Water Resistant Archives

January 26, 2023January 27, 2023

Review of The Orkina Watch Brand

Orkina watches. Ever heard of them? Orkina is a fairly new watch brand that is extremely affordable and has some excellent watch designs.

So how are their watches? Well, they vary. One thing is the watches are VERY cheap. So much so that they are great beginner watches to test out. Another great feature is that some are built with automatic movements. On the downside, some of the models by Orkina are cheaply made and use low-quality materials. That is what I am here for. To save the day! I am going to review the best watches, like the Orkina Skeleton which is definitely one of the top reviewed watches by Orkina. In this Orkina watch review, I will also mention watches that you may want to avoid.

Orkina Short History (somewhat)

Now the history of Orkina is not simple to find. Multiple searches on the web came up blank. From what I was able to find, I can see that the brand is a Chinese company, that makes very affordable watches. Because these watches are so cheap, it is easy to infer that the materials used are in fact, cheap. And that claim is true. Many reviews on Amazon, Google, Youtube etc.. have similar reviews from owners venting about the low quality of the Okrina watches. Not to say there are no positive reviews.

Many other people on Amazon express how much they enjoy their watches by Okrina and recommend them to others. I do have to say, if you are not in the market for expensive watches, or you are buying a watch for a child/teenager; Okrina may be the brand for you! My word of advice is to start off with Orkina to introduce yourself to the watch game. You can test out different designs and movements to see what works best for your style.

Orkina Top Watches

Today’s review will consist of multiple, higher regarded watches by Orkina. These will be watches that I do not mind recommending. I will end the review with a few watches to stay away from (solely my opinion).

Orkina White Dial “Sports”

I would be lying if I told you this is not an attractive watch. That alone is the main highlight of this watch and what makes it a top watch by Orkina.

Design

The design is great at first glance. Once the watch is on the wrist you can tell that it is not of the best quality. But, for the price, it looks great.

A gold 42mm case is complemented by a dark brown, genuine leather band. The bright white dial and gold Roman Numerals and hour markers plastered on the face. Protecting the dial is a mineral crystal. The hands-on timepiece appears as rounded arrows. Overall, the piece has a very classic, old-school watch. Because of this trait, it may not be the best choice for a younger child. In my opinion, the watch looks best in dress clothes, with a nice suit or light button-down. So Orkina sport is probably more suitable for an older crowd.

Durability

Not the best watch when it comes to durability, but also not the worst. The genuine leather strap is not known to last very long. The case is somewhat strong, meaning it can take a few bumps and bruises.

The mineral crystal can obtain scratches pretty easily, yet the scratches can be wiped away with little elbow grease. If deep scratches occur, mineral crystals are cheap to replace. When wearing outside, do not get this watch wet. It is not made to get wet. It can take some minor water damage (a few minutes in light rain) but not much more than that. For the price of the watch, the durability of this piece is not bad.

Movement

A Chinese, battery-powered, quartz movement runs this timepiece. A few reviews on Amazon claim that the watch keeps its time and gets the job done. That being said, that is what you should expect. A watch that stays within a few minutes each day. The accuracy is not something that should be expected when purchasing this watch.

Orkina Skeleton Watch]

Probably a favorite by the Orkina brand, the Skeleton is indeed an interesting watch.

Design

The design of this watch is what pulls many people in. And, well the price of course.

A white, transparent dial clearly shows the movement inside. The numbers and hands within the dial are gold, which goes well with the gold movement. The rest of the watch is made of a silver, stainless steel material. What makes this watch a top reviewed timepiece is the interesting dial and cool shapes inside. This is definitely a watch for both a younger and older crowd. It can easily be worn with any casual outfit.

Durability

Skeletons are pretty durable, right? Well, the same goes for this watch. Unlike the Orkina “sport” watch, this watch can actually take some heat.

Customers seem to be quite happy with the strength of this timepiece. The bracelet is bulky and large and can surely take on any drops or bumps. It also has a “water resistance” of up to 30m. I still would not recommend showering or swimming with this watch, but rain and minor exposure to water should be fine!

Movement

A mechanical, self-winding movement runs this timepiece. Pretty obvious, since you can see the movement straight through the dial. There seems to be a consensus that the watch keeps a great time for about 42 hours. Which is not bad for a mechanical movement. After the 42 hours pass, simply wind up the watch to get the time going again!

Orkina Rose Gold “Tourbillion”

Another transparent, skeleton for you.

Design

The Tourbillion definitely has a unique look to it. Rose gold is a great addition and matches well with the midnight black strap. At 40mm, the case is a great size to show off the insanely cool-looking movement.

With gold Roman Numerals placed around the dial and a gold crown appointed at the top of the dial, this piece sure looks like the definition of a fashion watch. This should be worn with a nice outfit and looks great with dark and light colors. When choosing an outfit with this watch, be creative. This is an interesting watch, which calls for a pairing of clothes that is unique and different.

One interesting feature of this watch, in particular, is the look of the bezel. it has a gold, monster truck tire looking insert, giving the watch an almost 3D look. This one feature adds a bit of distraction from the mechanical movement inside and brings the design together as a whole. I really do love it!

Durability

The “high-grade” synthetic leather is meant to sound like it lasts long but does not really do so. Fading and tears can appear somewhat easily, so this is a watch made for a more careful, older group of people.

As for the dial, it can last. The dial is built pretty strong and polished in a way that imperfections are not shown. Would I say that this watch meets the definition of durability? No. But in the right hands, of someone who is careful with their belongings, this watch can last for a little while.

Movement

Another mechanical self-winding movement here. Even when mechanical movements are not as great as a Rolex; I still prefer them to quartz. Just thinking that your watch is keeping time from winding it up a few times is mindbending, at least to those who don’t understand the complexity of watchmaking (me).

When it comes to the movement used in this piece, one word to describe it would be decent. It is the same Chinese movement as in the Skeleton and functions just as well, or not as well depending on your standards for a movement. Overall, depending on who this watch is for, it should be a good buy!

Some Watches to Avoid (based on Amazon customer reviews)

Now, this is not a topic that I usually cover when reviewing watches. But after reading multiple customer complaints, I thought it would be necessary to let my readers know which watches to buy and which ones to avoid. You can thank me later…

Orkina Silver Case

Multiple reviews claim that this watch had pieces fall off. I do admit, it does have a beautiful design. If you don’t mind a hand or two falling off, then go right ahead! Otherwise, go for the Orkina Skeleton

Orkina Colorful Nylon

This one looks like it should be on a clown. Not to talk down to the watch, but for the price, you are definitely better off with any other watch by Orkina. Plus many say this watch feels like a toy.

The Final Verdict of the Brand

Despite my criticism, Orkina does make some nice looking watch. And I mean, come on, these watches are the most affordable pieces that I have ever seen! How can you not want to even TRY one out? I, myself, own multiple expensive, high-quality watches and I even purchased an Orkina.

To conclude the article I will list the pros and cons of the brand as a whole. Hopefully, with this, you can decide which watch to take home and which ones to skip. One thing that I really have to say, is for such a cheap price, it is definitely worth a try buying one of these timepieces. Who knows? You, your children, your neighbor, or even your grandpa may love Orkina.

Pros

VERY, VERY affordable
Nice designs
Automatic movements (on some)
Durable bracelets (stainless steel models)
Unique designs

Cons

Cheap material
Synthetic leather bands
Chinese movements
Not always reliable

January 26, 2023January 27, 2023

Best Women’s Dive Watch

We’ve researched for hours on end to provide you with a few recommendations for the best women’s dive watch. When diving, it’s crucial to have information at the tip of your finger.

If you’re wondering whether a women’s dive watch is necessary or not, we may be able to give you some insight. Overall, the best women’s dive watch is the Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch. Why? Mostly because the price-point is very affordable and isn’t as expensive as other brands. Plus, the company ensures you’re not skipping on quality. Although it is the “mini” version, which may not be suitable for all divers.

As a water sports enthusiast, it’s essential to have a stylish yet reliable wristwatch on hand. Each of the watches on this list are beautiful watches. Not only do they work while you’re diving but can quickly transfer into the workplace or everyday life — no need to purchase a separate dive watch, as you can use it as your everyday wristwatch.

Alternatively, if you’re just looking for a men’s dive watches, then check out this article.

Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch

The Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch is the best women’s dive watch. The attractive and detailed watch face is incredible to look at and is specially designed to fit women’s wrists. It includes a slim 31 mm diameter outer case, which is perfect for diving and other daily activities. Even though it’s a “mini” version, you’re still getting all the enhanced features you’d find in a full-sized watch. Plus, there’s a large variety of colors to choose from, ensuring you’ll find one to your liking.

Elegant Design

The M1 Mini features one of the thinnest watch-faces on the market. The thickness is approximately 31mm and includes various features. Some of the features included is a rotary bezel, date window, luminous dial, and buckle closure. Each element is based on classic diver watch designs, ensuring you’re getting a stylish product. Lastly, the analog display includes marks for minutes, seconds, and the date.

Long-Lasting Precision

As for other features, the long-lasting precision ensures that the watch never lags behind in time. The main watch face includes Japanese quartz movement that’s been powered by a non-standard battery. Each clock consists of a battery length of at least two years at minimum and three at max.

Water-Resistant

All dive watches are waterproof, but this one includes a few enhancements. The dive watch has been rigorously tested to ensure that the device will still work even submerged at 200 m/660 ft. This makes it ideal for scuba diving, boating, or other types of watersports.

This not only makes it suitable for recreational diving but also everyday life. It doesn’t matter if you’re washing your hands, taking a dunk in the pool, or just walking in the rain – this watch can handle it all.

Comfortable

What makes this watch a step above the rest is the unique natural mini rubber band. It’s much smoother and softer than other materials, plus the size is suitable for women’s wrists. The rubber ensures that the watch stays on your wrist at all times, which is designed for all day use.

What Do We Think?

Overall, the dive watch includes many features any diver would be happy with. The watertight sealing helps prevent any accidents by keeping water out of the working parts. Plus, the battery replacements happen every 2-3 years. This helps avoid tinkering with the case to replace the battery and loosening the casing.

As for the watch face, there’s more information than other dive watches including a rotary bezel, luminous dial, and a date window. Plus, the multiple color and design options are what make this version stand out amongst many others. We’d say it’s well worth the investment and would even go as far to say that it’s the best women’s dive watch.

Invicta Mako Pro Diver Women’s Dive Watch

The next choice on our womens dive watch list is the Invicta Mako Pro Diver Women’s Dive Watch. If you’re looking for a stunningly detailed watch with all the features you need to succeed it in your dive, you won’t have to look far. The slim band is perfect for dainty wrists, and the case features a small 24.5mm design. These features make it lightweight, manageable and enable you to use it in everyday life.

Classic Nautical Design

When thinking about dive watches, you don’t exactly imagine a stunning silver and gold peice. Instead, you think of dark bland colors. However, the Invicta Mako Pro is designed to give classic nostalgia to the signature colors you’d find on any diver’s gear. The case itself is only the size of a quarter, or roughly 24.5 mm, which works well for small wrists. Plus, the long bracelet band is around 170 mm, but you can remove and adjust the band as needed.

Sturdy & Stunning Watchface

The watch face features Japanese quartz movements while also boasting an analog display. Beyond that, the screen is coated with an anti-reflective mineral crystal dial window to make it easy to read in all forms of lighting. Plus, the anti-reflective properties ensure that you’ll be able to read it above or below water.

Water Resistance

As with any excellent dive watch, the case must be fully waterproof. Each clock includes different levels of submersible, which can be useful depending on what watersports you’re doing.

The Mako Procan resist water levels of 330 ft, or approximately 100 m. This makes it suitable for recreational scuba diving, watersports, etc. Although, the company does suggest that you tighten the crown every time you set the watch, ensuring water won’t leak in.

What Do We Think?

It’s a stunning womens dive watch that can be used for watersports or other daily activities. When compared to others, it features higher quality materials such as stainless steel and a blue bezel. If you’re looking for a diving watch that’s not only accurate but also stunning, then this is for you.

Orient Automatic Women’s Dive Watch

The next on our list is the Orient Automatic Women’s Dive Watch. It’s an affordable priced automatic watch which has been specially crafted for female divers. With the affordable price range, you’re getting a steal with all the beautiful features, inducing the luxurious and stunning design. Plus, the textured wristband is crafted from sturdy urethane rubber, which is goth sporty yet comfortable.

Extremely Durable Case

The case is crafted using sapphire crystal, which is known to have high durability and scratch-resistant properties. Plus, the 32 mm thick stainless steel case can be put through rigorous everyday tasks and still hold its delicate design. If you’re looking for an all-around, watch that not only is water-resistant but can also last through daily life, you can’t go wrong with the Orient.

Automatic Movement

The watch is powered through automatic movement, which uses a self- winding Orient caliber 55742. This means that instead of relying on batteries or other energy sources, your movement will keep it functioning.

Why is this a huge benefit? Other cases require you to replace the battery, which can lead to water leaking in if it’s not placed correctly back together. Plus, the Orient also includes a clear backing, allowing you to watch the intricate mechanical movements.

Beautiful Design

With the fact that it’s been designed for women’s wrists, the watch face includes a beautiful design. Displayed is a luminous dial which includes contrasting hands. Each of these consists of both hour and day markers, along with an easy to read screen. The casing is made using anti-reflective sapphire crystals, which ensures you’ll be able to read it in any lighting conditions.

What Do We Think?

Compared to the others on the list, we believe that the Orient Automatic is an excellent choice for those looking for a more reasonably priced watch. Just because the price point is dropped doesn’t mean you’re skipping out on quality. It includes a very sturdy stainless steel casing. Plus, the rotating bezel is beautiful and provides you with more information than just the time.

Other than that the automatic movement can come in handy for those who don’t want to replace the battery. It ensures that the watch will always be working, plus you won’t have to pay for an excerpt to replace batteries or risk doing it on your own. This ensures that the case stays intact and that no leak ever happens.

What is the Best Womens Dive Watch?

Overall, the best women’s dive watch is the Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch.

Purchasing a dive watch for women can be a difficult task, as you want to make sure that the quality is superior. Picking a bad dive watch can not only ruin your scuba diving experience, but also lead to the watch becoming damaged.

To ensure that you’re getting a reliable watch, we’ve research hours on end to give you the top pics for women’s dive watches. However, if you find that you didn’t find a watch that you like, we recommend checking out our review for the Breitling Superocean 44 or the Seiko Dive Watch.

Just remember, when searching for womens dive watch it’s important to keep a note of two factors. The first factor is that is has a wristband that is designed for dainty wrists. If its a multi-gender or men’s dive watch, it will likely not fit and may fall off.

The second factor to keep in mind the different water-resistant levels. Some watches are suitable for deeper dives, while others are only good for diving on the water’s surface. Check what meter/feet the watch can withstand water to ensure it fits your needs.

January 24, 2023January 25, 2023

Best Seiko Dive Watch: Rounding Up Seiko’s Top Dive Models

A dive watch is a timepiece that’s designed to be worn while doing underwater activities like scuba diving. Although dive computers are more sophisticated in terms of features, dive watches are still popularly used as a backup. If you need a good dive watch, we have a roundup of the best Seiko dive watch that you can find in the market.

Seiko has been in the business of making quality watches for 130 years, and the brand has been releasing dive watches since the 1960s. While Seiko is not as popular as other larger luxury brands, they offer watches with excellent craftsmanship and come at a great price.

Seiko dive watches are solid options if you’re looking for a dive watch that won’t break the bank. With that said, let’s proceed to the list.

Best Seiko Dive Watch at a Glance

Best Seiko Dive Watch	Key Features	Our Rating
Seiko SSC017 Prospex	43 mm stainless steel case with Hardlex dial window, Solar-power bracelet, Black dial featuring luminous hands and markers, Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft), Three chronograph subdials	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Seiko SRP777 Prospex Turtle Automatic	Automatic, Self-winding capability w/ 21,600 vibrations per hour, Water-resistant to 200M, 3 fold push closure w/secure lock with extension, Screw down crown and caseback	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Seiko SKX007K2 Diver’s Automatic	Japanese Automatic movement, Powers automatically with the movement of your arm, Hardlex crystal, Water resistant to 660 feet (200 M)	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Seiko Prospex SRPC93 Save the Ocean Samurai	Stainless steel case, Automatic with manual winding mechanism, 200M water resistance, Unidirectional rotating bezel, 23 jewels, Stop second hand function	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Seiko SKX175 Automatic Dive Watch	Stainless steel case with Hardlex dial window, Automatic movement with analog display, Stainless steel bracelet with fold-over-clasp-with-safety closure, Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft)	★ ★ ★ ★
Seiko SRP639K1 Prospex	24 Jewels Automatic Movement (Caliber 4R36), Hackable Second Hand with Hand Winding Capability, Stainless Steel Case, Polyurethane Band, Hardlex Mineral Crystal, Water Resistant 200 M	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Seiko Dive Watch

1. Seiko SSC017 Prospex

The Seiko SSC017 Prospex Dive Watch captures the excellent balance of elegance and sportiness. This is why this versatile timepiece is our top pick for the best Seiko dive watch.

Versatile Dive Watch at a Great Price

If you are looking for a green and sustainable dive watch, look no further than the Seiko SSC017 Prospex. The watch is powered by solar energy and its mileage is amazing. With one full charge under the sunlight, the Prospex will run up to six months at a time.

The watch’s 44m case is constructed from stainless steel and comes with a matching bracelet. The bracelet features the standard fold-over clasp and double-push-button safety. At 44m, the watch may be a bit larger than some people would like. Plus, the 14mm height will give the impression that the watch stands too tall.

However, the size and height are never an issue as the watch still provided a comfortable fit.

I also love the black bezel with a splash of the blue from 12 to 3 o’clock. This design gives the watch its dive identity and adds a nice sporty element to it. There are also three subdials that show chronograph features. Seiko did a great job with the placement of the face elements without looking too cramped.

Whether you’re looking to buy a reliable but affordable dive watch or getting into the Seiko brand, the SSC017 Prospex comes highly recommended.

2. Seiko SRP777 Prospex Turtle Automatic

The Seiko SRP777 Prospex Turtle Automatic stands out as one of the most distinguishable dive watches I’ve ever seen. Underneath its unique appearance, it’s a great dive watch at an equally great price.

Eye-Catching Design

I know what you are thinking, “that is one bulky watch.” The Seiko SRP777 Prospex Turtle Automatic is actually a remake of the old dive watch 6309-7040, a super popular dive model a while back in the 70s. It became such a noteworthy model due to its bulky profile, thanks to its oversized lugs.

If you can get past the bulky appearance, there’s a lot of dive watch that’s being offered here.

Those who are familiar with the original will notice the drilled lugs which is a noteworthy improvement. Like the previous model, the SRP777 Prospex Turtle uses the Hardlex crystal to protect the dial. This provides the watch with respectable durability and makes it more suited to outdoor environments. The included LumiBrite technology is also a nice upgrade over the original.

The color combination of white and black looks great and makes the watch easier to read, even underwater. Although it looks rather bulky, it’s still a 4mm watch which is fairly average for some people. Still, users with smaller wrists may find it too big for their taste.

The vintage design and reliability of the SRP777 Prospex Turtle really seal the deal for me.

3. Seiko SKX007K2 Diver’s Automatic Watch

The Seiko SKX007K2 Diver’s Automatic Watch is one of the brand’s best-selling dive watch, and it’s easy to see why. Initially, I was interested in the watch due to the price but its value has definitely won me over.

An Instant Classic

The SKX007K2 earns the distinction of being one of the most affordable models on this list. However, don’t ever think that Seiko skimped in terms of performance or quality.

The watch features a 42mm which should fit just right for the average user. The case is made from stainless steel and comes with a unidirectional bezel. It’s a black dial watch with white numerals which makes it a breeze to read the watch while scuba diving.

The indices are fitted with a luminescent coating which is charged via sunlight. At low light environments, it basically becomes a glow in the dark watch. The watch is powered by the 21 jewel automatic caliber Seiko 7S26 movement which relies on the user’s arm movement.

As for the looks of the watch, this is about as classic as you can get with a Seiko watch. It has just the right amount of ruggedness but it still looks elegant. It’s a good watch to wear whether it’s a casual or casual dressy attire.

It looks and feels good to wear, an amazing value indeed.

4. Seiko Prospex SRPC93 Save the Ocean Samurai

We have another entry from the Prospex collection and I have to say, it’s one very good-looking watch. The Seiko Prospex SRPC93 “Save The Ocean” Samurai dive watch is an insta-buy if you like your dive watches in sea blue.

Cool as the Ocean Automatic Diver

The Seiko “Save the Ocean” collection is a collaboration with Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of the legendary French documentary filmmaker and oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The colors of the watch are supposed to represent the gradual darkening of the water as divers go deeper.

It’s really impossible to talk about this watch without mentioning the SRPC93’s striking dial. The color and the design of the dial is simply brilliant, and it’s one of those things that you have to see in person to really appreciate.

One cool detail is the wave-shaped striations on the dial. The pattern is not perfectly parallel or symmetrical but it’s more of an organic formation like the ocean. The sword minute hand and the arrow hour hand are also amazing details that really points to the theme of the watch.

If you missed out on the early “Blue Lagoon” collection of Seiko, don’t make the same mistake and pass on the “Save the Ocean” collection.

5. Seiko SKX175 Automatic Dive Watch

Even if you are not a fan of Seiko, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen its iconic “Pepsi” bezel on some of its models. Of course, the Japanese watchmaker won’t pass up the chance to use its classic bezel on one of its dive watches. This time, it’s the Seiko SKX175 Automatic Dive Watch.

Classic Pepsi Bezel on a Solid Dive Watch

The 42mm case is just the right size for a dive watch, nice and compact. As with the majority of Seiko dive watches on this list, the SKX175 comes with a stainless steel case and Seiko’s signature Hardlex crystal dial window.

The Pepsi bezel is unidirectional and it really stands out with its combination of the red and blue color scheme. This is a classic but still interesting bezel design. The dark blue dial provides a pleasant contrast to the red accents of the bezel. However, the numerals and the indices look rather too flat for my taste.

The watch is powered by the Japanese Automatic movement, the 7S26. This particular movement is widely used for Seiko’s lower-end models but it’s fairly rugged and reliable.

Overall, the Seiko SKX175 Automatic Dive Watch is an excellent entry-level dive watch for those who are in a budget.

6. Seiko SRP639K1 Prospex

The Seiko SRP639K1 Prospex is also fondly named as the “Yellow Fin” Baby Tuna. In case you don’t know, Seiko has a popular Tuna line and the SRP639K1 is definitely a worthy addition.

Best Yellow Bezel Dive Watch You’ll Get

This is the best Seiko dive watch for you if you’re in the market for a model with a yellow bezel. Sure enough, the main draw of this watch is the “bumblebee” inspired bezel color scheme.

The stainless steel shroud in combination with the black bezel with the white and yellow accents provide the SRP639K1 Prospex a unique aesthetic.

On top of the eye-catching design, the watch houses the dependable 4R36 Automatic movement. It’s not the best movement I’ll choose for this watch but it’s more than serviceable. However, keep in mind that it wears rather large and sits quite high on the wrist.

Best Seiko Dive Watch

This concludes our list of the best Seiko dive watch that you can buy. Hopefully, this guide has helped you choose the ideal Seiko dive watch that fits your needs.

January 22, 2023January 23, 2023

IWC Aquatimer Review: Does This Diver Live Up To Its Iconic Reputation?

Despite being an iconic brand, it was not until recently that I’ve come to appreciate what IWC has to offer. To remedy that, I will be doing an IWC Aquatimer review.

The Aquatimer Ref. 812AD was the very first dive watch released by IWC. The watch debuted with a bang and featured a timeless design – which is why it’s still being made today.

Is the Aquatimer Automatic still a worthy purchase today? Let’s find out!

IWC Aquatimer Review: At a Glance

For this IWC Aquatimer review, we will focus on the IWC Aquatimer Automatic Ref. 3290 which is the base model. As with most of my watch reviews, let’s first take a look at the key specs and features of the IWC Aquatimer:

Model:	IWC Aquatimer Automatic
Reference #:	392001
Case material:	Stainless Steel
Case diameter:	42 mm
Case height:	14.2 mm
Crown:	Screw In
Water resistance:	30 bar
Dial:	Black dial with luminescence
Movement:	30120 Calibre, Automatic, self-winding
Power reserve:	42 hours
Frequency:	Frequency 28800.0 vph (4.0 hz)
Strap:	Black rubber strap with IWC-patented quick-change system
Strap width:	22 mm
Features:	Mechanical external/internal rotating bezel with SafeDive system Date display Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides IWC bracelet quick-change system Central hacking seconds

It’s worth mentioning that there’s another model of this watch which is the IWC Aquatimer 329002. It’s virtually the same watch but with a stainless steel bracelet.

First Impressions

I’ve been interested in IWC as a brand for quite some time now. The best IWC watches are some of the most beautiful and functional timepieces available. So I didn’t pass up the chance to check out the iconic IWC Aquatimer.

When the watch arrived, I was pleased that it’s so much better than expected. The dial features a simple design but you can tell that a great deal of craftsmanship has gone into it. The black matte dial just screams elegance.

I am not a diver myself but I appreciate just how legible the dial is. Many people seem to have a problem with the minimal seconds hand but it doesn’t bother me that much.

One of my initial concerns about the Aquatimer is its rubber strap. However, I shortly realized that my concerns were unfounded. I opted for the rubber strap because I intend to add the Aquatimer to my casual day-to-day rotation, so the rubber strap is the obvious choice for its lightness. Fortunately, the quality of the strap is on-point.

The Aquatimer seems to have a bit of heft to it but it’s far from a bulky profile. My first impression is that I made the right choice with the Aquatimer, despite my initial concerns.

The Case

My Aquatimer Automatic came in a 42 mm stainless steel case and it’s about 14 mm tall. While the watch is marketed towards men, I do believe that the Aquatimer has the style and size that would look great when worn by some ladies.

After all, this Aquatimer model is the smallest watch in the IWC dive watch lineup.

Moving on, there’s not much to say about the stainless steel case except that it feels solid and robust. This is a fairly high-end dive watch and the case very well represents the luxury feel of IWC watches. One interesting design element of the case is the notched bezel (more on that later). These subtle notches are a plus for me and show IWC’s attention to detail.

The crown, crystal, and caseback are properly secured with gaskets – hardly a surprise when it’s a dive watch. The screw-in crown ensures that the watch can provide reliable water resistance. The Aquatimer has a water resistance rating of 300 meters (approx. 1,000 feet) which is nothing short of impressive.

The domed sapphire crystal protects the dial and has an anti-reflective coating on both sides. This ensures that the watch is legible at all times.

The Dial

I have always been a big fan of black dials, so opting for the black dial Aquatimer is a no-brainer. However, there are other variants of the 392001 such as the limited edition, Aquatimer Automatic Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau”.

The Aquatimer’s dial can only be described as clean and elegant. It still pretty much looks like the early IWC divers and you know what they say about things that aren’t broke.

Perhaps one of the first things you’ll notice about the dial are the oversized hour and minute baton hands. This gives an interesting contrast against the thin and minimal seconds hand. The markers for every 5 minutes are applied which gives an almost 3D-like effect. The date aperture is found at the 3 o’clock marker – pretty standard stuff.

The hour markers, bezel, and the hands are all coated with luminescent coating. I’ve tested the lume and I must say that it looks great even under total darkness. The glow of the dial is simply mesmerizing. I only hope that the glow lasts for a long while.

The Bezel

Undoubtedly, the most interesting part of the Aquatimer for me is the bezel.

All the Aquatimer timepieces are fitted with the patented “SafeDive” rotating bezel. As mentioned, the Aquatimer’s bezel is subtly notched which is a deliberate design decision. The notched design makes it easier to rotate the external bezel which works like a standard dive watch.

However, there’s another internal bezel or flange which showcases the diving scale. The internal bezel can only be rotated in counterclockwise direction. According to IWC, this ensures that even when the outer bezel is inadvertently rotated, the dive time will not be adjusted.

The 60-click bezel operation is utterly satisfying. Moreover, the clicky rotation adds a great deal to the adjustment accuracy. IWC has nailed its proprietary bezel design – very functional and easy to use.

The Movement

You can’t have an IWC Aquatimer review without talking about its movement.

The IWC Aquatimer Automatic is powered by the caliber 30120, a self-winding movement. It features 21-jewels, a date display, a central hacking feature, 28,800 vph (4Hz) frequency, and a 42-hour power reserve.

I must admit that I was slightly disappointed to find out that the Aquatimer doesn’t come with an in-house movement. Interestingly, the caliber 30120 is derived from ETA 2892. IWC gets the 2892 in kit form and performs the assembly themselves with some modifications/additions of their own.

However, I am not one to complain especially when the 2892 is a durable and easily serviceable movement. SO far, I have no problems with the accuracy but I intend to test it some more. Other than that, there’s not much to talk about as far as the movement goes.

Overall, despite the lack of an in-house movement, the Aquatimer has more than earned its worth through its other components.

The Strap

First and foremost, don’t knock the Aquatimer just because it comes with a rubber strap. The quality and design of the Aquatimer strap is about what you can expect from a luxury dive watch.

For starters, the rubber strap didn’t have any vanilla or rubber smell. The strap was manufactured to smell neutral which is something that I can get behind. This means that the rubber strap was well manufactured.

Furthermore, the strap features seven buckle holes and finding the right fit was a breeze. Once strapped i, the watch feels very comfortable and the rubber strap didn’t cause any irritation which I can’t say with other rubber straps.

Perhaps the best part of the strap is the quick change system. The interior end of the strap is outfitted with custom steel that snaps into the case. Attaching and re-attaching the strap is quick and convenient. However, this also means that you can only use IWC brand rubber straps.

Pricing

The price of the Aquatimer Automatic dive watch is just about right for the base model. If you choose to get the version with a steel bracelet, expect to pay about $1,000 more.

This IWC dive watch also comes in many other variants like the Aquatimer Chronograph and the super luxurious Aquatimer Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Edition “50 Years Aquatimer”.

The lack of a real in-house movement is disappointing at first but after wearing it for weeks, it felt like the asking price is more than justified. Other aspects of the Aquatimer is just so well done that you can easily forget its other flaws.

For professional divers, the Aquatimer might just be one of the best diving timepieces around. It doesn’t offer a whole lot when it comes to diving features, like a dive computer, but it does very well with what it can offer. Ease of use and legibility are top-notch. The luminescent coating should also serve you well when underwater.

Ultimately, the Aquatimer is more than worth it for the price.

Should You Get the IWC Aquatimer Automatic?

We wrap up this IWC Aquatimer review with my verdict. Is the IWC Aquatimer worth the investment?

Whether it’s for everyday wear or diving, the Aquatimer should serve you well. The watch boasts high-quality construction and excellent durability, making it ideal even for regular rotations. Also, numerous unique design elements make the Aquatimer stand out from other divers. The bezel and strap are my favorite parts.

It’s also a great-looking watch despite the fairly simplistic appearance. The overall look is clean, elegant, and iconic. The IWC Aquatimer Automatic is a worthy addition to any dive watch collection.

January 22, 2023January 23, 2023

Vostok Watches Review: Is This Russian Brand Any Good?

Microbrands excite me because they offer a wide range of watches that are not just high-quality but feature unique designs as well. As of late, I’ve been getting into microbrands and some of the best microbrand watches I’ve seen are truly stellar.

Vostok isn’t exactly your typical microbrand since it has been around since the 1940s. Based on their track record, their watches have every right to be called classics.

Today, we have a Vostok watches review for you. We’ll talk about the history of the brand, its pros and cons, and the best watch models.

The History of Vostok Watches

The Vostok Watch Makers, Inc. was founded back in 1942. This was made possible when one of the Moscow watch-making plants of the First Moscow Watch Factory was transferred to a small town called Chistopol. It’s interesting to note that the plants only made defense equipment during the war. However, once the war as ended, the company moved on to make mechanical watches.

However, the brand name “Vostok” was only used by the company in the 1960s. It was presumed that the name “Vostok” was derived from the Vostok space program. This is interesting because other soviet watches such as Poljot and Raketa are also named after space programs.

In 1965, the company was commissioned to be the official supplier of the Ministry of Defence of the Soviet Union. It was also the same year when the famous Komandirskie (“Commander’s”) watch was released. It wasn’t long before the creation of Amphibia, a stainless steel diving watch.

By the year 1980, the Vostok Watch Makers company was putting out 4.5 million watches a year.

At the turn of the 21^st century, Vostok has tried its hand in making luxury watches for the more affluent customers. In the year 2004, they began supplying movements to the Koliz Company of Lithuania, the makers of the Vostok Europe brand.

In 2010, Vostok filed for bankruptcy and their official site became inaccessible. However, the company was restructured and resumed making watches and movements.

Vostok Watches Review: Pros and Cons

Are Vostok watches worth your time and money? We outline what we love and don’t love about this timepiece brand.

What We Love

Great Colorful History

For a relatively unknown brand (at least in the U.S.), Vostok boasts a rich history. It’s not a brand that’s born out of a crowd-funding campaign (not a dig to crowd-funded watch brands), these watchmakers have a proper history and wartime heritage.

The company’s heyday was back in the 1960s and ’70s. Back in the days of the USSR, Vostok watches are some of the best timepieces that you can get.

Considering its rich history and being one of the most notable Russian brands, it’s a shame that it’s not more popular. But I guess that it’s good that they are still producing watches up to this day.

Original Designs

While the brand didn’t exactly spark a watch revolution, some of Vostok’s original designs are still respected.

A good example of this is the venerable Vostok Amphibia. The traditional way to build a dive watch is to manufacture the case, crown, and crystal – all with a static water resistance rating. The Amphibia’s design is different because the watch’s resistance actually improves as the pressure around it increases.

Central to this innovative design is Vostok’s caseback. Instead of the usual screw down caseback, Vostok utilizes a bayonet-style caseback with a threaded locking ring. Along with the large gasket, the watch can handle greater pressures as the depth increases.

For a more comprehensive explanation of Vostok’s design methodology, I highly recommend that you check out this post.

Daily Beater

Upon closer inspection, you can see that Vostok watches’ construction is different. The most obvious indicator of this is the crown. However, Vostok watches boast a solid feel that is comparable to some of the toughest G-Shock watches.

With that said, Vostok watches are excellent for daily wear. These are timepieces that you can wear without a care in the world – respectable beater watches indeed.

This brings us to the next point.

Budget-Friendly

When it comes to value for money, Vostok watches are hard to beat. Many people are calling them the G-shock of automatic watches.

And I tend to agree.

As I’ve mentioned earlier in this Vostok watches review, these timepieces are tough and rugged. For instance, my Amphibia has been with me for a long while and it’s still alive and kicking. Sure, it has plenty of wear-and-tear signs but it never stopped working.

It’s a good thing that Vostok timepieces won’t cost you an arm and leg. They’re not the best-looking watches out there but they’re high-performance and comfortable. Good value proposition.

What We Don’t Love

Quality Control Issues

When you purchase a Vostok watch and expect Rolex-esque quality control, you’re bound to be disappointed.

Despite the solid construction, many users are reporting about quality issues. For instance, one unit had a malfunctioning movement or downright inaccurate. Thus, you end up with a paperweight unless you have it serviced.

These inconsistencies seem to be quite common with all models of Vostok watches. If you can get a unit with a functioning movement, you’re in for a treat.

Not So Intuitive Design Elements

While Vostok had some pretty interesting design choices, not all of them is a home run.

One thing that I noted was the winding mechanism. I guess I was just spoiled with luxury watches but the winding mechanism of Vostok seems unintuitive and awkward. The crown is not that better too because it feels wobbly at times. Again, this can be attributed to the fact that Vostok watches have different construction than conventional watches.

Some of the design and construction elements do take a lot of getting used to.

Lack of Variety

If you love a brand that offers a wide range of watch models and designs, Vostok is not the brand for you.

At the top of my head, I can only name the Amphibian and Komandirskie when it comes to Vostok watches. Although both models offer many different iterations, the level of variety that I am looking for is just not there. I just wish that Vostok made more watches since they do cater to an interesting niche.

However, one can argue that having only a few models is a boon since choice paralysis becomes a non-issue. Coupled with Vostok watches’ affordable price tag, the level of entry for the brand is fairly low.

Best Vostok Watches

1. Vostok Amphibia Zissou

Movie and pop culture enthusiasts will recognize the Vostok Amphibia Zissou because it was worn by Bill Murray and the rest of Team Zissou in the quirky 2004 movie, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. For the uninitiated, the movie follows the story of the washed-up oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray).

Like the character Zissou, the Vostok Amphibia Zissou is a wonderfully quirky and budget-friendly dive watch. When I pulled it out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised at how good-looking it is. However, I was also taken aback at how small it is.

The nautical-themed dial is a winner in my book. The dial features a playful look without looking tacky. However, it does look flat and lacking in texture but that’s to be expected for a budget dive watch. The dial also features luminous markings but frankly, they’re quite poor.

The Vostok Amphibia Zissou is an excellent starting watch if you want to get your first mechanical model. I replaced mine with a NATO strap and it looks amazing.

2. Vostok Komandirskie

The Vostok Komandirskie (Командирские = “Commander”) is the shy big brother of the Vostok Amphibian. While it’s not as popular as the Amphibian, the Vostok Komandirskie boasts an interesting history and is well-loved by Russian watch collectors.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Komandirskie is its 24h dial. Instead of the usual 1-12 Arabic numerals, the dial features 2-24 numerals which is a unique design choice. In fact, this is the only watch I’ve seen that comes with a 24-hour dial.

Needless to say, it takes a lot of getting used to.

If you can get past the 24-hour dial, you have a pretty rugged and functional wristwatch. It does have some weird or downright unintuitive quirks like the bezel. Instead of the usual clicking action like with most watch bezels, the Komandirskie’s bezel rotates freely. I am just so used to the tactile feel of conventional bezels. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the bezel by accident.

Again, the Vostok Komandirskie is an excellent beater watch. Mine looks properly used with scratches and dings but still looks great.

3. Vostok Amphibia “Scuba Dude”

The Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude is not exactly a new model for this list. However, it’s also different from the other Amphibia model featured earlier.

The main selling point of the Vostok Amphibia Scuba Dude is that it’s available in many different case designs. I got mine in Amphibia Blue and it came with the “420” case. It’s basically a round polished steel case with shortened lugs but no crown-guards. There’s also other case variants like the 090, 710, and the 110.

There’s quite a bit of thickness to the case and some may find it a bit tall as well. This seems to be the case if you opt for the NATO strap.

In addition, the design of the dial is also quirky but less so when compared to the Amphibia Zissou. The off-beat, retro-infused aesthetic is certainly something that many collectors will appreciate.

Being a dive watch, the Amphibia Scuba Dude can perform in depths of over 200 meters. With a sub $100 price, this watch is a steal.

Vostok Watches Review: Are They Any Good?

We end this Vostok watches review with our recommendation.

If you are looking for a luxury watch that nails every aspect of the design and features, then Vostok watches isn’t up your alley. However, if you’re in the market for a cheap but durable watch with an interesting history, you should check out what Vostok has to offer.

Ultimately, Vostok is just a solid watch brand and their watches should be worthy additions to any collection.

January 21, 2023January 22, 2023

Citizen vs Seiko Dive Watches: Which Dive Watch Brand Should You Get?

In the 1970s, Japanese watchmakers have taken the world of the watch industry by storm. This was largely in part due to the Quartz Revolution and the world of watches was changed forever. Japan is famous for making some of the best bang-for-the-buck timepieces in the industry.

This is especially true when it comes to dive watches.

If you are in the market for a new dive watch that won’t break the bank, you’ll likely end up choosing watches from Citizen and Seiko. Both are Japanese brands and from the initial look, there’s plenty of similarities between the two dive watch brands.

Today, I have the unenviable job of comparing Citizen vs Seiko dive watches. Which dive watch brand is better? Let’s find out!

Citizen vs Seiko Dive Watches: Head-to-Head Comparison

Style and Design

When you look at both Citizen and Seiko dive watches, you’ll probably think that both watches look fairly similar. However, once you really observe the divers from both brands, you’ll see the distinct differences.

In general, Seiko divers tend to look more like the classic dive watches. For example, the Seiko Men’s SKX009K2 features the same design aesthetic as the classic Submariner. Many of their dive watches feature a vintage style and design but never looking outdated.

Also, the popular Prospex collection boasts the “land explorer” look with high legibility, sleek smooth design, and congested motion. It’s worth noting that the Prospex collection has many variants that are not limited to dive watches. Seiko also has the Seiko Grand collection for those who are looking for a more high-end watch.

On the other hand, Citizen also offers watches that have that unmistakable vintage design. However, unlike Seiko, Citizen seems to push the envelop more when it comes to its design philosophy. You can find many Citizen pieces that look more creative, experimental even.

When it comes to actual style and design, it’s hard to go wrong with either Citizen or Seiko. Both dive watch brands have models that look stylish and offer strong designs. At the end of the day, it will come down to your personal preference.

Construction and Durability

For construction and durability, Citizen vs Seiko dive watches can definitely go toe-to-toe with each other. For the crystals, Citizen tends to use mineral crystals while Seiko utilizes its patented Hardlex crystals. Both crystals are very impact resistant but I’ve found that both crystals are easily scratched.

For the materials, both dive watch brands don’t use precious metals (gold, platinum, etc.) for making the watches. Both brands use stainless steel for most of their dive watches which is not a problem at all. If you want a piece that uses precious metals, you might want to look into the Seiko Grand line.

Based on our tests, the bracelet of Citizen dive watches is better when compared to Seiko. This is hardly an extensive test but Citizen bracelets were more comfortable and durable than Seiko bracelets.

I’ve been doing some reading online and it seems that there’s an argument that Citizen has the upper hand in terms of production quality. However, there’s no definitive proof of this but I do know that both watches have a history of producing excellent quality watches for less.

Water Resistance

Of course, you can’t talk about dive watches without mentioning their water resistance rating. Which dive watch brand is the better diving tool? On average, I think that the two brands are fairly comparable with regards to water resistance rating. Both brands have models that can handle the standard 200 meters of depth. These dive watches are good for the average diver.

However, if you’re somewhat of a professional diver, Citizen has the leg up versus Seiko. Citizen has the Promaster 1000M Professional Diver which has a rating of 1000M/100Bar and perfect for serious scuba diving. Seiko also has a 1000 meter dive watch in the form of SBDX014G Marinemaster but it’s far more expensive when compared to Citizen’s offering.

Overall, both brands cater to a wide range of diving needs.

Features and Technology

When it comes to the best dive watches, I always check the illuminated hands. After all, you’re hundreds of meters down the ocean, so you want a watch that you can actually read – good illumination helps with that. In that regard, I think Seiko has the advantage over Citizen with the former’s LumiBrite hands/markers. It just works better, even in bright daylight.

In the matters of diving features, Seiko divers come with Kinetic and Spring Drive Technologies. The original Kinetic technology has been a point of success for Seiko but it does have some practical shortcomings. For instance, you need to wear the watch or oscillate in your hands to charge it. On the other hand, the Spring Drive movement melds the benefits of both automatic and quartz movements. It’s a mechanical movement with the accuracy of quartz.

On the flip side, Citizen uses Japanese quartz movement for most of its divers. There’s a couple of Citizen divers that also come with Atomic timekeeping which further enhances accuracy. However, the biggest advantage of Citizen dive watches is Eco-Drive technology. This technology powers watches from any natural/artificial light source and converts light to energy. That’s right, you won’t ever have to replace batteries with Eco-Drive timepieces.

For timekeeping and general features, Seiko has the upper hand when it comes to overall accuracy while Citizen comes out on top if you prefer a solar-powered watch.

Pricing

As mentioned, both Citizen and Seiko are known for affordable, high-quality dive watches. As far as pricing goes, Citizen and Seiko have very similar price ranges and both cater to a wide range of budgets. You can get a reliable dive watch with a $200-$300 price tag from both brands.

The main difference between the two is with the highest-end offering. The Seiko Prospex SBDX014G Marinemaster is available for $3,000+ while the Citizen Promaster 1000M Professional Diver comes with a $2,000+ price tag.

Best Citizen Dive Watches

1. Citizen BN0085 Eco-Drive

The Citizen BN0085 Eco-Drive is one of the best value dive watches that you can get from Citizen. It’s made from stainless steel with a textured dial and unidirectional gear-shaped bezel. The watch comes with a date window and luminous hands/indices.

There’s nothing too fancy here but it’s an Eco-Drive diver which means you don’t have to replace the batteries now and then. The BN0085 is a moderately-sized watch that keeps accurate time and offers some pretty great features.

2. Citizen BN0150-28E Eco-Drive Promaster

For starters, the Citizen BN0150-28E Eco-Drive Promaster is yet another bang-for-your-buck dive watch. It has a very simple design but has the inner workings of an excellent diver. It is water resistant to 660 feet, powered with Japanese quartz movement, and protected by mineral crystal casing. The BN0150-28E is a watch that’s useful in the ocean and the office.

This Promaster watch is a solid option if you’re looking for a dive watch that won’t cost you an arm and leg. It’s also a great gift for the upcoming holidays.

3. Citizen BN2029-01E Eco-Drive Promaster Aqualand

The Citizen BN2029-01E Eco-Drive Promaster Aqualand is highly recommended for those who are looking for a rugged dive tool. The BN2029-01E Eco-Drive Promaster Aqualand comes several great diving features such as the Rapid Descent Alarm, Auto-Start Dive mode, Max Depth Memory, and Depth Display.

Just by looking at it, you know that it’s a heavy-duty dive watch. Plus, it looks great as well although it might be a little too big for some people. The Aqualand is a great diving companion for both amateur and professional divers.

Best Seiko Dive Watches

1. Seiko Prospex SRPA21K1 Automatic

For a good dive watch under $500, the Seiko Prospex SRPA21K1 Automatic comes highly recommended. It really is a lot of watch for the price. You have the classic Pepsi colorway that just looks even better in person. With a depth rating of 200 meters (660 feet), it’s a solid diver for general use.

Seiko did a great job with the polishing on the case and bezel, giving the watch a more sophisticated look. The SRPA21K1 is a dive watch that you won’t mind wearing regularly.

2. Seiko Prospex SNE435P1 PADI Solar

The Seiko Prospex line is officially sanctioned by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Therefore, you know that you have a legitimate timepiece on your wrist. The Seiko Prospex SNE435P1 PADI Solar is a diving watch with serious pedigree and great price.

The SNE435P1 has a water resistance rating of 200 meters, making it a good fit for general diving purposes. This is a solar-powered watch and features a 10-month power reserve once it’s fully charged. It’s a bit on the bigger and thicker side but it’s hard to complain especially at this price point.

3. Seiko Prospex SRPC93 ‘Save The Ocean’ Samurai

Personally, the Seiko Prospex SRPC93 ‘Save The Ocean’ Samurai is one of the shining entries in Seiko’s Prospex line. In terms of comfort and wearability, it’s easily one of my favorite Seiko watches ever. The bracelet is solid and high-quality, and the reduced bulk made way for a better wearing experience.

It’s a good thing that the Prospex SRPC93 is also very stylish with its bright blue dial and knockabout body. The dial is just hypnotizing to look at, and it just begs to be worn in the water. Despite being a special edition Prospex, the SRPC93 can be yours for less than $500.

Citizen vs Seiko Dive Watches: Which One Should You Choose?

Finally, we’ve come to the end of the Citizen vs Seiko dive watches comparison.

So which one should you get?

Well, it depends on what you want from a dive watch. If you care more about watches with a classic vintage look, Seiko’s offerings should be a good starting point. Otherwise, Citizen has more watches with bolder designs.

As for the timekeeping and diving performance, both Seiko and Citizen are almost neck-to-neck. Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology is a big deal since you don’t have to replace the batteries. Seiko dive watches have interesting movement technology but the older ones have practical drawbacks.

Lastly, pricing is almost the same between the two brands unless you go for the higher-end models. In that regard, Citizen edges out Seiko when it comes to high-end model pricing.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with either dive watch brands. Both have a history of making high-performance dive watches at budget-friendly prices.

January 21, 2023January 22, 2023

Zelos Watches Review [In-Depth Microbrand Review]

If you’re a regular reader of Watch Ideas, you’ll know that I’ve been dipping my toes in microbrand watches. Whether it’s the over-fatigue from pricey luxury brands or just looking for something new, microbrand watches are worth checking out due to some very interesting timepieces.

Today, we’ll take a look at the Singaporean-based watch brand, Zelos. This brand has gotten my attention because unlike many microbrands, Zelos is not a brand that only knows how to make Submariner-inspired pieces that are dime a dozen these days.

For this Zelos watches review, we’ll talk about the brand’s origin, the pros and cons, and the best timepieces this brand has to offer.

About Zelos Watches

Like many humble beginnings of microbrands, Zelos Watches was made possible because of Kickstarter. Zelos launched 3 models on Kickstarter and each model comes with increasing success. The Zelos was founded in 2014 by a former mechanical engineer, Elshan Tang. He’s a watch collector himself and is always fascinated with watch movements and unique designs.

As mentioned, Zelos launched its first three models via Kickstarter. The first model, the Helmsman, has managed to get 273% of the goal funding. Next, the Zelos Chroma garnered 350% of the targeted funding. Lastly, the Abyss managed to acquire 650% of the funding which is nothing short of amazing.

One of the most notable things about Zelos is that it produces watches from non-standard materials such as bronze, titanium, meteorite discs, and more. Zelos also aims to provide timepieces with unique designs and construction with a price that won’t break a bank.

While the onslaught of microbrands might be sudden and prolific, Zelos is one of the few brands that really do stand out.

Zelos Watches Review: Pros and Cons

Are Zelos watches worth the investment? We enumerate the things that we love and we don’t love about this Singaporean-based microbrand.

What We Love

Remarkable Designs

Like I’ve said earlier, Zelos is not a brand that just tries to make Submariner-inspired timepieces. If that’s the case, I’m fairly certain that Zelos will remain a deeply obscured brand.

Zelos’ rise in popularity can be attributed to the brand’s non-traditional designs. For instance, despite the several conventions that a dive watch must adhere to, Zelos has found a way to stay unconventional. Sure, some Zelos watches that look conventional in design but for the most part, the brand did a good job of separating itself from the rest, design-wise.

Zelos’ use of non-traditional materials such as bronze, titanium, and Damascus has significantly cemented the brand’s design identity. For example, the use of a bezel crown made some of Zelos’ dive watches look like a vintage diving helmet. Another example is the Zelos Hammerhead which comes in five colorways that promote the 70’s-inspired diver aesthetic.

Another thing that stands out for me is Zelos’ attention to detail. Some of their models are brimming with intricate details, and a few to the point that it’s almost overdone. From here, you can really appreciate the watchmakers’ passion for horology.

Zelos has managed to shake up the world of microbrands due to its ever-evolving watch designs, and I’m in for the ride.

Diver Durability

When it comes to dive watches, durability comes with the territory. After, a dive watch is designed to withstand the harsh and grueling conditions of deep-sea diving. However, there are watch companies out there thinking that adding water resistance to their products automatically makes them a good dive watch.

Zelos is doing a great job of making dive watches that can actually be worn by professional divers. First, the brand uses high-quality materials for their watches. Thus, even if you’re not planning to dive anytime soon, you still have a watch that will serve you in a long time.

The level of construction in Zelos watches is worth mentioning as well. There are some models with some clunky components but in general, most Zelos watches offer the much-needed ruggedness and durability. The Zelos watches that I own feel weighty and secure. Overall, you just feel like they’re a reliable timekeeping tool.

Excellent Value

Initially, I was interested in Zelos due to their watches’ strong and unique designs. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that their watches are offered at reasonable prices. Many of their popular models are available for less than a grand and some lower-end models are available for about $300 or less.

Considering that many other independent watchmakers put out more expensive models with less quality, I believe that Zelos provides a great bang for any collector’s buck. To keep the price reasonable, Zelos had to cut some corners, most specifically with the watch movements. However, the actual quality of the materials and craftsmanship is definitely up there.

With the amount of quality that goes into Zelos watches, they can easily go into a few thousand when sold by a more prestigious brand. Even the accessories such as leather straps are cost-effective. With Zelos, you just know that you’re getting your money’s worth and more.

Great Selection

Unlike many indie watch brands these days, Zelos offers a healthy number of watch collections.

For the most part, Zelos specializes in making high-quality dive watches. Its dive watch collection is impressive, from the old Helmsman series to the bigger and badder Great White collection, you’ll have no shortage in terms of choices.

As of this writing, there are 12 different collections in Zelos’ active lineup of watches. Each of the collection offers about 7-8 watches on average, with many different colorways and bezel designs. The wide variety of Zelos watches is something all watch collectors can appreciate.

What We Don’t Love

Movements Could Be Better

Zelos mainly uses ETA or Miyota movements for their watches. This is hardly a surprise considering that Zelos watches are less expensive than similar models. If Zelos starts using complex mechanical movements for their watches, the prices will skyrocket.

This isn’t exactly a bad thing but if you’re looking for something intricate and complex, you won’t find it with Zelos watches. They do use some noteworthy ETA movements such as the ETA 6498 but they’re not exactly common.

Zelos Watches are Big

Zelos only makes big watches.

If you’re looking for a 40mm dive watch, Zelos is not the brand for you. The brand aims to provide heavy-duty tool watches and making them big and bulky comes with the territory. Customers with smaller wrists will find these watches too unwieldy.

Fortunately, there’s a smaller dive watch called the Zelos Mako Diver which comes at 40mm with a lug-to-lug length of 46mm. It’s still pretty big but it’s a good option for those who are looking for something smaller.

Availability Issues

Making this Zelos watches review has been a challenge, mainly because their watches are not exactly easily available. Even places like Amazon only sells a few Zelos models. If you like Zelos watches and you want to buy one, you might out of luck.

Aside from brick and mortar stores located in Singapore and Hong Kong, there are only a few dealership websites that sell Zelos watches. Even the official Zelos websites have very limited stocks and most models are sold out. If you’re in the U.S., you can try your luck in places like the TheMicrobrandStore.

Best Zelos Watches

1. Zelos Swordfish

Named as one of the fastest fishes in the ocean, the Zelos Swordfish is a great introductory watch for would-be Zelos enthusiasts. Like many Zelos dive watches, the Swordfish is an intriguing model with robust specs.

For your information, there are two different versions of Swordfish. One comes with the NH35 movement, a proven Seiko movement and the one that comes with the ETA 2892 movement. The only significant difference between the two is that the ETA variant features a date complication.

The Zelos Swordfish impresses with its solid feel, excellent dial details, and ease of wear. The Swordfish dial features amazing details and a brushed surface. It’s just an interesting diver with a high-level presentation.

Most Zelos Swordfish watches are available for around $300+ except for the meteorite versions that can go up to $800.

2. Zelos Abyss 2

The Zelos Abyss 2 is a tank of a diver. This timepiece is cased in bronze, features a twin-crown, and powered with a Swiss automatic movement. As its namesake implies, the Abyss 2 is a bronze sea-monster that’s capable of going down to 3,000 meters of pressure.

The Abyss 2’s water resistance is completely ridiculous and unnecessary, yet it’s an awesome flagship feature. Under 3,000 meters of depth, you’ll definitely find yourself in the ocean’s dark abyss. You are probably asking, why? Zelos watchmakers will probably answer, “why not?” Zelos engineered the Abyss 2 because they can and it’s a badass thing to do.

As you might expect, the Abyss 2 is a massive solid block of metal at 51.5mm lug to lug length and 19mm thickness. It uses marine-grade CUSN8 bronze and it generates a beautiful patina over time.

It’s a proper sea-monster of a watch.

3. Zelos Skyraider

The Zelos Skyraider is one of the latest offerings from this microbrand. The Skyraider is interesting because it’s a highly legible Flieger watch and is a tribute to the A-1 Skyraider, a propeller plane by the U.S. Air Force during WW2.

The Skyraider comes in two different models: CUSN8 bronze or GR5 titanium. The warm patina of the bronze model elicits a warm feeling while the titanium gives off a contemporary, lightweight feel. I love the Skyraider’s dial with its detailed engravements and beautiful, clean lines. You can also get a version with skeletonized dial that reveals the inner components and the handwound ETA 6498 movement.

Overall, the Skyraider is a fairly unique Flieger watch with a refreshing twist.

Zelos Watches Review: Are They Any Good?

As per usual, we end this Zelos watches review with a verdict.

Are Zelos watches worth checking out? That’s a big yes! Zelos has done a great job of separating itself from other indie watch companies. The brand features some truly interesting and bold designs.

In particular, I love the dive watches from Zelos because they truly look and feel like diving tools but features impeccable style.

In terms of value, Zelos also doesn’t disappoint. The most expensive Zelos will only cost you around $2000 which is not bad at all, considering the actual quality of the watches.

If you’re looking to get into microbrands, Zelos watches are a great starting point.

January 20, 2023January 21, 2023

Tissot Watches Review

Popularity spanning well over a century and a half, Tissot watches have adorned the wrists of royalty, actors, and sports stars. With a rich history and quality watches, Tissot continues to dominate its industry. We’re going to look at the Tissot Watches review and its greatest qualities through a few of their watches. That way, you can decide if a Tissot watch should find its home on your wrist.

Tissot’s Tech

Tissot has been at the forefront of many great watch revolutions throughout its history. Among the first to follow the path of smartwatches, in 1999 Tissot released its first T-Touch watch. It had a touch screen and a combination of an analog and digital face. Tissot has continued to advance its technology, producing more T-Touches, like this T-Touch Expert Solar—a beautiful example of Tissot’s touch technology.

T-Touch Expert Solar

This Tissot Men’s T-Touch Expert Solar watch has a lot of features in a compact but beautiful package. The case is 45mm in diameter and made with black titanium. The strap is black rubber and the movement is Swiss-Quartz. The greatest features, however, revolve around the pioneering aspects of Tissot’s technology.

This watch is not only touch-screen but is also powered through solar energy. The watch has many functions as a chronograph, which include a timer, compass, alarms, and more. It also has a calendar with day, date, and month information. The hands and markers are luminescent for easy visibility even in the dark.

Additionally, the watch is durable and will allow the wearer to enjoy it in many conditions. The sapphire crystal window is scratch-resistant and the watch itself is water-resistant up to 330-feet, meaning it can be worn while swimming, snorkeling and showering but not while diving.

Users love the durability of this watch, along with the visibility of the dial’s information. One customer also loves that while it may look large, the watch is light and comfortable to wear so that one barely realizes it’s on. Overall, for anyone who likes to have a high-tech watch that will accompany them in many settings, Tissot is a great go-to. Its technology and quality allow for flexibility and reliability. The T-Touch Expert Solar encompasses Tissot’s footprint in watch technology.

Pure Elegance

Along with great technology and quality, Tissot also produces elegant pieces. For both men and women, Tissot’s watch designs can be perfect for everyday tasks, work, and as a luxurious accessory for an elegant night out.

Tissot’s watches allow for luxury in a neat, delicate, and stylish way without being overwhelming. One of the best samples of these watches is the Tissot Femini-T Mother of Pearl Dial ladies Cream Leather Watch—a slender, beautiful piece.

Femini-T Mother of Pearl

The Femini-T Mother of Pearl watch is a great example of a dress watch that is adaptable but has many striking features. The dial is a mother of pearl and the 22.58mm case is made of PVD stainless steel with a rose gold color. The hands are also of a rose gold-tone. The band is made of white leather. The analog display has quartz movement and the watch is resistant to water up to 30 meters. The watch is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window.

The real attraction to this watch is in the priceless detail, which includes diamond hour markers at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. The rose gold tones, mother of pearl dial and the diamond markers all come together in a watch that, from afar seems simple, but up close is pure elegance.

Classic Tissot Watch

Not everyone wants a watch that overwhelms them with a myriad of information on a small dial. Nor do they always want a watch with glints of diamonds. Sometimes, they want a traditional wristwatch with a style that compliments their own, which they can wear through any major events in their lives—be they promotions at work, a party with friends, their wedding, or a fun hike. A traditional wristwatch is a classic addition to many a wardrobe and Tissot has plenty of great options, including the aptly named:Tissot Men’s Tradition.

Tissot Men’s Tradition

The Men’s Tradition watch has a clean and adaptable style. With a large dial that makes it easy to read the stylish face, this watch wants to make its wearer’s life as easy as possible with its simple style.

The stainless-steel case is large with a diameter of 42mm. The band is of leather calfskin. The display is analog with Swiss quartz movement. The dial itself is a beautiful black guilloché and is protected by a scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal window.

The open and simple dial is the best part of the watch with its chic Roman numeral and stick indexes. There is also a barely-there date display window. Users love the easy-to-read and classic style. Overall, this is a great example of Tissot’s more flexible traditional watch options.

Creating unique watches for over a century

Tissot created many watches that were unique in appearance and also very unique in the ways they were made. Tissot created a RockWatch made of granite in the eighties and it was followed by the Pearl Watch and the Wood Watch. Tissot’s creativity wasn’t limited to the second half of the 20^th century, though. Contrary to what many would expect a quality watch of the early 1900s to look like, Tissot produced a funky rectangular watch—later called “banana” because of its long design in 1916.

The watch features warped-looking numbers. The watch was very popular in Russia during the pre-revolution time. This popular watch is mimicked in the Heritage Banana Centenary, a reminder of Tissot’s creativity and continued popularity through the decades.

Tissot Heritage Banana Centenary

This Heritage Banana Centenary, a fun homage to a Tissot classic, is great for anyone who wants a watch that draws attention. The rectangular gold-tone stainless steel case is 49mm in diameter. The dial is analog with easy-to-see hands. The strap is brown leather with gold-tone touches that match the case and bezel.

The clear stars of the show are the numbers on the champagne-colored dial. The numbers are of all different sizes but are still clear and easy to read. Fashion doesn’t come in the way of this watch’s purpose. There are also minute markers around the inner ring of the dial. They are small and elegant within the shadow of the bigger-than-life hour markers.

This watch is not for the faint of heart. It draws in the eye and provides a fun way to tell time along with paying respects to Tissot’s continual watch creativity and great overall history.

Tissot History

Tissot was founded in Switzerland by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot in 1853. When the younger Tissot went to Russia, he introduced the brand to the entire empire. Tissot even delivered a watch to the last Czar of Russia, Nicholas II in 1904.

Tissot grew in popularity in the world of sports timekeeping for skiing during the mid-20^th century. Its presence in the sports world only grew. Throughout its history, up to modern times, Tissot has been prevalent in the world of sports, timing many world championships like those in cycling and ice hockey.

In 1930, Tissot merged with the company Omega in order to form SSIH, which later merged with ASUAG, evolving into the Swatch Group. Post—World War II, Tissot continued to grow and evolve.

Tissot has had many great landmarks throughout its history. A few of the more notable landmarks include releasing the first pocket watch that had two time zones, the first anti-magnetic watch, and Tissot’s first T-Touch watch, which really put Tissot on the map in modern times. Tissot has also been worn by many celebrities and can be seen in major movies in the last few years

Tissot began small, like many great watch companies. But it continued to grow throughout the years, making its mark in modern society, major sports, movies, and even in royal Russian history.

Final Thought

Tissot is a quality brand that has only continued to prove itself through the years. With its adaptable style, almost anyone can find a Tissot watch that will work for them. Throughout its history, Tissot has reliably produced elegant watches for men and women. Additionally, most Tissot watches are reasonably priced. With Tissot, you can find a quality, a great history, and a good price. What’s not to like?

January 20, 2023January 21, 2023

Best Hiking Watch Under $100: Budget Timepieces for Outdoor Junkies

Are you in the market for the best hiking watch under $100 to fit your rugged, outdoor lifestyle?

The right hiking watch must be tough enough for the harsh outdoor conditions. Of course, it also needs to have features such as an altimeter, barometer, compass, GPS, and many others – features that will improve your hiking experience as a whole.

You are probably thinking, “aren’t hiking watches, expensive?”

Sure, there are many high-end outdoor watches like the Suunto Traverse Alpha that can cost several hundred dollars. However, there is no shortage of budget-friendly watches for hikers of all skill levels.

Today, we have a list of the best hiking watch under $100.

Best Hiking Watch Under $100	Key Features	Our Rating
Casio SGW-1000-1ACR Triple Sensor	Altimeter, Barometer, Digital Compass, 100m water resistance, LED Backlit, 5 Daily Alarms, and 1 Snooze Alarm, Quartz movement, World Time	★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Timex T49612 Expedition Shock	Shock Resistant to I.S.O. Standards, Digital Compass, Durable Resin Case, Indiglo Light-Up Watch Dial, Water resistant to 200m	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Casio SGW100-1V Twin Sensor	Easy-to-read digital display, Digital compass, Protective mineral crystal, Precise quartz movement, Water resistance up to 660 ft, Alarm and stopwatch functions, Thermometer	★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Sunroad Outdoor Sports Watch	ABC features, Sunrise and Sunset Times, Thermometer, Log Record, Clock, Stopwatch, World Time, 160 Ft/50 M water resistance	★ ★ ★ ★
Timex Expedition Grid Shock	Shock resistant to I.S.O. standards, Stainless steel top plate, Stopwatch, Countdown timer, Vibration alarm, Hydration alerts, Water resistant to 100m	★ ★ ★ ★
Lad Weather Outdoor Watch	Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Track Mode, Power Saving Mode, Thermometer, EL Backlight, Stopwatch, Alarm	★ ★ ★ ★

Best Hiking Watches Under $100

1. Casio SGW-1000-1ACR Triple Sensor

When it comes to tough as nails outdoor watches, there’s plenty of options from Casio. If you want a durable ABC watch that won’t break the bank, the Casio SGW-1000-1ACR Triple Sensor is an easy recommendation.

A No-Fuss ABC Watch

The Casio SGW-1000-1ACR is an outdoor watch that just works. It’s a triple sensor model so it features an altimeter, barometer, and a digital compass. For the most part, I am happy to report that these main features work well.

The compass is accurate and can go several days without any recalibration. The watch also displays the temperature and barometric pressure with fair accuracy. However, the altimeter could use a bit of work. There’s a bit of a learning curve for operating the ABC features but once you get the hang of it, it becomes rather painless.

This watch boasts the signature Casio ruggedness and dependability. It is waterproof to 100 meters, so you don’t have to worry about the rain when you’re outdoors. The watch face is very easy to read regardless of the lighting conditions. When it’s dark, you can simply toggle the illumination and you’re good to go.

For the price point, this watch offers incredible value.

2. Timex T49612 Expedition Shock

I love a good rough and tumble digital watch that can take a beating. The Timex T49612 Expedition Shock is a popular outdoor watch and good reason.

Well, mainly because it’s the best hiking watch under $100 with loads of features.

Take a Licking and Keep on Ticking

Does anyone remember the old Timex advertising slogan? The Timex Expedition Shock embodies that tagline and then some.

The watch is shock resistant to I.S.O. standards and is designed to withstand any outdoor test. Whether you are hiking, camping, or backpacking, this is the type of watch that you would want on your wrist. However, it’s tough and stylish enough that anyone won’t have any problem wearing this as an EDC watch. The durable resin case does a great job of protecting the face.

Just to be clear, this is not an ABC watch but it does come with a digital compass. The compass works well but it does require a good deal of calibration. However, I suggest that you only utilize the compass for direction and orientation. The compass is not accurate enough to be used for navigation.

The face is fairly large with a negative display. There are many complaints about the legibility of the face but for me personally, it’s just right. The only downside that I can think of is that the nylon strap is very prone to breaking off.

Whether you’re looking for a hiking timepiece or simply a tough EDC watch, the Timex Expedition Shock comes highly recommended.

3. Casio SGW100-1V Twin Sensor

Casio is truly a contender when it comes to high-utility watches that don’t cost an arm and leg. The Casio SGW100-1V Twin Sensor is a tough hiking watch that cost less than $50. It doesn’t have that many advanced features but it’s a watch that will serve you well during your hiking trips.

Great Looking Watch in a Durable Package

For starters, the Casio SGW100-1V looks great with a standard sports watch design. Thus, many of you will have no problem wearing it on a daily basis. The digital display is big and very easy to read and shows the day, date, and month.

What makes the Casio SGW100-1V great for hiking is certainly the compass. The compass is very accurate provided that you will spend a bit of time with the calibration. Use the watch in conjunction with a map and you already got your navigation needs covered.

It also comes with a thermometer but I found myself not using it at all. The watch utilizes the back plate for temperature readings which makes it inaccurate if you’re wearing it. If you want accurate temperature readings, you’ll have to strap the watch to your belt loop or backpack.

Despite some glaring drawbacks, the Casio SGW100-1V is a high-performance outdoor watch in a durable package.

4. Sunroad Outdoor Sports Watch

The Sunroad Outdoor Sports Watch is the perfect cheapish ABC watch if you don’t have the budget for Suunto Cores. While you certainly can’t expect high-end features and quality from this model, it’s the best hiking watch under $100 that’s worth the look.

Multi-function Timepiece for Hikers

At first glance, you’ll see that the design of the Sunroad Outdoor Sports Watch looks to be lifted from the Suunto Core, especially with the case and the band.

However, the similarities end there.

One of the biggest differences is that the Sunroad watch features separate buttons for accessing the ABC features. I’d say it’s quite similar to the Casio ProTrek series. To switch between the altimeter, barometer, and compass features, you need to press the Mode button.

After calibration, the Compass mode of the Sunroad works quite well. Unlike the Suunto Core, the compass still appears to be working while the backlight is enabled. For the Barometer mode, the watch shows the barometric, graph, and ambient pressure. Much like the compass, the barometer manages to impress. When toggling Altimeter mode, the altitude will be displayed in the middle while the time is displayed on top of the face.

For a budget ABC watch, the build quality of the Sunroad is surprisingly decent. Definitely worth the price if you’re looking for a cheap Suunto Core alternative.

5. Timex Expedition Grid Shock

For another best hiking watch under $100, we have another model from Timex. The Timex Expedition Grid Shock is a solid timepiece for those who often well, go off the grid. It’s another Timex model so you can expect legendary reliability from this watch.

Best for Beginner Hikers

The Timex Expedition Grid Shock is a solid option for beginners since it focuses less on navigation and more on the smaller features. Like with the previous Timex watch, the Expedition Grid Shock features a shock resistance that’s in compliance with the I.S.O. standards.

Yes, it’s a watch that can once again take a beating.

Once you get the watch, you’ll be surprised that it’s a little larger than you thought it would. That’s certainly the case with me. If you have smaller hands, the size of the watch might be an issue. I highly recommend that you check the specs and decide if this watch’s size is right for you.

The digital display looks crisp, clear, and very readable. The Indiglo backlight provides just the right amount of brightness without blurring the display.

One of the main reasons that I bought this watch is the vibration feature. Once set, the vibrations coming from the watch is very noticeable. The vibration function works well with the watch’s hydration feature.

Overall, the Expedition Grid Shock is a very basic watch but it’s a reliable, comfortable, and best of all, affordable timepiece.

6. Lad Weather Outdoor Watch

The Lad Weather Outdoor Watch is an ABC watch from a rather obscure brand. However, don’t let that scare you because this watch offers incredible value and is an amazing compass watch.

A Budget-Friendly Full-Featured Activity Watch

The Lad Weather Outdoor Watch stands out because it’s more than an outdoor watch since it’s also an activity tracker. Fitbits and Garmins can be expensive, so this watch is a good alternative.

The watch features a negative display which is just the way I like it. The watch is easily readable even under bright lights. For darker lighting conditions, it features a backlight that works great.

As I’ve mentioned, the watch comes with an excellent compass. Once calibrated, I was surprised by its accuracy and it’s easily comparable with a magnetic field compass. The graphic display for the compass is one of the best I’ve seen in an ABC watch. The compass even works at night. Unlike most ABC watches, the compass continues to work even when the light is on.

It’s certainly one of the best budget ABC watches that you can get.

Hike With Confidence

That concludes our list of the best hiking watch under $100. Regardless of your needs, the watches we’ve highlighted boast a good balance of quality and cost-efficiency. With these budget hiking watches, you can now hike with confidence.

In case you are looking for a higher-end watches for hiking, you may read our review of the best Garmin watch for hiking.

January 20, 2023January 21, 2023

Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus: Which Multisport GPS Watch is Right for You?

Garmin tactix charlie vs fenix 5x plus review

If you are looking for a multisport GPS watch, it’s hard to go wrong with Garmin. Some of the best GPS watches and fitness tools I’ve seen came from Garmin.

Serious fitness enthusiasts and outdoorsmen will require a premium GPS timepiece for training and while out on the field respectively. For today, we’ll take a look at two recent premium GPS watches from Garmin.

For this head-to-head review, we’ll compare the Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus. Which premium multisport GPS watch is right for you? Let’s find out.

Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus: Specs Comparison

Model:	Garmin Tactix Charlie	Garmin Fenix 5x Plus
Lens Material:	Domed Sapphire Crystal	Domed Chemically Strengthened Glass or Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material:	Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) Coated Titanium	Stainless Steel or Titanium
Case Material:	Fiber-Reinforced Polymer With Titanium Rear Cover	Fiber-Reinforced Polymer with Metal Rear Cover
Strap Material:	Silicone	Silicone, Leather or Titanium
Physical Size:	51 x 51 x 17.5 mm	47 x 47 x 15.8 mm Fits wrists with the following circumference: Silicone band: 163-249 mm Leather band: 166-229 mm Metal band: 166-242 mm
Display Size:	1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter	1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter
Display Resolution:	240 x 240 pixels	240 x 240 pixels
Display Type:	Sunlight-Visible, Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (MIP)	Sunlight-Visible, Transflective MEMORY-In-Pixel (MIP)
Weight:	90 g	86 g Titanium version: 76 g
Battery Life:	Smartwatch mode: Up to 12 days GPS/HR mode: Up to 20 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 35 hours	Smartwatch: Up to 12 days GPS: Up to 18 hours GPS and Music: Up to 8 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 42 hours
Water Rating:	10 ATM	10 ATM
Memory:	16 GB	16 GB
Connectivity:	Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi	Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi
Smartphone Compatibility:	Android, iPhone	Android, iPhone

Garmin Tactix Charlie Review

Back in 2018, the Garmin Tactix Charlie was released – a fitness watch that has more features than you will ever need. The Tactix Bravo is a beloved fitness watch and many were looking forward to the Tactix Charlie. Based on my experience, the Tactix Charlie is a worthy update to the Bravo.

Design and Construction

This third generation Tactix watch doesn’t look that much different from the Bravo. The rugged construction is still the primary design selling point of the Tactix Charlie. The Tactix Charlie truly looks like a proper tactical watch that will not look out of place on a SWAT team’s wrists.

Fortunately, the Tactix Charlie doesn’t only look the part, it’s built to be the toughest watch in Garmin’s arsenal.

The main draw of the Charlie is the Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated titanium material. With the DLC material, the Charlie is more resistant and durable than the Fenix 5X. While the DLC delivers in terms of toughness and robustness, it’s surprisingly a lightweight material.

The Charlie also features stainless-steel buttons, black titanium rear cover, and domed sapphire lens. These top-of-the-line materials help the Tactix Charlie a true outdoors GPS watch. This is the type of watch that you can wear regardless of outside conditions. Well, after all, it’s a GPS watch that’s designed for tactical purposes.

The 1.2-inch display does a great job of making things readable, even under the bright sunlight. This is a fairly large watch with a large display. For a watch that offers a ton of functionality, I won’t have it any other way.

Comfort and Wearability

When it comes to comfort, the Tactix Charlie doesn’t disappoint.

The watch comes with an all-weather black silicone band and is QuickFit™ compatible. The band feels comfortable even when things get a little moist. However, I was disappointed that you can’t swap the band with a NATO strap out of the box. It would be neat if it did come with another type of strap.

Weighing at 90 grams, the Charlie does have a bit of weight to it which is not surprising at all. This is a feature-heavy GPS watch with tons of features, so be aware that it has some bulk and weight. However, Garmin did a great job of keeping things lightweight despite the tactical nature of the Charlie.

As for the battery life, the Charlie offers up to 12 days in Smartwatch mode, 20 hours in GPS/HR mode, and 35 hours in UltraTac mode. This makes the Tactix Charlie equal to Fenix 5x in battery life but slightly less than the Bravo. The addition of the optical Heart Rate Monitor is the likely culprit here.

Just to be clear, the Charlie is not a touchscreen watch. While I do like touchscreen watches, they won’t make sense for an all-weather unit like the Garmin Tactix Charlie. With a 5-button navigation, operating the watch is easy. There’s a bit of a learning curve but if you have used the Bravo before, you’ll know that they are very similar in operation.

Features and Software

This is the meat of the Garmin Tactix Charlie. This is where the majority of your big bucks go.

For navigation, you can use the built-in GPS/GLONASS and the TOPO maps or the compass. Garmin is a world-leading brand in GPS devices, so you can expect the same level of quality as the Charlie. It’s also a proper ABC watch with altimeter, barometer and a 3-axis compass.

The full-color TOPO map is easy to follow and is preloaded into the watch. You can easily map your route and receive at a glance information while you’re training or on the field. The navigation aspect of the Charlie certainly lives up to Garmin’s standard.

As an activity tracker, Charlie offers plenty of options as well. As expected, the Charlie is loaded with advanced performance monitoring capabilities to help maximize your training. The new anaerobic training effect metric is pretty neat as it gets you an in-depth insight into your training and helps pinpoint the areas that need improvement.

Of course, you can’t talk about the features of Charlie without mentioning the Wrist-Based HR. The watch comes with the Elevate wrist heart rate technology. However, the heart rate monitor is perhaps one of the lowest points of the Tactix Charlier. After multiple tests, I find the HR monitor to be quite erratic and sometimes, a bit laggy. It simply can’t compare to HR monitors with chest straps.

Garmin Fenix 5x Plus Review

The Fenix GPS multisport watches are some of the best fitness smartwatches on the market. The Fenix 5x is one of my favorite GPS watches and the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus looks to be an even better iteration.

Design and Construction

The Garmin Fenix watches are known for their big and bulky profile – the Fenix 5x Plus is no exception. Measuring at a whopping 51mm and weighing 86 grams, the Fenix 5x Plus is about 50% larger and twice as heavy as the Apple Watch Series 3.

That’s one way of saying that there’s no discreet way to wear the Fenix 5x Plus. Sure enough, you’ll get plenty of comments about how massive your watch is.

Despite its large profile, the watch still looks stylish. The black stainless steel bezel adds a sleek aesthetic to the watch. It looks good enough for daily wear. The black silicone band complements the rest of the watch and it’s easily interchangeable as well.

One of the highlights is the color sapphire display which does a great job of warding off scratches. Like the Tactix Charlie, the display is easily readable in sunlight. I’ve been wearing the watch during workouts and the display has yet to who signs of scratches.

Comfort and Wearability

The Fenix 5x Plus is about as comfortable as you can expect from a bulky watch. However, the Fenix 5x Plus is lighter than the Tactix Charlie. At 86 grams, the watch is not exactly light but Garmin deserves some props for not getting carried away with the weight.

The included silicone band is surprisingly comfortable, even after long periods of use. While training the band will accumulate moisture but I’m happy to report that comfort is not affected.

The watch does come with a sleep tracking feature but I’m not compelled to use it. While the watch is quite comfortable for a heavy-duty GPS watch, it’s not comfortable enough to sleep with it.

For the battery life, the watch will last you about 7 to 10 days with regular use. Due to the large number of features and functions (like playing music), I got about a week of heavy usage with this watch. If you are using both GPS and music, you will probably need to charge the watch by the end of the day. In this Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus comparison, the former wins in terms of battery life.

Features and Software

If you have used a Garmin multisport watch before, it will be easy for you to pick up the Fenix 5X Plus. The 5-button interface is still here and requires a bit of learning curve for new buyers.

As expected, the GPS on this watch is solid. As long as you’re in a reasonably open area, the GPS lock-on is fast and easy, thanks to the GPS, Glonass, and Galileo satellites. The watch is also loaded to the brim when it comes to metrics. In fact, the watch is packed with so many features that I find myself learning a new metric or dynamic with continued use.

On top of the usual activity tracking and navigation features, the Fenix 5X Plus also comes with GarminPay which allows you to complete purchases just by using your watch. Another highlight is the ability to store offline Spotify so you can listen to music on the go.

If contactless payment and offline music playback are high up on your list, the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is an easy recommendation.

Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus: The Verdict

We conclude this Garmin Tactix Charlie vs Fenix 5x Plus head-to-head with our verdict.

The Garmin Tactix Charlie and Fenix 5x Plus are very similar watches, even down to the price range. For the base models, the price is similar between the two watches. However, the Fenix 5x Plus comes with a Titanium version which is a lot more expensive.

So which high-end GPS watch is right for you?

Well, if you are looking for a watch with tactical applications, the Garmin Tactix Charlie might be more right up your alley. It’s one of the best military watches available.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more advanced watch in terms of features, the Fenix 5x Plus has the upper hand. The ability to play music offline and contactless payment are winning features in my book.

Regardless of your choice, both watches are durable, versatile, and offer everything but the kitchen sink.

Orkina Short History (somewhat)

Orkina Top Watches

Orkina White Dial “Sports”

Design

Durability

Movement

Orkina Skeleton Watch]

Design

Durability

Movement

Orkina Rose Gold “Tourbillion”

Design

Durability

Movement

Some Watches to Avoid (based on Amazon customer reviews)

Orkina Silver Case

Orkina Colorful Nylon

The Final Verdict of the Brand

Pros

Cons

Momentum M1 Mini Women’s Dive Watch

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Elegant Design

Long-Lasting Precision

Water-Resistant

Comfortable

What Do We Think?

Invicta Mako Pro Diver Women’s Dive Watch

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Classic Nautical Design

Sturdy & Stunning Watchface

Water Resistance

What Do We Think?

Orient Automatic Women’s Dive Watch

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Extremely Durable Case

Automatic Movement

Beautiful Design

What Do We Think?

What is the Best Womens Dive Watch?

Best Seiko Dive Watch at a Glance

Best Seiko Dive Watch

1. Seiko SSC017 Prospex

Versatile Dive Watch at a Great Price

2. Seiko SRP777 Prospex Turtle Automatic

Eye-Catching Design

3. Seiko SKX007K2 Diver’s Automatic Watch

An Instant Classic

4. Seiko Prospex SRPC93 Save the Ocean Samurai

Cool as the Ocean Automatic Diver

5. Seiko SKX175 Automatic Dive Watch

Classic Pepsi Bezel on a Solid Dive Watch

6. Seiko SRP639K1 Prospex

Best Yellow Bezel Dive Watch You’ll Get

Best Seiko Dive Watch

IWC Aquatimer Review: At a Glance

First Impressions

The Case

The Dial

The Bezel

The Movement

The Strap

Pricing

Should You Get the IWC Aquatimer Automatic?

The History of Vostok Watches

Vostok Watches Review: Pros and Cons

What We Love

Great Colorful History

Original Designs

Daily Beater

Budget-Friendly

What We Don’t Love

Quality Control Issues

Not So Intuitive Design Elements

Lack of Variety

Best Vostok Watches

1. Vostok Amphibia Zissou

2. Vostok Komandirskie

3. Vostok Amphibia “Scuba Dude”

Vostok Watches Review: Are They Any Good?