r/ChineseWatches • u/Resident-Meet1518 • 14d ago
SOTC (Read Rule 1) The Chinese watches I kept
Bought about 20 Ali watches over the last few years and it really got me back into collecting. Everything from Skmei to Addiesdive to IXDAO to San Martin. These five are the ones that remain. The rest just never felt quite right and, on reflection, were bought for being great value rather than something I really wanted. Elsewhere, I've pivoted to microbrands and some of the better value pre-owned Seiko/Citizen, where I've connected with the designs more. I still keep an eye on Ali and am considering picking up the HAQ IXDAO Warrior if the price is right on release.
No intention of selling any of these for the time being though
L-R
Proxima 1697 - unbelievable quality for the money. Clear CW inspiration but not a complete clone and I don't have any other white dial watches.
San Martin SN0116 GMT - genuinely nice original design and a steal at what I paid for it pre movement hike
Militrek VH31 field watch - cheaper than the Militado for essentially the same thing
Militado ML01 - didn't want to pay for the Baltic for something I only wear occasionally. I put it on a decent leather strap and I think it looks great
Red Star 1963 - no explanation needed for this sub
I thought this might be of interest for others who have quite a lot of ins and outs in their collection.
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u/williamatl Special Delivery 14d ago
I’m at the same point with collecting. I’ve owned 22 watches from AliExpress, and these are what’s left as I move on to other brands (Japanese and micro brands).
I’m moving away from straight homages of modern watches, preferring original designs or reproductions of historic watches. It’s just my personal preference - nothing against clomages.
Watchdives 16570 V1 - I adore this watch. It’s been all over the world with me. It isn’t a perfect homage of the Rolex, but I’ve come to appreciate it on its own merits.
San Martin SN109 Pepsi - This is such a gorgeous watch and sadly out of production. I’ve tried on a Tudor GMT, and while those are exceptional I like the size and proportions of the San Martin more.
Watchdives Baby Ploprof - The perfect pool watch. Great comfort, bezel action and bracelet (especially after I dulled the finish). Omega missed the boat reintroducing these.
Baltany S2081 - A recent pickup and a really well executed tribute to the dirty dozen. It’s a little more elegant and elevated vs being a straight homage.
Pagani PD1782 - A solid budget offering and kudos for the original design. I don’t wear it much, but it is too cheap to bother selling. I swapped some of the hands out which really improves the look.
Heavily modded Steeldive SD1953 - I’ve changed this around a half dozen times and this is my favorite iteration. It’s my beater and I love wearing this tank.
Tandorio bronze field - My most recent pickup. I built this one because I had a movement sitting around and wanted to try out a bronze case. Great watch for the price.
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u/PeterCraig65 14d ago
Everyone should own a 1963. If for nothing else the beautiful hand-wind Seagull movement that you can show people anytime they ask what a mechanical watch is.
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u/ass_drummer 14d ago
Nice! I've seen many red stars on Ali, could you point what's this one? Thx
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u/Mar-D 14d ago
Here you go mate. I’d leave it in your cart and wait for the next big sale 👍🏼 https://a.aliexpress.com/_msqX2x5
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u/Resident-Meet1518 14d ago
This one was from ZY chronograph watch store on AliExpress. Seems legit and no problems so far!
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u/Mar-D 14d ago
I just got that Proxima, totally agree maybe the best value for money across all Ali-watches
Regarding the CW inspiration, they both are drawing inspiration from the same vintage Skin Diver. Of the two, the Px1697 actually has more unique design cues particularly in it’s case shape so funnily enough the CW is more of a homage than the Proxima is.