First Post: Current Diver Collection
I have recently taken a deep dive into watches, specifically divers.
A while ago, a family member of mine gave me an all black Invicta Pro Diver. Then, when working my first job in high school, I purchased a "gold" pro diver with a blue face (which I now don't wear and regret buying). Another couple years went by and I became reinterested in watches and purchased my second Pro Diver only this time was steel with a black dial.
That was all years ago and after becoming more interested and doing my research, I have now leveled up to an Orient Kamasu (Stainless Steel w/ Black Dial), that I thoroughly enjoy. I have also been gifted a 2006 Tag Heuer Formula 1 in steel and red. I rotate between my Orient, Tag, and steel Invicta (on a nato strap) when choosing a watch at a daily basis.
My current grail watch is a Tudor Pelagos with a blue face, however that won't happen in the near future.
For the time being, I'm looking for suggestions for other cool budget dive watches to add to my collection. My preferences are steel/titanium watches with a case diameter of 40mm (maximum 42mm) with a lug to lug of less than 48mm. Open to any and all suggestions!
P.S. if anyone has experience with the Helson 38 Shark Diver in Brushed Titanium I would love to hear about it (potentially interested in getting one myself)
College Student New-ish to watches, really enjoy stainless steel watches (sub $1000)
I have two suggestions for you, both based on my experiences with them.
I have no experience with Mido, but the Oceanstar Tribute is also great looking, and 20% discounts are widely available online.
I have been very satisfied with this: https://www.watchcrunch.com/Aurelian/reviews/phoibos-voyager-py035d-review-11107
I like the size and the red.
I got this Dan Henry recently that I really like.
It cost about the same as an Orient. The bezel moves via the top crown so doesn’t have that satisfying click but it is fun having something a little different.
Good taste with Orient Kamasu 👌.
As for a solid dive watch in titanium-Check out the steinhart ocean one titanium. Solid 42mm watch, 500m WR with a swiss movement.
I’ve been wearing dive watches since 1984. I’ve been lucky enough to own many over the years right across the spectrum of price and quality. These Scurfa watches have absolutely blown me away. Their quality at their price point is hard to match. The Treasure Seeker is mechanical, the Diver One is quartz. Search The Grey NATO podcast interview with the brand’s founder Paul Scurfield, a commercial saturation diver and total watch geek. Provides a great back story to the brand. Enjoy your search!
Alright I'll just suggest some below even tho I think you should maybe just consider to look into other types of watches. Not even Dress watches but maybe other sporty pieces. I hope it helps
So starting out with Two GMT dive style watches that have been mentioned all over:
Baltic Aquascaphe GMT (although the not GMT version at around 650€ is also solid)
The GMT version is around 1000€ and has a Diameter of 39mm and a Lug-to-lug of 47mm
Also the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
1100€
Diameter 39mm
Lug to lug 45,8mm
trditional Dive watch
RLG Odyssea
429€
Case Diameter 39mm
Lug to Lug 45.8mm
Wise Adamaskus
599€
Diameter 41mm
Lug-to-lug 47,7mm
Direnzo DRZ05 Solaris
745€
Diameter 39mm
Lug-to-Lug 47mm
I don't know if you are entirely against Homage or Aliexpress watches but here you go
As mentioned above you could look into Phoibos they do make amazing watches.
Also Interesting San Martin 62 Mas Homage in Bronze
280€
Diameter 40mm
Lug-to-lug 48mm
Steeldive SD1979 (Squale Homage)
179€
Diameter 42mm
Lug-to-lug 51
I know it's bigger than you suggested but honstly you could also just look at the real deal squale watches.
Cheers
Buy a Seiko Samurai there's many color options
@KristianG beat me to it, but I would suggest Vaer at <$1k for dive. CW is great too but edging upward of $1k for most.
What's your budget? Seikos are always a great choice!
What's your budget? Seikos are always a great choice!
I'm looking at primarily sub $500, but potentially up to $750 USD
Alright I'll just suggest some below even tho I think you should maybe just consider to look into other types of watches. Not even Dress watches but maybe other sporty pieces. I hope it helps
So starting out with Two GMT dive style watches that have been mentioned all over:
Baltic Aquascaphe GMT (although the not GMT version at around 650€ is also solid)
The GMT version is around 1000€ and has a Diameter of 39mm and a Lug-to-lug of 47mm
Also the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
1100€
Diameter 39mm
Lug to lug 45,8mm
trditional Dive watch
RLG Odyssea
429€
Case Diameter 39mm
Lug to Lug 45.8mm
Wise Adamaskus
599€
Diameter 41mm
Lug-to-lug 47,7mm
Direnzo DRZ05 Solaris
745€
Diameter 39mm
Lug-to-Lug 47mm
I don't know if you are entirely against Homage or Aliexpress watches but here you go
As mentioned above you could look into Phoibos they do make amazing watches.
Also Interesting San Martin 62 Mas Homage in Bronze
280€
Diameter 40mm
Lug-to-lug 48mm
Steeldive SD1979 (Squale Homage)
179€
Diameter 42mm
Lug-to-lug 51
I know it's bigger than you suggested but honstly you could also just look at the real deal squale watches.
Cheers
Thank you for all the suggestions! I am definitely interested in other steel sport watches, divers are just my favorite right now. I am super interested in adding a GMT to my collection as well.
I’ve been wearing dive watches since 1984. I’ve been lucky enough to own many over the years right across the spectrum of price and quality. These Scurfa watches have absolutely blown me away. Their quality at their price point is hard to match. The Treasure Seeker is mechanical, the Diver One is quartz. Search The Grey NATO podcast interview with the brand’s founder Paul Scurfield, a commercial saturation diver and total watch geek. Provides a great back story to the brand. Enjoy your search!
I'll check these out, thanks for your insight!
I have two suggestions for you, both based on my experiences with them.
I have no experience with Mido, but the Oceanstar Tribute is also great looking, and 20% discounts are widely available online.
I'll check these out, thanks for your insight!
I have been very satisfied with this: https://www.watchcrunch.com/Aurelian/reviews/phoibos-voyager-py035d-review-11107
I like the size and the red.
I'll check this out, thanks for your insight!
I got this Dan Henry recently that I really like.
It cost about the same as an Orient. The bezel moves via the top crown so doesn’t have that satisfying click but it is fun having something a little different.
I'll check these out, thanks for your insight!
Good taste with Orient Kamasu 👌.
As for a solid dive watch in titanium-Check out the steinhart ocean one titanium. Solid 42mm watch, 500m WR with a swiss movement.
I love the Kamasu, this Steinhart looks awesome, I'll definitely look into it. Thank you!
Buy a Seiko Samurai there's many color options
Isn't is pretty large on wrist?
I'm looking at primarily sub $500, but potentially up to $750 USD
I'd recommend a seiko. I purchased the Turtle below for $750. Worth every penny. There are others that aren't that high but I'd highly recommend one.