My affordable (sub $300) divers
Yes, this is yet another post on a much talked about subject, but its my first! Nothing beats a dive watch in my opinion, and when they are affordable I cannot resist them one bit.
My definition of affordable: 1) $300 or less, 2) Comfortably water capable, 3) Currently available. Thus vintage divers and anything without a screwdown crown is excluded.
My intro into dive watches coudnt have been more obvious with the Casio Duro. The "Bill Gates watch" proved very impressive for the price. I told myself it was perfect as-is....until I bought a $40 crystal for my $60 watch and made it perfect-er.
Next I thought an SKX would be perfect, but only used were to be had, and they were all non-hacking. Not quite a vintage watch IMO but getting there. Seiko Sports 5 was similar, but no screwdown crown. So I did the next best thing, bought a Japanese NH36 movement, OEM dial and hands + a case and bezel insert on ebay. Still around $300 mark, more capable than a Seiko 5 but with the SKX looks.
Orient was next up. Soooo many models to choose from, but I thought why no go for some arabic numerals on the dial. Mako it was! Ofcourse I couldnt leave it stock so modding began. I went through a few options and even scratched it up a bit in the process. Finally settled on a flat aluminum bezel with flat saphire. Vintage look accomplished.
Latest addition is a Citizen Promaster and ironically, despite my criteria above, this is the only watch I actually take swimming haha. The only "mod" so far is a crystal protective film. I was on the fence about this one for a while, but after getting one I definitely see why its popular. The most practical by far, low maitenance, accurate, aligned and easy to use.
If youve gotten this far I appreciate the gesture. This topic is only mildly interesting (I think) but I felt I had to post for my own satisfaction. I enjoy these watches in equal measure. I definitely sideline them more these days as my collection has grown but everytime I put one on I still think "yeah, thats the stuff, this is what pulled me into the vortex".
Well rounded nerd, into music, guitar pedals, all things DIY, and watches!
You making me want to start this collection!! 😢
I hate being the devil's advocate but would you be happier with one $1200.00 diver than you are with four $300.00 divers?
I hate being the devil's advocate but would you be happier with one $1200.00 diver than you are with four $300.00 divers?
Someone passed the marshmallow test.
Great choices. I have several divers in the affordable range and enjoy having the variety.
Excellent collection. My "affordable" (sub $500) collection isn't quite as focused as yours but it was a fun exercise for me!
Having enjoyed the Mako II stock for half a year now, I'm feeling more comfortable to start modding it a little. I was thinking a blue bezel with AR coated flat sapphire. Your mods make it look very Fifty Fathoms like 👌
This is my go to diver! 200.00 Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT 300 meter
I have others that almost make the 300.00 cut and some well above it. However I tend to wear this one more than all of them in the water.
Thanks for sharing your journey. I also have built my experience over affordable dive watch too.
I started off with Orient Kano - realized it was too big for me so I bought this instead.
A 5KX with modification on Double Dome Sapphire Crystal and Ceramic Bezel Insert - realized that eventhough it was sizable but the thickness was way above tiny wrist - regret of never have OEM wearing experience (sent to mod shop directly) otherwise I would have taken flat sapphire crystal and ceramic insert instead 😬😬
Now the current one, Kamasu - the right from factory if only the bracelet is tapered 😅😅
I hate being the devil's advocate but would you be happier with one $1200.00 diver than you are with four $300.00 divers?
I too have thought this, my "one" diver would be an Omega 300M Seamaster. But honestly the answer is still "no". I like having these because Im free to tinker, I am compulsive about tinkering in fact. I would not have the guts to do that with a luxury or even entry level luxury watch.
Likely I will end with an Omega one day, maybe even a Pelagos. But these will continue to be my experimental and "lets fly the nerd flag" watches.
Excellent collection. My "affordable" (sub $500) collection isn't quite as focused as yours but it was a fun exercise for me!
Having enjoyed the Mako II stock for half a year now, I'm feeling more comfortable to start modding it a little. I was thinking a blue bezel with AR coated flat sapphire. Your mods make it look very Fifty Fathoms like 👌
I actually did consider a fifty fathoms bezel insert but thought it was too on the nose. The aluminum bezel insert and leather strap def gives the right vibes though of a 60's/70's diver.
Thanks for sharing your journey. I also have built my experience over affordable dive watch too.
I started off with Orient Kano - realized it was too big for me so I bought this instead.
A 5KX with modification on Double Dome Sapphire Crystal and Ceramic Bezel Insert - realized that eventhough it was sizable but the thickness was way above tiny wrist - regret of never have OEM wearing experience (sent to mod shop directly) otherwise I would have taken flat sapphire crystal and ceramic insert instead 😬😬
Now the current one, Kamasu - the right from factory if only the bracelet is tapered 😅😅
I was also considering domed crystals for my Mako and tried a cheaper mineral crystal one...But as you said the added thickness was also not great for me. The Casio on the other hand was already thin, and adding a low-dome crystal gave me the same look without the thickness so I now have both!
You cant go wrong with Orient as an entry level dive watch. They have something for everyone.
A Few of the chaps
Yeah my modding started with Orient too!!
Then modded the mods
Great collection, love the leather on diver too. With fall here that just works!
Great collection, love the leather on diver too. With fall here that just works!
Thanks! Coincidently your Duro crystal mod video is what convinced me to do my own :) Keep up the great content!
I totally get what you mean when you tell yourself "yeah, thats the stuff“ since I do this all the time when I wear one of my favorite watches. 😁 Great collection, my favorites are your moded SKX & the eco drive fugu 🔥