Islander Northport Review: best dial under 500 dollars
YouTube is what got me into watches like many of you so I have always wondered if Islander watches the company ran by Marc from Long Island Watches was any good. I finally was able to get hands on with the Northport and while I suspected that it was going to be a cool watch I wasn’t fully aware of how blown away I would be. For under 500$ the dial detail and colors used is absolutely stunning. I can’t recall this specific shade of blue/green used on another watch and it is really something. The level of polishing and detail work is also far above the price point from my personal experience. It also helps that this watch shares the same exact sizing and thickness as a Rolex OP or datejust 41 so it looks and feels amazing on wrist.
I am seriously considering picking up one of these for myself. If you’re interested in getting the full review please check out my review video here and if you enjoyed it slap that subscribe button.
if this watch is too out there for you they do come in a mixture of different colors some of which are a bit more tame; however, I do think this dial is the one to get. The motors high beat at the heart of this movement is also a nice touch as that second hand looks extra smooth as it moves and it’s something that brings your eyes to the dial which is of course the centerpiece quite latterly of this watch.
Islander Northport Review: best dial under 500 dollars
Yes
No
- Amazing dial
- Fun and unique colors used
- High beat movement
- High level of finishing for the money
- Great sizing of 40.5mm
- That I don’t own one
This is the official watchcrunch profile for the Watch and Unwind YouTube Channel. I am a doctor of physical therapy, a pro mma fighter, and most importantly a father.
Hit that on accident lol I do recommend it
It's a looker, but I find that the baton handset is kind of boring.
It's a looker, but I find that the baton handset is kind of boring.
I could see that but I think it looks clean with the indices and the rest of the design. Can’t imagine what else they would use for this design
Good review. They are definitely on my list and Marc does a real good job and seems to know his stuff.
I could see that but I think it looks clean with the indices and the rest of the design. Can’t imagine what else they would use for this design
That's fair -- it does kind of have a 62MAS vibe to it.
Islander’s insistence on identifying the movement manufacturer on some dials is an unforced error. It’s a major detractor. I still don’t see the overall value in the Islander lineup and there are certainly areas to criticize with this model. Obviously, the co is breaking from Seiko in a hard way to keep up with micros/independents moving to Miyota, but with the financial resources at Islander’s disposal, is this really the best they can offer? I wouldn’t buy one. There are just too many alternatives at this price point.
It's a looker, but I find that the baton handset is kind of boring.
Boring for sure. The seconds hand is flawed. Way too short.
I would love to get one of these, especially for vacations on the Northeastern coast. I have a green Islander Southhold coming soon to test their divers. My partner enjoys her Islander Manhasset.
Boring for sure. The seconds hand is flawed. Way too short.
Actually, I don’t think the seconds hand could be much longer. The lume pip isn’t at the tip…the tip is blending into the index in that photo.
Good review. They are definitely on my list and Marc does a real good job and seems to know his stuff.
Thank you! I appreciate it. Yeah I have been watching him for along time so it’s cool to actually get my hands on one of his watches.
Boring for sure. The seconds hand is flawed. Way too short.
Some say boring I say refined. Some watches I like flashy and some I like more basic
I would love to get one of these, especially for vacations on the Northeastern coast. I have a green Islander Southhold coming soon to test their divers. My partner enjoys her Islander Manhasset.
Nice! I grew up in the northeast. I grew up in Massachusetts and got married in Maine. Let me know how you like the south hold
Islander’s insistence on identifying the movement manufacturer on some dials is an unforced error. It’s a major detractor. I still don’t see the overall value in the Islander lineup and there are certainly areas to criticize with this model. Obviously, the co is breaking from Seiko in a hard way to keep up with micros/independents moving to Miyota, but with the financial resources at Islander’s disposal, is this really the best they can offer? I wouldn’t buy one. There are just too many alternatives at this price point.
I do agree that it’s a little weird to put the movement on the dial and would rather just have it blank. I can’t really find anything I don’t like on this model but like most micro brands you’re throwing away the money as there won’t be good value hold but on any 500 dollar watch that’s an issue.
I do agree that it’s a little weird to put the movement on the dial and would rather just have it blank. I can’t really find anything I don’t like on this model but like most micro brands you’re throwing away the money as there won’t be good value hold but on any 500 dollar watch that’s an issue.
That’s not always true. Zelos watches hold their value pretty well.
That’s not always true. Zelos watches hold their value pretty well.
Good to know I haven’t been super familiar with Zelos
It is genuinely my most worn watch. The quality for the money is unbelievable. The case is crazy comfortable. I highly, highly recommend
It is genuinely my most worn watch. The quality for the money is unbelievable. The case is crazy comfortable. I highly, highly recommend
Looks great on your wrist and on that strap. I definitely agree with you the quality and craftsmanship is very good for the price. You’re also right about how comfortable it is. Has the same diameter and thickness as a Rolex 41 datejust or OP
Nice! I grew up in the northeast. I grew up in Massachusetts and got married in Maine. Let me know how you like the south hold
Will do!
Cheers 🍻
It's one of my favorites in the Islander collection. (That and the Bumblebee, I think it's called.) The ombré on that watch you have is amazing and I'm sure you'll get compliments!
That's fair -- it does kind of have a 62MAS vibe to it.
Most islanders resemble seikos
It has a very good looking dial and manage to keep a traditional diver's style and proportions without falling into the YABDW trap.
Watches got me into youtube and Marc has been nice to me in correspondence and I like his vids and that watch looks good. And I'm a native NYer. Thats all I have to say about that.
Watches got me into youtube and Marc has been nice to me in correspondence and I like his vids and that watch looks good. And I'm a native NYer. Thats all I have to say about that.
Thanks for sharing
It’s a nice dial - definitely a plus point
It’s a very nice looking watch for the money. I ordered the Sands Point diver last week. I too don’t like the movement shown on the bottom of the dial but it’s a small thing really.
It’s a very nice looking watch for the money. I ordered the Sands Point diver last week. I too don’t like the movement shown on the bottom of the dial but it’s a small thing really.
I do agree I don’t think I covered it in my video but I think it would have looked better without that and the movment doesn’t really warrant the stickering
Agreed, most folks will never even notice it really. But to us watch guys, it’s a bit of an eyesore
Thanks for sharing
I am not a smart man, jenny
I do agree that it’s a little weird to put the movement on the dial and would rather just have it blank. I can’t really find anything I don’t like on this model but like most micro brands you’re throwing away the money as there won’t be good value hold but on any 500 dollar watch that’s an issue.
I never consider value hold. I collect what I like. What I can resale it for never enters my mind.
I own 12 of them 😂