Addiesdive MY-H9 vs. Seiko SRPD73K2

This is a review particularly for @WatchNova who had previously requested that I should review the Addiesdive MY-H9, as I had it coming my way. Anyhow, it has arrived, and I will compare it to my previous purchase, the Seiko SRPD73K2. 

Addiesdive MH-H9

This watch set me back $99 plus tax, and shipping was free. It has a 40mm brushed cased, an NH35 (which we need to talk more about later), a domed sapphire crystal, and a ceramic bezel. The 20mm strap is supposed to be suede. It sports an embossed solid caseback, and is rated to 200m. 

Seiko SRPD73k2

This one cost me $172 plus tax, has Japanese 4R36, a partially brushed and polished case, an aluminum bezel, a Hardlex flat crystal, and a 22mm silicone wristband. It has an exhibition case back, and is rated to 100m.

This is somewhat of an odd comparison, but I promised to follow-up on a discussion on Seiko alternatives.

Case

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The Seiko is highly polished on the side, and the bezel appears chromed. The crown is in the typical 4 o'clock position, and is not a screw-in-crown. The lugs are brushed and drilled for easy strap changes. 

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The Addiesdive has a brushed case all over, and somewhat interestingly turned lugs. The brushing is okay, somewhat lacking between the lugs, but I personally slightly prefer the brushed bezel. The crown screws in, and has to be one of the better crowns in my collection in regards in how easily and positively it engages.

From the perspective of the case, the watches are a tie.

Bezel Operation and Bezel Insert

The bezel operation of the Addiesdive is very lackluster. The ceramic insert is very nice though. The Seiko's bezel clicks very nicely, and the typical aluminum bezel simply fits the look of the watch. 

The Seiko wins in this category.

Crystal

The domed crystal of the Addiesdive is quite lovely, and it wins this category.

Dial

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The Addiesdive has a very nicely textured dial with very clean printing. Nothing fancy, but cleanly executed to fit the overall look of the watch.

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The Seiko has a slight sunburst effect that only shows under certain angles in certain light. The raised markers are placed well, and their cream color is picked up nicely by the bezel insert. One of those watches you turn in order to play with the reflections.

The Seiko wins the dial competition.

Wristband

The Addiesdive band claims to be made out of suede. If this is suede, it's very cruelty free, and sandwiches something that was made out of dinosaur juice. This is the most flexible "leather" I've ever seen. The plus side is, that is very comfortable to wear once it's on your wrist. It has a slight plastic smell. The band also has a quick-release option.

The Seiko uses a textured silicone strap. Very unspectacular but easy to use, and it fits the overall design of the watch well. It is also flexible and 22mm wide.

The Seiko wins this round.

Caseback

This is a very subjective category. I personally like solid casebacks on divers and dive-style watches. So the Addiesdive wins this one.

Movement and Crown Operation

No this is where things get funny. The crown of the Seiko operates in light clicks when pulling out, and the hands move with a light resistance and minimal play. No surprise.

While the crown engages positively, the operation of the watch feels loose and wobbly. Hands engage slightly after you start turning the crown, and there is a little of play in the hands when you press the crown in.

The Seiko is the clear winner in this category.

The Box

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The Addiesdive came in this little case, which has a foam core, so that you can easily use it to transport your watch wile traveling. Far more useful that the display-style box the Seiko came in. Probably not important, but a nice touch.

Verdict

When not considering the price the Seiko is the nicer watch from my perspective. The dial and bezel are just wonderfully done, and the movement is superior.

Considering that I only paid $99 for the Addiesdive, it's probably the best deal I've gotten in a watch, so far. It looks like much more than I paid for, and is an actual dive watch.

Reply
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I made up my mind as soon as I saw the first photo.  I choose the Addiesdive.  It didn't even really matter what text followed the photos.  Seiko's design language simply doesn't resonate with me.  My wife has my SKX009 and 013.  She loves them.  I don't miss them.

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Davemcc

I made up my mind as soon as I saw the first photo.  I choose the Addiesdive.  It didn't even really matter what text followed the photos.  Seiko's design language simply doesn't resonate with me.  My wife has my SKX009 and 013.  She loves them.  I don't miss them.

Yes, the Seikos have a very particular look to them. You either like them or you don't, but at least there is a look that is particularly tied to the brand. I really do like what Seiko does with their dials, and I further like their support for modders. (That might have been another comparison point.)

The Addiesdive is just such a good value. One may not like the strap, but this is a watch where there isn't a cheap compromise at $100. Sure, some of the brushing is not spectacular, but the whole package is very consistent. The lack of a brutally obvious flaw is great at that price tier. It's something you can wear because it's fun, and you won't regret the purchase.

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200m, domed sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and a Seiko movement.  I don’t know how they can sell it for $100. 

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Davemcc

200m, domed sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and a Seiko movement.  I don’t know how they can sell it for $100. 

I would consider the movements in the price class of the Addiesdiver somewhat of a "NH35 homage". These movements are selling under $30 retail, and I'm not sure what they cost in bulk. The difference is rather noticeable, though.The dial is also much simpler than the one of the Seiko. If don't think the water resistance is not really a price factor, either, but rather an admission that nobody dives with these watches. Without the screw-in crown the Seiko is easier to operate, and I guess people like the exhibition case back. The aluminum bezel insert of the Seiko is simply the look of the watches they are based on. 

With the Seiko you really pay for the movement and the dial.