Posts in Automatic Watches

Phoibos Apollo Titanium Review | Great Quality, But…

On paper, this should be one of the best brands I've ever reviewed.

Watches Under $300, Automatic Watches, Phoibos Watches, Everyday Watches, Pilot Watches, Dive Watches, Microbrand/Other Watches, All Mechanical WatchesBen ArthurMarch 18, 2022Phoibos Apollo review, Phoibos Apollo titanium review, Phoibos Apollo full titanium, Are Phoibos watches any goodComment

Maen Greenwich 38 GMT Review - Does Lightning Strike Twice?

A well-designed, high-quality watch from a former Kickstarter brand not out to scam you?!

Watches Under $300, Maen Watches, Automatic Watches, Dress/Minimalist Watches, Everyday Watches, GMT Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurMarch 16, 2022Maen Greenwich 38 GMT Review, Maen Greenwich Review, Maen Greenwich 38 Automatic GMT, Are Maen watches GoodComment

RZE Resolute Watch Review | This Microbrand Rings A Bell…

RZE, formerly Reise has more experience than first impressions would have you believe.

Watches Under $300, RZE Watches, Everyday Watches, Automatic Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Field Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurFebruary 24, 2022RZE watch review, RZE Resolute watch review, Are RZE watches good, Reise watch reviewComment

San Martin Watches Review | Are They Any Good?

There’s no doubt about it, Chinese brand San Martin offers the most impressive build quality that I’ve seen for the money.

Watches Under $300, Automatic Watches, San Martin Watches, Dive Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Homage Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurFebruary 8, 2022San Martin Watches Review, Are San Martin Watches any good?, San Martin Watch Quality Comments

Bulova Hack vs Hamilton Khaki - The Best 38mm Field Watch To Buy?

Rival brands with very similar offerings both for under £500? This calls for a Ben’s Watch Club duel!

Other Watch Content, Bulova Watches, Field Watches, Automatic Watches, Manual Wind Watches, Watch vs Watch Battles, Hamilton Watches, All Mechanical WatchesBen ArthurNovember 9, 2021Bulova Hack vs Hamilton Khaki, Field Watch Comparison, Hamilton Kahki vs Bulova HackComment

Are the new Seiko 5 watches ACTUALLY worse? – Old vs New Seiko Field Watch Comparison

Here we have the classic SNK805 and SNZG09, which are probably nearing the end of their run, as well as the newcomer, the SRPG33.

Other Watch Content, Automatic Watches, Watch vs Watch Battles, Seiko Watches, Field Watches, Pilot Watches, All Mechanical WatchesBen ArthurOctober 26, 2021Seiko SNK805 vs SNZG09 vs SRPG33, Seiko 5 old vs new, Seiko 5 SNK vs SNZ, Seiko SNK vs SRP, Seiko 5 comparison, Seiko 5 field watch review, Seikok 5 field watch models, Seiko 5 Sports new models Comments

Seiko SNK361 Review - This Beautiful Rolex Alternative Is Just 2% of The Price

Meet the Seiko SNK361. Some of you may recognise this one, as I’ve alluded to it in previous posts but today, it’s going to steal the spotlight.

Watches Under $150, Popular Watch Alternatives, Automatic Watches, Seiko Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Everyday Watches, Dress/Minimalist WatchesBen ArthurSeptember 22, 2021Seiko SNK361 review, Seiko SNK361 lug to lug, Seiko 55 automatic SNK361, Seiko 5 Rolex alternative, Seiko Rolex homage Comments

Depth Charge Watch Review - So Good They Upped The Price!

I featured an obscure piece that seemingly nobody had heard of. To be honest, until a commenter mentioned it in January, I didn’t know the brand existed myself.

Watches Under $300, Dive Watches, Depth Charge Watches, Automatic Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurSeptember 15, 2021Depth Charge watch review, Depth Charge dive watch, Depth Charge automatic watch, Green dial dive watch review Comments

Lorus Automatic Watch Review - This Is A Seiko 5, But Better?

Then, out of nowhere, I discovered that Lorus had released a new line of mechanical wristwatches; the first in recent memory from that brand.

Watches Under $150, Lorus Watches, Automatic Watches, Dress/Minimalist Watches, Everyday Watches, All Mechanical WatchesBen ArthurJune 15, 2021Lorus Automatic Watch Review, Lorus RL439AX9 Review, Lorus Watch Green Dial, Lorus Day Date Watch Comments

Orient vs Orient Star | How Do They Compare?

Sure the watch may look nice, but does that make it a good watch, or worth the extra money over a standard Orient?

Watches Under $300, Watch vs Watch Battles, Orient Watches, Orient Star Watches, Automatic Watches, Dress/Minimalist Watches, All Mechanical WatchesBen ArthurJune 2, 2021Orient vs Orient Star, Orient Star Classic Review, Orient Star or Orient, Are Orient Star Watches GoodComment

Invicta Pro Diver 1953 Review - Invicta’s Best Watch Is Overhyped!

I’d like to highlight some things others haven’t mentioned, in case you’re considering buying one. My aim here isn’t to bash the watch, rather to provide you with the full story, so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Watches Under $150, Invicta Watches, Automatic Watches, Retro Watches, Dive Watches, All Mechanical WatchesBen ArthurApril 13, 2021Invicta 31290 Review, Invicta Pro Diver 1953 Review, Invicta Vintage Automatic, Invicta 40mm pro diver 1953 Comments

Maen Hudson MKIII 38 Review - We Need More Dive Watches Like This!

The watch itself looked very promising. An attractive and well-specced Swiss-made automatic diver, that came in at just 38mm; making it too tempting to ignore.

Watches Under $300, Automatic Watches, Dive Watches, Maen Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurApril 1, 2021Maen Hudson Review, Maen Hudson MKIII Review, Maen Hudson 38 Review, Maen Hudson 38 Automatic DiverComment

Orient Open Heart Automatic Review | Finally, A Viable Orient Bambino Alternative!

An automatic Orient dress watch that looked akin to V1 bambino, but with an open heart.

Watches Under $150, Orient Watches, Automatic Watches, Dress/Minimalist Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Skeleton WatchesBen ArthurMarch 19, 2021Orient FAG03001Do Watch Review, Orient Open Heart Automatic Review, Orient Classic Watch Review, Orient Bambino Alternative Comments

What Makes A Good Watch So Good? In-Depth Analysis Of A Brilliant Budget Orient Watch

Of course, the definition of what constitutes a good watch is subjective but I think there are some useful things you can look out for.

Other Watch Content, Automatic Watches, Dress/Minimalist Watches, Orient Watches, Product Guides & Tests, All Mechanical Watches, Skeleton WatchesBen ArthurMarch 16, 2021How To Spot a Good Watch, What makes a good watch, What is the best quality watch, characteristics of a good watchComment

This Lyle & Scott Watch Beats Seiko! Lyle and Scott Automatic Watch Review

Here’s a sentence I NEVER thought I would be saying on this blog. Fashion brand Lyle and Scott have created a mechanical wristwatch that comfortably beats the likes of Seiko, Orient and Casio…at least on paper!

Watches Under $150, Field Watches, Everyday Watches, Lyle & Scott Watches, Automatic Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Fashion Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurDecember 18, 2020Lyle and Scott Stealthwatch, Lyle and Scott automatic watch, Lyle and scott watch review, Lyle and Scott automatic watch reviewComment

The Very Best Budget Seiko 5 Watches – Impressive & Affordable

I’ve picked out what I believe to be 3 of the very best Seiko 5 watches, which offer a surprising amount of value for considerably less than you might think.

Other Watch Content, Automatic Watches, Best Watches Lists, Everyday Watches, Seiko Watches, Watch vs Watch Battles, All Mechanical Watches, Seiko Watches ListsBen ArthurDecember 7, 2020Best budget Seiko 5, Best Seiko 5 under 100, Which is best Seiko 5 watch, Seiko SNKL23 Vs SNKL45, Best Value Seiko 5, Best affordable Seiko 5 Comment

Orient SK Diver Retro Review - How Not To Do A Reissue Watch

Japanese brand Orient have decided to get in on the action too, with a watch that they have listed on their site as the ‘Mechanical Revival Watch’.

Watches Under $300, Automatic Watches, Dive Watches, Orient Watches, Watches To Avoid, All Mechanical Watches, Retro WatchesBen ArthurNovember 9, 2020Orient SK Diver Retro Review, SK Diver Retro Review, Orient SK Reissue Review, Orient SK Crystal ReviewComment

Seiko SNKL23 Review - Seiko’s Best Cheap Watch Is Returning?

verall, the clean look is not too dissimilar to some Grand Seiko models, with an alpha handset and a selection of slim hour markers that give a rather premium and slightly dressy appearance.

Watches Under $150, Automatic Watches, Everyday Watches, Seiko Watches, All Mechanical WatchesBen ArthurOctober 13, 2020Seiko SNKL23 Review, Seiko 5 SNK Review, Seiko SNKL23 DiscontinuedComment

£269 MVMT Arc VS £69 Cadisen from AliExpress – Cadisen Automatic Watch Review

Firstly, we can see if this MVMT is any better than the garbage watches I previously reviewed. Secondly, we can work out whether you can save a whopping £200 and just go for this Cadisen instead.

Other Watch Content, Automatic Watches, Homage Watches, MVMT Watches, Cadisen Watches, Watch vs Watch Battles, Dress/Minimalist Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Fashion Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurAugust 10, 2020MVMT Arc vs Cadisen, Cadisen Automatic Watch Review, Cadisen Automatic Review, Are MVMT watches any goodComment

Avi-8 Flyboy Engineer Automatic Review - This is what VALUE Looks Like

The perfect budget pilot watch…does it exist? Probably not. Nevertheless, the watch featured in this post gets pretty close, as far as I’m concerned.

Watches Under $300, Avi-8 Watches, Automatic Watches, Pilot Watches, All Mechanical Watches, Microbrand/Other WatchesBen ArthurJuly 28, 2020avi-8 flyboy engineer automatic review, avi-8 flyboy review, avi-8 flyboy automatic, avi-8 automatic watch review, flyboy engineer automatic Comment

The Ultimate Seiko Rolex Killer List - Affordable Seiko Watches That Look Like Rolex

If you love Rolex but don't fancy remortgaging your house, here are affordable alternatives from acclaimed watchmaker Seiko.

Top 20 Casio Watches Of All Time – The Ultimate List of Affordable Casio Watches

If you’re looking to get a great wristwatch for very little money, you can’t go wrong with Casio. They have a legendary reputation for making some of the cheapest and most durable digital watches on the planet.

Casio GA-2100-1A1ER Review | GQ Claimed This Watch Was “Cool AF” But Were They Right?

Launched in 2019, the newly honed G-Shock GA-2100 immediately struck a chord with G-Shock fans and broader watch enthusiasts alike.

The Best Orient Watches of All Time - Ultimate Line-Up Of Orient's Top Watches!

Which Orient watches are truly the best? I’ve explored the entire range to find the best value options!

Seiko SRPD73K2 Watch Review | Is This Budget Bond Watch Worth Buying?

First impressions are good; the watch is pleasing to the eye and feels reassuringly weighty, with various visual enhancements setting it apart.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Review | The Thinnest (and best?) Field Watch For The Money

The Hamilton may seem like an overly-simplistic timepiece for the money, but after wearing it for several weeks, I’m glad I gave it a fair chance as I was pleasantly surprised in many ways.

Casio EFB-108D vs EFR-S108D Review | Casio’s Most Popular ‘Edifice’ Returns...Again?

But as I went to make this post, Casio did something that made both watches virtually obsolete, and surprisingly, you’ll probably be glad they did.

Citizen Promaster NY0040 | Why Is This Diver Still So Popular 30 Years Later?

Citizen’s famous Promaster line has been lauded since its introduction in 1989, and I’ve finally got my hands on perhaps their most time-tested models; the NY0040.

Timex Marlin Jet Automatic Review | Can Looks Overcome Specs?

This model exemplifies Timex’s focus on unique design and aesthetic appeal, targeting a niche segment of watch enthusiasts.

Seiko SNK371K1 Review | The Coolest Seiko Speed Racer Is Soon To Be Discontinued!

If you like watches but don’t want to spend much, pay attention. You see, I’ve found a great-looking budget Seiko that’s under $100.

Biden Watch Review | The Best Selling Watch on Amazon... But Why?

This is the most popular watch on Amazon right now. It’s not a Rolex, not a Casio, not even a MoonSwatch. No, this watch is a…Biden? Wait, what?!

Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Red Review | Ticks All the Vintage Diver Boxes

Enter the Steinhart Ocean One 39 Vintage Red. No, it’s not an exact copy of a vintage Rolex Sea-Dweller Double Red, but it comes incredibly close.

Is This Dirt-Cheap Casio Really a PRX-Killer? - Casio MTP-B145D Review

Introducing the new MTP-B145D. It’s the latest ‘Tiffany’ blue watch from Casio, and unlike the previous one, this one is actually made of stainless steel.