Homage Alert! Alpha "Moon Watch" Mechanical Chronograph Review - Perth WAtch #86
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
- Review of this heavy homage (borderline KO) of the Omega Speedmaster Professional, featuring Seagull ST1903 manual wind column wheel chronograph!
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Alpha Hand Winding Chronograph Moon Watch
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The official watch of the North Korean Space Agency.
Jeffrey KRUPA loool nice one
Haha why not, it's pretty much *exactly* the same as the Omega Speedmaster and works better than their current rockets :)
Hugh Janeus hi fatterico!
Budding capitalism. Better that they send us watches than missiles :)
LOL, bet Tianzhou 1 crew is wearing them right now ;)
The Omega Moon Watch has the distinction of being the only watch to fail on the surface of the moon. Fortunately, the crew had a backup Bulova quartz watch. This is true.
Cool! Which moon mission was that one?
It wasn't a quartz it was a manual wind Bulova. Dave Scott wore a Bulova for Apollo 15.
Thanks for that info Matt... it's an interesting piece of history!
@@PerthWAtch 15.
You should learn a bit more about watches instead of trying to look smart and make a fool of yourself :D
Column wheel chrono for under 200USD is actually amazing. Almost perfect homage for moonwatch.
Thanks for that - have to agree that the value proposition at this offered price is rather phenomenal. I am waiting to see if anyone has found a cheaper alternative, but I suspect unlikely!
What about Bulova Lunar Pilot? It's a legit "moonwatch" and costs about 1/10th of the Speedmaster.
The Lunar Pilot is I think highly desirable and certainly has its place in moon mission history, but it isn't direct comparator as it's a quartz. Great watch though!
Thanks for the reply! I'm not an expert, would you rate Seagull ST1903 above the Lunar Pilot's movement? Maybe you should review the Lunar Pilot as well and make a comparison ;)
Not really comparable I think... you could compare the case designs, quality, functionality, durability etc of the watches but I think it's difficult to meaningfully compare a mechanical to a quartz movement...
I really appreciate my Alpha Speed. It's a great product for the price. Don't expect to find a watch with a real mechanical chronograph movement anywhere else. I usually where it on a NATO strap, which is more comfortable than the original metal strap.
I would like to add a few informations about the movement.
It is actually a modified version of the swiss VENUS 175.
As the russians baught from VALJOUX the plans and machines of the VALJOUX 7734 to make their own chronograph movement POLJOT 3133, the chineese baught the plans and machines from VENUS to make the SEAGULL ST1903.
The movement has been improved by higher beat rate (21600 versus 18000 for the VENUS) for better accuracy, by adding shock absorber system to the balance wheel, and more.
I must say that they did a great job.
Hi there, thank you very much for sharing those interesting historical information - I did read about some of this elsewhere, but it's good to have it summarized. Much appreciated! :)
Perth WAtch
Thanks 🙂
China can make the best and the worst products.
But this one is really the best movement for this price.
The ST19 first generation was originally made for the Chinese Air Force pilots during the 60's.
It was a simple copy of the VENUS 175. An exact copy.
Since then, they never stopped producing and improving the movement, first for the military, and then for every one and the rest of the world.
how was it holding up so far?
I knew about the chinese, but that the Russians did the same thing... so they too bought swiss watch making machines. Interesting! Is the Russian one still in production?
Alpha makes an Omega.
Haha yes, Alpha makes many Omegas! :)
Ok I just got this exact watch in the post this morning. Kinda spooky seeing this review appear on the same day. I know there are haters of homage watches but I could never afford nor feel confident to wear the real thing for fear of scratching it. I have to say Alpha has come along way and the finish on the case is incredible for the price. They seem to have improved their build quality in these new 2017 models. I have an Alpha Explorer also. The signed crown is etched rather than stamped. Solid end-link and solid link bracelet with a diver extension. Pretty impressed with it all in all.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience Logan, it is most appreciated! I think there is a clearly a place for homage watches, even such heavy homage pieces such at this moon watch... the luxury market often engages is pure price gouging, which is to its own detriment (apart from short term profits), and does the opposite of endearing new fans. I will certainly keep an eye on the progress of this end of the market.
Likewise Logan. After a review on this channel, I bought a homage watch from China and I’m really impressed with it. Quality great, not in my wildest dreams could never afford the £10k plus for the Nomos Lamda it was a homage of, but loved the look. Well done to Perthwatch and JOMW for spending time on this sector of the market.
Thanks for that Anthony! I wish I had more time to check out others content - I'm not very aware of what other channels cover but I imagined it would be more than just Jody and I who are reviewing Chinese watches no?
Perth WAtch There are, but none as professionally produced, thorough and as watchable as the both of you. So as far as I personally am concerned- no!
Ah thank you kindly - that's very generous of you to say that :)
I like it that a good connoisseur reviews an homage makes you understand and value better an original.
Thanks for that bro, really appreciate the positive feedback! :)
I love Alpha, I own Rolex and Alp[ha, mine work so well it makes me wonder why I spent so much money on the Rolex's. You're so negative. Its a homage, not a 'knockoff 'and I am so happy to wear it. The movement is a column wheel. It's so accurate and I think well put together.
Thanks for your comment. I'm really just telling it like it is... there have been over a hundred watches pass through this channel and I feel I have some idea of how watches compare... this one really doesn't feel well put together, and accuracy is variable. Did you see how the bracelet is falling apart? The column wheel chrono is great and there is almost nothing else at this price, but it's got some glaring shortcomings IMO.
As someone who more than likely will be unable to buy a original Omega Speedmaster Professional.
I can see the interest in buying an "Homage" version of the watch. Some people don't & won't like it.
But this would still be better than buying a "Fake" version that is branded as Omega. Of which I do own a cheap (US$120) fake version.
Perth WAtch, if you havn't seen a fake Speedmaster, I'm willing to send you mine for viewing.
So something like this will very much be on my shopping list..
Thank you for that - fair points all which I agree with. Thank you also for the kind offer... I made it a mantra up front that this channel has no brand exclusions, but I have also made it a point that I will not feature direct knock offs.
The 24 Hour sub dial makes sense for people who work underground for extended periods of time like the staff of submarines for example or people that work in the polar circle or at one of the poles where you have either twilight or complete darkness for several months at a time.
Or in fact people who are in space, seeing as this copies an astronaut design ;)
@@PerthWAtch yes! 🙂
Old review update. The crown works well on mine and is not difficult to screw down. Maybe it needs to be broken in. The bracelet end link wrist fit was so poor on this watch, that I changed it totally to a silicone rubber race style strap. It has rows of holes in it so the outer strap layer is black and holes are red on lower layer. Stitching is red. Can't recall where I bought it but it's far more comfortable on wrist. I wish the 6 o'clock dial was a power reserve indicator instead because this is a manual wind movement. I don't think you can find a prettier movement for the money than this Seagull column wheel.
Thanks for sharing the thoughts! I would be inclined to agree with you about the beauty of this movement.
Very nice and professional review. Well done
Thanks for that bro, appreciate the positive feedback! :)
The Seiko SSB031 is even cheaper and an homage and no one bats an eyelid. 😎
The seagull movement beats a shed load of Swiss movements hands down, it’s so accurate.
I think many wouldn’t draw a line between that Seiko and the Moonwatch. Seagull movements are respectable, at least the genuine ones are... but accuracy is variable in my experience. Certainly don’t bet on chronometer level performance!
Perth WAtch . True, watches direct from seagull are regulated my seagull 1963 is crazy accurate + 4 seconds a day. That said it’s regulated and oiled before shipment. It’s certainly more accurate than my Seiko cocktail time. Longevity my be a problem, but hey a 150€ vs binning the watch is a no brainier. Don’t get me wrong I would pony up for the Omega if I had the money. Glycine have some major bargains after the invicta take over especially from the US. Airman base 22 about $600 so it’s all subjective. Great video by the way, I wasn’t being negative. Hey I even love my modded Vostok.
Ps. You can certainly get chronometer accuracy from a seagull. It may not be certified but check out the forums etc.
Oh yes I wasn't saying you cannot get very accurately regulated Seagull movements... just that you can't bet on it in any particular watch, as they do not claim that it will be so accurate. One watch you buy may have great accuracy, but the next one may not be.
Just got one. Its too top heavy & tall but feels better on a rubber strap.
Awesome - well I hope you enjoy it in the years ahead :)
Yeah you are literally to ONLY one reviewing this watch on CZcams. Salute to that. Please do another one with the correct bracelet that actually fits.
Thanks... this is the correct bracelet that actually fits :)
Amazing for that price
Thanks! I would say it's compelling value but somewhat less than compelling execution overall... nonetheless I am not aware of a cheaper column wheel chronograph on the market!
Interesting that they went the red hand choice, because their earlier speedy homage (not a chronograph but multi function) had all speedy hands.
Thanks for the comment Matt! I think they may have been trying to do a bit of their own thing but IMO they probably do better just going for a straight up homage. Cheers, Ivan.
I like it! I would like the sterile dial better though. I would rather have a hesalite crystal over mineral glass. At least I can buff out the scratches on the hesalite crystal.
Thanks - yeah I think I would prefer the sterile dial too myself.
Another excellent review Ivan.
Thanks as always Brian - I hope you are keeping well!
Maybe the 24hr dial was a space thing
Thanks for that Vince, you know I think that is a *very good* thought and makes sense (at least to me) for a watch that may be used in space... however please note that this watch will likely never see use in space flight (to my knowledge) and also that the Omega moon watch does not have a 24 hour dial (it has a 12 hour counter at the 6 o'clock position). Cheers, Ivan.
Cheers Ivan - great channel
I'm a sailor. 24 hour time is used in shortwave radio weather broadcasts, and is standard timekeeping for logbooks and GPS etc. It's all I use at sea, so a watch with a 24 hour dial is convenient in that I don't have to do the mental gymnastics of adding 12 to every hour after 12 noon. A GMT watch would be much more useful than a chronograph at sea however for calculating GMT offsets for shortwave radio communications and broadcasts.
Not a necessity, but still, really nice.
Thanks for sharing that... I think it might indeed prove helpful if the sub-dial was functional and you could actually read the 24 hour time off that but as it is it seems to serve mostly to indicate which half of the day you're in... you'd still have to do some mental gymnastics with this dial I reckon!
Right - the best solution is a batman or Pepsi style GMT dial which clearly indicates day and night, along with a GMT hand. The next best analog / mechanical wristwatch solution is to simply print 13-23 around the inner dial to indicate 24 hour time.
Victrinox watches tend to have this feature, as do some aviator and many military field watches.
Anyway, some reference to 24 hour time is definitely useful on a wristwatch in certain situations and pursuits, so while the 24hr subdial on the Alpha isn't ideal, it's not exactly useless either. My problem with the watch is that it looks a bit crude, especially the dial.
If you can swallow your pride and go with a quartz movement, Bulova makes an affordable and truly authentic "moon watch" with a stunning case and dial with one of the most accurate quartz movements ever sold in a consumer watch. It even mimics the smooth flow of a high-beat automatic movement with the chronographer second hand.
...It comes with a sapphire crystal, and has an (arguably) much more interesting history in the moon department than Omega, in that it's prototype replaced a broken speedmaster to earn it's moon wings.
I personally think it looks better than a speedy, and is better designed from a functional standpoint - and I love Omega's design approach. I've owned a Planet Ocean coaxial chronometer for over 10 years, and wore it daily until it finally stopped a month ago. It was my beater (and only) watch.
Apparently it needs a service, lol.
Its not the same because it does not cost $4000 ? I have many great watches; Omega, Rolex etc. i also own this watch. Its just great and very accurate
Do you think it's the same as an Omega Speedie Pro?
Greetings! I think I want this watch. But the one in this video has the same over-long end links that show on the website. Elsewhere, I've seen pictures of it with well fitted end links and the chrono hand in white...and it looks sooooo much better. I agree, the logo kind of ruins it.
Thanks for the comment - hope you manage to find out where you can get a better fitted one as you described :)
Perth WAtch , I just ordered a no logo one!
I've learned how to grind the end links and drill new lug holes, if need be so the bracelet curves down nicely.
Ooh that sounds pretty nice! Where did you learn that?
Perth WAtch trial and error with a rotary tool kit, and cheap watches.
Really needs the subdials recessed to look like a Speedmaster. The Bliger "Speedmaster" is the best homage I've seen yet, mainly because of the recessed subdials
Yeah that’s right. That Bliger is pretty cool!
Dan lugo I've recently got one these watches. The sub dials are actually very slightly recessed. My version of this watch has the white hands very similar in style to the speedmaster. Also mine doesn't have a logo anywhere. I paid about £150 + tax from Alpha Europe. I must say at the price I'm impressed with the watch. One thing l noticed is that the winding stem seems weak but as long as you're gentle while winding v it's ok. The display back seems to be plexiglass which gives the impression of being fairly thin. Other than that the pushers work quite well. The accuracy in the 3 weeks I've had it seems fairly consistent at between 8+ and 10+ seconds per day. I've put mine on a rubber strap and it looks good on it. I've owned Rolexes and Tudors in the past so have got some idea of quality watches. I must say when you hold this watch in your hand it does not look like a £150 watch more like in the (several) hundreds.
But atleast it’s not a Michael Kors. Which butchered the word “homage”
Haha what do you mean by that? Michael Kors seems to me to be a fashion brand, and I've paid very little attention to it. Do you mean they made some shocking homage watches?
Probably the 24hr subdial is useful in space, where there is no obvious differentiation between night and day when you look out the window. Just a guess.
Haha yes, since this is likely to be the official watch of the North Korean Space Force! For the rest of us mere humans, situation like caves, polar regions, and submarines are more likely ;)
Hi Ivan
Thank you for another great review.
Just to close of a copy visually and not enough watch physically for me. The flat case and lugs could be a real problem getting a comfortable fit in a watch that size.
Keep up the good work.
Mark
Thanks for the comment Mark. Yeah, I think there are definite weaknesses in the execution of this piece, and being a homage design, it will not be everyone's cup of tea. Cheers, Ivan.
The watch is gorgeous for under $200.
The issue of how it wears isn't with the watch itself. Those protruding end links are the issue. So throw that strap away and go to the strap code website in order a 20 mm straight end bracelet. I would go with the End Mill (president style) bracelet for this watch, but to each their own...
Nice piece.
Nah, the end links contribute to how it wears for sure, but there are issues with the watch itself also.
I'm waiting for this Alpha and a Paularies Tag Monaco Homage to get here from China. I have the genuine versions of both. Curiosity. I just can't resist. TBH, the Omega quality is a litttle overrated. Mine had issues right from the dealer. The inner dial trim was installed sloppy, and 2 o'clock pusher never worked right.
Thanks for sharing that... interesting to hear about those issues, overall I have found their pieces to be absolutely impeccable, but I guess there will be faults that get through no matter how thorough. Two in one watch is rather shocking though!
Kenrock, I notice your Snoopy icon. I just got a 40mm Invicta sub in black with Snoopy on the face. Ladies love a guy with humor and Snoopy. I only paid $52usd.
i've watched this review 2 or 3 times (because it is such a good review) and think this IS a kind of wonky watch in some ways--but it's the kind of watch i wouldn't be afraid to beat up AND i think the more wear marks just kind of enhance its appeal of (wear me! i'm not afraid to get scratched--i like to work on russian tractors or 57 caddy's). it looks to come from another time when you didn't set you watch down to change a tire!
Thanks for that Greg, some great thoughts you have there, and appreciate the positive feedback! Good point about this being a watch you don't set down but is one that goes with you regardless of the roughness of work being done! Cheers, Ivan.
Check the Corgeut homage version in quartz. 40mm case and a spot on watch. For $50-$60 you won't find a better deal for an Omega homage watch. Highly recommended.
Cool, only $60? What movement do they use?
Couple of questions. Regarding wrist fit, I did not catch your wrist diameter. What is your wrist diameter? Also, how long does the lume remain visible at night, and accuracy: how many seconds +/- in 24 hours :)
Hi there - good questions! Answers as follows:
1. I think you mean wrist *circumference* correct? Mine is *17cm* . Diameter is a measurement for a circle, and most people don't mention wrist thickness or width.
2. I haven't measured objectively but after 7 hours in bed the lume is near impossible to see... too faint to be of much use I would say.
3. Regarding accuracy, I didn't specifically measure in this watch, but Seagull movements generally have specification of *-10/+30 secs/day* , fairly typical for non-highly regulated mechanical movements.
Ok, Mr. Smarty Pants - I stand corrected: Circumference. Rather significant differences, too. Thanks for tightening me up.
Hahaha no worries! All the best!
hahaha
hahaha
I think you can actually buy the dial without the logo and install it. What do you think?
I guess some people would like that but for me I probably prefer to proudly display that this is an Alpha-not-Omega :)
LOL. Alpha "makes" omega, right?! ;)
I believe that is correct sir!
I have one of these Alpha moon watches. PW's review hits all of the right points and I can 2nd his observations. It's a steal for a decent column wheel chrono and a good price for the finish and component quality if you like the look.
The biggest detractor for me is the underside profile highlighted at ~14:20. It makes the watch uncomfortable to wear. I attribute that to the unsupported protruding case back which focuses the weight of the watch on its smaller display face. Definitely try one on first if you'd like to wear it around - my wrist is 7.5" for reference.
I notice that Alpha is selling cases and a range design parts through their eBay store. So I may see if there is a better case and try to mod something up.
Thanks for that, I appreciate the feedback and seconding of my observations. Cheers, Ivan :)
That 24 hour dial comes in handy when you wake up after a continental flight, jet lagging and it's dark outside and your watch is on 7 'o clock and you don't have a clue if it's 7 in the morning and still dark, or 7 'o clock in the evening and it's already dark outside. That's my reasoning.
When the watch has a date function the 24 hour indicator comes in handy when you want to set the date. Never set the date with the crown between 22 and 02 because of possible damage to the watch. So when the 24 hour marker is on 11, you are fine to set the date with the crown.
Hahah thanks for that... actually my thoughts were among the lines of when waking up in the gutter after a night's festivities, and you're not sure whether 7 o'clock is morning, or evening (the latter meaning you've been in the gutter all day and therefore there is risk of having your prized Alpha stolen!). Because on a flight these days, I find the time is usually displayed on the monitor in front of my face in 24h format... or I can ask the sucker next to me ;D
As for date setting... yes, that would come in handy when I have woken up in said gutter, realise the date is off (I'm probably wrong at this stage...), and somehow want to set it right! Because in almost every other circumstance I do happen to be aware of which half of the day I am on... roughly speaking ;)
Most people set the date with the crown regardsless of the time indicated with the hands. A watch that stopped running has ro be set on the right time first, taken into account morning or evening. So start with moving the hands untill the dare moves, then you know it's midnight. Then to the right time and then you can set the date with the crown. Again, don't do that between 22 and 02 because it may damage the watch. There are so few who know this procedure. When you do it wrong the date will change at noon, or the date won't change at all,...anymore because some part just broken off inside. So here the 24 hour indicator is very useful because8 you know the watch is not between 22 and 02 so you can start setting the date with the crown immediately without setting the hour hand first all the way around.
Good points there - yes, I fear many may not know about the precaution of not changing the date between 2200 and 0200 hrs... partly a consequence of not perusing the manuals I must add!
Mark of Long Island watches has a watch and learn on tbis topic and shows im detail what goes wrong. Interesting....
Point the hands to six then change date
Sweety, all clasps are "pressed" in the latest Rolex, it's just a thicker metal, and did you know the watch cases are stamped out?
Very good Tomasina, very good! Lovely to hear from you again 😘😘
I love the Moon watch and wanted an sub 300€ mechanical chronograph for a long time this is perfect just the crown looks too big. If someone has an alternative for that please tell me, I also looked into vintage Seiko chronographs but they are a bit too scratched and beaten for me.
Thanks for that - at €300 I don't think there's really any comparable alternatives, but happy to hear from others!
I love Russian watches, but I also like the Speedmaster. A good alternative would be (for me at least) the Vostok Europe OS22/5611131 Gaz-14 Limousine watch. I know...it's not Russian made, it's Lithuanian, but it's a fine watch nonetheless.
I am wearing my Alpha moon watch right now. Other than having odd long lugs, its fantastic. I put it on a Strapco Rallye silicone strap. This is the way to go with this watch. Comfort and appearance are much improved.
I can understand calling a watch that looks like one that hasn't been made in many years an homage, like Steinhart's 1960s milsub lookalike. When it looks like a current watch, it's simply a rip-off of someone else's work. Add in the name Alpha and it becomes very "in your face".
Thanks for the comment John - yes agreed, this is rather blatant, which is probably why they will never market it outside of a Chinese online retail source! :)
yeah, however, in this case, these watches that Alpha makes, only have a 5ATM WR rating. Nothing like the genuine article.
Um, actually the Omega Moon Watch is rated at 50m also...
Good to know! Thanks. Well then, another good reason to buy an Alpha and save some money, right?
Homages are not for everyone, but if you can stomach it and don't mind the issues it has, it's an alternative.
The Vostok Europe OS22-5611131 GAZ 14 Limousine Mens Chronograph is also very similar to the "Moonwatch" and very appealing and affordable as well.
Nice looking design that... I think it's similar only in a cursory resemblance though, as with many Seiko VK series powered chronographs with that 3-6-9 layout.
I'm having good performance from the Alpha Speedmaster I bought about a month ago. But the Explorer I bought last week is a different animal, and is behaving poorly. (There is an unpredictable performance risk and a run-in phase with Chinese mechanicals, where things will settle down, or will get progressively worse.) The Explorer is settling down rather than getting worse, so there is hope.
Initially some days were about 1 minute fast, and accompanied with stuttering second hand between the 1 and 5 markers. The stutter is less now and we're around plus 30spd. However, the real disappointment is in Alpha Watch's wacky response when I contacted them about possibly needing regulation. Their response was, they consider the watch running fine up to +3 minutes per day. I sited typical accuracy for a Seagull caliber being more like -10 to +35 s.p.d. and I've heard nothing back. There is no Customer Service contact on the Alpha site, based in Hong Kong, and as of now, there really isn't any CS to speak of.
Thanks for sharing that - really appreciate the time you took to do this. It is helpful information to know for people who may be considering Alpha. I must say I am not really surprised to hear that... numerous HK or China based brands often have non-existent support, and unfortunately for most of us there is little recourse available. Hope yours get better - if not have you considered DIY regulation? I've made a couple of videos on this. Cheers! :)
Their quality problem. On the surface, Chinese watches look good but inside there is a different story. I can’t believe they are still carelessly leaving debris inside, and they don’t lubricate properly. I would not invest in a Chinese watch even if it is just a fraction of the cost of high-end Swiss watches. You can’t guarantee that it won’t stop or hands will not fall anytime. I personally like Hamilton, Oris, Bulova, and surely Seiko.
Well I’m for one not into copy’s or homage, but my brother has the same one and it’s quite accurate and keeps better time than my Rotary Les Originales Jura Swiss Made movement 😂 also his has no Alpha printing on it, I must say I was having a good look at it and for the price it’s way better than most iv seen for more money, it’s quite nice I do like it. And I’m the first to say no but would have this watch.
Interesting story... thanks for sharing that. Sounds like your brother has a different watch then?
Great review @perth watch, I wish the thickness was around 14mm, still best chronograph for the value.
Thanks for the comment... For under $200 with a column wheel chronograph movement, the value proposition is pretty compelling. But to be honest I do still have reservations about this piece...
Excellent video, I have just ordered the Alpha planet ocean model in black. I may review in at some point.
Thanks for that - do let us know when you do, I would be keen to see how it goes :)
Perth WAtch Awesome, Will do. I am very new to youtube so the video quality will not be Great 😂
You should see some of my early videos for examples of crappiness! :D
Perth WAtch hahaha😂
you should try the Daytona one, a good looking piece
Alpha Daytona? You have one?
@@PerthWAtch not yet, im about to order one
for $200 its a bargain and good value considering the movement alone ..not sure why you would take the time to nit pick the finishing of a $ 200 Chinese made watch let alone compare it to an omega lol.
Same reason why I did the other 100+ videos - out of passion! ;)
There a lot of things *not* to like about this watch - my feeling is that some people appreciate these things being highlighted.
perhaps find a watch with an equivalent movement in the same price range and then nit pick with passion as much as you like.....that would be interesting and a lot more relevant..
Interesting idea - thanks for sharing your views, all feedback is taken on board and is much appreciated ;)
Very cool watch. I like it. Its really great and a nice tip of the hat to the moon watch, but not. I like it
Thanks for the comment. Haha I think some people reckon it's a bit more than a "tip of the hat"... perhaps akin to daylight robbery of the Moon Watch :)
How does it feel now? Few months after purchase?) I'm looking for a chronograph, and couldn't dream of getting such a close homage to a gorgeous speedy under 200.. And it's mechanical! If it still works fine for you I'd pick one up :)
Not my watch but I borrowed it off my mate Graeme again last month and it still works fine, although honestly probably doesn't get much wrist time!
@@PerthWAtch I see) Curious, have you seen the Seiko Recraft chronograph? I know it's not directly comparable since it's a mechaquartz, but the dial/bezel seem to be inspired by speedmaster, I wonder if quality would be better than the Alpha?
I haven't seen one in hand myself but searching up pics I don't see so much Speedmaster in it myself... I think the Undone chronographs (also using Seiko mecha-quartz movements) are far more Speedy inspired. Case quality wise I think there is no doubt Seiko would be better than the Alpha... the only real thing the Alpha has going for it is the Seagull movement.
@@PerthWAtch I guess I just lack experience with watches for now and tachometer around the dial just reminds me of speedmaster) I looked at undone, seems like a great watch, however I feel it's not the best bang for buck out there, but I might be wrong. I think a comparison between Undone chrono and Dan Henry chrono would be a welcome one)
I agree that mechanical chrono for such affordable price is amazing, I do however see some people complain about that movement in the long run. I don't know if QC is somewhat lacking since it's a rather inexpensive watch.
I've not looked at the Dan Henry chronograph... is there more than one?
I think QC may well be an issue when another company uses the movement... even in Seagull pieces there have been issues I believe.
I wish they hadn't painted the hand red! But it is what it is!
Que sera sera! :)
Nath C they now do the watch with all white hands similar in style to the speedmaster. Also without any logo.
Hard to take someone to court for looking similar. Patents seldom can enforce dressing. Only when it would cause confusion by public. Few have succeeded.
You're absolutely right regarding that... hence I was very surprised when I heard that AP had successfully sued a retailer for distributing watches which "infringed" on their design elements...!
The 24h subdial could be useful in December, north of the Polar Circle.
Good point... or even June in that part of the world, etc. Or in space as some others have suggested :)
Lawsuit ! 😄 gr8, review though. Keep up the good work.
Btw. That thingy on the "è" is called an "accent aigu".
Haha thanks, good to know that! :)
Alpha Europe is having a sale!
Just pulled trigger on a Moonwatch with no logo
Woohoo!!! :)
If wishes where fishes... I wish it was automatic but, I too could sit and watch that for days. The brass wheels, beautiful blue screws drizzled with ruby's. Then, the face, clean, crisp. The bezel is also clean and crisp. The paint is recessed so, its not going to damage easily. The bracelet is beautiful with those thin polished parts. I dont mind the painted face but I prefer applied markers. The glass looks maybe double dome? It distorts well. The bezel is a lot like the one on my speedway. (Homage to the Daytona) I would like this a lot. The speedway is quartz so it lost my interest. Then again, I lost interest because I can not read any of the dials without reading glasses, Doubt full If they even help these days. Cheers.
Haha thanks for a great comment Mike! Well, I think the movement is quite good looking, however as for the rest of the watch being great looking... indeed it is, very much in the same way an Invicta 40mm Pro Diver is great looking. That is, it's almost completely borrowed (some would say ripped off).
The glass has a differential curve at the edges I think, hence that nice distortion :)
@@PerthWAtch i am, i guess, forced to agree, or pay mob consequences. I don't care if the remove the "a" and replace it with an "omega" its not my job to prosecute offenders of copyright. If it were I'd be swamped with offenders on this thread. You really brought out the crazys, uninformed, cryers, kooks, etc. with this one. Wow, it's just a ripoff, clone, copy, homage... Hunk of steel that, looks good, keeps time, gives me a rash, pisses EVERYONE off, "homage" to the Omega origonal that does little of afore mentioned. Cheers! (I really heasitate to hit send.) NOT REALLY!
Love that! Enough said :)
I've been thinking about getting the alpha Paul Newman? Never had a homage watch
Thanks for taking the time to comment Jimmy... all the best in your consideration. What I can say is that these pieces sure do offer some great value for under $200!
Thanks mate, where is the best place to get alpha's
To my knowledge they don't have outlet sales but they do have an eBay store as well as a couple of direct sales websites.
They never claimed to be an Omega watch. Neither is there any false branding. Omega is not apple so round corners are not trademarked. Why would you ever think a lawsuit is coming?
You may have heard of AP suing Movado for IP infringement despite them never claiming to be AP? Hey I'm no expert but people may sue when they feel they are being ripped off... and I think most people feel that's what's happening here. In the end, it's in a different country and there may not be much they can do anyway.
There is soooo much space under the caseback, why didn't they slim it down where they could??
Yeah one of the very questions I have in my mind too!
Still have this one? If so, is it still running? Wondering about longevity of these from Alpha.
As mentioned in the video this watch was lent to me... I returned it after the review
there is an error in the watch chronograph
That's why it's *homage* and not replica :)
Perth WAtch faulty choronograph
Working fine IIRC ;)
Perth WAtch needle does not stop at 30
That QC issue... chronograph work fine :)
What do you think about the Pagani Daytona? Is it better for the price compared to the Alpha?
Totally different because that’s a quartz watch.
@@PerthWAtch I know it's quartz, but I was talking about in general which one do you think is better in terms of quality vs the price. I probably wouldn't risk buying this one, because I don't know how reliable the movement is. Also it's not that good looking and although the price isn't that high, i'd rather spend a bit more and get something more good looking and probably more reliable.
I haven't held the Pagani Daytona, but based on other Pagani I have come across I would say that the quality in terms of fit and finish are very similar between these two brands.
that red seconds hand and tuna can thickness ruins it
Yes it does!
Some video-making feedback: I got really nauseous watching this video as you kept moving the watch at the camera. Try to keep the watch still and when you move it around to show it from different angles do it very slowly.
Thanks for the helpful feedback - much appreciated! :)
@@PerthWAtch You're welcome, great verbal presentation. Best regards
What do you think of the Alpha Daytona? AU300ish...
Haven’t looked at it actually... Seagull also??
Even the links are copied! The angles on the lugs. Surely Omega are going to do something about it ha.
Chinese made and owned... probably out of any jurisdiction where you could do something about it...
I thought the crystal was a domed acrylic on these watches.
I think there is variation in what is made...
I only have quartz watches (divers, field and chronographs), i've never had a mechanical/automatic watch, how would you rate this watch as my first mechanical watch from 1 to 10? Being honest, of course
Hi there! Good question... and honestly as a very first mechanical watch I would rate this one probably around 3/10, because of all the issues I highlighted in the video. For the first mechanical watch I would recommend an automatic actually (self winding rotor) and I'd say go for a Seiko or Vostok, or even an Invicta! Depends on budget of course, but I would also recommend first considering a straightforward 3 hand watch (+/- date) to get a 'feel' of automatics.
Perth WAtch If my budget is between $125 and $175, what watch/es would you recommend?
Personally if I was asked to spend that amount, I would put it towards an *Orient Mako II* , although I could also recommend something like a *Seiko SNZG13* or *Orient Ray II* . If you can push the budget a little the *Seiko SKX007* (or similar models) are a bit of a cult favorite. However please note this is my personal choice... your own choice will also depend on your tastes and what style of watch you may be looking for.
Perth WAtch I would go for the Orient Ray II, i just love the style of it, and maybe i would change the bracelet with a Strap Code bracelet because of the solid end links. Thanks for your help!👌
Most welcome mate - all the best!
This or rhe Phylida Speedmaster?
Dunno man!
Too bad GearBest doesn't sell these!!!
Haha yeah, seems like Seagull products aren't on there, for now.
Maybe you have been logging your day in a casino on the slots with no way to know night or day.
That's a good thought... another viewer suggested it's related to space flight use :)
Perth WAtch casino is more likely. I have seen reports that some people will wear depends underpants so they don't have leave their slot machines.
Hahaha TMI! :)
Sometimes All We Want to do is have a little Heaven down here
Indeed! Well, I know this place in Western Australia... ;)
Not sure my model is the same as it has the Seagull SG-2903 movement.
I think "TY2903" or "SG2903" is just another designation for the ST1903 - please see here: www.alpha-watch.com/details.php?myid=808
what movement does it actually have?
Checkout the video for this info and much more ;)
I am in Texas USA and have been interested in alpha products for some time but will not use pay pal. Does anyone know if you can use VISA without the pay pal interface? Thanks for a great review!
I'm sure most retailers will take visa payments directly, but can I ask why you don't want to use use PayPal? Their buyer protection is ironclad and in about 15 years of use I've never had any issues as a buyer - even a few fraud cases were caught and I got my money back.
thanks for your reply. i have nothing against pay pal but when i first looked into it i was a little overwhelmed with the extra info they seemed to need about my bank account- which i am not about to share. as an old fuddy duddy this remains a non negotional thing for me which i realize seems a little naive, but i yam what i yam.....
Ah ok I see, I understand where you're coming from... guess I gave that info up a long while ago :)
Your nit picking a $180 watch. It’s fine at this price point
Thanks for the thought - I'm just pointing out the things I notice, which don't take too much observation. There are alternatives at this price point which don't have the same problems.
That's not the original bracelet that came with the watch.
Yes it is ;)
@@PerthWAtch Na it's been taken off and swoped. See the scratches 7:50
Indeed. Did you know you can take off the original bracelet... and later put it back on? Blows your mind doesn't it? ;)
@@PerthWAtch it also poks out too long. 5:36
And the price of diesel today was $1.42/L for me. But that's not really relevant is it? ;)
for the money its ok....comparing the build quality of this watch to a watch 20 times its price and saying it falls short is a bit of a stretch lol...
Thanks for those thoughts! I think I may have been vague in my comments... meant that build quality falls short in comparison with other homage pieces at similar price range, not to mention other watches at this level - Seiko and Invicta come to mind.
I almost wanted one till you said screw in crown😂
You mean lack of screw in crown?
@@PerthWAtch it's a bit silly on a manual wind watch means every time you want to wind you have to unscrew the crown, wind and then screw down the crown to seal the watch.
Fair point!
Almost all cheap china watches have male endlinks. The bracelet is far cry for the money but it does not fit the watch especialy with the lug form plus male end link looks like diy garage project went south.
Yes, but do you like male end links? ;)
Lol. I like this musculine ( oIo) symbol at 12 o'clock position.
Haha yeah, it's rather in your face isn't it? :)
The way it sits on the wrist is so bad. It sticks out and that is enough for anybody to say, this is no good at all. The bracelet is actually the problem here. The first link doesn't bend down, so the actual lug to lug width is about 58mm and that is really too much for nearly every wrist. The same watch on a leather strap will sit better I think.
Yeah, agreed... the end-link (which is not articulated) sticks out an additional few mm on either side which really does make it too awkward on the wrist!
Anyone have experience with the accuracy of this watch or Alpha's in general?
This one ran about +15spd in my recollection... Seagull movements generally spec at -20/+40 or so.
I've had a few and they're pretty good, within the 10-15 sec a day or less. It does depend on the model with the movement in it.
I've had one for just over a year. It gains 8 to 10 seconds a day. That's good enough for me not to bother trying to regulate it. Concurring with Ivan, I'd prefer it if the case were a tad less thick.
I also have their Seamaster model and that loses about 10 seconds a day. I'm happy enough with that also.
The (solid link) strap on the Seamaster is excellent with machined clasp and solid end links. Likewise the strap on the Speedmaster, although it's nowhere near as nice as the one one the Seamaster... in my opinion.
Looks better than the Omega.
Thanks for that - I think it does photograph very well... in hand however, you might find it a different matter...!
What is wrong with you????
PWC, does it feel cheap?
I would say it feels unrefined, roughly finished. I guess you could say "cheap" but I would use other adjectives.
Perth WAtch Thanks! By cheap I mean if it feels substantial. Is the material/stainless steel different from higher end watches? What about the bracelet, does it rattle a lot?
Keep watching your review, because I can have this borderline knock-off for less than the MSRP and I‘m a big Speedmaster fan ;)
Watch snobbery. The only watch ever to fail in space was the Omega Speedmaster.
Thank you for expressing your opinion. Perhaps you haven't seen my videos on Casio, Invicta, and numerous Chinese mushroom brands? Not sure where you get the sense of snobbery from.
They could've and should've made it thinner...
I agree!
I had one of these. Truly terrible, sold it straight away.
It's not world beating refinement is it? What did you find particularly bad about this watch?
Minute hand tad short.
Yes it is!
This review stinks of Watch snobbery, whatever manual / automatic watch people get to get them started in horology is a good thing plus this watch has a seagull movement and if you know anything about them there based on a Swiss movement from the 1960’s.
Thank you for sharing your opinion Mark. I think this watch does have some real strengths... perhaps you skipped through that part? ;)
I don't mind copies, I just wish people would call them what they are, copies not homages.
Thanks for the thought! I think it very easily becomes a very "grey" area... there are watches I would readily call a copy, and ones I would say are homage, but perhaps there are some watches where you would be unsure as to what you would classify as? In any case, I think the concept is clear - the watch has taken ideas/design from another existing product. Cheers, Ivan.
Well... They're not copies. Copies would mean that you're passing it off as something it's not. This is not pretending to be a Speedmaster. Hence why the term Homage is used. It's paying tribute to the design that it uses where a copy or "replica" is trying to pretend that it is the design.
A copy would like steal the name of the watch like if it said Omega on there instead of Alpha. Homage is not an exact copy like fake noob replica watches of famous luxury brands. Those are copies as they take the trademark as well.
Quite a lot for 160
Indeed it is :)
if something brakes you will have to put it into the trashcan....
OK... but what if something accelerates? ;)
@@PerthWAtch it will go even faster into the trash can...
Good to know - thanks for clarifying!
oöega speed master replica
Omega Speedmaster *homage* ;)
Fast Lord 😂😂😭
Yeah man, like Star Lord but quicker ;)
No I got it right it in the first place watch snobbery, you have to remember not everyone is like us not everyone can afford expensive Swiss made watches, I am avid collector of Swiss watches but I understand people who buy homage watches and understand that not everyone can afford Swiss made watches even though they’re not as expensive as they used to be. Regards Mark
I'm from a developing country - not as easy for someone who has seen and lived near sheer poverty to forget that! Perhaps you can clarify how this video is snobbery "at its best"... I really don't get where you're coming from!
Whose idea was it to mispronounce “homage”?
Not sure. Let me pronounce it properly for you: "homage"! ;)
Sorry I left out the !. But that doesn't change the my question.
No worries mate, it doesn't change the my answer = not sure ;)
Perth WAtch ‘ No worries mate” does everyone down under speak like Crocodile Dundee?
Nah mate, we got ALL SORTS here... one of the best things about Oz, a country of majority Caucasians and western ideals but it's really in Asia! :)
You can buy the dial without Alpha logo and white hands (to replace the red hand) from the website. Www.alpha-1993.com
I'm sure you can... but you still have to give a judgment on the default config. Most people don't go through the process of changing out hands and dials.
Pretty cheap process though, 4.50 euros for the dial and 9 for the hands. But I understand your point
Pretty cheap parts you mean? The labor to change it out here in Australia (and some other countries) would far far exceed those costs...
Ah wow, here I got a quote for £20, so all in including parts it was around a £35 extra cost
This is watch snobbery at its best
Anti-snobbery you mean? :)
replica watch not homage
Nah, this clearly homage, not replica ;)
Perth WAtch chinese made not homage
This is Chinese made homage, true story! ;)
:)
;)
my god you are shaking like you're in an earthquake! I would stop drinking if I were you.
Haha thank you very much for that - you're obviously no medico! FYI benign tremor gets *better* with alcohol... so in fact I need to *start* drinking! ;)
maybe he has a shaking issue, nothing to do with drinking, don't be mean and stupid like that...