Hi James. I just found your channel, and this is the second video I've watched. I've owned an Islander diver, which was a take on the Seiko Monster. I loved the look of the watch, however, I found it to feel rather cheap in hand. It had the usual Seiko NH38 (day/date), which ran about 13 sec slow a day (I hate auto's that run slow. Much prefer a watch that runs 15 sec fast a day then slow). The all stainless steel bezel was gorgeous to look at, but it was very sloppy in action so that I could easily spin it with one finger, and lots of back play. It's was almost as bad as a Vostok! I sent it back to the company, and they did what they could to tighten it up. It was better, but still disappointing, as with normal daily wear it would still move around. In the end I sold it. But, to the credit of Islander watches, I've had very similar issues, and then some, with Seiko watches. Thanks for a great review, and good luck with your channel. I'll keep watching! 1
Really good review. I just bought the salmon Dial Islander and I really like it but I know what you mean about how it feels like certain parts were just taken and then put together.
Of course everything is off-the-shelf, LIW does not manufacture watches. Don't expect this watch to be perfect for the price...... If we want to be extra picky about watches then we should fork out the money to get a higher quality watch....
It's probably not bad quality, he knows plenty people to make it work. It just feels to me he imitates every possible watch he can find. Not my cup of tea...
People look at specs and rave about it being better based on specs while trashing Seiko. But, most miss the part that its just a poor copy without any horological value/heritage and wouldn't exist with Seiko having done all the work. Definitely not my cup of tea either. Would respect them if everything wasn't a copy with latest spec of the month gimmick added on.
There are so many in the islander range now. I’m interested to see what the newer models are like. It looks like he has made some improvements along the way.
Very useful review thank you for the great review. I've been considering a isl-02 and i think this made my decision. Subscribed!
Thank you. I’m really happy that it helped.
Thanks for WATCHing my video on this Islander watch
Hi James. I just found your channel, and this is the second video I've watched. I've owned an Islander diver, which was a take on the Seiko Monster. I loved the look of the watch, however, I found it to feel rather cheap in hand. It had the usual Seiko NH38 (day/date), which ran about 13 sec slow a day (I hate auto's that run slow. Much prefer a watch that runs 15 sec fast a day then slow). The all stainless steel bezel was gorgeous to look at, but it was very sloppy in action so that I could easily spin it with one finger, and lots of back play. It's was almost as bad as a Vostok! I sent it back to the company, and they did what they could to tighten it up. It was better, but still disappointing, as with normal daily wear it would still move around. In the end I sold it. But, to the credit of Islander watches, I've had very similar issues, and then some, with Seiko watches. Thanks for a great review, and good luck with your channel. I'll keep watching!
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Thanks for WATCHing Michael. I had an Islander last year. It was good but I ended up selling it and getting the real Seiko it was based on.
Really good review. I just bought the salmon Dial Islander and I really like it but I know what you mean about how it feels like certain parts were just taken and then put together.
Thank you. I really do like it and think they have a place in a lot of people’s collections.
Good to get some more information on these watches
Thanks Naomi.
They are great watches. I really just wanted to share my experiences and thoughts about it.
Very good looking watch!
Thanks Paul. Yes it’s a great alternative to the seiko SKX. You get a lot for your money.
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Of course everything is off-the-shelf, LIW does not manufacture watches. Don't expect this watch to be perfect for the price...... If we want to be extra picky about watches then we should fork out the money to get a higher quality watch....
Very true. I’ve been really interested in all the watches he has been doing since this release.
It's probably not bad quality, he knows plenty people to make it work. It just feels to me he imitates every possible watch he can find. Not my cup of tea...
He certainly is making a lot of watches now. It would be interesting to see how the new ones compare to mine.
People look at specs and rave about it being better based on specs while trashing Seiko. But, most miss the part that its just a poor copy without any horological value/heritage and wouldn't exist with Seiko having done all the work. Definitely not my cup of tea either.
Would respect them if everything wasn't a copy with latest spec of the month gimmick added on.
@@cy4624 ye it's just a few basic models but with each and every colour combo atm. It's a good shop, i am actually a customer, but it aint for me
ISL-11 great watch.
There are so many in the islander range now. I’m interested to see what the newer models are like.
It looks like he has made some improvements along the way.
@@WATCHingJames he has newer line should be out the end of month.
@@WATCHingJames I’ve bought 3 of his watch cases to build my own SKX style watches hard to beat the price he sells them for,
Tons of these used for sale on e bay.
If you can get one used at a good price then you will get a great watch for a affordable price.
@@WATCHingJames Rather have a real Seiko ISO rated diver myself.
@@camarocarl7130 Yes. I know what you mean. I have my Samurai that ticks that box for me.