First Desk-Diver

oxocube

I've a few quid coming up and I've got my mind set on my first desk-diver. I'm starting out on my collection and don't really have the mega bucks required for the tier one luxury brands.

I've been lurking for quite a while to get an understanding of what a "nice" dive watch is. Now I'm looking for some advice on which one to pull the trigger on. I'm gonna pair the watch with the black and grey nato.

First one I'm considering is the Seiko SKX007.





You can pickup the K version with the stainless steel bracelet up on Creation Watches for €189. Which I think is a steal (:D).


The same watch with the rubber band is €179. This is a lot of watch for this price.





The J version is slightly more expensive at €208. I've read a comparison of the two models and there nearly exactly the same. If you have a comment about which version to go for I'd appreciate it.



The next one is the I'm considering is the Seiko SRP775





I've read that watch has a better movement and can be hand wound. At €232 for the K version and €261 for the J version its a few euros more expensive than the SKX007.

For some strange reason I don't like the shape of this watch. The curves on the body to the lugs is putting me off. If you have one and can comment it would be helpful.



The last one I'm considering is the Stienhart Ocean 1



At €380 its over twice the price of the SKX007. It does have a Swiss made movement and sapphire glass and seems to be and all round better watch (however I could be wrong). This watch would be pushing my budget out a bit and I'd have to justify buying it to myself.



If you have any other suggestions for my first desk-dive would be appreciated.

unkel

Both Seikos and the Steinhart are great value for money. Both should keep their value well should you decide to sell it, particularly the Steinhart as they are generally hard to get and sell out quickly. The Steinhart would be a step up, the Sapphire would be a big plus. I'm afraid I will scratch the glass on my Seiko SRPA21 that I only bought brand new last week and therefore I'm already considering selling it.

Lorddrakul

As a recent SKX009 owner, I'd say the 007 is a fine diver to start with. It is a trusty mechanism and over that series has very good build quality.

The Steinhart is a step up in quality all round and will hold its value well. Spend the extra and get the ceramic bezel.

So, short answer is, it depends on your budget. If you have the where with all, get the Ocean One — it will not dissappoint.

If not the Seiko is a cracking watch too.

HDMI

The SKX is a classic and if buying get it on the bracelet. The rubber strap is very stiff and uncomfortable at least if you get the bracelet you will have a dressier option if needed. You will need change the springbars if you buy one, Seiko original springbars are horrible on the SKX so pick up a set with a double flange. 42mm case size and 46mm lug to lug.

The turtle is a bigger watch and will sit differently on your wrist. It has a better movement in that it hacks and handwinds. I always loved the 6309 cushion case so one of these is on my to get list. Not having a sapphire crystal wouldn't be a problem in my mind, there are plenty available for sale and can be added later. 45mm case size and 48mm lug to lug

The Steinhart is great value for money but it sits terribly flat on the wrist because it has very straight lugs. 42mm case size but wears bigger because of the crown at 3. Lug to lug is a very flat 50-51mm and looks odd on some because of over hang.

No bad choice amongst the watches you listed, its all about how it sits on your wrist. The SKX is probably the easiest of the three to wear, it's dimensions are near perfect and probably the reason this style has lasted so long for Seiko.

Best of luck with whichever watch you choose.

CarltonBrowne

oxocube wrote: »

For some strange reason I don't like the shape of this watch. The curves on the body to the lugs is putting me off. If you have one and can comment it would be helpful.

Knock this one off your list now - there's no rational explanation for this but if you buy it all you will see is the detail that upsets you and your brain will amplify it.

I once gave a Vostok Amphibia away to a friend and as I handed it over to him I began to explain what it is about the dial that had put me off. He stopped me in my tracks and said that, if I told him, all he would see is the same thing. Of course he was absolutely right.

I think your other choices are all good. Budget for a couple of NATOs as well as a bracelet.

Bateman

Would definitely recommend the top Seiko one, sits perfectly despite me thinking pre-purchase that it would be too big

ahlookit

unkel wrote: »

Both Seikos and the Steinhart are great value for money. Both should keep their value well should you decide to sell it, particularly the Steinhart as they are generally hard to get and sell out quickly. The Steinhart would be a step up, the Sapphire would be a big plus. I'm afraid I will scratch the glass on my Seiko SRPA21 that I only bought brand new last week and therefore I'm already considering selling it.

*starts watching the selling/swapping thread like a hawk*

oxocube

HDMI wrote: »

The SKX is a classic and if buying get it on the bracelet. The rubber strap is very stiff and uncomfortable at least if you get the bracelet you will have a dressier option if needed. You will need change the springbars if you buy one, Seiko original springbars are horrible on the SKX so pick up a set with a double flange. 42mm case size and 46mm lug to lug.

The turtle is a bigger watch and will sit differently on your wrist. It has a better movement in that it hacks and handwinds. I always loved the 6309 cushion case so one of these is on my to get list. Not having a sapphire crystal wouldn't be a problem in my mind, there are plenty available for sale and can be added later. 45mm case size and 48mm lug to lug

The Steinhart is great value for money but it sits terribly flat on the wrist because it has very straight lugs. 42mm case size but wears bigger because of the crown at 3. Lug to lug is a very flat 50-51mm and looks odd on some because of over hang.

No bad choice amongst the watches you listed, its all about how it sits on your wrist. The SKX is probably the easiest of the three to wear, it's dimensions are near perfect and probably the reason this style has lasted so long for Seiko.

Best of luck with whichever watch you choose.

Thanks for the feedback. I pulled the trigger on the Stienhart and should be delivered in a week or two. Let hope it doesn't sit too flat on my wrist or it will be up for sale and I'll go for the SKX007.

blue5000

Welcome to the club, won't be long now before you have 5 or 6 watches, including the Seikos above.

Ionised

blue5000 wrote:

Welcome to the club, won't be long now before you have 5 or 6 watches, including the Seikos above.

Bear in mind 5 or 6 is a very conservative estimate

Wibbs

Very.

unkel

ahlookit wrote: »

*starts watching the selling/swapping thread like a hawk*

Linky

Deep Thought

some of us try to keep the number low, but we buy, sell, buy, sell, re-buy, sell, buy, sell, re-buy, sell..

(by Some I really mean me)

unkel

Same here. Only have 3 watches at the moment with one for sale. Want to buy lots more though, so will have to sell lots too

Same as with my cars. Have 2, sometimes 3, would like 4 or more, but herself would kill me

oxocube

unkel wrote: »

Same here. Only have 3 watches at the moment with one for sale. Want to buy lots more though, so will have to sell lots too

Same as with my cars. Have 2, sometimes 3, would like 4 or more, but herself would kill me

Bit off topic but what cars do you generally go for?

unkel

All sorts

The cars I've owned in the past 3 years from memory: Porsche 928 5l V8 petrol, MGF mid rear engined convertible sports car straight 4 cylinder petrol, BMW E60 straight 6 cylinder petrol, 3 * BMW E46 coupe and saloon straight 4 cylinder petrol (flippers), Audi TT 1.8 petrol turbo straight 4 cylinder, Jaguar S-type V6 petrol, Porsche Boxster mid rear engined convertible sports car flat 6 cylinder petrol

Still have the Jag and the Boxster but the Jag will be replaced with a pure electric Hyundai Ioniq in the next few days (no cylinders, no petrol, no diesel, no oily bits )

Lex Luthor

I have the Steinhart, really solid watch, wear it daily and it takes some beating
Get a NATO strap after a while to change the look

Hopefully you got the ceramic bezel, it was worth it

oxocube

Lex Luthor wrote: »

I have the Steinhart, really solid watch, wear it daily and it takes some beating
Get a NATO strap after a while to change the look

Hopefully you got the ceramic bezel, it was worth it

Bought a couple of Nato straps yesteday :cool:

B1gft

Show us a photo on the wrist please.

oxocube

B1gft wrote: »

Show us a photo on the wrist please.

Just got the shipping confirmation so should be on my wrist by Monday :cool:

Keyzer

I need a desk diver badly, I'm afraid to wear my speedmaster on a daily basis for fear of it getting damaged. I typically end up wearing it around the house on my own like a complete weirdo...

Thinking of a deep blue (I've mentioned it before on here) - nice watch and decent price.

Thirdfox

I've lots of divers (but at least I've been on a few dives around the world...that's how I justify it to myself at least!)

Current divers:

Seagull Dragon King LE
Citizen NY2300
Borealis Sea Hawk (wanna-be Tudor Pelagos)
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chrono
2x Vostok Amphibia (1 plain, 1 GMT)
Omega Seamaster (worn by wifey)

And...I have to say that out of all of them I tend to wear the Borealis the most, it's the one that has the best balance of features and looks:
1. Ceramic bezel
2. Different lume (using blue instead of typical green)
3. Strap quick adjustment mechanism - easy to use micro-adjustment mechanism on the strap is very important for bracelets as I don't want to messing with finicky adjustments before a dive. For desk divers out there the micro-adjustment strap allows you to adjust the strap for changes in wrist size during the day (sometimes wrists swell up slightly during the day etc.)
4. 1500m rating (I wouldn't take the depth rating too seriously but I've taken it down to 20m without any issues anyway) - the 1500m rating means it's a wear and don't worry about it kinda watch.
5. The bulging sapphire crystal - very speedmaster pro-like and takes it away from being a homage of the Tudor.
6. It has a date - useful when travelling on holidays. But otherwise it is clearly legible (Tudor homage) and functional as a diving watch.
7. Workhorse mechanism - Japanese Seiko movement - hacks and handwinds, dependable and haven't had an issue with it (nor would I expect to).

Here's the pic of the watch - Borealis do many homages in the line of Steinhart - I don't have a Stein so no idea of how they compare quality-wise but I am generally happy with the build quality of the Borealis. Having said that I did need to screw in one of the caseback screws during the first week of ownership (hence why I said that I take the 1500m rating with a pinch of salt!)

http://www.borealiswatch.com/store/Borealis-Sea-Hawk-1500m-Automatic-Diver-Watch-Seiko-NH36-4R36-Ceramic-Black-Bezel-Black-Dial-p35192472

Mine came in the blue ceramic (my first blue faced watch also!)

http://oceanictime.blogspot.ie/2014/10/borealis-sea-hawk-1500m.html

As to why this watch above all the others - it's gotta be the bracelet - the quick adjustment in the metal bracelet makes it easy to live with, day in day out. Negative points (for me) is it uses screws in its bracelets - good ol' pins do me fine.

Frankie5Angels

Keyzer wrote: »

I need a desk diver badly, I'm afraid to wear my speedmaster on a daily basis for fear of it getting damaged. I typically end up wearing it around the house on my own like a complete weirdo...

Thinking of a deep blue (I've mentioned it before on here) - nice watch and decent price.

HDMI had one on here before. I note he's withdrawn it on adverts rather than sold, so may still have it?

http://www.adverts.ie/sports/deep-blue-nato-300/12455407

HDMI

Frankie5Angels wrote: »

HDMI had one on here before. I note he's withdrawn it on adverts rather than sold, so may still have it?

http://www.adverts.ie/sports/deep-blue-nato-300/12455407

Thanks for the recommendation.

It sold on eBay, the offers on adverts were terrible. Lately it's easier to sell elsewhere, its getting to the point where id rather pay eBay's commission than deal with adverts obnoxious buyers.

Birneybau

HDMI wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendation.

It sold on eBay, the offers on adverts were terrible. Lately it's easier to sell elsewhere, its getting to the point where id rather pay eBay's commission than deal with adverts obnoxious buyers.

Would you not take a custom made P.C.?

oxocube

Got the Steinhart delivered today. Opted for the ceramic bezel as its going to be my daily and this will be harder wearing.

First pic is on the metal strap it came with.



Second pic is on a black and grey nato.



First impressions are that this is a very well engineered watch. The metal strap and clasp are very well made. I've left the nato strap on as its not as heavy on my wrist while I get used to it.

I've small wrists but I don't think the watch is over sized. I did have to take out 4 links though :eek:

With the nato on the watch feels and sits right IMO.

In summary first impressions are very good and I'm very happy with the quality of the watch

CarltonBrowne

Obviously go with whatever is most comfortable but you've fitted the NATO @arse about face.

oxocube

CarltonBrowne wrote: »

Obviously go with whatever is most comfortable but you've fitted the NATO @arse about face.

Whoops. Fixed now :P

Lex Luthor

Just looking, where is the lume dot on the ceramic bezel at the 12 o clock position? Hard to tell but doesn't look like there is one, but its clear on mine????

oxocube

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Just looking, where is the lume dot on the ceramic bezel at the 12 o clock position? Hard to tell but doesn't look like there is one, but its clear on mine????

Just checked my order again to verify I did order the ceramic bezel and I definitely did.

OCEAN 1 Black
Lünette Material
Keramik

There is a lume dot at the 12 o'clock position. I can see it and feel it. Your bezel does look slightly different than mine. I did check this youtube link to verify if this is the ceramic version and it looks exactly the same as mine.

Maybe Steinhart has updated the bezel since you bought one.

Deep Thought

Lex Luthor wrote: »

Just looking, where is the lume dot on the ceramic bezel at the 12 o clock position? Hard to tell but doesn't look like there is one, but its clear on mine????

I didn't think the ceramic came with a lume dot, was one reason why I wasnt going to order the ceramic one, the Steinhart pics don't show a lume dot.??

https://www.steinhartwatches.de/de/taucheruhren/ocean-1-black-551.html

oxocube

Deep Thought wrote: »

I didn't think the ceramic came with a lume dot, was one reason why I wasnt going to order the ceramic one, the Steinhart pics don't show a lume dot.??

https://www.steinhartwatches.de/de/taucheruhren/ocean-1-black-551.html

There is definitely a lume dot. I can feel it when I run my finger over. Tried to take a photo but you cannot see it.

Thirdfox

Take a lume shot

Zagato

I have an O1VR for about 4 years and love it.
Only issue I have had is screws in bracelet unscrewing and watch almost fell off my wrist.

I have subsequently invested in some loctite 242 threadlocker and would suggest considering this also

HDMI

Zagato wrote: »

I have subsequently invested in some loctite 242 threadlocker and would suggest considering this also

Do you not find Loctite 242 too strong? 242 is heavy duty, 222 is normally what's used on watch bracelet screws.

Cheapie alternative is to grab the wife's clear nail varnish.:D

Zagato

I'm sure that is a very good point, haven't had to undo any of the links, and don't expect to to soon either.
I understood that if any difficulty to just heat them a bit.

Thirdfox

Thirdfox wrote: »

Take a lume shot

Never mind the smilie - I think a lume shot would be genuinely nice to see.

If you've never taken one before the easy way to do it with a camera phone is to precharge the lume by placing the watch near a lightbulb (or camera phone torch) for around 10 seconds and then finding a dim room to take the photo. Super luminova is super bright for the first few minutes and makes for a nice photo generally.

oxocube

Thirdfox wrote: »

Never mind the smilie - I think a lume shot would be genuinely nice to see.

If you've never taken one before the easy way to do it with a camera phone is to precharge the lume by placing the watch near a lightbulb (or camera phone torch) for around 10 seconds and then finding a dim room to take the photo. Super luminova is super bright for the first few minutes and makes for a nice photo generally.

Sorry for the potato photo. Camera didn't pickup the lume too well. But there is definitely a lume dot on the bezel.

The photo was rotated so 12 o'clock is on the LHS.

unkel

oxocube wrote: »

Sorry for the potato photo. Camera didn't pickup the lume too well. But there is definitely a lume dot on the bezel.

The photo was rotated so 12 o'clock is on the LHS.

There's no lume at all

Where did you buy those black out curtains though? They're excellent, I need some too

oxocube

Live in the country and turn off the lights

oxocube

Finally got a good photo of the lume

blue5000

oxocube wrote: »

Finally got a good photo of the lume

You'll start a new lume shot craze now.