I stumbled upon Long Island Watch on day one of my watch obsession. I desperately needed guidance on resizing a bracelet for a new watch, and YouTube conveniently suggested a video from something called the "Watch and Learn Series." Within minutes, I had a custom-fitted bracelet on my wrist. This marked my first introduction to Marc, and I continued to turn to this YouTube series for help with various watch-related issues, be it a dead battery, a magnetized movement, or tips on modifying my growing collection. With the bracelet sizing tutorial alone boasting over 2 million views, it's clear that I'm not alone in benefiting from the knowledge generously shared by one watch enthusiast with millions of others.
Islander Northport and the Brookville - Credit Guest Author
Thanks to these tutorials, I also became familiar with their in-house brand, Islander Watches, right from the beginning of my horological journey. Over the years, several Islander watches have graced my collection, each representing thoughtful design and exceptional value. As much as I wish I had unlimited funds to experience each of their watches, my mortgage payment comes due each month, and it's been an entire year since I purchased something from them. For a brand that is constantly innovating, releasing new models and iterating their classics, a lot can change in a year.
When I reached out to Marc for some hands-on experience with what I had missed, I had a package containing two watches at my doorstep three days later. Upon opening it, I discovered two very distinct timepieces, both boasting striking dials and unbeatable specs for their price points, yet each with its own unique identity. Let's take a look at them, starting with the one that left me involuntarily muttering expletives of surprise the moment I laid eyes on its dial.
Islander Northport Fireball - Credit Guest Author
Islander Northport Fireball
The most conspicuous feature of this watch, and the one that immediately demands attention, is its dial, so let's begin there. The more I gazed at it, the more I tried to find a comparison for its texture. Some have called it a ripple dial. But to me, it resembles cracked paint, akin to that weathered lawn chair you've been meaning to repaint after years of exposure to the sun and rain, causing the paint to bubble but not quite flake off. But lawn chair comparisons aren't very sexy… so when I shared a photo of the dial in our group chat, I was thankful when Richard promptly quipped that it looked like a slice of Mars. There, that's a more fitting comparison.
Having owned some of the brand's earlier offerings, I was struck by how mature the Northport felt. Not that the Islanders I've owned over the years weren't quality timepieces, but I would call them safe. However, as I've evolved in my collecting journey, my preference has shifted from exploring how far my dollar can stretch to seeking something new and exhilarating. I've lost count of the black NH35-powered divers and near-identical Type A Fliegers I've owned. Don't get me wrong, those are fantastic staples, but sometimes, it's nice to spice things up.
Islander Northport Fireball - Credit Guest Author
Nothing about the Northport that I had just unboxed felt safe. In fact, the entire package was defined by its well-executed risks. A textured dial that is perfectly color matched to the bezel isn't something you encounter every day, and for good reason; it's not easy to get right. Combined with a framed date window and applied markers, it's a recipe that could easily lead to quality control nightmares. However, despite my best efforts to find imperfections in the audacious endeavor that is the Northport, I came up empty-handed.
Apart from its attention-grabbing aesthetics, the Northport boasts equally impressive specifications. Thanks to the thin, high-beat Miyota 9015 movement inside, this dive watch is only 12.5mm thick. With a diameter of 40.5mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 47mm, its dimensions fall within the "Goldilocks" zone—substantial enough to make its presence known, but far from obtrusive.
Islander Northport Fireball - Credit Guest Author
The gradient dial on the Northport transitions from yellow in the center to a sunset orange, while the hands and markers adopt a gunmetal finish. Although aesthetics undoubtedly steal the spotlight here, the Northport is still a dive watch and is equipped with the specs to back it up: 200 meters of water resistance and a 120-click bezel to time those dives (or steaks on the grill).
Priced at $429, this vibrant diver should be a top contender for anyone in search of a high-beat automatic watch that's sure to turn heads. If the orange proves a bit too bold for your taste, more subtle dial options are available, including the ever-popular seafoam green.
Robin’s Egg Brookville
Robin’s Egg Brookville - Credit Guest Author
As captivating as the Northport is, Marc sent two watches, and I can't ignore the second box containing the Brookville. Like the Northport, it's an attractive offering powered by the Miyota 9015, but the similarities end there.
Let's address the elephant in the room—yes, the enchanting shade of blue on the dial might look familiar. The name of the trademarked color that gives this dial its distinctive appearance eludes me for legal reasons (does it rhyme with "epiphany"?), but Long Island Watch aptly dubs it "Robin’s Egg blue," which seems fitting.
I often find myself selling even my most beloved watches from my constantly rotating collection, a habit I likely share with many readers. Watch enthusiasts are an inquisitive bunch and want to experience as many watches as possible, but financial constraints are a reality we all face. One watch I enjoyed but parted ways with in recent years was my Linen Islander Brookville. A feature that stood out to me on that watch, aside from the textured dial, was its ability to wear like a dress watch while performing like a sports watch.
Robin’s Egg Brookville - Credit Guest Author
My long-gone Brookville shared the same dimensions as the stunning blue dialed watch sitting on my desk. At 38mm in diameter, 11mm thick, and (most notably) only 44.5mm lug-to-lug, my Brookville never felt in the way. I subjected it to significant abuse during my ownership, fully leveraging its 100 meters of water resistance, even wearing it to a waterpark on the first day it arrived. Watches on loan seldom leave my office, so the Robin’s Egg version adorning my desk didn't get to experience a water slide, but based on my personal experience, I know it could handle it.
The entire package of the Brookville exudes refinement. From the case to the hands, there are polished surfaces galore, but with even facets to balance out the bling. This blue version of the Brookville often finds itself temporarily out of stock, understandable for a watch that possesses the visual allure to capture your attention and the specifications to hold it. In true Islander fashion, the Brookville line of dress watches comes in a multitude of variations, with new dial textures and colors continuously being introduced. Priced at $369, it's one of the most competitively priced high beat Miyota powered dress watches currently available.
Robin’s Egg Brookville - Credit Guest Author
Final Thoughts
As I continue to expand my horizons in the world of watches, seeking innovative interpretations of familiar genres, the often surprising but always welcome offerings from Marc and the team at Long Island Watch will remain on my radar. This fun and versatile duo represents just a small sample of their vast catalog. If you have thoughts on the brand or recommendations for other Islander watches we should be aware of, leave them in the comments below!
