Put mine on a Baltany black leather strap and wear it pretty often. Already have the Escapement time but prefer the Chameri. It's not for everyone but if you're after something pretty understated and versatile this is a good cheap option.
These are great. I've got mine on a crazy horse leather strap. I also have the 36mm Escapement Time version as well. Which is also very nice. I did a comparison between the two. I even had the original 40mm Escapement Time one that came on a bracelet when it first released a few years back now.
There has been a small dirty/dark spot on your camera lens in the outdoor footage for a couple of videos. About one third form the bottom and one third from the right. Can be seen at 9:10 for example.
Jody, thanks for this watch review. I have been looking for nice looking an affordable knock-around watch for travel. I picked up the crème colored dial Chameri and have been wearing it for almost a week now. It is great / just fine. It is an understated and practical timepiece for everyday wear.
This is more of a $45 Escapement Time watch. I have the smaller cream colored dial Escapement Time version and I love it. First thing I did upon opening it was to swap out the strap with a brown one froma company named after a large rain forest. I like the ET cream color dial better than the Chameri pale yellow, but I guess that's just personal taste.
I have had two chamari watches, the one you are reviewing, and a Tiffany dial version. I sold the Tiffany dial about 12 months ago. I changed the strap on the cream dial version. I wear it occasionally. I have too many watches to wear it regularly as we all know 😅
I have two of these in my collection. One with the crème colored dial I got a year ago. Then they came out with the textured dials so I picked up a second.
@@thomascarlisle5602 I have the wood textured dial. The texturing is decent, but the dial is silver, as is the rest of the watch except for the blue seconds hand. I’ve had trouble finding a band for it that I like unfortunately. I’ve settled on a generic universal bracelet right now. The crème colored dial plays well with different color bands quite nicely. It’s a very smooth and clean looking design that’s a bit less flashy in comparison.
I just responded to an Erebus promotional email about wanting the discount being offered toward a different color way. Jody responded back immediately giving me a personal code allowing me to buy the color way I wanted. Thanks Jody!!!
And clicking on the link now gets us the watch for $38.00 and the blue one even cheaper for $35.43! I like it. The quartz beats multiple times per / second, and with the light brown strap, I thought it looked pretty good! Now I just need to buy a $100 strap to make this $38 watch look good 🤪🤪
Just got my “silver birch” as you saw in the AAWF group Jody, popped it on a few straps so far. Have settled on a better quality croc leather with white stitching on a deployant clasp :)
In my opinion it looks much more like the king seiko. I prefer the escapement time version which is almost identical but slightly thinner and with signed crown. The movement it's not vk31 but vh31.
Olive green, tiffany blue, orange/yellow, black, cream, fell in like with Chameri 12 months ago. Escapement Time brand is another look a like alternative. Best value for money. Agree totally about the straps.
Steeldive watch store sold out of the "yellow" dial and sent me the "birch" dial instead. At the time, they still were letting you check out with the "yellow" dial.
I think it would cost more to buy a leather strap than the cost of the watch making it not such a good bargain. I always appreciate your honesty in your reviews.
Found one for 50€ including tax, can't wait! Also got the PD1731 on the way, both with blue dials so in hindsight maybe I should've gotten the green PD but I really wanted the pattern that the blue Chameri has. Oh well, these things are so bloody cheap that I might as well get more of them down the line Should've looked up the chinese brands years ago, sure they make compromises but there's no way you're getting the same amount of value from a $400 Japanese or Swiss watch considering these things are sapphire and the main weak link is an easily replaceable strap. I really don't mind what brand is on the dial since at that budget range I could only really have a cheap Timex or Casio in terms of more reputable brands, and at least Chameri and Pagani are somewhat known
i chose the pagani pd 1734 white dial a while back for 40$ for this kind of look. The supplied bracelet does a good job dressing it down and thats a plus as these watches would strugle to take the spot of the simple -cheap dress watch from the orient symphony 3 that i have. These are terrific watches for the money nonetheless!
Whats the difference between the Chameri and Escapement Time? From what I can see, they look more or less the same, use the same movement and appear to be the same quality, maybe even the exact same watch minus the name.
Don't fear the quartz, especially the VH31. I have no less than three watches running this movement and it's perfect for a Grab and Go watch; no date to futz with and accurate enough to ignore for months.
That thing immediately reminded me of an Escapement Time GS lookalike (that was featured on the channel for the 2021 mid year sale) and on closer inspection: yeah, pretty much identical apart from the branding and maybe the strap being a bit different flavor of awful. And that the Escapement Time is some 30 bucks more expensive. So I guess...a nice alternative, if you can live with it saying Chambery...Chalamet...Jamboree? on the dial? 😅
Probably would change the strap immediately, but it looks good. I'm contemplating this seamaster 300 homage on ali , I think it would make a good review. The name is ridiculous, and I might order the blank dial version. It's called the hroudland sharkmaster 300.
It bums me out that these guys ripped off and undersold Escapement Time because I think he is one of the more interesting and offbeat makers on AliExpress. I also think his version of the same 70s King Seiko is better made with its real blued hands.
I own 2 and I love them. One of them runs about 2 seconds fast a month. Yes, a month. Most people will think it is a mechanical watch. And non-watch people will not be able to distinguish it from a Grand Seiko. 🤭
@@JustOneMoreWatch true ... I like how you dropped the name of the Guanjin and Cadisen C-1032 ... I also recall years ago the Starking ... Maybe time to revisit the best inexpensive watch topic again with a top five or so since so many more have come out in the interim?
Looks a darn sight better finished and designed than my £50 Tiffany Casio, which is chrome😂 Im actually tempted.......oh dear, I've actually bought a blue one for £33! er whoops!
Miltardo is a budget baltany, approx 2/3 of the price of a baltany, same specs (same watch) hommaging the hommages. Toad leather, love it pure Jody description,classic 😂.
I will never discriminate again on the basis of name. I once swore I would never buy an RDUNAE because of its odd name, but that's exactly what you'll find if you look though my collection.
Honestly, it’s a nice looking watch. I’d wear that, especially with a nato. That was pretty decent. I’d get this, but I don’t wanna mess with AliExpress. No thanks.
Changing the font on the dial would make quite a difference to the look of this. They should really dig into the GS look. Could be worse though: they could have used comic sans.😂
Jody, is the mechanism of this watch a VK31 (Mecca-quartz) or just a regular quartz? If it is indeed a VK31, how does it compare, from an overall quality standpoint to the similar Escapement Time which is indeed a Mecca-quartz (the one with the blue seconds hand)) that you have reviewed before? Thanks!
I ordered that watch from Amazon “try before you buy” sent it back. Not sure what the hype on this watch is. Personally it’s nothing to write home about.
Yes I have a few of those and it's 95% identical, but there are two differences. The ET has a signed screwdown crown, and the dauphine hands have a flat middle and two angled sides, while this one has two halves with no midsection. They also have a 35mm version. Honestly not sure how Jody missed this one since it came out right after the other ones that showed up 1-2 years ago.
Jody, I saw someone else comment on one of your videos, querying about your race downhill to the very cheap watches. I have a similar question. Why do you think your audience can only afford or only want cheap watches or "cheapish" homages, which to be fair are only one step from fakes. Another point. Most normal people can't be bothered with a huge collection of watches. Who wants or can be bothered with the hassle of wearing lots of different watches. I can understand having a nice daily wearer watch, which most people would spend good money to buy. Also for special occasions maybe a dress watch, and if you are into running or exercise a watch for that. But who wants a rolex homage and an omega homage, and a tissot homage, and a seiko homage, and a cheap watch with the popular pale blue dial etc etc etc. We love your videos but get real, most people for most of the lifetimes only need and only want one watch at a time. Sorry - I do like your videos and you are a superb presenter, but I suspect this watch collection fad will run its course soon.
So please educate us : WHY are you watching a watch enthusiast/ collectors channel again ? 🤔. Us watch fans understand, like other collectors do - perhaps you need to watch ( pun intended) different channels on say … I don’t know ..train spotting / football etc ?
If the Chinese are producing so many solar panels like Blinken says, why aren't they producing solar, atomic wrist watches? Automatics from a functional standpoint are miserable to maintain and have to set everyday. I prefer my Citizens and Casios that are all mostly grab and go. The only automatic I have in the collection is a dress watch I rarely wear.
I have one of these watches sold by a different aliexpress company. It was more expensive. These watches are OK for the money I guess. The VH31 movements go thru batteries very fast. I got tired of mine rather quickly. Don't waste your money on this watch. If you buy one make sure and include a big package of batteries.
@@JustOneMoreWatch 3 or 4 months mate. Plus, shops and jewelry stores are charging 7 dollars per battery change now. Not worth it. Buy your cheap batteries if you want mate. Its not for me. The watch isn't worth it.
@@AutieTortie No, I am not mad. Because I have many mechanical watches I wear those instead. The quartz watches just no longer make it into the rotation. The worst watches are the Seiko quartz VH series. They use batteries fast. I live in a developing country. They don't sell batteries individually where I live. I would have to buy several different battery sizes on line in order to change my own batteries. Its just not worth it to me so the watches are just dead in the cabinet.
Hey! Fun fact: this is not based on Grand Seiko, but King Seiko. Specifically the 56KS. Makes it even more of an oddball!
A nice pale blue strap to match the hands might be nice.
Jody! I love your channel; but that was just nasty mate!! 💪🏼⌚️ Aka - Mr Valjoux
Put mine on a Baltany black leather strap and wear it pretty often. Already have the Escapement time but prefer the Chameri. It's not for everyone but if you're after something pretty understated and versatile this is a good cheap option.
These are great. I've got mine on a crazy horse leather strap. I also have the 36mm Escapement Time version as well. Which is also very nice. I did a comparison between the two.
I even had the original 40mm Escapement Time one that came on a bracelet when it first released a few years back now.
There has been a small dirty/dark spot on your camera lens in the outdoor footage for a couple of videos. About one third form the bottom and one third from the right. Can be seen at 9:10 for example.
I got the White Birch last week. I really enjoy it. It was $47 well spent.
I bought this last year with a Tiffany blue dial….absolutely love it! Great review Jody, as usual. 👍🏼
i believe its a VH 31 ,not a VK 31 ,that would make it a Mecca Quartz. Always enjoy your videos ,Thank's
Correct
No, the second hand is beating at more than 1Hz.
Price doubled in Canada over the last week since Jody started promoting these.
Jody, thanks for this watch review.
I have been looking for nice looking an affordable knock-around watch for travel. I picked up the crème colored dial Chameri and have been wearing it for almost a week now. It is great / just fine. It is an understated and practical timepiece for everyday wear.
This is more of a $45 Escapement Time watch. I have the smaller cream colored dial Escapement Time version and I love it. First thing I did upon opening it was to swap out the strap with a brown one froma company named after a large rain forest.
I like the ET cream color dial better than the Chameri pale yellow, but I guess that's just personal taste.
I too have the ET cream dial and prefer 👍
I have had two chamari watches, the one you are reviewing, and a Tiffany dial version. I sold the Tiffany dial about 12 months ago. I changed the strap on the cream dial version. I wear it occasionally. I have too many watches to wear it regularly as we all know 😅
I have two of these in my collection. One with the crème colored dial I got a year ago. Then they came out with the textured dials so I picked up a second.
Which one do you like better?
@@thomascarlisle5602 I have the wood textured dial. The texturing is decent, but the dial is silver, as is the rest of the watch except for the blue seconds hand. I’ve had trouble finding a band for it that I like unfortunately. I’ve settled on a generic universal bracelet right now. The crème colored dial plays well with different color bands quite nicely. It’s a very smooth and clean looking design that’s a bit less flashy in comparison.
Nice one for the money. Would prefer 1 tick/s second's hand or smooth sweeping one, though.
I just responded to an Erebus promotional email about wanting the discount being offered toward a different color way. Jody responded back immediately giving me a personal code allowing me to buy the color way I wanted. Thanks Jody!!!
And clicking on the link now gets us the watch for $38.00 and the blue one even cheaper for $35.43! I like it. The quartz beats multiple times per / second, and with the light brown strap, I thought it looked pretty good! Now I just need to buy a $100 strap to make this $38 watch look good 🤪🤪
Just got my “silver birch” as you saw in the AAWF group Jody, popped it on a few straps so far. Have settled on a better quality croc leather with white stitching on a deployant clasp :)
Looks good mate! I liked the grey suede too! Cheers.
In my opinion it looks much more like the king seiko. I prefer the escapement time version which is almost identical but slightly thinner and with signed crown. The movement it's not vk31 but vh31.
Olive green, tiffany blue, orange/yellow, black, cream, fell in like with Chameri 12 months ago. Escapement Time brand is another look a like alternative. Best value for money. Agree totally about the straps.
Steeldive watch store sold out of the "yellow" dial and sent me the "birch" dial instead. At the time, they still were letting you check out with the "yellow" dial.
Militado make homages and copies of retro military watches. Their field chronographs look just just like Baltany ones.
Needs a new font and at least some curve to the lugs. Good price.
Those lugs are really flying buttresses the only real negative but a significant one and I have an exact 7 inch wrist
Nice quartz watch.
I think it would cost more to buy a leather strap than the cost of the watch making it not such a good bargain. I always appreciate your honesty in your reviews.
Found one for 50€ including tax, can't wait! Also got the PD1731 on the way, both with blue dials so in hindsight maybe I should've gotten the green PD but I really wanted the pattern that the blue Chameri has. Oh well, these things are so bloody cheap that I might as well get more of them down the line
Should've looked up the chinese brands years ago, sure they make compromises but there's no way you're getting the same amount of value from a $400 Japanese or Swiss watch considering these things are sapphire and the main weak link is an easily replaceable strap. I really don't mind what brand is on the dial since at that budget range I could only really have a cheap Timex or Casio in terms of more reputable brands, and at least Chameri and Pagani are somewhat known
Escapement Time's version claims to have a thermally blued seconds hand. Chameri's didn't mention it. Another cost-saving measure, I guess!
But how does it compare to the similar Escapement Time watch? Time for another comparison video.
i chose the pagani pd 1734 white dial a while back for 40$ for this kind of look. The supplied bracelet does a good job dressing it down and thats a plus as these watches would strugle to take the spot of the simple -cheap dress watch from the orient symphony 3 that i have. These are terrific watches for the money nonetheless!
I believe Miltado is a sister or sub brand of Baltany so you can’t go wrong there. Thanks for the great review!
@@AutieTortie Ah…
Sounds like that 38mm Pagani PD 1731 for US$30 would be a better choice, quite amazing for the price, sapphire crystal and also a vh31.
I own this one from months and it's a nice watch and accurate movement
And indeed I swaped immediately the strap 😄
The polishing on the case didn't even look distorted....did it?
Whats the difference between the Chameri and Escapement Time? From what I can see, they look more or less the same, use the same movement and appear to be the same quality, maybe even the exact same watch minus the name.
Don't fear the quartz, especially the VH31. I have no less than three watches running this movement and it's perfect for a Grab and Go watch; no date to futz with and accurate enough to ignore for months.
I have a vintage King Quartz and a Lord Quartz. I just can't quite get excited over it. It must be me .
You could leave a link for the straps?
My Militado is in the mail.
I can only think of this as the "Shamwow" watch.
I hate it but I want it ! Does it work for this watch as well ? :-)
Thank you Jody for your videos
Loving the Tee Shirt were did you get it Jody ?
I bought one of these last year, nice little watch
That thing immediately reminded me of an Escapement Time GS lookalike (that was featured on the channel for the 2021 mid year sale) and on closer inspection: yeah, pretty much identical apart from the branding and maybe the strap being a bit different flavor of awful. And that the Escapement Time is some 30 bucks more expensive. So I guess...a nice alternative, if you can live with it saying Chambery...Chalamet...Jamboree? on the dial? 😅
Probably would change the strap immediately, but it looks good. I'm contemplating this seamaster 300 homage on ali , I think it would make a good review. The name is ridiculous, and I might order the blank dial version. It's called the hroudland sharkmaster 300.
Shama samurai I thought you was going to start singing a bay city roller song then 😂
it also could be a 45 credor
It bums me out that these guys ripped off and undersold Escapement Time because I think he is one of the more interesting and offbeat makers on AliExpress. I also think his version of the same 70s King Seiko is better made with its real blued hands.
How does it compare with the escapement time?
4:45 Jody are you saying quartz accuracy is not the same as a mechanical watch.
Watchdives do the blue and birch for $47 and with cheap duty free shipping.
I own 2 and I love them. One of them runs about 2 seconds fast a month. Yes, a month. Most people will think it is a mechanical watch. And non-watch people will not be able to distinguish it from a Grand Seiko. 🤭
The blue on the second hand is subdued, I think, because it is genuinely thermally blued.
I highly doubt that
They are genuinely blued
I managed to get the blue dial in the sale for about£30.
Goodness I like this one, Grand Seiko on a budget, swap the strap for a Vario leather and I’ll be good to go. ✨
Nice watch great price ... Although if i'm going the Grand Seiko route i think i'd be looking at the Seestern S446 GMT.
5x the money, but also a sweetie!
@@JustOneMoreWatch true ... I like how you dropped the name of the Guanjin and Cadisen C-1032 ... I also recall years ago the Starking ... Maybe time to revisit the best inexpensive watch topic again with a top five or so since so many more have come out in the interim?
How it compares to the AD2030?
Looks a lot like my Seiko Skyliner 6100-8000 but a more modern size and larger crown.
The SUPER deep rehaut and flat crystal make it a no-go unfortunately.
Looks a darn sight better finished and designed than my £50 Tiffany Casio, which is chrome😂 Im actually tempted.......oh dear, I've actually bought a blue one for £33! er whoops!
I was drubk....
Jody, mate, those two vertical lights are too hot, the brightest thing on the screen should be you!
Miltardo is a budget baltany, approx 2/3 of the price of a baltany, same specs (same watch) hommaging the hommages. Toad leather, love it pure Jody description,classic 😂.
kuh-mare-ee? idk, I just want a brushed or mostly brushed case
I'm thinking you lost the plot Jody. It's some kinda TKmaxx watch.... But... Then at the 9min mark, THE OUTSIDE SHOT. WOW. 😮😮😮
Yeah it looks gorgeous.
I will never discriminate again on the basis of name. I once swore I would never buy an RDUNAE because of its odd name, but that's exactly what you'll find if you look though my collection.
How do you like your RDUNAE?
I bought one last year with a black dial.
Forget the watch, I want that T-shirt. 😂
Honestly, it’s a nice looking watch. I’d wear that, especially with a nato. That was pretty decent. I’d get this, but I don’t wanna mess with AliExpress. No thanks.
Changing the font on the dial would make quite a difference to the look of this. They should really dig into the GS look. Could be worse though: they could have used comic sans.😂
Incredible VFM, should have been 38mm though
It's a great piece for the money 👌🏻
Chameri does sound like somebody playing with swords who doesn't know what they're doing, but it's a nice little watch nonetheless
I like how Sisko is in the middle of your shirt 🙏😏
Jody, is the mechanism of this watch a VK31 (Mecca-quartz) or just a regular quartz? If it is indeed a VK31, how does it compare, from an overall quality standpoint to the similar Escapement Time which is indeed a Mecca-quartz (the one with the blue seconds hand)) that you have reviewed before? Thanks!
Same watch, half the price!
Jody, where did you get the straps?
I ordered that watch from Amazon “try before you buy” sent it back. Not sure what the hype on this watch is. Personally it’s nothing to write home about.
Will you be revieweing the new zelos mako gmt? It has an amazing white MOP dial
I believe there is another watch company called Escapement Time that makes an identical watch to this one.
Yes I have a few of those and it's 95% identical, but there are two differences. The ET has a signed screwdown crown, and the dauphine hands have a flat middle and two angled sides, while this one has two halves with no midsection. They also have a 35mm version. Honestly not sure how Jody missed this one since it came out right after the other ones that showed up 1-2 years ago.
Yes
Very interesting review. As to the strap er can you say woof woof!
If I made a cheap homage watch I don't think I would put the word "sham" in my (faux French?) brand name...
will you do a re-review of the munro adventure watch and also did you get that t-shirt from a website if so what one
Unfortunately they don't deliver to England 🇬🇧
They did mine !! 😊
Jody, I saw someone else comment on one of your videos, querying about your race downhill to the very cheap watches. I have a similar question. Why do you think your audience can only afford or only want cheap watches or "cheapish" homages, which to be fair are only one step from fakes. Another point. Most normal people can't be bothered with a huge collection of watches. Who wants or can be bothered with the hassle of wearing lots of different watches. I can understand having a nice daily wearer watch, which most people would spend good money to buy. Also for special occasions maybe a dress watch, and if you are into running or exercise a watch for that. But who wants a rolex homage and an omega homage, and a tissot homage, and a seiko homage, and a cheap watch with the popular pale blue dial etc etc etc. We love your videos but get real, most people for most of the lifetimes only need and only want one watch at a time. Sorry - I do like your videos and you are a superb presenter, but I suspect this watch collection fad will run its course soon.
So please educate us : WHY are you watching a watch enthusiast/ collectors channel again ? 🤔. Us watch fans understand, like other collectors do - perhaps you need to watch ( pun intended) different channels on say … I don’t know ..train spotting / football etc ?
If the Chinese are producing so many solar panels like Blinken says, why aren't they producing solar, atomic wrist watches?
Automatics from a functional standpoint are miserable to maintain and have to set everyday. I prefer my Citizens and Casios that are all mostly grab and go.
The only automatic I have in the collection is a dress watch I rarely wear.
The cheapest yellow one is 33 USD.
Can you ask 'em to do one in 36mm Jody? Cheers bud.
Escapement Time makes a 36mm version. They have some different colours too.
Not sure I have quite that level of influence! 🤣 Maybe contact the store or find an ig account?
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Excellent! Thanks.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR and even the 36 mm one has real blued hands. I asked him, and he assured me that he hand blues them himself.
@@brianmccord7387 Yes it is. I actually have a review of it on my channel if you want to see it in more detail.
The cheapest offer I got for this model in the Netherlands was 78€ and that's not a spring Sale price! No thanks.
Just ordered the white birch for £37.20 that's including tax, bargain. Let's see what turns up.
"Heinous" *Giggity*
Ivory coloured
'Straight to the bin' GS
Why don’t they ship it in a cardboard box and take that box leather budget and put it into a half decent leather strap?
Good point 👍!
Crystal is worth more than the movement
The original 60's 44GS is far more elegant than the fat looking modern 44GS case.
I have one of these watches sold by a different aliexpress company. It was more expensive. These watches are OK for the money I guess. The VH31 movements go thru batteries very fast. I got tired of mine rather quickly. Don't waste your money on this watch. If you buy one make sure and include a big package of batteries.
How fast mate? My mother in law ran one for years and it was at least 2.5 years between changes. Oh and they cost 50c each 🤣
@@JustOneMoreWatch 3 or 4 months mate. Plus, shops and jewelry stores are charging 7 dollars per battery change now. Not worth it. Buy your cheap batteries if you want mate. Its not for me. The watch isn't worth it.
who takes a watch to a jewellery shop get a battery changed? A kid could do it!
@@AutieTortie No, I am not mad. Because I have many mechanical watches I wear those instead. The quartz watches just no longer make it into the rotation. The worst watches are the Seiko quartz VH series. They use batteries fast. I live in a developing country. They don't sell batteries individually where I live. I would have to buy several different battery sizes on line in order to change my own batteries. Its just not worth it to me so the watches are just dead in the cabinet.
Hydro mod the watch it will be at least 200 m water proof
I keep hearing Sham-ery.
Hi Jody, send you an email about a very special IWC you may want to feature. Morné
Looks like a SARB killer
This thing just need a date window
It really doesn’t ! SO refreshing to see an uncluttered dial without!
Archer doesn’t belong on that shirt if I’m being honest.