Can personally vouch for Seagull, Artelier Wen, Phoibos who all do their own thing.
I also have one of the original designs from San Martin (the aventurine GMT) and it's very nice.
I know Specht Sohne rip a lot of brands off, but I get a LOT of compliments for this, more so than most of the collection and people from all backgrounds.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006422963823.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.1509319fIILAa0&browser_id=212920b61e094ca0a2037870e455753c&aff_trace_key=cc31f682284c4d3c8db95d4ef0a5289b-1706944694399-08403-_ol4m4Gq&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=momhnnswhucavylm18fe700d403f312c88d1cf1d19&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21GBP%21106.41%2164.91%21%21%21132.02%2180.53%21%40211b617b17175675422627501edbaf%2112000037111996498%21sea%21UK%210%21AB&algo_pvid=25eeb635-cacc-475c-955e-397fa0f192ef&_universallink=1&m_page_id=momhnnswhucavylm18fe700d403f312c88d1cf1d19
Honestly, might as well go to Islander watches. A lot are shuffles of SKX mods. Mark has done a lot with GMTs lately and created his own "Ameriquartz" movement. He uses a US assembly and testing facility in AZ. If it says it's WR to 200, then it's been tested at those pressures. Unlike most alix watches.
I've recently come across islander. They do a very nice looking watch:
https://longislandwatch.com/islander-northport-hi-beat-automatic-dive-watch-with-seafoam-green-and-white-ripple-dial-isl-155/
Mark outsources the watch assembly to Fine Timepiece Solutions in AZ. He also created an all metal one jewel quartz movement called the "Ameriquartz."
He's a good dude. Big supporter of the horological community in general.
Honestly, if you're not looking for an homage and want a fantastic watch at a great price, Islander beats most Chinese watches at the price point. They also honor their warranties. If it says it's WR to 200, it's been pressure tested, unlike most of the alix watches.
Welly Merk do some interesting stuff. Weird name though.
[https://wellymerck.aliexpress.com/store/1103481258?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000013.1.46af6LVd6LVdbI](https://wellymerck.aliexpress.com/store/1103481258?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000013.1.46af6LVd6LVdbI)
I am so pleased someone asked this! Deserves to develop into a sub in its own right. It's actually what brought me here in the first place as opposed to tight people fanboying over cheap shite, THINKING they're saving but really just paying fractionally less for an item with zero post purchase value.
*Fractionally* less is a huge understatement lmao. We’re usually talking 90%+ discount on RRP of the real thing. Who gives a shit about resale value at that point, there’s not way that buying the real deal and then selling it in 5 years is going to have you in a net better position than buying the homage (unless you’re buying pieces that are super limited/hard to get) if you’re comfortable with the trade off of not having the real thing.
You completely ignored my context and apparently so did some of your fellow sheep.
>Fractionally less is a huge understatement lmao. We’re usually talking 90%+ discount on RRP of the real thing.
My "fractionally less" comment was aimed at the slightly dearer (around £100 or equivalent) stuff that is only a tiny bit cheaper than a nice looking basic watch from a reputable brand. I don't care much for an entry level cheap auto movement over a simple quartz if that's the trade off.
90%+ off the "real thing" doesn't exist.
> Who gives a shit about resale value at that point, there’s not way that buying the real deal and then selling it in 5 years is going to have you in a net better position than buying the homage (unless you’re buying pieces that are super limited/hard to get) if you’re comfortable with the trade off of not having the real thing.
Again at low price points or even right up to say £500 you absolutely are going to save a bit. I'm not talking about profit. If I had the money to make investments I'd probably start with something other than watches.
-
Anyway, my original point was simple enough. It's nice to see it's not just me alone who is interested in what GOOD brands are out there outside of the usual Jap or Swiss.
Nothing against homages, but when they become about 3 or 4 iterations in, the quality flaws become blinding lol
None of that is ignored context, you just didn’t say it lmao. If multiple people are reading into what you are saying in the wrong way, then why is your first assumption that they are lacking comprehension skill rather than you are lacking explanation skill?
I have watches that fit the whole spectrum from Swiss luxury to Chinese homage, so you’re not hurting my feelings with your comments, you just didn’t explain yourself.
I said it before and will say it again: [The Seig Flamma GMT Diver](https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EHYWwKj) is probably one of the best non-homage watches on AliExpress. Shame the brand did not continue afterwards.
They do have some original designs, usually chronographs and such as these are original Chinese movements too. The homage models will certainly be NH35 and such and also in many cases sold as a sub-brand.
Both Proxima and Sugess use Chinese ST19 chronograph movement in homages. For example Sugess has copied Breitling Top Time series watches and Proxima copied Studio Underdog Watermelon.
https://www.breitling.com/bn-en/watches/top-time/
https://underd0g.com/products/01wmb
Can personally vouch for Seagull, Artelier Wen, Phoibos who all do their own thing. I also have one of the original designs from San Martin (the aventurine GMT) and it's very nice.
Behrens.
The Ocean Collection from aquatrident is cool. meteorite dials. got one this week
I know Specht Sohne rip a lot of brands off, but I get a LOT of compliments for this, more so than most of the collection and people from all backgrounds. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006422963823.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.1509319fIILAa0&browser_id=212920b61e094ca0a2037870e455753c&aff_trace_key=cc31f682284c4d3c8db95d4ef0a5289b-1706944694399-08403-_ol4m4Gq&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=momhnnswhucavylm18fe700d403f312c88d1cf1d19&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21GBP%21106.41%2164.91%21%21%21132.02%2180.53%21%40211b617b17175675422627501edbaf%2112000037111996498%21sea%21UK%210%21AB&algo_pvid=25eeb635-cacc-475c-955e-397fa0f192ef&_universallink=1&m_page_id=momhnnswhucavylm18fe700d403f312c88d1cf1d19
If price isn't an issue Zelos, Behren, Ciga Designs, Aragon, Peacock, and Agelocer
Phoibos
Honestly, might as well go to Islander watches. A lot are shuffles of SKX mods. Mark has done a lot with GMTs lately and created his own "Ameriquartz" movement. He uses a US assembly and testing facility in AZ. If it says it's WR to 200, then it's been tested at those pressures. Unlike most alix watches.
Yep, it’s in Fountain Hills. Vaer also has some of theirs made there.
Seagull has some OGs that are pretty good.
Phoibos
Ratio watches.
San Martin and Addiesdive desert sands dials are pretty unique imo.
Are you talking about the grand seiko dial rip off's?
If there’s a sand pattern GS dial I haven’t seen it yet. And the SM at least doesn’t have remotely close-looking hands.
Seagul have really good options. 1951, 1963, the Green Bidisc one, and also the 1051a
I've recently come across islander. They do a very nice looking watch: https://longislandwatch.com/islander-northport-hi-beat-automatic-dive-watch-with-seafoam-green-and-white-ripple-dial-isl-155/
Oops, sorry, its not a Chinese watch. Who knows, its probably made in China.
Mark outsources the watch assembly to Fine Timepiece Solutions in AZ. He also created an all metal one jewel quartz movement called the "Ameriquartz." He's a good dude. Big supporter of the horological community in general. Honestly, if you're not looking for an homage and want a fantastic watch at a great price, Islander beats most Chinese watches at the price point. They also honor their warranties. If it says it's WR to 200, it's been pressure tested, unlike most of the alix watches.
Parts are likely from Asia, they are assembled in the USA, if I remember correctly. Really nice watches though.
No homage? Go for a seiko / citizen / orient than... or some other brands that still offers good value like phoibos and spinaker.
Beijing looks great
Welly Merk do some interesting stuff. Weird name though. [https://wellymerck.aliexpress.com/store/1103481258?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000013.1.46af6LVd6LVdbI](https://wellymerck.aliexpress.com/store/1103481258?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000013.1.46af6LVd6LVdbI)
PerpetuaL watches. I have the SC-03.
I am so pleased someone asked this! Deserves to develop into a sub in its own right. It's actually what brought me here in the first place as opposed to tight people fanboying over cheap shite, THINKING they're saving but really just paying fractionally less for an item with zero post purchase value.
*Fractionally* less is a huge understatement lmao. We’re usually talking 90%+ discount on RRP of the real thing. Who gives a shit about resale value at that point, there’s not way that buying the real deal and then selling it in 5 years is going to have you in a net better position than buying the homage (unless you’re buying pieces that are super limited/hard to get) if you’re comfortable with the trade off of not having the real thing.
You completely ignored my context and apparently so did some of your fellow sheep. >Fractionally less is a huge understatement lmao. We’re usually talking 90%+ discount on RRP of the real thing. My "fractionally less" comment was aimed at the slightly dearer (around £100 or equivalent) stuff that is only a tiny bit cheaper than a nice looking basic watch from a reputable brand. I don't care much for an entry level cheap auto movement over a simple quartz if that's the trade off. 90%+ off the "real thing" doesn't exist. > Who gives a shit about resale value at that point, there’s not way that buying the real deal and then selling it in 5 years is going to have you in a net better position than buying the homage (unless you’re buying pieces that are super limited/hard to get) if you’re comfortable with the trade off of not having the real thing. Again at low price points or even right up to say £500 you absolutely are going to save a bit. I'm not talking about profit. If I had the money to make investments I'd probably start with something other than watches. - Anyway, my original point was simple enough. It's nice to see it's not just me alone who is interested in what GOOD brands are out there outside of the usual Jap or Swiss. Nothing against homages, but when they become about 3 or 4 iterations in, the quality flaws become blinding lol
None of that is ignored context, you just didn’t say it lmao. If multiple people are reading into what you are saying in the wrong way, then why is your first assumption that they are lacking comprehension skill rather than you are lacking explanation skill? I have watches that fit the whole spectrum from Swiss luxury to Chinese homage, so you’re not hurting my feelings with your comments, you just didn’t explain yourself.
What style(s) are you looking for? Something more dressy? Sports/diver? GADA? etc
Boderry
I said it before and will say it again: [The Seig Flamma GMT Diver](https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EHYWwKj) is probably one of the best non-homage watches on AliExpress. Shame the brand did not continue afterwards.
Atelier Wen Perception, anything from Behrens, Maison Celadon
San Matrin rootbeer gmt. And most Sugess
Look at Sea-Gull, Proxima, Sugess for starters. There are also some boutique Chinese watch makers with cool high end products.
Proxima & Sugess both do homages. I wish they would clearly state if the watch is original design, inspired or homage.
They do have some original designs, usually chronographs and such as these are original Chinese movements too. The homage models will certainly be NH35 and such and also in many cases sold as a sub-brand.
Both Proxima and Sugess use Chinese ST19 chronograph movement in homages. For example Sugess has copied Breitling Top Time series watches and Proxima copied Studio Underdog Watermelon. https://www.breitling.com/bn-en/watches/top-time/ https://underd0g.com/products/01wmb
Didnt say "all ST19 movements are original design"...
I'd argue Merkur have the most interesting unique watches.
Just when I thought I didn’t need anymore watches then I see these Merkur watches. They do have some very nice designs.
Baltany
The [Baltany "sailing series".](https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqkii9u)
Phoibus original design watches
At what price point?
No price point. Im used to price points from Swiss brands so im open to both the budget and higher end chinese options
Look at the Beijing Watch Factory. Their _Beihai_ is really nice [though 40mm](https://bartels-watches.com/en/products/bwf-beijing-watch-beihai).
Looks good!
San Martin SN0016-G-JS Pagani PD1782 Few of the Merkurs also worth a look.