Should I?
I'm very fond of Roman Numerals on any time piece for it truly resembles a pocket watch from the Victorian era. To scratch that itch, I have purchased a Seiko SSA231 about a year or two ago.
Seiko SSA231
I love this watch, sadly I dropped it and is not holding a charge and is currently being serviced at a local time shop. I also love GMT complications, but they're always on a sports or dive style design. I have the SSK001, but I would love to have a dress watch with this complication. I'm drooling for the GS SBGM221, but that's a long shot of being obtainable at this time.
And then, after going through some YouTubers, I found this piece that's only sold on Ali Express and I can't help but stare at it.
I&W GMT 691G Not only does it look good in this design form, but having a GMT on a dress watch for around $117 is triggering my senses to go and pull the trigger. It is powered by the Seiko NH34 which is the 4R34 found on my SSK001, but since it's a Chinese startup, I'm having second thoughts. Everything checks, my only fear is the reputation of the brand, it obviously doesn't have the heritage #seiko carries and that slight meh feeling on the "Carnival" print on it's logo. I&W would've been proper, I just don't understand what the "Carnival" moniker is for. Again, it's a slight nitpick and I do believe the Carnival print balances the logo and the overall design language. To conclude, what are your thoughts? I have never owned watches that are not from reputable Japanese watch makers like Seiko, Casio, and Citizen and I would be intrigued to know what your thoughts are of Ali Express brands and most importantly, if you believe this GMT dress time piece is certainly worth the asking price it's going for. Thanks and cheers Crunchers 🍻!
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Thank you for the insightful and detailed rundown of Ali Express. I have never bought watches from them neither anything non Japanese watches. I'm beginning to get real curious on these brands as they have been garnering attention from some and I must admit, some of them are definitely lookers! I'll research more on the specs of the watch and also explore more, but a dress GMT for this low price is rare.
I have seen these brands and they're ok in my opinion based off my taste on design language. However, I believe I have found a brand called Escapement Time that suits my personal taste best and it also dons a Seiko movement (VH31 meca-quartz). I'm definitely putting that on the cart alongside the I&W for it somehow has that King Seiko look and that right there is a winner for me.
I have also been eyeing the Carnival GMT. I love the look. Not over done but attractive. I have 2 Carnival for about a year and they haven't failed me.
I have also been eyeing the Carnival GMT. I love the look. Not over done but attractive. I have 2 Carnival for about a year and they haven't failed me.
They do have that attractive charm, I for one got indulged on the Roman numerals and beautiful dial layout. It's just a tad bit on the bigger side for a dress watch, but then again, my Citizens are of the same size and so is that Seiko I have on the photo.