Watani

First Impressions & Dry Down

Watani aims for Si by Armani, and gets reasonably close. The initial burst of cassis is there, though noticeably sharper, less rounded than the original. A synthetic edge tinges the opening – a giveaway of the lower price point. The heart of rose and freesia is present, but it lacks the depth and nuance of Si. Where Armani is smooth and blended, Watani is a little… disjointed. The drydown fares better: vanilla, patchouli and woods emerge, creating a pleasant, if somewhat generic, sweetness. I'd put it at around 89% similarity to Si. It captures the essence, but misses the finer details.

Projection Power

Projection is moderate for the first hour, noticeable but not overpowering. After that, it sits closer to the skin. Longevity is average. I got about 5-6 hours before it faded to a faint vanilla skin scent. Perfectly acceptable . Don't expect all-day performance.

Final Thoughts

Watani is a decent budget alternative to Si. If you love the Si DNA, but can't justify the cost, this is worth a look. It’s not a perfect match, and the synthetic opening might bother some. But it provides a good approximation of the original. But if you're a value-conscious fragrance lover, Watani is a solid option. A worthwhile daily driver.