Review of Islander x Urban Gentry Rangemaster - mechanical nostaligia
This watch feels a bit like Marmite here on WatchCrunch - for those not in the know that means you love it or hate it. People seem to attach their own feelings about both creators of the watch as well, something I’ll endeavor to avoid. As way of disclosure I’ve never purchased anything from Long Island Watch Company before but I do enjoy a fair few Urban Gentry videos here and there.
So what was the appeal of this watch to me?
Simply put the aesthetic of the 9,3,6 is something I’ve been interested in for quite some time. A friend has the high end option in the Rolex Explorer and it is a watch I’ve always appreciated but felt the grey-market and wait list games were never really worth it. The homage options never grabbed me much either if I am honest but this jumped out at me as a bit different. The interior 24 hour time reaches towards a slightly more military look than if it had been left off and the dash of red on the second hand is a nice touch.
The other appeal of the watch’s aesthetic was revealed to me when recently rewatching HBO’s Band of Brothers - small field watches are dotted on wrists throughout this series - often with a matching canvas green strap. There is something straight forward about the mechanical element of this watch - it does reach back to a simple time. Instead of waking and check a phone you wake and wind a watch. It’s a form of being connected to time but disconnected from immediacy.
That reaching back to the past is surely why the caseback is see through as well - yes it’s just an automatic movement with the rotor ripped out but it is all there. It is fun to be able to look at the gears - I can imagine it being fun to show a friend or a nephew the inner workings. The contrast of the gold to the sandblasted makes sense from this perspective and because it is only seen when turning the watch over it is not distracting. There are of course some etchings around the caseback as well but it is very faint, I think one is a statement from Urban Gentry’s family motto or something? Again it’s completely unnoticeable unless you look for it.
This watch does have a few flaws though. I think the dial is a bit crowded out by the Lion and the Islander logo. That’s a tough line to tread and I’m sure both parties have their own reasons for getting logos front side - but perhaps one could move to the back in future versions? I also can’t say I think the canvas strap that ships with it is particularly nice - it feels just a bit cheaper than one would hope. For me this is fine as it gives me a chance to make my own leather strap!
Overall I see this watch as a nice understated adventure watch. It is low profile and the 37 fits my wrist well. I think the price was right for what you get.
Review of Islander x Urban Gentry Rangemaster - mechanical nostaligia
Yes
No
- Field watch aesthetic
- Nice view of mechanical movement
- Size
- Cheap strap
- Crowded dial logos
- Limited edition
Thank you for the honest and straightforward review of your new watch. Mine should show up tomorrow... My first impression in pictures was "a bit crowded dial" as well, but took the plunge to see it in person. Actually, most smaller field watches with 24hr dials have this issue. People rave about the Hamilton Khaki lineup, but they have the same issue, especially the autos. I would be curious to hear you impression after a few weeks of ownership. I think this is a watch that will grow on you and become a fav after time. Watches are weird like that. Sometimes you learn to love them more, sometimes less. People are so quick to criticize based on a picture. You have it in hand and your critique is legit.
Thank you for the honest and straightforward review of your new watch. Mine should show up tomorrow... My first impression in pictures was "a bit crowded dial" as well, but took the plunge to see it in person. Actually, most smaller field watches with 24hr dials have this issue. People rave about the Hamilton Khaki lineup, but they have the same issue, especially the autos. I would be curious to hear you impression after a few weeks of ownership. I think this is a watch that will grow on you and become a fav after time. Watches are weird like that. Sometimes you learn to love them more, sometimes less. People are so quick to criticize based on a picture. You have it in hand and your critique is legit.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I think the double logo is the crowding issue mostly. I quite like the Lion of Urban Gentry but it is pretty small on the watch - a shame almost. Please do let me know your thoughts when you get yours!
"Connected to time but disconnected from immediacy..." -- nice!
That's a good response when people say, "Why do you wear a watch anyway?" Nowadays everything is immediacy but not many know the value of time. A mechanical watch reminds us of the movement through time that is our journey on this planet.
Family motto: Be that which you seem to be.
I like the logos integrated into the hour ring. Presumably one buys the watch because of the personalities behind it?
Nice review, very fair and thorough.
I think taking out the rotor was a brilliant move. Harkens back to simpler times and gets rid of the rotor noise of the miyota (which in other respects is a very fine movement). And I agree with Mark that the gold contrast with the steel case works great!
I also think the supplied strap is a let down. It can still be rugged and durable but the strap quality doesn't look that nice.
At least you can easily swap it out which will probably transform the watch for the better.
I also think the supplied strap is a let down. It can still be rugged and durable but the strap quality doesn't look that nice.
At least you can easily swap it out which will probably transform the watch for the better.
I’m working on a replacement strap now
Good review! I think you are correct about the dial being a bit crowded, especially when compared to the first Rangemaster. Still, I did get one. 😁
I didn't get one. Field watches just aren't my thing. I do think that this is a nice looking field watch. I also think the price was pretty fair.
I also think the supplied strap is a let down. It can still be rugged and durable but the strap quality doesn't look that nice.
At least you can easily swap it out which will probably transform the watch for the better.
Ended up making this strap for it!
Newly acquired, number 0953. Loving it so far, but I'm considering a strap change. I'd love a jubilee style bracelet, but feel that fitted end-links are a must with these long lugs and small case diameter. Has anyone had any luck finding a match? I'm eyeing the "Uncle Straps" bracelet for the Hamilton Kahki 38mm, which has a very similar case design and 20mm lugs. Thought I'd check here before sending my dollars their way.
Newly acquired, number 0953. Loving it so far, but I'm considering a strap change. I'd love a jubilee style bracelet, but feel that fitted end-links are a must with these long lugs and small case diameter. Has anyone had any luck finding a match? I'm eyeing the "Uncle Straps" bracelet for the Hamilton Kahki 38mm, which has a very similar case design and 20mm lugs. Thought I'd check here before sending my dollars their way.
Not myself, I felt it matched a more rugged leather look. Good luck with the bracelet!