what do you think of ALIEXPRESS watches

I love them. Crazy value for the money. It's absolutely insane. If anyone needs help finding a good one that fits them then feel free to contact me.

Here's list of the best brands that I know of: Baltany, Octopus, Sugess, Seestern, San Martin, Steeldive, Addiesdive, Cronos, Heimdallr and lastly Tactical Frog

I generally disapprove. I don’t mind so much when they poach the IP of an out of production item. But the outright theft of current model IP, the fact that they produce watches using what are GLOBALLY unfair labor practices and pay, and I have seen outright counterfeits for sale. The kicker for me is how China (who has a massive military budget, a nuclear arsenal, an aerospace industry, and a space program) claims “developing nation” status which allows them to shift shipping costs of produced good to the postal services of member nations. Ever wonder why they can ship stuff for free, or 99cents? It’s because the postal services of the US and many European nations absorb the cost for shipping. That’s right. Everything you buy there is shipped on your and my dime and it cuts out distribution partners in target countries. It’s the epitome of unfair trade practices.

Ok.. now hold on a sec as I stand down off my soap box.

Also, you kids, get off my lawn.

meh - buy from where you want.

I didn’t know this. I’ve always shied away from Ali because I figure if I need a replacement or if I get the wrong thing or if I get ripped off it would be easier to deal with Amazon.

I’m interested in the baltany chronos

That kind of deserves a post of its own… a news article actually. I legit didn’t know about the shipping costs scheme.

I purchased the Pagani Design PD1701v3 last year and love it!

and was given a Corguet "Railmaster" a couple of years ago; also nice!

Have no problem with Aliexpress 👍

I think the bit about shipping deserves some legitimate documentation in order to be considered more than hearsay. Linky, anyone?

It's a mixed bag. Not every watch on AliExpress is a good buy, and post-purchase service can vary drastically.

There are things that I buy only on AliExpress, some that I would consider buying on AliExpress, and some that I simply would not buy there.

It really pays to do your research, and with a little experience you will have positive results. AliExpress is not something I would recommend for somebody completely new to watches.

Yeah.. I think I’d be better off extolling the virtues of paper straws over plastic. People here love their cheap watches and parts from China.😝

I purchased 4 over a couple years. Three Corgeut homages and a Sea Gull. The last one was a Corgeut that arrived with the stutter on the seconds hand. The official Corgeut store would not refund or replace it as they said it was "operating within tolerance". Ali Express would not take it back. I have since decided homages are not for me and donated the Corgeuts to Goodwill (kept and still wear the Sea Gull occasionally).

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2019-000773_EN.html#:~:text=The%20Universal%20Postal%20Union%20(UPU,or%20between%20EU%20Member%20States.

https://youtu.be/BA6gDep6jVM?si=eT1OBuA-HYX6Ijgw

There you go. It’s the result of some treaty from like.. the 1850s.

Thanks for that. The question to the European Parliament was not answered in the provided document. The Wikipedia article about the Universal Postal Union has more details, including history and some information about recent discussions and negotiations.

Note that although China is provided the same rates as other Group III countries, these agreements and treaties are not specific to China.

Thanks for running it down. I was in a rush. No, I agree. But they are benefitting… unfairly. China has the number two economy on the planet. That’s sorta like Elon Musk using Medicare or stocking up at the local food bank. No?