STEELDIVE 1970 Review The Best Ultra Budget Dive Watch You Can Buy? Knock Off Seiko Willard Unboxing
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- Опубликовано: 25 авг 2024
- This STEELDIVE 1970 is the best budget watch I have come across to date. It sports all the right specs including a price around $100. Aliexpress is full of garbage watches and this is a Dimond in the Coal pile.
SteelDive 1970 - www.aliexpress...
Clasp - www.aliexpress...
Razer Wire Bracelet - www.uncleseiko...
Outstanding review, the best on youtube regarding Steeldive SD1970 actually. I know it because I watched all. Thanks!!
Thank you! I appreciate it and glad the video was what you were looking for.
Sure rhe best revieuw. I know because i all di see them. Besides an wonderfull watch. One thing i put it ook a jubilee bracelet with staight end links. Wonderfull try it 👌
@@rightwristonly8796 It’s been two years now and I’m wondering how this watch has held up for you so far ?
It,s not a knock off......What it is......Is an embarrassing wake up call to Seiko to get their QC issues sorted......And their prices down......Amazing value for money piece.
I mean they straight up stole the Seiko designs but Seiko doesn’t seem too beat up because they still sold them movements. I agree with the AC and prices points you make. This “little”watch is a tank and def bang for buck champ.
@@rightwristonly8796 If you compare the Steeldive to the Seiko reissues, the Steeldive is actually closer in aesthetics to the original than the Seiko reissues!
@@rightwristonly8796 thats like saying invicta, bulova, and countless other watch brands stole rolex
Of course it’s a knock off! Zero originality, non ISO (test of each watch is very expensive), wages very low compared, mix mash of lume, parts etc. warranty? Forget that! Think steeldive has a R&D department. Yes of course they can make these watches cheaper
@@epicv7dayz824 parts? You know it has a seiko movement? Labour cost? You know most seikos are also made in China? As for the warranty I’ve had two seikos also arrive with blank warranty cards. If you’re going to criticise something please make it credible. Maybe you’re just butt hurt because you spent a 1000 on something you can get for a 100 without much difference in quality
Had mine for about 2 years and I beat the sh*t out of it on a daily basis (I run a pressure washing business and it's constantly covered in crud, grit and all sorts).
It's my go to for working, rinse it off at the end of the day and you'd never know that it's a beater.
Keeps pretty good time and looks great on a waffle strap.
I’m not a big waffle strap guy but sounds like you are using it for it’s intended purpose
I used to buy Seiko. During the golden years of the SARB033. Sadly, I just can't justify their business model these days.
My Steeldive came with 2 extra rubber straps for £124.I am happy with the performance so far
Just ordered one - look forward to receiving it
I think you will enjoy it 👍🏼
I have mine 3 months now , absolutely outstanding watch , have it on a silicone woful strap, loom is savage, shines throw a long sleeved T-shirt... logo is class .... Best Buy ever only problem I have is the rest of my watches never get a wear , I landscape so it puts up with everything....
And if one day landscaping kills it - you can snag a brand new one for less then the cost of a repair would be!
If you want a higher quality version (for when you're not landscaping) Heimdallr do a version (vintage mechanical diver) that has a few differences handset, domed crystal and a matt black bezel insert (possibly aluminium) I've always liked ceramic bezel but being a Matt finish it doesn't get "lost" in the reflections off the crystal and really stands out, the icing on the cake is the Swiss movement, yep it's got an ETA 2824 hi beat. Obviously it's more shekels but even so it's dirt cheap for a watch with such good looks and fabulous movement. Have a good one
Mine is a beast! I absolutely am happy as a clam over how well made it is. The bracelet is a little cheap, but I’m a strap guy anyways.
It’s a little heavy on a nato but rubber or stiff leather would work well👍🏼
Wearing mine now - loving it ... the other I got was the Bronze fifty fathoms homage ... got a silicone strap (with blue sticking to go with the blue AR coating) for it as well as a brass buckle (although you can buy separately a bronze Steeldive marked buckle). I got brass so it doesn't leave green marks on my skin. I got my Captn. Willard on a NATO (which I can use else where) and bought a silicone waffle strap to put on it. One knock on the Steeldive is their bracelets. Lum is stunningly fantastic.
Next up to buy for me the Addies Tuna .. a sister brand of Steeldive.
I have the baby tuna and would put money on it that the Addies is just as good if not better.
I received my Captain Willard 5 days from when I ordered it. I have several seiko automatics going back to the 1st generation Black Monster. However I just couldn't see spending the higher prices for the name and status of this 70s watch . I have a prospex save the ocean. It's similar in case design. So I decided to take a chance on the steel dive. I'm in awe of the quality of this watch.
It really is great. My bezel lume has started to turn a little brown but still glows bright. I’m not sure if it is unsealed or I just got it dirty, either way super value watch.
I don't think you could get a better reference than this. Cheers mate 👍
Great review! Plan on ordering this watch soon. Thanks for providing the clasp info as well.
No worries
I hope yours is delivered quickly 😁
I got one about 6 months ago. I'm not one for homages but in this case it is genuinely not far short of the Seiko at a fraction of the price. Without doubt one of the favourites in my collection.
Just ordered all of it! The watch and the clasp...excellent review, thx
Thank you
I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine. Marvel at the lume 😁
Brilliant value for the money. Great revue. I have one.
I've had mine for awhile, great deal, minus 3 seconds a day, comfortable.
I haven’t heard from anyone who has had it for a while and who also thought it not a great watch
Thorough review, very thorough indeed. Like it!
I have many watch from this brand its PERFECT
I received mine in the post from a seller on AliExpress last week. From purchase to delivery took less then a week from China. Incredible! Now onto my impression of the watch itself. I’m delighted with it. Truly built to last. In fact it looks pretty much bombproof. I purchased mine with the waffle strap. I heard the metal strap was pretty rubbish but I wanted the rubber strap anyway. The mechanism is incredible and is the timekeeping. I like pretty much everything about it.
Luxury watch companies no longer own the monopoly on quality: period.
Yeah it’s a copy but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact it’s good, that’s the whole point. It’s like what Tokai, Ibanez and Edwards did with Gibson and Fender guitars in the 70s/80s.
I think it’s great. Especially because I think it’s 75-80% as good as the actual seiko. I don’t wear it often because there are a lot of watches in my collection that are more comfortable but I’m finding it really hard to bring my self to get rid of it. It’s just such a great value and looks pretty good.
I have the blue sterile dial steeldive, I also have a save the ocean Seiko turtle.
I wear the steeldive more, it might not be a better watch, but for the price, it's fantastic.
Can't wait to receive mine (in blue).Feeling a little nervous of all positve reviews i am reading on the net.Great video,now i want it more😉
You will like it. It’s a little heavy especially on a rubber strap but a great value.
It’s crazy accurate. When fully wound, dial up, it’s +3 sec a day. Well with in the NH35 spec.
I got 6 micro adjust holes on the clasp. And mine is the same as the one you've replaced the original with... Only there's still logo and stamp
yo cambie el clasp y los spring bars por unos de 1.8mm de diametro, tuve que agrandar el orificio de los endlinks pero quedo mas seguro y bien el brazalete. saludos desde Mexico
Just ordered one with no logo for $76 dollars on recommendation from a coworker. Will be nice for knocking about at work. Sounds like it will keep time as well as my Vostok and look good doing it.
$76 is a great price!
@@rightwristonly8796 got it a few days back. Timegrapher puts it at -2 to +1 second a day depending on position. Really impressed with this watch. Only thing that i can say would detract is i can hear the rotor spin and the brushing and red paint on the second hand is not perfect. What few complaints i have are just nit picking. For the money this thing is amazing. I would and have recommended this to anyone looking for an automatic watch.
Steeldive are killing it ! I’d have this over an Islander any day.
Oh I like the islanders a lot. I don’t want to buy one but Mark seems like a nice guy. I have met him and he was a pleasant guy. At least there is a real person behind that brand. His colorways and dials are better but you have to pay more for that. The 1970 is a better choice if you want to beat the crap out of it because that’s what it’s for. Cheap and replaceable while still looking pretty dang good.
they have the Seiko movement that is important, from japan, the case is top-notch!!! well done..
Thanks
I got mine 2 days ago and it's now my favorite beater watch. I just got one minor concern, there is a play in the bezel in the 6oclock mark when you push it downward and might have to change the clasp as well.
Maybe you can fix the bezel play with a slightly thicker gasket. It won’t eliminate it and may make the bezel a little harder to turn but it’s all to personal taste. $8 clasp swap is a pretty good deal.
I like the logo as well. Great review.
Thank you
Price on this for what you get is fantastic - yeah I believe the new Seiko Willard is around $1,000 USD as comparison.
It’s barely a comparison as the 1970 wins by a long shot in my eyes.
Great video, hopefully my green one will arrive tomorrow and thanks for pointing out the alignment issue with your Pelagos, Seiko get bashed a lot but there are plenty of other companies that don’t get it right too!
Thank you. It should be done by precision machines at this point. Especially when you get into the 3k+ price ranges. The thing is with Seiko it’s rare that they actually are aligned and it’s more then just the bezel they screw up.
Great review.
I have never been happier with a watch.
Its a great design
The dial and hands are fat and easy to read
The lume is INSANELY bright
Its got decent accuracy, mine being -7 seconds per day
They can apparently be a bit hit or miss but my fit-and-finish was perfect, and everything aligned precisely.
My eyesight aint great, I camp regularly in Scotland where its relentlessly wet, and I have an issue with smaller watches rotating around my wrist. This solves all problems.
The lume is so bright that at night, when my night vision is up, I can close my eyes, use my flashlight to charge up the watch face for 10 seconds, turn off the flashlight and use the WATCH to light up the inside of my tent to find things in the dark. Fully charged up the lume will literally cast a shadow off close objects. The big markers and wide hands make it easy to read, plus its obviously very waterproof. Now add to this that its an iconic design, and the archetypal military/scout watch. I am so happy with mine that its a joy every time I check the time.
I think this watch gives away the big lie about a lot of "premium" manufacturing these days.... a lot of kit that claims to be from a certain country actually contains elements from China, or is partially constructed in China. Then it gets a quick rub and final assembly in another country and packed as "premium". The SD1970 is what happens when they take it in house, slap in a Japanese movement and sell it themselves. I got mine straight from the Steeldive store on AliExpress and it cost the same as a cheapy watch from Amazon. Yet I got a VERY decent watch.
Thank you to you and the other channels that recommended this watch. Its a peach.
Glad you liked the review!
This one is a tank. You’re right about the big lie. I will say the fit and finish of some of my more expensive watches is better and the movements are made with tighter tolerances. That being said, if this one breaks I will toss it and grab a new one. San Martin is a manufacturer that puts out particularly good watches for a fair price and copy’s big brands designs. A step up from steel dive. You should have a look at them too. You may find something else you like.😁
@@rightwristonly8796 Thank you for that. I will also check out San Martin. All the best mate
Got one on its way. Bought the waffle strap like the one that cemented its identity with Martin Sheen.
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Steeldive is an outstanding brand. I have the Willard and the Tuna. Fantastic value.
I have been eyeing the tuna but I ended up buying the Seiko baby tuna instead. I slightly regret it. Might have to snag the steel dive version at some point. They are beating Seiko at the low end game for sure
@@rightwristonly8796 i think that with the quality of the cases, dials, crystals etc, then put a Seiko movement in it, it might as well be a Seiko. I've just had the Steeldive take on the Panerai Radiomir California Dial arrive. It was about £100gbp. Apart from the logo and the slightly smaller case size (suits me) it's an excellent homage and has great lume on a sandwich dial. I saw a Panerai online, virtually identical (no second hand which is blue/black to blend in, the original was only a two hander) and it might have been used or "pre-owned" for over £8,000gbp. Go figure as they say. The quality is just immense. 👍
Pretty cool watch for freaking $90. I've never even *thought* of oiling a janky bracelet; might have to try that on a few of my real shitters. I find NH35's to be hit or miss. I have some that are like +2-4 s/d, and some that vacillate wildly. I've had my eye on one of those San Marten 62mas homages for a while now. Or maybe spend a bit more on the Armida version, which is built in the same factory as Helsons. The Armida's have been out of stock for awhile now though, which sucks cause they currently have the Chinese New Year 20% off sale going on. Great review!
The San Marten look good if not slightly more expensive then I wish they were but they are where I would put my money for the 62 mas look. Good specs and build quality. The out of stock is frustrating but keep an eye out and I’m sure they will restock and there are sales constantly.
@@rightwristonly8796 Yeah I think I'm gonna go with the San Martin. They look fantastic for, what is it, like $250-$270 or something? The Armida probably has better bulild quality, but they're 38mm vs. the San Martin being 40mm, and 38mm is kinda small for me (my wrist is 7.25''). I've also been looking at Dagaz watches out of Hong Kong. The guy does wild custom builds, like military Benrus dials inside of Seiko 6105 Willard cases w/ Seiko NE15 (6r15) movements for like $400-$450. But I've already bought 3 watches this month and need to slow down LOL.
anyone in this hobby probably needs to slow down. one in one out is always a good policy. I would not be surprised if Armida and Helson were the same people.
Hemdogger makkiss a goods ones too
Amazing watch
Instead of the petrol oil mebe try some coconut oil.. I’ve found it also works similarly
I ordered a blue one yesterday. I can't wait to get it. 👍🏻
Blue looks great - almost as good as the Pelagos blue
@@rightwristonly8796 Excellent!
If you're lucky, you can use the branded clasp with the milled back. I managed that with my Phoibos 001 quartz as the pressed clasp made me sad.
Give it a shot.
Oh man I tried
It all fits together but the pin in the milled portion of the clasp is not long enough to reach the catch in the signed top portion of the clasp without really pushing on it . 😖
Great watch for the money.
You won’t beat Steeldive.
Ali Express price with $2.00 discount comes to $98.00 USD with a 35 day wait time.
Steeldive UK price 129.00 pounds or $181.00 USD and it takes about a week to arrive.
Saw it was discounted to 89 recently. 35 day wait is worth it 181 usd isn’t
Steeldive uk selling for 105uk pounds or 100ukpounds with coupon code as of September and if goes wrong 6 months warranty which is 75 dollors
Shaver oil is good for lubricating bracelets too 👍
What is shaver oil? Is it used for lubricating razors?
First off thanks for the absolutely fantastic review. I was very interested in this watch prior to watching it. I refuse to pay more than $200 for a watch yet have aways been drawn to Seiko (since I was young and watched Apocalypse Now) honestly! Have always been concerned about cheap movements coming out of China but having a dated movement from Seiko and the quality of this watch which you speak to so elliquently. For the price I am definitely clicking the button. And it's 11.11 so pretty much seals the deal @ under $100 all in Canadian. Boom! Thanks for the excellent video. Dry chain lube is waiting for my order to arrive.
Than you
Glad you liked it
Perfect timing with the 11:11 sale
👍🏼
Got a version 2 in January & it's actually my favourite watch right now! It's probably the best
Seiko 6105 homage on the market because of the finish & price point. I'd pick this over the available Seiko versions which I think are really overpriced.The bezel function is top notch and it actually does have AR coating. Sadly though, mine doesn't have a signed clasp. So if you are not using the one you swapped out, you might consider sending it to me. 😉
You will feel better about scratching the clasp because it’s not signed 😉
@@rightwristonly8796 good one mate! 😄😆
sure Steeldive are fantastic value for money watches i own two sd 1970s one being a Black face & the other Green.😊
Love the green
I watch this to watch watches ✌️🧐🇬🇧
👍🏼
your new clasp is not milled, only half of it. The most important part - clasp case is press metal so it loose the whole point..
Well not if the point is to have a more solid feeling less jangly clasp. Which it is and it feels great compared to the stock clasp 😁
Tomas, that doesnt mean it isnt more beautifull and when u open it, it looks more expensive and better build,and it is better build, which doesnt loose the whole point. I plan to buy the same watch and do the same to have better clasp not that old school less quallity bend metal clasp.
This video showed up recommended on my home page because I’ve been searching for info on this watch. I just wanted to say apropos of nothing that you sound quite a bit like Kieran Culkin/Roman Roy from Succession. That’s all.
You are not the first person to tell me this 😉 I wish I had his bank account instead of his voice.
It had it, I loved it but it was TOO heavy, and it left me "iron smell" on the wrist (and it's Chinese...coincidence?). I had to return it, but it's a great looking watch.
Wish do a prospex turtle copy for £28 that is the same quality as steel dive.
👍🏼
Why is it right wrist only? Thanks for the review
I’m left handed. So I wear my watch on my right wrist. Otherwise it is uncomfortable to write. 👍🏼
Nice..
No complaints on my SD1970! Better than Seiko!
For fit and finish and price, for sure
How milimeters clasp you choose for it 18mm? Nice review btw.
Yes it is an 18mm clasp
Addies dive are exactly the same as steeldive. Just different logo. Lots of good homage styles. Great for if you're uncertain about paying so much for the og watches and being worried about how they fit on your arm and you lifestyle. Less commitment. I would never wear a tuna at a beach.
A couple of days ago I bought one with the dial in blue. The only problem is that I have not been very precise about the NH35 movement. It is advanced approximately 15 to 18 seconds per day... Do you advise me to make a small adjustment? Thanks for the video 📹.
Unfortunately that is within its specified accuracy. The nh35 is rated for -20 to +40 seconds a day. You can try and regulate it yourself by taking off the back case and adjusting the balance spring length but you risk damaging the watch or gaskets if you don’t know what you are doing or don’t have the proper tools. You can take it to a watch maker to have it regulated. That will likely cost more then it is worth in my opinion. In my mind the best way to resolve this is to just reset the watch every week or so when it gets a little too far out of sync with the true time.
@@rightwristonly8796 Thanks for your answers. I think the most logical thing would be to take it with a watchmaker. Best regards. Nice day.
Finally, a reviewer with a decent voice and accent, and doesn’t use those ridiculous white gloves and stupid calipers.
I don’t use the white gloves because the watches are mine and I wear them regularly. I don’t use the calipers because I measure the watch ahead of time🤪 thanks for the complement on my voice. I just hide my NJ accent the best I can.
Hello. Mine is about five seconds slow so very accurate and the watch itself seems to be well made, but I have yo say that the besel is very stiff to move. On the other hand the bracelet is completely unuseful for me because both end links are very bad machined with lacks of material in sight sides mounted with very thin spring bars. Mine hasn't got the upgraded bracelet with branded clasp like yours althoug the watch has the same features. I wear It with heavy duty spring bars and a black leather strap with white stitching or a super engineer bracelet......and in that way yes, It works for me very nicely. Good review. New subscriber. Cheers!!.
I think, based on what batch you got and which store you bought it from, you will see a good amount of variation in this watch. My bezel is a bit too loose for me, I wish we could swap bezels. I harassed the store I bought mine from to make sure it had the signed crown ( some don’t ) and the signed bracelet. I’m sure the super engineer is a better bracelet
Very nice watch!
One question, is the clasp size 20mm or 18mm?
18mm
@@ChuckleberrySoup Thank you!
100%
Hey buddy, I have a 17cm width wrist, do you think the watch would be too big for me?
No you should be good. I have an 18cm wrist and it’s not on the verge of being too big.
Not fan of heavy watches, so I wonder how heavy is the case if I want to get it on Nato straps to cut the weight ? Thanks
It’s heavy. The strap will cut the weight but will make it floppy on your wrist. All the weight will be on the top and there will be nothing to balance it. I think the bracelet is important to this watch feeling balanced. If you don’t like heavy watches or even if you are annoyed by unbalanced wrist feel I would skip this watch.
For the newbies, you should mention that you should not adjust the date between the 9pm-3am period, as other You Tubers have mentioned it can damage the mechanism.
@Chris101 Gray you’re obviously a newbie
@@j_tokyo nah, most of these movements have fail safes in place, modern ones anyway. Most of the rest of the world are not watch people, and definitely don't read directions, so they had to build a sort of fail safe into these movements
Around what month do they go on sale for the lowest price in the year?
There is an 11:11 sale coming up
Probably your best bet.
Can this watch fit a 6 1/2 inch wrist? Does anyone with a small wrist have experience with this watch?
That depends on how comfortable you are with thicker watches
The cushion case makes it wear well even on smaller wrists. The good thing is if it’s too big for you it isn’t that expensive. You can find it for under $100 so it’s not a massive loss in cash if you don’t wear it.
If I had a 6.5” wrist I would probably think it was just a tad too big mostly based on its weight.
Is it the same manufacturer for addiesdive? It seems the same watch.
Yup
It’s essentially the same watch
Steeldive is an upgraded Seiko. Superior Chinese QC and assembly.
Ugh yeah that seems to be the sad truth. So sad for Seiko although at least they still get to sell their movement.
They have removed the AR coating in mid 2022.
I’m not sure if that is good or bad. It seems to me that mor often then not I see the sheen of the ar coating so what is it really doing?
@@rightwristonly8796 That's true!! At times it looks like I got the Blue Dial. Same goes for my Heimdallr version. 1/3 of the time I glance at it and it looks like I ordered the blue when in fact I ordered the black. Yea it just makes it look more expensive. The AR coating is best when applied on a DOMED sapphire like the real Seiko re-issue. You're spot on!
@@rightwristonly8796 Subsciption earned!
Better wrapped in plastic than coated in cosmoline.
Lol I guess that’s true
Steeldive fantastic value watch out seiko your prices are rip off
An expensive watch that doesn't keep time is a waste of money. A cheap watch that doesn't keep time is a waste of money. SHEESH. THAT IS THE WHOLE POINT OF WEARING A WATCH
Yeah but there are clear differences in how well they keep time. Some +/- 20 seconds a day and some are +/- 3 seconds. Quartz can also vary. Some of those are +/- 1 second a day and some are +/- 1 second a year so there is just a massive range in accuracy out there.
You’re gonna slice your hand one day if you cut towards the other hand..be careful from slippage
Your probably right but I have made it this far in life and am not dead yet 🤷🏻♂️
Homage is actually French, pronounced o - maj.
Sure it is but I speak American English and at least where I live the most common pronunciation is mine 😁 thanks for the feedback though.
@@rightwristonly8796, yeah, I guess learning something new can be threatening to some people.
Just like accepting that some one else can have a different point of view is threatening to some people 😉
Don’t you have to open the hood to review a car. It would be a better review I believe if you talked more and showed the inner workings Al little bit. Not criticizing just a cretic. Thank you for taking the time to review my friend.
It has an NH35 and I believe I mention that. It’s such a standard and widely used movement that there isn’t much for me to talk about that isn’t covered in much greater detail by someone else. Have a look for NH35 review and I’m sure you will find loads of in depth content. 👍🏼
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!
I purchased this watch …. And all watches on my channel. They didn’t send it to me. I was very clear in communicating to the seller exactly what I wanted. I messaged back and forth with them that the bezel must be aligned and the crown and clasp needed to be signed. I’m sure they do send perfect examples to reviewers but I don’t have enough clout to get one for free or to review 😆👍🏼
This is why I bought my Steeldive from a reseller like he did. Quality control.
Only drawback... changing the bracelet is a pain
It’s not any worse than any other watch. Just 2 spring bars
Well...don't agree but nevermind I love it anyway
Nice refreshing review, skip unboxing, don't even know why anyone even cares about the cards and wrap, refrain from using terms that we all know already, 316L gets repetative in all reviews, back play and the sound of the clicks FFS , and above all do not refer to crown action as silky smooth
Thanks man! In all honesty I say that stuff in other reviews but usually for much more expensive watches. Back play matters at $2k or $4k but not at $90. Action in the crown matters at higher prices too. It damn wall better be silky smooth if I was on a waiting list for the watch or if it’s a months take home pay but not here. If it was a proprietary steel blend or alternative material then I will talk about it for sure. And you will hear the sound of the clicks if they are special or show that their bezel retention system is different but this is a standard click spring so w/e.
This is a real every-mans watch and those things don’t apply here.
Thanks for the view. I hope I do some other videos you will like too.
@@rightwristonly8796 you did great don’t let that guy push you around if he’s such an expert he can review watches and then we can criticize him lmao 🤣 some people are just miserable.
Was that a Benchmade Presidio you used to open the box? Nice taste in knives.....
Thanks! It’s a Benchmade bugout. It has custom scales and all titanium hardware. The scales are ironwood burl and canvas micarta. It’s one of the very few Bugouts with a partially serrated blade. 😁