Average Bros [Mark Alamares]
Zelos – Thresher Worldtimer, Gradient Dusk Dial w/applied 3D Lumicast Indices, Best Zelos of 2024?
updated
o Bottom-line – Still a lot of watch for the money, wears really well, and is a great attainable entry point into the highly coveted Zelos brand
• Closing thoughts
o Are these expensive? Yes, but they’re meant to be. They’re not trying to compete with other aftermarket watch strap manufacturers. Like with their Premium Sailcloth straps, they aim to compete with full-on Luxury OEM straps. These straps are more made to be an alternative to a $345 OEM Omega Hybrid strap, maybe something one would want to put their $5,000 IWC Mark XX on
I do wish they were a touch longer at an 80/120 length but not everyone has a 7.5” wrist or larger, so I can’t really hold it against them, as many will appreciate the reduced tail slack
For that they are, they’re pretty perfect and unfortunately perfection doesn’t come cheap
*Featuring Seiko Prospex 'Slim Turtles' SPB317 & SPB333*
belmontwatches.com/collections/modern-watches/products/king-seiko-sje083-140th-anniversary-1
*Omega Seamaster 1948 ‘London 2012’ – 522.23.39.20.02.001 vs. King Seiko ‘KSK/44KS Reissue’ – SJE083 / SDKA001*
*I was NOT paid by Ridge to do this video but they will be tracking the performance of this segment via the unique link and discount code*
o Bottom-line – It’s always fun to pair up EDC gear where the makers all match, so if you have a Ridge Wallet, Ring, Pen, or other related product, at this price, the watch is a no brainer to pair up
And if you don’t already have other Ridge products, I could easily see this capable and affordable little field watch leading to future Ridge product purchases to eventually pair with
• Closing thoughts:
o A lovely pairing for my SPB333 110th Anniversary Save the Ocean Limited Edition and any Slim Turtle alike
belmontwatches.com/products/omega-seamaster-300-summer-blue-41mm
*Seamaster Diver 300M – 210.30.42.20.03.002 'James Bond 60th Anniversary' vs. Seamaster 300 – 234.30.41.21.03.002 'Summer Blue 75th Anniversary'*
o Bottom-line – This is one of the ultimate gentleman’s divers and a true connoisseur’s choice, a purchase like this is very deliberate one backed by a passion and appreciation for a historical brand and model
*EXTRA $20 OFF W/CODE "SE20"*
o Bottom-line – If you’re into it, definitely don’t miss out on this gem of an affordable mechanical watch
If you own it long enough, who knows, maybe it’ll grow in value
And if you’re not concerned with value retention, then you could always mod it to suit your own tastes and spec preferences
o Bottom-line – An unapologetic tool diver that very clearly puts function over form in a package that feels thoroughly modern
*Contains comparisons to the Sinn U50 Tegimented and Seiko SLA039*
o Bottom-line – While admittedly not for everyone, the Ultra Deep is a solid flex among any group of dive watches and doesn't wear that much different than a 42mm Tudor Pelagos
*Contains a thickness comparison to the Tudor Pelagos LHD*
o Bottom-line – The Perfect Grand SARB / Rolex Datejust alternative with a super versatile color combo that adds the perfect amount of ‘Pop’ to the overall understated and timeless design layout
I would love to see this type of color layout on my modern KS SJE091
*Contains comparisons to the King Seiko SJE091 and Discontinued JDM Seiko SCVS001*
#seikosaturday
*Coupon: 'BALOFF' for $6.00 off*
o Bottom-line – At just $149, this classy and well executed little homage offers a lot of value for money
o Bottom-line – While not-at-all a homage to the famed 62MAS, I feel the Aquascaphe is a solid affordable alternative that contains much of the same charm, while still being relatively original, as well as being from a brand with genuine 'street-cred' vs. the typical homage-only factory brands that often fall short on brand and design, in favor of chasing the highest specs for the least amount of money
Breitling
Chopard
IWC
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Monto Blanc
Tudor
and More...
• Closing thoughts
o Very comfortable and finely crafted, premium feel
o Fine mix of style and performance
o Perfect match for my Seiko 5 Sports SSK003 ‘Blueberry’ GMT, gives it a more modern and sporty vibe
o Bottom-line – No, this watch isn’t exactly cheap and the strap is far from it (it’s basically the best Sailcloth strap on the market and is priced accordingly)
But with so many willing to pay $400 retail and up for a plastic Swatch with a disposable movement, which at the end of the day may be highly collectable, is more a piece of genius marketing memorabilia than it is a solid wristwatch
It will never be a Blancpain, yes it’s an authorized imitation but an imitation nonetheless
o So why not wear the Seiko 55 Fathoms with confidence? Albeit much less hype
o Bottom-line – While not especially inspired, the Allsport 1 is just different enough to offer a great dedicated tool diver that you really never have to worry about, with a semi-recognizable name brand to go along with its very recognizable design language, all for right around $100
I've been asked so many times to post a State of the Collection (SOTC) video but I simply have too many watches. So this past year I decided to go down the rabbit hole of curating my own personal core collection, a collection that best represented me as an individual collector vs. just the total numbers of pieces I've amassed due to the nature of having a YouTube channel where I review wristwatches. Yes, I love all watch brands but I'm a Seiko collector at heart, so it's only fitting that my core collection would be comprised of Seikos. Of course I wear other watches, and if I was a Porsche collector, it wouldn't stop me from driving other types of cars based on the use-case and accessibility, so there's no need to question my love for Microbrands like Monta, Nodus, Halios, or Baltic etc. (Maybe I'll work on a SOTC Microbrand edition next). In this video I'll discuss each piece, why I love it, and how it fits into the greater scheme of the collection overall.
While I was on location filming this segment, I also came to the consideration that before you purchase your next luxury timepiece to possibly consider spending that money on a luxury experience for yourself instead. As you can always purchase luxury goods second hand to save money over new but you can never truly have second hand experiences. Not all purchases are investments and not all investments are tangible but investing in one's self seems to always net some of the greatest returns. I shot this video while attending The September 'Men's Week' at the Golden Door Spa and Resort in San Marcos, CA and I have to say it was a truly life altering experience. The environment, the people, the activities, looking back it was like a fever dream of amazing times and deep conversations. Sure a luxury wristwatch may allow you to 'talk-the-talk' but enjoying a luxury experience such as this, allows you to 'walk-the-walk' and that's honestly pretty invaluable.
There were even quite a few fellow wristwatch enthusiasts attending the same week as I was and I saw everything from Rolex and Patek Philippe to Bertucci and Shinola adorning the wrists of some of the most interesting and successful folks I've ever met. I'd love to make this an annual adventure where I'm able to eventually interview some of those folks about their own timepiece journey and ambitions, but only time will tell. Thanks for the continued support and don't forget to let me know what you all think down in the comments below, thanks guys!
Links to dedicated reviews of each model featured:
Grand Seiko SBGR017 youtu.be/aPhDxTzq-9k?si=Z_Kg-CQ5lxVkq2Si
Grand Seiko SBGM245 youtu.be/UB3gVkQAfcI?si=bcfyikUJvQBAy61V
Seiko Prospex SLA017 youtu.be/NLSMie1dtVg?si=pLjewrpUlT4CHrHD
Seiko Prospex SRQ029 youtu.be/Y22vDFcn2rM?si=SKMv9D4YvJ3Ow-IN
King Seiko SJE091 youtu.be/NJ4tZkNiCcQ?si=yKEiG_0ASDJeAEKy
Seiko Astron SBXD007 youtu.be/3n-l88lWTqQ?si=8LcFiB-G_wWe7PjP
Seiko Scuba SCVF003 youtu.be/Dsn2PZC6fng?si=Zp2ka4DCeXEwZyBK
Seiko Flightmaster SBDS001 youtu.be/NulaL1cFfFk?si=3_EFV5QH1pB7PBcF
Seiko Prospex SLA039 youtu.be/ivGoINNql5g?si=c_mjMWE5-7c6aD_J
Seiko 5 Sports SRPK17 youtu.be/9W2musoQo8g?si=CDIECLx0tdZiot4J
• Closing thoughts:
o A family of timeless dive watches that have offered competitive options for diver’s from recreational to professional that have enough versatility to even be word daily as a modern Desk-diver
#seikosaturday
o Bottom-line – Although a very clear homage, it does impressively step up to the task of trying to emulate a truly luxurious hand-worked timepiece and if you can find one, it will surely impress, especially at the price point, so keep an eye out for future runs and iterations
o Bottom-line – The best keeps getting better, so for those who can appreciate the finer things, beyond just the spec sheet, Smooth Precision Pens have you covered and this latest iteration of their winning formula strays away from their ultra clean minimalist design and adds some purposeful complexity that really showcases the brands engineering and imagination in expanding their top tier offerings
I recently discovered a hidden gem in the hills of San Marcos California, The Golden Door Spa offers a truly unique and even transformative experience enveloped in lush accommodations honoring both traditional Japanese architecture and the natural tranquillity of Japan's countryside. This five minute snippet is just a preview of a future full-length segment still to come, where I shine a light on a select group of semi-rare and exquisite Seiko timepieces, ranging across their luxury Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines, to premium Astron and Prospex, and even entry-level Seiko 5 Sports. Thank you for watching and I hope you enjoyed, cheers!
Links to dedicated reviews of each model featured:
Grand Seiko SBGR017 youtu.be/aPhDxTzq-9k?si=Z_Kg-CQ5lxVkq2Si
Grand Seiko SBGM245 youtu.be/UB3gVkQAfcI?si=bcfyikUJvQBAy61V
Seiko Prospex SLA017 youtu.be/NLSMie1dtVg?si=pLjewrpUlT4CHrHD
Seiko Prospex SRQ029 youtu.be/Y22vDFcn2rM?si=SKMv9D4YvJ3Ow-IN
King Seiko SJE091 youtu.be/NJ4tZkNiCcQ?si=yKEiG_0ASDJeAEKy
Seiko Astron SBXD007 youtu.be/3n-l88lWTqQ?si=8LcFiB-G_wWe7PjP
Seiko Scuba SCVF003 youtu.be/Dsn2PZC6fng?si=Zp2ka4DCeXEwZyBK
Seiko Flightmaster SBDS001 youtu.be/NulaL1cFfFk?si=3_EFV5QH1pB7PBcF
Seiko Prospex SLA039 youtu.be/ivGoINNql5g?si=c_mjMWE5-7c6aD_J
Seiko 5 Sports SRPK17 youtu.be/9W2musoQo8g?si=CDIECLx0tdZiot4J
Featured on Seiko 5 Sports – SRPK17 55th Anniversary ‘Re-creation’ Limited Edition
o Bottom-line – The increased costs of mainstream mechanical chronographs can make them price prohibitive for many, so it’s great to this whole sub-class of options that can be accessed by most any enthusiast
o Bottom-line – TRM made a nearly perfect EDC folding knife for those who can appreciate simplicity and functionality in their daily cutting tools, this is a pocket knife for knife lovers and collectors who pay attention to the finer details and aren’t just looking for the next “hype” drop
nomos-glashuette.com/en/metro/metro-neomatik-39-silvercut-1114
o Bottom-line – NOMOS strike a unique sweet spot of high design, value-for-money, and brand recognition with legitimate specs
They’re like the Tudor of dress watches and that’s a great niche to lead
o Bottom-line – I’m really impressed by this one, especially as an initial offering
Looking forward to seeing what come next, would love to see a tinned out, more complex case to better balance off of their impressive dial elements
• Closing thoughts
o No overly potent vanilla scents
o Super comfortable
o Does feel more premium, although not flashy and while $50 isn’t cheap for a strap, it’s far from some of the more expensive options
analogshift.com/products/wolf-flatiron-ii-5-piece-watch-box
analogshift.com/products/analog-shift-x-wolf-flatiron-ii-5-piece-watch-box-walnut
• Closing thoughts
o Outstanding style with great build quality and details for the money
o My ONLY minor issue, is that with my larger 7.5” wrist-size, bracelet equipped pieces may feel like their links are bunching up
Their higher capacity boxes use a tab system that should solve this though
*Coupon: 'BALOFF' for $6.00 off*
o Bottom-line – At just $159, this classy and well executed little military inspired piece offers a lot of value for money
Try Discount Code: merkurwatch033
o Bottom-line – a lot of fun in a stylish/super-affordable package under $200
mirageluxurytravel.com/products/6-watch-case-the-mirage-espresso-brown-ivory-white-watch-case
• Closing thoughts
o High value offerings for both travel and home storage with flexible options for colors and number of wristwatches to store
o Bottom-line – Well executed, thoughtfully designed, and a solid value
haveston.com/service-series/92-766-HAV022.html#/27-size-20mm
• Closing thoughts
o Very comfortable wear, well thought out ergo’s, soft and pliable
Rugged yet refined, the thoughtful and premium touches we’ve come to expect from Haveston
o A premium product executed to a high-level finish from a new brand with an eye for military designs, that continue to impress with every new release, update, and iteration
o Bottom-line – With its combination of strong specs, versatile looks, and an affordable price, the OCEANICA Mako is a diver for folks who love and collect divers
boldrsupply.co/collections/hack-your-adventures/products/wildman-i
o Bottom-line – An awesome mashup of two different genres that really come together to feel like a very cohesive and purposeful timepiece
o Bottom-line – Jon and Traska have refined the Summiteer from a no-nonsense everyday field watch into a luxury-like adventure piece that can impress equally whether out on the summit or back at your local headquarters
belmontwatches.com/products/king-seiko-sje083-140th-anniversary-1
belmontwatches.com/products/king-seiko-spb281
seikoluxe.com/two-slim-modern-creations-inspired-by-heritage-join-the-king-seiko-collection
o Bottom-line – Higher-end finishing and spec with an iconic design from a notable earmark in Seiko’s rich history, makes this an attainable grail for many collectors or even a great thin automatic alternative to many of Grand Seiko’s bulkier silhouettes
aliexpress.com/item/3256805465725860.html
o Bottom-line – Not everyone wants to own a Rolex but many can still choose to enjoy the timeless design aesthetic and at these prices, with these specs, it does make it easier and more accessible than ever to just tryout and see if these are designs you might find truly wearable
o Final Word – While not for everyone, the Jamanta diver will delight those looking for something more offbeat without sacrificing on build quality
o Bottom-line – This is a must have for fans of Spartan Blades and a still a nice-to-have for anyone who might appreciate fine mechanical design and craftsmanship
• Closing thoughts
o Solid, affordable, and versatile options that add the perfect diver meets driver versatility for both watersports and motorsports inspired pieces
o PERFECT pairing for my new for 2023 Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary Reissue SRPK17
o Make Sure to take advantage of their ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free’ offers
o Bottom-line – If you want a Speedy that stands out in a sea Professional Moon-watches, but doesn’t feel silly, gimmicky, or different just for the sake of it, the ’57 line just might be your sweet spot


