On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: Islander 38, What a Modern Premium Seiko SKX013 Could & Should be
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- On this episode we take a look at a very interesting new offering from Marc of Long Island Watch fame. The Islander line has essentially been classic Seiko designs upgraded in spec and material to be more competitive in the modern market. The pre-made Seiko mods are basically everything you love about those classic designs, just taken to the next level. The Islander 38 pays homage to Seiko's SKX013, the smaller brother to the famed SKX007. At a glance, many familiar with the Seiko Mod community would call it a PMMM mod or Poor Mans Marine Master mod, the good news here is, you don't have to source any parts or do any guess work. Marc has basically worked out a pretty winning formula that deliver on an OEM+ aesthetic for a near OEM-like price, which I applaud. Let me know what you all think in the comments below, thanks guys!
www.longisland...
www.longisland...
Not many videos on the midsize. I was hesitant on making a purchase because I wanted to see what it was like in more realistic lighting. Mine should be here next week :)
Awesome review, thanks so much Mark. And great "intro" :)
Hey Marc ! Love your Watches!
Your stuff is incredible. Makes poor dudes like me able to afford top notch Seiko models.... thank you.
Can you make this model dark blue color including bezel, like a picture on your site model ISL-01 or 05? :)
Hi Mark! Is this the first model and what’s the model number for this watch bc you don’t print it on the back case and all of them just have the same back case. Maybe you should start stamping the newer models to be able to Id them in future? Just looked at another CZcams video and that one was ISL 04 but that one was like the SKX 007 and 42mm.
Islanders are one of the best buys currently available. When you look at all the features they are hard to top.
A lot of microbrands offer the same specs islander do- for less money.
@@erichg.6235 Please name them!
Seriously, I’d like to check them out-a fellow watch collector.
@@richardandaya3932 Check Steeldive, check Spinnnaker. They have NH35 movements, sapphire crystal, are well built. For around 150 US- Dollars and below, to get. Bougth 1 of each brand and love them. Why not a Parrnis, I do'nt own one, but the reviews say that they are good quality. All the microbrands are built in china, you can order your own created brand, starts by ordering 100 pieces.
@@erichg.6235 What about a 38mm diver? Currently only Islander and San Martin make them less than $300from what I can tell. Steeldive has some good prices but could not find any 38mm in their selection
@@dillonlboyer Steinhart offers 39 mm Divers and the watches are good value for the price. 38 oder 39 are near similar. Divers are always larger watches, if used for diving, you need a bigger watch. The watch face at divers is mostly not really big, but plus the bezel (3 mm or so) and the diameter is easy more then 40 mmm.
The first mechanical watch that impressed me (without that flashy metal bracelet) and I'm a hardcore CASIO digital fan. SEIKO must be full of regrets not upgrading the SKX lol.
Marc hit a home run with this model...thanks for the review
I picked up the yellow dial version about 6 months ago, and it gets more wrist time than my other watches. Very comfortable, always legible, excellent quality.
I got mine a few days ago with the screw links and milled clasp..man the thing is beautiful.
The Islander watches are a pretty compelling package. Unless you're a bigtime Seiko fan the Islander is likely a much better way to spend your dollars than picking up a SKX.
Kristian Gosbee skx is better as it is a recognized, established brand. Brand cache and status are what watches are about. That’s why everyone wants Rolex.
@@Ferien7 to be fair, the only people who care about Seiko's cachet are Seiko fans. There is nothing wrong with being a fan of any particular watch brand, but outside the watch collecting world nobody cares about whether your watch is a Seiko, or a Timex. Unless you are rocking a Rolex, or some other recognized luxury brand most people consider any watch "just a watch".
@@Ferien7 Except that seiko is recognized as a cheap department store brand so people paying a premium for the name are wasting their money.
@@ericmittens For me Seiko is a brand I highly respect and will to pay for.
@@leyay7540 The fact that you are here watching and commenting on a niche watch review CZcams channel shows you are not the average person when it comes to watches. I also appreciate Seiko, but to the general public they are a cheap Japanese consumer electronic-sounding company.
Nothing wrong with someone spending thousands on a watch. My friends do all the time. I’m happy they are happy. For me personally, perhaps because I grew up very poor, I simply can’t bring myself to spend more than $400 for a watch. That said, I want $1000 specs and this watch offers it. So for me, it’s just about all I could ever want and for a price that doesn’t make me feel guilty. Home run in my opinion. Plus, I like the idea of buying something different (while certainly not groundbreaking) for a change from a small American business and watch lover. Again for me, that’s more prestigious than paying for Omega or Rolex on my wrist. I don’t need a Gucci purse. ;)
Ordered the ISL-01(43mm) and love it. Marc also offers military/veteran's discount for 10% ... so folks can get the watch for $269. Considering what you're getting, that's a great deal!
I didn't know that! Is it on the website?
Hey James, how big is your wrist? Mine is just over 6inches and I just bought the 38mm, couldn’t decide between the 43mm & 38mm, hope I don’t regret it lol
It’s nice to see a watch reviewer reviewing Long Island watches, I have one, in pepsi and is beautiful. More watch review should give more love to this watches and to Mark.
I am leaning toward getting the SKX-015/Pepsi version of this 38mm Seiko homage diver. Thanks for this review.
I enjoy my SKX013 totally. I just ordered the coin edge bezel & ceramic insert from Marc. This will be my first entry-level mod. I have a 7" inch wrist but I really like the midsize fit. I also don the 36mm Marathon Diver when I'm not sporting the Seiko. Great video, thanks for posting.
Agreed. Love the look of the larger ones, but I just don’t find myself reaching for them in the morning because they are so heavy. The 38mm wears great. I do wish it was 40mm. That would make it PERFECT.
Picked up the ISL-21, green dial and green bezel (The “Islander Hulk”). Great watch. Bracelet had more mass than I thought it would. Feels really solid on the wrist.
Such a helpful review, thank you! What I really like is that you talk about size vs. 43mm, wearbability, style, how you would really wear this in everyday life, and so on. (Many reviewers just talk about measurements, that anyone can read on the internet.) You sold me on this size for this colourway. Please keep up this terrific style of video.
Big Seiko guy here 40+ years and still am. Last 3 watches I've bought have been LIW's including the new ISL-31 that just came out. That should say something. I also buy watches that appeal to me. End of story.
I have the same model. It is very pleasant to wear. Great choice for the price.
grey09 how is the bracelet quality? Mine should arrive tomorrow but I just can’t wait
Received mine earlier this week. It is everything I hoped it would be. All the positives people have mentioned are spot on. Small? Yep. Very. But that’s a good thing for me. It wears in size and feel very much like a Seiko Alpinist. I could repeat the MANY positives and the lengthy list of upgraded specs compared to an SKX013, but I’ll focus on my few and extremely picky dislikes. Plus, this video review is excellent so take his word for it. I agree on all counts.
The bracelet screws were a bit of a pain unfortunately. They do not want to disengage and can’t easily be plucked out after unscrewing them. Yes I have done it before, yes I am aware they are special screws, and yes I have good watch tools. Some were easy, most were tricky. No big deal because you only have to do it once. The bracelet is lovely but the edges are a little sharp. Maybe that’s just a jubilee. I have never owned one before. That said, a jubilee is pretty comfy as it hugs the wrist a little better than an O style bracelet IMHO. Again, no big deal because the slightly sharp edges aren’t a factor when wearing it. And finally, the bezel has too much back play in it.
To be clear, I am being picky. Very picky. A note on size. This is a tricky thing to discuss. I have a 7 and 1/4 inch wrist. I prefer the feel of smaller pieces. 40mm is my sweet spot and I wish this was a 40mm Watch. It’s not. It’s 38mm. And that’s okay. It looks more refined than a 43mm dive watch and less tool like. Its a bit less sporty and a bit more dressy feeling, especially with the jubilee. It’s also a lot easier to wear. I haven’t taken it off for a few days and even wore it to bed. I would never do that with the larger one and I have owned an SKX007 that I used as an actual dive watch for years, I love the look of large divers, but I rarely reach for them in my collection because they bother me due to the extra weight. This 38mm version also doesn’t scream LOOK AT MY WATCH! I prefer that as well. Not all do. If you own or wear and also like your 43mm version of this or the Seiko, you will likely not like this little guy unless you consider it a totally separate thing and know why you are going for the smaller one. I love the size of my Orient Ray 2, but after a few days with this 38mm Islander on my wrist, my Ray 2 is starting to look huge to me.
Marc did a nice job here and shipped quickly. He even responds to emails quickly and with detail. It’s a wonderful piece for the money for sure. I’m a fan of the watch, the brand, and Marc.
Definitely picking up one of these models. Absolutely stunning piece. Mark hit it out the park with this one.
Just got mine in yesterday. Mark hit a home run with these.
Really good deal. Smart move from Mark, and better and cheaper thank a comparable Seiko.
Own one, it's my favorite watch
Constantly great comments
Totally bad ass
@@DMRMOTORSPORT blue dial with 1-12 ,Pepsi Bezel.
00:30 by the way it is really joyfull to watch your face from the inner polished part on the bracelet :)
Thought those looked like my Asian arms... virtually hairless.
@@wakawaka1976 hahaha 🤣
This is a great review. Very chill. Great shots of the watch.
Compelling reason to get one.
Except for the lume shot, this could have been a 13 minute video though
(just a little constructive criticism).
I also liked your review of the Direnzo...and I'm deciding on pulling the trigger on it.
Addressing the underlying applied AR coating of the sapphire crystal is also an important note for the Islander 38mm. Basically, a super Seiko SKX 013. Everything this watch should have evolved into after decades of manufacturing. But never did. Then came Marc! The rest is history.
I love how big the indices are. Like the black bay 36. Perfect size for those below 7 inch wrist.
Just picked up the green 38mm on Black Friday for less than 230 shipped!
I like mine tons. Only complaints - little bit of backplay on the Bezel. Other than that, gr8 watch!
Very nice watch, I have a 7 1/4 wrist and wear a 013 and a 009 with nh36a. The spescs on this islander watch are great but the logo has to go as does the impressed case back . Mark, get a better logo .
I find the logo very distracting - or rather once you see it your eyes become fixed on it..
Personally I'd rather it just say Island Watch Co. But I think he should get a graphic designer to make him a logo in any case.
No accounting for taste. I, for one, think the logo is way cool.
caomhan84 I like the logo. I think printing Island watch co would be too much print on the dial.
I like the size. Waiting for more color options
The bracelet "wings" are a serious problem for people with small wrist ..... they extend the lug-to-lug distance defeating the fact that is a 38mm .... makes them wear MUCH BIGGER..... when I commented that on one of Long Island videos, Mark just answer that its just the way they are, not going to change .... so if you have less than 7 inches wrist, remember that you have to invest in another bracelet .....
Nice watch, but amateurish logo in my view. Why not put a little effort into that?
what do you think of the 38mm size? i have a ray ii with the 41.5 mm and one islander in 43 mm the 43mm fits me well but i think the size of the orient is on point and i dont know how would 38 mm will fit my wrist do you see too much difference? in those 3.5mm
Wish it had a marine master handset, thinner, and maybe 40 mm but I’m picky
Waiting for a color variant. Like white or yellow.
@42treg Except those are 43mm, this is 38mm.
The yellow and tons more color ways are now available!
There’s a green version that’s unique to the 38mm line. It’s pretty sweet
Mario G, received my green 38mm Islander three days ago. Sapphire bezel insert, domed sapphire crystal and solid end link oyster style bracelet. The only minor issue I have is the smallish and stiff crown is somewhat difficult access, screw in and out to change time or hand wind. This may be because because the protective crown guards around the smallish crown extend down a tad. In fairness, compared to my Seiko 013, it appears identical, though the Islander crown is just bit more difficult to operate. With that small nit aside, my new green Islander 38mm looks gorgeous, keeps amazing time and is a welcome addition to my modest collection.
Would skx013 mod parts fit this watch? (Dial, bezel, etc)
Dominic Bernarte Yes
Spot on impression!
At (12:50) the watch is worn below the wrist bone (hand side) which looks uncomfortable instead of above the wrist bone (elbow side), which is how I wear watches. Great review of the Islander 38mm.
Gut gemachtes Video einer schönen Uhr.Danke dafür weiter so
Very nice and undeniably a great watch. I do have one exactly like the one showed on that video but i also have a DEEP BLUE nato 300 and for my concern it is couple notches above this ISLANDER for a not very much bigger price(see videos about the specs). Do you know if the individuals jubilee links from SEIKO skx fits one this ISLANDER bracelet? Thank's for your review. GOOD JOB.
I have this watch and i love it. It look's very nice overall with the JUBILEE bracelet and it is very robust but the DEEP BLUE nato 300 is better than that. 300M dept resistance, saphire crystal, gaz escape valve like on the ROLEX Sea dweller, it has a very bright BLUE luminova (like ROLEX) and it also have the NH36 seiko movement.
I just purchased this watch and am waiting for it. Thanks for the review. Well done.
which model is it? i can't find the one you've showcased in the video on their website?
I like the watches but I can’t get over the logo... I don’t like seeing a picture of a watch on a watch. I’m hoping one day Mark makes some watches that have “Islander” written on the dial instead. Maybe for a more luxury yet still affordable line...
The Islanders are an incredible value.
I can use my 18mm clasp on the 16mm bracelet? Did I hear that correctly? I have a better clasp that’s 18mm that id like to put on the jubilee bracelet to make it perfect
I think your opinion on weather this is a luxury watch or not may change in a cpl years I’m not saying it’s the next Rolex I just feel you were a little tough on his design and did you actually say costed? Lol also being on a budget this kinda is a grail watch for the short term maybe a GS down the road
This still looks like it woukd be to big in my wrist , is there a smaller one available ? Seems most are 46 mm lug to lug
Just found out about this islander watch company today and trying to learn more about about these updated SKX 013/38mm. Can you let us know if you haven’t what the model number are? Is this the 01 and 02 models? Bc I just looked at the 04 models but that one looked like this one, but it was the like the SKX 07 and the 42mm model.
Push pins or pin & collar on the jubilee bracelet ?
Screws.
Wow, sounded just like Mark!
That's not a milled clasp, it's a pressed one. But my understanding is some of those models have been upgraded. I have one of the later generations, and it has a milled clasp.
nice catch, didn't even notice I said milled, sorry
Yep. The bracelets on the G2’s now have a milled clasp and screw pins as well. Applies to all sizes.
Mine just came in yesterday and have been enjoying it very much. One thing that initially shocked me was how small the dial was (my only frame of reference being the standard SKX). Looked like a toy at first haha.
defcon Agreed. It is small when directly and fairly compared to the SKX 009 size. That said, I would argue that while it is a little clone of the larger, it really would be treated like something entirely different. This is its own thing IMHO. I lobe the looks of the SKX009 size, but vastly prefer the feel and weight of the smaller 013 size on my wrist. I’ve had my 38mm Islander I’m for three days straight now, including to bed. I would never do that with the large version. The 38mm is heavy enough but not a rock on my arm. It’s a little beauty.
Would be cool if they kept the ISO rating.
Matt Lindsey Agreed, but that would significantly up the price. ISO ratings are time consuming and time is money. That said, according to Marc, these are wet tested to 200M whatever that means,
Were they ever? I'm not sure his own brand watches have ever been ISO! But i could be wrong.
@@NathanChisholm041 No, his watches are not ISO tested.
is the dial interchangeable with SKX dials?
Beautiful watch! Hey give 1 away!
I like everything about this watch. but I did hope he didn't copy the SKX013's thick case. It's too tall for 38mm and such short lugs.
The dimensions are identical. It wears a bit tall (the islander 38mm) BUT.. the overall compact size keeps it reasonable (I think)
Lugs aren’t that short like the 007 compared tot he case diameter
Would be nice in green
It just came out
More like from the wrist to the chuff, AMIright?
Bless you! Lol, great review cheers.
Lol, thank you
I can see your face...in the reflection on the jubilee links.
Nice!!
Man that bezel action makes me not wanna commit. Everything else though....🙌
Islanders are a value homerun, however, I think the non-black colorways are a bit of miss. Not for the colors chosen per say, but how they are implemented. They just seem flat to me.
it is easy to get it by examples:
let's say you have a skxo13(that's me) and you are sick of the 7s26 shaking everytime, hardlex glass so you wanna make some mods on it. sapphire with ar coating, nh36 movement and ceramic bezel with lume you will need. all those will cost over 200 without the labor if you cannot do it(most probably you cannot as you do not have a water resistant test system) what it costs over $300-400. so better get this one which is already made. i know it is not a brand yet, it is homage bla bla. then try the other way, upgrade your skx.
You could do the opposite. Buy the islander and then switch out the dials 😉
Damnit I like your vids. Please don’t tell me you said “costed” @ 17:47😂
Not as bad as another YT watch reviewer who routinely says, "Ecspecially". Yikes!
Reid Cruickshank 😂😂😂
Not for me, what is "The Islander"?
To me it comes back to the brand, and what I put on my wrist has to be somewhat special.
A brand promise is more than just products... It also includes feelings and so on...
Omega is for me :-)
It’s like a 1 year old brand at this point.
Thank you enjoyed the video ,Never considered these watches always thought of them as a cheap Chinese rip off !
They are really not! And they have an awesome backstory too.
How can they be a cheap Chinese knock off?
@@brianbuchert6382 there a copy of Seiko made in China I'm Shure there cheep !
Junior Johnson do you mean their instead of there and sure instead of shure?How am I supposed to take your view on a watch if you can’t even spell simple words correctly ? This watch is not cheap all you have to look at is what it offers a seiko movement saphire crystal Ceramic bezel hi quality screw together band these could sell for twice this price!
Oh yeah and you said cheep instead of cheap
Can see your face in the links...!
The new islanders have screwed links and a milled clasp!
Completely homage of a SKX 007 classic!!! Why...why....why.....I don' t understand the reason
Giorgos petinarelis because they discontinued the skx ! There was a lot of people let down by that a left a huge market to be filled not sure what’s so hard to understand about that????
@@brianbuchert6382 yes, finally I agree...
@@giorgospetinarelis9096 Good, glad you see the light. I would also add that even if you could still get a new, factory fresh skx, it won't be as good as this "homage." It wouldn't have a hackabale, handwindable, better Seiko workhorse movement, lumed ceramic bezel insert, MM dial, drilled lugs, sapphire crystal and solid end link bracelet.I think of it as less an "homage" than a memorial to Seiko's missed opportunity.
Not the best timing, though, lol. They're out of stock and Marc's latest video says it looks like the 013 is done.
Really, you couldn't edit out the two sneezes?
mere skx knockoff
Way too thick
A watch dial logo on a watch dial, how redundant and unimaginative. I am so underwhelmed by seiko, imagine an homage to seiko. Lol
Derek Shearer don’t see you doing any better sitting on the sideline lol
@@brianbuchert6382. In your world we have to be a watch designer to have an opinion on a watch design? Not in my world.
Might as well buy a real seiko at those prices. Sapphire doesn’t cost that much.
There are none at this size any more 🤷🏻♂️
Disgusting logo
I hate mine, hate they way they treated me and got crapped on by them for sending me a new one with complete manufacturing defects cause my old one broke and stopped working and hate the dial still. Great lume but hate how rude they were so much towards me
Especially hate how he's making even posters and trying so hard to OWN the skx it seems like
Cry me a river, while the violinist plays! 😂
Hate logo...logo looks cheep..rather have orient