Always LOVED the SKX design, never got one because of hardlex. When I saw the Islander #ISL-01, coudn't resist to buy one, it was even more than what I wanted from Seiko..... I'll test in in real diving conditions tomorrow (between 100-140m, into the Lac du Bourget, in France).
Cool!! Some vloggers are ranting with their panties in a bunch. Seiko lovers have been asking for this for years. Now they have it thanks to Mark. I tip my hat ✌🏻
Seiko sells at wholesale to retailers who sell them for $200ish Street price. Which means they sell them for less than $100. With that they have to cover massive Overhead like marketing, factories, design, movement development which LI spent $0 on. If LI they did all that and sold via retailers, it be near or over a $1000. There is value in the brand, heritage, and orignality.
Thank you rob for another great review. I never purchased an skx specifically for the older outdated movement. as soon as Mark released this watch I jumped on it and love. I'd like to add the bracelet has screw links.
Got that sucker upstairs under wraps for Christmas....... Had to ask my wife to put some wrapping paper around it, cos I kept going upstairs to look at it on my wrist. Thanks for the video, and thanks Marc.
Marc is a great guy to deal with, and I have one of his Build It Your Way SKXs. This was the next logical evolution for LIW. I am very sure one or two of them will find their way into my collection.
It is a great watch. Especially the luminous bezel insert is absolutely gorgeous. The only shortcoming of the Islander is the logo I guess. It does not really complete the overall robustness of the watch. To me, Marc should definitely consider upgrading the logo.
@@duke6j Well, the whole name Islander or its abbreviation can be placed there with a fancy style. Like Seiko, Rolex, Orient etc. That way it would be more stylish I guess.
@@kerimdemirci6104 I totally understand what you mean. It looks too simple with just a dot logo. It needs more text to fill the space. Even if it was the works islander in script with his logo as the dot on the I would be better. His logo isn't bad, but most might fell like it needs "more".
I owned an Islander (ISL 28) and I must say it was a fantastic watch for the price, the only watch in my collection which got noticed everytime I wore it BUT owing a SKX now is pure satisfaction! and the fact that I have to jiggle it a bit every now and then is actually fun :). Marc is an amazing person, doing huge service to the community.
When Marc started "Watch your way" I purchased a SKX007 with DD Saphire, Ceramic Lumed Bezel, Strapcode Bracelet for $450ish. I also got all original parts back. IMO that makes sense of the price he's selling Islander for.
Great review RR as always & BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Marc to come at with such a great watch on his first attempt, I am not even a Seiko person but I am going to order one to show my support for him as he is a really decent guy.
Nailed everything except the pressed clasp. 95% of the way to being literally the perfect entry level diver. It’s sad how oblivious Seiko is as a brand. They could offer this watch themselves and prob wipe out a lot of these microbrands.
Marc and LIW are great to do business with. Even if the price elsewhere is like 10 bux more, I still will buy from him. Being an AD also helps if there is an issue with the watch. He backs up what he sells, maybe I might buy one, if they're not sold out.
I've always bought from Marc and never doubted he'd make an awesome line of watches someday. Boom, SKX continuation in the form of Islanders :') The 38mm pepsi Islander he's got on sale is one of my next watches
@@DarthP4nda the dial just looks too plain with only his logo. Maybe add some fillagree and jazz it up like the orient where there is more to it. Otherwise it looks closer to a sterile dial than a regular one. And for a lot of people, they would prefer something more than the small logo.
Mine just came today and its awesome. I also bought some Mercedes hands and another bezel to mach my tastes but as of right now im not messing with it! Stellar job Mark!
Nice vid Rob, I think that Marc have done a great job getting this watch made, and yes it is a hell of a deal especially given the fact that he is including all of those upgrades. Like you stated, if you are to get those upgrades yourself it will cost you just as much or more but here you are getting it already done. Anyway, keep up the good work!
I'm kinda late to the Islander family but I finally got me one. July 2020 placed an order for an ISL-03 the Pepsi model 43mm. After watching dozens of reviews and saving my money, I got one. I'm stoked for it to arrive.
Love these pieces. I've owned a few Islanders via the secondary market. Snagged them all for approximately $250 CAD, which is considerably less than $299 USD (or used Seiko prices).
I am really glad someone finally did a review. I think the watch is at a decent price for what you get. I might get a 38mm version with the Jubilee style bracelet.
Great idea and looks like a really good watch. No idea why Seiko never did these upgrades. Only thing I’m not so keen on it the Logo but that’s just personal taste.
Marc knows his customers, when he was doing the 1st Islander video I thought $299 is a good price and any higher is a tough sell. Of course he unveiled the price at $299.
I got one of these from the second batch - mine had a scissor clasp, though. It's a lovely watch and very comfortable to wear. One thing to note is that wheres the SKX indicies are printed plots, his are applied. I like it. My main worry is that he'll go a little nuts with variations, trying to please every whim, and he'll dilute at the outset an opportunity to set his own design language. He's already asking about what new models to do. He's got a good eye for cost vs. value, so we'll see where it goes.
I'm pretty sure he just want to make his own inhouse brand of popular models so he makes a bigger profit per watch sold. And hes making discontinued watches. So he'll probably make his own version of the SARB pretty soon. which so many people wanted at a reasonable price.
I'm completely late to the party on this one but I ordered one yesterday and can't wait! Marc also gave me a veteran's discount so I really got a great deal. Can't agree more that this was a genius move. Now I wonder if the Islander will outsell the SKX for Marc in 2020 ..hmmm ?
Last night I ordered a 5KX from Kohl's stacking some coupons ... even at only $122 to my door I'm wondering why I didn't just hold off. It's not that I ever had any _illusions_ as to the 5KX but it gets me in the door so to speak, for a style of watch I've never actually experienced. I'm already on record saying on Marc's channel how great this value is, and Rob you're near-inability to articulate it tells us you also see the obvious value as well. Modders of course will always want to create their own but this one does indeed tick a lot of boxes. TWO things: They're now starting to come with signed crown and there's a 38mm version as well.
@@LucidButler TH-cam is misrepresenting "when" I posted my comment above. I wrote that in _November_ on Black Friday (or maybe the day or so before, since many of the best watch deals seemed to be that week instead of the Friday after Thanksgiving.) The coupons I used of course expired; they were a combination of whatever Kohl's was running at the time + another I bought off eBay for use just that day. Take a look on the manontime.com forum. There's a running thread there about deals.
I don't know why you are sleeping on San Martin/Sharkey/Heimdalr. There is a Sharkey SKX homage with basically same specs as the Long Island watch for about $160 brand new. Half the price for the same thing seems like a better deal to me. Great review as usual.
The only drawback to this is if you aren’t looking for this combo of parts it’s not an amazing deal. I’d still want to replace the bezel, insert, chapter ring, dial, hands, Crystal (to domed). Really for me it’s an SKX with an upgraded movement for the cost of an SKX with an upgraded movement. If the combo of parts is what you want though it’s a heck of a bargain. Absolutely nothing negative to say about Marc though. I’m happy to see someone continue to keep complete watches coming based on the SKX case.
I like it. Honestly I've never been an SKX guy, so this isn't of big interest to me although I do see it's a sweet deal and a great watch. Islander is releasing a few new models soon and I'm really hoping those are different styles like a pilot watch or dress watch. Really looking forward to supporting Mark when they release something more aligned with my tastes. Great review here, the breakdown of the watch was really well done.
Just subbed Rob. I've bought a few watches from Marc (Spinnaker, Orient) and I'm sure I'll end up with one of these soon. Just have to convince the wife I need another one (again).
Nothing against Mark, but let's get some facts straight. The watch is made of 100% parts from and assembled in China, and there are more than 6 sellers of the same spec watches at WRwatches alone for half the price. If you order 50 minimum of the same watch you can have any logo of your own that you want. ALIEXPRESS special shipped from NY.
This is what Seiko should have done as an SXK Mark II, but that is their loss. I support Marc 100% in this endeavor as he keenly understands the needs of the affordable watch enthusiast and this new brand of his could be the start of something really special.
I like the indices on the Islander too. Personally, I think the Jubilee would look really good on The Islander. I know a lot of people don't like the Jubilee but I like it and it's super comfortable. That being said, I'm rocking the super oyster. THAT being said, my skx only came with the dive strap. If it would have come with the Jubilee I probably would have kept it.
I am sold on it. Stoked I watched the video. It has the better movement and sapphire crystal. I actually think it is cooler looking without the Seiko badging.
This watch looks great. I'd be reluctant to buy based upon brand recognition. Tell people you're wearing an Islander and they say "what is that?". Tell people you're wearing a Seiko and they instantly recognize it.
@2:17 you were saying that it's still a Seiko other than the dial. It looks the part, but I believe it's been clarified on the WUS thread (as well as by Marc himself IIRC - subject to correction) that the only Seiko part in that watch is the movement. Everything else is "inspired" by the "popular diver". When you factor that into consideration (everything is aftermarket other than the movement), then the price does begin to look at little high compared to a Heimdallr/Sharkey SKX (same as this watchm other than the lumed bezel, and goes for 170 ish). I'm not sure it's being "undersold". And yes, I own an Islander (dive bezel w/o the signed crown - 1st batch).
The DEEP BLUE nato 300 is even more better than that. 300M water dept resistance, saphire crystal, gaz escape valve like the ROLEX Sea dweller, blue luminova like ROLEX and it also have the NH36 seiko movement. This ISLANDER is a very nice watch for sure (overall with the JUBILLEE bracelet) but the crown is very small wich make it hard to set the time and date.
@@freddiebbrooks Same for the the islander. It has a folded clasp and some weird links, not screws, but also not pins and collars. So that's also need a strap code bracelet upgrade.
Thanks for the review! The sharkey has a milled clasp but it doesn't have drilled lugs. If Marc does a full lumed dial or a black case I am all over it!
Some people have already done that. It's sort of a either or, they're both good watches. However both watches will still need some more upgrades, so which one you'd be willing to spend a little bit more to complete the watch.
I commend Mark for keeping the SKX alive with much needed upgrades. However he could still hire someone to design a better dial! The present rendition appears to be a Logo on some chinese surplus dial . >>---))-@>>- I imagine he is sticking his neck out in the community with a (Homage) watch. The value from my observation is continuing a true legend in watch collecting by saving the style from bureaucracy and giving people what they want. I wouldn,t buy the Seiko 5 without a screw down crown. Whats that?Sushi?
It is a nice watch but it just isn't an SKX. Especially the dial and hands. Maybe mod the original dial in? But what this shows is that the new 5KX is really overpriced compared to the Islander, Sharkey, San Martin and Heimdallr
Heimdallr/Sharkey has a new variant that has a SKX style dial (in black, green, orange, and yellow), they've also updated the bezel insert to ceramic and the bracelet to a jubillee with solid end links and milled clasp. I think they're are the best value SKX style watch, costing about half what you'll pay for an Islander. The only things the Islander has over it are the drilled lugs and the fully lumed bezel. Plus they have a bronze model
It is a great deal, and I can't wait to buy one. Your cost analysis is way off though because you are talking about retail parts costs. Real costs are a fraction of that. There are plenty of small Asian brands selling 80% the same specs for $75 to $100. Putting it ALL in a great package is what LIW has done masterfully. I do wish he was selling them at a higher price point, but he's not losing $100 per watch. I'd estimate there is still 30% or better margin in each piece. One generally works hard to achieve 50% margin.
Really nice, been looking at this for a while, but the 38mm that's going to be released soon, is the one for me. I just wish the clasp was a milled one. Even if the price increased to $350, I think people would be willing to pay for that. I suppose you can still get a strapcode, that'll cost $70+, but just seems a bit of a waste to remove the stock bracelet.
Thanks Rob!!!
Just an advise if u do not mind Mark, the symbol is not enough on dial, you should find a brand name! Ex: Long Island or L.I.W. like iwc;)
@skogenburzum agree with this
Thats a nice touch of you but i was thinking from the side of maker, for a good start of making a new watch brand, not from the side of user.
@skogenburzum 420 logo!!!
I think it’s the crown location of an SKX... subtle
Should've misaligned the chapter ring for a more authentic experience.
Lol!
LOL!!!
i laughed so hard
This is the equivalent of Gibson’s fragile headstock anecdote.
Paramarta Iganp lol “pLaY aUtHenTiC”
It’s an amazing deal, well made watch, and supports a great guy running an honest business supporting the watch community!
Marc, Marc he’s our man if Seiko can’t do it Marc sure can!
Always LOVED the SKX design, never got one because of hardlex.
When I saw the Islander #ISL-01, coudn't resist to buy one, it was even more than what I wanted from Seiko.....
I'll test in in real diving conditions tomorrow (between 100-140m, into the Lac du Bourget, in France).
Ilestun How did it hold up?
I guess you did not test it?
Where are they made ? Tons of Micro brands using Seiko movements
@@zepp3lin Guys I think he drowned
Cool!! Some vloggers are ranting with their panties in a bunch. Seiko lovers have been asking for this for years. Now they have it thanks to Mark. I tip my hat ✌🏻
I still don’t understand why Seiko didn’t do this for their new 5 models. Glad Marc has this as an offering.
Because Seiko doesn't care
Their to busy sniffing panties in the board room!!
If this was made by seiko, they would call it a special edition and charge $1000+
Seiko sells at wholesale to retailers who sell them for $200ish Street price. Which means they sell them for less than $100.
With that they have to cover massive Overhead like marketing, factories, design, movement development which LI spent $0 on.
If LI they did all that and sold via retailers, it be near or over a $1000.
There is value in the brand, heritage, and orignality.
Thank you rob for another great review. I never purchased an skx specifically for the older outdated movement. as soon as Mark released this watch I jumped on it and love. I'd like to add the bracelet has screw links.
I'm wearing the Islander now. Accurate and has everything I could want, including great price. Great pick!
Mark improved every aspect of the Seiko SKX with his excellent watches.
Got that sucker upstairs under wraps for Christmas....... Had to ask my wife to put some wrapping paper around it, cos I kept going upstairs to look at it on my wrist.
Thanks for the video, and thanks Marc.
are you 12?
Marc is a great guy to deal with, and I have one of his Build It Your Way SKXs. This was the next logical evolution for LIW. I am very sure one or two of them will find their way into my collection.
I also had Marc build one for me.
It is a great watch. Especially the luminous bezel insert is absolutely gorgeous. The only shortcoming of the Islander is the logo I guess. It does not really complete the overall robustness of the watch. To me, Marc should definitely consider upgrading the logo.
Why upgrade the logo? The name "Islander" is a cool name and I think would look better on the watch.
@@duke6j Well, the whole name Islander or its abbreviation can be placed there with a fancy style. Like Seiko, Rolex, Orient etc. That way it would be more stylish I guess.
@@kerimdemirci6104 I totally understand what you mean. It looks too simple with just a dot logo. It needs more text to fill the space. Even if it was the works islander in script with his logo as the dot on the I would be better. His logo isn't bad, but most might fell like it needs "more".
I think the logo looks great. Clean and understated. I like Orient but their logo is a bit OTT so this for me is perfect.
Marc knows what he’s doing. Glad there’s the 38mm too
I've spent 360 on my SKX already just for the watch, bezel, and a bracelet.... what a steal. Marc is awesome.
I owned an Islander (ISL 28) and I must say it was a fantastic watch for the price, the only watch in my collection which got noticed everytime I wore it BUT owing a SKX now is pure satisfaction! and the fact that I have to jiggle it a bit every now and then is actually fun :).
Marc is an amazing person, doing huge service to the community.
When Marc started "Watch your way" I purchased a SKX007 with DD Saphire, Ceramic Lumed Bezel, Strapcode Bracelet for $450ish. I also got all original parts back. IMO that makes sense of the price he's selling Islander for.
Great review RR as always & BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Marc to come at with such a great watch on his first attempt, I am not even a Seiko person but I am going to order one to show my support for him as he is a really decent guy.
Nailed everything except the pressed clasp. 95% of the way to being literally the perfect entry level diver.
It’s sad how oblivious Seiko is as a brand. They could offer this watch themselves and prob wipe out a lot of these microbrands.
I've ordered a milled clasp from Ali Express for the Islander
@@Mr_Memer.876 link?
@@Mr_Memer.876 link?
@@Mr_Memer.876 link?
My Islander, ISL 20 that I ordered 4 months ago came with a milled clasp along with the ISL 28 I recieved 3 days ago.
Marc and LIW are great to do business with. Even if the price elsewhere is like 10 bux more, I still will buy from him. Being an AD also helps if there is an issue with the watch. He backs up what he sells, maybe I might buy one, if they're not sold out.
I've always bought from Marc and never doubted he'd make an awesome line of watches someday. Boom, SKX continuation in the form of Islanders :') The 38mm pepsi Islander he's got on sale is one of my next watches
I would prefer "Islander" written in an italicized script to the small circle logo. Not too much like this at that price point though!
BlueSkyGuitar 2 i actually really like the logo, but wouldn’t mind some editions with what you suggested.
@@DarthP4nda the dial just looks too plain with only his logo. Maybe add some fillagree and jazz it up like the orient where there is more to it. Otherwise it looks closer to a sterile dial than a regular one. And for a lot of people, they would prefer something more than the small logo.
Mine just came today and its awesome. I also bought some Mercedes hands and another bezel to mach my tastes but as of right now im not messing with it! Stellar job Mark!
Totally agree!
I have 7 Islander watches and this one is next on my "hit list".
Hope Marc has great success!!
Thanks for sharing.
the case is purely Mark Made i believe, i just got one and freaking love it,!!!
Love Marc.Thanks Rob. I realty appreciate all you do for the community.
Marc definitely has a winner here and has a great company that I have purchased from before. Haven't owned an skx but am very tempted by the islander.
Nice vid Rob, I think that Marc have done a great job getting this watch made, and yes it is a hell of a deal especially given the fact that he is including all of those upgrades. Like you stated, if you are to get those upgrades yourself it will cost you just as much or more but here you are getting it already done. Anyway, keep up the good work!
I'm kinda late to the Islander family but I finally got me one. July 2020 placed an order for an ISL-03 the Pepsi model 43mm. After watching dozens of reviews and saving my money, I got one. I'm stoked for it to arrive.
Mark released what Seiko SHOULD have done but did not.
Love these pieces. I've owned a few Islanders via the secondary market. Snagged them all for approximately $250 CAD, which is considerably less than $299 USD (or used Seiko prices).
I love it. Marc used to sell modded SKX’s. When Seiko discontinued he he started building his own. That’s great!
You could swap a Seiko dial in there, keep everything else 'original' and you have the perfect SKX
well, except the original skx dial has painted indices and the islander dial has applied indices.
So only one plus for the SKX then?
Yeah, you end up with a knock off that’s better than the real thing ha ha!
I am really glad someone finally did a review. I think the watch is at a decent price for what you get. I might get a 38mm version with the Jubilee style bracelet.
Great move from Mark. I think he made a favour for many watch hobbiests 👍
The Heimdallr is a cool watch, for $150.. Cant beat it!
This is probably my next affordable diver purchase. I wish he would make a SKX013 sized Islander.
Wish granted
Mark is a great guy! Great company! Solid.
Thanks Rob. I’m looking forward to purchasing one in the near future.
Thx for the video if it wasn't for the ridiculous shipping and import fees to europe I would order one, looks like the perfect watch for me
Looks awesome and I like the loom as well
Of course it's bright. Marc KNOWS watches! Awesome watch, BTW.
Great idea and looks like a really good watch. No idea why Seiko never did these upgrades. Only thing I’m not so keen on it the Logo but that’s just personal taste.
Marc knows his customers, when he was doing the 1st Islander video I thought $299 is a good price and any higher is a tough sell. Of course he unveiled the price at $299.
I got one of these from the second batch - mine had a scissor clasp, though. It's a lovely watch and very comfortable to wear. One thing to note is that wheres the SKX indicies are printed plots, his are applied. I like it. My main worry is that he'll go a little nuts with variations, trying to please every whim, and he'll dilute at the outset an opportunity to set his own design language. He's already asking about what new models to do. He's got a good eye for cost vs. value, so we'll see where it goes.
I'm pretty sure he just want to make his own inhouse brand of popular models so he makes a bigger profit per watch sold. And hes making discontinued watches. So he'll probably make his own version of the SARB pretty soon. which so many people wanted at a reasonable price.
I'm completely late to the party on this one but I ordered one yesterday and can't wait! Marc also gave me a veteran's discount so I really got a great deal. Can't agree more that this was a genius move. Now I wonder if the Islander will outsell the SKX for Marc in 2020 ..hmmm ?
Last night I ordered a 5KX from Kohl's stacking some coupons ... even at only $122 to my door I'm wondering why I didn't just hold off. It's not that I ever had any _illusions_ as to the 5KX but it gets me in the door so to speak, for a style of watch I've never actually experienced.
I'm already on record saying on Marc's channel how great this value is, and Rob you're near-inability to articulate it tells us you also see the obvious value as well. Modders of course will always want to create their own but this one does indeed tick a lot of boxes.
TWO things: They're now starting to come with signed crown and there's a 38mm version as well.
Wow, what coupons? Can this currently be replicated?
@@LucidButler TH-cam is misrepresenting "when" I posted my comment above. I wrote that in _November_ on Black Friday (or maybe the day or so before, since many of the best watch deals seemed to be that week instead of the Friday after Thanksgiving.) The coupons I used of course expired; they were a combination of whatever Kohl's was running at the time + another I bought off eBay for use just that day.
Take a look on the manontime.com forum. There's a running thread there about deals.
I don't know why you are sleeping on San Martin/Sharkey/Heimdalr. There is a Sharkey SKX homage with basically same specs as the Long Island watch for about $160 brand new. Half the price for the same thing seems like a better deal to me. Great review as usual.
I share watches sent in. Sleeping? No I am waiting.
The only drawback to this is if you aren’t looking for this combo of parts it’s not an amazing deal. I’d still want to replace the bezel, insert, chapter ring, dial, hands, Crystal (to domed). Really for me it’s an SKX with an upgraded movement for the cost of an SKX with an upgraded movement. If the combo of parts is what you want though it’s a heck of a bargain.
Absolutely nothing negative to say about Marc though. I’m happy to see someone continue to keep complete watches coming based on the SKX case.
I like it. Honestly I've never been an SKX guy, so this isn't of big interest to me although I do see it's a sweet deal and a great watch. Islander is releasing a few new models soon and I'm really hoping those are different styles like a pilot watch or dress watch. Really looking forward to supporting Mark when they release something more aligned with my tastes. Great review here, the breakdown of the watch was really well done.
Prima Video,habe mir auch eine Islander gegönnt und bin damit zufrieden,Lieferung nach Deutschland war sehr schnell und Problemlos
Just subbed Rob. I've bought a few watches from Marc (Spinnaker, Orient) and I'm sure I'll end up with one of these soon. Just have to convince the wife I need another one (again).
Love the watch. Bought it and am enjoying it. Thank you for reviewing the watch.
So basically get the Islander, change out the dial for an SKX one and you have the perfect SKX. Gotcha.
That's a great watch for the price! Marc should set a swiss brand for that watch. A lot of features for a small price tag.
Nothing against Mark, but let's get some facts straight. The watch is made of 100% parts from and assembled in China, and there are more than 6 sellers of the same spec watches at WRwatches alone for half the price. If you order 50 minimum of the same watch you can have any logo of your own that you want. ALIEXPRESS special shipped from NY.
Marc really knocked it out of the park with this one!
Just yesterday I bought the new Pepsi version. Looking forward to having it in my hands.
Been considering one of these.
This is what Seiko should have done as an SXK Mark II, but that is their loss. I support Marc 100% in this endeavor as he keenly understands the needs of the affordable watch enthusiast and this new brand of his could be the start of something really special.
I like the indices on the Islander too.
Personally, I think the Jubilee would look really good on The Islander. I know a lot of people don't like the Jubilee but I like it and it's super comfortable.
That being said, I'm rocking the super oyster.
THAT being said, my skx only came with the dive strap. If it would have come with the Jubilee I probably would have kept it.
Rocking the ISL-06 right now... 👍
That’s outstanding!!! What a great idea! That lume is awesome!!!! Sweet🤘
I am sold on it. Stoked I watched the video. It has the better movement and sapphire crystal. I actually think it is cooler looking without the Seiko badging.
Marc went with a really clean logo.
@@RandomRobReviews for sure. I really dig the pop it gives from the lume when you turn the lights off as well.
I just bought the Turtle version of the Islander watch. It was cheaper than a Seiko Turtle, but has sapphire and ceramic.... Easy choice!
I still want the SKX...it is history
I like the bracelets because they have thinner links, they feel comfortable and light, I never liked thick links bracelets.
Awesome....such a great shame we can't get these in the UK...! There'd be plenty of takers...!
I have the 007 and 009 already by might pick up an islander in the 013 format this year. (Might means “just a matter of time”)
I have one on the way for vid and sale.
Random Rob oh really 🥴
I think Long Island (Mark) hit it out the park here......will be picking one up for sure later on...he also has a new turtle variant that rocks.
This watch looks great. I'd be reluctant to buy based upon brand recognition. Tell people you're wearing an Islander and they say "what is that?". Tell people you're wearing a Seiko and they instantly recognize it.
U can tell them it's like a Seiko, only better. Way better...
@@metrodesign6910 An excellent point!
@@metrodesign6910 Seems to be true.
@2:17 you were saying that it's still a Seiko other than the dial. It looks the part, but I believe it's been clarified on the WUS thread (as well as by Marc himself IIRC - subject to correction) that the only Seiko part in that watch is the movement. Everything else is "inspired" by the "popular diver".
When you factor that into consideration (everything is aftermarket other than the movement), then the price does begin to look at little high compared to a Heimdallr/Sharkey SKX (same as this watchm other than the lumed bezel, and goes for 170 ish). I'm not sure it's being "undersold".
And yes, I own an Islander (dive bezel w/o the signed crown - 1st batch).
Know how it's not a Seiko?
The rehaut is aligned.
The DEEP BLUE nato 300 is even more better than that. 300M water dept resistance, saphire crystal, gaz escape valve like the ROLEX Sea dweller, blue luminova like ROLEX and it also have the NH36 seiko movement. This ISLANDER is a very nice watch for sure (overall with the JUBILLEE bracelet) but the crown is very small wich make it hard to set the time and date.
All skx models on amazon UK are £350 .To buy one if these in UK inc import tax is £285 .
The Deep Blue Nato lacks only the lumed bezel and costs 199€ on their site. I really like Marc and his videos dut stil...
In fact you have the Heimdallr "sharkey" SKX007 with same specs (probably made in the same factory) for half price
looks like the heimdallr has folded end links. add $100 for a strapcode bracelet...
@@freddiebbrooks Same for the the islander. It has a folded clasp and some weird links, not screws, but also not pins and collars. So that's also need a strap code bracelet upgrade.
Thanks for the review! The sharkey has a milled clasp but it doesn't have drilled lugs. If Marc does a full lumed dial or a black case I am all over it!
Full lume will happen. Not sure if will be packaged in black case
Just got his new red dial version and it’s crazy good.
I love the mm300 style dial on it
would like to this compare to Heimdallr/Sharkey 007, all the same improvements, but priced much lower
Some people have already done that. It's sort of a either or, they're both good watches. However both watches will still need some more upgrades, so which one you'd be willing to spend a little bit more to complete the watch.
I commend Mark for keeping the SKX alive with much needed upgrades. However he could still hire someone to design a better dial! The present rendition appears to be a Logo on some chinese surplus dial . >>---))-@>>- I imagine he is sticking his neck out in the community with a (Homage) watch. The value from my observation is continuing a true legend in watch collecting by saving the style from bureaucracy and giving people what they want. I wouldn,t buy the Seiko 5 without a screw down crown. Whats that?Sushi?
It is a nice watch but it just isn't an SKX. Especially the dial and hands. Maybe mod the original dial in?
But what this shows is that the new 5KX is really overpriced compared to the Islander, Sharkey, San Martin and Heimdallr
Heimdallr/Sharkey has a new variant that has a SKX style dial (in black, green, orange, and yellow), they've also updated the bezel insert to ceramic and the bracelet to a jubillee with solid end links and milled clasp. I think they're are the best value SKX style watch, costing about half what you'll pay for an Islander. The only things the Islander has over it are the drilled lugs and the fully lumed bezel.
Plus they have a bronze model
Marinus Antonius what this shows is that seiko sucks. Just my opinion tho
5KX was down to ~$160+ during black friday. For that price I see it as a mod watch if you need original black cases, bezel, etc.
Omair Arif I think the Islander also has screws, not pins, in the bracelet; another plus for the quality/price ratio.
You didn’t even mentioned the way superior bracelet ! Hahah
Im buying one.. Love that combo of parts!
This is better than the Seiko SKX!
Awesome time piece
I will 2nd Rob’s request for Superluminova C3X1 lume (even if it means a slightly higher price)!
It is a great deal, and I can't wait to buy one. Your cost analysis is way off though because you are talking about retail parts costs. Real costs are a fraction of that. There are plenty of small Asian brands selling 80% the same specs for $75 to $100. Putting it ALL in a great package is what LIW has done masterfully. I do wish he was selling them at a higher price point, but he's not losing $100 per watch. I'd estimate there is still 30% or better margin in each piece. One generally works hard to achieve 50% margin.
Great looking watch for sure .
Marc rules. This watch is exactly what we all wanted. It is the true SKX successor, not the '5kx' pos.
Really nice, been looking at this for a while, but the 38mm that's going to be released soon, is the one for me. I just wish the clasp was a milled one. Even if the price increased to $350, I think people would be willing to pay for that. I suppose you can still get a strapcode, that'll cost $70+, but just seems a bit of a waste to remove the stock bracelet.
The 38mm variant was released last week.
My bad, thought it wasn't released yet, I should have checked the site.
I never knew! Awesome watch and awesome person! Way to go Mark! Thanks for sharing Rob, BTW is the case back plain? Kinda looks like it in the video.
Or you could get a Heimdallr for $150. Right?
Can u do a strap swap for this ? for the life of me , i canot get to these springs, and scratched the watch up a bit :)
Remember Koenigsegg and Pagani who created their own car brand , and now they good
Long Island follows the same philosophy
It's not a ceramic bezel. It's sapphire.
I'm sorry but the only thing from Seiko is the movement. Marc never said the parts where made by Seiko, just that they would fit the SKX.
I like this proposition.
30 seconds per day?
Yep full lime dial, knock out 👍