Hey Mike. Nice timepiece. Puts me in mind of the watches my dad used to wear. At the risk of oversimplifying the situation, would it do any good to pop the bracelet off & flip it so the tail was at the 12 o'clock? Might sort out the left-handed thing. Brilliant vid as always.
This is A LOT OF WATCH for that money and I am sorely tempted! The case is VERY Rolex OP homage, the indices remind me of Omega - a very nice blend! I agree those dials all look great and I think I would/will be spoilt for choice - I love that mother of pearl look but that Gar d'Paris is amazing in this price range. I agree with other posters here that the movement looks a bit plain under the crystal case back but it is finished well and besides....I like staring at automatic movements, and this is a Miyota! Sure the name is a bit of a 'work in progress' but I can overlook that for such an independent style at this price point. Great review!
It would look of higher value without the exhibition case back. It would also make it even thinner. I don't get why watch manufacturers put see through case backs on watches with such bland movements.
A beautiful watch Mike, and very reasonably priced. However, the name stinks. Maybe Irontime or lunatick or some such name would work. Having said that if it turned up on my doorstep in a jiffy bag I wouldn't be too critical of its name!
It looks amazing! I love that dial 😍 great specs too. I actually don't mind the name, makes it sound like a robust watch. Great review Michael, well done!
This is how I like my chinese homage watches: a) not copying a reference 1:1, but rather evoking a certain type of watches, b) paying homage to references that are long out of production, are quite valuable and even if one had the money to get one (like an OP from the 40's), you'd probably never wear it outside anyway, and finally c) decent quality components that fit the layout of the watch nicely (no ghost position etc.) That name though... Thanks for the review! Greetings from Germany
Brilliant to see a smaller watch reviewed. The sooner the fad for oversized watches ends the better.... Do I have a thin, scrawny wrist? Yes, I do (sadly 😭).
Stainless steel 316 contains about 65-70% iron; so, for the most part, this watch is made of iron. (Other elements are Cr, Ni, Mn, Mo, Si and some trace elements). But I agree the brand name sounds a bit silly.
Yes but it’s still classed as stainless steel 316L which is the low carbon mix. My point is if it was not stainless then it would most likely rust hence most watched being made from stainless. Any other high carbon steel would not survive on the wrist especially if you got it wet and didn’t dry it. Either way it was a light hearted joke about the watches name. I actually sell tool steels & abrasives in my profession.
I would love to take that apart too Michael. 👍 That looks similar to the watch i made myself last year mine is black sub dial with date no cyclops 12.9 thick 20mm lugs and glide lock that works great, i regulated it and it's under -1s/d. O it's an nh35a it has mersadeze hands much prefer those hands my fave.
I prefer the Seiko movements to the Miyota (Citizen). I have a couple of cheapies I've built up using NH35/36 as beaters for work. They keep great time on the timegrapher.
I understand your bugbear with the name IronWatch, but it obviously was aimed at the younger consumer probably influenced by the Marvel Universe and Iron-Man perhaps? Is the logo badly designed? I think it would look better written as two separate words. At least "Iron Watch" could be written on two separate lines and look or feel more discreet. That dial was a nice colour and the size was perfect. The second you said "Screw Down Crown" I was sold, yes I want one. "IronWatch" is a lousy name for what looks suspiciously like a dress watch. I think it should try to be more of an "Iron Watch" and move toward looking more adventurous, a Divers Watch with a unidirectional bezel. Right now it looks more "Lounge Lizard" than what the name "Iron Watch" implies. The lack of a date complication doesn't put me off in the slightest and the pricing was reasonable considering the quality of the movement.
Thank you for your feedback Gary. I Think I saw a dive watch from ironwatch now on the WR watches site. So maybe that’s the way to go for them however I still think that big type font on a dial ruins it.
I like the fact they used the domed crystal, it looks retro, plus it looks as if it allowed them to use a thinner bezel, which I think ads to the elegance of this 'IRONWATCH'. Thumbs up review!
I have this watch with the clous de Paris dial which is absolutely stunning. Build quality is very good and can even give San Martin a run for their money. I quite like the rather industrial no-nonsense name of the brand, but a nice logo would not go amiss.
Thanks , I have to say I wear this a lot despite my probably 200 watch collection. It fits nice . I do with Ironwatch would drop the printing of the name and change to the logo as it would make them so much better. I will write to them again!
yet another start up company totally ripping off Rolex. Its all getting really tired I feel. I used to have homage watches and then one day it struck me that even if I could never afford the real thing why on earth would I want a copy of it for a cheaper price, it suddenly just felt pathetic and trying too hard so I got rid of them and have not looked back
That is fair enough, totally get that and respect your view. I have similar thoughts and why I only have a few homage in my massive collection. This review was for experience and for curiosity.
Great review. A lovely looking watch with nice retro vibes for sure. I'd prefer a solid case back here as Miyotas or NH3*s (as good value as they are) aren't interesting at all to look at. Interesting dial colour here as well. As for the name, yeah that doesn't work for me either. It has to be a quite tool inspired watch for that to work IMO.
I don't get it. What is the point of wasting cash on some noname brand like this one, when for $300-360 (the price these are sold for) you can get yourself a perfectly fine vintage piece from Longines, TAG and most other "proper" brands. Seems like a masssive waste of money to me.
That’s up to you. I totally get that also. Some people don’t want the vintage watch risk that it won’t work as it should or you have a big service bill. There are things I like about this watch and things I don’t. I’m just gaining some experience on reviews and for a reason that hopefully will bring some nicer & known brands to the channel.
A textured version of the caramel face would be a nice upgrade. Al in all, I am not overly impressed with the watch though I believe that it was a good start. I could not see spending $300 on an average Japanese movement when so many good vintage watches can be had for a small fraction of the cost. Your review was pretty damned good so, there is that.
Thanks Clyde . I need feedback on my review style. That said I always look on the bright side of life so being negative does not come naturally. I was on the fence with reviewing this one for all the same reasons but I wanted the experience and I was still curious. Thanks for tuning in I appreciate it. I have a restoration video coming next, also another review plus a tool review to come which I am most excited about to be honest.
@@MyRetroWatches tool reviews would definitely be a useful addition. Bergeon (ie. screwdrivers) are ok but otherworldly expensive. If they lasted better than cheaper tools at least it could be justified. Unfortunately though I was disappointed in their performance. As with any other specialty hobby, putting a label on it such as "watchmaker's" seems to justify exorbitant costs. Personally, I would be keenly interested in non-sponsored reviews about the best/worst tools you have encountered as well as any off-subject tools which you have found particularly well-suited to the craft. Even such things as storage and organization could be insightful.
I recommend they change the name to Vito. Love the boxed Chrystal and wouldn’t change it for a bevel because it would clash with the rest of the watches curves. Everything else is perfect.
lovely looking peice, joins the Wise Hitman and the Neymar in the awful name category, also like the high beat but It's as ugly as a badly burnt bushpig, why the caseback ffs? Swop the bracelet round so it's easier to close....
I feel like this company is combining some features of Grand Seiko and Rolex together. The IronWatch logo is just way too loud and clumsy within the overall design.
Great review Mike, I do like the name Iron watch. But more importantly, I love these watches!, love the movement. Reminds me of the Invicta NH series which are bullet proof in my opinion, I would buy the three of them.... If I had the money!. Good value too. Thanks again. Adrian
Why bother with an exhibition case back when there really is nothing to see in that movement? A mustard colored dial? I don't think so. 233 amplitude on a brand new watch?
Good review of a very nice watch. I particularly like the textured dial although I'd be quite happy with any of them. Do they do a date window option? I know some people like the minimalist option but personally I find the date window useful. The name isn't perhaps the best, but on a watch that nice I really wouldn't be bothered.
No date version and what I did forget to mention is the Miyota 9015 is a date movement so it’s just been ghosted on this one. I can only assume the date wheel has been removed but we will see when I get around to stripping it .
I agree with you about the crystal glare. Also doesn’t quite go with that bezel with its steep rake and width and high polish. But I think I get what they were going for to imitate plexi of that style. Also I wonder do you know? If a sapphire protrudes that much isn’t it at greater risk of shattering?
I could not tel you about the sapphire other than we know it’s the toughest crystal you can get. This also has some AR coating which I forgot to mention. I don’t think the crystal protrudes that much compared to some watches and as it’s still a slim profile watch the risk of bashing it on a door handle is lower.
Not necessarily the “toughest”. Most scratch resistant yes, but definitely more prone to chip around the edges and definitely more prone to shatter from a sharp blow.
Another great review thanks Mike. Nice watch. Gorgeous dial. Good size. Personally I’d spend my money on a nice vintage watch rather than this. Not sure it will hold its value or become sought after in the future. Keep the reviews coming mate - love the content as always. 👍
Good point and yes if you like vintage they there is no real comparison other than this would be reliable for years with that movement whereas a vintage you’d have to service to be sure.
Nice watch... All the gripe about the name.... I don't understand it. Most of you would gladly wear a Blancpain (if you could afford it). But how silly a name is Blancpain? It translates as white bread..... Glasshütte means hut of glass, Lange means the tall one, Ferrari means blacksmith. So, what's in a name as the Bard famously wrote....
Good point but it’s a dress watch so to have such bold typeface with an uninteresting font does not suit it in my opinion. Ironwatch sounds more like a tool watch than an elegant dress watch.
Could you not just 180 deg the bracelet so the lefty bit is on the righty side? What stuck out for me was the bracelet end not in line with the case, it looked a bit "aliexpress" to my mind and maybe in the production process have the bracelet ends in when milling the case so you get a flush fit. I quite like it overall, if they wanted to really hit the Seiko 5 spot then lower right quadrant the crown and recess it and they will nail that classic vintage look imho. Nice to see a Miyota for a change, I quite like Miyota's and the market seems to be flooded with NH35 and DG2813's but less common to see the Miyota 9xxx series too.
Mike, Would love to see the miyota 9105 taken apart. Great watch PS.- The name doesn't bother me, as long as the wordplay does not involve something disrespectful, I can live with it in such a nice looking watch
I have a Swatch 'homage', on the dial it just says 'watch', which is handy when I forget what it is. Makes me laugh every time I look at it. On the back it says 'plastic back'. It cost me $3. LOL.
The name is a show stopper. Otherwise, it's a nice looking watch. The bracelet is garbage in my opinion. Male endlinks will make the lug to lug over 50mm and butterfly clasps can't be adjusted to fit well. This style of watch would look better on a beads of rice, Jubilee or other suitable design, or on a nice leather strap. How is the lume???
Agree on the name. Bracelet is actually quite nice and very comfortable. Because the case is a normal size the end links really don’t overhang like on much larger watches. Granted a beads of rice would be amazing . Lume is okay but nothing special as it shouldn’t be on a dress watch.
I have overcome the name and wear this watch allot because its so comfortable. I did give the feedback to Ironwatch that if they didn't print it on the dial and either abbreviated or used an applied logo they would improve it by 100%
@@MyRetroWatches No worries, Mike. Your other observations were on point. I have an Oris Big Crown with a similar curve on the crystal, and the distortion drives me nuts especially when trying to read the date pointer. In any event, I think that this watch with its caramel face would look better on a leather strap. Stay well.
Looks good but I agree, the name is terrible. Sounds like a name two high school boys thought up. Should have called it Roldor, or Tulex, that would get up Rolex and Tudor's noses.
I like the big crown, wish the hands were stainless, though the black pops and the miyota is a good movement. Maybe they will make a dial with different logos, very good color dial and great review.
The hands and indices are gold in colour , my video footage didn’t really capture that along with the quite nice blue second hand, I will get better images and put them up on my site soon.
Not for me at that price. You could build / spec an eBay watch for half the price with that movement and a dial of your choice. As others mentioned the case and bracelet are basically Rolex, the dial is a mishmash and the gold index plating clashes. I guess it's hard to come up with something new in design terms - or just that if you imitate others you will sell more.
All good valid points James. I personally like the gold indices against the steel but then that’s just me as I like just about every watch! I do also think that it’s a strong price for a startup but not too over the top. $230-250 would be about right. Thanks for the feedback and watching even if you don’t like the watch it’s encouraging that you would still watch the review.
Great video Mike, I'd like the watch even more if it had date complication. The white textured color way looks prefect. For me it just needs the date on it.
@@MyRetroWatches I thought it was too. That's the look they wanted, I guess. There's nothing wrong with ghosting it unless people getting annoyed with the 2 position crown. I just prefer a date. I'm old and forget the days,dates, rooms I'm in. Lol
something else I forgot to mention really. the 9015 is hand winding, hacking automatic that is a high beat movement. Many frown on Miyota but I have to give it to them they have a cracking little movement here at an affordable price. okay its not pretty but then at the price point you cant complain.
The name doesn't upset me as much but of course, I would also like a faceted crystal like those vintage watches because rounded off makes it look acrylic. Maybe an applied thicker metal logo would tie in the iron watch name. You didn't do a lume shot but it's probably not that spectacular as it is a dress watch and people that wear dress watches dont wear dress watches in the wilderness let alone a dark ally lol. I would love to see you service this movement. You can only make it run better. One more thing. All these companies have induces that are supposed to have sharp edges but they're less sharp and more rounded. Sharp would make the watch better.
The milky ring is only partly because of the crystal's shape. Through refraction or something the crystal is pickin up the white plastic gasket underneath.
Nice looking watch ,colourway not quite to my taste & the name definitely isn't but a decent package all in all & the price could do with loosing a few $$ closer to $270 in a sale perhaps .Would absolutely love to see an overhaul of the 9 series there isn't one to date i can find anywhere so you'd be the first i reckon (no pressure😉) ,great review and look forward to the service 👍.
Hello Mike! First congrats for your amazing work; just have some technical question : I get a chronostop with a one pallet movement , it is a jewelless one ; and I would like to know more about it … I know that it is not some master piece of watches but it needs some lubrification and it is more expensive than the watch itself with a pro ; would you have some info or advises , to oil and lub this type of movement ?
Lots of bang for your buck with that high beat movement. It resembles the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. I agree about the crystal and brand name. Those are turn offs. Im also not a fan of the font on the dial.
Thanks Ben. They can call it ironwatch as a brand for all I care but don’t print it on the dial, a simple applied logo would be much more classy and in line with the style.
I'd get two of the styles if they changed the name, and not to something typically ridiculous. It's the right size, the right shape, great movement and a good price...but yeah...the name.
HI Guys I hope you like this review even if you don't like the watch. There is a motive for all these reviews and hopefully soon I will be able to tell you what that is.
@@kostek4430 well okay most steels are from refined iron but raw iron or cast would be a rust magnet. I am just being sarcastic in the video because I don’t like the name.
I love "aliexpress" and what you can do with parts sourced from there. Have my Rolex knockoff assembled myself. Love it. This one has a domed crystal which is a very nice touch. Hope those will show up as just a case at some point. I would go with 9039 movement though in this case. You know, proper no-date version of 9015. BTW did they modify the movement or the date disk is just hidden behind the dial?
The name really doesn't bother me much. I like the watch, really do like (just as you do) the indices, and I am a big fan of the dagger type hour and minute hands. They are much better than the stick type hands, and allow for a lot of surface area for lume. I'm not sure that a black seconds hand wouldn't look better than the blue one. It looks black in most of the video, and it looks fine to me. I would like to see a teardown of the Miyota 9105 movement used in this watch, as well as the Seiko NH35, which seem to have become the dominant mechanical "merchant" movement for the smaller watch brands with the cessation of ETA movements being available. Perhaps even a comparison between those two and the lower end Sellita movements. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to more.
Great comment thanks. I was thinking of lining up a NH35 this and a PT5000 to do a comprehensive comparison but as of yet I have not got a PT5000 but have asked a few AliExpress shops if they want a review on a watch that has one. Thing is I want to limit reviews to more original stuff rather than homage so we will have to see what happens.
Thanks for sharing....... Nice watch. I like it except for the movement. The Miyota and their "continuous spinning rotors" drive me crazy. They only wind in one direction and spin in the other. Unfortunately, that is a deal breaker for me. Other than that, I think the Miyotas are good movements. I love 28k movements. I had a "Miyota" Watch in the past and a worn it for a week and I could not take it any more because of the Rotor.
I didn’t actually know they only wound in one way. Makes sense now as to why they spin so much. I’m so used to vintage stuff. Seiko rotors actually slow down when the watch is fully wound. Clearly not on Miyota! That said I still like that this is a more technical movement. Thin and high beat and clearly very accurate for its price point.
Nice watch nice review, For your right hand issue 8:07 you just have to reverse the bracelet position (the 12 o'clock lug part of the bracelet at 6 & vice versa) it took you 3 minutes
Lume was okay but not superb because there’s not a lot of it. Also I find lume shots really hard to film as my camera just goes nuts with the lights off!
For me the cost isnt worth it. It looks nice, but the cost (for me) would be better spent on a Seiko. In 20 years this watch will be an unknown …but a brand name will always be known.
@@velviaman3206 I’d debate that. 316L stainless is low carbon stainless unlike 316 , something like 0.03% in the chemical composition . Iron I believe is a higher content. I do work in steel in my day job but only tool steels which nearly all are high carbon! Either way the comment about rust was a passing comment and more of a joke at the name of the watch. Not everything I say has to be completely factually correct.
I think the indices are gold. I wonder what it would look like with polished stainless indices picking up and reflecting the dial color. I might like the gold but would have to see in person
@@MyRetroWatches thanks for telling me. I do think I like them with the dial color. I think your video was pretty good. It’s really the tech in the way about watches and light and color, one has to actually see them in person to really know. I think. Really cool dial color. I can’t imagine not liking that
An interesting little Rolex homage. I suppose there aren't many this size. Thought it a bit strange to have a butterfly clasp on an Oyster style bracelet and I don't see the point of a display caseback when the movement is undecorated. A great idea to do a video on the 9015 movement. It's in the back of so many microbrand watches these days.
It's a lovely looking watch. It would be nice to see it with other styles of bracelets. I agree with you on the name. It's a bit odd for the style of watch. To me Ironwatch would be more utilitarian/industrial in appearance. As others have mentioned, the display back is kind of lost on that movement (maybe if they had a custom rotor fitted it would work?).
Love your content as always. I would say that it’s probably good form to be very clear your relationship with the company at the very start. Is it an ad (ie, are you expected to say/not say certain things), were you given the watch for free, is it on loan, or did you pay for it with your own money? I wasn’t sure for quite some time. But this was a good review, and a nice watch
The watch is free hence the paid promotion banner at the start. The company who sent it me are not the manufacturer. I am not coerced into anything. I am only asked if I would like to review. I told them of my hesitation because of name and price point. They were fine. I make the review how I feel fit hence complaining about the name and the crystal. They do not see the video before it’s released or have any influence over the content. I would not take payment either. Reviews are not the focus of the channel as my repair videos are my heart and soul, these are just easier to do for a quick video and I enjoy seeing new stuff. I am also working on something to bring nicer branded watches to the channel in review form plus some tools. I have one more watch review to do in the next week and then it’s back on the repairs .
Hey Mike. Nice timepiece. Puts me in mind of the watches my dad used to wear. At the risk of oversimplifying the situation, would it do any good to pop the bracelet off & flip it so the tail was at the 12 o'clock? Might sort out the left-handed thing. Brilliant vid as always.
Why on earth did I not think of that!! I’m now feeling slightly embarrassed!
Thanks for that I will flip it over later.
This is A LOT OF WATCH for that money and I am sorely tempted!
The case is VERY Rolex OP homage, the indices remind me of Omega - a very nice blend! I agree those dials all look great and I think I would/will be spoilt for choice - I love that mother of pearl look but that Gar d'Paris is amazing in this price range.
I agree with other posters here that the movement looks a bit plain under the crystal case back but it is finished well and besides....I like staring at automatic movements, and this is a Miyota!
Sure the name is a bit of a 'work in progress' but I can overlook that for such an independent style at this price point. Great review!
It would look of higher value without the exhibition case back. It would also make it even thinner. I don't get why watch manufacturers put see through case backs on watches with such bland movements.
Good point .
Exactly, it's pointless showing an undecorated movement.
Very good looking watch. Reminds me of a Rolex pre Explorer.
Case has those vibes for sure
You mean Oyster Perpetual - Everest
A beautiful watch Mike, and very reasonably priced. However, the name stinks. Maybe Irontime or lunatick or some such name would work. Having said that if it turned up on my doorstep in a jiffy bag I wouldn't be too critical of its name!
Would I expect anything less from you my friend!
It looks amazing! I love that dial 😍 great specs too. I actually don't mind the name, makes it sound like a robust watch.
Great review Michael, well done!
Thank you so much Aviv.
I agree.
This is how I like my chinese homage watches: a) not copying a reference 1:1, but rather evoking a certain type of watches, b) paying homage to references that are long out of production, are quite valuable and even if one had the money to get one (like an OP from the 40's), you'd probably never wear it outside anyway, and finally c) decent quality components that fit the layout of the watch nicely (no ghost position etc.)
That name though...
Thanks for the review! Greetings from Germany
Thank you. I am happy you like the watch. I love it now but the initial opinion when I first opened it was not so good. Just because of the name.
I REALLY want to pull the trigger. But I’m afraid they will come out with a v2 with a better logo and a 20mm lug width. I might have to hold off.
I really can’t say if that will happens or not. I have seen that they have now made a diver style watch.
Brilliant to see a smaller watch reviewed. The sooner the fad for oversized watches ends the better....
Do I have a thin, scrawny wrist? Yes, I do (sadly 😭).
It’s a beaut very like a Rolex O.P 39mm👍,
The dial and hands give off a bit of an Omega Aqua Terra vibe too😉👍👍👍
Stainless steel 316 contains about 65-70% iron; so, for the most part, this watch is made of iron. (Other elements are Cr, Ni, Mn, Mo, Si and some trace elements). But I agree the brand name sounds a bit silly.
Yes but it’s still classed as stainless steel 316L which is the low carbon mix. My point is if it was not stainless then it would most likely rust hence most watched being made from stainless. Any other high carbon steel would not survive on the wrist especially if you got it wet and didn’t dry it.
Either way it was a light hearted joke about the watches name.
I actually sell tool steels & abrasives in my profession.
The white dial version has an uncanny resemblance to the white dial Oyster Perpetual that made the trip to Everest's peak in 1953.
Possibly the OP is their inspiration..
Absolutely correct 👍
Slick looking piece. Great, unique dial color. Love the slim polished bezel.
I would love to take that apart too Michael. 👍
That looks similar to the watch i made myself last year mine is black sub dial with date no cyclops 12.9 thick 20mm lugs and glide lock that works great, i regulated it and it's under -1s/d. O it's an nh35a it has mersadeze hands much prefer those hands my fave.
I prefer the Seiko movements to the Miyota (Citizen). I have a couple of cheapies I've built up using NH35/36 as beaters for work. They keep great time on the timegrapher.
That reminds me of a bliger watch. They do naked dials. Sapphire crystal and similar movements in some of their watches.
I understand your bugbear with the name IronWatch, but it
obviously was aimed at the younger consumer probably influenced
by the Marvel Universe and Iron-Man perhaps?
Is the logo badly designed? I think it would look better written as
two separate words.
At least "Iron Watch" could be written on two separate lines and look
or feel more discreet.
That dial was a nice colour and the size was perfect. The second you said
"Screw Down Crown" I was sold, yes I want one.
"IronWatch" is a lousy name for what looks suspiciously like a dress watch.
I think it should try to be more of an "Iron Watch" and move toward looking
more adventurous, a Divers Watch with a unidirectional bezel. Right now it
looks more "Lounge Lizard" than what the name "Iron Watch" implies.
The lack of a date complication doesn't put me off in the slightest and the
pricing was reasonable considering the quality of the movement.
Thank you for your feedback Gary. I Think I saw a dive watch from ironwatch now on the WR watches site. So maybe that’s the way to go for them however I still think that big type font on a dial ruins it.
Take it apart.
I like the fact they used the domed crystal, it looks retro, plus it looks as if it allowed them to use a thinner bezel, which I think ads to the elegance of this 'IRONWATCH'. Thumbs up review!
It got me at hello. I don’t have trouble with the name... ❤️
I have this watch with the clous de Paris dial which is absolutely stunning. Build quality is very good and can even give San Martin a run for their money. I quite like the rather industrial no-nonsense name of the brand, but a nice logo would not go amiss.
Thanks , I have to say I wear this a lot despite my probably 200 watch collection. It fits nice . I do with Ironwatch would drop the printing of the name and change to the logo as it would make them so much better.
I will write to them again!
yet another start up company totally ripping off Rolex. Its all getting really tired I feel. I used to have homage watches and then one day it struck me that even if I could never afford the real thing why on earth would I want a copy of it for a cheaper price, it suddenly just felt pathetic and trying too hard so I got rid of them and have not looked back
That is fair enough, totally get that and respect your view. I have similar thoughts and why I only have a few homage in my massive collection.
This review was for experience and for curiosity.
Great review. A lovely looking watch with nice retro vibes for sure. I'd prefer a solid case back here as Miyotas or NH3*s (as good value as they are) aren't interesting at all to look at. Interesting dial colour here as well. As for the name, yeah that doesn't work for me either. It has to be a quite tool inspired watch for that to work IMO.
happy to see a 9015 movement but fed up to see another Rolex rip off. that drives me insane to be honest.
Sorry. At least there will be a video eventually on the 9015 stripdown .
I don't get it. What is the point of wasting cash on some noname brand like this one, when for $300-360 (the price these are sold for) you can get yourself a perfectly fine vintage piece from Longines, TAG and most other "proper" brands. Seems like a masssive waste of money to me.
That’s up to you. I totally get that also. Some people don’t want the vintage watch risk that it won’t work as it should or you have a big service bill.
There are things I like about this watch and things I don’t.
I’m just gaining some experience on reviews and for a reason that hopefully will bring some nicer & known brands to the channel.
Very nice watch. Love the colour. The name doesn't bother me. Nice review!
A textured version of the caramel face would be a nice upgrade. Al in all, I am not overly impressed with the watch though I believe that it was a good start. I could not see spending $300 on an average Japanese movement when so many good vintage watches can be had for a small fraction of the cost.
Your review was pretty damned good so, there is that.
Thanks Clyde . I need feedback on my review style. That said I always look on the bright side of life so being negative does not come naturally.
I was on the fence with reviewing this one for all the same reasons but I wanted the experience and I was still curious. Thanks for tuning in I appreciate it. I have a restoration video coming next, also another review plus a tool review to come which I am most excited about to be honest.
@@MyRetroWatches tool reviews would definitely be a useful addition. Bergeon (ie. screwdrivers) are ok but otherworldly expensive. If they lasted better than cheaper tools at least it could be justified. Unfortunately though I was disappointed in their performance. As with any other specialty hobby, putting a label on it such as "watchmaker's" seems to justify exorbitant costs. Personally, I would be keenly interested in non-sponsored reviews about the best/worst tools you have encountered as well as any off-subject tools which you have found particularly well-suited to the craft. Even such things as storage and organization could be insightful.
Miyota 9015 is a good movement, $300 is not a bad price
I recommend they change the name to Vito. Love the boxed Chrystal and wouldn’t change it for a bevel because it would clash with the rest of the watches curves. Everything else is perfect.
lovely looking peice, joins the Wise Hitman and the Neymar in the awful name category, also like the high beat but It's as ugly as a badly burnt bushpig, why the caseback ffs? Swop the bracelet round so it's easier to close....
I feel like this company is combining some features of Grand Seiko and Rolex together. The IronWatch logo is just way too loud and clumsy within the overall design.
Great review Mike, I do like the name Iron watch. But more importantly, I love these watches!, love the movement. Reminds me of the Invicta NH series which are bullet proof in my opinion, I would buy the three of them.... If I had the money!. Good value too. Thanks again. Adrian
Appreciate the feedback Adrian. Thanks
Yes, please do a movement service for us.
Looks great,
You can't name it "SteelWatch either", that would be very dangerous to wear when in Amsterdam ;)
Why bother with an exhibition case back when there really is nothing to see in that movement? A mustard colored dial? I don't think so. 233 amplitude on a brand new watch?
Good review of a very nice watch. I particularly like the textured dial although I'd be quite happy with any of them.
Do they do a date window option? I know some people like the minimalist option but personally I find the date window useful.
The name isn't perhaps the best, but on a watch that nice I really wouldn't be bothered.
No date version and what I did forget to mention is the Miyota 9015 is a date movement so it’s just been ghosted on this one. I can only assume the date wheel has been removed but we will see when I get around to stripping it .
I like the dial but display back seeing movement no, bracelet and clasp no Springbar lug holes no, 3 nos so make an alpinist instead please.
I agree with you about the crystal glare. Also doesn’t quite go with that bezel with its steep rake and width and high polish. But I think I get what they were going for to imitate plexi of that style. Also I wonder do you know? If a sapphire protrudes that much isn’t it at greater risk of shattering?
I could not tel you about the sapphire other than we know it’s the toughest crystal you can get. This also has some AR coating which I forgot to mention.
I don’t think the crystal protrudes that much compared to some watches and as it’s still a slim profile watch the risk of bashing it on a door handle is lower.
Not necessarily the “toughest”. Most scratch resistant yes, but definitely more prone to chip around the edges and definitely more prone to shatter from a sharp blow.
@@tonyrome655 that’s what I thought
I got a Dutch wrist, 9 inches, so it wouldn't fit :( I'd love to have that watch...:(
I am not a fan of so called microbrands.... but she needs to go on the "healing-bench" so we can see her innards !
Paddy
Another great review thanks Mike. Nice watch. Gorgeous dial. Good size. Personally I’d spend my money on a nice vintage watch rather than this. Not sure it will hold its value or become sought after in the future. Keep the reviews coming mate - love the content as always. 👍
Good point and yes if you like vintage they there is no real comparison other than this would be reliable for years with that movement whereas a vintage you’d have to service to be sure.
If they change the name in to beautiful logo.. that’s gonna be brilliant. 👌
Nice watch... All the gripe about the name.... I don't understand it. Most of you would gladly wear a Blancpain (if you could afford it). But how silly a name is Blancpain? It translates as white bread..... Glasshütte means hut of glass, Lange means the tall one, Ferrari means blacksmith. So, what's in a name as the Bard famously wrote....
Good point but it’s a dress watch so to have such bold typeface with an uninteresting font does not suit it in my opinion. Ironwatch sounds more like a tool watch than an elegant dress watch.
It looks very ugly, the hour hand is too long exceeds the end of the markers
Could you not just 180 deg the bracelet so the lefty bit is on the righty side? What stuck out for me was the bracelet end not in line with the case, it looked a bit "aliexpress" to my mind and maybe in the production process have the bracelet ends in when milling the case so you get a flush fit. I quite like it overall, if they wanted to really hit the Seiko 5 spot then lower right quadrant the crown and recess it and they will nail that classic vintage look imho. Nice to see a Miyota for a change, I quite like Miyota's and the market seems to be flooded with NH35 and DG2813's but less common to see the Miyota 9xxx series too.
As for the bracelet I feel a right lemon for not thinking of that! A few others have also commented the obvious!
Mike, Would love to see the miyota 9105 taken apart. Great watch
PS.- The name doesn't bother me, as long as the wordplay does not involve something disrespectful, I can live with it in such a nice looking watch
Nice feedback. For a dress watch I just think it needs to be a bit more subtle.
I have a Swatch 'homage', on the dial it just says 'watch', which is handy when I forget what it is. Makes me laugh every time I look at it. On the back it says 'plastic back'. It cost me $3. LOL.
Brilliant! Watch and plastic back…
The name is a show stopper. Otherwise, it's a nice looking watch. The bracelet is garbage in my opinion. Male endlinks will make the lug to lug over 50mm and butterfly clasps can't be adjusted to fit well. This style of watch would look better on a beads of rice, Jubilee or other suitable design, or on a nice leather strap. How is the lume???
Agree on the name. Bracelet is actually quite nice and very comfortable. Because the case is a normal size the end links really don’t overhang like on much larger watches. Granted a beads of rice would be amazing .
Lume is okay but nothing special as it shouldn’t be on a dress watch.
That is a seriously good homage of my grail watch, but just wouldn't buy a watch with THAT name on it
I have overcome the name and wear this watch allot because its so comfortable. I did give the feedback to Ironwatch that if they didn't print it on the dial and either abbreviated or used an applied logo they would improve it by 100%
Mike, if the clasp is awkward for you as a lefty, reverse the band on the watch.
Thanks , someone else said that and I now embarrassed I didn’t even think about doing that!
I'm a lefty and do that with all of mine.
@@MyRetroWatches No worries, Mike. Your other observations were on point. I have an Oris Big Crown with a similar curve on the crystal, and the distortion drives me nuts especially when trying to read the date pointer. In any event, I think that this watch with its caramel face would look better on a leather strap. Stay well.
Looks good but I agree, the name is terrible. Sounds like a name two high school boys thought up. Should have called it Roldor, or Tulex, that would get up Rolex and Tudor's noses.
Haha love your suggestions!
I like the big crown, wish the hands were stainless, though the black pops and the miyota is a good movement. Maybe they will make a dial with different logos, very good color dial and great review.
The hands and indices are gold in colour , my video footage didn’t really capture that along with the quite nice blue second hand,
I will get better images and put them up on my site soon.
Not for me at that price. You could build / spec an eBay watch for half the price with that movement and a dial of your choice. As others mentioned the case and bracelet are basically Rolex, the dial is a mishmash and the gold index plating clashes. I guess it's hard to come up with something new in design terms - or just that if you imitate others you will sell more.
All good valid points James. I personally like the gold indices against the steel but then that’s just me as I like just about every watch!
I do also think that it’s a strong price for a startup but not too over the top. $230-250 would be about right.
Thanks for the feedback and watching even if you don’t like the watch it’s encouraging that you would still watch the review.
I agree, the brand name is a huge mis. I get a Singapore watch factory vibe from this design, I like it. The colour is not for me. Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback
I absolutely agree on the Ironwatch name, it's super naff. The watch however, is tasty.
Thanks Gareth.
It has the most beautiful clasp that can exist on a metal bracelet
If this watch had a different name id buy it instantly
steel is iron. stainless steel is an alloy that is still predominantly iron. :P In any case, great looking watch! might have to see if I can get one.
Yes but you know what I mean….
Great video Mike, I'd like the watch even more if it had date complication. The white textured color way looks prefect. For me it just needs the date on it.
The ironic thing , and something I didn’t mention is the 9015 is a date watch by default . These guys have ghosted it out.
@@MyRetroWatches I thought it was too. That's the look they wanted, I guess. There's nothing wrong with ghosting it unless people getting annoyed with the 2 position crown. I just prefer a date. I'm old and forget the days,dates, rooms I'm in. Lol
@@jeff1176 I am a bit miffed I didn’t mention it in the video either! Still got a lot to learn in doing reviews,
Still a cracking watch
Nice watch Mike, but can you wind it to start it, or do you need a winder.? thanks for sharing.
something else I forgot to mention really. the 9015 is hand winding, hacking automatic that is a high beat movement. Many frown on Miyota but I have to give it to them they have a cracking little movement here at an affordable price. okay its not pretty but then at the price point you cant complain.
The name doesn't upset me as much but of course, I would also like a faceted crystal like those vintage watches because rounded off makes it look acrylic. Maybe an applied thicker metal logo would tie in the iron watch name. You didn't do a lume shot but it's probably not that spectacular as it is a dress watch and people that wear dress watches dont wear dress watches in the wilderness let alone a dark ally lol. I would love to see you service this movement. You can only make it run better. One more thing. All these companies have induces that are supposed to have sharp edges but they're less sharp and more rounded. Sharp would make the watch better.
Indeed please take it apart. Gracias!
The milky ring is only partly because of the crystal's shape.
Through refraction or something the crystal is pickin up the white plastic gasket underneath.
Nice looking watch ,colourway not quite to my taste & the name definitely isn't but a decent package all in all & the price could do with loosing a few $$ closer to $270 in a sale perhaps .Would absolutely love to see an overhaul of the 9 series there isn't one to date i can find anywhere so you'd be the first i reckon (no pressure😉) ,great review and look forward to the service 👍.
Hello Mike! First congrats for your amazing work; just have some technical question : I get a chronostop with a one pallet movement , it is a jewelless one ; and I would like to know more about it … I know that it is not some master piece of watches but it needs some lubrification and it is more expensive than the watch itself with a pro ; would you have some info or advises , to oil and lub this type of movement ?
Lots of bang for your buck with that high beat movement. It resembles the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. I agree about the crystal and brand name. Those are turn offs. Im also not a fan of the font on the dial.
I don't mind the name. But when they have odd lug widths I nope out of there.
I can’t remember the size now but you can buy 16-17-18-19mm straps all day long in the right places.
Can I send you my omega to make a service video 😭😭😭🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Not taking any work on sorry.
@@MyRetroWatches the reply is enough🙏🏼 you got a sub for sure.
Stunning watch.. very tidy. These new watch companies really struggle with the brand names, can’t be easy.
That is a nice looking watch. 37mm is best for my 160mm (6 1/4”) wrist.
The price is inviting
Take it apart Mike !!!!
👍
Agreed "iron watch"??? What a bad name for such a nice watch.
The movement definitely deserves a deeper look 👍
Yep, can't get over the name, it annoyed me to much, its not just you
Thanks Ben. They can call it ironwatch as a brand for all I care but don’t print it on the dial, a simple applied logo would be much more classy and in line with the style.
@@MyRetroWatches yes a simple iw or something similar would be great
Nice box :)
Oh price is silly
Take it apart
Flip the band around 180*
I have now, I didnt think of this at the time.... (i know ;-)
I'd get two of the styles if they changed the name, and not to something typically ridiculous. It's the right size, the right shape, great movement and a good price...but yeah...the name.
HI Guys I hope you like this review even if you don't like the watch. There is a motive for all these reviews and hopefully soon I will be able to tell you what that is.
"It's not made of iron..." WHAT?
@@kostek4430 well okay most steels are from refined iron but raw iron or cast would be a rust magnet.
I am just being sarcastic in the video because I don’t like the name.
I love "aliexpress" and what you can do with parts sourced from there. Have my Rolex knockoff assembled myself. Love it. This one has a domed crystal which is a very nice touch. Hope those will show up as just a case at some point. I would go with 9039 movement though in this case. You know, proper no-date version of 9015. BTW did they modify the movement or the date disk is just hidden behind the dial?
This one has a ghost position. Something I really should have mentioned in the video!! Need to improve my facts doing reviews
The name really doesn't bother me much. I like the watch, really do like (just as you do) the indices, and I am a big fan of the dagger type hour and minute hands. They are much better than the stick type hands, and allow for a lot of surface area for lume. I'm not sure that a black seconds hand wouldn't look better than the blue one. It looks black in most of the video, and it looks fine to me.
I would like to see a teardown of the Miyota 9105 movement used in this watch, as well as the Seiko NH35, which seem to have become the dominant mechanical "merchant" movement for the smaller watch brands with the cessation of ETA movements being available. Perhaps even a comparison between those two and the lower end Sellita movements.
Thanks for the video. Looking forward to more.
Great comment thanks. I was thinking of lining up a NH35 this and a PT5000 to do a comprehensive comparison but as of yet I have not got a PT5000 but have asked a few AliExpress shops if they want a review on a watch that has one. Thing is I want to limit reviews to more original stuff rather than homage so we will have to see what happens.
Thanks for sharing....... Nice watch. I like it except for the movement. The Miyota and their "continuous spinning rotors" drive me crazy. They only wind in one direction and spin in the other. Unfortunately, that is a deal breaker for me. Other than that, I think the Miyotas are good movements. I love 28k movements. I had a "Miyota" Watch in the past and a worn it for a week and I could not take it any more because of the Rotor.
I didn’t actually know they only wound in one way. Makes sense now as to why they spin so much. I’m so used to vintage stuff.
Seiko rotors actually slow down when the watch is fully wound. Clearly not on Miyota!
That said I still like that this is a more technical movement. Thin and high beat and clearly very accurate for its price point.
Nice watch nice review, For your right hand issue 8:07 you just have to reverse the bracelet position (the 12 o'clock lug part of the bracelet at 6 & vice versa) it took you 3 minutes
yes I have now done this , cant believe I didnt think of it at the time!
Pretty nice looking watch. Not a fan of the clasp. And I like these reviews in-between restoration videos.
Thank you Kane
I agree! The watch is beautiful except for the name! The plastic ring effect is a bit odd and now I can't unsee it. Hope they change that!
Yes the ring is odd and I’m surprised their R&D didn’t pick that up.
I dunno, it looks good. But it also looks "identical" to my Seiko that only 3 years old, and my Seiko was a 3rd of the price.
That’s a fair comment sir. Completely get that view too. Its why I was on the fence to take it on.
You can change the orientation of the bracelet...
Yes , many of you are pointing this out and I’m now embarrassed to have not thought the obvious!😂
Well, that’s the luck it is a butterfly clasp...
Nice watch, how about doing a 9 o/c up on your timegrapher that way we can see if it really is accurate! Thanks
Valid point. These Miyotas despite being fairly unattractive are good workhorses so I’d be confident of little deviation .
nice watch for the price and decent specs ,the name is a bit offputting but i could live with it, how was the lume? great vid keep em coming !
Lume was okay but not superb because there’s not a lot of it. Also I find lume shots really hard to film as my camera just goes nuts with the lights off!
A very nice watch. Restrained and classy.
For me the cost isnt worth it. It looks nice, but the cost (for me) would be better spent on a Seiko. In 20 years this watch will be an unknown …but a brand name will always be known.
A good valid point you make there. Cost and the name made me hesitant to take it on but I was equally just as curious to see it.
@@MyRetroWatches I agree! The colour though is lovely!
Great review like the color of the dial.
IRON rusts less than the high carbon content steel.
316l is low carbon steel.
@@MyRetroWatches not as low as iron.
@@velviaman3206 I’d debate that. 316L stainless is low carbon stainless unlike 316 , something like 0.03% in the chemical composition . Iron I believe is a higher content.
I do work in steel in my day job but only tool steels which nearly all are high carbon!
Either way the comment about rust was a passing comment and more of a joke at the name of the watch. Not everything I say has to be completely factually correct.
I have to say I really like it! Price is good ! What is not to like indeed. Great review, cheers fella stay safe
Thank you Darren
I think the indices are gold. I wonder what it would look like with polished stainless indices picking up and reflecting the dial color. I might like the gold but would have to see in person
Yes the indices are gold. Sorry my video footage didn’t really pick that up well, along with the blue second hand.
@@MyRetroWatches thanks for telling me. I do think I like them with the dial color. I think your video was pretty good. It’s really the tech in the way about watches and light and color, one has to actually see them in person to really know. I think. Really cool dial color. I can’t imagine not liking that
An interesting little Rolex homage. I suppose there aren't many this size. Thought it a bit strange to have a butterfly clasp on an Oyster style bracelet and I don't see the point of a display caseback when the movement is undecorated. A great idea to do a video on the 9015 movement. It's in the back of so many microbrand watches these days.
Thanks. Yeah seems the 9015 will have to be filmed. From factory it’s also a date movement so it will be interesting to see what is under the dial.
@@MyRetroWatches Certainly will be. I've got a couple of watches with the 'ghost' position.
@@red75v67 makes it more intriguing
It's a lovely looking watch. It would be nice to see it with other styles of bracelets. I agree with you on the name. It's a bit odd for the style of watch. To me Ironwatch would be more utilitarian/industrial in appearance.
As others have mentioned, the display back is kind of lost on that movement (maybe if they had a custom rotor fitted it would work?).
Thanks for your feedback, agreed custom rotor would be nice or at least a gold / bronze colour one.
Thanks for watching.
Love your content as always. I would say that it’s probably good form to be very clear your relationship with the company at the very start. Is it an ad (ie, are you expected to say/not say certain things), were you given the watch for free, is it on loan, or did you pay for it with your own money? I wasn’t sure for quite some time. But this was a good review, and a nice watch
The watch is free hence the paid promotion banner at the start. The company who sent it me are not the manufacturer. I am not coerced into anything. I am only asked if I would like to review. I told them of my hesitation because of name and price point. They were fine. I make the review how I feel fit hence complaining about the name and the crystal. They do not see the video before it’s released or have any influence over the content. I would not take payment either. Reviews are not the focus of the channel as my repair videos are my heart and soul, these are just easier to do for a quick video and I enjoy seeing new stuff. I am also working on something to bring nicer branded watches to the channel in review form plus some tools. I have one more watch review to do in the next week and then it’s back on the repairs .