Are BUDGET Watches A Good Choice? | Watchfinder & Co.

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

My wife got me one of these in 39mm with bronze-color hands and pips and a brown leather strap for Father's Day. "Homage" or "copycat" or whatever, it's the best looking watch in my collection by far and worth every cent.

[@davidb5720]

And that’s why we love watches. It’s what you like what makes it important and personal to you. No time for watch snobs. Who can say categorically what’s good and bad? Nobody! Enjoy your watch 👍

[@antonhallergren588]

@@davidb5720 watch snobs are just poor people who will spend their every last dime on an entry level Patek pretending to be rich while talking about value retention. I don't care If I loose money owning a watch as I'm not going to sell my watches.

[@davidb5720]

@@antonhallergren588 totally agree. For me they are a personal purchase and would never sell the ones I have. Nobody should ever be judged by what they wear on their wrist! Especially if there is a personal attachment to it. You like what you like but there will always be people who like to show off by only buying a Rolex or a Patek, just to look down on those who have in their minds, an “inferior” watch. No time for that. I’d like to think that they are in the minority though!

[@Johnlt13]

@@antonhallergren588 value retention is what is killing the watch hobby for myself. I never purchased a watch to be keeping my money. That’s why I purchased a home. My philosophy on watch buying is love what you buy and buy what you love. If you have to flip watches to buy another you can’t afford it.

[@Arcane_Digital]

Beautiful!

[@joespart4782]

A quote I read somewhere many years ago and I live by. “The most expensive watch you will ever buy is the one you buy INSTEAD of the one you want”

[@Ridewithjst]

What if I just…buy the one I want?

[@joespart4782]

@@Ridewithjst then you will have ascended to the top level of watch collecting.

[@pignosis354]

Well....in this case....2,000$ is a very very very small speed bump compared to the 34,000 mythical Starting price royal oak. smaller still compared to the actual 100,000$+ price tag.

[@ScotianBlooded]

this is true i have a case full that haven't seen a wrist in a long time

[@ScotianBlooded]

@@pignosis354 then u will contimue to buy watches to fill that void

[@rtsdrums]

"The inspiration that led to its creation, is about as subtle as a fart at a funeral" My goodness, who comes up with this stuff? haha

[@cruiserous]

I thought I've misheard it but it looks like I'm not the only one 🤣

[@lordcharfield]

People who have “self-soiled” at a funeral?

[@hammaadhussain9974]

@@lordcharfield i farted at my grand dads

[@hathaway.1166]

@@hammaadhussain9974 my homie farted at me once

[@angelcry79]

The Aikon triggers the watch snobs excellently.

[@madnesstothemethod3328]

That is never a bad thing

[@geoffreycheeping3902]

Same snobs would look down on GP laureato or a zenith defy.

[@Antervis]

@@geoffreycheeping3902 person who looks down on $13k watch needs a reality check

[@geoffreycheeping3902]

@@Antervis anyone who looks down on anything or anyone needs a reality check. I've had people look down on my glashutte senato, told the should have gotten a Langhe., and I love a Seiko 5 and have one I wear all the time. It's just so odd to me that price matters in people's mind's

[@SLSAMG]

Good riddance. Nobody likes pretentious snobs that'll purchase a watch for the sole purpose of letting it rot in a display case as a means of "investing". Artificial scarcity is a plague and it will only get worse. Anybody that invests in timepieces is a fool to begin with.

[@BenjaminAbrahamNYC]

I've never cared much for the Royal Oak's looks myself, but this Aikon is lovely. It seems like you get a lot of watch for the money especially considering the level of finishing.

[@karelvavra9617]

I have Aikon and its absolutely stunning. I love that watch so much and I’d never change it for anything

[@FroschBube]

You have to have held it to truly appreciate how incredibly beautiful it looks. I'll definitely buy one in the future.

[@dominicburrows7317]

Better than Royal Oak, trust me...it looks like a fuking gun... lol

[@siblej1]

As sad as it may seem, people don’t buy an AP Royal Oak because it looks like a AP Royal Oak. They buy it because it is an AP Royal Oak.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

It's an ugly watch but it has a logo.

[@thegougy]

the respect for heritage and awesome manufacture movement is more of the reason

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

@@thegougy >manufacture movement What does that even mean? People throw around iN hOuSe mOvEmEnt but what does that mean? _How_ is Audimar Peakgay’s movement different from an ETA 2824? How is _that_ movement different from a Sellita SW200 or an STP 1-11 or a PT5000? I don’t know and I don’t think _anybody_ in this community does, either. WIS throw this stuff around without any understanding.

[@champstation143]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis You ever heard of hand finishing? You know what for example beveled edges are? There is a reason why the AP is way more expensive than the ETA, besides marketing.

[@garyboyle695]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis Higher end watches tend to have Brequet over coil hairsprings and free sprung balance wheels which are much more accurate and easier to maintain that accuracy.

[@MrRaki72]

Maurice Lacroix has an incredible quality.

[@fpier]

I have an Aikon exactly like the one shown. Black, 38mm. When I bought it, i didn't think at the RO at all. I like Aikon and I'm happy with it. I think the design is very good and I wear it with great satisfaction. I would buy it again, for sure.

[@dominicburrows7317]

Did you mean, 39 mm. I bought the 39mm and although I have small wrist, it looks small on my wrist, like a ladies watch. Am not sure if I should exchange for a 42mm instead. I never had a 39mm, may be which is why I feel it is small or am I dumb ?

[@Starstreak170]

@@dominicburrows7317 It's the large bezel that makes it look smaller than 39mm. A dress watch with a thin bezel would look bigger.

[@Thomas1982]

Bought the 42mm all black. Love it. The gubber strap options are really fun aswel.

[@AbdulRWatches]

The cheaper alternative is always worth it when you definitely can't afford the real deal. Otherwise, the regret of not getting the piece will overpower the money saved.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Couldn’t agree less. Cheaper options are always a let down. It will always be a reminder that you don’t own the thing you actually wanted. The only exception is if the cheaper alternative has merits of its own. You may really really want a Lange 1 but can only afford a Panoreserve. The Panoreserve has a history of its own, it’s not just a shameless copy of the Lange.

[@AbdulRWatches]

@@Jabber-ig3iw That is exactly what I meant with "Otherwise, the regret of not getting the piece will overpower the money saved." and even with my first statement as well. So I don't know how can you agree and disagree with me at the same time, but thanks for the comment.

[@DavidDatura]

Indeed

[@artkirakosyan2633]

@@Jabber-ig3iw couldn’t agree more. What couldn’t agree less even means? That you agree but so little that you couldn’t agree less?

[@rsqm3]

@@Jabber-ig3iw there is a thing called analysis, where you separate the different reasons for your wants and desires, and then decide from there. If you dont really know the reason for your decision, your decision will always be wrong.

[@dingodave3966]

I had this watch on my wrist and a chance to buy for a reasonable price but went with another i had on my list, I regret not buying it though, I went back but was sold. That’s without even looking at or lusting over the AP…. Just because i liked the watch. Your comment about regret, I heard what you said at the other end of the scale, so true… Thank you. Dave 🇦🇺

[@mehtabbhogal5591]

My AP RO was really not great for the money. Sold it quickly for a small profit and bought a Lange. :)

[@lordcharfield]

In a world where so many brands produce similar looking diver watches, I’m astonished that this is even being discussed. For most, the ML is a stretch. For me it’s a choice. A watch at this price or replace the patio doors!

[@KingKongor]

I have this exact model! I have worn it for 2 years now as my daily driver, I even use it while working the garden etc and shower with it. Still works like a charm and still looks amazing

[@MARKO2465]

I also have this same watch and it also has become my daily wearer. It has replaced watches that cost many ties the price I paid for it.... I have to say its rick solid well regulated and a good looking timepiece.

[@SunsetSheen]

Have the polished facets on the bezel picked up a lot of scratches?

[@KingKongor]

@@SunsetSheen barely, only in very specific light can you notice it

[@VoiceOfMMA]

Bro do you wear it when your playing diablo 3 bro? LOL

[@Imaveryniceguy]

I've got the blue one with bracelet and leather strap. It is stupidly accurate and I'm over the moon with it. 200m water resistance and details in it you wouldn't expect from something around £1200-£1400. Very happy with it!

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Sure, I’ve got the CasiOak and it’s great. Where anywhere, anytime, for any occasion and under $200.00 Canadian, what more do you need. But at $1,375.00 US, that’s a fantastic choice.

[@muffemod]

GOT DAT OAK GOT DAT OAK GOT DAT OAK CASIO!

[@VersedNJ]

@@muffemod The steel Casioaks are coming out next month. Say what you want, their quartz movement and hands hit the markers almost everytime.

[@artkirakosyan2633]

Next thing upgrade your car to Merrie 300. And you are all set to roll.

[@ekimandersom4478]

Maurice Lacroix isn't a budget watch, it is a beautiful timepiece with an accurate price. All the (big) brands are incredibly overpriced.

[@amitfromisrael5006]

This is amazing, such a watch for around $1200 is the best deal in the watch industry imo, though I own an Omega, I got the Aikon just for fun I love this brand!

[@NOTAMV]

Hi it’s me from the future. 3 years later they are over $2300 already… 😢

[@anthonystevens8683]

I love the dry British humour of these reviews, the story about the alien nearly resulted in my drink over my keyboard. The videos are well made and the narration clear are also reasons why I subscribed a long time ago. Incidentally I also have that camera, a Pentax MX with Pentax M F1.7 bottle from the late 70s and it still works today, fully mechanical (battery only for the meter).

[@billnichols4821]

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon is an excellent watch and a great value. A Royal Oak is so overpriced and unavailable that it makes the Aikon even better. I have a PP Nautilus and I prefer the ML Aikon. Seriously, it could be one of the best buys in Swiss watch land.

[@sergejcher]

Hi Bill, what about the quality of the finishing? I mean of course we will not compare it with Patek, but anyway are there any things you don’t like in Maurice Lacroix Aikon?

[@shaverray4462]

There’s a hard core of watch owners who will, routinely, sneer at this brand. A pity really because the reality is that their entry level pieces are priced keenly and very well made. Step up to £5k to £10k price bracket (although you’d haggle for a decent discount) and their Masterpiece collection offers some serious horology. As for the Aikon, it’s typical of a certain genre and not my cup of tea, but it’s no more or less derivative than far more expensive offerings from other makers who’ve drawn heavily on Genta’s design.

[@retiredmogul]

I was actually on the market for a Royal Oak around the time when the first automatic Aikons were released. One evening, whilst relaxing in my villa resort, I came across some photos and articles of the Aikon and pretty much forgot about the Royal Oak. I dedicated my afternoon to finding Maurice Lacroix ADs and viewing them in person. I'm not a brand whore per se nor do I subject myself to what others find to be popular (I buy what I like most), so I asked myself the simple question about which watch was more beautiful if the brands were not in the equation, and I frankly felt it was the Aikon for a few reasons, and soI bought 1 on the spot within minutes - probably my fastest purchase ever, having been a luxury watch collector of decades with dozens of models from various high end and independent brands. Till today, I own 2 Aikons in different dial colours and they still put a smile on my face every time I gaze at them. Their accuracy is +1 sec per day and 200m water resistance (4x the royal oak's at roughly the same thickness) allows me to do laps in my pool and water sports or diving in the open ocean as well, with zero concerns, which is something that a royal oak would probably not be able to keep up with, as robustly, for many years, and it does end up seeming a little brutishly boring after time passes. In addition, the overall bracelet links of the Aikon are nicely tapered from the side profile which is a very subtle detail, as well as the finishes on the bezel - creating a much more angular and contemporary character with added sturdiness as compared to the royal oak. The Aikon's engineering has proven to be rather equal or superlative indeed. The Aikon is undisputed proof that top quality can be had without overrated hype and opportunistic prices. It helps that the people leading the brand are also very sincere and nice.

[@biohayzer]

I have the larger size of this model with the blue dial and love it!❤️

[@ianskelly6911]

Nope , not for me, I realised years ago that if I buy a cheaper version of the one I want it doesn't scratch the itch, Better to go without than to buy a compromise.

[@tracephoto1823]

Agreed. I envy those that can, but for me I would be constantly reminded of what I can’t have. If I can’t afford what I want, I look elsewhere, but not for a substitute.

[@MARKO2465]

@@tracephoto1823 I have two Royal oaks the ML gets more wrist time. Trust me its a great watch.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Word, or buy an alternative that's different enough not to feel like a direct replacement/compromise. You don't have to be rich, just smart.

[@tracephoto1823]

@@thepassionofthegoose5472 exactly

[@tracephoto1823]

@@MARKO2465 oh I believe you. My intention was not to take away from this watch. Only making the point that substitution is not a good option for some. This watch in a vacuum is a winner.

[@HardcoreMotors]

Price, especially exaggerated pirce, doesn't equal value. No Daytona is worth 30k+, if it once was given away for free and now has a retail price of 11k.

[@civicus2905]

Great watch and not even a Hommage. There arent many Others in this price range with that quality.

[@gundamOPS]

Not a direct homage, but it definitely is paying homage to Genta's known designs.

[@baronejimmyvonxentrix639]

@@gundamOPS agree. It is much more a homage to Genta than to the RO.

[@champstation143]

It is an hommage… It looks like a Royal Oak to every person who is not absolutely into watches, so it is definetly a copy cat.

[@civicus2905]

@@champstation143 Well These must be the people which call every diver a submariner Clone . The aikon is a Tribute to the Maurice Lacroix Calypso which was released 30 years ago. But still Not a Hommage

[@champstation143]

@@civicus2905 Look at the watches case… it is a straight up Royal Oak copy.

[@boykaunlimitted4514]

Wearing the blue dialed right now. I truly love it. Such a cool watch!

[@highwayman1445]

I think it was Mr Hands who said, why carry around a rotor when when you can have the satisfaction of hand wind every 2-3 days. Hanhart featured a short while back is my dream watch.

[@GraemeGibbs]

A slightly unfair take on the ML in this video I think. The integrated bracelet has a fantastic quality, feel and finishing. It fits as snugly as the AP’s bracelet. The quick strap change is very well executed. The movement is as good as many other much more expensive brands and looks a lot better than your parent company’s efforts in some of its special editions. For me the Aikon offers amazing value and I enjoy wearing it just as much as more expensive watches I own. When you consider the price, you get a lot of watch for your money

[@champstation143]

2 grands for a Selitta is kind of a rip off… Half the price would be fair.

[@TheBello2009]

I agree gear looking watch, i was very close to buying it but decided on the Tudor Royal

[@danielehugues1162]

@@champstation143 you dont pay for the sellita you pay for the quality of the watch .... Hublot use also sellita dude

[@garyboyle695]

@@champstation143 You do realise that not all sellita's and ETA's are the same. They go from the basic calibre up to chronometer grade with prices vary significantly.

[@garyboyle695]

@@TheBello2009 Tudor use sourced movements too and their in-house ones are unproven, let's see how reliable they are in the long run

[@nickbutter9270]

Not ashamed to say it but I got mine from AliExpress. And got it for the name only. Maurice Lacroix just sounds like a luxurious French brand. Person A. Hey bud what kind of watch is that Person B. Oh you like it? Its a Maurice Lacroix

[@RobTaBier]

The problem I had with the Royal Oak was that I was actually constantly hiding it. This was due to the constant robberies. Simply I was not ready to lose a hand or my life for a watch. Ended up selling it for a nice profit.

[@highsoflyify]

It really depends where you live. But I can understand this point very well. Every time I travel to poorer countries and regions I switch my luxury watches with my G-Shock 😁

[@misteratoz]

I kind of wish you'd talk more about the watch instead of how it's similar to the royal oak and human psych.

[@risnelson]

Yes!!! Thank you. Video was a waste of time.

[@paulsmithchannel]

Amen. A complete waste of time. If you knew nothing about the Aikon when you began watching the video, you learned very little by the end.

[@nickpurdy]

Am I the only one that thinks this doesn't really look like a Royal Oak? Sure, I'd prefer a different dial finish to further distinguish itself, but that case bezel is very unique

[@MC-yh9bw]

I confess, I let one rip just as he said "fart at a funeral"😱

[@dontbelieveeverythingyouth8173]

You know what they say, leave a little sparkle wherever you go!

[@mohammedshezaadboots1934]

@@dontbelieveeverythingyouth8173 Yo I'm crying 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MC-yh9bw]

@@dontbelieveeverythingyouth8173 indeed, a bit of crop dusting once in a while is good for the soul 🤣🤣🤣

[@ToneyDouglas23]

Maurice Lacroix in general is one of the best bang for buck brands if you don’t care about name and care about movement. The masterpiece collection lets you own amazing complications for under 10k, even less with discounts. Just look at the gravity, the square wheel, the mysterious seconds... Rolex has nothing close in terms of complications. But of course Rolex is Rolex and brands like Maurice Lacroix will get overshadowed by them.

[@antonhallergren588]

Don't care about movement? Yeah the entry levels are not in house but the sw200 in this thing runs near cosc standards and for a watch half the price of a entry level cosc certified movement like Tudor it's a pretty good deal. Got one for 1300 after tax brand new. These guys and Oris both put out very good value watches finished close to something like a omega or Tudor which start around 4000 bucks

[@ToneyDouglas23]

@@antonhallergren588 you misunderstood me bro, I said if you don’t care about brand but DO care about movement. I agree with everything you said.

[@IKucheINtortIE]

Still searching for cheap alternatives for your "cheap" alternatives... remember when you called a speedmaster a cheap chronograph

[@JJ-zr6fu]

I'm still looking for Richard Mille alternative that isn't a G Shock.

[@IKucheINtortIE]

@@JJ-zr6fu try toys r us

[@Maarten_is_here]

I’m a watch enthusiast for many years now but I still don’t understand the Gerald Genta hype. I guess there must be something wrong with me but they just don’t do it for me.

[@LlyleHunter]

I actually love the Aikon irrespective of its derivative relationship to the RO and would enjoy not having to lay out the costly maintenance fees involved with Royal Oak ownership. I would miss the experience of the AP’s glorious bracelet. You can spot every of the eleven hours that go creating them and it really shows in evening lighting.

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

Aikon spells Nokia backwards.

[@Kiba_Fox]

@@MarttiSuomivuori I will never unsee that now 😰

[@ozmondos]

I am looking to buy even cheaper alternatives, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 and the new Casioaks in metal lol

[@jafo4u508]

Devine, very relaxing video to watch after 17 hours on shift. Perfect EOW watching material. Love this channel, thank you for your exquisite attention to detail.

[@roderickwilliams1290]

Evolution from their Calypso, sure it's taken some pointers from its peers to become this form. But this watch is its own,it is instantly recognizable as an Aiken not an homage watch. I personally don't see it, the bezel is not octagonal for a start. I see it more in the line up with the frederique constant highlife or others of a sports dress watch

[@champstation143]

Sorry for disagreeing but look at the case shape… look at the bracelet which is a straight up Royal Oak clone… look at the square shapes on the dial… It is a Royal Oak homage, let‘s not lie to ourselve, accept that and like it how it is.

[@garyboyle695]

@@champstation143Could not disagree more, if you cannot see that there are more differences than similarities you are either blind or a RO fan boy.

[@SoftCrunch917]

@@champstation143 I see it, but in the Sports watch style. Gerald Gentas influence, but has a lot of personal traits.

[@champstation143]

@@SoftCrunch917 As soon as you start copying the dial, I think we can say it starts to be an hommage. The general case shape is also „inspired“ by the RO and i mean the bracelet… it is just a copy. I like the looks but I would never buy it, I want some thoughts of an own design going into my watches.

[@TruckeeDoggo]

I’d love to see a comparison of this watch against the new Tissot PRX automatic, which is about half the price as the ML but has a better movement

[@VersedNJ]

Mine came with 1 free service card, and Swatch Grp. US is in my home state. So fast shipping cheap. The watch band is impressive very comfortable.

[@walterkiebart9728]

Since a few weeks I have the 42 mm Aikon in black and OMG the Quality is stunning for that Price, I really love that Watch. Can I recommend it? Sure 100% sure. The build Quality in every Detail, especially the Bracelet is fantastic.

[@graemebruce9320]

What is wrong with this movement? You didn’t go into detail? The Royal Oak movement is basic, the date movement is prehistoric and the case provides less water resistance than the ML. Why is the AP so sought after yet so dainty?

[@ZakHancock]

I wear an Aikon daily and love it.

[@styx4947]

This channel is the olny watch channel that does reviews without talking about the watch itself. No "41 mil automatic, stainless steel to etc. And all the better for it!

[@cristiangamboa2037]

The only watch I own is a $20 casio, but I find this videos so relaxing.

[@mightbesherwood1313]

There are a few Chinese companies making knockoffs of Casios. You are wearing an original.

[@davidrosin2854]

I own the bronze version and love it

[@rjy8960]

I wouldn't even consider a Royal Oak as I don't really like the watch that much. The only thing I'm not keen on with this Lacroix is the winder - it really lets the watch down. But it would be a nice upgrade for a beater / daily wear.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

Or there's the Tissot PRX...may not have the finishing, but has a bucket more brand heritage if that's your vibe, and you could buy 2 of them for this price.

[@MC-yh9bw]

I bought a $50 Pagani Daytona homage as a joke. I see strangers eye it all the time and gotten looks from the ladies😍 but the best thing is fooling my mates when they see me wear it the first time. They're all in disbelief saying "can't believe you got one". I wouldn't take it off to show them and they'd keep asking about it. When they ask how much it cost thinking it's a real Daytonal. I'd reply "they wanted eighty but I got it for fifty" (Ali express sale 😜). They all scream "what you paid fifty thousand for a watch!" Lol I'd reply " $50k are you crazy! It's 50 bucks from Ali express!" 🤣🤣🤣

[@iRDude415]

HAHAHAH nice, made me chuckle xD

[@carlosmorteo5177]

The best way to wear a Pagani Design is to not take it seriously at all and wear it as kind of a joke, that's how you enjoy it the most. It's a good watch after all that won't disappoint you if you know what you're paying.

[@julianmcwey866]

I have a royal Oak!! Saw the blue dial 42mm version of this and bought it on a whim at a massive discount 800 euros to be precise !! Except for the pin and collar link pins the maurice lacroix bracelet is amazing not better but highly comparible to the ap !! I love this watch the ap lives in the safety deposit box now !!

[@Asyrgath]

If we process the logic we'd all have Gshocks

[@chun_ting]

“Every one should have a Casio, god tier”

[@VersedNJ]

@@chun_ting Exactly

[@thekingofthisworld2154]

G-Shock even makes smart watches now that are probably cheaper and better than the iwatch

[@TripleDDDD]

I slapped an Aliexpress „Royal Oak“ case and strap on a Gshock 2100. Best of both worlds :-)

[@giusepperocchi2979]

If we don’t, we’d all have huge luxury mansions with garages full of supercars, big yachts and so on. In fact, for many people, the AP RO is just a cheap beater watch.

[@darrenideson3499]

its nice to hear u yapping on but it would have been even better if u had shown two or three more examples to give a better and more interested video

[@nanocus]

I had this watch in blue dial on my wrist, and was blown away by how good it looks. It´s very, very well done.

[@vdbdg]

Actually really well made and comfortable. Been enjoying one in rotation for about three years. Given how unwelcome new customers are at AP boutiques, it’s not like getting the “real deal” is even an option so I’ll wear my Aikon with a smirk on my face and not a hint of shame.

[@simptrix007]

Well its all about the people. I visited AP boutique in Prague last year wearing Seiko and being poor enthusiast I recieved over 30 minutes speach (I stopped him because I knew I dont have a wallet to buy anything there and felt sorry about "wasting his time") about brand, watches and history and salesman even let me try his steel Royal Oak when I asked him if its possible to see it in close up. Oh boy that day I knew if I ever get rich I wouldnt hesitate to spend money there unlike my PP boutique experience that was very blend but still polite. Being honored to try Royal Oak on my wrist was same kind of experience when pilot showed me cockpit during the flight being small boy.

[@myrants5836]

Well one thing that happened today that I never expected on your channel. I burst out laughing at the comment "As subtle as a fart at a funeral"

[@XX88Dante88XX]

Can you review the new Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 as an alternative of the more expensive Genta designed watches?

[@Notourtube]

Is a zenith defy considered a cheap alternative??

[@Notourtube]

@jpkrupa1 they really are a complete package and at an unbeatable price! Congrats on the new time piece!

[@Angry_Gnome]

Definitely not…the Defy is its own thing, and from a great brand.

[@jameslawler2011]

Zenith are several divisions above ML. Unfortunately ML is a nothing brand. There is nothing wrong with a Casio or Citizen, at least they are not pretending to be something

[@garethworthington7564]

I tend to find that buying a cheaper version of something just leaves me hollow, so I'd rather just not buy anything and keep the dream of maybe. While there is generally nothing new under the sun, with many watches borrowing ideas, something that is as unique as it can be to itself speaks to me more. Some of the mico Swiss brands produce some epic pieces for a fraction you'll pay for an AP, and you won't see them on the wrist of your neighbour.

[@patrik3450]

Honestly, if you buy a luxury brand. Buy something solid. Then trade up with maybe some cash along the way. Your end goal is the grail. This is the best way to go step by step

[@billdelafuente2155]

AP is 20x more expensive than ML but its not even twice better in terms of performance. AP huge advantage than ML is the name and the pride of wearing it.

[@jhatgotagat300]

That steel sports watch itch is scratched almost daily by my 16610. The integrated bracelet just means I can’t clean it as well😂

[@ryang5230]

I already own a Speed Master and a Rolex Oyster, so the question is; if I also owned this watch, would I ever wear it? Yes, pretty sure I would. So will I buy one? Maybe one day.

[@TheBogdanator]

Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Double Retrograde MP7018-PG101-930 or Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Phase de Lune MP6428-PG101-11E are fantastic watches maybe you should also review those

[@hillbillyartscrafts4367]

ive never been effected by brand name. im 100% attracted to design alone. if its a cheap watch or an expensive watch i won't buy it if its design does nothing for me. most high end brands however have some of the best designs and superior quality

[@UltraDoug]

The real problem with this piece is the AR coating on the outside. Regardless of one’s outlook, any price is too much when the eventual look of the sapphire will be shite.

[@TheRomeogigli]

I have a AP RO offshore 42mm limited and I had to buy an aftermarket rubber strap because the original one I cant fit in even the first hole.. It is nice to look at but it is even more stress to hit the corners than show off and nobody even cares.. So its in the safe most of the time.. The Aikon I bought a few months before and I even had done much more research and comparing until my purchase, but it fits like a glove.. It blings from every angle, hasn't any sharp edges, has a nice open caseback, even the waffle patten is nicer than AP.. But.. I dont really get used to the 'arms' on the bezel as MLC calls it that way.. They could have done something more subtle t be original in some way.. Also it's quite prone to scratches.. But ofcourse.. If u wear it.. It will get worn..

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

*Plot Twist:* none of these luxury watches are "worth it." They're all made from nothing special stainless steel, sapphire and brass and none of them can keep time as well as a $10 quartz. They sure look cool, but they're asking a big premium for a technically inferior product. Hell, for $500 all the way up to $2,000 you can get the exact same watches, same finishing, same details, same features without having to degrade your wife by offering her sexual services to an AD, _AND_ you'll have money leftover for a REAL investment product.

[@maxim29672]

nobody can see what you are wearing - it is actually does not matter for majority of people around.

[@ya55er4008]

Worst part when someone ask you if it is Royal Oak and you need to tell them it is not

[@SoftCrunch917]

Yup, but I realize few people even know AP.

[@roderickos3980]

So true

[@drek5740]

Love the Kepler 22b reference 😍

[@thatmexicanguy2989]

I’ve got a Maurice lacroix aikon myself and I love it! 200m water resistance, open case back with a good looking movement, great weight and proportions, and amazing finishing 😎 definitely recommend this watch and brand, considering they do many complications in their masterpiece line too as well as more simple timepieces

[@lndyrd]

i haven't gotten one (yet), but I tried them in the store, they fit amazingly well despite my small wrist, because of the way the integrated bracelet fits to the case it wraps my wrist well. Both the 42 and 39mm versions

[@antonhallergren588]

@@lndyrd I have 19 cm wrists and went for the 39. I think it looks more like its own thing and it feels higher quality as the dial is shrunk not just cut to a smaller size

[@ThousandFo0tKrutch]

would you go for the black dial or the blue?

[@thatmexicanguy2989]

@@ThousandFo0tKrutch I went for the anthracite dial, it’s a blackish brown face with rose gold hands. In the right light it almost has a bit of a copper tint to it 😊 really attractive watch

[@ThousandFo0tKrutch]

@@thatmexicanguy2989 thanks for your thoughts. I always wanted a blue one but recently I do tend to the black one actually

[@aminreviews2311]

The hobnail dial is what makes it too similar to the AP. If they had done a grenage dial and left all else the same, it would have been much stronger.

[@madnesstothemethod3328]

As much as we would like to, not everyone has the financial means to acquire a high end timepiece. Indeed, the whole point of "premium' watch brands is their exclusivity. Not everyone can have them. Not everyone is supposed to have them. That said, always buy the best watch you can afford.

[@jhatgotagat300]

If you need something anything a watch that steal sports watch with an integrated bracelet let’s say. Buy the best one you can afford 🤷🏻‍♂️ It’s a modification of the buy cheap by twice saying. Need a car? Get the best one you can afford. Need a house? Get the best one you can afford. Life will be good then.

[@crownedsmiley4207]

Well said

[@JJ-zr6fu]

This statement needs to take into account depreciating and appreciating assets.

[@mariog7213]

The problem is defining what one can actually afford considering other plans

[@jhatgotagat300]

@@mariog7213 that’s a personal thing. no one needs to decide what anyone els needs?

[@jhatgotagat300]

@@JJ-zr6fu not really.

[@stanm299]

When it comes to watches, I really hate the word "cheap". In the back of my mind cheap refers to garbage, trash or refuse. I rather refer it to as more affordable. It's more easy on the mind to know that I am still wearing a well above average brand than to wear a "cheap" watch.

[@vaderprime923]

Really depends on the consumer, for me the slim/integrated bracelet/oddly shaped/do-everything steel sports watch is just something that AP did first and now every brand should do to scratch that itch. When I find one that fits me well and doesn't bust my budget I'll get one.

[@MattD86]

They didn’t do it first

[@musama8771]

The video title should be "Glizzy gliding the Royal Oak while reviewing a completely different watch for 10 mins straight"

[@dhruvpatel6604]

Loved the commentary on this one!

[@cdeluna43]

The fart at a funeral joke ...i just was not ready 😂😂😂😂

[@benmatthews91]

I honestly think if you do a bit of digging you can find great stainless steel, integrated bracelet sports watches that don’t copy the RO so closely but have their own unique design language that make them more a stand alone piece and not a placeholder for something you wish you had. Examples such as the Zenith Defy skeleton and IWC ingenieur 3227, while in a different price bracket than the ML, give you access the stainless steel sports watch genre with great finishing, in house movements, and their own unique style still for a fraction of RO prices. I think it’s easier to justify saving up a bit more and spending $4500-5500 (pre-owned) for one of those pieces than $1500 on the ML.

[@Eriond1]

Thanx for yet another great video! Not exactly my style of watch, but I like it :-) I own a Maurice Laxroix Masterpiece Petite seconde, and are always in awe of the details and feel of quality when I wear it. Even the most expensive of Seiko (Not GS of course) does not come close to the ML. Very much worth to check out Maurice Lacroix!

[@supremegalacticcommander2783]

Why do brands continue to use sapphire case backs when they use a relatively unadorned movement? Give that watch nice solid case back and it changes to watch for the better.

[@nicolasdelabassetiere8829]

I'd be more interested in comparing the more comparable than this, to an AP, such as the Alpine Eagle and/or the equivalent model from Piaget. I'm a little biased because I am currently in the debate stated above, but I'm sure others would be interested!

[@domiy13]

People need to stop comparing watches to the best of the best. Is the Aikon cheaper and lesser quality than a Royal Oak? Of course, but a BMW 8 series is also cheaper and lesser quality compared to an Aston Martin. Is that a good enough reason not to buy a BMW 8 series? Hell no. It's an amazing car.

[@peterrichardson9248]

Nothing wrong with this watch. The Royal Oak is just fiendishly over priced. Does the RO have a bullet proof movement? No in my opinion.

[@teakcore5261]

The Royal Oak is awful sports watch. Terrible shock resistance, water resistance and scratch resistance. It’s a footballer’s poser watch.

[@krishorst4734]

@@teakcore5261 If you have the money to spend and want a sports watch, the only one to get is a Vacheron Constantin Overseas.

[@12801270able]

Honestly, I find the Aikon more attractive than the Royal Oak and the Overseas.

[@vlmxs]

Did you cnsider doing a CasiOak video? ;)

[@jarnbjorn4522]

i'm still on the fence about this watch but it's growing on me.

[@ShawnDeLaCruz]

I bought this watch as a daily wear to rotate with my Rolex Datejust 41. I save my Royal Oak for when... I feel like wearing my Royal Oak. This Aikon has exceeded my expections. Lots of bang for the buck in the esthetics department. The 200m water resistance is a nice touch. Pretty on the wrist without the worry.

[@Ian-ij4of]

I have one, with the steel strap pictured in the video, large box and a silicone strap as a sort of set. Very nice, plus 3 seconds per day accuracy 👌. £1600 for the set or £1400 for the watch on a steel bracelet when i purchased in 2002. Prices have risen a bit as of December 2023. The set now retails at £2200 if you can find one for sale.😊

[@JJ-zr6fu]

I mean didn't a lot of the top watch brands today source their parts at one time? Rolex bought their movement supplier so they could say they have an in house movement.

[@kiwilonewolf]

I honestly prefer the look of this on wrist compared to the AP. Non-integrated bracelet is a huge selling point for me as well, as I prefer a strap.

[@cedarcanoe]

Very bad printing of the ’M’ at 3:33

[@durra4203]

Could you do a video on the op41 black dial ?

[@erabhikdasgupta]

People who are calling an aikon a cheaper alternative is just looking it top down. An aikon is a splendid watch, mind you is also chronometer certified. You have to see it bottoms up. Someone with a golden spoon since childhood will never appreciate An aikon. For someone like me who started with a timex, rising up to Seiko to then a Tissot. I have the aikon in my list, someday will reach there and make good memories with that. May be then I target a speedy who knows. But the aikon will be there to tell a wonderful story someday just like the casio is still there to tell a story when I moved around in tuk tuk and skip hanging out with friends to save some money to get that timex. So it's not a cheap man's oak but rather every watch including the aikon is the story of growth. Also it has a splendid Clous de Paris designed dial with a sunburst blue, just a treat to the eyes.

[@grahamyoung622]

I haven't been 'into' watches for long and only recently discovered the MLC Aikon quite by accident. Just had to have one! Very expensive for someone of my 'limited' means. I bought the Anthracite dial one with gold indices, by far the best looking of the range. Love it!!! I find European watch manufacturers obsession with butterfly clasps on their bracelets to be particularly annoying, absolutely no micro-adjustments and very hit-and-miss as far as getting a great fit, depending on the size of the links and the weight of the watch. Fortunately I have been lucky with the Aikon and a few others in this regard, but I can imagine many p...off customers who spend a lot of money and struggle to get a decent fit.

[@CanariesExplorer]

In my opinion a lot of the expensive high end watches inc Rolex have plain uninspiring designs which you may not give a second glance to if the brand name was taken off. They undoubtedly have high design and build quality but ultimately its all to do with BRAND recognition and snobbery. Unlike say luxury cars there is not much difference in the user experience with a watch. Cars have different engines, handling, interiors and exterior design, which lead to a different experience and desirabilty - its not all about brand..

[@dainluke]

Absolutely. Why on Earth would you not want to give business to a brand that actually cares about the customer and value for money.

[@davidr2802]

One doesn't need an expensive watch and particularly if you are reading this on your phone then you don't even need a watch at all. Therefore any watch is a luxury item no matter what you pay for it. So choose what you can afford after you have taken care of life's necessities or save up if the one you want it is out of reach at the moment.

[@JesseHMR]

The issue is the ML ownership, the brand has been for sale for years and they can't find a buyer, so the brand has been pretty much left in limbo. It's sad because it has potential but a lot of watch fans won't touch the brand because of the uncertainty of the future of the brand this is also affecting the resel value of the ML watches. If you buy one they are very hard to flip sadly, if you buy it new expect to lose money on it when you resell it.