[StephenR]

I'm in the market for a small dress watch. At the moment my HMT White Pilot fills that spot, but I'm after a black face, similar to a Bambino, or even an HMT Sona... HOWEVER, I can't decide whether I want it in Silver, Gold, or a Silver case with Gold dial details...

Has anyone come across any super cheap (not that the ones I'm considering are exactly high-ticket! ), simple dress watches which are a similar style? I figure I'll get one in each colour to see what I actually like on my wrist...

 

[StephenR]

...I think I originally bought it for my SARB035 and went back to the bracelet...

I'd love to hear your impressions on the Cadisen compared to the SARB035. I had planned to buy a 33/35 a few years ago but kept putting it off, I've just started looking again and am shocked (impressed?) by the prices. I'm trying to decide if the Cadisen will satisfy my itch for that style, even without the quality, pedigree etc of the Seiko's. I also love a Seiko's resale value, which I assume a Chinese watch won't have (yet?).

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[StephenR]

The SARB is definitely a more desirable watch, but the price reflects that. I think most people would pick the SARB over the Cadisen if they didn't know the price unless they just didn't like the smaller look. I like them both for different reasons.

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Fantastic write-up, thank you. My daily watch is a SARB017, which can fit almost all situations depending on strap/bracelet choice, but I still do like a lighter dial from time to time. Currently, my white dial 'dress' watch is the HMT White Pilot, so even further from the 035 than the Cadisen. I'd love a light dial watch with sapphire so I can wear it to work more often, I really like the little Pilot, so I'm cautious of scratching the acrylic.

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[StephenR]

The advantage to acrylic is it's easily polished. Polywatch will remove light scratches in a few minutes. Heavier scratches can be removed By sandpaper.

Yep, already had to use Polywatch a few times

 

[StephenR]

Since popping back in here and reading about these SARB033/35 alternatives, I’ve re-discovered the Starking AM0184, definitely a budget way to play with a decent white dialed watch.

For a while it seemed to be the case that white dial versions were less reliable than the black, does anyone know if this is still the case?

 

[StephenR]

So, clearly I’m an Ali noob here, just wondering if they notify you when items on your Wishlist come on sale?

 

[StephenR]

Hi all, I’m still chasing the perfect slim dress watch. I’ve been eyeing off the Cadisen and Starking, but my current ‘dress’ watch is a hand wind only, which suitsgiven how often I wear it! Also, it adds to the ritual of a special occasion.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a hand-cranker with a nice smooth hi-beat movement in the 36-39(maybe 40)mm range? Only other caveat, would prefer a quiet movement! My current dress watch is just an HMT, but I can’t have it running in our bedroom at night because it keeps my wife awake!

(...and yes, I know the Cadisen and Starking are auto AND hand wind, I’d just like to entertain the idea a good old fashioned piece for this purpose.)

 

[StephenR]

Can sellers put 'Genuine Leather' on straps if they are not genuine leather?

"Can" or "Should"? I just received a 'genuine leather' strap in the mail today, it's crappy plastic, I opened the pack and it smelled like a bag of balloons... looks great though!

 

[StephenR]

Currently I have on order a couple of these straps from Ali which are reportedly made out of CXL for $22usd. If the straps are indeed made out of CXL front and back and the craftsmanship is good, this could be an incredibly good deal and possibly the best value in a watch strap you'll find just about anywhere.

I'd love to hear your thoughts after you've received these, I'm still trying to find my 'perfect' leather strap. I don't love that style buckle, but the actual leather looks nice.

 

[StephenR]

I've read widely varying reviews on Binger watches, does anyone have experience with this one?

https://a.aliexpress.com/_dXRxJun Sapphire Wrist Watch Male Waterproof Reloj Hombre B5078M-5

 

[StephenR]

Does anyone have any hands-on experience with these? I've been keeping my eye out for a hand-wind that isn't too loud. My current 'dress' watch is an HMT which I can't leave running in the bedroom at night or else my wife can't sleep!

Or if you prefer 36mm and do not mind hand-wound:
https://www.good-stuffs.com/Black-Shanghai-8120-designer-wristwatch-_p_329.html
https://www.good-stuffs.com/Classic...l-wrist-watch-manual-hand-winding-_p_196.html
https://www.good-stuffs.com/Rare-bl...-hand-wound-mechanical-wristwatch-_p_219.html
https://www.good-stuffs.com/Classic...-dial-hand-wound-mechanical-watch-_p_499.html
https://www.good-stuffs.com/Classic...ny-ray-hand-wound-mechanical-watch_p_484.html

 

[StephenR]

Can anyone point me to some cheap, but reliable 40mm quartz divers? Bonus if it has sapphire crystal!

I ordered a real cheap (ie, $5AUD, ‘Yolako’ brand) diver ages ago because I’ve been having an itch to get one but don’t know whether I’ll actually bond with the size/style, so didn’t want to spend any more. However, still no sign of it shipping, so I’m considering cancelling and going with something which might last a little longer.

 

[StephenR]

Reginald vs DOM vs Sinobi...?

Any comments on quality, reliability etc? Do I believe the Reginald ad which says Sapphire??

I’m looking for a cheap quartz Sub/Diver/Explorer as a grab’n’go weekend watch to get beat up in the yard.

 

[StephenR]

Anyone come across any sweep-seconds quartz on Ali?

 

[StephenR]

Have a look at Fantor watches, I have two of them and they get a fair amount of wear.

Thanks, I've got a few of them on my watch list, hadn't realised they had sweep seconds though...

 

[StephenR]

Lige 1853 automatic calendar watch ~32-38$ on ali (check link in Youtube video description)

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I actually don't mind that bracelet though, looks to be solid too...?

 

[StephenR]

Calling on the experts here, is there a movement in Ali watches that’s a clone of a Seiko 7N42 or VX42?

 

[StephenR]

Interesting one, I 'think' I like it, anyone have any experience? Is it really sapphire?!

AU $53.26 55％ Off | AILANG Men's Mechanical Automatic Fashion Top Brand Sport Watch Tourbillon Moon Phase Stainless Steel Watch Male Clock
https://a.aliexpress.com/_dSNKpr0

 

[StephenR]

So, after extensive deal watching (I compare with screenshots of prices of 50+ 'shortlisted' watches over various promotions last year...yes, I REVEL in bargain hunting!), my conclusions:

1. This is the cheapest ever sale for watches <$100, at least compared to all of last year. At least $4-$10 cheaper for most models.
2. For the >$100 range, 11.11 was cheaper by at least $10, primarily because of the $10 off $100 and $15 off $150 coupons which were in vogue during 11.11. Can't see those coupons now.

However, sellers are desperate. You can check out and not pay, request sellers for a $10 discount, and you'll get it. At least, I got one

Very interesting observation, I have to assume you and I have the same Scottish blood!

I hadn't thought of asking for a discount...

 

[StephenR]

So, after extensive deal watching...

I've been thinking about your comments, have you noticed any trend on non-sale prices? ie, have prices generally increased over the year, or held the same?

I've recently come back to some watches I was listing over a couple years ago (not on Ali), but found the prices have skyrocketed, locked myself for not getting on board when I could.

...I guess I'm trying to justify a purchase