I feature another cost effective Diver’s watch, this time from Rotate North. A relatively new Brand based in Belfast, who offer cost effective dive capable models for tough duty, coupled with general day wear.
My preferred model is the Atlantic model which has a 300m Water Resistance rating, so more than enough for the casual scuba diver. The watch also isn’t too large in diameter or thickness which is always a consideration for me. It then doesn’t look out of place if used for every day use.
I like that the dial is relatively uncluttered, uses Super-lumiNova on hands and markers, a date window @3, sapphire crystal and a well formed protected screw down crown. It also features a unidirectional bezel with luminous datum and a solid stainless steel case. It has been knurled sufficiently so turning it is relatively easy, which is quite important and often overlooked by folks looking at watches for diving.
In standard form it appears to comes with an unusual rubber 20mm wide NATO style watch strap. The watch is produced in Germany.
The movement is the well respected Seiko NH35A, 24 jewel Automatic movement with 41hr power reserve and has a centre sweep seconds hand with luminous dot.
The choice of this movement is a good one, as it’s a typical Seiko work horse movement, very popular in the range, with good accuracy and reliability and it can also be hand wound.
Watch dimensions are around 41mm width (46mm incl. crown), which is a sensible and manageable size and the case is 15mm thickness, so a strong solid watch.
Rotate North have two other dive style models –
The Arctic – with a 500m rating, slightly larger at 43mm diameter (48mm incl. crown) and thicker case at 16mm, and an unshrouded crown is @4. My preference is a protected or ‘shrouded’ crown. The case is also thicker so could be a bit chunky for everyday wear.
The Tempest – similar size to the Atlantic but with unshrouded crown @3 and it has an additional 24hr index on the dial . My preference is without 24hr index, as it adds dial clutter and again I prefer a shrouded crown.
A note on Bezel knurling –
Take my Seiko 5 Sports Edition model – looks great in most aspects and yes, can certainly be used for diving, but if for scuba-diving, then knowing how much air time you have left is fairly important. And the bezel knurling on the Sports 5 is not well defined enough to make it easy to set, it’s just too smooth.
Maybe a bit picky, but I’m just saying . . . . . Great watch for a bit of snorkelling and general swimming if you don’t really need the bezel feature.
An oldie but goodie is the Citizen BN0000.04 Diver’s model is a classic I’ve had for a few years now. An Eco-Drive movement with Date @3 and with an after market silicon deployment strap.
I love this model as it’s the most compact Diver model I’ve ever seen. It is rated at 300m Water Resistance and features a unique shaped mould like satin finished steel case and well shrouded crown. On top a great contrasting large numeral unidirectional bezel with good knurling so is easy to turn.
Needless to say as it’s Eco-Drive, it’s fully automatic and powered by Solar, so pretty much goes on forever. The dial is very clear to read, with large and very luminous hour and minute hand plus a sweep seconds with luminous dot. The hour markers are also large, well defined and very luminous. In fact the luminous quality of this model is exceptional which is perfect for this relatively small dial.
This is what I call a no nonsense watch. Very well constructed, smooth and sleek on the wrist and very tough indeed. Case dimensions are around 40mm width (43mm incl. crown) and only around 11mm thick at most – as I say, a very neat watch – and the reason I got it in the first place. In fact, it is a brilliant compact Diver and again and this time from Citizen, a model that is just right.
So if small and perfectly formed is your thing – then this is your watch.
Is it still made currently? – I have no idea, but it should be, because it’s very, very good.
Watch space 