Dappered | In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch

[Dappered | In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch](#1) - [Best of Threads: WSAYWT, bourbon, and dark grey instead of black](#2) - [From Oxfords to Sneakers: The 5 Styles of Shoes Every Guy Needs](#3) [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch](r/Dappered/~3/FbnP8Ceywvs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 03 Mar 2020 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Island Watch -$299]( Note: The specific watch shown in this post is the Islander Automatic ISL-01 Dual Time. Also, it looks like Long Island is releasing [some Pilot watches for $199.]( Discontinuation [of the SKX]( got you [down]( Still wanting a classic beast of a dive watch to be your companion into the spring and summer? Well, [sit right back, and you’ll hear a tale]( of a new watch brand that’s resurrecting what made [the SKX great](, and then some. This new brand is from Island Watch ([aka]( LongIslandWatch.com), [and it’s called Islander](. [Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Island Watch]( More than a few color and bezel options. Dappered readers may recognize the Island Watch name, because many of us have purchased a watch from them. Yep, Island Watch is also LongIslandWatch.com, which is pretty well known for good prices on high-value watches from brands like Orient and Seiko. It was my search for a Bambino that first took me to them, and I’ve returned for other watches and various accessories as well. I particularly appreciate the customer service, including the openness that owner Marc shows on the [Island Watch YouTube channel](. As the saying goes, “buy the seller.” Given that history, I was quite excited to hear about this store/source launching their own exclusive line, and I jumped at the chance to borrow one for review. [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch | Dappered.com]( Yes it looks like a Seiko SKX. That’s the point. First impressions? This is unabashedly a chunk of a diver. If you’re at all acquainted with Seiko’s SKX family of divers (& full disclosure: [I’ve never owned one](), the islander will be very familiar. It was created to fill the void left by the departed SKX—a void that wasn’t exactly filled by [the new Seiko 5 models](, which are lacking the aquatic prowess that was loved by SKX devotees. The islander, though? It’s [oceanic]( (nsfw)! While not ISO certified, the Islander boasts the same crucial specs found in the SKX, including 200m of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a solid screw-down caseback. [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch | Dappered.com]( 200m of water resistance, but this thing has a hacking & hand winding movement. What’s more, the case dimensions are nearly the same, with a 43mm diameter, 14mm thickness, and 46mm lug-to-lug. Such is the similarity, that the Islander can also accept the bounty of available SKX007 aftermarket parts. Watch modders rejoice. Yet while it has a ton in common with the SKX, the islander [goes beyond]( SKX spec in several key ways. Here’s what you’re now getting that you didn’t get with a Seiko SKX: - Hand-winding, hacking NH36 movement - Anti-reflective flat sapphire crystal - Ceramic bezel insert - Drilled lugs for easier bracelet to strap changes - Upgraded bracelet which includes solid end links and a milled clasp [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch | Dappered.com]( Still has a screw down crown, while looks are a little more refined than an SKX. That’s a lot of upgrades. So what’s the end result? A pretty darn nice watch, especially for $299. One of the reasons I’ve never owned an SKX is that I was always drawn to Orient’s budget divers. While still tool watches, they’re a bit more dressed up, and thus more flexible for work & play. The Islander shares this trait, with very nice applied hour indices, instead of the SKX’s pools of lume. Dial text is minimal, too, with “Automatic” and “200M” balanced by the lumed Island Watch logo, above. [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch | Dappered.com]( Lume is nice for sure. While I like the triangle-within-a-circle Island Watch logo, I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it on the watch face. Sometimes it looks a bit like a tiny subdial, but most of the time, it [disappears]( to my eye and I don’t notice it. Similarly, the case and bracelet feature a great mix of polished and brushed surfaces, which all play nicely in the light and give the watch a refined appearance. Thanks to this mix of elevated features, the Islander would be equally at home spending a day snorkeling at the beach or heading out for a dinner date. [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch | Dappered.com]( Has some beef. 43mm diameter, 14mm thickness, 46mm lug-to-lug That all sounds great, but are there any downsides? Well, as I mentioned, this is a big chunk of a watch. I don’t find the diameter troublesome, but it could be a bit thinner for my own personal taste (they have made a 38mm diameter option that’s 13mm thick). But really, that’s about it, and not even a downside depending on your preferences. [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch | Dappered.com]( A slightly more dressed up dial than the SKX. Overall, my experience with the Islander has been extremely positive. In fact, it’s made me glad I never bought an SKX, because while this review unit had to go back, it’s only a matter of time before I purchase an Islander for myself. Marc (the owner) has said that there are more Islander models in the works. And with 17 watches released already, in both diver and aviator styles, the Islander line and it’s impressive specs-to-price ratio will be worth keeping an eye on. About the author: Aaron K. was first brought to Dappered by his love of watches, but has found it to be a great resource for so much more. When not reading Dappered, he’s usually relishing being a dad, spending time with his family & friends, learning about most anything that can fly, or taking photographs. [In Review: The Islander Automatic Dive Watches from Long Island Watch | Dappered.com]( ff/Dappered?a=FbnP8Ceywvs:Nh0oCsGAhzw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=FbnP8Ceywvs:Nh0oCsGAhzw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=FbnP8Ceywvs:Nh0oCsGAhzw:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Best of Threads: WSAYWT, bourbon, and dark grey instead of black](r/Dappered/~3/Iu-uXiMOmjI/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 02 Mar 2020 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [What’s Dappered Threads?]( It’s our forum. Launched in 2011, Threads is a not too big, not too small, just-right-sized forum that doesn’t put up with snobbery. All thanks to the users and hardworking mods. Once a month, one of the users/mods from Threads provides us with a highlight package of the last few weeks. [What shoes are you wearing today?]( [What Shoes are you wearing today? | Dappered.com]( Started a little over a year ago, the what shoes are you wearing today thread is THE place to see some excellent footwear choices of forum members. [mebejoseph]( kicked off the month of February with a pair of, in his words “ridiculously extravagant slippers my wife gave me for Xmas”. The slippers prompted some comments from [Nandyn]( [Rbirnie]( and [JohnR]( Not to be outdone by mebejoseph, [JohnR]( posted a photo an excellent looking pair of Chili Cordovan Strands (seen above), prompting [Heafcliffe]( to post a photo of his own Cordovan Monk Straps. [Token]( followed up the Cordovan postings with his C&J Radnor in Russan Calf while [Loafer28]( shared a photo of his shoes. Lastly [stuffedsuperdud]( showed off his Daltons prompting a bit of a discussion about how to best look after Shell Cordovan shoes/boots. [New bourbon thread]( [New Bourbon Thread | Dappered.com]( A recent posting on the main page about [bourbon]( prompted a bourbon discussion in the threads. [armedferret]( showed off three of his favourite bourbons, with [Jallen]( commenting how nice it is to read an informed bourbon post. [andrewrg]( then shared one of his favorite bourbon’s, as did [abh159]( [ScottD]( and [wsupjs]( [mcadamsandwich]( shared his insight on bourbons, as did [Sideswipe]( [mark4]( and [paintflinger]( [C.Dubs]( commented how hard it is to find Weller Special Reserve bourbon while [ElDub]( stated his go-to bourbon is Buffalo Trace and [skewl]( said Four Roses Yellow label was his daily driver. Whatever the bourbon, it seems Dappered readers do enjoy to kick back with a glass once in a while. [Dark grey instead of black?]( User klindsey is attending a wedding party in the fall and turned to the forums to ask if he could get away with a dark or charcoal grey suit instead of a black suit. [hockeysc23]( suggested going with whatever color the groom/bride is requesting, although [garryowen47]( recommendation was to have a chat with the groom about suit colors, provided of course klindsey is a close enough friend to the groom. [facelessghost]( suggested not causing any waves as the wedding is not klindsey’s, and to maybe rent a suit if need-be while [Domino]( [JohnR]( [Tacitus]( and [tayloruph]( suggested going with a black suit. The question of why black suits are a “no-no” came from [Hemsprong]( which was nicely answered by [mebejoseph]( and [ianr](. The conversation then turned in to a nice discussion about #menswear, with [LesserBlackDog]( [mark4]( and [CJMichaelRay]( all sharing their thoughts. No word yet from klindsey on his final suit color decision. [Thoughts on UNIQLO?]( The question of [how to spend a UNIQLO gift card]( on the main site prompted mcadamsandwich to ask the forum readers what their thoughts were concerning UNIQLO. [Ito]( kicked off the discussion by saying he only has a couple of their pieces, but he felt the items were excellent quality for the price. [SFe Guy]( chimed in saying at first he wasn’t impressed with UNIQLO but he’s come around and now has quite a number of their pieces. Forum member [abh159]( gave a breakdown of what he liked, and didn’t like for specific UNIQLO items and [facelessghost]( said the lack of tall sizes is preventing him from trying UNIQLO. [mark4m]( [ModifiedMind]( [Token]( [DocDave]( [Geo]( and [the passenger]( all commented how they appreciated UNIQLO clothing. Based on the feedback, UNIQLO seems to be popular choice with the forum members. [Green watches?]( [Green Watches? | Dappered.com]( Who says all watch faces have to be black or white? Domino asked forum readers what their thoughts or suggestions were for a reasonably good, yet green watch. [LesserBlackDog]( was the first to respond, suggesting a Seiko 5 Sports watch. The Seiko 5 suggestion was echoed by [idvsego]( who also suggested taking a look at Tissell or a Borealis Bull Shark. The Mako 3 was suggested by [CK83]( the Accutron Spaceview by [tayloreuph]( and the Shinola Runwell by [MIS997](. User [Bruce Wayne]( suggested having a look at either a Geckota or Steinhart and [Hebrew Barrister]( offered his positive feedback concerning Orient watches. Finally [Medium Tex]( suggested the Seiko SNKM97. Once Domino picks his watch, here’s hoping to see some pictures of the new purchase in the [What watch I wore today]( thread. Looking for some advice, direction, or just to connect with some cool guys? Perhaps you know of a great looking green watch. If so, then [Head on over to Threads]( and take a spin around. ff/Dappered?a=Iu-uXiMOmjI:igXnr-XFeIw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=Iu-uXiMOmjI:igXnr-XFeIw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=Iu-uXiMOmjI:igXnr-XFeIw:gIN9vFwOqvQ [From Oxfords to Sneakers: The 5 Styles of Shoes Every Guy Needs](r/Dappered/~3/f8cVcKCnbgc/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 02 Mar 2020 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Pick one pair of shoes from the following categories and your footwear needs will be covered for the majority of life’s adventures. These are the essential shoes that every stylish guy needs to manage weddings, job interviews, work, travel, dates, and the like. They’re the foundation on which you can build onwards and upwards from. Each pair of shoes on this list meets the following criteria: - Covers multiple, common situations - Affordable options are easy to find - They lean more traditional (nothing too wacky/super modern) #1. The Mandatory Black Oxford [Allen Edmonds Park Avenue]( - [Allen Edmonds Park Avenue – $395]( - [Allen Edmonds Carlyle Oxford – $395]( - [Banana Republic Italian Leather Cap Toe Oxford – $95ish]( - [Jack Erwin “Joe” Oxford – $195](//www.jackerwin.com/collections/lace-ups/products/joe?variant=5505275461647) - [Meermin Cap Toes – $195]( …careful, [shipping is $15]( + you’re on the hook [for returns]( - [Massimo Matteo Oxford Cap Toe – $175](//www.zappos.com/p/massimo-matteo-dante-cap-toe-bal-black/product/9345038/color/3) There’s no getting around it; we all need a pair of formal black oxfords. Funerals, job interviews, black tie weddings, and other inevitable life events call for this shoe. Your black oxfords might be the least worn shoe in your closet, but you’ll be happy to have them on hand (and on foot) for those important occasions. A note on any Allen Edmonds in this post: Check your USPS mailbox. If you got a snail mail catalog from AE, there’s [probably a $75 off full price one time use coupon]( stuck to the back cover. #2. The Indispensable Brown Brogue [Allen Edmonds Strand]( - [Allen Edmonds Strand – $395]( - [Suitsupply Brown Cap Toe Oxfords – $249]( - [Johnston & Murphy Daley Medallion Toe Oxford – $169]( - [J. Crew Ludlow Semi-Brogues – $298]( often on sale [for less]( - [Allen Edmonds McAllister Wingtip Oxfords – $395]( - [Aston Grey Wingtip Blucher – $89.99]( - [Grant Stone LWB Crimson Chromexcel – $330]( [Wingtip, cap-toe, long-wing, balmoral, or blucher](. Brogues come in a wide variety of styles and levels of formality. Choose one that fits your weekly lifestyle best. Brown brogues can be worn with anything from a suit, to a pair of dark, well fitting denim, from khakis to flannel trousers. Darker brown will be more versatile, yet lighter brown will be more eye-catching (as shown above with the walnut Allen Edmonds Strand). #3. The Obligatory Boots [Rhodes Footwear Dean Boot]( - [Rhodes Footwear Dean Boot – $220]( - [J. Crew Goodyear Welted Kenton Pacer Boots – $248](//www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes/boots/kenton-leather-pacer-boots/C8867?color_name=burnished-tobacco) often on sale for [much less]( - [Original Chippewa 6-Inch Service Utility Boot – $280](//www.zappos.com/p/chippewa-service-boot-cordovan/product/8191086/color/316?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla_g&utm_campaign=194546491&utm_term=pla-__iv_p_1_g_9678510331_c_47371353691_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_1o1_x_pla_y_15872_f_online_o_30129379_z_US_i_en_j_36966063827_s__e__h_9029574_ii__vi__&utm_content=30129379&zap_placement=1o1&_ivgu=1deda449-eefd-49a7-8970-ba2977a813fa)  - [Allen Edmonds Liverpool – $495]( shown top of post, center - [Red Wing 6 Inch Moc Toe Boot – $280]( - [Jack Erwin Reade City Chukkas – $165]( - [Spier & Mackay Jumper Boot in Brown]( or [Black – $278]( - [Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill – $425]( - [Allen Edmonds Dalton Wingtip Boot – $475Â]( [Boots are perfect]( for those days when the weather is rough, and lesser, weaker shoes let the elements nip at your delicate, sensitive [mankles](. Office warriors can add a touch of rebellion to their work outfit by swapping the oxford shoes for a pair of dress boots. Life travelers can treat their ankles to a pair of suede chukkas. Londoners and Australian businessmen can wear black [Chelsea Boots]( everywhere. Yes, everywhere. #4. The Essential Casual Shoes [Allen Edmonds Sea Island Loafer]( - [Allen Edmonds Sea Island Loafer – $295]( - [Banana Republic Nyle Suede Buck – $90ish]( - [Sanders Chukkas – $248]( ($298) shown top of post, 4th from left. - [J. Crew Ludlow Suede Penny Loafers – $298]( - [Clarks Original Desert Boot w/ Crepe Sole – $80 – $130]( - [Spier & Mackay Burgundy Loafers- $248]( - [Florsheim Highland Bucks – $114.95]( - [Banana Republic Dellbrook Italian Leather Loafer – $90ish]( - [Sebago Crest Dockside Boat Shoes – $50]( This is a category that covers many styles. Penny loafers, drivers, desert boots (I know, crossover), bucks, etc. Some of us live in our chukkas, [even in summer](. Some of us wear our boat shoes year-round. These are shoes for days when we don’t want to dress to the nines. We want something informal and comfortable, and we want to look [damn fine]( in our leisure. #5. The Versatile Low Top Sneakers [adidas Stan Smith]( - [adidas Stan Smith – $80]( - [BR Nicklas Leather Sneaker – $75ish]( - [Nike Killshot – $90]( - [Superga Cotu Classic – $64]( - [Good Man Brand Legend Sneaker in White – $198]( - [Sperry Top-Sider Striper LL CVO – $59.95]( For when you’re at your most casual, yet not at the gym, it’s tough to beat a pair of classic low top kicks. Why low top? High tops are great and all, but they’re pretty tough to wear with shorts in the summer. Low top, canvas, suede, or leather sneakers can be worn year round with a variety of outfits. Get them in white or a neutral shade and they’ll go with everything. Shoes shown at the very top of this post are, from L-R: Allen Edmonds Weybridge ([discontinued](), Dark Brown [Allen Edmonds Mackenzie]( (also discontinued!), [Allen Edmonds Liverpool](, [Sanders x Todd Snyder Suede Chukkas]( [Good Man Brand Legend]( (blue accent option seems to be discontinued). A version of this post originally ran in 2016, but has since been updated with current product suggestions. ff/Dappered?a=f8cVcKCnbgc:8KZtJNFMmVU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=f8cVcKCnbgc:8KZtJNFMmVU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=f8cVcKCnbgc:8KZtJNFMmVU:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States