VALUE! | Revelot Admiral GMT review

[@themicrobrandexpert]

How important is an original design in your decision to buy a watch?

[@neilmartin7776]

If it's a microbrand, pretty important. With the plethora of affordable brands out there, and without technically innovative movements to fall back on, design and build quality are paramount. The luxury heavyweights can get away with more boring or "classic" designs because their movements and finishing are often better and more important for their buyers.

[@themicrobrandexpert]

I would argue that microbrands will compete with any established brands' offerings in the same price ranges as far as fit and finish.

[@neilmartin7776]

@@themicrobrandexpert I agree fit and finishing on many microbrands is top notch - certainly above their price ranges. What I meant was, the time-consuming details, finishing and flourishes that more expensive luxury brands have to offer - when you're paying thousands rather than hundreds for a watch, you expect better finishing and this is where those brands can prosper without having to also be overtly original in design. Microbrands don't have that luxury, especially when they're using off the shelf movements, so originality of design is the only way they can stand out.

[@themicrobrandexpert]

@@neilmartin7776, thank you for further clarifying your point! Absolutely, you're 100% right, the established brands do have the means to go to where microbrands can only dream of. Even so, I believe it's very interesting that there are independent watchmakers such as Ressence, Horage or MB&F capable of giving brands with a proud heritage a run for their money. Unfortunately this is a world where brand image still is the main USP, but I believe things will change. The question is how soon.

[@neilmartin7776]

@@themicrobrandexpert given the price increases that are pushing luxury brands further and further away from the ordinary buyer, I honestly foresee a change in the market. Rolex is no longer the "working man's tool watch" it once was, Omega has steadily increased the barrier to entry, and even Tudor are getting beyond "sensible" prices. As for Audemars Piguet or Patek Phillipe - forget it. One of my biggest regrets is not buying a Nautilus at retail for £18k back in 2015 - had I done so and sold it now, I could have paid off my mortgage. Now, I couldn't even afford that same watch pre-owned. I am only recently a convert to microbrand watches, but I'm learning more and more by watching channels like yours. The quality is absolutely mind-blowing for the cost - I recently bought a Prometheus and the build quality is right up there with my Omega Planet Ocean. So I'd just like to thank you for introducing me to a whole new world of brands, and I look forward to watching your next video!

[@Walnutman5700]

I just ordered one. Thanks for the review Anton!

[@Revelot_Official]

thank you for supporting!

[@themicrobrandexpert]

That's great, hope you managed to take advantage of the early bird discount!

[@Revelot_Official]

Thank you very much Anton! Might wanna adjust a more consistent lighting temperature there, sometimes the lighting appears too cool/blueish. Otherwise a really in depth and great review. Only a few reviewers understand the pain, cost and time involved in R&D on a unique design over an OEM/ODM design! Have a great week ahead!

[@themicrobrandexpert]

Thank you! Apologies for the footage quality being all over the place - I tried fixing it up as much as possible in post-production. As for the gamble you and other talented designers take in being original I can only be thankful and offer my support in any capacity.

[@Revelot_Official]

@@themicrobrandexpert Definitely a lot of effort to shoot, edit, V/O etc! Thanks again!

[@megasoid]

Love original designs even if I don't connect with them. Anything but another high priced black dial diver and I'm in lol! Nice watch good review as always Toni.

[@Revelot_Official]

I think most people like something familiar yet slightly different. The Hexmariner definitely check those boxes :)

[@themicrobrandexpert]

IThank you, Fred! Stay tuned for even more outrageously original designs!

[@benjaminvis]

This is clearly one of those where if you like the style, at this price, there should be no reason for hesitation. Yet, exactly the style is where I would suggest this is only trying to appeal to a niche. It's not off-putting, but where I can still appreciate the guilloché whirlpool and the toothed segmented lume circle serving as hour markers, effectively the rest of it doesn't quite gel with my sense of style and attractive design. I would also hazard that the more objecti e weakness of this watch is that there are just too many things fighting for attention, which means the although it is technically capable executed, the impression is a little messy. I think that none of thatatters to those who are into this louder style of watch. I remember Peter Kotsa calling a gold dial with intricate faceted texture loud. While he may have a point, loud seems more appropriate for watches like this (or the Ikigai that was launching this week). Obviously this is a toolish, technical loudness, not a dressy material loudness. I haven't looked into it, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are colour variants that strike a slightly better balance. It could also be that striking balance was the furthest from Revelot's mind creating this watch. Whatever the case, it certainly adds unreserved playful variety to the scene.

[@Revelot_Official]

Thank you for your in-depth analysis! The 3d effect on the dial in the grey color might be bit loud in this variant. The Lumed dials are way more subdued :) Have a great week ahead!

[@benjaminvis]

@@Revelot_Official rest assured, I'm all for it, but have to recognise it's not my style. I can more easily deal with a gold dial with intricate dressy design, than, generally speaking, a 'lume monster', but I think popular vote may well be quite the reverse.

[@themicrobrandexpert]

While there are indeed many visual elements, they are long ways from clashing with each other and, as a matter of fact, they combine in a coherent, balanced design.

[@benjaminvis]

​@@themicrobrandexpert I do agree that there is a recognisable sense of coordination about all the elements, especially where the colours are concerned. I'm not sure if I find the ways in which balance is sought is always entirely successful. The hands, for example, seem needlessly complex to me and seem to clash in shape and execution with the hour-marker-ring, while the periphery has the tendency to overwhelm the centre dial. Anyhow, I think the more you like the general style the less such things would be perceived as problems. I do find myself a little confused as to what this watch is trying to be, though with the same ease it can be recognised that the timing bezel will work and the GMT is legible, whereas the contrsdr between dial and hands is sufficient for reading the time. So, if you like the way in which this is achieved, this is likely a great watch for you. I suppose the whole point of this is not to be subtle.

[@E_D_43]

This one is not for me, but I love to see original designs. I always choose originals if I can afford them.

[@Revelot_Official]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@themicrobrandexpert]

Originality will always come at the cost of alienating a part of the public, and that makes it even more praise worthy.

[@ediorzel22]

A little too plasticky colour version for my taste. I would choose something more classic/conservative. But I will always give thumbs up for a brave design. It's not easy to do a diver/external bezel watch that will stand out from the crowd. Goes on my shortlist.

[@Revelot_Official]

Thank you very much, hope one day you will break the convention :)

[@themicrobrandexpert]

I believe this is not only a design that's visually striking, but shows a deep understanding of proportions and volumes. The dial might steal the show, but to me the depth of the overall construction is the unsung hero here.