No incentives given for this review. I just wanted to (over)share.
I kinda fell headfirst down the rep rabbithole! Family photo of loot. It started while looking at the JUC with diamonds in the Cartier shop, with every intention to purchase it right there. However, the price difference between the non-diamond vs diamond version gave me pause. Those are MINISCULE diamonds and they want to upcharge how much??
Taking more time to think about this matter, I decided I needed more reference photos and googled 'small juc review' that night. Lo and behold, a review of this item from repladies was the first hit. I was flabbergasted that this sort of thing was possible, and done SO well.
I immediately contacted WenZhi based on that review, and the rest is... a slippery slope. Here's the timeline:
11/11 - Chat up WenZhi, he doesn't accept Paypal so I gotta go through the bank.
11/18 - Payment confirmed for JUC after bank fussing. WenZhi lets me know it'll be about 20 days.
11/22 - While waiting for item to be made, stalk Repladies for more eyecandy, accidentally stumble upon Reptime... oh boy.
11/24 - Contact Anna for some of those tasty watches. Immediately sent payment for Ballon Bleu 33mm since she accepts Paypal F&F. This happened after midnight and I'm wondering if lack of sleep is making me impulsive. Keep browsing photos of BB reviews until I pass out.
11/25 - Anna delivers!! Feeding my greedy eyes with beautiful, beautiful PSPs. I immediately GL because I want it, like, yesterday.
11/26 - As if I didn't know better, I went browsing through Anna's other albums way past my bedtime and aggressively impulse-buy a Datejust.
11/30 - BALLON BLEU ARRIVES (33mm, via EMS post)! That very same night, WenZhi sends PSPs and I'm just giddy. Instant GL because I have no chill.
12/1 - Anna sends PSPs for Datejust! Looks better than example photos, so I GL even though there's some issues (more on this later).
12/3 - Package from WenZhi arrives?! Wow that was quick (SF Express). I can't stop myself from ordering one more BB from Anna, in 28mm this time. Do you see how slippery this rabbit hole gets?! They're just like one message away from sending you fine things at reasonable prices.
12/4 - Datejust arrives (via EMS) from Anna, it looks BETTER than the PSPs!
12/5 - PSPs for BB28 arrive while I'm out taking a stroll, instant GL without even looking through them because my BB33 was so amazing. I trust their QC.
12/10 - Oohhh the BB28 is delivered! And now I can finally post this review.

RG SM JUC w/diamonds ($850 shipped)

Auth | Factory | PSP | Mine
If Cartier just charged a bit less for their silly diamonds, I would've bought auth that day and never found this world.
Quality - 10/10
It's real gold and diamonds, what can I say. White, sparkly diamonds, high-polish gold. Top notch. I don't feel like I'd be getting additional value by going auth.
Accuracy - 9.75/10
Good Stuff:

• Pretty much exactly how I remember the one I tried on was like.
• Size (15) is accurate.
• RG color is beautiful and subtle, matches auth pieces because why wouldn't it, same material (RG does fade with time, so when comparing a new RG to an older piece expect it to be rosier).
• Groove markings, diamond sizes, and nail tips all look accurate to me.
• Springy enough to click shut, like auth.
• Engraving starts at the right place, in the correct font and neat.

Bad Stuff:

• The part connecting to the head is slightly messy. (-0.25) This is literally the ONLY flaw after going over it with a loupe, and it's minor. You can't see it when worn.

Other Stuff:

• This is quite a light bracelet (as is the auth), since it's hollow wire inside. Very comfortable to wear.
• I asked if it was possible to modify the design so it wasn't a rip-off, but was told no. Just as well, I'm pretty happy with it as is.

Satisfaction - 10/10
They've literally NAILED this piece, it's a steal. I have no desire to buy the auth, because this IS real to me - a real 18k gold and diamond bangle that does a bang-up job decorating my wrist. I'd feel 100% comfortable walking into Cartier with it on.
Also, another thing worth noting -- while this bangle is stronger than the Tiffany T wire (those are ALWAYS bent out of alignment, even the new ones in-store), it still is possible to bend out of shape by nature of the design. So far I've worn this nonstop since I got it, sleeping/showering, catching it on sweaters, flipping it the wrong way, and nothing happened yet. I've seen a few reviews where it got bent, though (including auth), so just keep that in mind. I still think it's worth the risk, especially at this price!

Ballon Bleu 33mm ($139 shipped)

Auth | Factory | PSP | Mine
This is a watch that's always been on my radar, but I didn't like it $$$$ enough to ever seriously consider buying. However, I do like it $$$ enough, hell yeah!
Quality - 10/10
The watch came in a Chanel box, labeled as a bag. Complete with cute Chanel ribbon and bow (testament to all the bags Anna must sell). Watch itself was wrapped securely in some nice, thick plastic, the good stuff, the stuff expensive stuff gets wrapped in.
I'm COMPLETELY SHOCKED at the quality of this watch for the price. Comparing to my nice, authentic, $$$$ watch (and also my parents' $$$$$ watches), I'm not seeing much difference between them. It is worlds better than my Seiko (supposedly a great 'bang for buck' brand) in the same price range, at least on the outside.
Accuracy - 9.5/10
Good Stuff:

• Uses imported Swiss Ronda quartz, reliable workhorse that should last quite a few years.
• The bracelet is weighty, solid, satisfying.
• The sapphire glass is perfectly domed, high quality, and distorts light when bent at an angle (like auth).
• Cabochon and hands are a nice shade of blue.
• The clasp is smooth and easy with a nice click.
• Hidden 'Cartier' signature is well aligned, neat and thin. Looks just like part of the V from a distance. I think they do this better than AF, which uses a thicker font. From a distance, V6F is much closer to gen in this regard. Comparison pic
• 'Swiss Made' in correct position, legible.
• Guilloche nice and shiny and neat. Beautiful finish.
• The shape is perfect, soothing and just a joy to rub.
• I feel really posh when I wear it.

Bad Stuff:

• 'Swiss Made' is a bit wavier than some auth, but this is super tiny font. (-0.25)
• If I'm gonna nitpick, the hidden 'Cartier' signature could be more centered between the V and I. It's just a smidge too far from the V. Mind you it's even smaller than 'Swiss Made', so this is not an issue unless you're taking macro photos to resell as auth (tsk tsk). (-0.25)
• Logo on back is etched instead of engraved (not as deep). Who cares about the back though?! No points deducted.

Other Notes:

• Face color is a little bronzy in some lighting. Some older auths are also this way but if you prefer whiter faces try AF.

Beware! While researching auths, I noticed many so-called auths on consignment sites also had these tells. They were being (successfully) sold for $2500-5000! :( Basically this rep stands up to scrutiny, enough to fool serious buyers unaware of the rep market. I'd confidently wear it anywhere (and never resell it as an auth!).
Satisfaction - 10/10
I'm suuuuper satisfied with this purchase. It is a lot of watch for the money, regardless of rep or not. Finishing is excellent, just really beyond my expectations. I love how flat and pebble-y this watch is, the smoothness is addictive to touch. Gotta hand it to Cartier for their sleek designs. Husband doesn't like it because he claims it's too big for my wrist, but he only likes me wearing watches for ants. This is REALLY comfortable to wear!
People have said this watch is NWBIG (not worth buying in gen), and I concur with this assessment. We are completely spoiled having this option as a rep (and at this price!!), they did a really great job.
I forgot to ask Anna to adjust the size before she sent it, but it was no problem taking it to a local watch shop and getting a few links removed (cost $3.50).

Datejust 28mm ($261 shipped)

Auth (doesn't come in 28mm anymore) | Factory | PSP | Mine
Nearly double the price of the BB, but I had much lower expectations since I've seen 0 reviews of the factory (GSF) for any watches. The combination of diamond dial + fluted bezel is what my dad always wore, so it would be fun to match. Even from the example photos I could tell the fluted bezel was too large and the date was badly off-center. BUT this is a sentimental piece so whatever!
My dad wanted to buy me a Rolex so I've tried on a bunch at the AD, but they were all just 'OK'. And since that's not the kind of feeling you try to buy with $$$$$, I turned down his kind offer. While not personally a fan of Rolex designs (boring?), it makes me feel closer to my dad who I rarely see now.
Quality - 10/10
Oh my god? It's way better in person than in photos?! What is this sorcery?!?!? From the photos I expected a toy since it looked too shiny, bezels too big, etc. In person though it looks absolutely fine? All the details are there and done with care.
Accuracy - 9.5/10
Good Stuff:

• It's automatic using a rep of the actual Datejust movement (2235), so not only does the second hand sweep at auth frequency (4Hz) but the way you set it is the same too. It's very fun to set.
• Pretty dial, nice texture.
• Cyclops zoom looks about right to me.
• Rolex written around rehaut is accurate.
• Even has the hidden serial number and nearly invisible crown at 6 o'clock.
• Solid, comfy bracelet, smooth links. Easy to open yet secure clasp, a joy to use.
• Crown logos, etc are immaculate.

Bad Stuff:

• Fluted bezel seems a touch large, or angled slightly too flat. Honestly it could be my eyes playing tricks, and it's just the different material under lighting (mine is SS not gold as it should be, so it looks 'harder'). (-0.25)
• For about half an hour before midnight, the date starts rolling over slowly. Real Rolex should just instantly flip the date at 12, so this is a huge callout if anyone looks at it at 11:30 PM~ (-0.25)
• Datewheel numbers not centered, and a bit thin. Apparently Rolex has variations on the thickness (according to Gamma_NZ at Reptime), and I see auth with offcenter date, so no points deducted.

I pointed out to Anna that the Datewheel numbers weren't centered, but still GL since that's how it is in the factory photos. In person, it's actually a lot better than the factory example! Still leans a little to the top and left, but not at all obvious.
Other Notes:

• I thought 'Datejust' font was SLIGHTLY too tall/wide, but realized I was comparing it to 31mm and up. The rare photos of 28s I found all matched; this dial is on-point.
• Same with the BB28, can't tell CZs are not diamonds. They just give off a little sparkle.

Overall this is actually a more solid rep than I'd bargained for.
Satisfaction - 10/10
I expected a sentimental fun toy that wouldn't pass at all, but it exceeded that by miles. This might be GS Factory's first (english?) review, and I'm giving them a 10/10. Here I thought good reps of smaller watches (other than BB) didn't exist since I've never seen them reviewed... Anna has just about all the dial options, too.
Anna did remove a few links as requested, still ended up loose but no big deal, took it back to the same watchshop that adjusted my BB33 earlier ($3.50 again). At this point I feel bad letting him assume it's gen, he was kinda reverent with it, but how do I just blurt out "it's a rep!!" when he didn't even ask?
This watch has plenty of competition for time on my wrist, but I reach for it surprisingly often. The date is just so useful to have! This makes me reconsider Rolex despite the thick old-fashioned case; maybe I would enjoy owning an auth one day.
Best bang for buck (and imo more stylish) will still be the quartz BBs though, at over $100 cheaper. However, if you value mechanical movements and/or just like Rolex, these are actually so great.

Ballon Bleu 28mm ($156 shipped)

Auth | Factory | PSP | Mine
Ok seriously this was just me binging on BBs because I loved my 33mm so much. This is the last to arrive so I've only had it an hour as I'm writing this post, but so far it's my least favorite of the watches. It's undeniably beautiful, but I wish the bracelet was a tad thinner to match the smaller face size. I feel like the proportions on the 33mm is better, and the thinner bracelet on the Rolex is daintier.
Quality - 10/10
Same as its 33mm big sis, the 28mm doesn't fail to disappoint. Great finish, solid materials, much attention to detail. The color of the RG is good too, not at all fake or overdone. However, I prefer the brushed middle link on the 33mm to the shiny finish on the 28mm. Just personal preference.
Accuracy - 8/10
Good Stuff:

• Everything good about the 33mm.
• Face is whiter than the 33mm, which goes nicely with the 'diamonds'.
• CZ markers cut well, spaced evenly.
• 'Swiss Made' is actually pretty neat, even under loupe.

Bad Stuff:

• The 'C' on Cartier is a little lower. It's obvious when placed next to my BB33. I have to deduct more points because it's hard to miss once spotted, a shame since the rest of the watch is so nice. (-1.75)
• Well the RG color is still gonna be a bit more coppery than real 18k, and won't have the lustre of gold. (-0.25)

Other Notes:

• I asked if the CZ could be swapped for lab diamonds and the answer was no. :'( However! I actually can't tell the difference at this size anyway. I thought I might since I own lots of jewelry but, no. I would not go for fake bling on the outside of a watch, since it oxidizes and easily turns dull, but on the inside will last quite a good while. I have old fashion watches with CZ inside which still blings on.
• Anna again helped me remove a few links, but was still 1 link too big.

Satisfaction - 9/10
Once I noticed the C was a bit low I couldn't fully enjoy it, since it's right there on the face of the watch in bold. Can't unsee it. It's still a great model for helping me test the waters and figure out what I really want in a watch, otherwise I'd always wonder.
Now I know for sure the 28mm BB is not for me, because I like either dainty or solid watches, and this falls into neither camp. The face is dainty, but the bracelet is as thick and tall as the 33mm. It's like, make up your mind! Perhaps it'd do better on a leather strap but I prefer metal bracelets. It also helped me realize I just don't like two-tone bracelets (my mom loves it on me so this is really preference).
I think it's amazing we can get nearly 1:1 reps to wear around the house and judge at leisure instead of making up our minds on the spot in the shop, under bright lights while people wait on you.

Seller Service and Communication - 10/10

WenZhi: Friendly, professional, easy to communicate with. I like the gloves whoever takes the PSPs is wearing, makes it feel extra fancy.
Anna: Will probably "ok dear" and "honey" you a lot, professional, easy communication. Sends nice high-def photos + vids (as you can see from the PSPs), and happy to send more for any reason.
Both sellers don't rest and are responsive 7 days a week. O_O Quick to ship with secure packaging. 10/10 would recommend and buy from again (and again).

Overall Satisfaction 100/10

This was a tough time and all the researching/review reading/squinting at comparison photos until passing out late into the mornings really helped take my mind off real life. Luxury brands are selling ~the dream at a price unaffordable to most peasants, but reps make dreams reality and it's fun! Saving up for a grail piece is also exciting, but reps help me determine better what actually is worth buying and will fit my life.
For example, when I first tried on Rolex at the AD years ago, and when I wore the rep Rolex on day 1, I couldn't stop thinking it looks so old-fashioned and it's so not my style. But somehow, around day 3 or 4, when I realized I kept choosing it over my other watches, I'm like... yes. I could get used to this. I can actually see this as a watch I'd wear 24/7, as my dad does, so... that's how I'm saving up for a Rolex now, thanks replife...!
On the other hand I will never get the auth JUC with diamonds, or even the BBs, because I can't sense any further value. YMMV if you love the history of the brand though!
At first I thought I'd enjoy these less than auth, sort of like when I purchase costume jewelry and they end up being a waste of space since wearing them brings me no joy. BUT this is actually not that! These items possess the quality to backup the look and DO make me feel all fancy pants.

Ratings and Assessments Summary

Item	Pics	Price	W2C	Quality	Accuracy	Satisfaction
RG SM JUC w/diamonds	PSP / Mine	$850	TS WenZhi	10/10	9.75/10	10/10
Ballon Bleu 33mm	PSP / Mine	$139	TS Anna	10/10	9.5/10	10/10
Datejust 28mm	PSP / Mine	$261	TS Anna	10/10	9.5/10	10/10
Ballon Bleu 28mm	PSP / Mine	$156	TS Anna	10/10	8/10	9/10

I’ve noticed that this sub has a good majority of individuals who are relatively new to the watch game. If you are one of those people, congrats! Welcome to one of the best hobbies ever! It may be kind of stressful for some of you when you’re trying to build up a collection and getting yourself into the hobby on the right foot, and in a remote world, it’s hard to find guidance. So I’m doing my part into helping new enthusiasts get into the hobby of watch collecting!
Step one- buying your first proper watch. Any watch enthusiasts will tell you exactly what watch got them into collecting, mines was a watch from the fashion brand Guess. Now although that watch is not highly respected upon enthusiasts, it still got me into the hobby. Here’s a few tips on how to buy your first proper watch.
The don’ts -Avoid fashion brands at all cost (Guess, Calvin Klein, Daniel Wellington etc.) -Avoid companies that make claims like, “cutting out the middle man,” or,” affordable luxury.” These watches are worse than the fashion brands (MVMT, Vincero, etc.) -Avoid Kickstarter companies. -Avoid buying large watches (44mm and above.) -Avoid buying watches with “bling” (Nico has obviously told you this one) -Don’t buy a Hublot. -Steer clear of vintage for your first watch, they’re normally very fragile and cost a lot to repair (unless it was handed down to you.) -Don’t buy watches from non-reputable sources. -Don’t buy a watch as an investment unless you’re a seller. You buy a watch to wear, not lock up in a safe. -Don’t listen to what other people say about your watch, If you like it then their opinion doesn’t mean a thing. -NEVER buy fakes!! -Lastly, don’t buy a Hublot....again.
The Do’s -Buy from reputable brands and sellers. -Look up the watch and it’s reviews before buying. -Measure your wrist size and figure out what size watches best suit you (38mm is the best bet for anyone.) -If possible, try it on, and see how you like it. -Buy a watch based on what clothes you wear (example, If you wear a lot of lighter colors, buy a lighter colored watch.) -Buy a watch based on what you’re going to use it for (dress, casual, sport, etc.) -Buy from sellers that offer a warranty. -Look up what kind of movement it has. -Lastly, buy a Casio.
Mechanical vs Quartz movements As previously mentioned, you should always look up what kind of movement a watch has, here’s a guide to help you figure out which one you like.
Mechanical- mechanical movements have a nice sweep to the second hand. Instead of using a battery, it uses kinetic energy to power the watch via winding. Automatic watches are mechanical watches that wind themselves as you wear it, whereas a Manual watch requires you to wind it yourself. I personally prefer these over quartz however when they break they cost a ton to repair, and normally require a service every 5 or so years. A repair can cost well over $100, and in some cases, more than the watch is worth. If you want a Mechanical watch for a good price, look into Seiko, or Orient.
Quartz- quartz watches have a second hand that ticks every second instead of a sweep. These are better for people who normally don’t wear their watch every day and prefer it to keep accurate time. Quartz watches are cheaper to work on and fix since mostly you’ll just have to change the battery, however they’re not as interesting or engaging as the beauty and craftsmanship behind a mechanical movement. If you want a good quartz watch for a good price, look no further than the Citizen Eco- Drive family.
A brand for every price- Watch collecting is an expensive hobby, be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars in order to get started with your collection, however I promise you, as a young 20 year old enthusiast. it’s very VERY well worth it. Here’s a few great watches for lower budgets.
$20-50- Timex WeekendeExpedition. Any Casio. $50-100- Seiko 5, Vostok Amphibia. $100-200- Orient Bambino, Orient Ray/MAKO II, More seiko 5’s, Citizen Navihawk/Eco Drive. $200-300- Any kind of Seiko, Tissot, and Orient. $300-$500- Better quality Seiko’s, Tissot, Orient Star, Hamilton, and Alpina.
I really hope this helped a few of you out. Taking on watch collecting can be a bit intimidating, but I promise you it’s a hobby worth getting into. I’ve made so many connections over the years through watches, so many conversations with fellow enthusiasts, and just the pure joy of just wearing a piece of art on your wrist has kept me into this hobby for 4 years. I still have a very long way to go, I have yet to get a Rolex, but I also need to graduate college first! I know we all hope to build a collection one day, and I’m sure Nico will help us source out our dream watches when we desire them.
Please feel free to comment more advice and I’ll add it to the list!
Thank you, Nico and the Pride and Pinion family, for bringing the love of watches into the mainstream!
Ok, ciao.

Just getting into watches and like Timex for both history and current implementations. Someone could correct me if I am wrong but it would seem that Timex.com does not carry all the possible variety of current Timex watches and that some are only offered through retailers (while some may be Timex direct exclusives as well). I have been looking at some sellers which happen to be in the NYC area on eBay and it seems like they move a large volume of Timex at terrific prices. Can they be trusted?
Short of the newer automatics, most watches are $150 or less. Is there such a think as fake Timex? Grey market? I am looking at this MK1 steel on ebay in a color + strap that in my mind would be something I could wear for dress and play. You can find it under "Timex MK1 Steel Quartz Movement Black Dial Men's Watch TW2R96700" It has a copper colored case and leather strap. At $37 it seems like black friday prices or better. I just wonder how this seller has over 35 of them and is moving them out at this price. Maybe I am getting to skeptical and should just accept a great deal??

Frostnite is relatively easy to beat, but only with a lot of teamwork and cooperation. I have more than a dozen Frostnite 128 wins so far this 2020 season, all of which have been in private lobbies. Public lobbies are very, very difficult, because people don't communicate, don't follow standard roles, and don't cooperate well. If you are in a public lobby, here are some guidelines that can help everyone work together as a team.
In general, there are two principal team roles, and several supporting roles, in Frostnite. A good team will have at least one builder and one farmer, but the other roles are flexible.

• Builder(s). Your job is to design and build everything, place and repair your B.A.S.E., build out the trap tunnels or courtyards and lobber shield (if your design uses one), craft and place (and replace) traps, upgrade and repair structures, and (usually) keep the burner filled with blu-glo. You may occasionally find yourself doing a little farming too. You should be a Constructor (or Ninja if you are supporting another builder), and good heroes are Base Kyle, Ice King, and Power Base Knox.
• Farmers. Your job is to farm everything you can find, recycle the weapons and traps, and drop ALL your mats back to the builder(s) on a regular basis (every 1-2 waves, less frequently as needed in the later waves). ALL means wood, brick, metal, all your trap crafting mats, and most of your weapon crafting mats except those you need to craft your weapons. You should never do any building yourself - don't place any traps or structures, in case they get in the way of the builder(s) design. You should be an Outlander, and good heroes are Archeolojess, Cassie Clip, and Fossil Southie.
• Damage heroes. The most useful is Zenith, to freeze smashers using a crankshot or vacuum tube rifle. Stoneheart Farrah can also be useful for crowd clearing with a xenon bow. I'm sure there are many other heroes that could work too. Your role will be important mostly in the later waves, so in the earlier waves, help out with farming, and don't get in the way of the builders by placing traps.

Guidelines for Everyone

• Recycle your traps. Random traps you receive at the start, from supply drops, chests, etc., aren't legendary, aren't 130s, have random rolls, and generally are only useful for the crafting mats they contain. Never place these traps anywhere. Once you put a trap down, that spot is taken until the trap runs out of durability or is destroyed by a husk (or another frustrated teammate). It can take a minute or more to destroy a misplaced trap. Recycle those traps and drop the mats.
• Don't fill the burner until it reaches 22%. The Blu-glo supply drops only spawn when the burner goes below 25% (every other time, specifically); fill at 22% to be safe. Equally, avoid filling the burner all the way to 100%, since that wastes Blu-Glo (if you fill beyond 100%) and the burner uses Blu-Glo more quickly when it is close to full.
• Establish a loot drop point. The farmers should know where to drop the loot, and the builders should know where to find it. It should be easy to get to, and hard to accidentally run through.
• Don't pick up or run through loot piles if you're not one of the builders. It wastes time because you need to drop everything all over again.
• Do run slow field. Banner or supply drop can be useful too, but slow field is very useful, and absolutely essential for e.g. waves 14 and 17 (smashers and minibosses). If a teammate has already placed a slow field in an area, don't waste yours by placing yours on top - place it somewhere else, or wait for your teammate's to time out.
• Don't go AFK. Your teammates are putting their time and energy into the mission, and losing one teammate without warning can be fatal to the mission.

Guidelines for Farmers

• Drop all your mats at the start. That means everything. Keep only your weapons. Ideally you will do this before the force field goes down.
• Drop all your mats back at base every 1-2 waves. Don't hoard your mats. Don't go and farm for 10 waves then come back fully loaded. Remember that the builder needs more materials at the start while getting the base set up, so make more frequent drops at the beginning of the game.
• Help clear the area around the burner. In particular, the barn can get in the way, and it's usually a good idea to destroy it as soon as possible.
• Don't place any traps. That's the builder's job. If you place traps and screw up the builder's design, he or she may get frustrated and leave the mission. There's nothing worse than having planned out a trap tunnel with gas traps at the start and ceiling zappers at the end, then finding you can't place them because someone else has already put ceiling zappers at the start and gas traps at the end instead. It can take a minute or more to destroy a misplaced trap.
• Don't upgrade structures unless asked to. By wave 4 or 5 it can be very useful for a farmer to help out upgrading e.g. the lobber shield, but until the main base is built out, the builder(s) need all of your metal and brick to fill out the main design. A builder with no mats cannot build. The builder decides what needs to be upgraded and when.
• Don't place random ramps in the area around the burner. Yes, you got that Blu-Glo on top of the water tower, but now the builder will have to spend 30 seconds pickaxing your ramp which allows the husks to get onto the second level.
• Pick up of all the supply drops. They contain all kinds of crafting materials, and some will contain Blu-Glo.
• Don't try to be the builder. If you joined the game in a public lobby as an Outlander, or even a Ninja, and there's a Constructor in the game, let the Constructor do the building. The Constructor cannot farm efficiently - YOU can. The only useful thing the Constructor can do is build, and you don't want to be making his or her life difficult by building on top of or obstructing his design.
• Do use your anti-material charge. Farming is what it's meant for.
• Do search things before you destroy them. Contrary to popular belief, unlike in BR, you don't automatically receive the searchable contents of something when you destroy it in STW.
• Focus your farming on what the builder needs. Most builds rely heavily on either floor launchers, tar pits, or freeze traps, all of which require rough ore, so break a lot of rocks. Most builds also need a lot of metal, so break cars, metal deposits, and appliances. Many use gas traps, which need bacon, so search fridges, meat cans, and the corn field which sometimes spawns to the West. Sunbeam and bright-core will also be useful until everyone has the weapons they need.
• Recycle your weapons. Quartz is in short supply and comes mostly from weapons.
• Don't hoard the Blu-Glo. Most of the team's Blu-Glo should be held close to the base. Since the builders are usually the only ones who are there most of the time, the builders should hold most of the Blu-Glo. However, do keep a few on your person in case of emergencies, you don't want to be the last man standing with no Blu-Glo and the burner out of fuel.

Guidelines for Builders

• Don't forget to place your B.A.S.E. If you are running recycling, the earlier you place it, the more mats you will get from it in the first few waves.
• Do establish a loot drop point. If everyone knows where to drop loot, and how to get there, your life will be easier. A simple loot marker works well.
• Watch the burner. At many points in the game you will be the only person on base, so you will need to watch the burner closely and fill it when it gets down to 22%.
• Do use the text chat to give instructions. If you need the lobber shield upgraded by the farmers, just ask.
• Do use an easy to understand, rotationally symmetric design. Navigating other people's builds can be difficult, so if possible make the four sides as similar to each other as you can.
• Avoid tire drop traps. Yes, they are popular, but they cause the game to lag badly, which can be very dangerous during the later waves. Ceiling electric fields placed 2 tiles up are a good alternative, or just plain gas traps.

Guidelines for Damage Heroes

• Help with the minibosses. This requires skill: (1) get the miniboss to focus on you by shooting at it, (2) lead the miniboss off the edge of the map without getting killed or falling off yourself. If the miniboss is already focused on another player who is leading it away from the burner, don't shoot at it yourself, you are not helping but just distracting the miniboss. If the miniboss is following you, do not under any circumstances go near the burner or in any trap tunnels. If it is following you, don't get too far away or it will lose interest - but don't get too close that it can touch you, either. An easy way to lead the miniboss off the map is to build a wooden platform off the edge, 4 tiles wide, with a 2-tile wide hole (2x1) in the middle. Stand on the end of the platform and lure the miniboss onto it. Get it to charge at you (it will need a clear path to you to start charging, so stand on one side of the hole), then as it is charging move to the middle of the platform so the miniboss falls in as it curves towards you. Be careful not to build too far off the edge because there is an invisible barrier that will kill you instantly if you touch it. This is all much easier as a ninja - you can just stand at the edge, wait for it to charge at you, then double jump over it so it falls off the edge behind you.
• Help with the smashers. Be familiar with which waves are smasher waves (see the reference sheet below) and make sure you are close enough to the base to help when they spawn. Listen carefully for smasher sounds. Put down your slow field (closer to the burner is better, since that is where the smashers will eventually charge), and help kill them with a potshot, Wrath, xenon bow, etc. If you are Zenith, freeze those smashers as early as you can after they spawn, if possible before they reach the trap tunnels, then keep them frozen for as much of the time as you can.
• Be flexible. Between waves, you might find yourself without much to do. If the builder needs mats, go help the farmers. If he or she needs help filling out the lobber shield, do just that - but be careful not to screw up the design, so wait for instructions or until it is very clear what is being built.

Of course these are just guidelines and improvisation may be necessary, especially in public lobbies; for example, if the Constructor is not doing his or her job and is just farming and not building, someone else will need to take over the building, or if there is only one Outlander and he or she is just killing Krampuses and not farming, everyone else will need to do some farming to make up the shortfall.
I hope this is useful to the community. If you have more tips, feel free to comment below and I will incorporate them.
Wave quick reference sheet: https://i.redd.it/1j1gzdzk0a161.jpg

We have now released the Nether update for Minecraft Java Edition - other platforms will follow shortly. This is the complete changelog, compared to the previous release, 1.15.2. Not included here are the nearly 500 bugs fixed in this release.
This changelog is also available on minecraft.net.
Make sure your Minecraft Launcher is set to the "Latest Release" installation to automatically update to this version.
Update: We've published a small update to fix problems with realms. The only affected functionality are within the realms menus of the client, however because of how our systems are setup, a new server jar was also published. The two server jars are functionally identical, you can use either one and it'll work.

Features

• Added Basalt Deltas biome to the Nether
• Added Crimson Forest biome to the Nether
• Added Hoglins
• Added Netherite
• Added Piglins
• Added ruined portals
• Added Soulsand Valley biome to the Nether
• Added Striders
• Added Warped Forest biome to the Nether
• Added Zoglins
• Added a new disableChat command line option – when used, receiving and sending online chat is disabled
• Added a new disableMultiplayer command line option – when used, the Multiplayer button is disabled
• Added bastion remnants
• Added new Game Mode Switcher debug menu
• Added new Nether blocks
• Added the Soul Speed enchantment
• Added the lodestone
• Added the respawn anchor that allows you to set your respawn point in the Nether. Use while holding glowstone to charge to a maximum of four charges – each respawn use one charge
  • You can charge the respawn anchor using a dispenser
• Added the target block
• Basalt is formed when lava flows over soul soil next to blue ice
• Bell blocks will now ring when hit by any projectile
• Bells can now be hung from the underside of more blocks
• Compasses can now be enchanted with Curse of Vanishing
• Endermen can now pick up some of the new Nether blocks
• Endermen will no longer pick up Netherrack
• Entities now get pushed by flowing lava
• Farmer Villagers can now compost seeds
• Fish now despawn when further than 64 blocks away from the closest player
• Huge fungi will now only grow on its matching type of nylium
• Knockback resistance is now a scale instead of a probability
• Lily pads are now considered junk fishing loot rather than treasure
• Patrols no longer spawn when the player is close to a village
• TNT and campfires will now ignite when hit by any burning projectile
• The General statistics list is now alphabetically sorted
• Updated logos for Mojang Studios and Minecraft
• Villagers can now spawn iron golems regardless of their profession status or latest working time
• Walls do not have gaps anymore when stacked vertically
• Walls will now connect to even more things, such as iron bars, panes, pressure plates, banners, and even pickles
• When a Villager is struck by lightning, the witch it is converted to will no longer despawn
• When fishing, treasure loot can now only be obtained by fishing in open waters

Accessibility

• Added "Line Spacing" chat and accessibility option
• Added "Chat Delay" accessibility option

Advancements

• Piglins and Hoglins are now required for Monster Hunter and Monsters Hunted
• Serious Dedication is now awarded for obtaining a Netherite hoe
• Obtaining blackstone now also counts for the Stone Age advancement
• Breeding Striders now counts for The Parrots and the Bats and is now required for Two by Two

New Advancements

• Bullseye unlocks when hitting the bullseye of a target block from at least 30 meters away
• Hidden in the Depths unlocks when obtaining ancient debris
• Cover Me in Debris unlocks when obtaining full Netherite armor
• Country Lode, Take Me Home unlocks when using a compass on a lodestone
• Who Is Cutting Onions? unlocks when obtaining crying obsidian
• Not Quite "Nine" Lives unlocks when setting a respawn anchor to the maximum
• This Boat Has Legs unlocks when riding a Strider with a fungus on a stick
• Hot Tourist Destinations unlocks when visiting all biomes in the Nether
• Those Were the Days unlocks when entering a bastion
• War Pigs unlocks when looting a chest in a bastion
• Oh Shiny unlocks when distracting an angry Piglin with gold

Basalt Deltas

Basalt Deltas can now be found in the Nether!

• Remnants of volcanic eruptions, this biome sports a high concentration of basalt columns and lava deltas
• Walking through it, you will be surrounded by flowing flakes of white ash
• Magma cubes finally have their own home and spawn very frequently here
• A new block, blackstone, can be found here in large patches

Bastion Remnants

What's made of blackstone and full of Piglins and Hoglins? Bastion remnants!

• Added four separate bastion remnant types: bridge, Hoglin stable, housing units, and treasure room
• You can find these sizable structures in all Nether biomes, except the treacherous ash-dusted regions of Basalt Deltas
• Explore, loot, and conquer a bastion remnant to call it your home – but beware! Piglins don't take kindly to intruders stealing their possessions

Bees

• Reduced the maximum distance a bee can wander away from its home hive to ~22 blocks

Block Renames

Some blocks have been renamed. Turns out singular fungus in the Nether attempted to falsely present itself as many fungi – so sneaky!

• Crimson fungi is now called crimson fungus
• Warped fungi is now called warped fungus

Blocks

Many new blocks have been added, and changes have been made to a few existing ones.

• Added crying obsidian. It's sad and cries purple energy
• Added basalt. Craft it 2x2 or use a stone cutter to create clean and shiny polished basalt!
• Added blackstone, along with its variants: regular, polished, and polished brick
  • Blackstone can be used to craft furnaces and stone tools
• Added gilded blackstone – blackstone which has been imbued with gold and has a chance of dropping gold nuggets when broken
• Added chiseled Nether bricks, cracked Nether bricks, and quartz bricks!
• Added two new non-flammable wood-like blocks: crimson stems and warped stems
• Added crimson and warped hyphae – all-sided "stem" blocks, including stripped variations
• Added new ground surface blocks: crimson nylium and warped nylium
• Added new vegetation: Nether sprouts, crimson roots, and warped roots
• Added two types of fungi: crimson and warped. Try using bone meal to grow them!
  • You can place crimson and warped roots and fungi into pots
• Added warped wart blocks
• Added weeping vines that grow from the bottom of a block downwards
• Added twisting vines that grow upwards
• Added a new natural light source block: Shroomlights
• Added soul soil. Whenever fire burns on soul soil, it burns with a blue flame
  • Soul soil and soul sand can be used to craft soul torches, which in turn can be crafted into soul lanterns
  • The Wither can now be summoned using soul soil as base
• Added soul campfires. Warm your buns with the heat of one thousand souls!
• Added chain blocks
• Nether gold ore can now be found in the Nether – it drops a few gold nuggets and can be mined with any type of pickaxe
• Bone meal can now be used to grow kelp, weeping vines, and twisting vines
• Using bone meal on Netherrack can now spread nylium
• Nether vegetation blocks (sprouts, roots, vines, fungus, wart and wart blocks) are now compostable
• Nether sprouts can be harvested with shears
• Food can now be placed on unlit campfires

Creative Mode

• You can now milk cows and Mooshrooms in creative mode
• You can now get stew from Mooshrooms in creative mode
• When using an empty bucket on water in creative mode, you now get a bucket of water. If you have a bucket of water in your inventory already, no additional water buckets will be added when you use your empty bucket on water

Crimson Forest

Crimson Forests can now be found in the Nether!

• Crimson nylium carpets the cave floor with all kinds of strange new vegetation
• Crimson nylium can be bonemealed to get more of this strange new vegetation
• Huge crimson fungi make up the "trees" of this forest, with Shroomlights lighting up the forest floor
• Nether wart blocks can be cleared quickly using a hoe
• Weeping Vines grow from the cave ceilings and fungi
• Hoglins wander these forests
• Crimson spores swirl through the air

Dispensers

• Dispensers can now saddle pigs and horses
• Dispensers can now put horse armor on horses
• Dispensers can now put carpets on llamas
• Dispensers can now put chests on llamas, donkeys and mules
• Dispensers can now shear a Mooshroom
• Dispensers can now shear snow golems

F3 + N (Toggle Spectator)

A small change has been made to this debug combination.

• By default, using this key would return you to Creative after toggling from Spectator. It now will toggle back to the previous game mode you had
• As an example, if you were in Survival, then toggled to Spectator and back, you would be set back to Survival

Farmers

• Farmers can now put excess seeds in the composter to create bone meal
  • Bone meal is used by the farmers to grow crops
• Farmers share excess wheat to other farmers, so more farmers can make bread

Game Mode Switcher

New F3 debug feature which allows you to switch game modes with traditional "tabbing" functionality.

• Hold F3 and tap F4 to open the menu
• Tapping F4 will cycle the game mode, or you can use the mouse
• Release F3 to apply
• Your last game mode is remembered and will be the first selected option, so you can quickly toggle between two game modes with a single press of F3 + F4!

Hoe Changes

We've made some changes to hoes to make them more useful in the Nether.

• Each tier has different speed at which hoes mine blocks they are effective against
• Hoes can now be enchanted with the following enchantments: Efficiency, Fortune, Silk Touch
• Those enchantments can now be provided through enchanting table
• Hoes are now the appropriate tool for mining hay, targets, dried kelp blocks, leaves, Shroomlights, Nether wart blocks, warped wart blocks, sponges, and wet sponges.

Hoglins

• Hoglins are big aggressive beasts that live in crimson forests in the Nether
• They attack players on sight. Be careful – they can easily knock you off a ledge!
• Hoglins drop pork and sometimes leather, but not willingly
• You can breed Hoglins by feeding them crimson fungi. Do so at your own risk
• Hoglins get hunted by Piglins sometimes, but they don't go down without a fight
• Despite this, Hoglins and Piglins aren't enemies – more like an ecosystem
• Baby Hoglins like to pretend they are tough – but don't worry, they're more bark than bite
• Want to keep hoglins off your back? Pro tip: Hoglins hate the smell of warped fungi
• Hoglins that somehow end up in the Overworld become Zoglins fairly quickly – but who would ever bring a Hoglin to the Overworld?

Lodestone

A new block that can help you get your bearings!

• Crafted from a Netherite ingot and chiseled stone bricks
• Use a compass on a lodestone to create a lodestone compass, which will point to that lodestone

Mobs

• Players can no longer mount another entity when the crouch key is held down
• Added gamerule universalAnger (disabled by default), which makes angered neutral mobs attack any nearby player – not just the player that angered them. Works best if you disable forgiveDeadPlayers
• Added gamerule forgiveDeadPlayers (enabled by default), which makes angered neutral mobs stop being angry when the targeted player dies nearby

Forgive dead players

• If this gamerule is disabled, then angered mobs will stay angry even if the targeted player dies
• If both forgiveDeadPlayers and universalAnger are enabled, an angered neutral mob will stop being angry when their target dies. They won't seek any new targets after that
  • Notable exception: Angered Zombified Piglins continuously spread anger. So even if one Zombified Piglin stops being angry because its target died, other angered Zombified Piglins nearby are likely to make it angry again. The only way to stop the anger is if none of the angered Zombified Piglins see a player for a while

Neutral mob anger

Updated anger management for most neutral mobs (polar bear, wolf, bee, Enderman, Piglin, Zombified Piglin).

• When hurt by a player, the neutral mob will target that player and try to kill it
• The mob will stay angry until the player is dead or out of sight for a while
• Anger is persistent, so a player can't escape by temporarily logging out or switching dimension
• If a targeted player dies near the angered mob, it will stop being angry (unless forgiveDeadPlayers is disabled)
• Neutral mobs also get angry at other mobs who hurt them. However, that anger is not persistent
• Angered neutral mobs will only attack the offending player, not innocent bystanders
  • Notable exception: If a beehive or nest is broken, the bees will be angry at all nearby players
• Some mobs spread anger (wolf, Zombified Piglin, Piglin, bee). If a player attacks one, all nearby mobs of the same type will get angry at that player

Universal anger

Universal anger is basically guilt by association. A neutral mob attacked by players will be angry at players in general, regardless of who attacked them. More specifically:

• A neutral mob attacked by a player will target the nearest player, even if that player wasn't the attacker
• Every time the neutral mob is hit by a player it will update its attack target to the nearest player
• Players can use this to make neutral mobs attack other players. Who would ever do something that devious?
• Universal anger does not apply when a neutral mob is attacked by another mob - only when it is attacked by a player
• Universal anger is persistent. The angered mob will stay angry even if the player logs out and logs in, or jumps through a portal and back
• Mobs that spread anger will also spread universal anger. So if a player attacks a Zombified Piglin, all other Zombified Piglins within sight will be universally angry and attack their nearest player
• An angered neutral mob will stop being angry if it can't see any eligible target for a while

Zombified Piglins

• Zombie Pigmen are now known as Zombified Piglins, and they now have ears. Well, at least one ear
• Zombified Piglins no longer attack innocent bystanders (unless you enable gamerule universalAnger)
• Zombified Piglins stop being angry if the targeted player dies nearby (unless you disable gamerule forgiveDeadPlayers)
• Zombified Piglins continuously spread to other Zombified Piglins, as long as they see their target

Nether Biome Fog

• Biome fog color smoothly blends between biomes. Smooth!

Netherite

• A new high level material found in the Nether. Use it to upgrade your diamond gear!

How to make Netherite

• Mine ancient debris in the lower depths of the Nether. At your own risk though. No insurance coverage for that
• Refine it into Netherite scrap in a furnace or blast furnace
• Combine four Netherite scrap with four gold ingots in a crafting table to make a Netherite ingot
• Use a smithing table to fuse the Netherite ingot with your diamond weapon, tool, or armor

Netherite effects

• Netherite items float in lava – just so you don't lose all your gear after that unplanned lava bath
• Netherite items have higher enchantment value than diamond (but not as high as gold)
• Netherite tools work faster and last longer than diamond
• Netherite weapons do more damage than diamond
• Netherite armor have higher toughness and durability than diamond
• Netherite armor gives you knockback resistance, so you barely get knocked back at all when hit by arrows and such
• Netherite blocks can be used as the base of a beacon and Netherite ingots can be used as the fuel for a beacon. Weird flex but ok
• ...and it looks cool!

Parity

• Changed ambient block lighting in the Nether for parity with Bedrock edition

Parrot

• Parrots imitate hostile mobs less often
• Parrots do not randomly imitate hostile mobs when gamemode is on peaceful

Piglins

• Piglins are an aggressive civilization that live in the Nether
• They mostly hang around in Crimson Forests, but you might find some in the Nether Wastes too
• They think of players as target practice and will attack on sight
• However, if you dress appropriately, they will see you as a respectable figure. Or tolerable at least
• Piglins are suspicious of strangers. If they see you opening a chest or other container, they will assume that you're stealing and will treat you accordingly
• If Piglins hear you break a chest or a block of gold (or similar), they will also assume you are stealing
• Piglins LOVE gold and get very distracted by gold items
• Gold ingots are currency to Piglins. Throw ingots at them, or right-click them with an ingot, to barter for various goods
• Piglins sometimes get hungry and hunt Hoglins for food. Or they try at least. They results... vary.
• Piglins prefer to hunt and fight in groups. When a fight is happening, everyone wants in
• Piglins that somehow end up in the Overworld become zombified fairly quickly
• Piglins are creeped out by soul fire and Zombified Piglins, and will avoid them if possible
• Wither skeletons and Withers are a historic enemies of the Piglins and will be attacked on sight
• Baby Piglins are not as dangerous, but they can be mischievous, so watch your back
  • ...and they like to play with Baby Hoglins
• Added a Piglin banner pattern that can be found in bastion remnants

Redstonewire

The blockstate, rendering, and behavior of redstone wire are more in line with each other. Redstone will provide power to blocks on all sides it shows a visual connection to, and not do so on those sides without a visual connection.

• A dot of redstone will not power its surrounding blocks
• A single redstone wire is now represented as a cross
• A wire on top of a block, which is redirected from below, will now power the sides it is redirected to. E.g. a fence gate above the redirecting wire will be powered
• Wires that redirect upwards to wires on non-conductive blocks used to only be redirected visually. Now, this redirection applies to their behavior as well
• A wire that is redirected to go over a block will now always provide power to the block. This is most noticeable when the wire has signal strength 1
• When right-clicking a single piece of redstone, it will toggle between a the cross and the dot

Target block

• The target block now conducts redstone signals

Ruined Portals

Shattered remains of ancient Nether portals. Wonder who built them?

• They can be found in any Overworld or Nether biome
• Some are hidden underground, under the sea, or buried in sand

Soul Speed

Never suffer again drudging through Soul Sand Valleys – Soul Speed has you covered!

• Shine your boots of choice with this soul-sucking enchantment to speed around on soul sand and soul soil
• However, there's a downside: enchantments will slowly degrade your boots each soul block you walk on
• Can only be obtained by bartering with those pesky Piglins

Soulsand Valley

Soulsand Valleys can now be found in the Nether!

• An open space made mostly of soul sand and soul soil
• Basalt pillars span from floor to ceiling
• Fossile remains of unknown creatures from the past litter the valley
• Ash falls through the air
• A light blue glow envelopes the valley
• Beware of skeletons here

Sounds

• Ghasts sounds are now heard at shorter range
• Updated block sounds for bone blocks, Netherrack, soul sand, Nether wart, Nether bricks, and quartz ore
• New ambient sounds for the Nether biomes
• New mood detection algorithm for cave sounds
• Added a new music disc titled "Pigstep" by Lena Raine, which can only be found in bastion remnants

Strider

A new mob living the lava lakes of the Nether.

• Strides on top of the surface of lava
• Can be saddled, but has a will of its own
• Really likes the smell of warped fungi – might even be convinced to follow it

Target Block

Because let's face it, your aim could use some practice!

• The closer you hit to the center, the larger the redstone signal
• Test your skills with a variety of projectiles, including eggs, snowballs, tridents, and more
• You will need one hay block and four redstone for this recipe

Villager Workstation Logic

• Villagers no longer try to work at the same workstation
• The most experienced nearby villager for the profession corresponding to the workstation you add will get the workstation
• Villagers now have to walk to and reach the workstation before they can acquire the profession and/or work there
• Villagers can no longer claim workstations or professions during raids or night time
• Villagers will check and make sure their workstation is valid at all times of day as long as they are within 16 blocks of their workstation

Warped Forest

Warped Forests can now be found in the Nether!

• Warped nylium carpets the cave floor with all kinds of strange new vegetation
• Warped nylium can be bonemealed to get more of the strange new vegetation
• Huge warped fungi make up the "trees" of this forest, with Shroomlights lighting up the forest floor
• Warped wart blocks can be cleared quickly using a hoe
• A dark blue fog covers the forest
• Warped spores swirl through the air
• The Warped Forests are strange, but also the least hostile place in the Nether

Weeping Vines

• Weeping vines are now climbable!

World Generation

• The old Nether biome is now called Nether Wastes
• Shipwrecks and ocean ruins are now a bit less common, so you get more excited when you find one!
• Patches of blackstone and gravel now generate in all Nether biomes, and patches of soul sand now generate in Soul Sand Valleys

Zoglins

• Zoglins are zombified Hoglins – the result of bringing a Hoglin into the Overworld
• Unlike Hoglins, they can't be bred or fed, and they don't care about warped fungus
• Beware – these beasts are raving mad and attack just about everything they see!

Technical

• Added target_hit advancement trigger
• Added thrown_item_picked_up_by_entity advancement trigger
• Added player_generates_container_loot advancement trigger
• Added item_used_on_block advancement trigger
• Removed safely_harvest_honey advancement trigger
• Added player check to every trigger (except impossible)
• Entity checks in triggers can now use loot table condition syntax
• Attributes are now added to game registry, similar to items, sound events, etc.
• Chat component style can now select font.
• Block storage format in chunks slightly changed to speed up various tasks (rendering, pathfinding, world generation, etc).
• Added a locatebiome command
• Tab completion for resource location will match any part after an _
• The compass now has LodestonePos, LodestoneDimension and LodestoneTracked data fields. If LodestoneTracked is zero, the game will skip checking for a Lodestone in the specified position
• Slightly changed datapack loading to prevent custom datapacks from crashing
• Data packs can now be selected on world creation
• Added a enable-status option to the server.properties file which if set to false will suppress replies to status requests from clients. This makes the server appear offline in the multiplayer screen
• Full range of Unicode characters is now supported (some may know what that means 😉)
• Mobs avoid walking on magma blocks and lit campfires
• Cached repeated block type lookups and collisions during pathfinding for increased performance
• Minor optimizations in collision detection
• Top level element in predicate file can now be array (all contents will be ANDed)
• Smithing recipes can now be added or changed through data packs
• Added control over how much entity data a server sends to clients
• Added a JMX MBean to monitor dedicated server tick times
• Shulkers with "NoAI" can now be summoned with rotation
• Added strider_one_cm custom statistics for riding Striders
• Expanded the max size per axis of structure blocks from 32 to 48
• Region files are now opened in synchronous mode to increase reliability
• Difficulty and game rules can now be changed from "Create World" screen
• "Singleplayer" button will jump directly to "Create World" screen if there are no worlds to select
• Temporarily removed structure settings from flat level preset strings (workaround: use import/export settings functionality)

Advancements

Extended entity checks

Entity checks in triggers can now use loot table condition syntax. Old notation: json { "trigger": "minecraft:player_killed_entity", "conditions": { "entity": { "type": "minecraft:blaze" } } } is now equivalent to: json { "trigger": "minecraft:player_killed_entity", "conditions": { "entity": [ { "condition": "minecraft:entity_properties", "predicate": { "type": "minecraft:blaze" }, "entity": "this" } ] } } Note 1: Like in loot tables, all conditions in top level array must be met for whole condition to trigger. Note 2: To access new functionality, top level element must be JSON array. JSON object are interpreted as old notation. Full list of extended triggers:

• New field player in every trigger
• bred_animals - parent, partner, child
• channeled_lightning - victims
• cured_zombie_villager - zombie, villager
• fishing_rod_hooked - entity
• killed_by_crossbow - victims
• player_killed_entity - entity
• entity_killed_player - entity
• player_hurt_entity - entity
• summoned_entity - entity
• tame_animal - entity
• target_hit - projectile
• villager_trade - villager

Miscellaneous trigger changes

• Due to addition of player, existing contents of location, slept_in_bed, hero_of_the_village, voluntary_exile can now be placed in location field instead of top-level object. Old syntax is still supported, but depreciated.
• location got a new property smokey which checks if the location is closely above a campfire
• entity_properties got new properties vehicle and targetedEntity which match the vehicle or the entity targeted by a mob

New trigger

• target_hit trigger type
  • signal_strength matches the signal strength output from the block on hit
  • projectile matches the projectile entity
  • shooter matches the player who shot or threw the projectile
• thrown_item_picked_up_by_entity trigger type
  • item matches the thrown item which was picked up
  • entity matches the entity which picked up the item
• player_generates_container_loot trigger type
  • loot_table matches the resource location of the generated loot table
• item_used_on_block trigger type
  • location matches the location at the center of the block the item was used on
  • item matches the item used on the block
• item_used_on_entity trigger type
  • item matches the item which was in the player's hand during interaction
  • entity matches the entity which was interacted with

Attributes

Attributes have been moved to game registry. That means few changes: Renames:

• Items and entities will no longer keep unknown attributes
• Names of some attributes have been renamed to meet resource location requirements
• generic.maxHealth 🡆 generic.max_health
• zombie.spawnReinforcements 🡆 zombie.spawn_reinforcements
• horse.jumpStrength 🡆 horse.jump_strength
• generic.followRange 🡆 generic.follow_range
• generic.knockbackResistance 🡆 generic.knockback_resistance
• generic.movementSpeed 🡆 generic.movement_speed
• generic.flyingSpeed 🡆 generic.flying_speed
• generic.attackDamage 🡆 generic.attack_damage
• generic.attackKnockback 🡆 generic.attack_knockback
• generic.attackSpeed 🡆 generic.attack_speed
• generic.armorToughness 🡆 generic.armor_toughness

Block placement

• Ladders and tripwire hooks can now be placed on observers, redstone blocks, and target blocks
• Doors, rails, buttons, pressure plates, redstone, and more can now be placed on soulsand and full-block of snow layers
• Soulsand with a rail on top will no longer slow down minecarts

Block storage

BlockStates in Sections elements no longer contain values stretching over multiple 64-bit fields. If number of bits per block is not power of two (i.e. single 64-bit value can't fill whole number of blockstates) some bits will not be used. For example, if single block state takes 5 bits, highest 4 bits of every 64-bit field will be unused. That also means slight increase in storage size (in case of 5 bits, from 320 to 342 64-bit fields).

Block Tags

• minecraft:climbable is now a block tag that allows datapacks to determine which blocks are, well, climbable
• minecraft:soul_speed_blocks is any block that the soul speed enchantment increases speed on

Chat components

Hover event argument

• style.hoverEvent parameter now has parameter contents, with contents depending on type:
  • For show_text - chat component
  • For show_item - either item id or object with fields id, count, and tag (with last one being serialized NBT)
  • For show_entity - object with fields: id (UUID), name (chat component), and type (entity type resource location)
• Old style value argument is now deprecated (but still supported)

Commands

attribute

Adds modifies attribute on single entity. Possible syntax: - attribute get [] - get total value of attribute - attribute base set - sets base valye - attribute base get [] - get base value - attribute modifier add add|multiply|multiply_base - adds modifier (fails if modifier is already present) - attribute modifier remove - removes modifier - attribute modifier value get [] - get value of modifier
Parameters: - target - single entity (note: only players, armor stands and mobs have attributes) - attribute - name of attribute (like minecraft:generic.max_health) - name - string (in optional quotes) describing human-readable name of modifier - value - floating point value (note: certain attributes have limits on final value, so your change might not be noticeable)

locatebiome

New command that locates a specified biome. Useful in creative mode when you're looking for a specific biome and don't want to fly around randomly searching for it. Syntax: locatebiome Parameters:

• biome - The id of the biome to find

spawnpoint

The spawnpoint command now supports being run in any dimension.

spreadplayers

Added an optional argument to specify maximum height. New syntax: spreadplayers [under ]

• maxHeight - Specifies the maximum height for resulting positions

UUIDs in NBT

UUIDs stored in NBT are now represented as an array of four integers. Example: {UUID:[I;1498693494,1027158888,1898994005,860320107]} Along with that a couple of fields have been renamed:

• OwnerUUID of tamed animals, area effect clouds, evoker fangs and projectiles is now simply Owner
• TrustedUUIDs of foxes is now Trusted
• target_uuid of conduits is now Target

Custom Worlds

• Added experimental support for new custom worlds
• Edit world screen now has an option to export world settings to a JSON file
• During world creation you can import previously exported world settings
• A bunch of new parameters are exposed, but marked as experimental, meaning you can play with them, but there is no guarantee that any of them will continue working (even in the next snapshot!)
• Flat level preset string lost structure settings (they are now stored in a common format for all worlds), we will restore some form of this functionality soon
• Buffet world can no longer be created from server.properties, flat level settings changed a bit; better support for custom world creation on the server is coming soon

Data pack selection

• Data packs can now be selected before world is created
• "Re-Create" option will also copy data packs present in source world

Datapack loading

• If datapack reload fails, changes will not be applied and game will continue using previous data
• If existing datapacks prevent world from loading, game will give option to load world in safe mode, which loads only vanilla datapack
• Changes to datapack list are stored only after successful reload
• Added --safeMode option to server to load only with vanilla datapack
• Game will now detect critical datapack issues, like missing required tags and prevent world from being loaded

Effects

• Increased view distance in lava slightly while having the fire resistance effect

Entity Broadcasting

It is now possible to control at what range the server sends data about entities to clients.

• Added an entity-broadcast-range-percentage server property controlling how close entities need to be before being sent to clients. Higher values means entities are visible further away from players but cause more network traffic. Specifies percentage of default value, so for example 50 specifies half of the default range

Fonts

• Force Unicode option now switches between normal and alternative font (called uniform.json) – no reload needed

IO operations

Synchronous writes

Region files are now opened in synchronous mode to prevent data loss and corruption after crash. For performance reasons this feature is disabled by default on non-Windows clients. Status of this feature can be manually controlled by following options:

• For dedicated servers: sync-chunk-writes within server.properties
• For clients: syncChunkWrites within options.txt

World save format

• Saving level.dat now uses randomly-named temporary files (instead of using level.dat_new every time)
• playe*.dat are now saved in a way similar to level.dat (including leaving .dat_old files)

Item frames

New tags

• Invisible - makes item frame invisible (item inside frame remains visible)
• Fixed - prevents item frame from being broken and item inside from being removed

Jigsaw block

• Jigsaw now can have one of 12 orientations
• Added new property Joint type to describe if attached piece can be rotated (rollable) or not (aligned)
• NBT field target_pool has been renamed to pool
• attachement_type has been split into name (on parent block) and target (on child block)
• Added a button in the GUI that generates a jigsaw structure starting from the jigsaw block, using given generation depth

JMX Monitoring

It is now possible to monitor the server tick times though JMX. The rationale for this is that JMX is a well known and supported monitoring technology with existing integrations and tools. This enables server admins to hook alerts and graphing tools using ordinary JMX clients and dashboards.

Enabling JMX Monitoring

• A new flag enable-jmx-monitoring has been added to the server.properties file which if set to true will expose an MBean with the Object name net.minecraft.server:type=Server and two attributes averageTickTime and tickTimes exposing the tick times in milliseconds
• In order for enabling JMX on the Java runtime you also need to add a couple of JVM flags to the startup as documented here

Loot Tables

Entity Predicate

• Added fishing_hook sub-predicate

fishing_hook

Check properties of the fishing hook

Parameters

• in_open_water - Matches whether the fishing location is open water fishing or not. A fishing location is considered to be open water if the fishing hook is in water, there are no blocks besides lily pads above water and all water blocks are source blocks with no solid underwater blocks around

Pack selection screen

• Packs can now be dropped directly on data and resource pack selection screens
• Dropped files and directories will be copied to appropriate places

Particles

• New particle types: ash, crimson_spore, soul_fire_flame, and warped_spore
• New particle types: dripping_obsidian_tear, falling_obsidian_tear, and landing_obsidian_tear
• New particle type: soul

Rendering

• Nailed Entity shadows to the ground
• Added an Entity Distance scale option ranging from 50% to 500%
• Added shader support for accessing depth buffer
• Added new "Fabulous!" graphics option
  • This uses per-pixel blending layers for some transparent elements

Smithing recipes

There's now a smithing recipe type. Recipes of this type are used in the smithing table to upgrade one item type into another type, maintaining tags.

• base - Ingredient specifying an item to be upgraded
• addition - Ingredient specifying valid items to trigger the upgrade
• result - Item specifying the resulting type of the upgraded item

Text style

Colors

color property can now contain RGB value prefixed by #. For example #55ff55 will result in the same color as green

Custom fonts

Chat component style now supports font property, which is resource location for font in resource pack. No entry is equivalent to minecraft:default

Other Resources

​Cross-platform server jar:

• Minecraft server jar

Report bugs here:

• Minecraft issue tracker!

Want to give feedback?

• Head over to our feedback website or come chat with us about it on the official Minecraft Discord... or of course - post a comment!

Howdy all,
After 7 years of collecting, I just wanted to finally show you guys my super humble collection that I am extremely proud of and absolutely adore.
A little bit of backstory. Like most users here in Watches, I randomly stumbled across this subreddit back in 2013 during my first year of college while I was sitting in biochem browsing reddit. I remember that exact week after finding Watches, I was searching endlessly for that perfect first timepiece. I ended up purchasing a simple Seiko quartz chronograph for around $110 and was in love with it - this watch has since been passed onto my brother since my style of watches has evolved since first discovering this hobby. But anyways here is the current collection with all the pieces in one picture: https://imgur.com/4q8KwVO. I'll also be asking you guys for suggestions for my first ever luxury watch purchase at the end of this post. Sorry for the bad quality pictures - never been much of a photographer.

1. Seiko SKX013 (https://imgur.com/kk4ctF0): This is my first and only dive watch that I have in my collection. Prior to purchasing it, I was debating between the 007 or the 013. I finally decided on the 013 as I suffer from small wrist syndrome. After hitting the purchase button, I was reading up on the 007 and a lot of 007 owners stated that the 007 wears much smaller despite the 42mm diameter. I was kind of regretting purchasing the 013 after reading the comments from the 007 owners. However, once the 013 arrived on my doorstep and I put it on my wrist, I loved it. The mid-size dimensions fit perfectly on my 6.75 inch wrist and has a more subtle presence on the wrist despite being a dive watch.
2. Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm ref. H70455533 (https://imgur.com/TJTX3gs): Currently my favorite piece in my collection. The watch fits like a glove. I cannot get over the style and elegance of this piece. This is, in my opinion, the best casual watch. It literally goes well with every casual outfit on a weekend night out with your friends. I bought this piece as a celebratory gift to myself for graduating from university and also getting into one of the top nursing schools in the country in the same summer.
3. Orient Vintage Power Reserve ref. FFD0F002B (https://imgur.com/GF4BJmS): This was kind of a random and unexpected purchase. I was browsing Amazon one evening and came across this watch for a great price so I just pulled the trigger. It has a power reserve complication so I thought it would make a unique addition to the collection. This piece doesn't get must wrist time at all (I think the last time I wore it was well over a two years ago) but I still love it.
4. Yema Rallygraf Panda ref YMHF1572-BU (https://imgur.com/eieJajS): This is the most recent purchase I've made and is by far the coolest watch I have. I've always envied the Paul Newman Daytona but would never be able to get my hands on one and if I did, I would not be able to afford the 200k+ price tag on it. I've searched around for a cool panda chronograph throughout the years but have never found one that I really loved. While browsing the Yema site about a month ago after hearing about their Black Friday sale, I came across this Rallygraf panda and that it was currently on sale for $280. Once I saw that it had the Seiko V64 mecha-quartz movement and a 39mm case, I immediately pulled the trigger. When it arrived in the mail two weeks ago and I unboxed it, I knew this was a purchase that I did not regret one bit.
5. Seiko Chronograph SND367 (https://imgur.com/fOW0hTf): Do you guys remember this popular post a few years back? When that post hit my front page feed on reddit, I had to get it after seeing how great the price was for a JDM piece. The dimensions and the looks of it was perfect. i used some of the Christmas money I got that year to purchase this piece. This watch receives the most wrist time out of all the watches i have. It came on a janky bracelet that I wasn't a fan of and just replaced it with a Barton strap. Wears so comfortably and is kind of my beater watch (but I do take extreme care of it - only small hairline scratches and no dents or dings on the case).
6. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical ref. H69439531 (https://imgur.com/wd4tbVf): This piece here I got about a year ago. After graduating from nursing school and passing my nursing board exams, I had to get something for myself to mark this milestone in my life and as a memento of the start of my career as an RN. After about two months of looking at what watch to get, I pulled the trigger on this Khaki Field Mechanical. It had a vintage look and feel to it which I loved but what mainly attracted me to it was that its design inspiration was based off the MIL-W-3818B which were issued by the government to the troops who were sent off to the Vietnam war in the 60s. Being an avid amateur war historian and with nursing having such rich history in the military, I decided that this was the most suitable watch to add into my collection to mark the start of my career as a nurse.
7. Orient Bambino Version 3 (2nd generation) ref. SAC0000CA0 (https://imgur.com/ifVfTyz): This was a total impulse buy. A few months after the Bambino V3 2nd generation came out, I saw an eBay posting on this watch for $80 brand new shipped from Japan. I originally thought it was defective or a scam but saw the good reputation the seller had. Decided to roll the dice and bought it. Luckily the watch was perfect. Only thing is that it runs really fast (+40sec/day - could be magnetized). It's a nice little versatile dressy piece that goes well with a suit but doesn't look out of place when worn with jeans and a t shirt.
8. Tissot Le Locle Automatic ref T41.1.423.53 (https://imgur.com/dpK3glC): I got this watch as a gift from my parents during a family trip to Asia back in 2015. We were in Singapore visiting the Sentosa island resort and I was just browsing the watches at a boutique called the Swiss Watch Gallery. I was looking at this specific watch at the boutique and was thinking about buying it but decided not to as it was too expensive for me at that time and I didn't have a summer job that year. A few days later when we were in Kuala Lumpur while in the mall below the Petronas Twin Towers, my parents asked if I wanted to stop by the Tissot boutique there just to take another look at the watch. I told them that I wasn't going to buy the watch. They then said it'll be a gift from them to me and as a souvenir of our family trip to Asia. I was completely ecstatic and was incredibly grateful. It actually ended up being a little cheaper than buying it back home due to the currency rate and it being tax free when we claimed it at the airport on our way home. It's also worth mentioning that this model has the ETA 2824-2 movement. This was before Tissot replaced the 2824-2 with their Powermatic 80 movement.
9. Seiko SARB033 (https://imgur.com/HgkENVW): The poor man's Grand Seiko. I've always loved Grand Seiko from the beginning. The conservative design of their watches just attracted me to them since day one. But being a student at that time, I did not have 5K to drop on a GS. So when I came across the SARB033 I knew I had to get it. i purchased this watch from Seiya Japan. Prior to buying it, I reached out to Seiya to inquire some general information and this man was seriously the most professional individual I have ever interacted with online. He also took extreme care when sending the watch. When it arrived, the packaging was immaculate. You could tell he took extreme care and time packaging this watch for shipping so that it arrives safely. I highly recommend buying from Seiya Japan.
10. Timex Marlin Reissue ref. TW2R47900V3 (https://imgur.com/pAdLArF): I love the aesthetics of the 60s and have considered buying a vintage watch from that era. However, I never dipped my toes into the world of vintage timepieces so I don't exactly know what to look out for when buying vintage. This Timex Marlin reissue was the perfect watch to scratch that vintage watch itch without the worries of buying a vintage watch.
11. G Shock G-Rescue G7900-1 (not pictured): I currently use this watch as my work watch. Being a nurse, I need a watch that is extremely water resistant and can take a huge beating. I got this watch at the beginning of nursing school knowing that I needed something durable. This watch has been with me through all clinical rotations throughout nursing school and it currently my work watch as an RN.

So what do you guys think of my current collection?
Also, after 7 years of building that humble collection, I have finally decided to purchase my first ever luxury watch in the upcoming new year. I'm looking to spend up to $3500CAD max. Currently, I am looking at the Nomos Orion ref. 309 or the Nomos Tangente ref. 139. I am really torn between the two right now. The Orion has a more timeless design which I think would age better. The Tangente has a modern Bauhaus design that I love but i'm not sure if it would age as nicely as the Orion. What do you guys think about these two? Any other watches you guys suggest I look into? My criteria is sub 38mm size, stainless steel case (no gold plating), and sub $3500CAD.
I hope you guys enjoyed my SOTC post. Sorry for this post being so long. I'm just extremely proud of my collection and just wanted to share it with you guys. Thank you for taking the time to read through and looking at this post. Hope you guys have an amazing weekend!
Cheers!

Hi ladies!
First review post here, I have few other bags to review but I wanted to start off by writing review for this watch because I feel like there aren’t as many reviews of rep watches. I looked at both RepLadies and RepTime for references before pulling the trigger, and I ended up purchasing AF Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm Quartz version from Jtime, TS on RepTime.
Here goes details!

• Seller: Jtime (TD on RepTime)
• Wechat: jtimewatch
• Whatsapp: +86 139 2886 9440
• Price of item: $268 (watch) + #35 (shipping)
• Payment method: Transferwise
• Shipping method: 4px

Order Timeline:
10/03/2020: Inquired Jtime about ballon bleu 33mm quartz model.
10/05/2020: Li tells me that AF is better quality than V6F quartz version. AF was $268 and V6F was $198, Li said general feel + details on dial + engraving on case back is better, so I decide to go with AF factory's watch. I send payment via Transferwise.
10/08/2020: I receive PSP from Lana via email. I see bit of gap on one of the links and express my concern, and Lana gets back to me within a day showing photos of fixing the loose (?) link. I GL.
10/11/2020: I receive email from Lana that watch was shipped.
10/21/2020: Watch finally arrived!!!
Photos:

• My Pics
• PSP
• Auth
• no factory pictures were received, but I think you can find them on their website (currently https://www.jtime.cc but they constantly change their address so check it out on RepTime [Guide] Intro to Replica Watches!)

Rating

• Quality: 9.8/10

I'm extremely happy with this watch! It looks expensive, feels heavy, and fits on my wrist like a glove. But two (extremely minor) things that bothered me were:
1) Removing links to adjust the length was pretty hard (-0.1). For those who are interested, you need a micro precision screwdriver, but of the three sets of micro precision screwdrivers that I ordered from Amazon, none really fit. I had to force the smallest micro precision screwdriver into it because I gave up on finding one that fits exactly, but some screws were SO TIGHTLY SCREWED IN that those ended up being butchered. My SO and I had to strategically target those that looked less tightly screwed in. Him working in the industry where he uses a lot of micro precision devices, he said that this watch must be using pretty cheap-ass screws as those were so malleable. I mean, the straight ㅡ line was immediately dented after one try at turning the screw, so yes it was annoying, but at the end of the day this watch is less than $300 so I don't think this could have been any different.
2) The clasp is extremely tight. By that, I mean seriously tight. I know that this is a new watch and that it will eventually loosen up, but it is SO SO SO hard to put it on or take it off, especially after taking few links out to fit it on my wrist. I feel like there has got to be a way to help this loosen up more quickly... if anyone knows how to do so, please let me know!
​

• Accuracy: 10/10

I simply do not see any accuracy issues on this watch. I actually tried this watch on in boutique in less than month ago, and the watch felt about the same weight and feel as well. - The fonts match the picture on the website, the tiny cartier logo on VII looks good, tiny swiss made logo looks good, the color of cabochon looks good too. - Case looks identical to auth. Initially, I was a bit worried as I thought there was larger spacing than auth between the crown guard and cabochon. I asked Lana about it and she said it is normal range, so I trusted her and it turns out it is very similar (if not the same) to the auth that I tried on. - The bracelet is weighty, which feels like a luxury metal bracelet watch. Not deducting point for the screw quality problem I mentioned above as no one can/will ever check the quality of screws of my watch haha. - The clasp, besides it being extremely tight, is correctly shaped and functions same. I think they nailed even the small Cartier logo and other engravings on the clasp as well. Again, not deducting points for it being tight as that shouldn't matter on how accurate it looks. - The engravings on the case back look amazing to me, clean and deep. I wasn't able to find the exact text on the bottom part of the case back of quartz version (where it says "Stainless Steel, Water Resistant...") as the quartz version is supposedly being phased out and the boutique that I visited only had automatic version (had longer text than mine, "Automatic" added for sure). If any of you ladies know if this is accurate to auth, please let me know, but I personally don't mind as no one will really see it when I'm wearing it.
​

• Satisfaction: 9.9/10

I am really happy with it except for the clasp being so tight , which makes my experience to put it on and take it off so painful to the point where I'm hesitant of putting it on (and yet I put it on because despite the pain my right hand thumb has to go through, it would need as much use to help loosen this up..😭). The fact that I have to think once more whether to put it on really makes me sad because I really love this watch and I want to wear it as much as possible. Hence -0.1 off.
​

• Seller Communication: 10/10

I am super satisfied with Li and Lana from Jtime. Li is the sales rep for Jtime, who was not only fast in responding but also very honest about price difference, version differenc, etc. Lana is the one who sends PSP and follows up with you regarding shipping, and I heard she is one of the most trustworthy reps on RepTime as she will be very honest as well about quality control issues and work with you should you have any concerns. She was very quick to fix the loose(?) gap on my watch and I am very happy with the one I received.
​
Hope this helps anyone of you ladies who are wondering if you should pull the trigger on Ballon Bleu 33mm!

Hi all!
You might've seen my comparisons between popular watches on this subreddit and the upcoming 11.11 price. In part one I compared submariners, GMT-master II, Aqua Terra, and "no time to die" homages
In part two I compared Explorer, royal oaks, Datejust, and yacht-master
In part three I compared Speedmasters, nautilus, black bay, and railmaster
I figured that it might also be interested to find some tools so you can do basic repairs on your upcoming watches. Note that the discounts might not be the best but it also gives you a good idea on what you can search for if you ever need a tool.
It might not be worth it to repair the watch at a repair shop considering the price of a repair so it's more beneficial to do it yourself. The tools pretty much pays for themselves because you do not have to visit a watch maker who will do a repair at a markup.
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First, let's start with watch tool kits. Most of these kits will include literally anything that you may need when it comes to basic repairs. The only thing these are missing is a good work space to put the movement on, tools to remove and attach hands on your dial, and a dust remover.
147 pieces of watch repair tools
3pcs X Screwdrivers
3pcs X Pin Punches
108pcs X Watch Strap Spring Pins (8-25mm/0.31-0.98in)
1 X Case Opener
18pcs X Case Opener Pins
1 X Hammer
1 X Spring Bar Tool
7pcs X Pins
1 X Tweezers
2pcs X Watch Back Pry Opener
1 X Watch Case Holder
1 X Watch Band Link Remover
Link to shops
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000957445444.html

• Normal price = $16.87
• 11.11 price = $15.52

This kit has a hammer which can be useful for those tricky situations
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32798320044.html (144 pieces set. Looks like this one is missing some spring bars and does not have a hammer)

• Normal price = $12.89
• 11.11 price = $12.69

These kit will let you

• Open up the back case of your watch no matter what type of case back you might have
• Change straps for your watch
• Adjust your bracelet
• Change battery on your quartz watch
• Change your bezel
• Replace the spring bar if it breaks (or is lost)
• Adjust your screw down bracelet

NOTE: You should probably invest in a better tweezer that's ceramic or similar since you might short circuit the battery, etc when you are changing the battery and to stop scratching (to an extent). There's a few sellers to choose from on aliexpress.
Youtube guides on how to use the tools
"Long Island Watch" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJBz0vpuJME
"EDC gunner" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5cpoAU7gsw
Certain cases, like those similar to the oyster cases might be a bit tricky to open even with the tools that comes in the set. You could buy a rubber ball to help you with that
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32986580340.html
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This is not needed for around 99% of the watch repairs you will use but it's good to have some magnifier on hand. I recommend you to read the reviews to tell if it is worth it or not.
This is from dilldoeorg "I also suggest not getting those magnifier glasses, they're pretty useless. you literally have to have the lenses almost touch the object you want magnified. better get a macro lens for your smartphone instead or an actual jeweler's loupe"
10X 15X 20X 25X LED Magnifier glasses

• Normal price = $8.74
• 11.11 price = $8.31

Link to shop
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32792179203.html
2.5X 4X 6X 8X 10X 15X 20X 25X LED magnifier glasses

• Normal price = $14.51
• 11.11 price = $13.67

Link to shop
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32828017507.html
There's also "free standing" magnifiers that you can get. You probably shouldn't pay more than 2 dollars for each magnifier (lupe?) from aliexpress or get one from the jeweler.
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This tools will help you remove the hands on your watch if you want to change the style of the hands or to hands with better lume.
4pin 7 piece Watch hands remover

• Normal price = $1.72
• 11.11 price = $1.69

Link to shop
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000881667683.html
Youtube guides on how to use it
"DIY Watch club" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sukKH_S4gig
"Lume shot" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETrou04lH8w
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It can be hard to attach your new hands on your watch so it's a good idea to get a hand attach tool This tool also have plastic ends so you don't accidentally scratch your dial
Watch Hand Pressers kit 3 pieces

• Normal price = $4.37
• 11.11 price = $4.11

Link to shop
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32975634142.html
Youtube guides on how to use it
"Lume shot" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AQKIuD8oIk
"DIY Watch club" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy-bXjloJB8
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In order to play it extra safe, it might be good to buy a cover that you can attach between the hands and the dial. You can also do it yourself but if you want to make it easy for yourself, you can always buy this
Watch Dial Protection

• Normal price = $1.98
• 11.11 price = $1.91

Link to shop
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000691353191.html
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To stop the glass from being scratched and to protect the movement when you are working on it, you can use a a cushion similar to this one
Watch repair cushion

• Normal price = $4.18
• 11.11 price $3.91

Link to shop
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32967698275.html
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This tool might be useful when you try to put back a case or a bezel. It's most likely not needed but I know that some people like this tool
Case presser 12 pieces

• Normal price = $7.21 - 13.49
• 11.11 price = $7.11 - 13.30

Link to shop
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32964341448.html
Youtube reviews on how to use it
"Helpful DIY" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bzc2HaJe_0
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A air dust blower is a great item to have to make sure that there is no dust in the movement or on the dial after working on it
"Rubber Cleaning air dust blower"
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33057604208.html

• Normal Price = $1.45 - 1.99
• 11.11 price = $1.30 - 1.79

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Here's some good guides on how you can change the look of popular watches on this subreddit with the tools posted.
"Watch me with watches" - PAGANI DESIGN MOD VIDEO. I make my own special edition, the "Sub Sulk", based on PD-1651. Enjoy!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXx67shUudU
"Watch me with watches" - "PAGANI DESIGN PD-1661. Watch me fully modify this brand new release!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2LnYYkDLdg
"Watch me with watches" - "Cadisen have a new release, the C8053. It had a few issues, so watch me modify it here..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFFCVqmk1ik
​
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Straps and bracelets
I always go to aliexpress when I am looking for NATO-straps and similar. Just search for NATO-straps and you will find a ton of different options. If you are going to get one, make sure that you choose the correct size of the strap so it will fit to your watch.
When it comes to steel and leather straps, I recommend that you always go after "orders" and check the customer reviews of the straps.
Here's a oyster bracelet with different colours with 856 orders
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32889793535.html

• Normal price = $16.18 - 17.34
• 11.11 price = $14.23 - 15.25

Here's a jubilee bracelet with different colours with 358 orders
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32819237823.html

• Normal price = $14.57 - 15.63
• 11.11 price = $13.20 - 14.16

Here's a leather bracelet with 3140 orders. 5 colours to choose from.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32861680194.html

• Normal price = $1.84 - 1.97
• 11.11 price = $1.73 - 1.85

Here's a wide collection of different NATO-straps with a lot of order and good reviews
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32956935230.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000786345659.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000307462191.html
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Last but not least, you might be interested in getting a "timegrapher". A timegrapher will help you with figuring out how much slow or fast your watch is running. You can use this tool while you are regulating your movement so it runs betters.
"Mechanical Watch Tester Timing Timegrapher for Repairers and Hobbyists,No.1000"
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000262642938.html

• regular price = $125.29 - 126.36
• 11.11 price = $123.40 - 124.45

From dilldoeorg
" I suggest this timegrapher instead
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001332480097.html
it's cheaper and more importantly, it has free returns. The other one, if it doesn't work, you have to pay to ship it back for a refund/new one, which would cost you around 30 bux from the US."
Guides on how to use it

• "How to regulate a watch using a timegrapher - Watch repair tutorials" - "Watch Repair Channel" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe8Ra7dgITw
• How to Regulate an Automatic Wristwatch - Watch and Learn #25 "Long Island Watch" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsOR8GzmCzw

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I hope this was something useful for you all and please let me know if I should add anything to this post.

Hi all, long time admirer of the watches posted on this forum. Quite keen to start my own collection but first I need a first ‘proper’ watch.
I’ve been researching for several weeks on what to buy and I’m now sort of stuck.
Bit of a back story: I bought a Rotary (gb00277) several years ago that was for evening meals, more dressy sort of occasions outside of the usual work attire or casual day to day dress, basic quartz and a cheapie I know but it was the first watch I’d purchased as an adult outside of the usual timex cheap stuff which I wear for work (manual hands on job).
It was unfortunately stolen during a break in a couple of years back. Didn’t realise at the time it was taken as only wore it once every few months, I was using a a Fitbit Versa which I wore all the time.
So after issues with multiple fitbits over the last 5+ years, I’ve gone back to wearing a normal watch.
After researching I would prefer an automatic/mechanical for use as a first proper watch but I’m getting to the point, I’ve got information overload and too many choices to choose from. Went to York over the last week and the shops didn’t really offer much way in advice, the low end shops tend to sell fashion items. The ‘proper’ watch shops unless you walk in wearing a suit or look like your about to spend at least 4 figures don’t want to even look at you. So next to zero help on that front.
I like the style of the Orient Bambino, Seiko presage, but don’t know if it’s too dressy for everyday office/ casual Wear.
Love the Tissot visodate, but it’s a bit above budget for now.
Orient has been recommended several times but others have commented on its clunkiness and to stick with Swiss or if Japanese to go with Seiko or Citizen ( if solar is on the cards).
Hamilton were also recommended a few times among family members other than the usual Tudor, breitling, tag heur and omega for class and longevity obviously all were well out of budget.
Several other brands were also mentioned either on here or from other people I’ve spoke to but some I’ve never heard of, or know nothing about.
I was also recommended to look at some preowned higher end items for value for money for a higher quality item, mechanicals and finish wise but have no idea wear to start or if this could lead to more expense on repairs/ services needed. Omega Genève 135.070 601? For example. Maybe?
Any recommendations and a bit of clarity would be highly appreciated. Budget is flexible ideally from £200 up to a max of £400. I could push it up a bit if needed for a substantially ‘better watch’ but where do you stop haha.
Cheers all.

Hi again! I figured that I should do another comparison on popular watches and their upcoming price. This could also be used as a reference guide for future purchases.
I have noticed that some watches has been going up in price recently so it could be wise to find some sort of price tracker, like pricearchive, to see if it is really worth it. I haven't seen any indication that it is the case for the watches I'm writing about.
Here's part one for you who are interested. In part 1 I've done a comparison between submariner, GMT-master II, Aqua Terra, and "no time to die 007" homages
Here's part 2 where I make a comparison between Explorer, royal oaks, Datejust, and Yacht-masters
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I know that this has been requested so I figured we start with the Speedmaster
​

Specs	Bliger	Phylida	Corgeut 3022
Dial diameter	40mm without crown	40 mm	40 mm
Window	Hardlex	Domed hardlex crystal	" special scratch proof bow mineral glass "
Date window	no	no	no
Movement	DG Automatic Movement	Automatic (NN3836)	Japanese quartz movement VK-63 (Meca-quartz).
bracelet	Stainless steel with deployment clasp	Solid stainless steel	Solid stainless steel
Water resistant	30 meters	30 meters	30 meters
Current price	$63.00 - $69.35	$69.60	$56.70
11.11 price	$60.90 - $67.45	No price set as of writing	$51.30
Real Chronograph?	No. Date ring at 3 o'clock. Seconds at 6 o'clock and date ring at 9 o'clock	No. The same as bliger	Yes. Functional chrono.

Link to Official bliger store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33024646201.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000064308717.html
Youtube reviews
" Quality Times " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW216JwP6XE
"Honest Watch Reviews" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdAR9G8J2Gk
Negatives
Not a real chronometer. Bad lume and bad bracelet
​
Link to official Phylida store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000118044094.html
Youtube reviews
N/A
Negatives
Same as the bliger.
Phylida has made a watch that has the correct subdials (with mechanic movement) but it looks like you can not purchase that watch from their official store any longer and there is only one seller who sells it. If you want to check that one out, click here
​
Link to Official Corguet store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33021921998.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001645290742.html
Youtube reviews
"Honest Watch Reviews" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UN_7CTRhVg
"BearCave PH" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBcwDGH78A8
Negatives
Bad lume.
other info
Note that this watch is a mecaquartz and not a pure automatic. It's quite an interesting movement. I recommend that you check out Google for more info.
​
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Nautilus homages
​

Specs	Bliger	Rocos R0139	Pladen PL 1018	LGXIGE LM013	LGXIGE LM013B	Phylida
Dial diameter	40mm	40mm	44mm	40mm	40mm	40mm
Window	Sapphire Glass	Hardlex	Hardlex	Sapphire Glass	Sapphire Glass	Sapphire Glass
Date window	Yes	yes (with "calender glow" (?))	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes.
Movement	Mingzhu/miyota 8212	Seagull 1612	Quartz. Unknown movement	Quartz miyota	Miyota 8215	Miyota8215 / Mingzhu DG2813
Bracelet	Solid stainless steel with clasp	Stainless Steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	stainless steel
Water resistance	30 meters	30 meters	30 meters	30 meters	30 meters	30 meters
Current price	$74.80 - 78.20	$182.55 - 192.69	$31.99	$29.99 - 38.99	$78.99 - 88.99	$69.10 - 89.10
11.11 price	$72.60 - 75.90	$172.26 - 181.84	$30.39	$27.26 - 35.44	$70.37 - 79.28	No price as of writing

Link to official Bliger store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000082501654.html
Youtube reviews
"Honest Watch Reviews" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lBcBnfKLmc
Negatives
Bad lume. Bracelet is not that great
​
Link to official Rocos store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10000246017860.html
Youtube reviews
"All Things Random" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOMAGlII-D0
"Daniel Schwartz" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MHrk6trgic
Negatives
Quite expensive for what you are getting
​
Link to official Pladen Factory store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001633978508.html
Youtube reviews
"Jopo Channel TV" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ64tgCk4P8
Negatives
Quartz movement and not a lot of information about the watch itself.
​
Link to official LGXIGE store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32905767204.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000323013640.html
Youtube reviews
N/A
Negatives
Really bad brand name... Not so much info on the watches. The reviews on aliexpress are mostly positive
Link to official Phylida store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000132040154.html You can also get it in brown, white, and black
Youtube reviews
N/A
Negatives
Looks like a new version or so. Only 5 orders in total for all colourways on aliexpress. One review available which was positive about it "Decent quality for very little money"
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Black Bay Homage
​

Specs	Corgeut 2010B
Dial	41mm
Window	Sapphire Glass
Date window	Yes
movement	Miyota/Seagull
Bezel material	Aluminum
Bezel clicks	88 clicks
Bracelet	Stainless steel
Water resistance	200 meters
Current Price	$91.00 - 106.60
11.11 price	$84.00 - 98.40

Link to official Corgeut store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33032197634.html
Youtube reviews
"Honest Watch Reviews" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JBnzgnxTxw
"The Bold Hairspring" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18ucsOjt9SM (comparison with a real Black bay)
"Perth WAtch" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU0xr1y0U2Y
Negatives
Weird amount of bezel clicks, back play on the bezel. Not a lot of lume and the bracelet is so and so. Still a pretty good homage compared to the real deal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Railmaster
​

Specs	Corgeut 3021A-SSB	Phylida SE-33
Dial	41mm	41mm
Window	Sapphire Glass	Sapphire Glass
Date window	no	no
movement	Miyota/Seagull	Seiko NH35 with hacking
Bracelet	Stainless steel with deployment clasp.	Solid stainless steel with screwlinks
Water resistance	50 meter	100 meters
Current Price	$76.80 - 91.20	$89.90
11.11 price	$72.00 - 85.50	No price as of writing

Link to official Corgeut store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32972507953.html
Youtube reviews
"Relative Time" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0KdvUFvXGE
"Honest Watch Reviews" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0ADoR22fI4
Negative
A bit of rattling from the movement. Lume is so-and-so. It quickly dies, especially on the dial. The hands are better. Not much info on the steel bracelet but I assume that it's as usual.
​
Link to official Phylida store
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001541399653.html (There's a blue and white dial version as well)
Youtube reviews
"Watch me with watches" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zr6YJsDJRE
Negative
Patchy lume work.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This might be the last comparison I do since I am running out of watches to compare. Please let me know if I've missed something and I could always update this post and if I get enough watches to compare, I'll make another post.

TL;DR - Choosing between the below-mentioned watches, both having advantages and drawbacks, I humbly come before you for your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations. If you feel another watch at this price point might be worth mentioning, please share. Thank you!
Hello good people, you fine, fine, Japanese watch enthusiasts.
So, a few years back I fell in love with the Seiko Samurai Save The Ocean, but somehow I ended up choosing an SKX007 for myself, and I was thrilled with, so much so that I gave it to my father as a present, and continued wearing some of my smartwatches, and my old Russian Raketa (Paketa) watch.
Recently, my crush on the Samurai reignited, and I was happy to learn that the 2019 version, the Great White Shark was out for a while and that it's quite the looker along with being a great timekeeping piece. Of course, the fact it's a Seiko is also great, as I'm more than certain that every single person who knows what's what in horology appreciates them, some to a greater, some to a lesser extent.
Then a few weeks ago, I was walking past a watch store, and I spotted the magnum that is the Citizen BN2031-85e, and highly appreciating how robust it looked, I went inside to try it on. I was pleasantly surprised by the way it held itself on my wrist, and I was more than impressed by its thickness and overall wrist presence, along with the diver-specific functions that it has, that I haven't really seen in a lot of watches, this, of course, is the depth sensor, which can tell you what's the biggest depth you were in, and what's your current depth as well.
And now, I'm torn between which one to pick.
Seiko has some things which I'd consider advantages, that being an automatic movement, the 4R35, which I'm sure most of you know, which along with hacking and hand-winding, is something that's more than nice, as it'll basically make keeping precise timing easier, due to the fact that it's easily set. Having to set it because it's +/-30 second loss or gain would, however, be a flaw. Some other advantages that I'd count would be that it's a "limited edition" which brings a certain uniqueness factor to it (even though it's "limited" to probably around a million pieces or more), especially considering that beautiful blue wave-pattern dial, that basically no other watch (apart from the Save The Ocean Turtle) will have. Another really important thing is that I believe it can be more versatile, meaning that I can wear it in my slippers with a T-shirt and that it would at the same time look more than appropriate on a shirt and tie combo if the occasion wasn't too formal, but even then, I think it'd blend into the outfit well, not poking people's eyes too much as a diving tool, yet still receiving admiration from people in the know.
On the other hand, the Citizen has some specifics which make it unique in a different way. The sensor for depth measuring is one of them, and as mentioned previously, that's quite unique, at least in my book. That canon on the left side of its case is also something that looks amazing and is not seen on a lot of watches, if on any. Even though the print on the dial its own is quite plain, the battery-charge displayer (if I can call it that) is great, but since it's an Eco-Drive, I'm not really sure that it's necessary, as I've read that 36 hours under direct sunlight will keep this watch running for a number of months. Eco-Drive is another thing as well. Even though this, as you guys probably know even better than me, makes it a Quartz, is something as I see as a variable thing. On one hand, it's much more precise, removing the need to wind it when it gains/loses, and with that, removing all the hassle from the simple process of actually setting the time on an automatic. Even though this is a minor issue, it will still occur every few days on the Seiko, or at least once a week, and in the long run, I see that as a potential pain. The last thing that I would say is the flaw with the Citizen is that it's huge. Not only the diameter but the depth of the case as well. I'm more than certain it would go great with some relaxed, sporty, or casual outfits, but I think it'd be quite out of place if it was a suit and tie event that I was supposed to wear it to.
The last thing that I think is worth noting, that even though both are 200m certified divers, the Citizen has 60 clicks on the bezel, as compared to a more standard (better) 120 clicks on the Seiko. Of course, another thing that needs to be taken into account is that with this level of divers, Seiko can have poor quality control, which often translates into misalignments when looking at the dial and the bezel.
One final thing that I'll mention is, that even though I dive from time to time, I have yet to do it scuba-style, which I still don't have in my plans, but is, of course, never excluded - this saying that the depth sensor on the Citizen is not something that I'll use for the time being, but is, of course, a really nice feature in term of uniqueness, something that'll give more story, equaling non-monetary value, and a nice subject for "bragging" if the watch is ever discussed (and I'm guessing that with its appearance, and the length of time that I'm planning to own it, will certainly happen).
So, what do you guys think? The people's champ, or the technical contender?
Thank you for reading through this, it's as long as a high school essay, and thank you for your thoughts in advance. Also, if you think there are some worthy suggestions in this price class, feel free to point them out, and what you think might make be a potentially better choice than these.
​
View Poll

TL;DR - Choosing between the below-mentioned watches, both having advantages and drawbacks, I humbly come before you for your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations. If you feel another watch at this price point might be worth mentioning, please share. Thank you!
Seiko Samurai: Great White Shark or Citizen BN2031-85e
Hello good people, you fine, fine watch enthusiasts.
So, a few years back I fell in love with the Seiko Samurai Save The Ocean, but somehow I ended up choosing an SKX007 for myself, and I was thrilled with, so much so that I gave it to my father as a present, and continued wearing some of my smartwatches, and my old Russian Raketa (Paketa) watch.
Recently, my crush on the Samurai reignited, and I was happy to learn that the 2019 version, the Great White Shark was out for a while and that it's quite the looker along with being a great timekeeping piece. Of course, the fact it's a Seiko is also great, as I'm more than certain that every single person who knows what's what in horology appreciates them, some to a greater, some to a lesser extent.
Then a few weeks ago, I was walking past a watch store, and I spotted the magnum that is the Citizen BN2031-85e, and highly appreciating how robust it looked, I went inside to try it on. I was pleasantly surprised by the way it held itself on my wrist, and I was more than impressed by its thickness and overall wrist presence, along with the diver-specific functions that it has, that I haven't really seen in a lot of watches, this, of course, is the depth sensor, which can tell you what's the biggest depth you were in, and what's your current depth as well.
And now, I'm torn between which one to pick.
Seiko has some things which I'd consider advantages, that being an automatic movement, the 4R35, which I'm sure most of you know, which along with hacking and hand-winding, is something that's more than nice, as it'll basically make keeping precise timing easier, due to the fact that it's easily set. Having to set it because it's +/-30 second loss or gain would, however, be a flaw. Some other advantages that I'd count would be that it's a "limited edition" which brings a certain uniqueness factor to it (even though it's "limited" to probably around a million pieces or more), especially considering that beautiful blue wave-pattern dial, that basically no other watch (apart from the Save The Ocean Turtle) will have. Another really important thing is that I believe it can be more versatile, meaning that I can wear it in my slippers with a T-shirt and that it would at the same time look more than appropriate on a shirt and tie combo if the occasion wasn't too formal, but even then, I think it'd blend into the outfit well, not poking people's eyes too much as a diving tool, yet still receiving admiration from people in the know.
On the other hand, the Citizen has some specifics which make it unique in a different way. The sensor for depth measuring is one of them, and as mentioned previously, that's quite unique, at least in my book. That canon on the left side of its case is also something that looks amazing and is not seen on a lot of watches, if on any. Even though the print on the dial its own is quite plain, the battery-charge displayer (if I can call it that) is great, but since it's an Eco-Drive, I'm not really sure that it's necessary, as I've read that 36 hours under direct sunlight will keep this watch running for a number of months. Eco-Drive is another thing as well. Even though this, as you guys probably know even better than me, makes it a Quartz, is something as I see as a variable thing. On one hand, it's much more precise, removing the need to wind it when it gains/loses, and with that, removing all the hassle from the simple process of actually setting the time on an automatic. Even though this is a minor issue, it will still occur every few days on the Seiko, or at least once a week, and in the long run, I see that as a potential pain. The last thing that I would say is the flaw with the Citizen is that it's huge. Not only the diameter but the depth of the case as well. I'm more than certain it would go great with some relaxed, sporty, or casual outfits, but I think it'd be quite out of place if it was a suit and tie event that I was supposed to wear it to.
The last thing that I think is worth noting, that even though both are 200m certified divers, the Citizen has 60 clicks on the bezel, as compared to a more standard (better) 120 clicks on the Seiko. Of course, another thing that needs to be taken into account is that with this level of divers, Seiko can have poor quality control, which often translates into misalignments when looking at the dial and the bezel.
One final thing that I'll mention is, that even though I dive from time to time, I have yet to do it scuba-style, which I still don't have in my plans, but is, of course, never excluded - this saying that the depth sensor on the Citizen is not something that I'll use for the time being, but is, of course, a really nice feature in term of uniqueness, something that'll give more story, equaling non-monetary value, and a nice subject for "bragging" if the watch is ever discussed (and I'm guessing that with its appearance, and the length of time that I'm planning to own it, will certainly happen).
So, what do you guys think? The people's champ, or the technical contender?
Thank you for reading through this, it's as long as a high school essay, and thank you for your thoughts in advance. Also, if you think there are some worthy suggestions in this price class, feel free to point them out, and what you think might make be a potentially better choice than these.
p.s. I hope I didn't break any rules by posting this, if I did, sorry mods

Hello, all. This is a written response to a criticism video about Steven Universe which covers the original series and Future. This is the review I'm responding to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti3eEXaFdS8. I watched the entire video. I agree with some points but strongly disagree with others. I'm posting this here since it's too long as a single comment. When I use "quotations", I am quoting MisAnthro Pony's review. Please feel free to leave your thoughts and discussion in the comments.
​
Points I agree with:

• The events of Change Your Mind should have been split-up. For example, the connection between Steven and Blue/Yellow, as well as the final showdown with White. It would have really helped to see White in Escapism, intercepting Steven's psychic powers to get help, since she only spoke once before in Legs From Here To Homeworld. I see where he's coming from in saying that it felt 'checklisty' when tying up a list of loose ends, such as having numerous new fusions right after each other. We did get prior connection with Garnet (Pool Hopping) and Pearl (A Single Pale Rose), but it wasn't as fleshed-out as the series of episodes which involved Amethyst's insecurities within the team and inferiority to Jasper.

​

• The show heavily relies on Steven, since there is no episode in which Steven isn't present (even in Jungle Moon, Steven is a part of Stevonnie). This is a core point of the show, but it carries a large shortcoming. Namely, the missed potential in other characters not getting on-screen development without Steven being there. It hurts that flashbacks are not used frequently. A lot of events happen that the audience doesn't see, as described in his video. As an example, the change in tone/stakes from Lars' Head to Dewey Wins is jarring, and the conflict between Steven and Connie is drawn-out. Please listen to this video on that arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKdSIKAvHMk). Despite its title (which is out of character for this reviewer), the actual video has level-headed criticism.

​

• In Future, I wanted to see more progression in the other characters. Pearl showed phases of moving on from Pink by being with Bismuth and shapeshifting in Steven Tag, but they didn’t ‘get together’ as such. I wanted Homeworld to be more explored, even in flashbacks. I wanted to see Pink's transitional period from the events shown in Now We're Only Falling Apart to the Gem War, such as how she was able to be both Pink and Rose on opposite sides of the war. I would have liked to see the similar-looking Rose Quartz (from Rose Buds) fill-in for Pink without the others knowing, explaining how Pink could be in two places at once (beyond just smiling and waving). Still, I don’t dislike the 'filler' episodes in Future.

​

• If Jasper's uncorruption and teaching of Steven was her last major involvement in Future, she should have been left shattered in Fragments. This would give greater build-up to Steven's turning point in Everything's Fine, since he would discover that he can't reverse his mistakes without others finding out anymore.

​

• I don't like the fact that Yellow learned how to fix shattered gems. You can argue that, without the existence of Steven, Yellow would have never turned a new leaf in using her powers for good (i.e. healing, rather than poofing), but making shattering irreversible would make Pink's shattering a much bigger deal, as it's presented in the show's narrative. Future would be better if 'reversing shattering' was left impossible. I don't like that the Diamonds were able to fix more than we had originally thought. An important lesson to teach is that some things in the past can't be fixed. If you really want to change, all that you need to focus on is in the now and future. That would have been more impactful, for me at-least. I believe that nobody is irredeemable, but the decision to change comes down to the person.

​

• I Am My Monster struggles with its tone by including an over-the-top scene for humour. The part with everyone crying and blaming themselves is hard to watch and not in a moving, powerful way. I agree with this analysis video on IAMM and the final episode of Future (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPltWgY8dvo). I would say Future's biggest flaw is its final episode. The intentional decision to skip Steven's recovery (mentioned by Sugar in an interview), even partially, was a mistake. It feels anticlimactic when much more time was spent on the build-up. The therapist was mentioned in one line, with no name, face, voice or anything. A montage from the end of IAMM would have really helped.
  
• I agree that the time should have been allocated better for such a limited series. Everything’s Fine could have been cut down.
  

​
Points I disagree with:

• I disagree that most 'filler' episodes post-season 1 were meaningless and boring. Excluding the handful of duds across the series, they can be entertaining, self-contained stories, even if they aren't part of the overarching plot. MAP doesn't seem to derive any entertainment from the 'filler' episodes after season 1 at all, so, in his eyes, it's a waste of time.

​

• I don’t see Guidance as a filler episode, since it shows the disconnect between Steven and Amethyst. MAP classed A Very Special Episode, Bismuth Casual, and Bluebird as filler too. If those all qualify as filler, then Snow Day should too.

​

• MAP thinks it’s dumb that the Crystal Gems struggle against Cactus Steven. The Gems are often incompetent against an enemy/fighting style they haven’t seen before. It happens throughout the original series, the movie, and Future too. When they get the pattern down, they succeed.

​

• Last One Out Of Beach City’s premise does make sense. Pearl hadn't encountered humans with dyed hair. She isn't "infatuated" by the mystery girl. Pearl is more shocked and intrigued, since mystery girl reminded her of Rose. Grief can do that to you. You see a stranger from the back and think ‘that looks like someone I knew’, but then you realise that it’s impossible since they are gone. I also like how Pearl is the more insecure one around Amethyst, when it’s usually the other way around.

​

• Pearl isn't a bad role model, just because she has troubling or problematic tendencies. She does come to her senses, when she makes a mistake due to her emotions. You can see her pride in Back To The Barn, when Steven praises her, following the giant robot fight with Peridot. Pearl is enough of her own character outside of Rose/Pink. As for the ‘someone’s got it bad’ remark in Volleyball, Pearl was a little insensitive here, since she’s had more time to work on her grief than Volleyball. Still, Volleyball didn’t seem to care and was oblivious to the tension with our Pearl.

​

• I disagree with MAP’s interpretation of Amethyst. He uses very critical terms/phrases to describe her character and behaviour: "sulking, pouty, lazy, and not doing anything to help her problem". It's actually a harmful attitude to people in real-life. Someone going through this will bottle-up their emotions if others are this judgmental. In Steven vs Amethyst, she is experiencing self-loathing and disappointment in herself, to the point that she loses motivation to continue self-improvement. If you haven't been there yourself, it's harder to understand. You start to believe that there's no point in practicing a skill, because you cannot see yourself getting better to any meaningful degree. This ties into her acknowledgment of physical inferiority to Jasper, since she is flawed by-design. What he refers to as "sulking" is what I see as not knowing what to do with yourself. It's helplessness, not "laziness". She decides to voice what she is feeling to Steven, and that leads to her advancement. I don't see the fake fight between Amethyst and Steven as "really cringy". They use some comedy and have a heart-to-heart at the end. In my opinion, there are enough episodes on Amethyst's insecurities. They may not be evenly-spaced, but at-least they exist.

​

• I don’t see Connie as being “egotistical” in her fallout with Steven, just a little betrayed. They weren’t getting through to each other. That was the point of the conflict. As I said before, it could have been executed better, and I recommend PGR's analysis of the arc which I previously linked.

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• I do not believe Pink was a "horrible person". In the beginning, she was "bratty". She wanted to be just as important as Yellow and Blue. She threw tantrums and had strong emotions. It's not the full story to say that Pink was Volleyball's "abuser". Yes, Volleyball was badly hurt (as stated by Pearl), but MAP’s wording implies that Pink hurt Volleyball on purpose or with malicious intent. Even if Volleyball was trying to excuse what happened to her, the scene she describes doesn't involve her, but, rather, it's between Pink and White. I believe Volleyball was telling the truth when she said that she got too close to Pink's tantrum that time. At worst, Pink was unintentionally abusing Volleyball, but that doesn't make it anyone's fault. Pink couldn't handle her emotions, and she wasn't deliberately taking it out on Volleyball, who likely got scarred over time from witnessing so many tantrums. In Steven's dream, Pink and Volleyball got along and enjoyed being around each other. MAP is jumping to conclusions to paint Pink in the worst light possible. I felt Future should have had the Crystal Gems reflect on Pink, before Steven stored her portrait in Lion's mane.

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• I have multiple reasons why Pink decided to create the Rose persona, instead of just leading the rebellion as Pink. As said by Blue, Homeworld was failing Pink. We know from Spinel that Pink was lonely and sad. The diamonds also didn't listen to her. She often made mistakes which resulted in her being locked in the tower. By being Rose, she could recruit gems and get to lead the life as the person she wanted to be, away from Homeworld. She did initially see humans as entertaining and not as important as her, but that was because she was raised as a diamond. The show should have gone into this further. As Rose, gems would join her because they actually agreed with her beliefs, not out of fear and intimidation from disobeying a diamond. Pink didn't want to be a diamond. She couldn't stand what they were doing to the Earth. MAP then says that Pink is bad for only caring about Earth, and not the other planets the diamonds were destroying. This is just unfair, since you can't care that deeply about a planet you've never seen or heard of. Also, we don't know if those planets had intelligent life (beyond sentient animals/plants). Ian Jones-Quartey mentioned that Earth was the first planet with life of human-intelligence, though this should have been stated in the show.

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• MAP mentions numerous ‘errors’ about the RQ=PD reveal which I’ll address here:

Pink may have never heard of the off-colours. MAP tries to say Pink is bad for not "rescuing them". We don't know every Crystal Gem in the war. Also, it's likely that Era 2 had more defects, since Pink wasn't involved in the extractions anymore. Era 2 took place after her 'shattering', and I’m not sure if the Off Colours we know are Era 1 gems.
Pink didn't change her gem placement, only the orientation of her gem.
There was no retcon with who decided to create the Human Zoo. Blue just misunderstood the reason why Pink was standing-up for the Earth. Pink didn't want a sample of humans to be abducted and preserved for her own self-pleasure. She wanted all humans, and the rest of life on Earth, to continue living and not be disturbed by the diamonds.
Yellow and Blue didn’t scan Steven’s gem. Yellow just glanced at it and was deceived. Who’s to say that Blue should have recognised Pink’s voice? The context was wildly different from what she would expect to see Pink in. Besides, Rose does talk and behave differently to Pink, enough so that Blue wouldn’t be suspicious.
The promise made between Pink and Pearl prevented her from revealing the secret to those she is fused with. Also, just because you’re fused doesn’t mean that you automatically know everything about each other. The show never said this, nor does it ever happen. Fusion has never revealed one’s deepest secrets to the other person. In Volleyball, most of the mutual understanding came from our Pearl and Pink Pearl talking. The fusion happened to get them out of danger.
Pink likely couldn’t have beaten White herself. Only when Steven’s concentrated gem part split from his human form was he able to defend against White. White wanted to act like she understood what Steven was and wasn’t hindered by emotions involving Pink, but she was wrong, and that’s why she came around. Steven being a human-gem hybrid is what makes him fundamentally different to Pink, and it plays to his advantage throughout the series.
Our Pearl was not made for Pink, though she was the gem who ‘belonged to’ Pink. After Pearl shapeshifted into Pink and consensually agreed to fake the shattering, Pink forever became Rose. Pearl even says that this will change everything: Pearl will lose her purpose, and Pink will lose her status. This, in my opinion, reduces the power dynamic between Pearl and Rose which concerned him. Although we know that Rose respected Pearl greatly, I don’t know if she saw a long-term, romantic relationship between them. It’s not wrong for Pearl to idolise Rose, but a large part of Pearl’s arc involves recognising her self-worth, especially in the fallout with Garnet in Friend Ship.
Yes, gems do not age and develop like humans, but that doesn’t mean they can’t mature. Pink was one of a kind and clearly different to the other diamonds. There’s no other gem like her. Therefore, MAP can’t say that it’s a retcon for Pink to change so drastically as a gem. Rose talks often about how gems have difficulty changing, whereas humans do so all the time. She’s not entirely in the know about human culture/society, but she wanted Steven to have an easier time changing., She was right. Steven is 16 and has changed so much, whereas Pink lived for millennia to become Rose.
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• White's beam didn't "get stronger" by controlling more gems. White said herself that she was spreading herself thin.

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• I will say that the diamonds don’t fully believe what Steven is teaching them, but they do it to appease what’s left of Pink/avoid more conflict. It would have been better to see their transition, but I will mention that Peridot’s gradual change involved appreciating life on Earth for herself.

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• MAP expresses confusion over Pearl saying ‘I didn’t [stop hurting]’ when being rejeuvenated with Volleyball. You cannot ever fully move on from losing a loved one. I think that’s what Pearl meant. It’s alright to think about them. Pearl shapeshifting in Snow Day shows her making a stride forward rather than backward which is consistent with her arc.

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• Lapis is not a “bad person”. I will go through each of his reasons:

MAP says Lapis is “uncomfortable to be around”. How do you think she feels about herself? He sees Lapis as “arrogant”, when that’s not the case. She lacks a lot of self-confidence and optimism for her future.
In Barn Mates, Lapis says “I don’t want your garbage.” Verbal abuse is not really an accurate term here. More like blunt rejection instead of attacking Peridot as a person. She wants to stay away from Peridot, rather than antagonise her. Lapis has trust issues because of her trauma. She outright says to Steven ‘why do you trust her?’ Steven calls her out on her behaviour, and she starts to realise what she did was too nasty. Having Peridot’s back and trying to protect her from the Roaming Eye/Rubies (at the end of Barn Mates and participating in Sapphire’s plan in Hit the Diamond, even though she said ‘this plan sucks’) is an apology through action, rather than words. Yes, she could have verbally apologised to Peridot, but at-least she proved it through her actions.
In Alone At Sea, she admits to taking her anger out on Jasper. She enjoyed getting revenge. She at-least admitted to what she did and recognised it as wrong. Thoughts aren’t inherently bad, though it was wrong of her to take action on them, since two wrongs don’t make a right. There is no gem police or justice that can take care of Jasper, so Lapis jumped to punishing Jasper herself. She admits she did wrong, so the show isn’t pretending that she’s perfect. Viewers can be really judgmental. They jump straight to “Lapis is a bad person”, with black and white thinking. I believe all that she has been through is a reason for why she acted this way. It doesn’t change the morality of the action itself, but it changes the likely expectation for Lapis’s behaviour. I do not hold someone who has been abused to the same behavioural expectation as one who has not. It would be ideal for a trauma victim to behave well all the time, but that goal requires more work than the average person. How you have been treated can affect your behaviour and make it much harder to do the right thing. Self-improvement is real and can help, but it’s important to recognise that negative behaviours are just more likely when considering some who have experienced trauma. Lapis doing a bad thing shouldn’t be so heavily scrutinised. Gems have lived the equivalent of many human lives. Humans may live to a century with some luck, when most Gems in this show have lived for millennia. It’s no surprise that their longevity can lead to so much internal pain.
In Room for Ruby, Lapis isn’t “jealous” or “petty”. She is confused and begins to question herself, since she couldn’t adjust quickly in the past. She outright says “something is seriously wrong with her”, because the behaviours of others (i.e. Ruby and the acceptance from Steven/Peridot) are so different to her own. This is another sign of her self-loathing. That is not the same thing as jealousy.
I don’t think MAP understands how this level of trauma can affect a person. He accuses her of leaving everyone else to fend for themselves. At the scene where Lapis leaves Peridot, he says “how could you do something like that to someone who cares about you?” He expects her to keep everything perfectly controlled, just like everyone else, in spite of what she has gone through. It’s just not sustainable or possible 100% of the time, like our society demands. That doesn’t mean you cannot make effort to improve, but you have to accept that those affected can’t be like everyone else as consistently. Yes, the show could have been clearer in what it was trying to say. Though, really, what could be done to teach Lapis a lesson? How is further punishment going to help?
Lapis eventually decides to help, showing her strength in putting aside her intense fear of the diamonds to help her friends. That is commendable. MAP continues to say that she’s not a character the viewer should pity, but I relate heavily to her, especially in Can’t Go Back.
Lapis takes the barn because, inside, she can’t let go of her friends. The barn represents how Peridot helped her enjoy Earth. In Can’t Go Back, she can’t stop herself from taking a look at what her friends are doing without her. She knows that Peridot can go with Steven. It’s not like she’d have nowhere to stay. Even if she left the barn with Peridot, I doubt she’d want to stay there by herself, day after day. She’d inevitably want to live with Steven. It was a little selfish of Lapis to take it all away, since, in Back To The Kindergarten, Peridot laments having lost the barn and Lapis. In the end, Peridot is thankful that Lapis came back, since Lapis means a lot more to her than the barn.
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• In Future, Steven is not a “bad person”. I will address each of his examples:

MAP doesn’t get how panicked, impulsive and involuntary Steven’s pink powers are. He gets aggravated on small things and past events. Most of the time, others end up (unintentionally) making it worse. He doesn’t think that a therapist will understand or be able to help. It’s not as easy as just getting help. Plus, he did talk to Peridot about some of his fears (see: In Dreams).
Trauma isn’t so cut and dry, black and white. You can’t predict its exact effects or when it will strike. You don’t always have emotional trouble right after an event. His pink powers aren’t out of nowhere. He’s not “pretentious” or “selfish”. He gets angry at Jasper over what she said. MAP cut out the context of Jasper wanting to fight, laughing and telling Steven to not apologise afterwards.
Steven does the things he does in Guidance because he’s afraid that the gems aren’t being themselves. He says that he thinks what they’re doing is too similar to their roles on Homeworld. What he doesn’t realise is that the gems don’t mind the work they’re doing and enjoy their roles which is all that really matters. He’s too fixated on making it different when it’s not broken. He made a bad decision which led to mayhem. He doesn’t throw it out of order because he’s stupid. He made an assumption that the gems (although they were given a choice) hadn’t experienced different roles, so he wanted them to try different things before choosing one. He thought he would be helping them make a more informed decision, and he had good intentions, so I don’t know why he’s trying to spin this ‘Steven is a bad person’ narrative.
Steven didn’t want to alienate the Rose Quartzes. He could just have his tapes all in one place. Or, he might watch that tape when he wants to see his true mother. I would have liked to see him do that in the actual series.
I think MAP was unfair towards the episode ‘Volleyball’. Just before its climax, Steven tells both pearls to stop bickering twice. They are too wrapped up in what the other is saying, causing him to talk a third time (in the form of a louder shout), activating the pink powers and causing Volleyball to cower. You should be able to see the overall situation has no obvious aggressor or victim. Steven has as much, if not more, pain and trauma than Volleyball, and both deserve consideration. Obviously, it was bad for Steven to shout or trigger Volleyball’s fear, but, given the nature of his powers, what he’s experienced and how he’s trying to help her, you should cut him some slack. Volleyball clearly appreciated what he tried to do by the end of the episode. Steven couldn’t help but regret his actions, holding the belief that he was a monster until he became one.
Steven didn’t really “forgive” the diamonds. He tolerated them being around. Steven had to get White to uncorrupt the gems, so he had to put aside his own feelings. The show should have had the Crystal Gems discuss the diamonds (to address any ambiguity) and shown the transition between CYM and the movie.
Steven wasn’t unwilling to befriend Bluebird. It was the other way around, so Steven is not a “hypocrite” for letting her go. I see what MAP is saying about the comment Steven made about ‘Amethyst being so mature now’. However, I see it as Steven being angry at himself for his mistakes in Guidance. He’s angry that Amethyst handled the gem roles better than he could. You say that’s petty, but it was a private thought he said when venting to himself/the plants, not in Amethyst’s presence. He says in Prickly Pair that “he’s said enough”, because just look at him. His expression shows embarrassment, shame, not wanting to be more of a hassle, and wanting to exit the situation.
You can’t make a person talk if they don’t want to. I think Steven’s family is getting afraid of him and concerned. I have had experience with this myself. I often feel like people have periods of understanding and being out of touch, even if they’re family.
Steven couldn’t handle ‘losing’ Connie too, so he proposed to her. I have done similar but on a less severe scale. He overreacted and was really afraid of abandonment, building off of what we saw in Little Graduation. It’s not being stupid for the sake of being stupid. I don’t see it as a “dangerous portrayal” when trauma doesn’t affect everyone in the same way.
Steven says Greg is ‘just like mom’. Notice that those words come out after he starts glowing pink. He takes it too far after saying Greg’s parents couldn’t be worse than Pink’s family. People say things they don’t mean in anger. Plus, he didn’t deliberately crash the van or try to harm Greg. I found a good YT comment explaining this situation, and how it’s more nuanced than ‘Steven is bad’:
I see a lot of people here defending Greg and I kind of understand because he obviously had good intentions and a strong philosophy for raising his son. However I think this is the point where the show points out the starry-eyed romanticism of stevens childhood and the realities of an actual child. Children need to go to school/socialize, they need to go to the doctor, the dentist, they need to be vaccinated and see therapists; they need routine. Obviously you can overdo it, and its a fine line for parents to walk, but as a kindy teacher a developing child needs some sort of structure. A parent/guardian can't focus more on being your friend than on being someone you can rely on. Greg didn't do that, he had a shitty experience growing up in an environment that didn't understand him and didn't try to, but he messed up with Steven. There's this dichotomy raising kids sometimes where someone will try to be the 'fun' one, and always play with the kids and be chill and friendly and never scold them. But they don't do the hard work of actual childcare, which is a round-the-clock job and demands an enormous amount maturity. So this scene is Steven coming to terms with the way he was failed in his childhood. He got a side-to-side look at his own childhood vs. his dads, after a professional tells him that he needed more care when he was younger, and he's pissed off because his dad wont acknowledge the ways he failed. Stevens problems are once more boiled down something pep talks and ice cream can fix, when what he actually needs is about 10 years overdue and the people who were supposed to provide it are in denial. So yea I think this scene is great, and I urge folks to not overlook the ways Greg and the gems screwed up.
I can relate to how Steven saw Greg talking as a reason to delete the picture. I know what he’s feeling. I think Steven’s emotional trauma is handled well, with the exception of IAMM and the final episode.
Given the trauma Steven has experienced in a shorter timeframe, his raw emotion could be stronger than Pink. Combined with hormones, it’s a recipe for challenging behaviour which isn’t entirely within Steven’s control.
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• MAP declares Sugar a “bad storyteller”, before his cooldown at the end. Just because Sugar made faults with the story, it doesn’t make her a bad storyteller. Rather, she did succeed in a lot of areas, but some needed more focus. Also, the whole team is responsible for the product we got, not just Sugar. I don’t like it when people use names or pictures of show crew, unless addressing an interview/statement made specifically by them.

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• MAP claims that the show was written by storyboard artists, not writers. For those who can draw and write, there’s no reason why one can’t be involved in both divisions. I don’t see an inherent problem with their process. It’s quite complicated, from what I’ve read, and different methods were used for certain episodes. Not every episode was made using the ‘writing games’ discussed in some interviews. I am sure conventional writing, re-drafting, continuity checks, etc. were involved. Out of all the cartoons that exist, Steven Universe has impressive continuity and foreshadowing, especially considering its length.

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Final Thoughts:
It’s okay to dislike something that’s acclaimed, and it’s fine to enjoy something that’s criticised. Everyone has a right to express their opinion. What I do not like are attitudes that could be harmful to others in real-life, especially those who have behavioural issues and hold a lot of shame.
At 22:28, MAP says “expedition” instead of ‘exposition’. At 34:31, he says “crisises” instead of ‘crises’. I personally think his commentary needs to be less monotonous and given more room to breathe. On-screen editing, with words or pictures to illustrate your points, would be time-consuming, but it would be more engaging and help break-up the voiceover.
I spent too long on this.
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TLDR: I say ‘the series could have done more’ a lot of times. YouTube critics should also show more nuance and be less inflammatory.