Tisell Explorer Homage 36mm - Is This a Smiths Everest Killer?

Have I found a watch to replace my Smiths Everest?! I just got the Tisell Explorer in 36mm! Let's review it!
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[@kl5696]

This is a great video and possibly the only one for the 36mm Tisell Exp homage on youtube. Tisell had the 39mm for sometime and this 36mm was just recently launched. Can't wait to see a compare video with the Everest.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Oh! Cool! Thank you so much! 🍸🍸

[@vaclav_fejt]

I got this myself for Christmas...so it's waiting in the box for the Advent to end. I've tried it though, and it is simply fantastic. After seven months with my Vostok K-35, I figured something small and versatile was due. Last year I only knew watches that were one tenth the price - I still can't imagine a watch that's 25 times the price (i.e. the original Rolex). The bracelet was one of the main reasons - compared to my previous Bentime, it's so easy to operate, yet secure...and that toolless adjustability. I was aware of reported QC issues, but mine has none. If it weren't for that bracelet, I would have saved up for a Seiko pro specs. The crown is small, I hope I won't bend the stem when pulling it out. The rotor whirs nicely in the free-spinning direction, not too loud. My only complaint is the lume - the hands fade quicker than the indeces...if it was uniform or oher way round, it would be much better. Overall, the lume is cedent, longer lasting than on the Vostok (albeit dimmer). If someone goes red in the face when meeting a Steinhart, this piece will give them a heart attack - and that is so worth it.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Oooo! Congratulations! Yeah these are really great watches. I LOVE the toolless microadjust. Very cool! Enjoy it when you get to wear it at last!

[@bronco1199]

San Martin, I stayed away for years but their explorer homages are so good. Really good!! Fantastic bracelet, clasp stays closed. And yes the explorer needs a bracelet, totally agree.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Well crap, now I have to check out the San Martin explorers lol Thanks for that tip!

[@bronco1199]

@Killing Time With Norman haha sorry. They are more like Tudor explorer homages so they are different enough from the Rolex to justify buying one lol.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

@@bronco1199 Just great lol! hahaha

[@folksurvival]

It would probably look good on a nato.

[@user-rp4ql7up2y]

Wow, seeing a Korean brand... Tisell is famous for its excellent quality compared to its low price. Isn't it the most successful brand in Korea, a micro-brand barren land? Tisell's owner 'Otto Master' (his nickname in the watch community back then) has been working for years to improve the quality of his watches with better value for money.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Thank you for the info I'll have to dig into Tisell!

[@skipinkoreaable]

Thank you for the info. This watch is beautiful.

[@NaNByZero]

The Tisell Explorer is a true Rolex Explorer killer. I own the 39mm and I bought it bc I wanted to check if I would like it enough to buy me a Rolex. Now I like it so much that I don’t want the Rolex anymore. The Smiths Everest is not a Rolex hommage. It’s an hommage to the original Smiths watch that was first watch on the Mount Everest. Most ppl think Rolex was first which is not true. But true enough is that a crappy clasp sucks a lot. I would keep both and would wear the Everest on a strap.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Oh cool! Glad you are enjoying your Tisell! Yeah I'll be keeping both.

[@NaNByZero]

That’s a good decision. :)

[@tomk9237]

I’ve had my 39mm version for about three years now and I love it. Everything works smoothly and has a quality feel to it. I to wondered about the large clasp but in use I don’t notice it at all. Adjusted it to fit me and I haven’t looked back. Mine runs within COSC specs so I really got lucky with it. IMO Miyota movements are much better than Seiko are. For the price this watch has to be the best homage of the Explorer by far.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Oh cool! Glad to know they're good for the long haul!!

[@TillSwims]

Finally a watch guy with a hat. I like that

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Oh good! Someone who's a fan hehe. I am never w/out a yat on, not sure why, I've always been into hats. Thanks so much! 🍸🍸

[@jpdavis6042]

This Tisell outclasses the Everest and is a very handsome piece. I have seen it on another channel and thought you might like it. Tisell captured the essence of the Rolex and even the Brand Font of 5 letters fits just right. Agree as to certain pieces belonging on the bracelet. I might buy one. Cheers, JP

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Yeah they definitely captured the Explorer essence! 🍸🍸

[@buildyourownclone]

Wow! They really nailed the new explorer aesthetic. I'm not a big fan of the clasp either, but that's how the clasps are on new Rolexes. I guess they had to make them bigger for the tool-free micro adjust. The older pressed steel clasps feel cheap at first, but after getting used to it, I actually prefer it. The indicies are a little bigger on the new explorers too, so I guess they nailed that part as well. I would assume that's because they were made for the 39mm version they released a couple years ago, and then they just used the same parts for the new 36mm version rather than scaling them down.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

That makes sense regarding the indices. Although the clasp is pretty large, the glidelock feature is so great it totally makes it worth it! I like milled clasps but for me personally a pressed clasp isn't a showstopper at all.

[@FRST2012]

Having only had it for a day or two, the clasp has been fantastic so far and I have used the quick adjust more than I thought. In my opinion its better than having a single 5mm extension. I don’t mind the older pin adjustment, but a lot of brands only provide 2/3 holes of adjustment. The old Rolex with around 6/7 were much more useful.

[@dannyg6592]

Nice homage to a modern 36mm Explorer. Glidelock clasp is a bit long for such a small watch, but hopefully you will get used to it. On your Everest, I suggest you replace the clasp with a better one. I am sure you or your watchmaker can find a better clasp that fits the bracelet.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

I've hunted for one myself and failed, but I haven't asked my watchmaker if they could track one down. Great suggestion! Thanks for that! 🍸🍸

[@dannyg6592]

@@KillingTimeWithNorman Sure thing and good luck - there are so many aftermarket clasps out there. Ali Express has quite the selection.

[@FRST2012]

Hugely impressed with this. I don’t think I could ever justify the 114270 at current prices, but others clearly would. The Tisell is nearly all of the fun for not a lot of the price, in my opinion.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Yep! It IS an amazing piece for sure! 🍸🍸

[@w3dge115]

I was a little disappointed with the 36mm bracelet as the female lugs didn’t fully articulate when attached to the watch head (flexed some but fit more like male end links still). I also did not care for the clasp size as it felt like it threw the balance of the watch off. To my pleasant surprise, my NTH sub oyster bracelet fits it perfectly. It does have male end links (prefer female), but now it is on a liter bracelet with fully articulating links and a better clasp. With this bracelet, my 36mm Tisell is my most comfortable watch in my collection.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Oh cool that the other bracelet fit! Yeah it's a big clasp - but I DO like the toolless microadjust :) 🍸🍸

[@eddyc1738]

I agree! I absolutely love this piece but there’s something about the lack of articulation throughout all the links that’s bugging me! That “female” end link is almost just a faux female link that’s really just a male end link cut in half, not exactly sure what the point of that is. May I ask, is the NTH sub oyster bracelet the v.1 with the 3 microadjust clasp? Or the v.2.1 that has the 6 microadjust clasp? May invest in one! Brilliant video Norman! I’m very glad I picked this piece up :)

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Sorry I missed this response :/ Which watch were you referring to, re: micro adjusts?

[@patrick6190]

Hi, I´m very much interested in the exact model of the NTH sub oyster bracelet that fits your watch perfectly as I´m intending to buy a Tisell 36 explorer as well. Do you have a link or some pictures with it to share? Did you have to modify anything on the bracelet or the watch/springbars to get it to fit together? I´ve heard that there may be an issue with the Tisell Explorer with not having enough room between the speingbars and the watch case which results in some straps not fitting very well. I like Nato straps and that is something I can´t find any information on unfortunately...I found some info on the 39mm version having this issue and I´d like to know how it looks on the 36 model. I know those are many questions and even answering some of them would mean a lot to me :)

[@lukerendell]

Great video! The pictures on the Tisell site make it look like the bracelet itself is narrower than the end links e.g 18/19mm bracelet abruptly joined to 20mm end links, is that right or is the first link of the bracelet actually 20mm? Difficult to tell from the video! Thanks

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Sorry for the delay - let me look tonight...

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

The first links are just as wide as the end links.

[@ccooper8785]

That would be my grail watch if only they did a version with a quartz movement. I am losing hope that Addiesdive will ever fit similar indices to their AD2123-1...

[@BobbyG3752]

I have 3 Tisell watches 1 explorer and 2 Marine Divers and they are amazing, the miyota movements are as accurate as anything on the market. People did talk the miyota movements down because of the rotor spin noise but they are way better than their price reflects. The bracelets and clasps are great also with the right taper IMHO

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

In sporty watches I personally don't really notice the rotor. I've had one in a dress watch and that was kind of annoying - you can really hear AND feel it spinning. Very cool! 🍸🍸

[@efenli]

Nice Watch 👍👍

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Thank you!!

[@stay_tactical.gwanho]

Great video! My wrist is about 16 cm (6.2 inches). I'm worried about the size, which one do you think would be better, 36mm in the video or 39mm in the previous Tisell version?

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

It depends on what you're used to. The 36 is the classic Explorer size, and on my 7" wrist it looks amazing. The clasp may be a bit long on your wrist, but it's so great it may just be a matter of getting used to it. But I personally would go for the 36 :)

[@stay_tactical.gwanho]

@@KillingTimeWithNorman Then I think I'd better go to 36. Thank you for your answer!

[@marcomanaog7255]

Great review sir. Thank you. Can this possibly fit a tiny 6 inch wrist?

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

I feel since it is a 36mm watch it would. May be kind of like a 40mm on a larger wrist. Thank you! 🍸🍸

[@KabobHope]

Looks nice. The clasp looks like it is large for the watch.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

It is a bit long, yeah. But the glidelock is amazing :)

[@roblieffering8994]

Hiya, I have a couple of Tisells. This is the first one they have made with female end links. Just interested to know how much they articulate?

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

The first center link angles down at about 45deg. The first full link can bend another 180deg, so it's nearly flat to the back of the watch. They hug the wrist really well. 🍸🍸

[@cussytootussy]

Great review. I was wondering hoe you like the watch after having it for a few months. Does it get much wrist time?

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Hey! Thank you! It doesn't get a ton of wrist time, due to me owning the San Martin 1016 homage (The 1016 is my favorite Explorer variant) - BUT it's definitely a keeper. It is my go to 'vacation' Explorer homage. My only beef with it is the oversized indices. That's it. Brilliant watch! 🍸🍸

[@cussytootussy]

@@KillingTimeWithNorman Thank you for the update! Glad to hear that you are enjoying it still. I think it may just be my next purchase. I love this variant and for a 6.5” wrist this one seems to combine the best fit with good quality. Thanks so much.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Yeah! One thing to be aware of is the clasp, since it has a glide lock feature - which is so amazing!, is on the longer side. But yeah, it's a great watch!

[@obesetuna3164]

Hi Norman. Tis such a shame about the Everest. However, your Tisell looks great.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

I know! Dumb Everest clasp lol

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

👌👍

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Norm you should really try the 37mm San Martin explorer homage. It is Amazing!

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Hmm - let me give those another look! Thank you!

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

@@KillingTimeWithNorman I believe the Model Number is SN021-GB1. They also make a really great black Bay 36 and Tutor, ranger 36 mm homage.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

@@turnbasedtoddy7664 Oh! Good to know, thank you soo much!

[@patrick6190]

I´ve heard that there may be an issue with the Tisell Explorer with not having enough room between the speingbars and the watch case which results in some straps not fitting very well. I like Nato straps and that is something I can´t find any information on unfortunately...I found some info on the 39mm version having this issue and I´d like to know how it looks on the 36 model. Does anyone have some information about this to share? It would be very much appreciated :)

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Hmm. unfortunately I didn't try a nato on this watch. I've since traded it.

[@Ray.J]

Nice looking watch with good specs for the price. Did you consider just changing out the clasp on the Everest? Seems like that would be the thing to do. Shame to not enjoy an otherwise great watch. Personally I don't like the super long clasps, aesthetics-wise but have yet to wear one so cannot vouch for the wearability of them.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

I tried buying a clasp that looked like it had the right specs, but the screws were too thick and there would have been a weird looking gap between it and the bracelet. I have my eyes open for just an Everest clasp or bracelet, but so far no luck. I'll likely end up just buying another Everest, but in the meantime - keeping my eyes open for less expensive solutions :) Thank you! 🍸🍸

[@daveknight8410]

Never had a problem with bracelets from smiths timefactor watches, the lumin i think could be more not less as its above average only, like the tisell thanks

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

🍸🍸

[@Avery-g-yt]

Can you remove any more links from the 6 o'clock side of the bracelet and move them to the other side? It would help center the clasp and that's my concern before buying it - are there more removable links?

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Let me check when I get a chance today. I was out of town, so sorry for the delay.

[@Avery-g-yt]

@@KillingTimeWithNorman thanks for the reply but I got confirmation from someone on Reddit on the number of removable links, so no worries here. Waiting for the watch to arrive now :)

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

@@Avery-g-yt Oh! wow - cool!

[@rojachalla]

Norman: I bought this watch based on your review. I should be getting in couple of days. Thanks

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Oh! Sweet! Let me know what you think of it! 🍸🍸 Congrats!

[@drewgambill1432]

They missed the point of the female and links. Everyone complained on the 39 that the end links were poor. They’ve changed them but these don’t articulate at all. Very strange. The bracelet still wears fine on me, but this is an area for improvement.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Good point. 🍸🍸

[@davidesantoro9631]

Do you think the proportions are a bit off compared to the Rolex explorer? Something looks a bit off, but I don’t know what exactly

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

The indices are pretty large on this watch, I BELIEVE larger than the Explorer has.

[@Agent-vj3ns]

​@@KillingTimeWithNormanthey look ridiculous

[@stevea6725]

How small can the bracelet go. Will it fit a 6.25 inch wrist?

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

It should yeah - I have a 7" wrist, and there are two more links I could remove, and I have the glidelock set to nearly as large as it goes.

[@stevea6725]

Thank you for your excellent review and response!! Are the removable links all on one side of the clasp? Or a few on each side? I’m curious how the clasp will center on my wrist? Thanks again!!

[@joshuaolewiler3255]

Does this have male or female end links? Great video!

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Female. Thank you! 🍸🍸

[@BenJamin-rt7ui]

You just made a sale for Tisell.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Hehe! Nice! 🍸🍸

[@LEGOTROLL1]

i went for smith everest, it has drilled lugs.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Yep. The Everest is THE winner.

[@jamesblonde2271]

The Smiths is the homage with just a sliver of an excuse to exist, the Tissel doesn't really have much to elevate it against other pure homage Bernys etc....I would like a Smiths , its a cool story, even the marketing BS in period, but, yeah but na.....Will the glidelock fit the Everest?😂 Or the whole bracelet?

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Yeah - I agree re:Smiths - and even though the clasp on the Tisell is soo functional, I still prefer the Everest, so that isn't going away. But the Tisell is a great beater 'Explorer'. So I'll probably stick with both hehe

[@wtp5]

Numerals look terrible, and are way to large. Applied indices are too modern for this piece. Printing is too big. Clasp is a colossal mess. The harmony of the Everest is perfect. This looks clumsy, like a beginners drawing.

[@Agent-vj3ns]

Right? The indices are a giant clownshow. Looks like they just used parts from their 39mm on the 36mm. Major fail. So glad I went with San Martin. Theirs has AR coating too.

[@Frank-vo9xo]

Just spoke, let me tell you something you'd be better off buying a fake Rolex than buying one of these watches. Why would you pay $400 for a watch? That's nothing more than a fake Chinese garbage. You either buy the real thing or buy something else but don't buy garbage. This is a garbage watch and I've seen about 30 channels so far in the last 2 days. Pushing this watch they're all getting paid to push it. You're getting nothing more than a cheap copy that would sell for under a $100. But you're paying 400 for because they're paying all these youtubers to push this watch. Don't buy it, folks garbage pure garbage. You need better to buy a fake roll lecture. When it broke, just throw it away

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

I'm definitely not getting paid to talk about this watch. Definitely didn't pay $400, I don't THINK I even paid $300 when I got mine. For $400 I fully agree with you, buy something else.

[@user-ex6tu3ds7y]

The only good thing about what you have said is that it remains only an opinion. It doesn't really change anything.

[@bigjimknickers]

If you had to do an overall out of 10 rating what would you give this? & what would you give the Everest? Thanks great videos very helpful 👍

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

Hmm I think I would give this maybe a 6 or 7 out of ten. The Everest gilt dial is definitely a 10/10. :)

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

So it is not an Everest killer :)

[@bigjimknickers]

@@KillingTimeWithNorman I tried & failed to get the gilt smiths yesterday, literally sold out in 2min. Any others I should look out for? 36mm/369/merc hands? I want that smiths but I’ll settle for a very close 9/10! 😂👍 subbed.

[@bigjimknickers]

Can’t get an Everest so I’m back looking at this Tisell- in the UK all the scalpers are buying the Everest & flipping them. 😢

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

@@bigjimknickers Yep. HUGE flipper market on those. :/