Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

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

March 3, 2020 By Aaron K | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also 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

Filed Under: Reviews, Watches Tagged With: Islander, Islander Watch Review, IslandWatch Islander Review, LongIsland Islander Watch Review, LongIslandWatch Islander Review

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

Spier launches new $298 Half Canvas Suit Line – The Best Wedding Suit under $300?

They’re calling it their Red Label line. So… why another line? And how?

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Idea starters including neck massages, pickleball, and a little Sherlock Holmes.

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

The problem with AI, algorithms, and robots trying to sell us clothes

Why having Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT as stylists probably isn’t a great idea.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Rugged Boots, Italian wool trousers, & More
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Italian Traveler Wool Blazers, Nordy’s NOT final sale section, & More
  • The Dappered Space: 5 Essential Home Decor Items for any grown-guy’s home
  • Style Scenario: It’s still winter. (Nothing over $100 edition)
  • MTO Suits, Goodyear Welted Boots, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • The 2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.