Thanks again for a comprehensive rundown. Islander Watch seems to occupy this mid-space when it comes to being a microbrand. I really like that company and have watches from them which are fantastic. Customer service is second to none. As always, appreciate what you do here.
Thank you so much! Some people took it so personally to defend the Erebus (which I wan't even attacking), that I became quite nervous getting notifications about comments on this video 😂
Actually, just to let you know I didn't go for an Aragon I went for a blue Montage instead. I really liked the vintage vibe. Unfortunately, since paying for the watch I have heard nothing back from them, even though I have contacted them a few times. Hope they come through ok.
As much as I like Jody as a professional and a human being, there are at least 5 of the 10 cheaper watches in my video that outspec the Origin, and some with a higher degree of originality. The main problem, though, is that he played it extremely safe and sent out review samples only to buddies of his, so I'll take the reviews with a spoonful of salt, especially after the trouble Peter kotsa went yesterday to establish his credibility.
@@xxluapxx, perhaps the wrong choice of words from my part: just before premiering his Erebus review he elaborated this convoluted video where he was trying to justify avant la lettre how his commercial relationship with different brands doesn't impact his reviews and how he has to prioritize his "real world" work over the channel. Pretty much a pre-emptive strike against anyone that might say his review is a byproduct of his being hired by Erebus to shoot their models. Not questioning his credibility, but that video was odd to say the least.
That Signum would definitely be the best pick, but gotta say...the Aragon that can be had for as little as $140 is unbelievable value. Still, if I would need to choose the best no nonsense diver, it would be something you're still hating on 😅...the G Shock GW-B5600. Perhaps one day you'll get behind this solar, Bluetooth, multiband 6, tough and super accurate beast of a watch. Love so many of my mechanical watches, but if I had to immediately leave and choose 2-3 watches to take, the G-SHOCK would definitely be on the wrist. 😂 Excellent clip!
Man, it would make my life as a reviewer a whole lot easier if I jumped on the G Shock bandwagon, but I just can't do it... I'm like one of those bikers that would ride through rain, sleet or snow rather than observe the elements from the comfort of a nice plushy SUV...
@@themicrobrandexpert definitely a good analogy, but I would argue that G-Shocks are one of the watches worn by some of the most badass people and taken through truly extreme places. From Marine Special Forces to astronauts and law enforcement that are wearing these, I would never scoff at such an important and bulletproof watch. If it's good for troopers, surely it's worth a look, especially considering the plethora of models out there (and yes, some are as ugly and uninspiring as an SUV 😂). I think there's a famous picture from the International Space Station where about two thirds of the astronauts are wearing G-Shocks, so definitely a real powerhouse of a watch that tops even the likes of the Omega Speedmaster in time spent in space...when the mission isn't sponsored by Omega 😂. Anyway, your point is fair, but compared to the PRX, Moonswatch, Blancswatch and other hype pieces, I would say the G-SHOCK earned its hype through sheer utilitarian awesomeness. 🤘🏻
Don't get me wrong, I know they are the epitome of tool watches, but what I meant was they're a completely different animal than what I grew to appreciate.
@@themicrobrandexpert yep, definitely a complete different animal. I was just picturing you as a biker and just how unpretentious and rebellious a blacked out G-Shock square would look in all that sleet and snow passing by 😁. Have a cool evening! Hope that we meet again soon 🤘🏻
Thank you for the suggestion! Funny thing is very soon I'll be able to not just talk about an under-$300-GMT, I'll get to review one! Thank you very much for your support!
@watchyawant no contest. Simply stating It's a good set of specs at a good price from a good trusted source. If he messes up delivery I will be all over him. He's definitely earned the benefit of the doubt.
Once again, as I stated above, I appreciate Jody both as a person and a professional, certainly more than at least one of the reviewers he chose to review his watches. The Erebus is correctly priced, as are the watches in my presentation and I am 100% sure he will deliver. I did not try to stir up any controversies, there's a place under the sun for everyone, I just changed the name of my video so I could do some coat tailing, but everybody's doing it and it's not unethical to present options to the brand new toy. Coming back to credibility, if my reply to one of the comments above is the one that elicited your comment, I'll state it again: I wasn't trying to throw shade at Jody, I was just contemplating his decision to send his watches to those 3 reviewers (and I admit I dislike one of them tremenduously, not on a whim, but based on situations that shook his credibility as an honest reviewer). As they obviously got large followings, I respect Jody's decision to reach as many potential customers as possible. Hope I made myself clear. Sorry for my rather sarcastic first reply.
@watchyawant No offense taken and none intended. IMHO watches are supposed to be fun and I treat them as such. Unlike others i guess I probably have plenty of disposable income so I can and do buy pretty much anything I like. Including recently two Blancpain X Swatch offerings. So my motto is always "Don't yuck someone else's yum." Please do keep up your honest reviews.
Thank you for clarifying! While I wholeheartedly agree with your motto, we, unfortunately, live in a time when polarizing content seems to be the only way of getting the exposure that, in turn, drives numbers up that, in turn, help smaller channels survive. Even big fish like Watchfinder do it...
Wouldn't buy Erebus at all. Microbrands usually not only offer good value for money but also nice design. Erebus on the other hand looks so but so common, like a generic dive watch, nothing special.
Thanks again for a comprehensive rundown. Islander Watch seems to occupy this mid-space when it comes to being a microbrand. I really like that company and have watches from them which are fantastic. Customer service is second to none. As always, appreciate what you do here.
Not sure of their status as a microbrand, that’s why I didn’t include them, but I agree with your assessment. Mark is an awfully nice guy.
Was looking some Rado watches recently and i suprisingly Montage watches looks very similiar to Captain Cook line 🤔😅
Some great builds and spec there for under 300! Love the Montage!
Thank you, Ed! Love the Montage too - my pick of the bunch, with Pancor a close second.
That was a brilliant video! So much value and quality at low prices😊
Thank you, Sivan, I'm really happy you enjoyed this one too!
Brilliant video! There are some gems featured here. I love my Monterey and I have my eye on several others you've featured.
Thank you, Corey, I’m really glad you liked it!
Thanks for a great video. I'm now looking at an Aragon. Cheers
Thank you so much! Some people took it so personally to defend the Erebus (which I wan't even attacking), that I became quite nervous getting notifications about comments on this video 😂
I like Jody's channel, but to be honest I was disappointed in his watch. Keep up your honesty please, I think it's best for everybody.
Actually, just to let you know I didn't go for an Aragon I went for a blue Montage instead. I really liked the vintage vibe. Unfortunately, since paying for the watch I have heard nothing back from them, even though I have contacted them a few times. Hope they come through ok.
@@E_D_43, I wouldn't worry, as they have a Kickstarter campaign going on at the moment. Might be a good idea to message there too.
I think their kickstarter has failed. I have contacted them many times and they don't respond. Sadly, I am now trying to get a refund through PayPal.
Thanks for mentioning Monterey!
It’s a pleasure to be able to recommend brands looking after their customers!
Islander is quality.
Thank you for this video. I'm always looking to rotate in multiple collection watches in this price range and your suggestions are always spot on.
Thank you for your continued support, Clay!
What do you think of Erebus? And Jody?
As much as I like Jody as a professional and a human being, there are at least 5 of the 10 cheaper watches in my video that outspec the Origin, and some with a higher degree of originality. The main problem, though, is that he played it extremely safe and sent out review samples only to buddies of his, so I'll take the reviews with a spoonful of salt, especially after the trouble Peter kotsa went yesterday to establish his credibility.
@@themicrobrandexpert what trouble did peter kotsa get into? I trust his reviews so that’s quite worrying
@@xxluapxx, perhaps the wrong choice of words from my part: just before premiering his Erebus review he elaborated this convoluted video where he was trying to justify avant la lettre how his commercial relationship with different brands doesn't impact his reviews and how he has to prioritize his "real world" work over the channel. Pretty much a pre-emptive strike against anyone that might say his review is a byproduct of his being hired by Erebus to shoot their models. Not questioning his credibility, but that video was odd to say the least.
That Signum would definitely be the best pick, but gotta say...the Aragon that can be had for as little as $140 is unbelievable value. Still, if I would need to choose the best no nonsense diver, it would be something you're still hating on 😅...the G Shock GW-B5600. Perhaps one day you'll get behind this solar, Bluetooth, multiband 6, tough and super accurate beast of a watch. Love so many of my mechanical watches, but if I had to immediately leave and choose 2-3 watches to take, the G-SHOCK would definitely be on the wrist. 😂 Excellent clip!
Man, it would make my life as a reviewer a whole lot easier if I jumped on the G Shock bandwagon, but I just can't do it... I'm like one of those bikers that would ride through rain, sleet or snow rather than observe the elements from the comfort of a nice plushy SUV...
@@themicrobrandexpert definitely a good analogy, but I would argue that G-Shocks are one of the watches worn by some of the most badass people and taken through truly extreme places. From Marine Special Forces to astronauts and law enforcement that are wearing these, I would never scoff at such an important and bulletproof watch. If it's good for troopers, surely it's worth a look, especially considering the plethora of models out there (and yes, some are as ugly and uninspiring as an SUV 😂). I think there's a famous picture from the International Space Station where about two thirds of the astronauts are wearing G-Shocks, so definitely a real powerhouse of a watch that tops even the likes of the Omega Speedmaster in time spent in space...when the mission isn't sponsored by Omega 😂. Anyway, your point is fair, but compared to the PRX, Moonswatch, Blancswatch and other hype pieces, I would say the G-SHOCK earned its hype through sheer utilitarian awesomeness. 🤘🏻
Don't get me wrong, I know they are the epitome of tool watches, but what I meant was they're a completely different animal than what I grew to appreciate.
@@themicrobrandexpert yep, definitely a complete different animal. I was just picturing you as a biker and just how unpretentious and rebellious a blacked out G-Shock square would look in all that sleet and snow passing by 😁. Have a cool evening! Hope that we meet again soon 🤘🏻
What about GMT watches under 300? Preferably not just diver-like models only… keep up the great work and thanks!
Thank you for the suggestion! Funny thing is very soon I'll be able to not just talk about an under-$300-GMT, I'll get to review one! Thank you very much for your support!
Best solar microbrands
Jody has credibility...you, I'm not convinced.
😂 Are you contesting these watches cost less than $300? Check the links, man 😂 What's credibility got to do with simple arithmetics?
@watchyawant no contest. Simply stating It's a good set of specs at a good price from a good trusted source. If he messes up delivery I will be all over him. He's definitely earned the benefit of the doubt.
Once again, as I stated above, I appreciate Jody both as a person and a professional, certainly more than at least one of the reviewers he chose to review his watches.
The Erebus is correctly priced, as are the watches in my presentation and I am 100% sure he will deliver.
I did not try to stir up any controversies, there's a place under the sun for everyone, I just changed the name of my video so I could do some coat tailing, but everybody's doing it and it's not unethical to present options to the brand new toy.
Coming back to credibility, if my reply to one of the comments above is the one that elicited your comment, I'll state it again: I wasn't trying to throw shade at Jody, I was just contemplating his decision to send his watches to those 3 reviewers (and I admit I dislike one of them tremenduously, not on a whim, but based on situations that shook his credibility as an honest reviewer). As they obviously got large followings, I respect Jody's decision to reach as many potential customers as possible.
Hope I made myself clear. Sorry for my rather sarcastic first reply.
@watchyawant No offense taken and none intended. IMHO watches are supposed to be fun and I treat them as such. Unlike others i guess I probably have plenty of disposable income so I can and do buy pretty much anything I like. Including recently two Blancpain X Swatch offerings. So my motto is always "Don't yuck someone else's yum." Please do keep up your honest reviews.
Thank you for clarifying! While I wholeheartedly agree with your motto, we, unfortunately, live in a time when polarizing content seems to be the only way of getting the exposure that, in turn, drives numbers up that, in turn, help smaller channels survive. Even big fish like Watchfinder do it...
Wouldn't buy Erebus at all. Microbrands usually not only offer good value for money but also nice design. Erebus on the other hand looks so but so common, like a generic dive watch, nothing special.
I actually don't dislike Erebus, but I have to agree it's quite safe.
Good video. Aragon for me. Disappointed with the Erebus. Such a bland first offering.