New for 2023. SEESTERN S436 GMT NH34. Outstanding Quality for Under £200.
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- čas přidán 20. 04. 2023
- Seestern are a major player in Chinese budget watch manufacture. Their 62MAS homage was for my money the best dive watch on AliExpress last year and still has to be beaten for quality at £150.
Everyone has been talking about the Seiko NH34 GMT movement and brands have been quick to produce watches starting at £70.
This Seestern S436 GMT is not £70 but for under £200 sets the new standard for 2023.The finishing is astounding and the new on-the-fly clasp is brilliantly executed. You may see more GMT watches on AliExpress but this is the one to beat. San Martin have others nipping at their heals now!
You can get your Seestern S436 GMT watch on the following AliExpress affiliate link.
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEo...
You will not pay any extra but you will be supporting the channel going forward. Thanks for your support. John :)
These watches are game changers. I own Rolex, Omega, and Tudors which are obviously better quality and movements but for $200-300 with an NH34/adjustable clasp/domes sapphire/chamfering my goodness Sugess, Seestern, SM really make you scratch your head in disbelief. I bought a few to include this one and it’s remarkably impressive.
Thanks for watching...and also thanks for your input. It backs up what I am saying in the video .
Ok, it's a good price for the value ...but so boring to see a lot of homage with a fight to be less expensive with "quality" without idea ... I prefer a microbrand with an own Identity that is looking for a market proposal with fantasy, inspiration by the past but with some distinctive combination elements. I was at WOI watches of Italy, am amazing event for young microbrand and there was a lot of interesting models and idea starting from 300 euros...my opinion is: better a little bit of money for an idea than that money for an homage (better known as a copy) ...an homage could be an inspiration not the same with sapphire and a NH movement.
That is your opinion and preference. Some people like the idea of having a similar watch to their idol ie
Steve McQueen GMT, but cannot afford $25000...so an homage gives them THEIR choice and preference.
Agreed. I’ve held these homage watches. I’m not buying another submariner, planet ocean etc as a result.
Just bought this watch on the basis of your video and wow, it's absolutely brilliant! Interested to hear about your comparison to a Steinhart. I own a 39mm Adventure, and personally, I think the Seestern has a better case and bracelet! Obviously, we are not talking movements here... As you right state, Chinese watches are getting better and better, and one can only speculate about where this is going in the future-and the impact these watches could have on entry-level Swiss luxury brands?
It's a beautiful corner of the world you live in mate! Last year I bought the Steinhart so I don't need this Seestern. What an amazing watch! The only two niggles I have are the sterile clasp outer shell and the "GMT" writing under the Seestern brand logo. They should have done away with the "Automatic" writing at six o'clock and put the "GMT" in its place, maybe in orange.
Looks like a winner . I'm not a gmt person as such but what i do like about this is : no snowflake/merc hands & no crown guards plus the faux patina in that lighting doesn't appear to offensive { ie orange) either & impressive lume considering and judging by your example the fit n finish is without question plus the clasp is the icing on the cake . Tbh i can't think of a reason why these won't do very well its a quality product , well aired John.
Cheers Ted. Like you I am not a GMT man but this can't be glossed over . One of the best finished watches on Ali for sure at that price!
The original watch didn’t have Mercedes or snowflake hands either.
Great demonstration of the watch. Can't wait for mine to be delivered 😅
Thank you ;)
This watch has riuned my collection . I have a small collection that include tudor, rado, edox, tag heuer and high end seiko . This seestern feels like a high end watch , which questions my sanity i actually prefer it to my tudors , because its so nice to wear. I got this watch for £142 , preowned but like new, it just insane , that it feels so good. It makes me question about the amount ive spent on my tudors etc ..
I am like you. I have never worn anything over £1200 because My lifestyle couldn't justify it...I hammer my watches! But Seestern, Proxima and now completely at the opposite end of the scale, Addiesdive have brought home just how much quality is out there at silly low prices!
Like I said, probably my favorite watch from the Aliexpress Brands right now. As for it being a Homage, it’s at least a Homage of a vintage watch (I think) which may make it more palatable for the most die hard haters of Homage Watches. There are some who think Counterfeit Watches are fine, and there are those who think all Homage Watches are an affront to the Horological Gods. Most of us probably fall somewhere in between. Anyway great review as (edit - put “also” instead of “as”) always!
Appreciate it Albert.
Great review! I'll be adding this to my collection momentarily! What a beauty she is!
She absolutely is. ;)
Great to see this one. It looks great.
I expected good things...and it certainly delivered. Thanks for popping in James.
Very nice watch. I own 2 other Seestern's and they are incredible. Excellent finishing, alignment, lume and they have the NH35A movement, which keeps accurate time for the length they stay on my wrist. I buy what catches my eye. And if the quality is good and I like what I see, I don't care if it's a homage, or even Chinese. It's what I can afford, and I have no problems with that. Thanks for sharing John.
Thanks Ike. I share your sentiment buddy ;)
I love your take on homage watches. So many youtubers hate homage watches for all the wrong reasons. I own a san Martin and it's quality is far superior to my seikos and even par to one of my luxury watches. Which I always question why I would ever buy another luxury timepiece.
Hi Ryan. It is a very loaded question isn't it?...but everyone is allowed an opinion. I have always spoken my mind and will not follow the crowd. Unfortunately the world we live in today seems to think there is no opinion and you should be a subscriber to one point of view...no thanks ;) Thanks for watching and thanks for your valued opinion 🙏
Totally agree with you John, these watches are amazing for the money. If this encourages more people to take interest in traditional timepieces, well that's fantastic!
Was looking in a jewellery shop window recently and was shocked at the asking price of watches with far inferior specifications.
Thanks for the review 👍
Thanks Rich. It's a very emotive subject and there are strong opinions on either side. I am not anti micro brand or anti Chinese watches but I am averse to smart gadgets that are spying on me and ain't good for more than a couple of years!
Awesome exterior shots. You live in a beautiful area. Cheers.
Thank you 🙏
great review John
Thanks again Tom :)
It's a beautiful review of (in your words), an impeccably finished, superb homage. Cleverly sharing the Sugess case (and S crown). It seems to wear big, but look amazing in your beach video.
It actually wears fine. Camera angle always makes watches look bigger on wrist :)
Love the look of this watch , great review.T.Y. A family member has the real deal so jealous lol looks so like the rolex its crazy
Thanks for watching! You're on a binge today buddy! :)
@@johnswatchjointyeah going back on some of your watches you've reviewed because I'm looking for another watch you know what it's like when you have a few quid and this hobby even with these watches does mount up so I'm looking for anything that catches my eye ,so far the monster homage and the Tudor homages but also the baltany watches I also love so it looks like I'm getting at least two new watches lol thanks for the reply.
Mine arrived today. My first Chinese watch. I wanted the Steinhart version, to go along with my Ocean 39 Sub homage, but this is a fantastic alternative. Incredibly good value. Plus, it has that glidelock clasp, which Steinharts don't have.
It’s been on my wish list for a while. I will have to pull the trigger, I can’t pass.
Nice place, stunning views
Thank you 🙏
Nice beach work! It’s a great watch, haven’t dipped my toe in Lake SeeStern just yet, this may have to go in the trolley.
You won't be disappointed. They produced the best watch on Express last year with the 62mas homage.
These watches are outstanding value champagne watch for lemonade money cheers.
What a price for this quality level! I absolutely love this dial layout and handset! This one loses it for me with the steel bezel, but I know many like that look. But I really dig the side profile look of seeing the 3 distinct levels of case, bezel, crystal. Awesome piece!
It's very good and the bezel is exactly like the watch it homages .
Looks fantastic and great lume too, but is that really a half link? It looks like its role is to join/adapt the bracelet to the clasp
It seems it adopts that role. Sizing was an absolute breeze :)
I have one of these on order now. I usually am not fond of homage watches but between this being an homage to a vintage watch and it not being a straight copy but rather a combination of that classic dial and the BB Pro case, I'm sold. Add in the fantastic price, features, and attention to detail and I think they've got a real winner on their hands here.
Great stuff Ben. Hope it .meets your expectations :)
Really happy to see review for this watch as I’m really interested in it. Had considered the steinhsrt but to expensive. Looks amazing and it’s a toss up between this and san Martin Pepsi gmt too get.
Both excellent choices 👍
I agree.
That is a great watch.
Hi buddy. Hope you are having a good weekend 😊
@@johnswatchjoint you aswell. Good luck dog with nice watches lately.
Nice ones lately 👌
I have a polar explorer 2 and I'm going to get this. Used to have the steinhart but it was too big.
This wears a lot better than the Steinhart. Steinies always lay too flat across the wrist.
Add a cyclop and crown guard, it will perfect 🎉
They opted not to so as it was not a direct copy and is excellent the way it is :)
@@johnswatchjoint I’d go with crown guards and no cyclops.
Hi John great review, the watch does look very nice. Can I ask what it is a homage of?
Rolex explorer ll 1655 from the1970s was a beautiful watch but costs tens of thousands 😔
having a hard time choosing either thi or a pelgos39mm homage. i need something to fidget once in a while and there's nothing more perfect than a rotating bezel
I have this Seestern in the mail as we speak. Currently wearing the San Martin BB pro cream dial and I cannot recommend this brand enough 9/10 for the price for me
Nice 👍
Great review! Im lucky enough to have some iconic watches but I have to say these Chinese brands are amazing value. I have some with no issues. On your point about being a homage. I think with a discontinued piece. Nobody is wearing the original anymore. All locked away in banks. It’s fine and a great choice for a homage. Thus is a great watch . Period!
Thanks CCW. Appreciate the comment :)
Even most of the established brands have questionable name. It's only the familiarity that makes their name acceptable.
Though there are some chinese brand watch that doesn't sound good to an English speaker
White dial would be the pick for me.
Hi Jon...actually nearly did but had a lot of snowflake hand watches lately...and another GMT has just arrived...;)
❤❤❤
Wish i had a Seestern diver watch. 😪
Hi john , great review . Ive been collecting for about 10 years now , and own 2 tudors , 2 rados , a tag and 2 high end seikos , an edox , and now a san martin. Ive spent in the region of 10k amassing my collection , which would cost around 17k new. My mrs just got me the cream face san martin based off the tudor pro gmt. Its very similar to the seestern , without the glidelock clasp. I absolutely love the san martin , it wears like a dream and looks amazing for less than £200. Imo you cant really beat these watches for the money, they are unreal. I doubt i will be adding any more swiss watches to my collection, but can guarantee i will add this seesturn to it. I could easily buy the tudor pro gmt , but i actually prefer the san martin , because its so much slimmer. I actually believe the chinese could damage the swiss watch market , just like seiko did with the quartz , back in the 70s. Its also the fact that if the movement needs a service, you can basically just buy a new watch , and not worry about silly service costs . China obviously listens to what people want, in terms of size and wearability, unlike the swiss , who tend to be slow and arrogant, and forever increasing their prices , thinking because they can. My tudor bb s and g has gone up 1k in price since 2018 , a 25% increase in just 5 years !!! I think the swiss should be worried, because the quality of these Chinese brands has risen immensely in just a few years. In another 5 years it could be game over for a lot of swiss brands .
Hi Martin and thanks for your interesting take. Sounds like you have a cool collection ;)
@@johnswatchjoint yes I'm lucky , but I've worked for them. Already put a bid on the seestern, lol.
Looks incredible especially for the price. And it doesn't have the hideous cyclops!
Thanks Chrono....love the moniker!!!
I'm trying to find a strap like that in 20mm... it looks good quality and iudeal for what I need. If only we could find out where they are getting them.
Hi there. Why not contact them directly. Find that watch strap on their store and contact them about it. Ask if they will sell you a strap? Remember, end links are all different and may not fit your watch ;)
Excellent vid mate, think this may have pushed me over the edge to buy one for myself
It is excellent at the price. If you are in the UK I have this watch up for sale on Ebay. I wish I could keep but being a reviewer costs a lot of money!
The original watch this is based off of, the original Explorer 2 or “Steve McQueen” as it’s called, sells for like 50 grand!
That's correct. You could buy a great campervan for that!
Fantastic review, John! Glad to see this Seestern lives up to the hype. I'm not sure why, but I prefer the way this looks compared to its Steinhart counterpart.
I have the Sugess snowflake version on its way to me. Can't wait to get hand-on with that.
Nice one. I'll check that review out when it's up. Thanks for popping by :)
Bought the Seestern GMT and all looked great. A day later I found out the automatic winding did not work. Could not hear the rotor mechanism at all. Opened the back and found a strange open metal ring that did hold the movement in place or something. I removed the ring, the movement is not moving at all and what is more,..the winding works fine now. Anybody with the same problem?
Send it back
Some of the watches current homage pieces are based on are actually homages themselves to even older watches. I don't take issue with it personally. Every designer was inspired by at least several that came before. I will say that homage makers that bring their own new take (or even improve) on an established design rather than making a simple 1:1 deserve additional consideration.
Agreed 👍
sorry if i missed it but hope you could mention your wrist size for reference. that would be helpful. thank you in advance
Hi there. I usually mention my wrist size. 6.75 inches. :)
@@johnswatchjoint you're the best! same as mine!
No probs 🙂
What's the weight of the watch?
I mentioned towards the end of the video. 142g with two links removed. 148g as supplied.
Just the bracelet from Christopher Ward will run you $ 250
Yeah...brings things into perspective doesn't it?
@@johnswatchjoint it sure does.
Haha that’s my home town
Amazing what we take for granted :)
Aye it so is . Great weather recently too .
Seestern, Cronos, San Martin are great value watches... no need to buy $20,000 watches that you cannot wear walking in London or New York
Thanks John and a Tually a very salient point given what has been happening with robberies and assaults.
great review John. l hope they bring out a 42mm version. it looks to be a bargain
Thanks for watching. I think with this 40mm they have got it just right. Suits the 70's it came from whilst being perfect for most wrists :)
I'm not sure about the bracelet, you only have 7mm of adjustment and you set it up fairly loose with the clamp all closed...so you can only make it more loose...what on a cold day? There is no half link to remove, only a complete one.. so you have 7mm and that's it 🙈 so it is a hit or miss 😬
Erm don't think you are looking at the same video? The adjustment is on the inside totalling approx 7mm. There are 3 ratchet adjustments and at the opposite side of the bracelet there is the equivalent of a half link. The fit is absolutely perfect. I made it clear or so I thought ?
@@johnswatchjoint I understand but you fitted yours fairly loose and there is no more adjustment to make it a little more tight now because you are already on the last ratchet...the purpose of this clasp is to be somewhere in the middle so you can make it at least one step more tight or loose. So they have to add a half link or make the range from the clasp a little bigger (+/-9mm)
Sorry but I have made this my perfect fit??? It is cold just now but when it was warm last week my wrist swelled and the watch fared as expected? One of the best fitting and easily adjusted clasps I have experienced. I dunno what to say to you other than that???
Where are the fighter jets?
Lunch break 😁
I find it funny that Steinhart's watches were always acceptable, but these Chinese watches were frowned upon. I've bought a couple of Merkur watches and recently a Sugess, the quality is great for the money. I own a Tudor and a few other Swiss watches and they are not worth 10x the price. Seiko in my opinion killed their own brand, too many models, limited editions and higher prices.
Not many would disagree!