That’s why we all like this channel so much. The straight shooting honest reviews! That’s the exact first thought I had which was the patina is too dark. Thanks for your thoughts and good to see Molly up and at ‘em!
I think your observations on this watch are spot on - especially about the extraneous verbiage on the dial. Hope IXDAO takes your recommendations to heart and comes out with a V2.
I actually have this watch but I gave it to my dad because I didn't expect it to be so small, my fault for not reading the specs carefully. However I like the text, it's truthful to what it is and doesn't hide it. Also if you disregard what the text says, it actually has a nice visual shape to fill up the dial. IX Dao also has a beautiful meaning in Chinese. The number nine (IX) represents longevity in Chinese and Dao means the (Way of life) /Path of life.
Like you say, a lot of money for a glitchy watch. Far too much competition out there. That 'patina' also reminds me of the ceiling above an elderly relative's favourite armchair. He had a 40-a-day Embassy habit. I can't un-see that memory on this watch.
No worries. I don't get these for me. I get these to evaluate and some hit the spot and some don't. This is a let down from a brand that consistently do far better. It's a shame.
I really like that watch, it is the launch that I liked the most of this 2024, although it is too expensive for me, it is a bit expensive for me at the moment but yes, it has me in love with its shapes
Heresy perhaps, but I think a retro pressed-clasp would fit better with the whole vintage vibe ... I agree about the dial, needs to be an inky/glossy black. Will hold back and hope they improve it with a V2
Lovely watch! If not for all the lettering I wouldnt have hesitated one second on this one Thank you for the beautiful and as always top notch detailed review!
Thanks for a very fair and not pandering review, John. Hope everyone here has subbed and you hit your 10K follower target. * What's coming up for review?
Hi Bensy. A lot of non AliExpress stuff and I just ordered Jody's new release in fume burnt orange. Never was interested in his Origin diver but the Ascent truly looks exceptional.
It makes you wonder what Seiko are up to when they release their new SNXS with really poor specs...at the same price Jody can produce his watch...shipped!
Did you have to go abroad to get the outdoor footage? 😜... Enjoyed this one, I was considering it but I agree it is too dark as faux patina and I would love to see the proper black on the dial as well. Maybe a regular lume offering could work well, white instead of any aging. As someone else mentioned v2 would be lovely. Cheers chief 🙂🍻
Hi buddy. It's a 7 but I expect 9's from these guys as they have produced some of the best watches on AliExpress. I am genuinely disappointed. We'll see what happens 🤔
I also have a slim wrist and don't like heavy watches. Seems the NH 34 movement watches are a little on the thick side. I try to get titanium watches and bracelets or on a strap. I don't have a GMT watch. I would like one to have UTC time at a glance vs having to look it up on the internet.
Yes, John: a gaggle of snags that spoil what should be a great watch. My only suggestion is to dunk it in some warm soapy water to smooth out the bezel ( got this advice from a subscriber for my fish - free Duro and it's still smooth two months later). What did they do to the lume!? Sorry you had this experience. On a brighter note, it's great to see Molly out in the wild again. All the best, pal. Cheers 🍻!
Great review, I agree with all your criticisms, plus I'm not overly keen on the original and hate Mercedes hands so it isn't for me. I do however like the 60 click bezel, it's useful to be able to time things as well as tracking a second time zone.
A modern homage of a vintage GMT Master is a very welcomed proposition; hope they come up with a Pepsi. Case diameter is excellent (can be upped to 40mm in my opinion), bezel is more useful than a basic 24 clicks and overall looks good. However, the lug-to-lug is huge for the diameter and these endlinks worsen it, lume could be way less carrot-orange - just a light beige - because they overdone the controversial thing of "faux patina", and as usual with chinese brands, i think they could just stick to a tasteful symbol instead of names. I say every con is fixable.
A year in development? This means they were working on it as their Serica clone came out. That's doubtful. This looks like a rush job to me. Hopefully sales will be slow (and at that price they should be) and the V2 irons out all of the issues you mention. But will they be brave enough to admit their mistakes I wonder? Also what's with all the nonsense paperwork that comes with it? Should have spent that money on better finishing. Great review as usual. Let's hope IxDao see it.
As soon as I heard 48mm lug to lug with a 38mm case it was a deal breaker for me. I get why they have done it but to me a small watch should be small period. I love the red/black date every second day and looks really cool but that’s where the watch stops for me. A shame rally because their IWC homage is just top notch. As always love your reviews John and glad to see little Molly is back to good health!
Hi, John--happy to see Molly on the mend! Thanks for reviewing this watch, as it certainly appears to be more washed out in real life than it appears to be in the website renditions. I will pass on this one.
My Ixdao Cerica homage is fantastic, which is why I was interested to see how this one faired. I agree with you that this is a bit disappointing. Not bad, just disappointing. Great review, as always. I think I'll give this one a miss !!!
Highly insightful review as initially was tempted (as I have a couple of IXDAO watches and love them). It's a pass this time and probably a good thing as so many others are tempting me at the moment.
I just got my new watch delivered, a Tiger Concept. Made by a bloke called William out of HK, he's been at it a few years. The watch I got was a vintage style Rolex Big Crown (customised to a Royal Australian Navy Diver's spec) called the 55080PV8, and I really love it so far. Maybe you'd like to give them a lookieloo too
@@johnswatchjoint They say that in fact the dials of the original were glossy. So your instinct was correct. This review shows why the Ginault clomages are so beloved.
nice watch but expect more for 250 Quid....there is a lot of competition at that price point. Glad to see moll's getting back on track. Cats being originally desert animals, have a internal system that is designed for low water environments. This puts a lot of stress on their kidneys and urinary system. I think 90% of the money I've paid to vets has gone to Kidney issues and urinary tract issues such as blockages.....still what can you do ...to cats humans are like watches....cats feel they need to have these issues just to keep us wound up😅
Haha. She has had it tough especially when she had both femoral heads removed from her hips when they both fractured. It took two months of me sitting with her in a big cage...she even had a tablet set up.for cat TV. That's where we really bonded 🤗
@@johnswatchjointShe's lucky to have an owner like you, many people treat animals as objects. I can say from personal experience that it matters to animals when they are weak or insecure and you stand by them, builds love and trust like nothing else👍 Looking forward to the next watch review!
Their quality is up there with San Martin, so it's time they come up with something original. Pity about poor lume, shiny case back, and I hate cyclops's
It is a very nice tribute to the original that is not available to the average watch lover. I do find the price to be a wee bit high though! I'm glad your cat is doing well. As a cat owner myself I know how important a family member they are!!!
Hi there. Yes it's an ok watch but it could have been a lot better given their usual standards. I have a.lot of time for them and excitedly bought it...only to be disappointed..You can see what they have tried to do but it just hasn't quite went to.plan. Thanks for the kind words re Molly. She is getting back to being her usual pasty self haha 😆
Woud have bought if it was 40 mm( yes, I know 6542 was 38), too small for a sport watch nowadays and for my wrist. And I also think at 125 grams it is too light and I feat it could feel very cheap..other than that , I love the aesthetics of this Watch so really sorry I have to pass on this
Time and again you see this.....Designers crapping all over the dial by printing the Lords Prayer onto it. Less is always more !!!. Those of us who know don't need reminding what it is homaging , dial should be Gloss btw Ixdao. Those that don't wouldn't have a bloody clue anyway , it would just be yet another GMT 🤣.
That’s why we all like this channel so much. The straight shooting honest reviews! That’s the exact first thought I had which was the patina is too dark. Thanks for your thoughts and good to see Molly up and at ‘em!
Cheers Albert. Yup Mols is back to just about her best which is more than can be said of IXDAO :(
I think your observations on this watch are spot on - especially about the extraneous verbiage on the dial. Hope IXDAO takes your recommendations to heart and comes out with a V2.
Aye. Not so good this one.
Great to see Molly back up and about and being active.
Thx 😊
Aside from the heavy text, mind you, it’s not a deal breaker, I’d happily buy this. 👍🏼😎
It's a decent watch as I said but it's disappointing by their own higher standards.
I could live with the "fans of 6542" print, but not the long lug-to-lug distance. Excellent review
I actually have this watch but I gave it to my dad because I didn't expect it to be so small, my fault for not reading the specs carefully. However I like the text, it's truthful to what it is and doesn't hide it. Also if you disregard what the text says, it actually has a nice visual shape to fill up the dial. IX Dao also has a beautiful meaning in Chinese. The number nine (IX) represents longevity in Chinese and Dao means the (Way of life) /Path of life.
Hi there. Yes the logo is good and has meaning but IXDAO have done a lot better which is a shame for this watch.
Oh dear, what a shame. Fantastic unbiased analysis has saved me buying a lemon . Thank you
Sorry....😟
@@johnswatchjointno need to be sorry, I’m a sucker for a good dive watch , but this falls well short 😢
Like you say, a lot of money for a glitchy watch. Far too much competition out there. That 'patina' also reminds me of the ceiling above an elderly relative's favourite armchair. He had a 40-a-day Embassy habit. I can't un-see that memory on this watch.
Haha...nice analogy!
Brilliant Review I'd like to have seen the white dial 6542 which is the rarest gmt out there
IXDAO .. learn, adjust and do a V2 ... I do like the use of a bi-directional bezel.
So disappointed in this one.
Real shame it’s not hit the spot for you John! As always, many thanks for the great honest reviews.
No worries. I don't get these for me. I get these to evaluate and some hit the spot and some don't.
This is a let down from a brand that consistently do far better. It's a shame.
I really like that watch, it is the launch that I liked the most of this 2024, although it is too expensive for me, it is a bit expensive for me at the moment but yes, it has me in love with its shapes
Heresy perhaps, but I think a retro pressed-clasp would fit better with the whole vintage vibe ... I agree about the dial, needs to be an inky/glossy black. Will hold back and hope they improve it with a V2
Lovely watch! If not for all the lettering I wouldnt have hesitated one second on this one
Thank you for the beautiful and as always top notch detailed review!
You’re welcome 😊
Polished caseback is a no no for me also a plated bezel is not a good move in my opinion.
Good honest review thanks John.
Cheers Jon. IXDAO are way better than this ;)
Great review and so glad to see Molly up and about and getting better.
Thx Chris 🐱🤗
San Martin should do a homage to this IXDAO homage, and fix the issues. 😅
San Martin has a homage of the same vintage Rolex. San Martin SN0005
Great review John. Overall ok, but i think there are better choices ... be well my friend 👍
Hi Rafael. Good to see you here. Aye this is a wee bit of a let down :/ Have a great weekend 😊
Thanks for a very fair and not pandering review, John. Hope everyone here has subbed and you hit your 10K follower target.
* What's coming up for review?
Hi Bensy. A lot of non AliExpress stuff and I just ordered Jody's new release in fume burnt orange. Never was interested in his Origin diver but the Ascent truly looks exceptional.
Glad I asked! Absolutely thrilled you did. Jody and his partner have something special there.
It makes you wonder what Seiko are up to when they release their new SNXS with really poor specs...at the same price Jody can produce his watch...shipped!
Caller GmT doesn’t bother me.
But fan of 6542 probably should go. Don’t mind if it’s replaced with other suitable text though.
Good honest reveiw, yes shame about the wrongs of this watch, should have been a Stella offering.
Agreed :)
Great review, how do you think this watch compares to the San Martin version?
I haven't held the San Martin version so it wouldn't be fair to comment. :)
Love the vintage vibe, but agree about the text on the dial. Does the price stack up? Not sure. Good to see Molly back terrifying the local rodents..
Haha...she is getting back to herself. This watch could have and should have been better. I rate them...but not this one at that price :)
7/10 is too generous John
Beautiful!! Molly is. The watch is ok too ;)
Haha. Thank you. 🤗😺
Did you have to go abroad to get the outdoor footage? 😜... Enjoyed this one, I was considering it but I agree it is too dark as faux patina and I would love to see the proper black on the dial as well. Maybe a regular lume offering could work well, white instead of any aging. As someone else mentioned v2 would be lovely. Cheers chief 🙂🍻
Hi buddy. It's a 7 but I expect 9's from these guys as they have produced some of the best watches on AliExpress. I am genuinely disappointed. We'll see what happens 🤔
I also have a slim wrist and don't like heavy watches. Seems the NH 34 movement watches are a little on the thick side. I try to get titanium watches and bracelets or on a strap. I don't have a GMT watch. I would like one to have UTC time at a glance vs having to look it up on the internet.
Yes, John: a gaggle of snags that spoil what should be a great watch. My only suggestion is to dunk it in some warm soapy water to smooth out the bezel ( got this advice from a subscriber for my fish - free Duro and it's still smooth two months later). What did they do to the lume!?
Sorry you had this experience. On a brighter note, it's great to see Molly out in the wild again. All the best, pal. Cheers 🍻!
Thx buddy 😊
Completely agree with every word you said, spot on with the critiques, wouldn't order it for any money with that "Fans of 6542" text, well cheesy!! 👎🏻
Great review, I agree with all your criticisms, plus I'm not overly keen on the original and hate Mercedes hands so it isn't for me. I do however like the 60 click bezel, it's useful to be able to time things as well as tracking a second time zone.
Cheers Duncan. I really did take the hit on this one haha!
@@johnswatchjoint I hope you find a buyer willing to pay a fair price 🤞
Ah well ..all part of the service ;)
A modern homage of a vintage GMT Master is a very welcomed proposition; hope they come up with a Pepsi. Case diameter is excellent (can be upped to 40mm in my opinion), bezel is more useful than a basic 24 clicks and overall looks good.
However, the lug-to-lug is huge for the diameter and these endlinks worsen it, lume could be way less carrot-orange - just a light beige - because they overdone the controversial thing of "faux patina", and as usual with chinese brands, i think they could just stick to a tasteful symbol instead of names. I say every con is fixable.
It definitely is ;)
Interesting choise to use a roulettedate in this watch, but not a watch for me.
this looks so good
A year in development? This means they were working on it as their Serica clone came out. That's doubtful. This looks like a rush job to me. Hopefully sales will be slow (and at that price they should be) and the V2 irons out all of the issues you mention. But will they be brave enough to admit their mistakes I wonder? Also what's with all the nonsense paperwork that comes with it? Should have spent that money on better finishing. Great review as usual. Let's hope IxDao see it.
Cheers Thomas.
I really appreciate your opinion, John. Keep em' coming....
Always!
As soon as I heard 48mm lug to lug with a 38mm case it was a deal breaker for me. I get why they have done it but to me a small watch should be small period. I love the red/black date every second day and looks really cool but that’s where the watch stops for me. A shame rally because their IWC homage is just top notch. As always love your reviews John and glad to see little Molly is back to good health!
Hiya! Thank you 🙏
Hi, John--happy to see Molly on the mend! Thanks for reviewing this watch, as it certainly appears to be more washed out in real life than it appears to be in the website renditions. I will pass on this one.
It's good but IXDAO are better than this 😔
My Ixdao Cerica homage is fantastic, which is why I was interested to see how this one faired. I agree with you that this is a bit disappointing. Not bad, just disappointing. Great review, as always. I think I'll give this one a miss !!!
Hi Paul and thanks for your input :)
Highly insightful review as initially was tempted (as I have a couple of IXDAO watches and love them). It's a pass this time and probably a good thing as so many others are tempting me at the moment.
Thanks for watching!
I just got my new watch delivered, a Tiger Concept. Made by a bloke called William out of HK, he's been at it a few years. The watch I got was a vintage style Rolex Big Crown (customised to a Royal Australian Navy Diver's spec) called the 55080PV8, and I really love it so far. Maybe you'd like to give them a lookieloo too
I have seen them before but really not a brand I would buy in as it would be very difficult to move on :)
Thanks mate, you've saved me some fair cash. 😂
Glad I could help
Is the dial of the original the same color?
It's looks kinda similar but some of the images don't really show it clearly. I am like most and have never held the original.
@@johnswatchjoint They say that in fact the dials of the original were glossy. So your instinct was correct. This review shows why the Ginault clomages are so beloved.
nice watch but expect more for 250 Quid....there is a lot of competition at that price point.
Glad to see moll's getting back on track. Cats being originally desert animals, have a internal system that is designed for low water environments. This puts a lot of stress on their kidneys and urinary system. I think 90% of the money I've paid to vets has gone to Kidney issues and urinary tract issues such as blockages.....still what can you do ...to cats humans are like watches....cats feel they need to have these issues just to keep us wound up😅
Haha. She has had it tough especially when she had both femoral heads removed from her hips when they both fractured. It took two months of me sitting with her in a big cage...she even had a tablet set up.for cat TV. That's where we really bonded 🤗
@@johnswatchjointShe's lucky to have an owner like you, many people treat animals as objects. I can say from personal experience that it matters to animals when they are weak or insecure and you stand by them, builds love and trust like nothing else👍
Looking forward to the next watch review!
my main grip is that the Fauxtina is too orange.
I like it but 38mm …. Ffs …. Tiny for me
Stupid wording in dial
And too expensive
make this 41mm and you've got a winner
Their quality is up there with San Martin, so it's time they come up with something original. Pity about poor lume, shiny case back, and I hate cyclops's
Aye. They dropped the ball here :)
@@johnswatchjoint They are a brand in their early days, I just hope they come up with their own design, but use the same factory.
It is a very nice tribute to the original that is not available to the average watch lover. I do find the price to be a wee bit high though! I'm glad your cat is doing well. As a cat owner myself I know how important a family member they are!!!
Hi there. Yes it's an ok watch but it could have been a lot better given their usual standards. I have a.lot of time for them and excitedly bought it...only to be disappointed..You can see what they have tried to do but it just hasn't quite went to.plan. Thanks for the kind words re Molly. She is getting back to being her usual pasty self haha 😆
Woud have bought if it was 40 mm( yes, I know 6542 was 38), too small for a sport watch nowadays and for my wrist. And I also think at 125 grams it is too light and I feat it could feel very cheap..other than that , I love the aesthetics of this Watch so really sorry I have to pass on this
No apologies necessary. Nobody is selling anything here. Thanks for your thoughts :)
First like😂
Time and again you see this.....Designers crapping all over the dial by printing the Lords Prayer onto it. Less is always more !!!. Those of us who know don't need reminding what it is homaging , dial should be Gloss btw Ixdao. Those that don't wouldn't have a bloody clue anyway , it would just be yet another GMT 🤣.
the endless nonsense "branding" is still going on, amazing, still not buying any of this $#!T until they sort it out