First Impressions | Escapement Time Lapis Lazuli Tank.

I'm not a fan of warfare, but I love a Tank. I'm on fire, not only in relation to my post frequency, this is the fourth and last post of April 2026, which is pretty damn good for me; but I also have bought three watches in the last 2 months. And this is the third (second Tank), the brand is called Escapement Time, it's Chinese, yes sir, but they seem to be among the better offerings on Aliexpress. I don't love the brand name but at least it means something. They do have a fair few 'homages' in their catalogue but this one, I thought, was rather original and good looking...

Tis a bit of alright in the right light! That's a new matt black shorty strap, noice!

IT'S TILE DIAL TIME

I really liked it when I first saw it in late 2025 (maybe early 2026) and there were only 9 left in the Escapement Time Aliexpress store (£123 / $166), I wasn't sure so I mugged it off. Then, a few months later I randomly saw it on eBay for £100. I checked Aliexpress, sold out. So, I made a cheeky offer of £68, and it was promptly accepted, oooweee. I thought it to be a unique bit of kit and was wondering why they used little pieces. I figured there could be a few reasons. They obviously want it done as economically as possible, so maybe it's tricky to cut a thin dial size piece without breaking it, hence the slices. I guess it could also be cheaper to buy random pieces that you can cut into small tiles and stick them together.

It's like jigsaw innit | img: Aliexpress/Escapement Time

THE TRUE BLUE OF IT ALL

Both these points make sense, but I found something else during my research... It's a bloody homage isn't it. I should have bloody known better. I thought it was a bit of new coolness out of East Asia, it does happen you know. In fact, it's a tribute to the 1970's Vacheron Constantin Lapis Lazuli dial in white gold (extra thin caliber 1003). Now, I would love one of those, oh how I would, but this Chinese Lazuli dial will have to do.

Imgs: Instagram/Amplitude.Watches

So I don't have a Vacheron Constantin, but if you look at the finish, the visible lines between the tiles on the ET, I guess you could say that I do have a Vacheron Slappemon... In the right light though, on the wrist, you can't really notice. And that's partly due to the tiny size, it's a lovely 35mm lug to lug, now that's what I've been looking for my dudes!! The size and fit is great, quality is good, it looks fantastic on the wrist, and the text on the dial is small enough to ignore.

THE ONE HOMAGE TO RULE THEM ALL

What can I say, it looks great on the skinny wrist. I'm very happy with it, and it's smoothing the transition into smaller pieces nicely, with the new matt black strap it's a bit more casual as well. The tan one on the Vacheron looks noice too, might have to invest in one of those. And to top it off, this is my first stone dial, even if it is a spliced up one! The worst thing about it isn't the homageness or the dial finish (which has a certain charm), it's the god damn crown! It's tiny and impossible to pull out (that's what she said... hey watch it!). I had to use an elastic band to get some purchase on it. It's fine now it's set, but hopefully the battery lasts a while.

So, it's our first visit back to China in a while and it's a decent one (though it's possible one of the Casio beauties was also made there). I hope to wear this a fair bit in the coming months. It needs a new name though, as is tradition. Hmm, I think the Sino-Vachazuliron Time or ET Sino-Lazuli Tank - yea that works for me. Any suggestions, let me know. Thanks for stopping by, I'll be back soon with more...we're rolling on tank treads now!!!

Yours Lapislazulily,

Alvin

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Links & Things

PARTICULARS

Brand: Escapement time

Case and Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Glass: Sapphire

Waterproof: 3 ATM

Case Size : 28mm x 23mm x 6mm

Dial: Natural lapis lazuli - is used, hand-polished, thin, cut and then hand-spliced.

Band Width: 20mm*16mm

Movement：Miyota 9T22

Weight: 26g Strap included）