“This watch screams "VALUE' way above its pay grade. It's a quality piece of workmanship with many high-end features that belie its diminutive purchase price. I'll be back for more!”
“When the ISL-85 was about to come back in stock, I received a text from LIW to buy it as a "special" before it was put out to the public. Since I missed it the last time, I decided to buy it, as I like the color. I already have the Islander 43mm Pogue, so I sort of knew what to expect. However, the price was the same when it was released on the website, so there was no special discount as it sounded like the text message sort of implied (just my opinion). A bit of a disappointment there.
Shipping was quick as I'm in Brooklyn. When I opened the box, the blue color of the dial looked slightly different than the pictures. I thought it was going to be a bit deeper in shade, but I guess it's hard to get the exact color of anything from a computer screen.
The color to me, is reminiscent of mid-century design and advertising. I've seen a lot of early 1960s art/advertising with this kind of blue. So if you like retro colors, this is quite nice.
The watch looks, for the most part, well made. I like how the hour markers are outlined in silver. I also like the polished/mirrored finish of the hands.
Sizing the bracelet was easy. Although one pin was somewhat difficult to get out. But I finally was able to loosen it and it was free.
If there is one thing that I would be critical of - it's the second small part of the clasp that you push down to lock. It doesn't seem to lock all that tight. I feel that it could unlock easily. My Pogue watch (22mm) has a much more robust locking when you push down that part of the clasp. So, I don't know if corners were cut due to inflation pressures, or if that's how it is is on all 20mm bracelets.
In conclusion, it's quite a nice watch, but perhaps not quite perfect (but which watch is????). I would guess you would really have to like this color in order to want it (which a lot of people do, as it sold out quite quickly previously).”
“The Robin's Egg blue dial is striking, and the absence of a date window really balances the layout. The indices and hands are clearly legible and well-lumed yet elegant, and the movements' smooth sweep of the polished seconds hand is soothing to see glide past the architecture below.”
“Sharp eye catching watch with its blue color. . It is comfort on the wrist and the looks are high end without the absurd pricing the luxury market charges.”
“The watch is nice for the price, but sizing/removing the band to replace with other bands can be difficult because the pins are too pliable and easily damaged. Luckily I needed to remove several links so I had an extra pin or two after I damaged some, and I'm not aggressive, nor do I rush this process. There are no instructions for removing metal band at lugs and adding rubber bands. I scoured website and could not find any instructions. I have an assortment of watch tools and nothing I had on hand worked to remove the band at the lug.”
