CWhatWatch

There was a time in our hobby when one watch was revered above almost all others. Its reference was spoken countless times, pages of search results would all echo the same name. For newcomers, the watch was like a threshold. Once you got it, YOU WERE IN. Then one day, Seiko shut off the taps and the days of recommending this watch were over. Of course, I could only be talking about the Seiko SKX. Seiko did eventually “replace” the SKX with the Seiko 5 series, but it lacked appeal to the enthusiast.

While the new Seiko 5 series is undoubtedly a good watch, it was not the upgrade that SKX fans wanted. Enter brands like Long Island Watch who have a line of watches inspired by the SKX, but with better materials and finishing. Long Island Watch has a wide range of watches in their lineup, many featuring unique designs and colorways. However, I specifically requested the ISL-02 to see if it could capture some of that SKX feel. A big thank you to Long Island Watch for lending me an ISL-02 for review. I appreciate you giving me the ability to experience what it was like to put on an SKX style watch for the first time–better late than never, right?

After opening the box and sizing the watch, the first thing that hit me was how well the watch fits. I had to double check that the watch was indeed the 43mm version and not the 38mm. Visually, I think this may be due to the ever so slight inward angle of the knurling on the bezel. But the watch just sits so well, even with non-articulating male end links, this one was an absolute honey on the wrist. The next thing I noticed was how solid the entire watch felt on the wrist. While I was never able to try on the original SKX, I am no stranger to other affordable divers. I did not feel the rattle you often get with a stamped clasp and hollow end links. The ISL-02 features a milled scissor clasp and links held together with screws.

While trying out my new macro lens, I could really see how crisp the indices and hands are. In another departure from the SKX, the watch’s indices are applied instead of printed onto the dial. The hour markers are finely polished, helping with the overall refinement of the watch. The inclusion of an upgraded bezel and crystal–now made of ceramic and sapphire, respectively–add the final, modern twist. Together, these ensure that the upper surfaces of the watch will virtually never scratch and will remain legible forever.

Arguably the biggest drawback from the original SKX–that was remedied by Long Island Watch–was the movement. The original was powered by the 7S26 movement from Seiko, which did not handwind or hack. The Islander features the upgraded Seiko 4R36, branded here as the NH36 for use in non-Seiko watches. Many deemed this change as the only change an updated SKX would need. In fact, Seiko themselves would use this movement in the Seiko 5 series mentioned previously. They would do this, however, at the cost of a screw down crown and the coveted “DIVER’S” certification. Though the ISL-02 also does not have this certification, it retains the 200m water resistance rating with a screw down crown. A signed screw down crown, I might add.

Ultimately, the ISL-02 is an extremely well built and wearable tool watch in the same vein of the SKX that came before it–albeit with a few more bells and whistles. But then again, what is this really? Is it just a copy of a successful watch? Is it a watch that’s trying to be something it’s not? No–it’s something more. While its form is obviously derivative of the celebrated SKX, I think the watch represents a successor. This watch is the sequel we, as enthusiasts, had always wanted. A bit of the same, yes, but made better. This leads me to the caseback, and what a glorious caseback it is. On the back of the watch you will find a wonderfully detailed engraving: a lighthouse in the foreground, a staple of the Long Island shoreline. Above that you will find the Long Island Watch logo, itself a beacon, just like a lighthouse. In this way, Long Island Watch is like a signal to the enthusiast. Long Island Watch has made sure the original “everyman’s” watch lives on, backed by a team of real, relatable people.

https://longislandwatch.com/islander-automatic-dive-watch-isl-02/

Reference	ISL-02
MSRP	$299.00
Case Size	43mm
Lug-to-Lug	46mm
Lug Width	22mm
Materials	Stainless Steel, Ceramic