Daniel Oliver 
Steeldive is a manufacturing facility brand name that gives a variety of homage watches. Time Bum contributor DC Hannay reviewed the Steeldive SD1954 Sub-fashion and preferred what he acquired for the exceedingly low rate he compensated. So when I determined I wished a bronze tuna clone for a undertaking, I gave Steeldive a look and in the long run picked up an SD1975S for $195. I favored the enjoy but quickly subjected it to terrible things simply because I ordered it for a patina task that is the matter of a total separate article. For this evaluate, let us take pleasure in the SD1975S as it arrived.
The SD1975S is a dive view in the very same fashion as the Seiko SBBN015/017 Marinemaster. If there is any confusion at all about its inspiration, the “Marinemaster Professional” label on the dial really should dispel it. Steeldive is seemingly changing that to “Greenmarine” on upcoming releases, but not on this batch.
The dial is really a great deal like the Seiko’s, sharing the identical format but bearing the Steeldive symbol of a diver’s mask on crossed fins and tanks. It is a large picture to slap on a watch dial, especially with the brand name title down below it, and I’ll confess that when printed in white, its presence turns me off. On the other hand, I think it appears to be like really fantastic rendered in gold on this black dial, as the color scheme usually takes it down a number of notches making it possible for the used gilt markers and fingers to just take middle stage.
By the way, the lume is quite outstanding. Perhaps the SuperLuminova is not Seiko Lumibrite vivid, but it goes hard. The bezel pip was dim I’ve got no issues about the glow of the dial or palms.
Like its idol, this watch has a entire circumstance encircled by a protecting shroud secured with 3 screws. You will notice the lugs are noticeably additional shiny than the shroud or bezel. I experienced assumed that is simply because they, and the circumstance to which they belong, are stainless steel. Steeldive says so in the site listing, and I can see exactly where this would make good sense for the enterprise, as they can use the identical situation for both of those metal and bronze versions. I’ve seen other manufacturing unit makes do the exact detail, and the Steeldive at minimum had gold colour lugs, so they were a improved match than the polished silver color lugs jutting out from some of their rival factories’ offerings. Eventually, it didn’t matter because, a great deal to my shock, the lugs did, in point, patina ideal together with the relaxation of the bronze. PVD does not do that. I suppose I could have filed off some of the coating to uncover out for guaranteed, but now I don’t want to mess up my brilliant patina. I’m going to believe the scenario is truly bronze. [Update: Steeldive has confirmed that the entire case is indeed bronze and that only the caseback is stainless steel. Mystery solved.]
You will see that change on the underside as effectively. Luckily, the caseback was remaining uncoated. Be sure to pardon the bazillion fingerprints. If you were to crack it open up, you’d uncover a trusty Seiko NH35 automatic. The case is sealed for 300m h2o resistance, the crown screws down, and it is topped with an anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal. Truly, it is every thing you’d hope from a dive check out in this selling price array. Maybe even a minimal much more so.
When I’m pointing out mismatches, I’ll immediate your notice to the crown. It’s a pleasant crown, great sizing, signed, deep fluting, and it screws down. Oddly, it is considerably darker than the rest of the enjoy. I suspect this is a matter of the crown inventory becoming a little older than the shroud and bezel. Bronze oxidizes immediately. It seemed a very little weird in this article, but I’d observe that the relaxation of the check out will catch up, and if you do not want to hold out, you can normally assistance the tarnishing procedure alongside with one thing as gentle as a tricky-boiled egg or as harsh as the indignities I subjected this check out to and which I will inform you all about in my future write-up.
With the shroud, the case steps 47.5mm broad and 15mm thick. It’s a massive boy alright, but it’s only 44mm lengthy, which makes it remarkably simple to use, even on my 6.75″ wrist.
The Steeldive SD1975S can be ordered with a ceramic bezel insert or the cast bronze a single shown below. I basically favor the glimpse of the glossy black ceramic, but I had a very certain strategy for patinating the bezel, which demanded a bronze floor, and those people elevated markers on the matte background looked alternatively cool (they seemed even cooler when I was accomplished with them). The bezel motion was loose. Not the worst I have encountered, but not exactly self confidence-inspiring either. I was grateful for the shroud that retained it from getting inadvertently bumped out of place, but I would not believe in it.
I got the watch with two 22mm straps. The porthole rubber is the normal providing. It is a form of rally/dive hybrid and signed in five spots, which strikes me as four as well several, primarily considering that the strong pre-v design buckle is signed as nicely. Not that it issues, since I jettisoned it. I may be picky about my rubber straps, but this one particular is plasticky and not comfortable. The 2nd strap was a “free gift with purchase” tan NATO-model in the significant nylon weave I have come to loathe. I didn’t even acquire it out of its wrapper.
The buckle, on the other hand, appeared fairly excellent with a deep, clean engraving. Its finishing left a very little to be wanted though, and I experienced to split out a metal file to clean out some sharp corners that little bit my wrist. Steeldive offers you the option of a stainless steel buckle but why any individual would deliberately pair that with a bronze check out is over and above me.
For $195, I was really pleased with the Steeldive. It precisely mimics the Seiko Tuna in bronze kind the dial appears good, with a person exception the lume is powerful, and the specs are suitable on goal. On the downside, the bezel motion is weak, as is the lume pip, and the strap is horrible. But the check out is beneath $200 on the Steeldive internet site and just $158 on Alibaba. For that value, I’m eager to make a concession or two, and as it was, the SD1975S was great for my patina project.
Adhere close to. That portion was severely pleasurable!
