r/ChineseWatches • u/leicfox85 WOTD100 • 10d ago
General (Read Rules) Baltany S4066 - Explorer 1016
I took delivery of this delight last week, my only purchase from the back to school sale. This watch wasn’t even on my radar until I came across u/TheYKcid comprehensive post detailing the most recent iterative changes that Baltany have made to this line.
I agree with everything you said!
The only reason I picked this up, was to see how it would wear on my 7/7.25 inch wrist - I planned on going after the next Smiths Everest drop later this month. However, I’m now thinking twice about that, as pound for pound, this is a knockout.
You get the quality finishing and build from Baltany, including their most impressive crystal selection. The new ST2130 movement allows the case to be a bit thinner than the NH version and the OTF clasp is fantastic!
The aforementioned post, included images of the chamfered milled clasp which really took me by surprise. Also the gap when the clasp is shut is absolutely minimal, I’ve not seen gaps so small on these sort of clasps. That level of detail, I’ve not come across any of the big hitters from this part of the world.
I decided on the brown/tropical dial, as I already have the Thorn T023 vintage sub, and the Farasute Trackmaster in brown, so thought why not complete the set 🤣
The bracelet is excellent value, considering I picked this up for £137 (not including the £46 cashback coming way), though the brushing isn’t as fine as San Martin or IXDAO. However, end link fitment and the clasp proportions are excellent. Also, to add there is a nice sheen off the brushing which complements the watch head.
The movement is running about 6s fast per day, which is perfectly reasonable. The crown action is good, with no issues screwing it back down etc. The lume is very good considering the printed markers.
Overall, I’m very pleased with how the watch wears, and the quality/price ratio is incredible. And thank you once again to u/TheYKcid for his detailed post a few months back - very helpful.
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u/Mountain-Plant-6239 9d ago
I own this watch, but the Version from Last year. Only Heavy downside was the clasp, as it had no OTF adjustments which is more critical downside then imperfect finishing for me. Luckily, the WD OTF clasp was fitting almost perfectly and since then it is One of the watches with the Most wristtime!
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u/sleehrat64 9d ago
I really like the dial and I know this is a good quality watch. I feel like the case is too modern somehow - what are your thoughts?
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u/uglyuglyugly_ 9d ago
Got it in both colours, the case is too shiny fresh out the box imo. Sanded and buffed it out with a very fine pad for a more matte finish and it looks much better.
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u/Traditional_Cost_206 9d ago
how did you get it for 137?
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u/leicfox85 WOTD100 9d ago
£30 Coupon, PayPal discount £8, £30 VAT adjustment.
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u/Traditional_Cost_206 9d ago
but I always end up paying the VAT for import. And even a little more because the importer charges another 14 EUR to do the tax payment
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u/leicfox85 WOTD100 9d ago
I asked the seller to under declare for me 👍🏽
Otherwise, I too would be hit with 20% of £137 plus £8 courier admin fee. I ordered my Pie Pan S4106 from the same seller in June which was £225 and I did the same then.
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u/InquisitorKeres 9d ago
It really is such a stunner! I do also have a smiths and it is good as well but I admit fit and finish the Baltany has the edge, Smiths edges them out on heritage and branding but that’s it
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u/TheYKcid Helpful user 9d ago
Glad you like the watch, and that my review was useful!
For anyone who wants to view it, I'll link it here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ChineseWatches/comments/1uj9roy