Thoughts/experience with Baltany watches? (AliExpress brand)

Hi all,

Recently I've been bit by the bug when it comes to this Baltany 1926 Rolex oyster homage. As I'm not too familiar with the brand I was wondering if anybody has any experience with Baltany and this model in particular. I'm not big on buying homage watches but I can set my bias aside when it comes to a vintage remake such as this. I've heard nothing but good things regarding Baltany but would appreciate some more insight.

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I don't yet own a Baltany, but like you I am planning at some point to buy this homage, but it might be the version with the seconds dial at 6pm. Both are in my 'Shopping Cart'. I've also been impressed with the reviews. 

I own a few watches purchased off AliExpress - Steeldive / Steelflier, San Martin and a Pagani Design. My San Martin and Steelflier/Steeldive watches are of very solid quality and punch well above their weight pricewise. The Pagani Design is okay, but a step down from the others. If you're worried about ordering from AliExpress, they tend to have good buyer protection and I've never had any issues ordering from the platform. 

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Thanks for the insight, I definitely had some reservations when it comes to AliExpress. I've been torn between the subseconds version vs the three handler but the ST17 in the subseconds doesn't have hacking, which is a bit of a deal breaker for me. What are your thoughts on the seagull movements in the watches you've purchased?

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jay82420

Thanks for the insight, I definitely had some reservations when it comes to AliExpress. I've been torn between the subseconds version vs the three handler but the ST17 in the subseconds doesn't have hacking, which is a bit of a deal breaker for me. What are your thoughts on the seagull movements in the watches you've purchased?

None of my AliExpress-purchased watches has a Seagull movement. They have Seiko and Ronda movements. 

I would have no qualms buying a watch with a Seagull movement. The company has been around for decades and apparently is the world's largest manufacturer of mechanical watch movements.

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I've recently purchased very similar to the watch shown, but with the Seagull movement with seconds sub-dial. I highly recommend the mother of pearl (MOP) dial, very unique to see in a men's watch and gives it beautiful depth an sheen. I also own the D12 "Dirty Dozen" with the same Seagull automatic movement. They're impeccably made in my opinion, and I love that Baltany has kept to the vintage size so they fit well for small-wristed people. The watch strap is only okay, you won't immediately want to throw it away, but you'll get the itch for something nicer given the quality of the watch.

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Dcibel

I've recently purchased very similar to the watch shown, but with the Seagull movement with seconds sub-dial. I highly recommend the mother of pearl (MOP) dial, very unique to see in a men's watch and gives it beautiful depth an sheen. I also own the D12 "Dirty Dozen" with the same Seagull automatic movement. They're impeccably made in my opinion, and I love that Baltany has kept to the vintage size so they fit well for small-wristed people. The watch strap is only okay, you won't immediately want to throw it away, but you'll get the itch for something nicer given the quality of the watch.

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That dial is gorgeous, great proportions too! Is it true that you're able to "hack" the seagull st17? If so could you confirm as I'm hearing that it's possible.

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jay82420

That dial is gorgeous, great proportions too! Is it true that you're able to "hack" the seagull st17? If so could you confirm as I'm hearing that it's possible.

Not the ST1701. 

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Hi,  I just stumbled across the Baltany 1926 on AliExpress, love the style. Gets confusing though, either quartz, Miyota9015 or Seagull ST1700. After researching the original Rolex, I noted that Rolex designed a special tool to unscrew the back of the watch. The Baltany seems to be the same, wondering how easy is is to remove, if I decided to be a cheapskate and get the quartz movement?