Tandorio Watches Review: A Hidden Gem or Just Another Cheap Brand?

Welcome to Blue Collar Watches! In today’s review, we’re taking a deep dive into Tandorio Watches, a budget-friendly brand that’s gained attention for its surprisingly high-quality offerings at wallet-friendly prices. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, you might be wondering—are Tandorio watches worth the hype, or are they just another no-name brand offering cheap knock-offs? Let’s break it down and find out.

What’s the Deal with Tandorio Watches?

Tandorio is a lesser-known watch brand that primarily sells through WristuFull.and its official store tandoriowatches.com. While it’s not a household name like Seiko or Citizen, Tandorio has carved out a niche in the world of affordable, high-quality homage watches. These timepieces offer features typically reserved for pricier models, including well-known movements, sapphire crystals, and solid build quality—all at a fraction of the price.

Build Quality: Stronger Than Expected

One of the standout features of Tandorio watches is their build quality. These watches come with 316L stainless steel and titanium,bronze cases, a material commonly found in more expensive watches due to its resistance to corrosion and wear. The cases are sturdy, well-finished, and feel more premium than you might expect for the price.

But it’s not just about the case—Tandorio watches are equipped with sapphire crystals. This is a major bonus, as sapphire is far more scratch-resistant than the typical mineral glass found in many budget watches. For the price, getting a sapphire crystal is a rarity, and it speaks to the brand’s commitment to offering good value for money.

Movement: PT5000 & NH35 – Solid and Reliable

Tandorio uses two widely respected automatic movements in its watches: the PT5000 and NH35. The PT5000 is particularly noteworthy because of its smooth second-hand sweep, which many watch enthusiasts appreciate. It provides a more fluid movement compared to cheaper movements, giving the watch a more refined feel. Meanwhile, the NH35 is an industry-standard movement, known for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of maintenance. It’s the same movement used in many budget-friendly automatic watches and is regarded as a solid workhorse.

If you’re familiar with Seiko’s calibers, you’ll appreciate that Tandorio watches are powered by Seiko movements, with no Chinese-made movements like the Miota in sight. This adds a layer of trustworthiness to the brand, as both the PT5000 and NH35 are known for their dependability and longevity.

Price: Unbeatable for What You Get

Tandorio’s pricing is where the brand truly shines. You can pick up most of their models for around $70 to $100, which is an incredible value for what you’re getting. A comparable Seiko dive watch, for example, could easily run you $200 or more. With Tandorio, you’re getting a similar experience for a fraction of the cost—whether it’s the PT5000 movement, sapphire crystal, or the solid 316L stainless steel case.

Not only are Tandorio watches affordable, but they’re also customizable. When purchasing, you can choose from a variety of dial colors, bezels, and bands, allowing you to create a timepiece that suits your personal style. The brand’s ability to deliver a well-rounded package at such a low price is one of the reasons it has garnered such a dedicated following.

Design & Style: Homages Done Right

Tandorio offers a wide range of designs, many of which are homages to iconic models. These include designs inspired by popular Seiko models like the Seiko Monster and Seiko SRPD, among others. While some may not love the idea of purchasing a homage, the fact remains that Tandorio’s execution is on point. The watches capture the essence of their inspirations, from the design down to the materials used.

If you’re after something a little more unique, Tandorio also has watches with bronze cases, Mother of Pearl dials, and other special finishes. Overall, their collection is diverse, and you’ll find something to suit almost any taste, whether you prefer classic dive watches or something a bit more unconventional.

Lume Performance: A Hit or Miss

When it comes to lume, the quality can vary from model to model. Some Tandorio watches feature bright, long-lasting lume on both the dial and hands, while others leave a bit to be desired. It’s important to note that lume performance is often hit or miss in this price range, and Tandorio’s lume isn’t as strong as what you’d find in a more premium watch. However, for the price, the lume is generally acceptable, and most users find it functional enough for daily use.

Practical Features: Easy Customization & Comfort

Another practical consideration when it comes to Tandorio watches is the comfort and ease of use. Many of their models come with drilled lugs, which make it easier to swap out the straps or bracelets without needing special tools. This is a nice touch, particularly for watch enthusiasts who like to change their straps to match different outfits or occasions.

Speaking of straps, while many Tandorio models come with leather straps, they can feel a bit stiff out of the box. Fortunately, they’re easily replaceable with aftermarket bands, and many users opt for stainless steel bracelets, which are more durable and match the overall aesthetic of the watches better.

The Value Proposition: Why Choose Tandorio?

What really sets Tandorio apart from other budget brands is its overall value proposition. For as little as $70 to $120, you can own a reliable automatic watch with premium features like a sapphire crystal, 316L stainless steel case, and a choice of NH35 or PT5000 movement. For the price, you’re getting a watch that punches above its weight class, offering performance and durability that rivals higher-priced competitors.

It’s also worth mentioning that the watches are made with attention to detail, and the quality control generally seems solid. While there are occasional quirks—like varying lume quality—the overall package is more than worth the money.

Should You Buy a Tandorio Watch?

If you’re in the market for a reliable, stylish watch without the high price tag, Tandorio is definitely worth considering. You won’t get the brand prestige of Seiko or Citizen, but in terms of actual quality, these watches hold their own. You’re getting solid craftsmanship, dependable movements, and a design that doesn’t break the bank.

In my opinion, Tandorio is a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive dive watches, or if you simply want to add a few automatic watches to your collection without spending a fortune. The combination of solid build, decent lume, reliable movements, and affordability makes Tandorio a smart choice for anyone looking to get more for their money.

Final Thoughts:

Are Tandorio watches worth it? Absolutely. They offer a fantastic balance of quality, style, and value that’s hard to beat, especially at the price point. With features like sapphire crystal, automatic movements, and 316L stainless steel, Tandorio watches provide excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of established brands.

So, if you’re looking to try something new without breaking the bank, or if you just want a solid, budget-friendly automatic watch, Tandorio could be the brand for you. They might not have the same recognition as Seiko or Citizen, but they certainly deliver when it comes to quality and value.

I hope this version captures the same spirit but with a slightly different approach. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to tweak!