Watchdives 1680V - Vintage Sub Homage Review

For only my second watch purchase as a beginning collector, I wanted some kind of vintage submariner style watch. I am on a budget, but fortunately there are many well priced submariner homages out there to choose from.

I chose the Watchdives 1680V:

Specs are the usual stuff for current microbrands:

Case diameter: 41mm(without crown)

Case length: 48mm(lug to lug)

Case thickness: 13.5mm

Lug width: 20mm 

Movement: NH35 automatic, 41 hours reserve.

Case: 316L stainless steel

Case back: 316L stainless steel, screw-down, unmarked

120 Click unidirectional ceramic bezel with lume dot at 12H

Sapphire crystal with AR coating.

Water resistance: 300 m / 30 ATM

Swiss C3 green super luminous

Screw-down crown with gasket on stem

This Watchdives 1680V is clearly a faithful homage to the design of the 1960's Rolex Submariner 5513:

So zero points for original design, but it is homaging a great classic piece, and just the design look I was going for.

I was pleasantly surprised with what I received today from Watchdives. My favorite details are the sloped ceramic bezel that is matched with the curve of the domed sapphire crystal:

I have a 7" wrist and no experience with 41mm watches, but the size seemed to work well on my wrist:

The bracelet and clasp are functional and feel okay, with plenty of microadjust to get a fit that works for me. I did need to take some sandpaper to some sharp edges and corners of the clasp, but not a big deal at this price point.

The lume seems pretty strong on this one, it is apparent even in indirect daylight after the watch is exposed to direct sunlight:

Summing up, it is kind of crazy that one can buy a watch with these decent specs and a great classic design for only $85. In a way, it kind of pulls back the curtain a bit on what these typical microbrand components actually cost. My first purchase was a $550 Nodus watch, which I still love. But I can feel the pull of the dark side with this Chinese made watch. My journey is just starting, so we will see.