Vintage-style divers -- which one should I go for?
I have always wanted to get myself a dive watch, and personally I am fond of the looks of vintage-style divers. Originally I was choosing between the Oris Divers 65 (Glow) and the ever-popular SPB143 (I tried them both)-- until I stumbled upon this Serica 5303. I think all 3 of them are excellent and appeal to me in different ways:
Oris:
Pros: Great brand that I love, comfort on the wrist, visually appealing domed sapphire crystal, lovely colourway of grey and tiffany blue
Cons: 100m WR, most expensive among the 3, pretty ordinary movement, I already have an Oris
SPB143:
Pros: Solid brand and heritage, lovely grey colourway and case design, great lume, cheapest of the bunch
Cons: Too commonplace (?) as it is too popular, I already have a Seiko
Serica:
Pros: Very interesting design that appeals to me, interesting dual-purpose bezel, interesting mesh bracelet, 300m WR
Cons: Unknown brand (at least to me), not sure how it wears on my wrist
So, Crunchers! I need your opinions so that I can decide between them. In particular, I have zero experience with Serica and so if you happen to own a Serica, I would love to hear what you think of this French microbrand and their watches.
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Doug
Still trying to learn more about these tiny things we put on our wrists
Hong Kong
Member since
Last active: 18 hrs ago
All awesome watches and I’ve owned all three brands (gave my Oris away to a dear friend). My vote is the Serica, simply because it is different. Will not go wrong with either one.
Indeed, I have checked out their new Aquitaine range, the design is nice but it doesn't particularly win me over
love the serica or oris, own spb143 before end up selling it for another watch
love the serica or oris, own spb143 before end up selling it for another watch
May I know why? Is it anything to do with its design, or you just wanted another watch?
I have the SPB143 and I like it a lot. I think any of the 3 will do it for you. Only you can decide what will be your new addition. You already have a Seiko but since that doesn’t seem to be a problem considering the SPB143. You like vintage inspired watches so I toss in the SPB317 in the mix (there is also a white and a gilt version).
May I know why? Is it anything to do with its design, or you just wanted another watch?
a little bit of both, fell out of love for it, I mean its a great design and all but just not vibing with it after a while if it make sense. please take it with a grain of salt tho, because im change my collection quite often haha
I have the SPB143 and I like it a lot. I think any of the 3 will do it for you. Only you can decide what will be your new addition. You already have a Seiko but since that doesn’t seem to be a problem considering the SPB143. You like vintage inspired watches so I toss in the SPB317 in the mix (there is also a white and a gilt version).
Great call, I have yet to see this watch in person, but at least in the press photos this look pretty nice! (I think this one looks the best among the three)
All great choices. I have the black Serica coming next month.
Can I throw the Baltic Aquascaphe into the mix too? Lovely thing, especially in blue and gilt, and perfect dimensions imo.
all 3 are great watches. I own the seiko but was/am very interested in the oris as well
Great call, I have yet to see this watch in person, but at least in the press photos this look pretty nice! (I think this one looks the best among the three)
I went with the white version cause I wanted a colormix. If it had been my first diver I had chosen the black as well.
I went with the white version cause I wanted a colormix. If it had been my first diver I had chosen the black as well.
Indeed, a black diver seems more versatile imo. The bracelet looks high quality though!
65 for sure! The best skindiver divewatch design ever. My movember gets the most wrist time of my entire collection.
Give it a few years, you’ll own all 3
I'd pick the Serica for all the reasons you mentioned, both pro and con.
65 for sure! The best skindiver divewatch design ever. My movember gets the most wrist time of my entire collection.
I have been eyeing on this particular 65 Glow as well as the black 40mm one with bronze bezel. Somehow I never actually pulled the trigger but I think about it from time to time
D - All of them! I might hedge toward the Serica just because it is more unique. You don't see too many of them out in the wild. I was able to try on one at a meetup a couple of months ago. It wears like a dream on my 7.5 inch wrist. We were in a bar/restaurant so the lighting is super harsh.
The watch does look fantastic on your wrist!! 👍🏼👍🏼
The Dartmouth is great!
Wow!!! Thanks for the photo, it is a strong contender indeed!
Wow, that looks big. Is that the 42mm?
Great looking dial, though.
Nope, 40mm. My wrist is 6 inches though
Nope, 40mm. My wrist is 6 inches though
Oh. Pretty sure they make a 38mm...
Oh. Pretty sure they make a 38mm...
Yes, but only the bronze cotton candy ones and the Calibre 400 limited editions…
Nothing wrong with having another Seiko as I would say. The SPB14X watches are great watches and I own the SPB149. I'm not a big fan of the 6R35 movement because I feel they rushed it to compete with other watches with a 70+ hr power reserve. I would lean more on the Oris Diver 65.
The Serica unfortunately is competing with two diver juggernauts.
Nothing wrong with having another Seiko as I would say. The SPB14X watches are great watches and I own the SPB149. I'm not a big fan of the 6R35 movement because I feel they rushed it to compete with other watches with a 70+ hr power reserve. I would lean more on the Oris Diver 65.
The Serica unfortunately is competing with two diver juggernauts.
Yes, apparently 6R35 is Seiko’s Powermatic 80. My experience with it so far alright though
Have you taken a look at Doxa? I picked up a SUB 200 Professional last month and I'm loving it, especially at the sub-$1000 price point. The Sharkhunter (black dial) variant has that classic retro-diver look. And there's some history behind this watch as well - it's a re-release of a model that Jacques Cousteau wore back in the '60s.
https://doxawatches.com/collections/sub-200/products/sharkhunter?variant=32317119889517
I’m a big fan of Oris watches. Their quality and value is a safe choice. But I have to admit…that serica is so cool.
Have you taken a look at Doxa? I picked up a SUB 200 Professional last month and I'm loving it, especially at the sub-$1000 price point. The Sharkhunter (black dial) variant has that classic retro-diver look. And there's some history behind this watch as well - it's a re-release of a model that Jacques Cousteau wore back in the '60s.
https://doxawatches.com/collections/sub-200/products/sharkhunter?variant=32317119889517
Well, actually no! I am unaware of any Doxa ADs around me, so I have never seen any Doxa irl. I will try to look for one! 🍻
I’m a big fan of Oris watches. Their quality and value is a safe choice. But I have to admit…that serica is so cool.
That's exactly what I am thinking!!
If you want a true vintage vibe and to stand-out from the crowd than definitely the Serica.
It's running the Swiss SOPROD Newton movement (SOPROD is owned by the very large Festina Group now headquartered in Spain). So it's a proper Swiss movement and the features add up to a quality watch for the price.
That would be my vote of the three.
If you want a true vintage vibe and to stand-out from the crowd than definitely the Serica.
It's running the Swiss SOPROD Newton movement (SOPROD is owned by the very large Festina Group now headquartered in Spain). So it's a proper Swiss movement and the features add up to a quality watch for the price.
That would be my vote of the three.
And they say the Newton movement they use is regulated to +/- 4 sec per day, which sounds fantastic for the money
DHL says my Serica cleared customs and should arrive tomorrow. I'll vote then.
DHL says my Serica cleared customs and should arrive tomorrow. I'll vote then.
Enjoy the watch 😉