Wait and Gamble or Pull The Trigger Now?

Is there ANY watch of dimensions similar to the Steinhart nearby that you can try on? One that belongs to a friend? It sounds like size is the only con.

I've researched threads and videos of people with my similar wrist size wearing a Tudor BB58, which comes close with dimensions to the Steinhart. The only watches near me that I can try on are Seikos, most of which are over 40mm. Great idea, though!

As much as I have moved away from divers as my most desirous watch style, I really like that Steinhart. It looks amazing. I wore a diver as my daily for a long while and eventually just wanted something lighter, thinner, and simpler for that role. I ended up going with a hand-wind field watch to fill those shoes.

The Traska is also beautiful and aesthetically it checks a lot of boxes for me. That being said, the potential for misalignment would be a concern unless I were buying in person.

Even though I am not actively seeking divers these days, I feel like everyone should have at least 1 or 2 in their collection.

Whatever you choose, I hope it brings you joy.

Thank you, Scottro! The misalignment thing is the main thing that's preventing me from buying the Traska. I've seen numerous posts on forums and comments on YouTube regarding the issue. Some even received replacements that were also misaligned. It's a shame, really.

You're right about the diver. I've only recently started warming up to them and I feel that it could be a watch I could wear in absolutely any situation (pool included!), so the utility factor is very important to me. Cheers!

That steinhart looks really cool, plus movable bezel is really handy!

Would buying the Steinhart and returning it if it doesn’t fit be burdensome?

To be honest, no. Fair point!

It just seemed like, based on what you wrote originally, that you had fewer negatives to say about the Steinhart, and that the only negative (possibly too big) is easy to check out assuming the thing can be returned without undue hassle or expense.

Spot on, you're right. The same could apply to the Traska, but I've had a strong of bad luck with quality control, lately. My Seiko, Islander and current San Martin all have QC issues. Oi! Steinhart is a brand that seems to have few issues in that regard.

Hands down, the Steinhart. Be aware that their cases/lug ends to be flat and their L2L runs long. May give your smaller wrist some issues.

Don’t buy a car until your luck changes, my friend!

I voted for the Steinhart. It’s always nice to try a new style of watch out.

If I was in your shoes, I'd write Traska directly and ask what they can do to alleviate my fears about indices misalignment.

I have had quite a few Traskas with no issues and currently own a black Commuter and a 36mm Summiteer. I'd go for the new 36mm Summiteer with block indices and as @AlbertaTime suggests would contact them before hand. They usually give a nice support, at least to me.

I love my Steinharts, but Traska just sent out an email about their refreshed models. Yikes, yeah tough choice!

In my honest opinion a dive watch will not be as versatile or even suitable for daily usage. Yes it's more rugged but will it be too sporty looking? That's my concern with any dive watch that's gonna be used daily.

I definitely prefer the Traska visually, but I can't speak to its quality. I'm not fond of companies doing limited runs where you constantly have to wait for the next batch. The Lorier Falcon is another option with Miyota that you can consider in this price range.

If you're open to other options - CW have plenty of 36-38mm sized adventure/dive watches (e.g. the Sealander, Dune and Trident). The price there is higher, but I think so is the quality. And they offer 10% off the first order from them.

Both great watches. I'm not you obviously but I would go for the Steinhart particularly the 39. A beautiful and super tough watch!

QC issues are a concern, especially buying online. It increasingly feels like a lucky dip. Whilst I have been fortunate that customer support has helped correct things, there is so much time wasted going with the back and forwards it requires (and that's when that process is going smoothly).

I know part of the point behind microbrands is direct to consumer, but for me personally, my next "big" watch purchase will be from a store.

This is the thought process that went through my mind last night as I too was looking at the Traska Commuter after receiving the email.

I have a Steinhart Ocean 39 vintage GMT Premium BLUE/RED Ceramic and I love it. The size works well and it has a tapered bracelet. The quality is great and I would say it will be much more impressive than your San Martin. I would sugest the Steinhart as I cannot speak of Traska as I have never held one. I do know the customer service with Steinhart is excellent based on wat I have heard and they have been around for like 20 years so I dont think they will be going anywhere.

The Steinhart has a thickness of 14mm. It will make it wear pretty large. This point should be considered.

Yes, Steinhart is widely known as being an homage brand but it’s not like Traska is breaking the mold with their designs either. The commuter looks every bit like an OP.

Steinhart uses Selitta and ETA movements and their build quality is great. They are assembled in Germany and German craftsmanship is second to none or at least equal to the Swiss and Japanese.

I’m focused on just getting 3 more watches (AT, GS manual wind or Spring Drive, Seiko Alpinist) and these great looking homage and micro brands are a real distraction! ☺

You should check out Steinharts Metropole, looks like the commuter with some nice colored dials. I think I’m gonna get the “vintage” red submariner from Steinhart.

Hi, I have a Gen 2 Commuter in white and love it. It’s often my weekend daily driver. The classic design and scratch resistant coating make it a great option for a GEDA watch. Gen 3 is even slimmer and the blue dial is stunning!

The only con, in my mind, is the Miyota 9019’s rotor is a bit loud. But for the price, not a big deal.

Steinhart for me...I own three and love them. If you buy directly from their website it is also cheaper than Gnomon. I have had no problem wearing any one of my Steinhart's as a daily. They are very well built and look great....a 39mm should fit your wrist just fine....

I'd go with the Steinhart. The quality of their watches is off the charts, and they are super easy to service. You can wear a 39mm Steinhart with absolutely no problems.

I have a steinhart ocean one 39 and it's a great watch. I do have a larger wrist than you but with o don't think you'd have any issues.

I have an Ocean 39 rose gold, and I also have a 16.5cm / 6.5 inch flat-ish wrist. The ocean 39 wears small on the wrist, helped by the short lugs, but it is a little tall.

It's a nicely executed watch, but doesn't get much wrist time and will likely be flipped this year.

The Traska is more interesting!

STEINHART, enough said! 😜

Steinhart but wait, what about this one instead of the Traska?

https://www.ecandersson.com/product/calypso-ii/