Thanks again, guys! @Garyorange that does look like a good one! Unfortunately it looks like it's sold out on most sites. I'll keep digging to see if I can find some sizes.
New post: This is the last one in our Summer Style Icons series and focuses on the Hollywood Cowboys and Rebels from the 1960s and 70s. So lots of Newman, Redford, Eastwood and McQueen!
There will be a mix of topics on the site for the rest of this month (watches, military style, a post on rock climbing). But September will be pretty much dedicated to the alternatives for the NTTD pieces to celebrate the film's release (fingers crossed!!).
Cheers everyone and thanks again for your patience!
I always like the outfits you put together. So simple when broken down and makes you wonder why people struggle to look good when a good image is actually quite simple, if one follows some basic style rules and iconic looks. It certainly doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg either.
@SpectreBlofeld Looks great! If you want, I would be more than happy to post your review on the website. I know a lot of people would appreciate your insights since choosing an affordable alternative for that watch can get pretty confusing.
@drum007 Score! With your permission, I'll include it in an upcoming Best Budget Finds post with credit to you of course.
As I've said before, I always seem to miss great alternatives when it comes to watches so if you have one you like, please let me know and I will happily add it to the post (with credit to the finder of course!).
Nice selections; I think I've seen the Spinnaker brand before but I don't recall that watch, and it is quite handsome, isn't it?
With Planet Oceans the thing I love about its looks is that silver ring on the inside edge of the bezel: I've not seen many match that and without that it doesn't have that lovely chunky look I tend to think. A lovely selection to choose from though, nice detective work!
And a bonus alternative to keep an eye on for the Tom Ford Ivory, at about $95.
The color is called "PLASTER", so it's not exactly white, and thus probably not the best alternative. BUT.... there is VERY limited sizing and the M/L keeps going in and out of stock on the website, so perhaps a phone call to the local store (if you're in the USA at least) will be needed.
Of course, anyone willing to wait for a good deal can just keep an eye on these and wait 3 more months to Black Friday for their 50% off sale, though I'm sure a decent sale will come along by then.
Feel free to post my pictures or anything from my posts if you like. Here are some general, unorganized thoughts:
I like some of the design better than the original Omega, and like it much better than the Pagani NTTD I already owned.
The lume is much, much better than the Pagani, and the bezel's lumed, too.
The smoother sweep of the PT5000 movement is apparent over the NH35 in the Pagani. I've had it about a week now, and have been measuring the accuracy twice a day, and so far is has been gaining about 1.4 seconds/day (worn every day).
The glass is noticeably more domed and has an anti-reflective coating.
I am measuring the Octopus thickness at 14.1mm with my calipers, and the Pagani at 14.5, so it's slightly thinner, perhaps due to the caseback. Other dimensions are identical as far as I can measure.
The NATO strap it came with is much higher quality than the Pagani, and it is the proper full NATO length (the Pagani's is too short to tuck back). The wavy gold accents look great along with the colors of the dial - though I have already put a mesh bracelet on the watch.
Note that the Pagani has a date window, the Octopus does not (and neither does the Omega original).
The Pagani has a clear caseback window, the Octopus has an engraved caseback with the octopus-themed branding.
The Octopus also claims the same depth rating as the Omega at 300 meters, and has a functional helium escape valve (which is signed with an He logo). The Pagani is rated at 100 meters and has no valve. I question the functionality and practicality of the valve on both the Octopus and the Omega though, to be honest. But if the valve MUST be there, I'd rather it be functional. I can't stand the 'fake' valve of some of the homages that doesn't even turn.
The Octopus has a matte black ceramic bezel insert (lumed), while the Pagani has a glossy, unlumed bezel. The Octopus has a 120-click bezel; the Pagani has a 96-click bezel. The Omega has an aluminum bezel, which is supposed to patina over time. Not sure how I feel about that. Ceramic is definitely a more 'premium' material.
The bezel action is perfect on the Octopus with zero backplay; the Pagani can 'wiggle' back (due to its lower number of clicks, there is more room for 'wiggling').
Things I actually prefer about the Octopus's design to the Omega - the more minimalist dial text, the solid hands, and the coin edge bezel. It's a matter of opinion of course, but I think the skeleton hands and beveled bezel edge of the Omega is starting to date it to the early 90's for me. In my opinion, the Planet Ocean series is the better looking Omega series these days, and looks more timeless (pun intended, I suppose). Also, the Omega has a skeletonized triangle on the bezel surrounding a lume pip - the Octopus has a fully lumed triangle there that looks much cleaner IMO. Also, the Omega has minute markers going all the way around the bezel, while the Octopus only populates the first 15 minutes (like many traditional dive watches). I also prefer this - again, it's a cleaner look, and there are already minute markers on the dial itself, so there's really no need to have a second set of minute markets on the bezel!
Here's a side by side comparison with the Omega for reference to the differences:
Other details I like: the lumed octopus logo on the second hand's counterweight, and the 'OCTOPUS' logo looks really sharp - the center O is an inverted octopus, but it ends up looking quite like the 007 gunbarrel logo. :)
Omega's big advantage - the titanium case, though there are drawbacks, too (scratching is apparently easier on titanium). As far as I know, there is only one homage watch that does the titanium case, and that's Heimdallr - though that particular watch has some design features I'm not a fan of.
One more thing to note: since I purchased the Octopus, they have added another listing for it, with the Swiss-made Sellita SW200 movement as an option and included mesh bracelet, for $400 USD.
Morning, everyone! Well that was a crazy few days! My wife returned from her 5 weeks of travel on Friday, so some quality time was definitely necessary. My son is staying with his grandpartents for another 2 weeks, so we get to enjoy a second honeymoon! On the downside, my trusty laptop finally died after 6 years of solid service. So that kept me from working on the site for a couple of days (plus the day and a half I spent on the phone with various tech support services trying to bring it back to life 🤬).
Anyway, the post on Craig's watches from Skyfall and SPECTRE has now been updated
Some solid options out there right now, especially if you're looking for a budget Aqua Terra. And if you need a new NATO, the fine folks at Watch Gecko are offering us a 30% discount on their selection. Just use the code ICONIC30 at checkout.
I like that Stuhrling has the balls to write 'original' on its face! :) That's a homage if I've ever seen one. The Tissot and the Certina look really rather nice. I bought an Aqua Terra a couple of weeks ago, but while looking around I saw this Casio(!) which actually looks rather handsome to me and has a touch of the AT feel:
I have one of those Seiko 5s you have listed under the Spectre 300 and it's still one of my favourite watches. It's a lovely thing. That Presage you listed has turned my head though...
@emtiem That Casio is sharp! Sorry I missed it the first time, but I'll try to update the post later today and include it (with credit to you for the find).
Congrats on getting the Aqua Terra! And yeah, like I said in the post, the Stuhrling is coming reeaally close to pure ripoff. But at least they added a couple of small differences.
I agree about Tissot and Certina. I've owned a Certina for years and I still love it. Tissot was doing some very nice models a few years ago, but I'm not crazy about many of their latest offerings. Because Tissot and Certina are both part of the Swatch Group (as is Omega), I feel like they're trying to make Tissot the "techy" brand to differentiate it. But many of their models look like Invictas to me: mix of digital and analog, weird complications, busy dials.
The new Sieko is sharp, shame about it only being 50M water resistant. Ends up being a lot of money to pay for a watch you can barely wear in the water. However, the recent Seiko Prospex SPB239 is a great watch for a NTTD Omega alternative. Ain't cheap ($$900 to $1200). But I really like the looks!
Ooh that's lovely too, isn't it? I must say I like the retro bezel on that Presage though. I don't need another watch after buying another Omega. Do I? 😂
I included some picks from the Orlebar Brown sale. And there are lots of shout outs to the gang here for various finds. September is going to be dedicated to updating most of the NTTD alternatives posts to celebrate the film's release (fingers crossed!). So if anyone has come across any great alternatives for those pieces and you'd like to share, just let me know.
I've covered the sweater and Henley in the past. But this time I'm also tackling the boots (I think I found a great option for $50!), the trousers and the sunglasses. Lots of great suggestions from the gang here, so I hope I gave everyone the credit they deserve!
Dan is sending me one (it's on route). Once I get it, I'll need about a week to put together the review. So estimate 2 weeks from now? But I can definitely post my initial thoughts here as soon as I get it. I'm sure David's will be out before mine anyway.
@HalfMonk HalfHitman Thanks! It was a lot of fun doing those interviews. I'm planning on doing a few more for winter (whisky tasting, skiing, and I have a couple of other ideas).
Comments
Absolutely no need to apologise at all. Life is more important - our thoughts are with you and remember - always think of the good times
Thought this could be a good Cuba jacket alternative?
Thanks again, guys! @Garyorange that does look like a good one! Unfortunately it looks like it's sold out on most sites. I'll keep digging to see if I can find some sizes.
New post: This is the last one in our Summer Style Icons series and focuses on the Hollywood Cowboys and Rebels from the 1960s and 70s. So lots of Newman, Redford, Eastwood and McQueen!
There will be a mix of topics on the site for the rest of this month (watches, military style, a post on rock climbing). But September will be pretty much dedicated to the alternatives for the NTTD pieces to celebrate the film's release (fingers crossed!!).
Cheers everyone and thanks again for your patience!
John
Thanks John. Great stuff.
I always like the outfits you put together. So simple when broken down and makes you wonder why people struggle to look good when a good image is actually quite simple, if one follows some basic style rules and iconic looks. It certainly doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg either.
@The Red Kind Thanks! I always appreciate the feedback.
The Octopus Kraken has arrived! How often is an homage watch more beautiful than the watch it's an homage of?
I will write a full review and gallery of photographs soon! The package arrived late today, and I have to head out for the evening.
Picked up this martini shaker on Amazon for $18. Almost an exact match for the shaker used on the train in Spectre. Cheers!
That’s a very good find and very much like it well done
@SpectreBlofeld Looks great! If you want, I would be more than happy to post your review on the website. I know a lot of people would appreciate your insights since choosing an affordable alternative for that watch can get pretty confusing.
@drum007 Score! With your permission, I'll include it in an upcoming Best Budget Finds post with credit to you of course.
Sure thing! And any of my finds, you have permission to use!
Happy Sunday! I've updated the post on Bond's military style:
Lots of new alternatives for utility shirts, field jackets, cargo pants and work boots! Cheers!
Lovely stuff, I must admit I think the Lazenby smock is the coolest item there! 😊
Although Jump The Gun's isn't waterproof- madness! 😁
@emtiem Yes! Every season I think to myself, "I really need an anorak". Maybe this is the year!
I've updated the post on Craig's Omegas from CR and Qos:
As I've said before, I always seem to miss great alternatives when it comes to watches so if you have one you like, please let me know and I will happily add it to the post (with credit to the finder of course!).
Cheers all!
Nice selections; I think I've seen the Spinnaker brand before but I don't recall that watch, and it is quite handsome, isn't it?
With Planet Oceans the thing I love about its looks is that silver ring on the inside edge of the bezel: I've not seen many match that and without that it doesn't have that lovely chunky look I tend to think. A lovely selection to choose from though, nice detective work!
I think Banana Republic's cardigans this season will be the ones to beat.
Talamone alternative @ $129: https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=749576012&pcid=999&vid=1&&searchText=cardigan#pdp-page-content
Tom Ford ivory alternative, also $129: https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=749576002&pcid=999&vid=1&searchText=cardigan#pdp-page-content
He did that telephone advertisement a few years ago with a pretty nice green olive cardigan (can't recall the details on it, though) @ $96:
https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=663629022&pcid=999&vid=1&searchText=cardigan#pdp-page-content
And a bonus alternative to keep an eye on for the Tom Ford Ivory, at about $95.
The color is called "PLASTER", so it's not exactly white, and thus probably not the best alternative. BUT.... there is VERY limited sizing and the M/L keeps going in and out of stock on the website, so perhaps a phone call to the local store (if you're in the USA at least) will be needed.
Of course, anyone willing to wait for a good deal can just keep an eye on these and wait 3 more months to Black Friday for their 50% off sale, though I'm sure a decent sale will come along by then.
Feel free to post my pictures or anything from my posts if you like. Here are some general, unorganized thoughts:
I like some of the design better than the original Omega, and like it much better than the Pagani NTTD I already owned.
The lume is much, much better than the Pagani, and the bezel's lumed, too.
The smoother sweep of the PT5000 movement is apparent over the NH35 in the Pagani. I've had it about a week now, and have been measuring the accuracy twice a day, and so far is has been gaining about 1.4 seconds/day (worn every day).
The glass is noticeably more domed and has an anti-reflective coating.
I am measuring the Octopus thickness at 14.1mm with my calipers, and the Pagani at 14.5, so it's slightly thinner, perhaps due to the caseback. Other dimensions are identical as far as I can measure.
The NATO strap it came with is much higher quality than the Pagani, and it is the proper full NATO length (the Pagani's is too short to tuck back). The wavy gold accents look great along with the colors of the dial - though I have already put a mesh bracelet on the watch.
Note that the Pagani has a date window, the Octopus does not (and neither does the Omega original).
The Pagani has a clear caseback window, the Octopus has an engraved caseback with the octopus-themed branding.
The Octopus also claims the same depth rating as the Omega at 300 meters, and has a functional helium escape valve (which is signed with an He logo). The Pagani is rated at 100 meters and has no valve. I question the functionality and practicality of the valve on both the Octopus and the Omega though, to be honest. But if the valve MUST be there, I'd rather it be functional. I can't stand the 'fake' valve of some of the homages that doesn't even turn.
The Octopus has a matte black ceramic bezel insert (lumed), while the Pagani has a glossy, unlumed bezel. The Octopus has a 120-click bezel; the Pagani has a 96-click bezel. The Omega has an aluminum bezel, which is supposed to patina over time. Not sure how I feel about that. Ceramic is definitely a more 'premium' material.
The bezel action is perfect on the Octopus with zero backplay; the Pagani can 'wiggle' back (due to its lower number of clicks, there is more room for 'wiggling').
Things I actually prefer about the Octopus's design to the Omega - the more minimalist dial text, the solid hands, and the coin edge bezel. It's a matter of opinion of course, but I think the skeleton hands and beveled bezel edge of the Omega is starting to date it to the early 90's for me. In my opinion, the Planet Ocean series is the better looking Omega series these days, and looks more timeless (pun intended, I suppose). Also, the Omega has a skeletonized triangle on the bezel surrounding a lume pip - the Octopus has a fully lumed triangle there that looks much cleaner IMO. Also, the Omega has minute markers going all the way around the bezel, while the Octopus only populates the first 15 minutes (like many traditional dive watches). I also prefer this - again, it's a cleaner look, and there are already minute markers on the dial itself, so there's really no need to have a second set of minute markets on the bezel!
Here's a side by side comparison with the Omega for reference to the differences:
Other details I like: the lumed octopus logo on the second hand's counterweight, and the 'OCTOPUS' logo looks really sharp - the center O is an inverted octopus, but it ends up looking quite like the 007 gunbarrel logo. :)
Omega's big advantage - the titanium case, though there are drawbacks, too (scratching is apparently easier on titanium). As far as I know, there is only one homage watch that does the titanium case, and that's Heimdallr - though that particular watch has some design features I'm not a fan of.
One more thing to note: since I purchased the Octopus, they have added another listing for it, with the Swiss-made Sellita SW200 movement as an option and included mesh bracelet, for $400 USD.
Pictures:
Lume comparison against Pagani and the Seiko Monster (which has some of the best lume ever).
Here is a video link that shows the difference in how quickly the lume drops off in the Pagani vs the Octopus: https://i.imgur.com/bLNLEVB.mp4
If you have any questions, let me know!
Edit: forgot to post link:
Looks like the steel mesh bracelet is available on this PT5000 movement for a small price increase. I paid $273 for the NATO version.
For those averse to AliExpress, Octopus has a website, too, but it's more expensive there, and watch out for the Chinglish:
https://www.octopuskraken.com/item/classicdiveing_007_retro_black/4918435/
Barbour NTTD alternative…
If anybody still wants one with the new one coming out!
Morning, everyone! Well that was a crazy few days! My wife returned from her 5 weeks of travel on Friday, so some quality time was definitely necessary. My son is staying with his grandpartents for another 2 weeks, so we get to enjoy a second honeymoon! On the downside, my trusty laptop finally died after 6 years of solid service. So that kept me from working on the site for a couple of days (plus the day and a half I spent on the phone with various tech support services trying to bring it back to life 🤬).
Anyway, the post on Craig's watches from Skyfall and SPECTRE has now been updated
Some solid options out there right now, especially if you're looking for a budget Aqua Terra. And if you need a new NATO, the fine folks at Watch Gecko are offering us a 30% discount on their selection. Just use the code ICONIC30 at checkout.
Cheers!
John
I like that Stuhrling has the balls to write 'original' on its face! :) That's a homage if I've ever seen one. The Tissot and the Certina look really rather nice. I bought an Aqua Terra a couple of weeks ago, but while looking around I saw this Casio(!) which actually looks rather handsome to me and has a touch of the AT feel:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PGKJHJ1/ref=twister_B08B7BBMMX?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
I have one of those Seiko 5s you have listed under the Spectre 300 and it's still one of my favourite watches. It's a lovely thing. That Presage you listed has turned my head though...
@emtiem That Casio is sharp! Sorry I missed it the first time, but I'll try to update the post later today and include it (with credit to you for the find).
Congrats on getting the Aqua Terra! And yeah, like I said in the post, the Stuhrling is coming reeaally close to pure ripoff. But at least they added a couple of small differences.
I agree about Tissot and Certina. I've owned a Certina for years and I still love it. Tissot was doing some very nice models a few years ago, but I'm not crazy about many of their latest offerings. Because Tissot and Certina are both part of the Swatch Group (as is Omega), I feel like they're trying to make Tissot the "techy" brand to differentiate it. But many of their models look like Invictas to me: mix of digital and analog, weird complications, busy dials.
The new Sieko is sharp, shame about it only being 50M water resistant. Ends up being a lot of money to pay for a watch you can barely wear in the water. However, the recent Seiko Prospex SPB239 is a great watch for a NTTD Omega alternative. Ain't cheap ($$900 to $1200). But I really like the looks!
Cheers!
Ooh that's lovely too, isn't it? I must say I like the retro bezel on that Presage though. I don't need another watch after buying another Omega. Do I? 😂
I'm proud of you for holding out this long without buying another! 😂
Morning! New post to wrap up our Summer of Adventure series. In this last one we explore the best ways to learn to rock climb!
Cheers!
John
I bought this the other week as spotted it on sale at £35 and it is fantastic!
The neckline doesnt go as low as the Tom Ford, but the design is very similar with the ribbed sleeves and waist
Their choice in model to show this off was poor imo, very skinny guy wearing a medium, doesn't do it justice
Morning all! New post: Best Budget Style Finds for August
I included some picks from the Orlebar Brown sale. And there are lots of shout outs to the gang here for various finds. September is going to be dedicated to updating most of the NTTD alternatives posts to celebrate the film's release (fingers crossed!). So if anyone has come across any great alternatives for those pieces and you'd like to share, just let me know.
Cheers and enjoy your Sunday!
John
A possible Matera alternative?
https://www.joules.com/Men/Clothing/Millstone/Cotton-Workwear-Jacket?size=L&id=211899%7CBLUE%7CL&origin=pe&CAWELAID=620016710000765036&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15467296923&CATCI=pla-933261710524&mch=ppc&mcpt=GooglePLA&mcpn=SC-PLA-UK+-+Men&mct=Mens+Outerwear&mkw=933261710524%7C%7Bproductid%7D&_%24ja=tsid%3A96551%7Cacid%3A830-070-6569%7Ccid%3A230597163%7Cagid%3A15467296923%7Ctid%3Apla-933261710524%7Ccrid%3A90631173003%7Cnw%3Ag%7Crnd%3A11244705804915118996%7Cdvc%3Ac%7Cadp%3A%7Cmt%3A%7Cloc%3A9045502&gclid=CjwKCAjw4KyJBhAbEiwAaAQbE7NawrlystH6tpEe9XUDyIo8NI9GWYZxMxylLrO-dVGenPJ1GeFg2RoCsOAQAvD_BwE
Anyone have any idea if\when Bond Experience\David will be doing a review of the Royale blazer?
Morning everyone! New post: alternatives for Bond's NTTD Tactical outfit:
I've covered the sweater and Henley in the past. But this time I'm also tackling the boots (I think I found a great option for $50!), the trousers and the sunglasses. Lots of great suggestions from the gang here, so I hope I gave everyone the credit they deserve!
Cheers!
John
John, loving the side trips into lifestyle/activity! Well done.
Dan is sending me one (it's on route). Once I get it, I'll need about a week to put together the review. So estimate 2 weeks from now? But I can definitely post my initial thoughts here as soon as I get it. I'm sure David's will be out before mine anyway.
@HalfMonk HalfHitman Thanks! It was a lot of fun doing those interviews. I'm planning on doing a few more for winter (whisky tasting, skiing, and I have a couple of other ideas).
Cheers!