Tag: diver

Owner Review: Seiko Marine Master 300 SBDX017 – Too pretty to be a tool watch

The Seiko Marinemaster 300 – a legend among Seiko’s deep catalog of divers. It’s younger siblings now wear sapphire crystals and ceramic bezels and hence have had a serious price increase. The first thing you notice is the mirror finish of the Zaratsu polished case, the same technique used on their Grand Seiko watches. A…
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19/06/2020
Owner Review: Mitchell Skin Diver – A short history

Most of you probably might not have heard of the Mitchell Skin Diver. If you are wondering if this watch has any associations with the fishing reel company, Mitchell Garcia, you are absolutely correct. Early advertisements have indicated that this elusive watch was first launched in the early 1960s. Just a few models were featured…
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15/06/2020
Owner Review: Enicar Sherpa OPS Super Compressor

As unique as it may be, the Enicar Sherpa OPS Super Compressor was probably missed by the collectors of the past, often overshadowed by its bigger friends of Submariner, Seamaster and the like. Usually unnoticed in watch fairs, it certainly lacked the attention that it should have drawn. With the huge variety in diving watches,…
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11/06/2020
Owner Review: Caravelle Sea Hunter – The Devil you don’t know

Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, Bulova manufactured quality affordable skin divers under their “Caravelle” sub-brand. The basic idea was to apply Bulova’s QC process to assembly lines outside of Switzerland using non-Swiss movements to keep costs down. The Caravelle Sea Hunter is a close cousin of Bulova’s infamous “Devil Diver” of the same era, these…
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04/06/2020
Owner Review: Zodiac Topper Jewelers Sea Wolf

Of all the watches in my collection, the Zodiac Topper Jewelers Sea Wolf is by far the most unique. The obvious lure of the watch is where we’ll start, the bezel. I’ve found that there really isn’t much of an in between with this bezel as you either love it or hate it. Aside from…
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25/05/2020
Owner Review: Oris Divers Sixty-Five

I’ve owned many diver-style watches in the past, and several claiming to be re-issues, but not many pull off the 1960’s-1970’s ‘Skindiver’ vibe quite as well as the Oris Divers Sixty-Five series. Although some of the 65 designs are made with more modern watch fashion influences, like their bronze editions. I have a deep love…
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21/05/2020
Owner Review: Octon Black Gold Diver – a microbrand with a big BANG!

Microbrands are not something I’m personally into – and yet, it’s a microbrand I’ll be reviewing today, specifically the Octon Black Gold Diver. So what gives? In a market flooded with mediocre and sub-par microbrands, constantly pushed in our faces through ads and sponsored content, there are a few really good ones out there, which…
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19/05/2020
Owner Review: Squale 30 Atmos 60th Anniversary Edition

A watch with an old look, or say a vintage piece, can somehow be hugely appealing to me. This is one example – the Squale 30 Atmos 60th Anniversary Edition (SUB-39). A limited edition of 150 pieces. At first glance, I was immersed in this matt black surface with yellowish markers on the face. The…
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17/05/2020
Owner Review: Rolex Submariner “Bluesy” 116613LB

There’s not a single WIS in the world that isn’t familiar with its calling – brushed bracelet, solid case, invincible movement and a black dial and bezel. Most call it, “the sports tool watch to own”. But what if we add a splash of blue… and some blocks of gold? Let’s find out. In focus,…
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01/05/2020
Owner Review: Orven De Luxe Super-Compressor

In the 1960s, Australian import duties on watches were high, lower on watch parts, this led to a number of companies bringing in cases and movements, assembling and rebranding them. Orven was one such company, based in Melbourne, they predominantly created dress watches for sale through independent jewellers. In much the same way that you…
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23/04/2020