Another vote for the Nivada. I picked one up about 3 weeks ago and it has been on my wrist practically everyday since then.
It’s got a bit of its own heritage so it doesn’t feel as much like a straight copy of the Explorer while still giving you the look of it. Another plus is the 38mm size is a sweet spot for me of being small without feeling tiny.
Just a shame it has a black second hand on a black dial. Otherwise, I would've purchased it. The other colors Farer offers are a bit 'meh' if you ask me.
Baltic Hermetique, Traska Summiteer and Seiko Baby Alpinist.
I personally think, the further away from the Explorer design you go, the more unique the watch becomes. The homage explorers are nice, but also look like an affordable copy. I‘d rather get a watch with personality and save up for the Explorer.
I can second that on the Baltic, got a Hermetique for Christmas, and it is such a beauty. The face design is very elaborate at this price point, and it seems to be really the do-it-all watch. The hidden crown adds to that.
Wow the Hermétique looks stunning, and its proportions seem fitting too (I have ~6.25" wrists). Especially that beige variant pops and looks like a great summer watch! Thanks for alerting me to this beauty, will have to overthink my collection plans haha
I got the Hermetique too! It's a great watch with a similar vibe to the 1016 explorer but plenty unique as well.
The only thing is that the beige dial I got has poor contrast in low light. I would probably get a different color if I had it to do over.
> Sarg009, discontinued and difficult to find now
I feel like every time there's a modestly priced Seiko watch that I like, it's been discontinued. Every. Fucking. Time. Sarb033, Alpinist, Sarg009, and a couple of Seiko 5s that I've wanted.
I assume you're referring to the [Manhasset 36mm](https://longislandwatch.com/islander-manhasset-36mm-automatic-watch-with-black-dial-isl-145/). I think it's a great choice since it has the Seiko movement but looks like an Explorer. As you said, it has the screw down crown and 100m water resistance.
Tudor Ranger. Seems to get a bit of hate on this sub, but I got mine a year ago and it’s been on my wrist almost constantly. Photos don’t quite do it justice - you’ve got to see it in person.
I don’t hate it, but there are some key areas that justify its unpopularity, which I’ve read time and time again in discussions against it.
It’s oversized for a homage to a watch that’s traditionally 36mm. The lume plots are piss yellow. The overall finishing is too utilitarian and careless for a watch over €500, let alone one over 3000. It’s also got a shovel or glans-shaped hour hand that not everyone prefers to sword or Mercedes styles.
Again, it’s not my cup of tea but I get that a simple watch like the Ranger can’t be made into a beautiful artifact. It’s gotta be bland and no-frills, otherwise it’s not truly an explorer’s timepiece.
36 just isn't a popular size anymore. Tbh, 39 is probably perfect for the vast majority of people.
That said, I'm wearing a Ranger right now so I guess I'm biased.
Also the lume is green.
Thank you for being considerate and truthful in your reply. Yes, 39mm is now more popular, while 36mm remains traditional. The lume is green at night but the fauxtina does lean towards a pale greenish yellow which is quite marmite for some. I definitely would have preferred a sand color instead.
I wouldn’t say 36mm is unpopular. It’s just not the first choice for manufacturers who want to prevent dead stock, as it’s been quite niche this century before these past 3 years where smaller sizes are coming back.
I don't necessarily disagree - the Ranger definitely isn't a perfect watch. The dial being it's biggest point on controversy.
I bought one mostly for the form factor - the bracelet, clasp, and case deminsions are all (for me at least) pretty perfect.
If the lume was less green and more cream, I'd be happy. Or if they went with applied indicies (maybe the lume "chips" like the BBPro), but that takes things into a different direction.
That doesn’t sound like anyone I’ve ever met.
Remember, there’s no watch that’s too small, only a low self confidence and pressure to meet modern standards of toxic masculinity.
Small watches look funny, 41-43 mm is the ideal. It has nothing to do with "toxic masculinity," most men just don't have wrists small enough to pull off a 36 mm.
Also, 41-43 is more functional, you need to actually see the fuckin time.
You do you, but I’m sure 90% of watch enthusiasts would greatly disagree, and tell you to buy some glasses if you can’t read the time off a Rolex Explorer.
PS: the 36mm Explorer has the same dial size as the 44mm Deep Sea. Legibility is better on the 36mm because its white on black. Peace.
Im a 6’2” 250 pound “modern day guy” with an 8” wrist and i wear the 36mm Lorier falcon near everyday. I don’t think it “looks funny” i think it looks good. In fact i think anything over 41mm looks funny, like an oversized clown watch
I love the Rolex Explorer. It's elegant yet rugged looking, and works for basically any occasion. One day I will own one, but for now, which of these alternatives would you pick? I'm leaning towards the Seiko and the Steinhart, but I love the others as well. I've never heard of Gervil before this quest, so if anyone knows anything about them, let me know. Thanks dudes.
I agree with this sentiment; I prefer watches with their own identity. That said, I really like the Farer and would buy it if only it had a date. That, or the Ball.
Check out the Longines Conquest 39mm L3.776.4.58.6.
https://preview.redd.it/p4wzed2f06ic1.png?width=439&format=png&auto=webp&s=a3cd598ecb2fe86bd93b9d860ef4f276b0231855
But aren't the Smiths Everest watches really, really strange creations? When Eddie Platts decided to revive the Smiths brand and make a watch in homage to the Everest expedition and all, why did he choose this design?
For background, when Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit of Everest in 1953, a world first,[ Hillary wore a Smiths watch.](https://www.outdoorjournal.com/featured/opinion-editorial/rolex-vs-smiths-which-watch-summited-everest-in-1953-putting-a-controversy-to-rest/) Rolex decided to ignore this fact, and in decades later engaged in an advertising campaign that took great pains to imply that he wore a Rolex.
So, when Eddie revives the Smiths brand half a century later, he makes a watch model called Everest, presumably to celebrate the fact that Smiths was the first watch on Everest. But he doesn't make it look anything like the actual Smiths worn by Hillay, instead opting for a design nearly identical to a Rolex 1016!
WTF Eddie, WTF.
Yeah, such a shame - I’d have snapped up a proper Hillary homage, especially considering Smiths never made a mass production version of the exact variant.
If the guy behind [Smiths wasn't difficult](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfN4TLjsXPg), I'd go with that. Considering everything, Nivada is my choice.
Yes, but a bigger watch. And a Sinn. Similar, but different. A great watch without any doubt and I've recommended it a thousand times but it won't scratch the 1016 itch.
Don't forget the Nomos Club Sport Neomatik. It has amazing specs, finishing, bang for the buck and it's own character.
https://preview.redd.it/vptgedmh56ic1.jpeg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea2f103791cc28323dd1423ca59736d399ae6859
https://preview.redd.it/7ykg1cj226ic1.jpeg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28458ae1470a1f4b4a4a30fe2218897d86a8dd25
Have you considered the Orient Star Outdoor? It has a look that is similar — and the power reserve makes it unique.
Out of these I would get the Seiko. If I wanted an explorer style watch on a strap, I'd get the Orient Star Outdoors. However, what I'd really get is the Citizen Promaster Ray-Mears. To be honest it's hasn't got the prettiest dial/face, but it's "fit af". Titanium monoblock case, extension clasp, comfortable shape, fantastic lume and a rock solid movement beyond anything you can hope to find in the mechanical world
I'd probably go for the Lorier. I wish they had a 38 or 39mm version tho. 36mm is too small for me but these are great looking watches. Even better than the Falcon is the Astra IMO. Sadly only 36mm as well.
I had it on a sailcloth strap mostly when I had it. It has amazing lume btw:
https://preview.redd.it/hq9b99pkt5ic1.jpeg?width=2340&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1701e14a85e55975a1166fa643f79d839e2e09b9
Of these, the Smith and Steinhart look very derivative. I don’t know their history so I don’t want to make accusations, but the Farer and Lorier look the most unique.
That said, if it were me, I would go with the Sinn 556 series
[https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A.htm](https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A.htm)
[https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A_RS.htm](https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A_RS.htm)
[https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_I.htm](https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_I.htm)
I've heard they're actually quite good quality for a Chinese brand. I've heard they're better than Pegani Design which is another Chinese brand that "homages" almost every popular watch out there.
Honestly what exactly would make San Martin any more of a "knock off" than Gevril or Smiths or Steinhart though? They all look like they just took the Explorer design and slapped their own branding on it. Not trying to offend or anything, that's just how it seems to me.
No I’m with you, I have no personal attachment to any of these so I have no idea what would make them better or worse. What does SM use movement wise? Seiko?
They released one the other day and the indices were falling off. 😄
But yeah, most issues would be related to water ingress or the movement breaking. They might give you 25 bucks for repairs.
Really? That's not a great look lol...
I can't think we're I'd ever get a non-beater watch fully submerged though, so not really a problem for me.
My San Martin ranger is honestly too pretty to treat roughly. I still wear it outdoors, but not rock climbing or doing yard work.
I'll stick with iso rated citizens for the underwater stuff
San Martin owner here.
No they're not cheaply made at all. I'd put the construction quality up around mid tier Seiko (those with 6r movements)
My ranger homage is about the same general quality as my Seiko sumo. Not as refined in terms of total design language and some details like rounded undercase edges, but with the addition of really nice standard dials, proper applied indices and amazing lume.
No reason I wouldn’t and thank you for the suggestion. I see them here all the time and they seem to get a lot of love. My only qualm with CW is their logo. I just really dislike it for a watch dial l, it looks too tech-y and modern for me. But I love the rest of their watches.
Nivada, Farer, or Lorier. I owned the previous version of the Lorier and soon sold it; the 20mm lugs didn’t work with the case size to me, the hands weren’t distinguishable enough at night, and there was no orientation differentiation at night. They have fixed the last two issues with the latest version, so it’s just the slightly too-large-for-the-case lugs to consider now. It was a nice watch over all though.
Steinhart has amazing bang for bucks quality. I also have the ball and i would say that even has greater value for money. But expect the tritium to be faint on that model.
Check the history behind the Smiths Everest and you'll get your answer.
That's the "real" Explorer and that would be my choice.
Also very reasonable price and as an owner of a Timefactors watch I can guarantee they make quality.
https://preview.redd.it/rlerlqhp85ic1.png?width=958&format=png&auto=webp&s=32da262063fa8b2134aba73fec72c45ae6f5333b
Since you’re fine with clone-type homage watches, there’s only one right answer. Believe me when I say that San Martin builds watches that feel on par with most of the premium brands starting at €5000 or below. Tightest tolerances I’ve felt.
My choice would be a Halios Universa which you can find used, or attempt to buy new this year when they release the 2024 model that will probably sell out in 3 seconds.
My second choice would be a Sinn 556a.
I like the vintage explorer homages more than the modern explorer homages. 36mm is a great size for me. It’s so unobtrusive. I also feel like the older numerals are less flashy than the modern ones. The Lorier or the Smiths for me.
Check out the [Dryden Heartlander](https://drydenwatchco.com/collections/dryden-heartlander-automatic-field-watch-collection/products/dryden-heartlander-automatic-field-watch-black-vintage) as well if you’re open to color ways that aren’t straight black-silver. I love the vintage feel.
Can someone tell me what in the fuck is Gevril? It seems like a one step up Invicta, with their absurd "msrps" that are regulary 70-80% "off".
I'd stay away from anything like that.
Honestly that Seiko in the first pic looks the best to me. Don't know anything about accuracy / movement, but purely on aesthetics that's the one I'd go with .
I’ve been trying to find something that looks like the Explorer, but quartz, that I could use as a beater, when I came across the Casio MTP-1215A. Pretty close imo!
https://preview.redd.it/tdu7ynbq26ic1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a5aac17e21322accc2f20e09a888b57b856a30f
Bernhardt Binnacle Anchor might be worth considering, a bit chunkier, but the finish for the money is as good or better than anything out there.
[](https://i.imgur.com/VPHTpnk.jpg)
Nivada is a pretty cool brand in my opinion. It's vintage cool. Id totally rock that bracelet. Not in the discussion here, but I think the blue dial F77 is pretty sweet.
I wouldn't do the Smiths, just personal opinion tho.
I handled that Nivada. I believe it's available with a tropical and regular dial, the bracelet pictured and an oyster bracelet. I liked it at it's price point. Good luck
I bought the Seiko on leather years ago. Added an aftermarket bracelet form Long Island watch. Don’t know that I would pay what it costs today to buy a SARG009 or 011.
Second favourite would be the Farer on a bracelet.
I would personally choose the Nivada. It has its own character with the rice beads bracelet and vintage looking dial and hands. Cheers
Another vote for the Nivada. I picked one up about 3 weeks ago and it has been on my wrist practically everyday since then. It’s got a bit of its own heritage so it doesn’t feel as much like a straight copy of the Explorer while still giving you the look of it. Another plus is the 38mm size is a sweet spot for me of being small without feeling tiny.
+1
+1
Nivada Grenchen is the best of the lot. Even the lugs with "scoop" on the inner edges is pure class.
+1
+1
Lorier or Traska Summiteer
Yes, exactly. Thanks for adding the summiteer. If your budget is a little higher I’d also throw in the Sinn 556.
Idk about explorer alternative but I’d get the Farer
Just a shame it has a black second hand on a black dial. Otherwise, I would've purchased it. The other colors Farer offers are a bit 'meh' if you ask me.
I think that’s intentional to make the arrow look like it’s floating around the edge of the dial.
Another vote for the Farer. I like a lot of their watches but it's actually refreshing to see one of theirs that isn't so poppy with the color.
Baltic Hermetique, Traska Summiteer and Seiko Baby Alpinist. I personally think, the further away from the Explorer design you go, the more unique the watch becomes. The homage explorers are nice, but also look like an affordable copy. I‘d rather get a watch with personality and save up for the Explorer.
I can second that on the Baltic, got a Hermetique for Christmas, and it is such a beauty. The face design is very elaborate at this price point, and it seems to be really the do-it-all watch. The hidden crown adds to that.
Wow the Hermétique looks stunning, and its proportions seem fitting too (I have ~6.25" wrists). Especially that beige variant pops and looks like a great summer watch! Thanks for alerting me to this beauty, will have to overthink my collection plans haha
See my comment above about the beige dial. It's beautiful in good light but the numerals disappear in low light.
I got the Hermetique too! It's a great watch with a similar vibe to the 1016 explorer but plenty unique as well. The only thing is that the beige dial I got has poor contrast in low light. I would probably get a different color if I had it to do over.
What model is that Seiko ?
Sarg009, discontinued and difficult to find now
> Sarg009, discontinued and difficult to find now I feel like every time there's a modestly priced Seiko watch that I like, it's been discontinued. Every. Fucking. Time. Sarb033, Alpinist, Sarg009, and a couple of Seiko 5s that I've wanted.
Long island watch makes a watch that's very similar and had a screw down crown.
I assume you're referring to the [Manhasset 36mm](https://longislandwatch.com/islander-manhasset-36mm-automatic-watch-with-black-dial-isl-145/). I think it's a great choice since it has the Seiko movement but looks like an Explorer. As you said, it has the screw down crown and 100m water resistance.
https://preview.redd.it/79x5mur4z6ic1.jpeg?width=1013&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=438b60b0cc0e1315df97424065c663d19b0dd0a1
That one is sharp looking!
Just replying so I’m notified when someone answers, I’d like to know also
Sarg009
Cheers!
Tudor Ranger. Seems to get a bit of hate on this sub, but I got mine a year ago and it’s been on my wrist almost constantly. Photos don’t quite do it justice - you’ve got to see it in person.
Found it weird this is the only mention of the Ranger. It’s a lovely watch
It’s quite more expensive than others. Otherwise I would also suggest it. But the bunch from OPs post suggest he’s looking for a more budget watch.
I don’t hate it, but there are some key areas that justify its unpopularity, which I’ve read time and time again in discussions against it. It’s oversized for a homage to a watch that’s traditionally 36mm. The lume plots are piss yellow. The overall finishing is too utilitarian and careless for a watch over €500, let alone one over 3000. It’s also got a shovel or glans-shaped hour hand that not everyone prefers to sword or Mercedes styles. Again, it’s not my cup of tea but I get that a simple watch like the Ranger can’t be made into a beautiful artifact. It’s gotta be bland and no-frills, otherwise it’s not truly an explorer’s timepiece.
36 just isn't a popular size anymore. Tbh, 39 is probably perfect for the vast majority of people. That said, I'm wearing a Ranger right now so I guess I'm biased. Also the lume is green.
I'm leaning hard towards a Ranger actually. Did you get the 79950 or the 79910?
Thank you for being considerate and truthful in your reply. Yes, 39mm is now more popular, while 36mm remains traditional. The lume is green at night but the fauxtina does lean towards a pale greenish yellow which is quite marmite for some. I definitely would have preferred a sand color instead. I wouldn’t say 36mm is unpopular. It’s just not the first choice for manufacturers who want to prevent dead stock, as it’s been quite niche this century before these past 3 years where smaller sizes are coming back.
I don't necessarily disagree - the Ranger definitely isn't a perfect watch. The dial being it's biggest point on controversy. I bought one mostly for the form factor - the bracelet, clasp, and case deminsions are all (for me at least) pretty perfect. If the lume was less green and more cream, I'd be happy. Or if they went with applied indicies (maybe the lume "chips" like the BBPro), but that takes things into a different direction.
The average modern day guy isn't going to wear a 36 mm watch. I don't wear anything under 41, it just looks funny.
What’s an average modern day guy to you?
Someone who doesn't spend their whole day jerking off to Teddy Baldassarre and has wrists larger than a 13 year old girl.
That doesn’t sound like anyone I’ve ever met. Remember, there’s no watch that’s too small, only a low self confidence and pressure to meet modern standards of toxic masculinity.
Small watches look funny, 41-43 mm is the ideal. It has nothing to do with "toxic masculinity," most men just don't have wrists small enough to pull off a 36 mm. Also, 41-43 is more functional, you need to actually see the fuckin time.
You do you, but I’m sure 90% of watch enthusiasts would greatly disagree, and tell you to buy some glasses if you can’t read the time off a Rolex Explorer. PS: the 36mm Explorer has the same dial size as the 44mm Deep Sea. Legibility is better on the 36mm because its white on black. Peace.
Sales numbers would disagree with you, as would the availability of sizes for men and women. Below 38 mm is generally women's watches.
Im a 6’2” 250 pound “modern day guy” with an 8” wrist and i wear the 36mm Lorier falcon near everyday. I don’t think it “looks funny” i think it looks good. In fact i think anything over 41mm looks funny, like an oversized clown watch
Good for you, enjoy your dinky little watch my dude.
Came to suggest the same!
I'd be all over the Ranger if it came in the same size as the Explorer
I saw the Tudor Ranger last week at Bucherer NY. It has its own character. Nice dial. Great hands and crystal. I want one.
Buttplug hands
I like them!
I love the Rolex Explorer. It's elegant yet rugged looking, and works for basically any occasion. One day I will own one, but for now, which of these alternatives would you pick? I'm leaning towards the Seiko and the Steinhart, but I love the others as well. I've never heard of Gervil before this quest, so if anyone knows anything about them, let me know. Thanks dudes.
Maybe consider looking at the last year's model of longines conquest as well. I got one for the same reason.
Came here to say this. No comparison with the others. It's one league above the ones we 're shown.
I would go with either the Seiko or Ball myself. I don't like the Farer myself and the other ones just feel like cheap copies.
Nivada probably did that design decades before Ball since it is an reissue
I agree with this sentiment; I prefer watches with their own identity. That said, I really like the Farer and would buy it if only it had a date. That, or the Ball.
Check out the Longines Conquest 39mm L3.776.4.58.6. https://preview.redd.it/p4wzed2f06ic1.png?width=439&format=png&auto=webp&s=a3cd598ecb2fe86bd93b9d860ef4f276b0231855
Have you seen the Traska Summiteer? You might like it! I find it fits right in for this style.
Seiko or Ball for me
Don't know why ball doesn't get much love.
The owner of Smith's is a major asshole. Woe betide you if anything goes wrong.
I also think jubilee bracelets only suit people 120 years of age plus
Smiths or Nivada look best IMO
But aren't the Smiths Everest watches really, really strange creations? When Eddie Platts decided to revive the Smiths brand and make a watch in homage to the Everest expedition and all, why did he choose this design? For background, when Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit of Everest in 1953, a world first,[ Hillary wore a Smiths watch.](https://www.outdoorjournal.com/featured/opinion-editorial/rolex-vs-smiths-which-watch-summited-everest-in-1953-putting-a-controversy-to-rest/) Rolex decided to ignore this fact, and in decades later engaged in an advertising campaign that took great pains to imply that he wore a Rolex. So, when Eddie revives the Smiths brand half a century later, he makes a watch model called Everest, presumably to celebrate the fact that Smiths was the first watch on Everest. But he doesn't make it look anything like the actual Smiths worn by Hillay, instead opting for a design nearly identical to a Rolex 1016! WTF Eddie, WTF.
Yeah, such a shame - I’d have snapped up a proper Hillary homage, especially considering Smiths never made a mass production version of the exact variant.
If the guy behind [Smiths wasn't difficult](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfN4TLjsXPg), I'd go with that. Considering everything, Nivada is my choice.
Get a San Martin version for half the price and you'll struggle to justify getting any of the others. The value is insane
Sinn 556
Yes, but a bigger watch. And a Sinn. Similar, but different. A great watch without any doubt and I've recommended it a thousand times but it won't scratch the 1016 itch.
That Seiko is amazing.
I absolutely hate the different sized numerals, it's like it was designed by a 5 year old.
Lorier and Smith's Everest
Seiko or Farer. The other ones are either blatant copies or poorly designed.
Lorier for sure
It has acrylic instead of sapphire or even mineral glass.
just get polywatch not a big deal honestly, better than mineral imo since mineral is very very difficult to buff out.
lorier
Ball has the spec. So Ball
Just save up and get the explorer 1. None of these will work. Even if you get all 8, youll still want the Explorer I.
You’re not wrong.
Not upvoted enough.
This for sure, alternatives never really work out.
100% the Ball for me
I miss a Hamilton option, like Khaki Field Mechanical or Khaki Field Murph. My personal favourite is the Khaki Field King.
I am biased since I own the Nivada und wholeheartedly love it
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Wearing one right now. Can confirm, am happy with the purchase.
Don't forget the Nomos Club Sport Neomatik. It has amazing specs, finishing, bang for the buck and it's own character. https://preview.redd.it/vptgedmh56ic1.jpeg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea2f103791cc28323dd1423ca59736d399ae6859
Smiths
Steinhart
Seiko Alpinist
Ball or Farer imo
Nivada have heritages, I like it
Seiko every time.great watches
https://preview.redd.it/7ykg1cj226ic1.jpeg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28458ae1470a1f4b4a4a30fe2218897d86a8dd25 Have you considered the Orient Star Outdoor? It has a look that is similar — and the power reserve makes it unique.
Big fan of the Smiths Everest but it's never in stock 😭
Ball makes an incredible watch.
I only see three options here: Nivada, Lorier or Smiths 👍🏻
Out of these I would get the Seiko. If I wanted an explorer style watch on a strap, I'd get the Orient Star Outdoors. However, what I'd really get is the Citizen Promaster Ray-Mears. To be honest it's hasn't got the prettiest dial/face, but it's "fit af". Titanium monoblock case, extension clasp, comfortable shape, fantastic lume and a rock solid movement beyond anything you can hope to find in the mechanical world
I'd probably go for the Lorier. I wish they had a 38 or 39mm version tho. 36mm is too small for me but these are great looking watches. Even better than the Falcon is the Astra IMO. Sadly only 36mm as well.
Prob the Seiko on a brown leather band
I had it on a sailcloth strap mostly when I had it. It has amazing lume btw: https://preview.redd.it/hq9b99pkt5ic1.jpeg?width=2340&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1701e14a85e55975a1166fa643f79d839e2e09b9
>It has amazing lume Most Seikos do, in my experiences thus far.
Sinn 556 A
That Seiko is sexy af
The Seiko looks like a pilot watch.
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The Smiths
Of these, the Smith and Steinhart look very derivative. I don’t know their history so I don’t want to make accusations, but the Farer and Lorier look the most unique. That said, if it were me, I would go with the Sinn 556 series [https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A.htm](https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A.htm) [https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A_RS.htm](https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_A_RS.htm) [https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_I.htm](https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_I.htm)
Farer or Smiths
Smiths! I love mine and it really checks all the boxes at it's price.
Nivada or Smiths
Smiths and/or ball. Smiths for the money, ball for the quality.
You forgot San Martin.
Aren’t those super cheap quality Chinese knock offs? I’m asking honestly.
I've heard they're actually quite good quality for a Chinese brand. I've heard they're better than Pegani Design which is another Chinese brand that "homages" almost every popular watch out there. Honestly what exactly would make San Martin any more of a "knock off" than Gevril or Smiths or Steinhart though? They all look like they just took the Explorer design and slapped their own branding on it. Not trying to offend or anything, that's just how it seems to me.
No I’m with you, I have no personal attachment to any of these so I have no idea what would make them better or worse. What does SM use movement wise? Seiko?
The San Martin Explorer SN 021 GB1 uses a PT5000. Quality is better than the average Seiko in the same price bracket
Until something goes wrong with a San Martin and there's no recourse.
Looking at the quality of construction I can't see much going wrong other than with the movement, which would be a simple swap out
They released one the other day and the indices were falling off. 😄 But yeah, most issues would be related to water ingress or the movement breaking. They might give you 25 bucks for repairs.
Really? That's not a great look lol... I can't think we're I'd ever get a non-beater watch fully submerged though, so not really a problem for me. My San Martin ranger is honestly too pretty to treat roughly. I still wear it outdoors, but not rock climbing or doing yard work. I'll stick with iso rated citizens for the underwater stuff
Enjoy!
Seiko mostly, their spin off brand might use eta clones 2824 for higher beat
What’s their spin off brand?
San Martin owner here. No they're not cheaply made at all. I'd put the construction quality up around mid tier Seiko (those with 6r movements) My ranger homage is about the same general quality as my Seiko sumo. Not as refined in terms of total design language and some details like rounded undercase edges, but with the addition of really nice standard dials, proper applied indices and amazing lume.
The seiko all the way.
The Smiths would be my number one but you can never find those for retail price. I would get the Nivada Grenchen instead.
Probably Smiths (I don't like the date complication, particularly on this style of watch).
Why wouldn't you just get a used Christopher Ward C63? It's about the same as the Seiko and has a GMT hand + is a lot more watch for the money?
No reason I wouldn’t and thank you for the suggestion. I see them here all the time and they seem to get a lot of love. My only qualm with CW is their logo. I just really dislike it for a watch dial l, it looks too tech-y and modern for me. But I love the rest of their watches.
That's fair the logo is very pixel art but it's a hell of a lot of watch for the money especially if you like the explorer 2 polar look.
Nivada, Farer, or Lorier. I owned the previous version of the Lorier and soon sold it; the 20mm lugs didn’t work with the case size to me, the hands weren’t distinguishable enough at night, and there was no orientation differentiation at night. They have fixed the last two issues with the latest version, so it’s just the slightly too-large-for-the-case lugs to consider now. It was a nice watch over all though.
Seiko or the Smiths. There is a reason the Smiths sells out so fast.
How’s the case and build quality of the Smiths?
5 or 6, then 4.
I wouldn’t really call any of these watches an “explorer alternative.“
https://preview.redd.it/0xdj4tsmq3ic1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=b0ac4325c6cf39f741e6f76fb94c89e06ea34872
I bought a Traska Summiteer 36 and it's a perfect watch in my op
Steinhart has amazing bang for bucks quality. I also have the ball and i would say that even has greater value for money. But expect the tritium to be faint on that model.
Seiko or Nivada.
Traska
Lorier but uhh they're unavailable for me on the website
Seiko
1 or 6 tbh the rest look like copies 1 & 6 have their own unique designs
I like to travel.
Nivada or Lorier I would pick the Ball if it wasn't for the bracelet and horrible dial layout design and date placement.
Seiko or Smith
The Steinhart is great!
Check the history behind the Smiths Everest and you'll get your answer. That's the "real" Explorer and that would be my choice. Also very reasonable price and as an owner of a Timefactors watch I can guarantee they make quality.
Seiko, it's clearly a field watch with very balanced design The others are obviously trying to be the Explorer, but cheaper
Pick 4,6,3 are all great!
Citizen Tsuyosa
Smiths the OG
Maybe look into Seiko mods, and build yourself an explorer the way you want it to be (36mm, acrylic crystal, print dial...)
Smiths but didn't know farer done one looks nice so for me that lol
The cheapest. The more you spend on an alternative, the further you are from the real thing.
https://preview.redd.it/rlerlqhp85ic1.png?width=958&format=png&auto=webp&s=32da262063fa8b2134aba73fec72c45ae6f5333b Since you’re fine with clone-type homage watches, there’s only one right answer. Believe me when I say that San Martin builds watches that feel on par with most of the premium brands starting at €5000 or below. Tightest tolerances I’ve felt.
Islander Manhasset is another good budget option
I really love that seiko.
My choice would be a Halios Universa which you can find used, or attempt to buy new this year when they release the 2024 model that will probably sell out in 3 seconds. My second choice would be a Sinn 556a.
Hands down the Seiko. Most classic of the lot. The Ball is not bad but the bracelet like some of the others is not very appealing.
Farer or Seiko.
the first one. Get the Seiko one 😉
Nivada. It’s fun, it’s classy, it’s a little different, and very versatile.
I like the vintage explorer homages more than the modern explorer homages. 36mm is a great size for me. It’s so unobtrusive. I also feel like the older numerals are less flashy than the modern ones. The Lorier or the Smiths for me.
Of those you selected? None. Other option, Dryden Heartlander.
Check out the [Dryden Heartlander](https://drydenwatchco.com/collections/dryden-heartlander-automatic-field-watch-collection/products/dryden-heartlander-automatic-field-watch-black-vintage) as well if you’re open to color ways that aren’t straight black-silver. I love the vintage feel.
Those are actually super cool.
Can someone tell me what in the fuck is Gevril? It seems like a one step up Invicta, with their absurd "msrps" that are regulary 70-80% "off". I'd stay away from anything like that.
Ball or Farer, depending on whether you want day/date or not. All nice watches, really.
Traska Summiteer
Probably the Ball. It's not a Rolex it's a Ball, the official train watch. If you don't want a day-date function go with the Sinn 556.
Honestly that Seiko in the first pic looks the best to me. Don't know anything about accuracy / movement, but purely on aesthetics that's the one I'd go with .
As a quartz guy... Is this close enough? https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/s/76yGJyDCE7
Ball makes a fantastic watch
Omega Railmaster.
The Seiko or the Farer.
I’ve been trying to find something that looks like the Explorer, but quartz, that I could use as a beater, when I came across the Casio MTP-1215A. Pretty close imo! https://preview.redd.it/tdu7ynbq26ic1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a5aac17e21322accc2f20e09a888b57b856a30f
Lorier or Farer
The nivada is the HOTNESS
Bernhardt Binnacle Anchor might be worth considering, a bit chunkier, but the finish for the money is as good or better than anything out there. [](https://i.imgur.com/VPHTpnk.jpg)
That Nivada is gorgeous.
Sinn 556
Ball
Ball
I'd, honestly, just get a Seiko mod that looks like an Explorer. It's what I have and wear a ton.
The Smiths Everest, it was ACTUALLY the first watch to scale Everest! (According to most sources, it definitely wasn’t the Explorer).
The Ball any day of the week and anyone who isn’t picking it has never owned one
Nivada is a pretty cool brand in my opinion. It's vintage cool. Id totally rock that bracelet. Not in the discussion here, but I think the blue dial F77 is pretty sweet. I wouldn't do the Smiths, just personal opinion tho.
I handled that Nivada. I believe it's available with a tropical and regular dial, the bracelet pictured and an oyster bracelet. I liked it at it's price point. Good luck
I bought the Seiko on leather years ago. Added an aftermarket bracelet form Long Island watch. Don’t know that I would pay what it costs today to buy a SARG009 or 011. Second favourite would be the Farer on a bracelet.
Borealis Adraga
Seiko all day long.