The ubiquitous ‘Diver’ watch seem to be all the rage today and if truth be known, they have been for some considerable time. It’s also pretty obvious why. Clearly defined dials in most of them, large hands, numerals or markers, good centre sweeping seconds hands often with luminous dot. Great luminous qualities using more upmarket coatings such as C3 Super Luminova or similar with what is termed a true ‘all night glow’. Strong watch case of stainless steel or Titanium. Decent Water Resistance from 100m to 300mm typically (sometimes better), so expect a screw down back and importantly a screw down crown. So swimming, shallow depth holiday snorkelling and general water sports are fine.
Apart from the main players, such as Seiko, Citizen or Casio there are amore than a few now offering the same specifications as these guys. And this fact IS new and because of this fact alone are now VERY viable and affordable alternatives to the major Brands.
For example – this model from Micro-brand ChronoDivers is their CD200 SKX7 is one such alternative and a very affordable and described it as a tribute to the Seiko SKX007. The case is just 41mm diameter though very solid/head heavy at 87gms. Incidentally it’s supplied with a wave strap and a bracelet, though for me, I lightened it with a non-wave style silicon strap (as shown), so now the overall weight is reduced to just 110gms (which I weighed).
The movement is not some obscure one, but the well respected Seiko NH35A 24 jewel automatic. This allows manual winding if needed, hacking and quick set date, plus a 40 hour power reserve.
This model features an excellent clear and uncluttered dial with a Sapphire crystal, C3 all Super-LumiNova markers, a black ceramic 120 click unidirectional bezel and 200m Water Resistance. There is a date window @3, a large well protected screw down crown @4 and all metal work is marine grade 316L stainless steel.
A nice and unusual touch is the Cabochon top on the crown in lustrous blue, the case top surface is satin brushed and the case sides polished. So not just any old case, but with a bit of style to it too. The very deep black dial background and no clutter look says it all – the classic Diver.
It’s as I say affordable and easily half the price of the mainstream players, yet with a similar specification set. So what’s not to like.
About ChronoDivers – (their web site quotes the following) –“a small family run UK microbrand specialising in the production of low cost – good quality divers watches. Final assembly of all watches is undertaken in Norfolk by the business owner and founder – Tristan Haskins. Tristan has been interested in watches since he was a young lad. His passion specifically in Dive Watches led to the creation of this business in 2019. Every watch sold by ChronoDivers is personally quality checked by Tristan before being dispatched to the customer.”
Note – ChronoDivers watches come with a 12 month Warranty – see terms on web site.
Overall – I like this watch. It’s solid, well made, excellent movement and is a nice addition to my own Diver watch collection.
Watch space 