“The last thing I needed was another watch but when I saw Marc review this on YouTube I knew I had to order it.
Similar to a Rolex Explorer, or more closely a Sinn 556A, this watch design works in virtually every scenario.
Is it perfect?...no, since a smaller 38 or even 39mm case with a glossy dial would be nice but this size should work for nearly everyone.
Considering the design, proven movement, AR coated dial, and signed/ threaded crown, I cannot imagine a better watch of this design for the money.
While I ordered leather and NATO straps with orange accents to match up with the orange second hand (that just pops!), the supplied black strap is perfectly serviceable.
This watch will be a staple of my collection, perhaps even more so than my Seiko SARB033!
UPDATE: I have been wearing this watch for the past four days and it is running two seconds fast..over a period of four days! This is the most accurate automatic watch I have to date!
Well done Marc!”
“I have had the ISL-54, no date for 24hrs and absolutely love the feel and aesthetic beauty of this watch. Was looking for a rolex explorer esq type of watch but not a straight homage. This watch even has a Milgauss like orange second hand that pops. Two things that I would have liked, 1. Smaller option like 38mm and 2. Option for an oyster solid link bracelet. With that said you can't find another watch for this value with an NH35 engine, sapphire and simply impeccable, beautiful automatic watch....Great job! Super happy with this timepiece and plan to put it throgh its paces.
Thank you
Don”
“This is my fourth purchase from Mark. Wonderful experience every time. This watch is just great especially with the black/orange NATO strap sound on this site. That said, I'm really prefer watches with bracelets. So I'll be emailing Mark to make sure I order the right Strapcode model for this watch. Fantastic watch!! Mark if your reading this, a video of this watch on bracelet would be helpful. g”
“Dive watches are all the rage, I live in the desert I need a dive watch like a sailor needs a divining rod. I have some dive watches, they are not really who I am and where I exist. Which is why they all are strapped to alligator or bovine.
I am not confined by your conventions of style.
I was content but not fulfilled, then like shooting star streaking across the high plains Marc introduced the ISL-54 (dude it need a name not a number). It seemed like the perfect answer to my quest for a statement watch. The thing is I wanted it on a bracelet, see the above statement about your opinion.
I sent and email to Marc. As God as my witness I received an answer in less than ten minutes.
Now I have an ISL-54 on a Strapcode Endmill. The watch/bracelet combination is amazing, the crystal is almost nonexistent, I am one happy plainsman.
Thank you Marc for your design expertise, and outstanding customer service.”
“I own a number of Islander dive watches, which I enjoy, but this watch is something different and more original. I like it a lot. The size and font of the Arabic indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 are very nice. I love the pop of color added by the orange second hand. Very glad I purchased the no-date version, as the symmetry of this version is extremely pleasing. Glad to see different offerings in different sizes. 40mm is nice for a dressy sport watch and I'd like to see something in 38mm for the category of watches as well.
I wish the leather strap were less generic -- that's my only complaint, but it's not a big one. There are lots of great straps out there to spice up this watch with, and a neutral OEM strap makes sense from a commercial point of view.
Bravo!”
