“The legibility and aesthetics of this watch are perfect. It’s a rugged explorer inspired field watch, that can pass as a dress watch. And the lume is on par with any of my Seiko’s. But somehow manages to be more legible than the average dive watch at night.”
“I received my ISL-54 field watch today and I’m impressed! I have ordered from Mark before but this is my first Islander. I went ahead and purchased the matching Oyster bracelet which is really nice looking (with a proper milled clasp and all), but I didn’t put it on yet because the black leather strap is much more comfortable than expected.
As for the watch, it arrived quickly but when I went to adjust the time I found the crown VERY stiff and difficult to turn. I used a padded tweezer to turn the first few times and loosen it, then set the time. Screwing back in was difficult so I contacted Mark. Within an hour I had an email back saying to try some wax on dental floss. Hey, I have some beard balm and floss laying around so I gave it a try. Just a few flosses around the tube threads and BAM, the crown easily screws down now.
Five star watch and five star service! Thanks for providing both!”
“The Islander ISL-54 is a beautiful watch! I was after a simple daily wear watch that would be comfortable on the wrist and look appropriate in pretty much any setting, but that I wasn’t overly worried about. I was initially looking at various field watches which lead me to the ISL-41, but then saw the ISL-53/54 with its slightly larger case (40mm vs 39mm) a cleaner dial, domed crystal and a dateless option and knew I’d found my watch. The specs are great (especially for this price), sapphire crystal front and back, NH35 movement, screw down crown… everything you’d look for in a mechanical watch and comparable to watches 3 and 4X the price. My only negative (and why 4 stars instead of 5) on this watch is the strap that it came with. This watch is a strap monster and Marc has said he just wanted to sell it on a simple, plain strap so people can change it up and make it their own. But I still would’ve liked to see it come with a strap I might actually use, not just one I threw in a drawer and will never look at again. In my opinion the strap the Islander field watch comes with (Woven Nylon, Leather-backed) would be a much better choice for this watch. I replaced the crap strap with a single pass, seatbelt nylon strap in black with thinly stripped, orange edges which looks great and brings out the orange second hand on the watch nicely. I also bought the SS bracelet (along with another ISL-54 as I gave the first one to a friend), but it hasn’t arrived yet. Overall this is a home-run for Islander. I highly recommend this watch!
A previous reviewer suggested the watch needed a name instead of just the identifying part code. As this is a bit of a pilot watch and (more than) a bit of an Explorer/Ranger I propose the name “Avenger”(look up Grumman Navel fighters and the history of Long Island aviation to understand the reference).”
“Solid watch. Immediately switched to a new solid bracelet with straight ends. The new fitted style hadn’t come out yet. It will look beautiful with just about any strap. Great service!”
“I love clean, easy to read faces and this explorer-style dial is one of my favorites. This watch ticks off all the boxes I wanted; decent printed dial with Lume, SS, decent movement, no date, and sapphire with AR and all at a great price.
This watch is also a STRAP MONSTER. looks good with natos, canvas, and leather Pilot-style straps.
I bought the new SS bracelet for the Islander and it has stayed on. The end links are very well fit, slightly angled like a dovetail joint. You have to move it close to the case body (below is best to not scratch the show side of the lugs) work the springbar pins in and it clicked right into holes.
The bracelet finish is a great match to the watch case. I don't think it needs any mods as far as finish. If it gets too scratched I think it will clean up perfectly and still look like it was made for it.”
“I just received the bracelet for this watch the other day. I have to tell you it transforms it from the ISL-54 to a very amazing Explorer alternative. I hate to say it the Rolex Explorer is a grail item for me but this ISL-54 just put the brakes on that! Perfect size and the bracelet is very comfortable. And the domed sapphire is killer! Love this guy!”
