money and usually automatic.

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

5 Zelos’s in my collection. Several have the Miyota 9000 series movements. And love them. I’ve never been disappointed with any watch that I’ve received from Zelos. Of the nine I’ve purchased I had problems with two of the bracelets. One email and a response within 24 hours saying a new bracelet was being shipped out!!! Outstanding customer service! Thanks Chris!

[@dantealighieri4258]

Interesting to see this review as my wife gifted me an I&W watch a year or so ago (we live in China). I couldn't find much about them, but one thing that has continually stuck out is I go to my watch box in dark/low light and the lume on this I&W is better than all the other watches I have. Better than my Boldr Venture which is one of the brighter in my collection and is a fairly well-known comparison. When I first noticed this I did a double-take, stared hard at the handset wondering if it secretly has tubes, but none to be seen. I don't know what lume they use, it's crazy.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Interesting watch for the price. Looked good on that leather strap. I’d rebrush the whole bracelet, quite easy to do with some fine scotchbrite pads. By Seiko standards the beat error is terrible. Jody for casebacks you don’t have tools for just use a soft inflated sticky ball. They are £2 on ali and will shift most casebacks off with good grip.

[@franciscomoliner1296]

Hi Jody, take away "Carnival" and "Swiss Security" from the dial and it's definitely a good value. Very inexpensive mod for them!

[@lanejenner71]

Can confirm this is a gorgeous watch. Bought the all black one for myself for Xmas. Love it.

[@jim_bocho]

The branding really lets the watch down I think. Otherwise it’s a really nice looking vintage style diver - ideal vacation watch (well at least for the less sunny vacations 😉).

[@SingleTrackMined]

I have a couple Carnival 1986 field watches that use Ronda movements. Maybe that's the Swiss connection. The tritium watch is very nice. I think I&W Carnival make very good watches. Thanks from Florida

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hey Brian! I have been eyeing up those tritium Carnivals for aaages. Might have to get one in soon. Cheers!

[@lundsweden]

I have heard Tritium is made in a nuclear reactor, how cool is that? But apparently the radiation can't make it through the glass and stainless steel.

[@locobenno9435]

I've managed to ween myself off the Aliexpress watches but one of the last pieces I picked up was an I&W 589G, and I have to say it's a great daily wear with a bit of originality in it....one of the better AE brands so its good to see them get a shout out on the channel

[@brianmcnichols8092]

The 'Swiss Security' on the face is a showstopper for me.

[@TimeForAnotherWatch]

Nice looking design and build quality for the price. Looks great on the horween leather strap you showed. I wish they'd drop the unusual connection to Switzerland though. Great job with the video.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate! Yeah, no need to have Swiss anywhere near this one.

[@guitstikkustoms4448]

It's sad that an Ali Express cheap Chinese watch QC is better than a Seiko.

[@AvidUTuber]

Better than some Swiss companies too

[@herewegoagain...]

I actually bought this watch after your AliExpress sale preview, because I was looking for a simple thin black Diver (I love my Phoibos, but it is a bit chunky). I have to say, I am very happy with this watch. It is fairly unique, wears well, and actually keeps good time. I have to be more careful with the Aluminum Bezel insert, but aluminum bezel inserts are half as thick as ceramic, so it is one of the reasons this watch is so thin I suspect. Anyway, thanks again for making me aware of this watch, though I wish you had your discount code before I bought it! ;)

[@elmatroso7125]

A little bit ChrWard-ish from 2 meter distance :)

[@awsomemustang]

My only complaint is the white day and date wheels , always thought black blends better into the dial colour

[@ant10g11]

love the value vids jody keep up the good work 👍

[@nvalley]

I have a Carnival I got back in 2019 that has a brilliant domed sapphire. Branding on the dial is minimal, just "Carnival automatic" and "30m/3atm," unsigned crown, leather strap feels great and has branding on the leather back and clasp, miyota movement, clear caseback with an unholy amount of ar coating for no apparent reason, and some suspicious "IWE" branding along the edge that is definitely aping IWC. I also remember they used to feature some contract type documents on their website implying that they had a parts factory in Switzerland, but I don't recall it being very convincing or actually saying anything substantive (also the document was on English which seemed odd for a Swiss/Chinese contract). Overall though it's a reliable and very attractive watch that was well under 100 USD.

[@Ian-Saxon]

Looks nice on the wrist. Would be even better with crown guards. That bezel is very seamaster.

[@AlexanderB.]

When I squint I see a little bit of the Orient Kamasu in it (indices, day/date complication and red tip on the second hand). Speaking of the hands, the minute hand is a touch too short.

[@lundsweden]

I just have one thing to say: Pagani Design!

[@CraigWhargoul]

The loreo diver has my vote

[@chad.haggerty]

I’ve got an I&W Carnival dress watch that’s an absolute beauty. Sure they’re hokey but they do some good, original final-ish work. Nice find, Jody!

[@evanspivack2714]

Nice watch and tempted to get one in green. Big problem though with the branding, and "Swiss security" kills the deal for me. Yes, it reminds me a lot of my Orient Kamasu, but I do see enough differences to make the watch stand on its own. Thanks for another good review!

[@cerberus3838]

It resembles a Christopher Ward C60, and that's a good thing!

[@markwheeler4417]

The Christopher Ward C60 Mk II looks like it was an inspiration for this watch. Not a bad thing at all.

[@mikehowells6696]

I thought Christopher Ward also.

[@paulb9453]

Love the bezel font looks great, nicer looking than a lot of more expensive watches, although the ‘Carnival’ isn’t the best name, but did you say sapphire crystal? Amazing, that watch will look good for some years. Still not sure why the rotating bezel ever exists on everyday watches! LOL. It makes a great sound though

[@othnielmalcolm7410]

I bought this watch two months ago and I am impressed with the power reserve. I have Christopher Ward, Tissot, Roamer Searock and Orients and this watch outshines them with its power reserve.

[@Miginath]

Great find! Would say it’s a great alternative to the Orient Mako.

[@billybenson3834]

Meh, still think the Invicta Pro Diver is one of the best deals and a great looking Submariner homage especially with it's Seiko NH35a

[@bdboyo]

Nice to see Carnival get a shout out, I have 2 of their watches and the 2nd one i bought gets an awful lot of wrist time.

[@mightysips]

I actually bought this watch after your AliExpress sale preview. i bought the green colour version at the 11/11 sale. Really happy with it it́s quite unique looking compared at other watches on aliexpress. Got rid of the bracelet and put is also on a nice brown horween leather strap. Looks nice the green with the brown. Great value for the money!

[@chrisr8112]

It’s decent offering, I note the in the blurb it refers to this as part of the submariner collection …

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Ha!

[@izadkamal]

Found this model doing a random "nh36 watch" search in AliExpress. The 'official' store page offers around 90USD for the leather strap model (which I already have in the cart!) and 100USD for the metal bracelet - good price for the specs. But I'll probably wait for the next sale since I already splurged ~100USD for the Pagani Seamaster this month. This channel is "bad" for my wallet :D

[@mattys1467]

That is mad value. I was convinced you were going to say it was quartz. You could brush those centre links and it would look amazing.

[@andrewpvs]

At 12:15, the building in the background of that I&W Daniel Wellington lookalike is Denny Hall, which is a famous 19th century building on the University of Washington in Seattle. Dubious connection at best imo haha

[@ragnarone5409]

I wish they did this watch in 38 / 39 mm diameter.

[@ajovev]

Finally, review of the great Carnival watch! I have it with blue dial and it is awesome!!!

[@RaisedAce]

omega bezel insert, Tudor case, Rolex bracelet etc.

[@philspencelayh5464]

Perfect work watch can't see how you can go wrong with one of these.

[@23727bgk]

They just need to fix the face printing error and remove the Swiss nonsense as well. The watch kind of reminds me a bit of my Pagani Design Tag Aqua Racer homage...

[@brentsealy9623]

I managed to pick up the Rotary Canterbury (the Sherlock watch) for $109 last year. I think it's the classiest for roughly $100.

[@PringlesInVic]

I see a lot of the Tissot Gentleman in this. Indices, Bracelet, Case, Dial. Sharp looking and a great price with the discount code. Great find!

[@-Dash-]

Pretty good, at least the black dial is actually black and not washed out grey. I also like the case. Would prefer a fully brushed bracelet with a fold over clasp instead of butterfly clasp tho.

[@ikeman5774]

A nice looking watch. Would have preferred just the I&W below the 12. The Carnival text and Swiss Security are a no go for me. I don't like polished links on the bracelet unless it's on the ends of the outside links. Having no AR coating isn't a deal breaker, but if I'm constantly repositioning the watch to tell time, it could be. I think I would save the money and buy a Steeldive or Proxima instead. Good review. Glad to learn a little something about I&W.

[@nishikanta200]

Carnival is one of my fav brands .. they have a good zodiac art series . Please review them

[@ajmarion]

Looks like a Christopher Ward C60 Trident!

[@rodbonser]

I'd say it might be "Classy Looking" from across a room or large conference table, but not up close. I wouldn't go to an important job interview wearing a "Carnival" "Swiss Security" watch. Rather, for under $100, an analog dress Casio showing practicality and self confidence would be fine.

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

I’ve seen the brand on our express for several years now… They do make a couple of interesting looking Watches… Particularly the ones that homage Nomos….This one seems like a really good first effort… Need to get rid of that butterfly clasp call and ‘’Swiss security’…Also need to pick carnival or I&W….They use carnival was their brand and I think that’s the parent brands on other watches… Thanks Jody!

[@gagazzo82]

It’s Orient Kamasu 1. Indices, day date and second hand.

[@blackpig52]

I've got a longines tuxedo homage with a seagull auto movement, fantastic watch for £85 Inc shipping and only took 1 week from China to uk

[@errolmacdonald3256]

11:06. "Swiss Famous Brand." Typical of Japanese English too. I was asked several times variations of "Do you know Japanese famous sushi?" Or "Have you tried Japanese delicious sushi?" Their order of importance of adjectives is backwards from ours.

[@IceDree]

You know its a good one when Jody busts out that shirt! The bezel insert reminds of the Planet Ocean, minus the silver ring. Anyway, its a good looking watch, definitely a nugget.

[@hookandlateral1]

I actually like how the SteelDive greens don't match, IDK why but it looks good to me

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Really? I'm itching to mod mine, but I don't know whether to replace the bezel, the chapter ring, or the dial! ;)

[@hookandlateral1]

@@JustOneMoreWatch Hey I just said I liked it, not that it made sense to like it 😅

[@waris3732]

@@JustOneMoreWatch just get the blue one instead, looks better 😅

[@asterixky]

Who cares about the "I&W" logo and the "Swiss Security". It's not like we will ever be able to resale that watch for any amount of money. This watch is a personal pleasure to one self, with a "keep it or trash it" life out come. Thanks for the $15 discount code. Now wait patiently 15 days before getting it in Kentucky.

[@asterixky]

Just got the watch and it's 50 times better than a Pagani and 100 times better than a Loreo. The bezel is tight, the loom is on with only your living room light, no dust inside the watch, and you can tell it is very well put together. The design is very well made and proportionate to one an other, but the "Swiss Security" is very cheesy. The black leather strap is barely making it for my 6"75 wrist. but match nicely the PVD black diver I went with. Over all, it's love at first site.

[@fondajames]

Swiss security probably refers to the case back being rolex (swiss band) style case back that's more secure. At least that it's not as easy to open. Silly to put that on just for that but that's my guess

[@Marko_Horvat]

Jody, please upgrade your camera, even at 1080p picture clarity is similar to 480p.

[@EscapementWatch]

from the thumbnail looked like E&W on the dial! I was like "hey someone made my watch!!!"

[@danielleclare2938]

Security is just a bad translation for Waterproof or secure from water via Swiss Quality. All about the bracelet for this one. My Invicta has the same bracelet sans clasp. Looks like good value.

[@ramspencer5492]

I don't fancy the day/date complication on this one either.... It's not a bad buy if it fits your taste though. Thanks Jody

[@richardshaw1968]

Margarine watch for me, their IWC homages look ok though. At least it has half links. To be fair on their Aliexpress advertising they do call the crystal a mirror.

[@scottbeckett667]

Right up my alley until you hit the brand rip-off issue. Such a shame that it has a quasi original design and decent quality for a great price. All wiped out by the branding. Great vid Jody. Bring on the nuggets!! Merci!

[@jameseisen9371]

Cheap and cheerful, would prefer Casio Duro anyday

[@verykeen2please]

i am calling the security department in Switzerland lol

[@hotshoe32]

First resemblance that jumped out to me was a Christopher Ward diver, perhaps the C60 Trident Pro 600. Still not close enough to be a copy but there’s some resemblance for sure.

[@andreavala45]

Christopher Ward Trident mixed with Orient Kamasu

[@jonny1904]

Def a Nugget Jody ! Well worth it for the bracelet & the movement alone !

[@epic1285]

Good looking watch, but “Swiss Security” on the dial is enough to make this a non-starter for me.

[@katzmotel8267]

Looks like Orient Kamasu. Decent looking watch.

[@holgermuller3597]

I like such sporty and simultaneously dressy looking watches and I like it how Jody introduces them! Thanks for that! The design looked familiar to me. In my opinion, it looks like a mixture of a Breitling Superocean Heritage and a Jacques Lemans 1-1465. Great watch! Great vid! So thx!

[@UncleSkiBum]

So glad you mentioned the type set of the I& W as I spent the whole video getting annoyed at that logo.

[@villagranvicent]

I rather go with an Invicta 1953 for the same price. The "Carnival@ and "Swiss Security" makes it a no-go for me.

[@theeverydaywatchcollector8036]

This is certainly a great value-for-money watch that we don't see too often anymore! The text and overall style language is certainly reminiscent of Ball watches, but I haven't been able to find this exact design on any other watch either. Also, I believe Swiss Security does indeed refer to that Rolex style caseback

[@emperorchopchop7726]

Dig the form factor. I'd be curious to see what the crystal and bezel dimensions are. That could be a nice cheap NH36 modding platform. Something to have fun tinkering with. It doesn't look like the page it's sold on actually mentions the NH36. I'd be worried that they might swap that out first if they start looking for ways to cut corners.

[@jmahon17]

Yes Jody this one caught my eye as well, just last night in fact. And since you’ve asked, It is the happy bouncing baby boy, born of the Bulova Marine Star and the often undervalued Mido Ocean Star. And I agree, one well put together little nugget. 😉

[@kev1959in]

I have I&W somewhere in my collection,bought years ago,and am sure quality of that one was above the "norm" for its price

[@frank327]

Great value, great review as always. You really have nailed the format, your channel has a clear identity of its own and doesn't follow trends maintaining your own quality way of doing things which keeps me coming back for more!

[@johnturnerjr7221]

That really looks ok. I might have to go and take a closer look at both it and the other colors.

[@unitychigung819]

Use a squash or kids foam rubber ball to get the back off

[@jb6027]

The shark on the case back looks WAY more better than the Squale "eel" shark. I'd never peg that for an $85 watch.

[@chrisc475]

With an NH35 movement, could be a good candidate for a few mods, change the dial and a lot of the niggles disappear.

[@vvveenn]

The watch at 12.10 says “swiss made” on the dial. Hmm, feel like that needs more clarification otherwise there’s a big trust issue.

[@chrisk4418]

Great video Jody! I think it looks a tiny bit like the Cr. Ward C60 Trident Pro 600. Still, I wouldn't call it a homage of it though. Sounds like a great bargain indeed.

[@tombeatty4792]

Definitely has a bit of a Kamasu vibe to it.

[@TheGrister]

For me, it would be better without the day/date window. Nice looking watch though.

[@karlsenula9495]

I have the I&W Carnival Nomos Tangente homage which I love.

[@lefroy1]

It has Christopher Ward vibes. I like it. A matte bezel would be a nice touch if they're considering more options in the future.

[@waris3732]

You know I'd take this over a Daniel Wellington anyday! Also they do a dial version with the 12,6 and 9 Arabic numerals on the dial

[@herewegoagain...]

Oh my God... It's a Seamaster. I KNEW I've seen the design before! Ref 2254.50, the non-Bond variant, with regular hands and similar indices. And yes, it predates the Orient Kamasu.

[@markplayford5836]

Hmm see just what you mean about the typography google ‘kerning pairs’ and that explains the gaps between the letters. I notice on their DW rip off… (Ha if you can even call it that), it read Swiss made on the dial naughty naughty. Nice watch but calling it a dress diver does not cut the mustard with me either I had an Oris Aquis which I labelled as such, unfortunately not dressy enough or that tooly 🤔🤓

[@AgeofEon]

Looks very similar to the early Maen Hudson versions. Not a direct copy but certainly a familial resemblance

[@rolandoavendano9224]

Hi. Thanks for that promo code. For how long will it be applicable?

[@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews]

Haven't seen this one before, thanks for the heads up as always Jody!

[@holtmoore5313]

Good review. I will need to grow more arms to wear all the tempting watches you are reviewing.

[@tineye5100]

It looks good. The kerning with the ampersand sticks out to me. Idk about “Swiss Security” either. Nonsensical stuff like that turns me off from any bargain.

[@itsaflyboything]

hands, indices, chapter ring and lug shape remind me of my Citizen BN0211 quite strongly. not (strictly) a knock, as it's quite legible and gives the watch a little footing into formal territory.