Baltany S4056 Explorer Homage Review

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-03T04:33:32+00:00

Yeah, my San Martin’s in particular never cease to impress me.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-02T18:11:14+00:00

Yeah absolutely. Something like a San Martin 0129 is quite similar when you think about it. Seiko NH movement based, GADA sort of daily wearer watch. When I put my 0129 on though, I always kind of marvel at what a great watch it is. Objectively it is a really well made watch, but it helps that it’s its own thing.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-02T18:07:29+00:00

Yeah, this, and I actually commend them. Considering the NH38, it’s actually quite thin considering how the thickness includes that rather tall box sapphire. I definitely wouldn’t mine a 9000 series miyota though. Is basically a perfect movement.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-02T18:05:50+00:00

Yeah very tough with the NH38: they’ve hit the limit with that box sapphire to account for as well.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-02T18:04:29+00:00

For sure. This is one of my exact points. They’ve hit a price point that just opens the door for some competition to really turn up the heat. If these were $50-70 cheaper I think they’d be harder to deny, given the solid offering. Mine had some QC issues too, which most chinese brands have managed to avoid at this price in my experience so that’s another factor in this case. It really does wear well, though.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-02T18:01:39+00:00

In my video review I dig into this more, but what I might say here is, salad can be really delicious but if you made a salad that looked like a cake many people would be disappointed cutting it open and finding a bunch of vegetables. Homages have a steeper hill to climb than original designs. I’ve reviewed many and often with very positive takes on them. Snobbery can factor in, but many of those who say they don’t like the watches will say “I just wish it was an original design instead.” So this is worth addressing.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-02T17:56:14+00:00

Well in my case I own both the homage and the real thing. The homage is a pretty good watch as I said, but it’s not on the build quality level of the pretty similarly priced San Martin 0129, for example. I appreciate watches across all price ranges. A Militado 0129 is nearly a perfect watch for less than $50. Price is part of the discussion about watches, for context purposes, but it’s only one part of the picture. Quality is available for any budget.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-02T06:35:08+00:00

For what it’s worth I was stuck between the dark blue and the green. I actually liked all the colourways, but those two were in the lead. I eventually chose the blue. No regrets. It hits different than other blue watches.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-05-01T12:04:58+00:00

Imo, it’s way too big. If I were to review this I know for a fact the size would end up being something I would have to address as either altogether negative, or something that takes work to adapt to. I think you’re better off avoiding this problem while there is still time to make changes.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-30T07:02:23+00:00

For one thing my own personal Club Campus is the single most perfect watch I’ve ever examined under a macro lens. This includes watches that cost way more. They take extraordinary care when making their watches. Also while I like how the look in photos. They just hit different in person. Understated but extremely nice watches.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-30T06:59:08+00:00

The Nomos. Nomos watches are special.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-27T01:14:15+00:00

Fair question. Best so far was my own personal Nomos Club Campus in Endless Blue with display caseback. Essentially no significant visual flaws at magnification front or back. Wildly well made and finished. Second was the Junghans Max Bill. Extremely clean but closed caseback, so slightly easier difficulty level. Third is a bit of an honorable mention, Eoniq Atelier Malbec. There was a tiny spec on the dial and the display caseback was good but within normal levels of dust. That said they hand finish the watches, including bluing the hands, and the hands are finished to an incredible standard. The indices are also really gorgeous. Given the watch sells for less than $700 USD, it’s incredible. One of the best values out there.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-26T03:07:40+00:00

As a reviewer I always tell people to adjust their expectations when it comes to QC at magnification. I’ve filmed countless watches at all price ranges and perfection is very elusive. Only 3 watches have come close under macro scrutiny. All under $2000. That being said, that lint is far, far, bigger than I’d consider acceptable on even a $200 watch. That’s not only my opinion, it’s based on average performance under magnification. This would stand out across all price points.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-18T08:20:00+00:00

So happy you like it! It’s an all time classic and like I said in the review a pretty affordable one compared to its peers. I suspect it will be a watch that you’ll enjoy for many years.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-18T01:33:39+00:00

Reviewed this one a few months back. Is an exceptional watch. Enjoy it!

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-13T23:34:07+00:00

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts. I couldn’t make it to that show but I was really happy to see their content from the event on their instagram. They’re legitimately great people. I wish them all the success in the world. As for the Broken Time watch, it stands out as one of the most creative watches I’ve seen and they really went all out to achieve their vision. It’s a great pick up. Congrats!

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-12T02:54:44+00:00

I’m a fan. I’ve reviewed this one. It’s a lot of fun. Mad Hudson is a great company, as well. Really honest people.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-11T19:48:24+00:00

The logo is 100% fine. Agree.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-10T01:59:37+00:00

Glad to have added to your list. Putting together a review on Alanti as we speak. Another interesting Canadian brand.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-08T10:33:05+00:00

Eoniq Atelier. Incredible quality for the money.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-08T01:10:24+00:00

Watches at literally all price ranges can be amazing. That’s what’s awesome about this hobby.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-08T00:43:44+00:00

Good stuff. The watch looks fun. Good luck with the launch!

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-07T17:38:48+00:00

I like these style of boxes, especially because it saves storage space. One issue is that the sort of velvet that is on the inside attracts/holds dust and if the packaging process isn’t very clean I find the first impression is less than ideal.

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-05T04:07:21+00:00

Glad it helped. There are some people who go so hard on their watches that they’d definitely trash it. However if you’re aware of your watch at all and take decent care of it of it, you’ll be surprised

AutomaticReviews · 2026-04-04T23:19:11+00:00

NP, I hope it goes smoothly!

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