For anyone viewing this video from 2021 onwards, it looks like Maen has now changed the STP movement for a Ronda R150 instead. This is a slimmer movement, meaning the watch looks to be slightly thinner than before. PRODUCT LINK: www.maenwatches.com/collections/hudson-38-automatic/products/hudson-38-automatic-no-date-jet-black

@domenicozanetti7845

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ben! when are you going to review the maen hudson mk4 ? Thanks!

@unaibb

3 ай бұрын

Today 2024, this Maen is 300eur more with sellita movement, 749 eur, do you think is still good option? Great review by the way. Greetingd from Spain

Wow not too many watches get this sort of praise from Ben

Has anyone else noticed that 2021 is the year of sub 40mm watches?! I’m loving it.

@3rdstone1

3 жыл бұрын

I love that trend as well. Now if only the dress/minimalist watch models would follow with sub 39mm sizes..

@mr22guy

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! 38mm is my sweet spot.

@spiritcrusher4506

3 жыл бұрын

Well, I have an 8 inch wrist and my old 40mm wide casio edifice looks like women's or childish watch on my hand. I'm not on your side guys)))

@AliasEveWatches

3 жыл бұрын

I'm rooting for more below 40mm watches to come out in the market but obviously I can't buy them all 🤣🤣🤣

@Tekniq182

3 жыл бұрын

I hope not

Love when one of my favorite KZreadr makes video about a watch a literally searched for on KZread a couple of days ago.

You have a distinct and really enjoyable way with these reviews, man. Now I have yet another diver on my list...unrelated, but I’d love to see an actual sea-green face on a diver.

Great review. Very slick, to the point and you analyse the details so well. All attributes I aim to improve in my vids. Nice one Ben.

OMG the hand-set is very nice... Altogether well balanced. Thank you for bringing this brand up.

Thanks for the great review Ben! Much appreciated, Any feedback or questions are always welcome!

@shiranduarte

3 жыл бұрын

Indeed. Ben conquered the KZread viewers utmost respect with the most outrageously sincere and honest reviews I know of. His seal of approval worths tenfold!

Regarding to your remark pertaining to the ‘American’ places: this is due to the fact that the Dutch actually founded these places! Makes more sense that way! Great review!

Thanks, mate. I can rely on you to give an honest review. This watch needs some very serious consideration! My collection might have just increased by 1!

Finally. I was waiting for a review from someone of your stature on KZread about this.

Not special enough to make me part with my money. But, what they have done they've done it really well. Apart from the logo on crown everything you mentioned looks immaculately finished :). Hope their Kickstarter goes well!

This is an interesting piece! I definitely appreciate the quality of the finishing, signed crown, and beautiful bezel action. Hopefully the brand is here to stay and will come out with more colours and models in the future!

Ben, the scene with Darth Vader and that Loretti monstrosity superimposed on top of it and hearing that Nooooooooooo, was pure cinematic genius to the likes of which George Lucas himself would applaud..... I laughed my freakin a** off. Hats off to you my good sir. Brilliant !.

Thank you for this excellent review. It was comprehensive and the video was solid and the voiceover fit the images well. Cheers

Man, when a watch brand sends Ben a watch for review, they have to be bold, considering that Ben approval worth much more than other reviewers and he is a helluva nitpicker. :)

Almost looks like a Seiko 62MAS combined with elements of other 1960s/70s dive watches.

@Andrew.W75

3 жыл бұрын

Yes the dial looks like a 62MAS with the case looking similar to a Tudor black bay or Rolex Submariner even

Thanks for honest review, I'm on the waiting list for one of these, and I wasnt so sure anymore., your review came just in time cause I had seen negative comments in other reviews regarding the QC on crown and bezel.

I have a 42mm Maen from before they released the 38mm version. And it’s awesome. I agree with you the bracelet and lume can be better but I love my Maen!

happy to see smaller diver, nice watch, looks good on you

Just ordered the Maen Manhattan 37 with now sapphire glass back. Love the look of your channel. Great content. Lawrence

Great review, thank you - you balanced key information in a very watchable format!

Very good review, a nice looking watch fools the eyes as I would have thought it was a 42 mm case. There so many Microbands out there and hard to say which are good or bad. Thanks for the review. Really helps!

Very nice looking watch and it's good to see that some makers are accomodating customers who prefer this size of divers watches. Thanks for sharing 👍

I've been looking at one of these for a while, this only makes me want one even more!

@jessedominguez543

3 жыл бұрын

It's a great watch. One of my favorites in my collection. The only decision to make is if you want the white or black chapter ring.

That's one of the nicest bracelets I've seen at any price. Fully articulated individual links - nice! And since I don't have a hairy arm, haut0r pulling not a concern. Thinking about it. Great review.

Great review as always Ben. This is an interesting looking watch, that I'd not heard of before. Thanks.

7:38 honestly, it doesn’t matter if it’s just your eyes or not… if it doesn’t look centred, it isn’t.

@BobMuir100

3 жыл бұрын

What? It’s not centred if it’s not centred! If you think you are seeing it not centred then check with tools, one doesn’t ‘eye ball’ the fit and finish of a Swiss made watch! What a pointless comment!

@Azeria

3 жыл бұрын

@@BobMuir100 …I’m a designer by trade, and no. Because it doesn’t matter if something is centred, it matters if it looks it. Designing isn’t a science, and aesthetics don’t give a shit about what the align button thinks is correct. Optically centring is common practice in all forms of design, all of the time. Every single watch you own has an element on it that was eye-balled. So if you wouldn’t mind, please sit down.

@rf4790

3 жыл бұрын

@@Azeria Completely agree here. Great summary.

@mintywebb

3 жыл бұрын

@@Azeria then you are a very poor designer, if something is centred, then it is centred.

@Azeria

3 жыл бұрын

@@mintywebb you can keep saying it, but it won’t make it true, you could instead choose to listen and maybe learn something…

Macrobrands should go 38... Perfect dimensions, case, lug to lug... Very nice. Approved.

Refreshing to see such an honest review. A no brainer to subscribe to the channel.

Sweet watch! Excellent review cheers 👍🏻👍🏻

Great review Ben,you just inspire my faith in you.

I agree that there are many kickstarter watches out there that are just overprices, and some just out to make a buck or two, but at the same time there are others like ours who use KS as a great springboard to launch and who try their best to create a nice piece and look after backers ! Good to see that you show some good ones as well as the not so good.....

I received mine a few days ago and I am very happy with it. I have nothing to add to what you have already said, except the perfect integration of the bracelet into the case, at times it looks like an integrated bracelet, so I do not consider a second to replace it (which I normally do on all my watches). Only regret: the Ronda movement is a real loss compared to ETA and STP because it is undecorated. I understand the choice because on the other hand improvements have been made, but a solid case back with a nice engraving would have been a wiser choice than showing this movement which just has nothing to show.

I like everything about this watch,the design, the specs,no date dial.38mm size.It's perfect. I dont mind the ghost position.my only complain is about the name of the brand.

Can you do a video on larsson and Jennings plz? I think they’re amazing and deserve a spot on your Channel. Love the vids btw

Brilliant Channel All The Best Ben.

Thanks for the review. It is certainly a simple, yet striking design. It seems as if there are scratch marks on the movement (possibly occurring during insertion of the jewel) at 4:12, and the hour hand is somewhat roughly finished (evident at 5:37). Assuming this is a pre-production model, it would be cleaned up during actual production.

A very nice clean and classic dive watch, no pretence to subbies, not sure I would pick this over a kamasu, but originality and good design will always be welcome.

After a year of collecting affordable watches, I have begun to understand what I really like in watches and this diver certainly fit the bill.. original design, swiss made quality, compact size and no date as I dont require any date on the weekends when Im wearing the watch.. dates are only require for my daily watch on workdays.. and I love exhibition casebacks which add to my enjoyment of the watch

I'm a seasoned watch collector but very much enjoy the watch. Recently got the MK4 and gave the MK3 to a friend.

Love the videos! Have you heard of Tayroc watches? Would love to see a video on them. Thanks for quality vids otherwise!

I just got a San Martín vintage diver this week and I was struck by how incredibly similar the case is to that on the Maen. The sides are not high polish, but the overall shape, including the 38mm size and chamfered edges look identical. Then there is the coin-edge bezel, identical in appearance again, with just a different insert. So, while it may be Swiss made, there are some remarkable similarities with a Chinese watch. Maybe they are sourcing components from China and assembling in Switzerland as we know that Swiss Made is determined by having a Swiss movement and 60% of manufacturing costs being Swiss, which could simply be labour costs.

@squinkygordon1322

2 жыл бұрын

I think it's a given at this price point that Asian parts are sourced, as much as possible, up to the point where it can still meet the qualification of being "Swiss Made".

A great review as always And don't get me wrong, the Sternglas was way overpriced. However I want you to consider that if a company does actually use all Swiss Sellita parts and components it does seriously increase the price. Especially if they choose to assemble/final QC in Switzerland then you're paying wages in a country where dishwashers make 25 euro an hour. Don't get me wrong, overpriced and them ghosting you is to be expected but there's economic reasons for price creep and businesses do want to make money. On top of that, it's a sad reality, but arbitrarily jacking the price on your product has saved many brands just ask Chivas Regal

@ballsackschrader218

7 ай бұрын

Okay what’s the point of this comment? You admit it’s overpriced. The fact that sternglas later released a similar watch later that was way more affordable, while still being Swiss made, proves it

Great watch and a good price for the ETA movement. I'd like one of those . .... seriously. Thanks,Ben keep well my friend.😃😺

Thanks for sharing! Interesting and sober design.

When they first released the Hudson they were good. I almost bought one on ebay. Until I found that there recent models were made with STP movements. They first started they used SW200 Which have a good rep. But STP has a bad rep for quality control. And until they go sileta or STP improves it rep. I won't buy one. As You have to think about resale .

A great review of this nice ticker - however the ghost position is a deal breaker for me. Does the new Ronda Movement have a ghost position too ?

Looks brilliant, we could definitely do with a few more like this on the market!

@Andrew.W75

3 жыл бұрын

Have a look at Lorier, they make some nice retro diver watches at a similar size & price point

@BobMuir100

3 жыл бұрын

You think we need more sub £1k divers?? Really?

@Andrew.W75

3 жыл бұрын

@@BobMuir100 I think he's specifically talking about smaller dive watches, most are over 40mm

Good honest review Ben, an objective review of a watch that looks very good for the outlay. Personally I couldn't give a pair of dingo's kidneys where watches are made, if a product is good (and ideally support should you need it) it's worth the praise. I'm not that bothered it a watch is built in MIlton Keynes, or on the planet Jupiter (a bus ride would be a tad cheaper to Milton Keynes though), if it's good, it's worth consideration regardless of place of manufacture and I appreciate you honesty for that at the end of the review. I have a bunch of Casio watches of the same type made in different countries over the years but all have the generally the great Casio quality. I've also had some Swiss watches of.. err.. questionable quality and others that are spot on from smaller Swiss brands.

@BobMuir100

3 жыл бұрын

Gosh, you simply don’t understand how heritage, longevity and quality are developed do you? And please share the names of these iffy Swiss made watches you have owned.................

@michaels5166

2 жыл бұрын

amen..

Great review! I have this one in the "Midnight Blue" color (it's gray, the gray of an angry sea, not blue). I'm very pleased with it; it has a clean classic look without also looking too much like a different watch. I find the bracelet to be comfortable on my 6 1/4" wrist. The movement is fine; mine is running at a disappointing +15spd, but that is the luck of the draw.

@BobMuir100

3 жыл бұрын

Poor time keeping is not ‘luck of the draw’ is it? It’s actually called needs adjustment.

@coyote6025

3 жыл бұрын

@@BobMuir100 I say luck of the draw because it is with the specs for that movement

Beautiful watch, what a find! A bit on the expensive side, but probably worth it... if I didn't have already around 20 dive watches!

@KabobHope

3 жыл бұрын

I barely even swim and I have more than my share. 😀

Nice the bezel without the red triangle looks nicer, I got a Mk 2 with the ETA 2824. The case and dial/markers/hand are very nice and you feel the quality compatible to the price. The bezel and bracelet are just OK and the security clasp isn´t at the same level of the rest of the watch, I wish they used flat crystal and bigger markers at 3, 6 and 9.

Great review,

Consensus is that what you referred to as a _Rehaut_ or 'flange' in French is in fact a _Chapter_ _ring_ albeit not printed directly on the dial. A _rehaut_ is the one part of the case visible under the crystal and it typically doesn't have marking, however rolexrolexrolexrolex does.

So I've had the seiko 5 sports watch snzf17 for 7 years now and was wondering which watch you would recommend to move up to.

Great Video Ben! Can you please review Dan Henry 1962 Racing Chronograph? Thank you!

Hey, Ben, would you be interested in reviewing the Langdon Davenport if you have the change? It looks like a real steal considering its price and specs but I'd like to hear more opinions on it as there are very few reviews of it out there.

Fantastic watch -I really enjoy my V2! I feel this watch has an identity crisis, as it’s not a diver - there are plenty of them, it’s a GADA sports watch, with a vintage diver aesthetic. Those who say meh must see in person, as there’s much to appreciate with the finer details!

Great and detailed review. It might just be me, but i find this diver design so generic and kind of meh... Seems like a decent deal on paper, but i want something that looks unique. Micro brands like zelos and straton, you should try to get those for a review.

I'd love to see a comparison with the San Martin retro diver which is half the price.

Got one on the way. Seems to be the move, Step of from San Martin which honestly was a bit rough around the edges.

I'm sold on maen never heard of them but if they are so accommodating to smaller wrist guys like myself I'll grab me one maen diver 👌⌚ excellent review ben keep it up 🤘🤙🤗😁⌚😜😛🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

Ginault guy used to make some great Submariner clones, so yeah your impressions are right!

Have a look at the Maen Manhatten 37 - a direct competitor to the PRX automatic both in style and price (it's a sort of clone of the Vacheron 2215 rather than Royal Oak). It looks really good.

That bracelet is a dead ringer for an 1861 Speedy. I’m surprised that you had a hair pulling issue. It is a handsome watch.

Was in on the MK1 Kickstarter. Only watch I've bought no longer in my collection. QC issue on arrival on the dial and really dodgy crown action. They also sent out replacement hands to everyone too, due to unacceptable issues with the lume. It was an ok watch, but it wasn't high quality and with the few issues I just didn't keep it in the end.

@jamespidgeon5428

3 жыл бұрын

Same experience and felt the bracelet felt cheap..disappointed to see the mk3 still has terrible lume, such a shame for a good looking diver.

Named after places in America that was originally settled by the Dutch.

@VersedNJ

3 жыл бұрын

Like Cape May, NJ, and Jan Mayen Island in the Arctic Ocean. By the dutch explorer and chart maker of the same name. I work by Mays Landing.

Interesting, a decent watch from a kickstarter. The company seems to be serious in it's business. I'd certainly wear this.

Love that watch considering another, blue face.

Can you review a Diesel watch? The Daddy 2.0 or similar might be huge but I think they have a really unique look rivalled only by G-shocks.

I like the watch, apparently they now use a Ronda R150 automatic movement and while Ronda is known for their quartz movements, I absolutely don't know anything about their automatics.

Is sternglas naos-black any good?

GREAT Watch !

I like it, I'm a sucker for a retro dive watch

Looks bloody nice!

Could you review their new Manhattan 37?

But this almost 2 years ago for an absolute steal. It's amazing Edit: The MK1 of course.

When I saw pictures of it before, I didn't love it. On paper, it's an excellent watch. It's well-spec'd and the price is very good. On this video though, it looks really good. I think I've changed my mind about not loving it.

@hootonhoot

3 жыл бұрын

One of my favorites out of many 👌

I really like the design of this, but would love to see it in a 40mm size.

Great watch , I have the 42mm Hudson and I love it , I also have the sky master again great watch, cant recommend them enough . Can you reveries a second hour gin clear which I also own and love

Very handsome watch, however because of only one row text logo, dial feels little empty for me. Maybe I’m used to much to vintage skin divers where you usually have a small logo and name of the company underneath.

visualy, this watch looks great, deffenetly a great deskdiver (i would prefer the date version). sadly, its not a true diver with no lume on the bezel. and personaly, i think, see throu casebacks dont realy fits the toolwatch aesthetic of a divewatch. maybee it would be a bit of a better choise, to take a non decorated movement and a solid case back and put the saved money in a lume pip and better lume over all, then, the watch would be a 100% win

Generally looks nice and the sizing would be great as I also have a smaller wrist. Not sure of the name and the aesthetics of the branding though - the italicised "E" looks more like a typo than something carefully considered, the serif font looks boring and the name sounds a little weird. I reckon there's prob enough better choices across other microbrands and secondary market Seikos for this to not really stand out in my opinion.

TRASKA commuter review ? i ordered one on sunday. 36.5mm case, I think it's something for u!

I love it!

please do the nixon dork too

i own a mark1 38mm no date Hudson. it is a great watch, the mark1s have an issue with the crown being too small, and the bezel too stiff. the lume is also pretty darn weak on it. but it is amazingly well built, the bracelet feels like silk on wrist, the whole watch look amazing under a lupe too. keeps great time, and looks amazing in my opinion. bougth it second hand for way under 300gpb. i think it was worth it. looking to get myself a maen skymaster 38mm chrono sometime this or next year.

@egbertkuijpers1387

3 жыл бұрын

The Skymaster is absolutely beautiful. I just received mine yesterday... It will get a lot of wristtime😊

@Csibu89

3 жыл бұрын

@@egbertkuijpers1387 im eyeing the thunder grey one. although im also eyeing some cameras that might get ahead in the line... we shall see. which one did you get? hows the new bracelet?

@egbertkuijpers1387

3 жыл бұрын

@@Csibu89 ...I think all dials are beautiful, you cannot go wrong with either one of them. I have the all-black dial. Good luck in chosing between the watch or a new camera😊👍🏼

@egbertkuijpers1387

3 жыл бұрын

@@Csibu89 ...I ordered a new brown leather rally-style strap (B and R)

Cab you review Enzo Attini please?

Is it me or is the link missing?

I want to know your thoughts on kronaby

Have had my eye on this watch forever bc of the specs, design, and dimensions, but I never understood why they don’t just add a ceramic bezel insert. It’s more durable and would elevate the look.

@maenwatches

3 жыл бұрын

Perhaps this would be something for the future!

@theannouncer5538

2 жыл бұрын

The new mk4 does have ceramic I believe

A very nice looking well proportioned watch, Lorier & Baltic are two other microbrands that make good retro dive watches at a similar price point

@BensWatchClub

3 жыл бұрын

Both of those look great too, hopefully can take a look at them at some point

@Andrew.W75

3 жыл бұрын

@@BensWatchClub Cool It would be great to see a review of those!

I wonder if that's why Seiko doesn't sign (most of) their crowns. Maybe it takes too much effort to ensure the "S" sits perfectly upright when screwed down.

@Andrew.W75

3 жыл бұрын

Just one more thing to be potentially misaligned I guess!

Review spinnaker brand please

They should find themselves a new QC person

Not a bad little watch reminds me of the Rolex sub pre 1957.

That is a nice time piece. 🤔

Does anybody else think the Mark 4 is a step down from the Mark 3? After watching this video I was looking forward to getting one, and then when they revealed the new one with that rough looking dial and no exhibition caseback I just lost my enthusiasm.

There’s so many good brands on Kickstarter, just ignore the ones that is fashion forward ... pretty easy - but if you dig fashion watches, ofc you’ll get burned :)