Steeldive is the new star from China. It is made in the same factory as WR Watches, Heimdaller, Rdunae and Sint Martin watches. Incredible value for money. The watchsnobs will hate them.
The horror, the horror - changing the date on a Seiko movement half hour before midnight like you just did. I have that steeldive, 6.25 inch wrist and it sits very well on my frist. Love this watch. Few faults: the bezel become very stiff and nearly impossible to turn, suspect some corrosion in the inner bezel mechanism as I got this watch wet and live in a warm and humid climate. Crown sticks a bit out, but I have an older version with unsigned crown. You can't look at the indices to close or you will spot some rather poor finishing. Still gives me more pleasure than my Parnis watches.
Maybe you can get it out and see if you could add some anti corrosion under there? I have seen one video when someone takes a bezzel out, and they said you have to align it properly again, so be careful.
Same happened on mine. Solution I found was to stick in a bowl of warm water, turn bezel for 1 min underwater using a rubber glove (this cleans out any muck or corrosion); dry off with towel and blow around bezel as best you can; then get some nylon thread and dribble some light oil on thread, form a loop and run under bezel rim a few times, or use tip of toothbrush with oil - only works if the bristles can fit under bezel. Leave for a bit then turn bezel for couple of mins with a towel. The next day bezel was fine. Best of luck. 👍 Credit for warm water trick is in this vid - "Invicta 8926 Sticky Bezel Fix".
@@roadgent7921 yeah, I tried that. It improved the situation but not for long. Had to use a lot of power and a piece of cloth for better grip to turn the bezel, and then suddenly at one point it slipped easy, even turned backward (clockwise) for a bit and then it became even harder to turn. It also doesn't have that pronounced ratchet sound of countable clicks anymore. Guess something is broken inside or slipped out of position. Thought about sending steeldive an email and asking them how complicated their inner bezel mechanism is and what they would suggest to do, but haven't wrote that email yet. I tried to get that bezel off to check for myself, like with a caseback opener tool, but there aren't really gaps big enough to go in with that tool and have some leverage. I am also bit concerned how difficult it would be to put it back on. I tried a local watchmaker, the old man repairs watches and doesn't changes just batteries and wristbands, but he didn't wanted to touch it and wouldn't have replacement parts anyway. You should definitely change the springbar, at the case and where the clasp is attached to the bracelet. (if you keep it at the stock bracelet) They are not corrosion free, on the clasp they fail, the watch might suddenly fall off the wrist. Would be terrible if you are on a motorbike, in a kayak or mountain climbing at this moment. Lucky me I was tied my shoelaces at this moment. Not a big drop, but a big lost of trust. The springbars holding the endlinks become very hard to remove.
Had mine a year now. Bloody great watch for the money,and still running a +2 seconds a day. More accurate than a lot of expensive watches. All the best.
Very good video and great description of the watch. I bought the same Steeldive but with sterile dial,same silicon strap,and after one month and a half using it every day and diving up to 40 meters a number of times,I can only say that so far,I'm impressed with quality,accuracy,etc,etc,and all for 108 euros!! Thanks you so much for the video and to share it.
Just got one. I'm happy to say that the blue tint is a lot more subtle on the piece I received and the logo on the dial is not as tacky as I expected, because it's small. Changed it to a waffle strap. Bought it for $92 US with shipping. Definitely a bargain.
Its so impressive. I think its still their best seller. Trouble is, I've found the addiesdive version to be identical, and I got that a week ago for £35 less than the current Steeldive priced version!
@@watchmewithwatches That's outrageous. There's a *lot* to be said for competition. The San Martin version is more expensive, but the model I got (which I broke trying to regulate) had an excellent engraving of a shark on the case back and crown and a great applied metallic logo. But the dial layout was a little off compared to the original and I couldn't figure out why. It just looked bigger. Then I noticed that the second markings were not flat against the dial like the Seiko and Steeldive. They were at a vertical angle along the side. So the hour markers were spread out further to the edge, thus the illusion of a bigger dial. So the Steeldive is more like the original and I have WAY too much time on my hands (no pun intended) if I'm noticing these things. Keep up the good work.
Steeldive watches are awesome for the money, and I'm totally getting this watch I've a few steeldives so it looks like I'll end up getting the whole lot lol
Enjoyed the video very much. I have an original Seiko version that was my daily wear for 25 years. The movement finally gave out and can no longer be repaired. I think I have finally found a replacement for it. Thanks.
Absolutely savage watch , the loom is outstanding, even under my T-shirt you can see it ! Lasts all night , stunning workmanship! Got it on the woful strap .... can’t beat it at that price , I would pay 3 times that for a watch ... better than my pro master witch I love , I give it 10/10
I got mine on the bracelet 3 or 4 months ago, I absolutely love it, the quality is amazing even though the bracelet's not up to much - but then, it was 3 spends more for the bracelet, so that was happening! Currently waiting on a Jube for it.
I just received my steeldive 1954 no date, i bought it thanks to your video and the way you reviewed it... and man i am so happy i got it. i coud say is my first good watch with high end specs ive ever own, i know it has minor flaws...but compared to the invicta i had before, sd1954 is the king . and i thought invicta was an awesome watch. NOw i have my eye on this SD1970. it looks just amazing on video, i guess it will look more amazing on my wrist. steel dive is doing a great job. i want them all the steeldive watches now.
I paid $130.00 for this watch, NH35 movement, ceramic bezel, I also own the seiko SPB151J, 6R35 movement, no ceramic bezel but cost 10 times more than the steeldive, I wear the steeldive and tell people that it's the seiko one but they don't know any better.
Good video thank you. I purchased my steeldive 1970 a few months back and it came stock on a waffle strap. Looked great all the way around with no nitpick from me. I slapped it on a coyote color nato and it really made it look sharp. So last week I went to Ali Express and picked up another steeldive 1970 on the oyster bracelet for $84.00 us dollars! Outstanding deal. I compared it to my reissue capt Willard, and yes looked upon up close I see the difference in quality... but dollar for dollar this steeldive is most definitely holding it's own. I wear it damn near everyday. My rotation has only consisted of this steeldive 🤣😀. Tonight I picked up a cheap steeldive sterile dial 1940 pilot's watch and it's great for 78 dollars. My Laco was over 1300... this steeldive 1940 has a screw down crown and rated at 200m water resistant!
They do offer some much for the money. Highly impressive pieces. I have a review on the way of the addiesdive version. This was £70 all in to the UK. See how well it fairs....
I bought 2 from vjs - both great timekeepers, great value - both now have Uncle Seiko chocolate bar straps. Willard wore his with a chocolate bar strap, not a waffle, - and WatchGecko do not do a waffle strap, only a tropic strap. Uncle Seiko is the best place for these straps.
Thanks again for another info packed review. I already have a Steeldive flieger watch and have been impressed with the quality of that watch. But this one looks crazy good! I will be really interested to see the green dial one as that extra bit of colour could be amazing!
I've had mine for about 2 months now. I absolutely love it! Wears very comfortably and you are 100% correct about it's versatility. I've had it on nato, zulu and vintage leather straps ( black and brown). Also got a waffle and a tropic strap from Uncle Seiko. It wears fantastically on all straps. Anyone thinking about getting this watch should do it without hesitation. You will not regret it!
Fab review. I am now £105 lighter in the wallet!! WG straps are great as well, that blue/green one is called "Sennen" and is one of their best NATOs IMO, £6/each at the moment - I have 3 !!
I paid 105.00 us . Very good price right ? I received my watch today and I cannot believe how beautiful and good it looks for $105 us. better than any Seiko that's $500 US. Tell me your thoughts but I love to watch for the money . Ray
How's it going after 8 months? I bought one a couple of months back and with some very minor quibbles about the bracelet (some burrs on the endlinks which made them fit poorly, a little careful filing and they are fine, replaced the clasp with a milled one altho' the original was absolutely fine, just thought the watch deserves a milled clasp) mine keeps brilliant time, if I give a wind in the am, it stays within 3 - 5 seconds per week! I recently bought the SD1952T "Barracuda" a beautiful looking watch (altho' the bezel action isn't as good as the SD1970's not that I'll ever turn it again 🤣 I test them out when unboxing, make sure it's aligned and that's the only time I move it) I've also heard that their "Tuna" is pretty amazing, maybe next time?
I also got a Steeldive 1940 recently and it is just stunnigly good! It runs with -3 seconds a day and the finish is amazing. I have rather small wrists and it fits perfectly for me.
1,5 years later - and got my first Steeldive from China a few days ago. The Willard Homage is a outstanding well made watch - I'm very pleased about. Similar to San Martin in quality. Worlds better than Pagani... - actually one of my faforites browsing through the box at morning...
Mine arrived today, bracelet and rubber strap with logo on rubber and signed buckle, pin removal tool, spring bar tool, spare spring bars, bought from same seller, £105 next day delivered. 😁
Lovely review, I’m beyond sold on grabbing one of these after spending the last year becoming more and more interested in warches with a Seiko 5 on my wrist.
I have picked one of these up to and love it. Only thing I can pick and this is being very picky, the bezel is very slightly off and the lume isn't very bright compared to my heimdallr but that watch is twice the price. Would like to know if a strapco turtle bracelet would fit this. Highly recommended, great vid.
I have the green dial version of this and it hardly ever leaves my wrist, and i have 31 other watches all of them at least double the cost, I like it so much I purchased the black dial version but a different brand by mistake, ADDIESDIVE but from what i have read it is made in the same factory? 🤷♂️ if i don't like it I can just return it and grab the STEELDIVE version..
They also sell one in Smurf Blue and Hulk Green, as well one in all-Bronze. They are a step up from lower-end brands (Parnis, PD & Corguet etc.) but a step down from brands like San Martin, Merkur, Playshark, Hruodland, Cronos & Sea-gull etc. In fact, their watches are cheapest decently lumed watch and their factory outlet on Alibaba (Guangzhou Qiin) sells it for significantly cheaper if you don't want to deal with third parties.
Totally agree .I’ve had mine for 4 weeks now , well impressed.Bracelet is poor, slightly rough particularly at the end links, but surprisingly comfortable. There is a very slight misaligned bezel on mine- 1 click out! I’ve seen Seikos with worse. Mine is running -3 seconds a day . For £104 well impressed! How about doing a review of their 1968 Marinemaster which is what I want next Every time I’ve checked Steeldive UK , it’s been out of stock🙁
When I get mine I want to try it out on a stretchy paratrooper band. With my wrists its to much to ask if the steel bracelets going to fix without extra links I'm going to have to source from somewhere. Anyway Paratrooper straps are so bloody comfortable and have infinte adjustment so you ALWAYS get a perfect fit. I like NATO bands but I usually always need a hole punched out for a perfect fit which is not a good idea on a synthtic fibre strap. I've move to leather recently since I discovered Barton makes extra long straps. but this screams a cloth type strap for me.
The loom is that good lasts all night , even shines throw a long sleeved T-shirt.... my pro master doesn’t do that paid twice the money for it & love my pro master but haven’t taken my steel diver off
A nice - looking watch. I wasn't too keen on the rubber strap, the big square cut - outs looked weird. And if one of the sides split right through into the cutout then the strap is knackered!. Much better if the strap is completely solid.
I just ordered this in the green dail from Alliexpress for 130 cdn....Knew I should have checked ebay first. Cuold have gotten it in a weel instead of a month but it would have cost me a bit more on ebay though so I guess its a wash. 😅 Allot of great reviews for this and it still has a seiko movement so this looks like a real winner considering its a workhorse movement you can fairly easily replace if things go south. I do really like the dark forest green on the official release but not enough to pay 10 times more for the official release. I don't have that kind of money for a watch.
I've got one of these watches on the bracelet. The bracelet is OK, but I've ordered a tropic rubber strap which I hope is more comfortable. For the money you can't go wrong.
That plastic case is what LED torches come in from China as well. I've just bought the blue dial one from the same seller for £110 but it comes on a bracelet with a silicone strap included.
@@watchmewithwatches I got it today, nice watch but the silicone strap and the supplied pins seem to be 21mm and not 20mm, I had to replace the pins and nick a fraction off the strap with a stanley blade to get it to fit. Other than that I'm very happy with it.
You shouldn't have changed the date when it's at mid way point. To properly change date, first move hour hand to 6. Hope the movement is still okay and date changes over properly.
Great video. The watch looks good. I've heard nothing but great things about SD watches. I may have to make the jump from Seiko to Chinese microbrands strictly for economy reasons. Quality seems right on point.
Hey Dan, this seems like a very good deal. I think Steeldive are going for a bit more ruggedness where San Martin goes for the extra final touch. I found an "Addies" Captain Willard on Dhgate for about 50 dollars. This brand seems to have some ties to Steeldive. Maybe you or any viewers have experience with Addies. I dont like the name so much, but there are MUCH sillier named watches i think. I pulled the trigger on the watch, but it will probably take some time to arrive. Can I wait, or do I have to get a Steeldive too from UK... maybe I do :) The price is still hot.
I always say its good to support British business if you can, so buying from someone with entrepreneurial spirit should be rewarded. But I am biased as I am starting a business!
I mean, its steel, sapphire, ceramic and a tried and tested workhorse movement. Beyond minor scratches and nicks, it will looks exactly the same. The straps are a bit "meh" though.
@@JimIBobIJones I've got high hopes for my Steeldive. Straps, unlike bracelets, are not part of a watch. i can't speak about bracelets. I generally hate them, and don't wear any.
I think their tropic strap and the waffle are nice, don't like the one with round 3 round holes much but it seems well made. My bracelet was basically fine but the endlinks had some burrs which ruined the fit. I couldn't find any replacement endlinks so I filed them and rebrushed them. They now fit much better. I replaced the clasp with a milled one altho' the original was fine for a pressed one. For £105 tho' I would have been happy to supply my own strap/bracelet the watch head alone is well worth the asking price, it really is as good as many more expensive watches, the bezel action is excellent, it's perfectly aligned and the lumed ceramic bezel insert is good quality. The crown feels precise and smooth. The ARcoated sapphire crystal is better than you get on many Seiko's and then there's that Seiko NH35A which is a superb movement. This watch I think is destined to be a classic.
@@JimIBobIJones I thought that about the bracelet. The end links definitely fall into that category. I've since bought a Seiko Prospex and a Miltat bracelet. The bracelet on the SD1970 actually holds up rather well, I have replaced the clasp with a milled one which seems to be exactly the same as the one on the Miltat bracelet. I did some filing and rebrushing on the end kinks and the SD1970's bracelet is almost indistinguishable from the Miltat (just the screw links v's push pins) I was going to replace it with a Miltat but as yet there doesn't seem much point. Of course the Seiko strap was complete garbage but ironically has fabulous end links!
Somehow managed to bag mine for under £80 in the last Ali-Ex sale. For the amount of cash in question, the quality is almost laughably good compared to even the most basic Seiko SRP turtle. Watch out big brands, the Chinese are coming for ya.
I think china are starting to utilise the skills and experience they have in making many parts for premium brands. Imagine you sell cases etc to big swiss brands, and then realise, hey, we can do more and make the whole watch to compete with the swiss and make more money!
Another great video. Ordered my from SteelDiveUK off eBay and arrived next day. Great service. However my bezel barely turns, even turning it with a towel I struggle.
I have learnt a trick (I tried an idea I had) use watch oil (available in a small tube with needle applicator) to drip oil in the bezel. It totally sorted two of my Steeldives! Check out my latest video, I show you there.
watch me with watches yes just watched it and thanks for the great tip. Would you mind sending me the link to the product you bought if you still have it?
@@manuelavendano3891 my wrist is about that size, and the watch fits great. If you’re used to smaller watches, it will definitely feel bigger, but the bezel is actually only a little over 41mm; the case is 43.5
I got one. Two issues. A bit sharp edges inside the lugs and the date window should be a bit off the indexes ( left to the center). I would love it to be at the same pleace as the 9 index. But I think the construction of the movement doesn't let it to be that way. Other than that it's a great watch. On par with a 500$ Seikos in terms of quality and the movement. But ahead with an AR, saphire and the bezel marerial.
Great video! I've just subscribed to your channel. I'm waiting to receive this watch so I can review it on my own channel. All the best and keep up the good work!
It should be smooth, sounds like a rare thing to happen to a nh35, but the mechanism between the winding of the stem and the main spring can break, which means the winding of the crown immediately interacts with the mainspring at all times, so when fully wound there is no decoupling, therefore excess winding manifests as rotor rotation.
I realize this review was done ages ago but I am looking at this in the present Ali Express sale. My big concern is that the watch looks quite large on your wrist. What size wrist do you have, if you don't mind me asking ?
Hi can you help please away to buy a turtel but don't kno which couler to go for just started collecting my first 2 both black dials so looking for different couler wood be great full for your help which couler pops the most blue or green thanks in advance
Get the bars on ebay. Please can you do a GMT special. Like you I have people who are in the usa and Canada and allover and I have a big collection and would like to know what steel dive offer. Tnx. Bye jody! 😂
Nope you're not missing anything. They are taking aim at Seiko and serving the "lower end" market that Seiko believe that they are too good for now. They are also making homages of watches that Seiko should have made eg,. Classic designs with modern tech such as sapphire crystal, lumed ceramic bezel inserts, more modern and accurate movements.
They must have only sent the “perfect” media version for all RUclips reviewer....just got my in black....everything are good, met expectations......but, but, but......misaligned bezel again...........misaligned bezel again.........fxxk me! Never trust and buy anything less than aSan Martin anymore!
The Watch in this review was bought with my own money and just as a regular customer. Qc issues can happen on any watch. I nearly bought a oris with a wonky bezel.
Can someone with "influence" please, for God's sake, get Steeldive to ditch the ridiculous logo? I've seen and read lots of reviews. I haven't seen anyone who likes it.
Steeldive is the new star from China. It is made in the same factory as WR Watches, Heimdaller, Rdunae and Sint Martin watches. Incredible value for money. The watchsnobs will hate them.
Yes but the movement is still Japanese technology.
Boycott China - buying from them just perpetuates their evil.
Jon O haha, you ‘ll fall off your chair when you ‘ll learn that ALL SWISS BRAND are buying parts ‘en masse’ from China.
@@cedarcanoe I know, I prefer to buy Japanese made watches.
Not Heimdallr, they are a brand on theire own...
The horror, the horror - changing the date on a Seiko movement half hour before midnight like you just did.
I have that steeldive, 6.25 inch wrist and it sits very well on my frist. Love this watch. Few faults: the bezel become very stiff and nearly impossible to turn, suspect some corrosion in the inner bezel mechanism as I got this watch wet and live in a warm and humid climate. Crown sticks a bit out, but I have an older version with unsigned crown. You can't look at the indices to close or you will spot some rather poor finishing. Still gives me more pleasure than my Parnis watches.
Maybe you can get it out and see if you could add some anti corrosion under there? I have seen one video when someone takes a bezzel out, and they said you have to align it properly again, so be careful.
Same happened on mine. Solution I found was to stick in a bowl of warm water, turn bezel for 1 min underwater using a rubber glove (this cleans out any muck or corrosion); dry off with towel and blow around bezel as best you can; then get some nylon thread and dribble some light oil on thread, form a loop and run under bezel rim a few times, or use tip of toothbrush with oil - only works if the bristles can fit under bezel. Leave for a bit then turn bezel for couple of mins with a towel. The next day bezel was fine. Best of luck. 👍
Credit for warm water trick is in this vid - "Invicta 8926 Sticky Bezel Fix".
@@roadgent7921 yeah, I tried that. It improved the situation but not for long. Had to use a lot of power and a piece of cloth for better grip to turn the bezel, and then suddenly at one point it slipped easy, even turned backward (clockwise) for a bit and then it became even harder to turn. It also doesn't have that pronounced ratchet sound of countable clicks anymore. Guess something is broken inside or slipped out of position.
Thought about sending steeldive an email and asking them how complicated their inner bezel mechanism is and what they would suggest to do, but haven't wrote that email yet.
I tried to get that bezel off to check for myself, like with a caseback opener tool, but there aren't really gaps big enough to go in with that tool and have some leverage. I am also bit concerned how difficult it would be to put it back on.
I tried a local watchmaker, the old man repairs watches and doesn't changes just batteries and wristbands, but he didn't wanted to touch it and wouldn't have replacement parts anyway.
You should definitely change the springbar, at the case and where the clasp is attached to the bracelet. (if you keep it at the stock bracelet) They are not corrosion free, on the clasp they fail, the watch might suddenly fall off the wrist. Would be terrible if you are on a motorbike, in a kayak or mountain climbing at this moment. Lucky me I was tied my shoelaces at this moment. Not a big drop, but a big lost of trust.
The springbars holding the endlinks become very hard to remove.
Had mine a year now. Bloody great watch for the money,and still running a +2 seconds a day.
More accurate than a lot of expensive watches.
All the best.
Had mine for just over two years, absolutely love it....an absolute bargain, the logo makes me smile too....🏴⌚🏴⌚
I was going to say something clever about watches but then I saw your miniature third hand during the unboxing and was left speechless. Good review.
Very good video and great description of the watch. I bought the same Steeldive but with sterile dial,same silicon strap,and after one month and a half using it every day and diving up to 40 meters a number of times,I can only say that so far,I'm impressed with quality,accuracy,etc,etc,and all for 108 euros!! Thanks you so much for the video and to share it.
Very nice! glad you are enjoying the watch!
Just got one. I'm happy to say that the blue tint is a lot more subtle on the piece I received and the logo on the dial is not as tacky as I expected, because it's small. Changed it to a waffle strap. Bought it for $92 US with shipping. Definitely a bargain.
Its so impressive. I think its still their best seller. Trouble is, I've found the addiesdive version to be identical, and I got that a week ago for £35 less than the current Steeldive priced version!
@@watchmewithwatches That's outrageous. There's a *lot* to be said for competition.
The San Martin version is more expensive, but the model I got (which I broke trying to regulate) had an excellent engraving of a shark on the case back and crown and a great applied metallic logo. But the dial layout was a little off compared to the original and I couldn't figure out why. It just looked bigger. Then I noticed that the second markings were not flat against the dial like the Seiko and Steeldive. They were at a vertical angle along the side. So the hour markers were spread out further to the edge, thus the illusion of a bigger dial. So the Steeldive is more like the original and I have WAY too much time on my hands (no pun intended) if I'm noticing these things.
Keep up the good work.
Steeldive watches are awesome for the money, and I'm totally getting this watch I've a few steeldives so it looks like I'll end up getting the whole lot lol
I just bought one on Aliexpress 11-11 sale 98 EUR black with metal bracelet (claps milled) very nice and accurate (+ 1 /day) 😃
Enjoyed the video very much. I have an original Seiko version that was my daily wear for 25 years. The movement finally gave out and can no longer be repaired. I think I have finally found a replacement for it. Thanks.
Great to hear!
I picked up one of these recently, crazy value for money - really can’t go wrong
Absolutely savage watch , the loom is outstanding, even under my T-shirt you can see it ! Lasts all night , stunning workmanship! Got it on the woful strap .... can’t beat it at that price , I would pay 3 times that for a watch ... better than my pro master witch I love , I give it 10/10
Hey buddy, I have a 17cm width wrist, do you think the watch would be to big for me?
I’ve had mine for nearly a year now. I love it. It’s fast becoming my default watch.
Hey buddy, I have a 17cm width wrist, do you think the watch would be to big for me?
I already ordered one ... its nice choice as diver watch.
Thx for the review
No problem 👍
I got mine on the bracelet 3 or 4 months ago, I absolutely love it, the quality is amazing even though the bracelet's not up to much - but then, it was 3 spends more for the bracelet, so that was happening! Currently waiting on a Jube for it.
I just received my steeldive 1954 no date, i bought it thanks to your video and the way you reviewed it... and man i am so happy i got it. i coud say is my first good watch with high end specs ive ever own, i know it has minor flaws...but compared to the invicta i had before, sd1954 is the king . and i thought invicta was an awesome watch. NOw i have my eye on this SD1970. it looks just amazing on video, i guess it will look more amazing on my wrist.
steel dive is doing a great job. i want them all the steeldive watches now.
I paid $130.00 for this watch, NH35 movement, ceramic bezel, I also own the seiko SPB151J, 6R35 movement, no ceramic bezel but cost 10 times more than the steeldive, I wear the steeldive and tell people that it's the seiko one but they don't know any better.
Haha! That’s great!
Good video thank you. I purchased my steeldive 1970 a few months back and it came stock on a waffle strap. Looked great all the way around with no nitpick from me. I slapped it on a coyote color nato and it really made it look sharp. So last week I went to Ali Express and picked up another steeldive 1970 on the oyster bracelet for $84.00 us dollars! Outstanding deal. I compared it to my reissue capt Willard, and yes looked upon up close I see the difference in quality... but dollar for dollar this steeldive is most definitely holding it's own. I wear it damn near everyday. My rotation has only consisted of this steeldive 🤣😀. Tonight I picked up a cheap steeldive sterile dial 1940 pilot's watch and it's great for 78 dollars. My Laco was over 1300... this steeldive 1940 has a screw down crown and rated at 200m water resistant!
They do offer some much for the money. Highly impressive pieces. I have a review on the way of the addiesdive version. This was £70 all in to the UK. See how well it fairs....
@@watchmewithwatches Great,! I look forward to seeing that. Again thanks for the good content.
I bought 2 from vjs - both great timekeepers, great value - both now have Uncle Seiko chocolate bar straps. Willard wore his with a chocolate bar strap, not a waffle, - and WatchGecko do not do a waffle strap, only a tropic strap. Uncle Seiko is the best place for these straps.
Good advice, thanks.
Thanks again for another info packed review. I already have a Steeldive flieger watch and have been impressed with the quality of that watch. But this one looks crazy good! I will be really interested to see the green dial one as that extra bit of colour could be amazing!
Just bought mine for £129 today ... watched a few videos for research... yours sealed it many thanks I await delivery.
I need to get one of these in for review! They're absolute killers for the price! Really want one of their boxes too haha!
I've had mine for about 2 months now. I absolutely love it! Wears very comfortably and you are 100% correct about it's versatility. I've had it on nato, zulu and vintage leather straps ( black and brown). Also got a waffle and a tropic strap from Uncle Seiko. It wears fantastically on all straps. Anyone thinking about getting this watch should do it without hesitation. You will not regret it!
In a nutshell, pretty damn good. Save yourself £850 (over the Seiko re-issue) and enjoy your Steeldive
All those bands look good.
Fab review. I am now £105 lighter in the wallet!!
WG straps are great as well, that blue/green one is called "Sennen" and is one of their best NATOs IMO, £6/each at the moment - I have 3 !!
I paid 105.00 us . Very good price right ? I received my watch today and I cannot believe how beautiful and good it looks for $105 us. better than any Seiko that's $500 US. Tell me your thoughts but I love to watch for the money . Ray
How's it going after 8 months? I bought one a couple of months back and with some very minor quibbles about the bracelet (some burrs on the endlinks which made them fit poorly, a little careful filing and they are fine, replaced the clasp with a milled one altho' the original was absolutely fine, just thought the watch deserves a milled clasp) mine keeps brilliant time, if I give a wind in the am, it stays within 3 - 5 seconds per week! I recently bought the SD1952T "Barracuda" a beautiful looking watch (altho' the bezel action isn't as good as the SD1970's not that I'll ever turn it again 🤣 I test them out when unboxing, make sure it's aligned and that's the only time I move it) I've also heard that their "Tuna" is pretty amazing, maybe next time?
I also got a Steeldive 1940 recently and it is just stunnigly good! It runs with -3 seconds a day and the finish is amazing. I have rather small wrists and it fits perfectly for me.
1,5 years later - and got my first Steeldive from China a few days ago. The Willard Homage is a outstanding well made watch - I'm very pleased about. Similar to San Martin in quality. Worlds better than Pagani... - actually one of my faforites browsing through the box at morning...
Mine arrived today, bracelet and rubber strap with logo on rubber and signed buckle, pin removal tool, spring bar tool, spare spring bars, bought from same seller, £105 next day delivered. 😁
Very nice!
Nice vid nice watch
I have the sd1953 now for two weeks can't complain, good quality for the money
Nice 👍
Lovely review, I’m beyond sold on grabbing one of these after spending the last year becoming more and more interested in warches with a Seiko 5 on my wrist.
The green dial is awesome! Perfect color.
It really is!
Bought this watch from same seller and delivered a few days ago. Absolutely beautiful watch and great value as you state!
Nice to see the straps on the watch, all look really good including the brown leather.
I have picked one of these up to and love it. Only thing I can pick and this is being very picky, the bezel is very slightly off and the lume isn't very bright compared to my heimdallr but that watch is twice the price. Would like to know if a strapco turtle bracelet would fit this. Highly recommended, great vid.
Ordered one today it will be my first clone seiko watch ever.
I have the green dial version of this and it hardly ever leaves my wrist, and i have 31 other watches all of them at least double the cost, I like it so much I purchased the black dial version but a different brand by mistake, ADDIESDIVE but from what i have read it is made in the same factory? 🤷♂️ if i don't like it I can just return it and grab the STEELDIVE version..
Got one today... awesome value for money
Top seller for a reason! Enjoy
They also sell one in Smurf Blue and Hulk Green, as well one in all-Bronze.
They are a step up from lower-end brands (Parnis, PD & Corguet etc.) but a step down from brands like San Martin, Merkur, Playshark, Hruodland, Cronos & Sea-gull etc.
In fact, their watches are cheapest decently lumed watch and their factory outlet on Alibaba (Guangzhou Qiin) sells it for significantly cheaper if you don't want to deal with third parties.
Thanks for that info, pure gold that it! Thanks again.
The ebay source now has it for about $160 .. saw it on Aliexpress (same specs) for $127-$128.
Great review. Good watch. Thanks for the video.
Totally agree .I’ve had mine for 4 weeks now , well impressed.Bracelet is poor, slightly rough particularly at the end links, but surprisingly comfortable. There is a very slight misaligned bezel on mine- 1 click out! I’ve seen Seikos with worse. Mine is running -3 seconds a day . For £104 well impressed! How about doing a review of their 1968 Marinemaster which is what I want next
Every time I’ve checked Steeldive UK , it’s been out of stock🙁
When I get mine I want to try it out on a stretchy paratrooper band. With my wrists its to much to ask if the steel bracelets going to fix without extra links I'm going to have to source from somewhere.
Anyway Paratrooper straps are so bloody comfortable and have infinte adjustment so you ALWAYS get a perfect fit. I like NATO bands but I usually always need a hole punched out for a perfect fit which is not a good idea on a synthtic fibre strap. I've move to leather recently since I discovered Barton makes extra long straps. but this screams a cloth type strap for me.
Very nice review
Thank you 🙂
The loom is that good lasts all night , even shines throw a long sleeved T-shirt.... my pro master doesn’t do that paid twice the money for it & love my pro master but haven’t taken my steel diver off
They have done a great job with these. Very popular watch for good reason. Enjoy.
A nice - looking watch. I wasn't too keen on the rubber strap, the big square cut - outs looked weird. And if one of the sides split right through into the cutout then the strap is knackered!. Much better if the strap is completely solid.
Just have mine a week now outstanding bit of kit have it on a woful strap .... most underrated brand out their worth 3 times that price ....
Nice review mate, that's a lot of watch for the money.
It sure is, i love it
Buying one today 👌👌
I just ordered this in the green dail from Alliexpress for 130 cdn....Knew I should have checked ebay first. Cuold have gotten it in a weel instead of a month but it would have cost me a bit more on ebay though so I guess its a wash. 😅 Allot of great reviews for this and it still has a seiko movement so this looks like a real winner considering its a workhorse movement you can fairly easily replace if things go south.
I do really like the dark forest green on the official release but not enough to pay 10 times more for the official release. I don't have that kind of money for a watch.
Nice to see steel dive. Getting some love
Sure is
I've got one of these watches on the bracelet. The bracelet is OK, but I've ordered a tropic rubber strap which I hope is more comfortable. For the money you can't go wrong.
. Got one of these was a recent vid of mine . I got mine for the same price posted to me . Don’t the lugs look smaller
On mine the bezel is out and the 6 o’clock marker is wonky
interesting to see if they are upping their quality control
That plastic case is what LED torches come in from China as well. I've just bought the blue dial one from the same seller for £110 but it comes on a bracelet with a silicone strap included.
Thanks for the info!
@@watchmewithwatches I got it today, nice watch but the silicone strap and the supplied pins seem to be 21mm and not 20mm, I had to replace the pins and nick a fraction off the strap with a stanley blade to get it to fit. Other than that I'm very happy with it.
Great vid Dan, Keep up the good work *****
You shouldn't have changed the date when it's at mid way point. To properly change date, first move hour hand to 6. Hope the movement is still okay and date changes over properly.
Thanks for your comment. I didn't concentrate when I was filming. The watch is totally fine though luckily. Thanks for watching!
Great looking watch, thank's for the review
Blue AR coating makes me also as you conclude that blue dark straps fits good.
Great video Dan and the steel dive watch is sweet I'll have to get my self one
Great review. Very impressive watch for the money
Good review, this watch is growing on me!
Its a looker, and very comfortable to wear
Great video. The watch looks good. I've heard nothing but great things about SD watches. I may have to make the jump from Seiko to Chinese microbrands strictly for economy reasons. Quality seems right on point.
They definately impress for the amount you pay.
Nice strap
How on earth can Seiko justify their price? Unbelievable the Steeldive is only $88 USD right now. Love the look of the blue one.
Hey Dan, this seems like a very good deal. I think Steeldive are going for a bit more ruggedness where San Martin goes for the extra final touch. I found an "Addies" Captain Willard on Dhgate for about 50 dollars. This brand seems to have some ties to Steeldive. Maybe you or any viewers have experience with Addies. I dont like the name so much, but there are MUCH sillier named watches i think. I pulled the trigger on the watch, but it will probably take some time to arrive. Can I wait, or do I have to get a Steeldive too from UK... maybe I do :) The price is still hot.
I always say its good to support British business if you can, so buying from someone with entrepreneurial spirit should be rewarded. But I am biased as I am starting a business!
I'm waiting on one of these. I'll unbox it on RUclips and let you know my thoughts. Cheers mate👊🏽
Please do!
@@watchmewithwatches I was so disappointed I sold it three days later.
I would like to see the watch or one of these marks (steeldive, san martin, heimdallr) in what state it is after a year of use .
I mean, its steel, sapphire, ceramic and a tried and tested workhorse movement. Beyond minor scratches and nicks, it will looks exactly the same. The straps are a bit "meh" though.
@@JimIBobIJones I've got high hopes for my Steeldive. Straps, unlike bracelets, are not part of a watch. i can't speak about bracelets. I generally hate them, and don't wear any.
I think their tropic strap and the waffle are nice, don't like the one with round 3 round holes much but it seems well made. My bracelet was basically fine but the endlinks had some burrs which ruined the fit. I couldn't find any replacement endlinks so I filed them and rebrushed them. They now fit much better. I replaced the clasp with a milled one altho' the original was fine for a pressed one. For £105 tho' I would have been happy to supply my own strap/bracelet the watch head alone is well worth the asking price, it really is as good as many more expensive watches, the bezel action is excellent, it's perfectly aligned and the lumed ceramic bezel insert is good quality. The crown feels precise and smooth. The ARcoated sapphire crystal is better than you get on many Seiko's and then there's that Seiko NH35A which is a superb movement. This watch I think is destined to be a classic.
@@JimIBobIJones I thought that about the bracelet. The end links definitely fall into that category. I've since bought a Seiko Prospex and a Miltat bracelet. The bracelet on the SD1970 actually holds up rather well, I have replaced the clasp with a milled one which seems to be exactly the same as the one on the Miltat bracelet. I did some filing and rebrushing on the end kinks and the SD1970's bracelet is almost indistinguishable from the Miltat (just the screw links v's push pins) I was going to replace it with a Miltat but as yet there doesn't seem much point. Of course the Seiko strap was complete garbage but ironically has fabulous end links!
@@oktc68Sounds like a lot of work! I got one of their bronze watches so thankfully was a much easier swap to a decent vintage leather strap for me.
Love both brands..Steeldive and San martin watches..i own 3 bronze and 1 s/s great dial-bezel...best 700 $ watches for 225.00
I agree, amazing value. Enjoy those lovely watches!
Somehow managed to bag mine for under £80 in the last Ali-Ex sale. For the amount of cash in question, the quality is almost laughably good compared to even the most basic Seiko SRP turtle. Watch out big brands, the Chinese are coming for ya.
I think china are starting to utilise the skills and experience they have in making many parts for premium brands. Imagine you sell cases etc to big swiss brands, and then realise, hey, we can do more and make the whole watch to compete with the swiss and make more money!
Another great video.
Ordered my from SteelDiveUK off eBay and arrived next day. Great service.
However my bezel barely turns, even turning it with a towel I struggle.
I have learnt a trick (I tried an idea I had) use watch oil (available in a small tube with needle applicator) to drip oil in the bezel. It totally sorted two of my Steeldives! Check out my latest video, I show you there.
watch me with watches yes just watched it and thanks for the great tip.
Would you mind sending me the link to the product you bought if you still have it?
@@watchmewithwatches HELP - I can't find that video, can you paste link or give me the vid title? I'm having same issue with bezel.
I just ordered one from AliExpress for $95US. I’m so excited to get it!
Hey buddy, I have a 17cm width wrist, do you think the watch would be to big for me?
@@manuelavendano3891 my wrist is about that size, and the watch fits great. If you’re used to smaller watches, it will definitely feel bigger, but the bezel is actually only a little over 41mm; the case is 43.5
@@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563 Thanks for the quick response! Have a good one!
@@manuelavendano3891 :)
been looking at the 1 that looks like the tuna
I got one. Two issues. A bit sharp edges inside the lugs and the date window should be a bit off the indexes ( left to the center). I would love it to be at the same pleace as the 9 index. But I think the construction of the movement doesn't let it to be that way. Other than that it's a great watch. On par with a 500$ Seikos in terms of quality and the movement. But ahead with an AR, saphire and the bezel marerial.
Does it hack and hand wind, and please show the stem tube threadings close up.
Hi, this does hack and hand wind. I will try to remember showing the stem tube threading in future. Thanks for your comment and watching!
Great video! I've just subscribed to your channel. I'm waiting to receive this watch so I can review it on my own channel.
All the best and keep up the good work!
Thanks for the sub! I will check out your work
Good vid.
Decent review, thanks.
Those boxes are 3 USD and I get lots of them for storing vape stuff
Best in class.
I have a problem with the crown action. I can't wind the movement, it just directly goes to date change when I unscrew it.
In fact it just doesn't pop out. If I want to wind the watch, it screws back in.
Do you prefer this to the Steeldive 1954? Thanks and great review btw.
The buckle is the only think on this watch that's not great.
China Junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi my steeldive feels, feedback and sounds like it is winding the internal spring everytime i unscrew the crown or adjust the time or date.
It should be smooth, sounds like a rare thing to happen to a nh35, but the mechanism between the winding of the stem and the main spring can break, which means the winding of the crown immediately interacts with the mainspring at all times, so when fully wound there is no decoupling, therefore excess winding manifests as rotor rotation.
Nice video! After some months, how is the watch doing?
My time with the watch was fine. No issues at all. Hope that helps.
i have had 3 of them
Was that for different colours or did you experience any problems? Thanks.
@@roadgent7921 no just meant 3 steel dive watches have 4 now lol
@@davidbridge3118 Haha fair enough!!!
Is this watch smaller than the Orient Trident 🔱 ?
Yes it is, I have seen the trident and that's a chunkier watch.
I realize this review was done ages ago but I am looking at this in the present Ali Express sale. My big concern is that the watch looks quite large on your wrist. What size wrist do you have, if you don't mind me asking ?
Oh I'm blushing lol. My wrist is 7". It wears well for its size, very comfortable.
Hi can you help please away to buy a turtel but don't kno which couler to go for just started collecting my first 2 both black dials so looking for different couler wood be great full for your help which couler pops the most blue or green thanks in advance
I have seen the green one, and that did pop nicely. Blue looks like it would be equally nice with its sunburst dial. Enjoy!
@@watchmewithwatches thanks for advice just ordered blue most people I asked seid blue can't hwait to get it on wrist😊
Get the bars on ebay. Please can you do a GMT special. Like you I have people who are in the usa and Canada and allover and I have a big collection and would like to know what steel dive offer. Tnx. Bye jody! 😂
nice
in terms of quality, how does this brand compare to Invicta?
Very similar, but steeldive gave better lume, ceramic bezels and sapphire as added bonuses!
@@watchmewithwatches Thanks, you've persuaded me! I've just ordered one and I should receive it tomorrow.
You have total oblivion hands
Just wondering if i should get one with or without the steeldive logo ..
I didnt know you could get a sterile version!
RoyAKARedEye I bought mine with a sterile dial and in my opinion looks much better.
Hi Dan , how do you know this is made in the same factory as San Martin watches ?
I have a reliable source. And Gary from I like watches said so.
watch me with watches correct!
The changing of the date when the disc was halfway through transition made me cringe a bit.
Nope you're not missing anything. They are taking aim at Seiko and serving the "lower end" market that Seiko believe that they are too good for now. They are also making homages of watches that Seiko should have made eg,. Classic designs with modern tech such as sapphire crystal, lumed ceramic bezel inserts, more modern and accurate movements.
The chapter ring is blank it looks completely fake
They must have only sent the “perfect” media version for all RUclips reviewer....just got my in black....everything are good, met expectations......but, but, but......misaligned bezel again...........misaligned bezel again.........fxxk me! Never trust and buy anything less than aSan Martin anymore!
The Watch in this review was bought with my own money and just as a regular customer. Qc issues can happen on any watch. I nearly bought a oris with a wonky bezel.
69 quid now on ali express 😂
P
Bargain!
Can someone with "influence" please, for God's sake, get Steeldive to ditch the ridiculous logo? I've seen and read lots of reviews. I haven't seen anyone who likes it.
I see your point, and have mentioned a few times that just the word Steeldive (preferably applied logo) would be ideal!
watch me with watches Yes, that would be. It’s a great watch otherwise.