Many viewers have confirmed that the handset size has been increased since this video was posted. Check the manufacturer's listing for new photos of the revised handset.
I think the minute markers on the dial make the 1970 version more aesthetically pleasing and this is the design that most people will be familiar with because it is a true homage to Captain Willard.
Yes, feels like they’re trying to offer a variation just for the sake of it. But to be fair, the plastic rehaut that isn’t quite color matched was negative for some collectors.
@@WatchWittThanks for uploading this video. It's a very useful comparison. In all fairness, the variation is a genuine homage. Seiko did actually release a variation in 1980 and the SD 1980 is a decent homage to that particular model. I do believe that particular model was short-lived and it's hard to find a Seiko original.
Great review! I’m swaying on the side of the 1970. When you look at em side by side, the face on the 70 is tighter, compact and clean. No awkward little gaps, all the spaces have info there and from some angles, the seconds markers appear on the face and outer ring.
Thanks for this video. I've always felt that the 1970 is quite busy and thought I'd prefer the chapter ring of the 1980. However seeing them side by side the 1970 just looks "tighter" in terms of design. Both great watches however!
It looks better and more cleared dial indeed but I personally think they created another problem doing that which is the date window is off to the center now, as the hour markings stretched out the date window remains where it was and that's a problem of cemetery for me
Thanks for this comparison review. Coincidentally my Addiesdive 1970 arrived today and when I unpacked it in my Jeep at the mail box I almost soiled myself. I am a unrepentant watch whore and the Addiesdive watch is without question spectacular. I would have guessed it was at least a $500 watch if I did not know the utterly ridiculous price they sell for. Now, you are an evil man, because after seeing this review I just ordered the Steeldive 1980 in green and got it for under $100. including shipping from Aliexpress. These may become my favorite two watches and I have a lot of watches.
This was all brand new information to me, so thanks for that. Personally I’m glad I bought the 1970 version but this is good to know. Thanks for another great review!
Glad it was helpful! Yes, these just recently came out, along with the day/date version of the watch you have. I think the day/date was a smart move, as there is less of a shortage of Seiko NH36 movements, I believe, like there is for the NH35. Thanks for your compliment!
The SD1980 is a nice looking watch, but I personally still prefer the look of the SD1970. To my eye, the SD1970 is truer to the original 6105, but the SD1980 has me thinking of the Turtle.
Kinda cool that they came out with an updated/new version of their classic. Still love rotating the black 1970 on a red rubber strap into the daily wear; the shine of the ceramic bezel really strikes up comments (and surprise when they learn how affordable the whole package is).
Yes, nice variation…if you can get past the handset. I’ll bet that red compliments your black dial nicely! Definitely affordable watches! #BudgetWatchCollecting
Yeah, I hadn’t really planned on the whole video being side-by-side, but it organically turned into it…and that’s a good thing! That’s why I like doing these long form unboxings.
Yes, many have commented that they revised the handset sometime after this video was released. They're pretty good with improving their watches after criticism .
I just received my SD80 from Ali Express with the green face and bezel. It is a magnificent watch and a joke for the price. Want to know that Steeldive listens to reviews? They have extended the second hand length to match up perfectly with the chapter ring. This watch is so good if they keep this up and raise the bar any higher they will become a very successful watch company beyond making homage watches.
That’s awesome! Somebody else commented here as well that the handset was extended…great news! Yes, we all keep waiting for them to breakout an original design. But I’m the meantime, we’ll keep enjoying their interpretation of classics.
I also have the green version and it's really intriguing. Most of the time the dial looks deep black/grey but then in direct light it turns green with a beautiful sunburst. And I'm als happy to have the version with the extended hand set. Amazing value. Only disadvantage is that the steeldive logo at the back of the watch is a bit sharp. So I took the sharpness off by polishing/rubbing the back with an old cotton cloth. And now it's perfectly fine!
I think they’ve been playing around with the caseback etching as well. I had a version in (forget the watch now!) that caught my eye…was a bit smoother. I’ve never had an issue with the roughness on my wrist, though, only to touch with fingers.
I have one of each and would prefer the SD1980 for future interest (more and different colors) but I haven't seen it listed in the past year or so (DEC2023). It may be that Steeldive didn't see enough sales to justify a whole new model/sku. I have no idea of the cross-compatibility but it seems like the dials and rehauts of the SD1975 and SD1972 might be about the same size and with a little parts-bin engineering it could work. I'll keep looking and maybe they'll be available for the 11.11 Sale 2024!
The dial of the 70 always was a bit too busy/compressed to me. The 80 version is spot on so I just purchased one in that beautiful dark green color. I think it will also look great with a brown leather strap. Thanks for the info on this one. The info of the seller on this 80 version is a bit hidden...BTW I had it for € 100,-
I think the same of the SD1970 dial, but it works! I like the 80 being more spread out, but the smaller handset looks awkward to me. Check back in when you get yours…would love to hear more from you on it!
Also those half links at the lugs of the 70 version are strange/ugly. And the date window of the 70 version does not have enough room and touches the minute markers, also really ugly to me. On the 80 version the date window really has the room it needs so exactly right imho..For some reason the length of the hands on the 80 version doesn't bother me at all because of the other advantages of the 80 version!
Personally, I prefer the chapter ring of the old SD1970, where the seconds hand reaches it and cover the indices. On the new model (much more expensive too), the hands seem too short in the dial. So no improvement at all IMO.
Many viewers have commented that the SD1980 handset has been revised since this video was released…they are much longer now. They definitely look too short in this first version shown here!
Yes, even at $135 these are awesome value…if you get a good one. I can’t ignore the fact that some people have had quality control issues in the past. But the good news is that it’s rare.
If you are interested in a 6105 then the 1980 is not for you. The 1970 is much closer in specs to the the original. But if you interpret "homage" as a tribute to the 6105 and not a copy then this is another great value piece from Steeldive.
Agreed. But some are interpreting this as an homage of Seiko’s reissue of their own 6105 in the Prospex line, such as the SBDC111 or SPB151. I didn’t know that at the time of filming, admittedly, but still feel this is just SD morphing their 1970. Otherwise they would have revised the handset, too. Or at least they SHOULD have!
Great video Witt! Love new one, immediately I thought bigger case not chapter ring! Need that one in green since I have blue in other👍 Very cool. Keep up great content and congratulations again on 1100 Subscribers 👌👌💯
Nice watch. The bracelet, and it might just be me, seems to have a little more shine to it on the SD1980, and it looks to clash with the brushing on the case. I rather prefer the minute track on the dial vs the sd1980's location. The male end links is a no go, as I prefer female links. So for me, it's the SD1970. But, both watches look great. Nice review.
I think it was the same bracelet...but I believe they have changed them a little, or at least the clasp, since this video. I like them both, but something definitely seems more "right" with the SD1970.
I just don't see the point unless there are very many people out there who don't want a reasonably faithful homage to the Willard. It has to be a business proposition or why put it into production? It certainly looks better, and with the Willard connection aside, I'd take the 1980 every time, unless it was uncomfortable or awkward looking on a seven inch wrist. I have two 1970s in green and black as well as the San Martin Kanagawa, so won't be adding this one. Thanks for showing the differences although I'm still puzzled as to why there are differences.
I think it is. The SD1970 has been their money maker and/or introduction to the brand for many. So, if they can tweak it just a bit, maybe it’s enough of a variation to sell another round. Though, many complained about the plastic rehaut on the SD1970, being plain and not well color matched. So, this could be an alternative for those as well. But they missed the mark on reusing the same handset, in my opinion, which is too short for this layout.
I really like the new version, but I hope they update the hand set. That seconds hand sure looks like it belongs to another model (which it actually does as it is taken straight outta the 1970).
@@WatchWitt I have the sd 1997 and I loved it. Always wanted a skx and no problem for me to have this better version with sapphire crystal and nh35. I was between this and the sd1970. Now I would get the sd1977 instead
Interesting, I kind of like the way the 1970 looks re business because I felt that everything kind of drew you in on the dial, but that subtle change definitely gives the 1980 a bigger look, even bigger than what it actually is. What’s the price on the 1980?
Yeah, I never really thought of the original as “squished” until seeing the chapter ring on the rehaut. I need to check out San Martin…hear nothing but good things. Thanks for subscribing and contributing to the conversation!
I feel the hands are too thin on both, compared to the Seiko. When comparing watches in a video, it would be great if the hands were in the same position, marking the same time in both watches.
.5mm? That's within tolerances rather than a "bigger" case. Don't think the new dial works as is, with a longer handset it might've worked. Personally I think they nailed it with the original, if it ain't broken, don't fix it springs to mind.
I agree…needs a longer handset. It feels like they’re trying to spin off the popularity to see if there’s more money to be made. They also introduced the original case size in a DAY/date version NH36. But that could just be a creative solution to the NH35 shortage.
@@WatchWitt I've noticed that Steeldive aren't the first to move the minute track to the chapter ring. Heimdallr's titanium version & San Martin both share the chapter ring minute track with regular length handset. So perhaps I was a little harsh? The SD1970 was my first Chinese watch, and very impressive given the crazy low price. I've since added a Heimdallr with ETA 2824-2 movement but that's got a slightly different case shape on that model, more like a regular turtle but with the Captain Willard's crown guards, and I'm also awaiting the delivery of Heimdallr's titanium, champagne sunburst dial version. I still think the Steeldive is a great buy, altho' the AR coating was a little heavy on mine and I think this watch looks better with an aluminium bezel insert (easy to change that tho') I was also impressed by the accuracy of all my Chinese made watches with NH35A movements, the SD1970 has never lost a second, and never gained more than 2 per day on wrist. If only my Seiko Samurai could manage that...
@@oktc68 I didn't realize Heimdallr and San Martin gave that a go. Great accuracy with your NH35! Unregulated, I think that's just the luck of the draw. I've got a couple that run nice too, but they always seem to dip in and out of their limelight. Never out of spec, though! I'll usually regulate it myself if it's outside of +/- 10spd...if it's a favorite watch!
Io ho un SD1970 proprio come quello recensito...Ora che li ho visti comparati devo dire che lo preferisco al 1980, grazie al suo quadrante che lo fa sembrare più piccolo di quanto non sia in realtà.
Penso che alla fine preferisco anche la SD 1970. Ma è fantastico che Steeldive abbia offerto una variazione. Hanno anche una versione di complicazione giorno/data.
The dial on the sd1980 looks awesome, but I don't like the smaller unproportioned hands, they are lost in that dial. So i think i prefer the sd1970, although also not ideal, because of the busy dial.
@@WatchWitt I can confirm this! I received the watch before a week and indeed it has longer hands, touching almost the end of the indices. I really like this watch! I ordered first the sd1970, I didn't know that such better version sd1980 exists. Thanks to you and your comments here, I canceled the order (was not shipped yet), then ordered the SD1980 and I'm really pleasantly surprised, just what I wanted!!! So really thank you for the timely comment!!!! I posted pics on mine watch in the aliexpress sale listing as customer photos (blue dial).
Very nice! SD definitely tweaks their product here and there. I’ve got two different SD1970 watches that quietly have different case shapes…the underside of the crown guards. So, they can have 2 or 3 versions of a fairly new watch out without customers really knowing the difference.
The SD1980 looks better but I agree the hands are a tad small now… If we get a SD1980W, that would be just perfect, the dial ist larger now, so it would fit the day date better.
Yes, it only makes sense they would produce that next. They already put out the day/date SD1970W, and with the NH35 shortage still ongoing (from what I understand) heading to the day/date NH36 makes sense. As does a no date NH38!
The 1980 looks like its a lot bigger probably because of the spread out dial more than the case size not sure which one i prefer guess I'll have to have both!! 😂
Yes, it’s mainly the look of the dial. Only 1 to 2mm difference on lug to lug…but the edges of the 1980 case do look a bit more pronounced. I should have measured diagonally too, just to compare.
The 1980 looks like the 1970s big brother that got kicked in the head by a mule. There is just something "off" about it. But that might be down to me being more familiar with the older model.
Some of it is your familiarity with the SD1970 (and original Seiko) and the other is probably the “too short” handset. They’ve remedied that after this video was filmed.
@@WatchWitt its just too spread out somehow ,i dont particularly like busy watches either but something is amiss with the 1980 it needs thicker hands or longer hour markers to make up for the extra real estate
Yes, I agree. But it may have at least looked better with a larger/longer handset, as you say. I think they just used the 1970 handset. Larger indices may have cut out a bit of that spaciousness too. But I’m not a watch designer! What do I know?!
I automatically yank those steeldive dials out and throw em in the trash and all mine have done I put spb151 black genuine seiko apocalypse dials and hands in em I also put a brushed chapter ring in mine so it's more like the real spb151. And changed to an older looking aluminum bezel insert. Turned out really good Seiko exhibition caseback and clasp from a mini turtle if u didn't know u can't tell it's not a Seiko
Many viewers have confirmed that the handset size has been increased since this video was posted. Check the manufacturer's listing for new photos of the revised handset.
I think the minute markers on the dial make the 1970 version more aesthetically pleasing and this is the design that most people will be familiar with because it is a true homage to Captain Willard.
Yes, feels like they’re trying to offer a variation just for the sake of it. But to be fair, the plastic rehaut that isn’t quite color matched was negative for some collectors.
@@WatchWittThanks for uploading this video. It's a very useful comparison.
In all fairness, the variation is a genuine homage. Seiko did actually release a variation in 1980 and the SD 1980 is a decent homage to that particular model. I do believe that particular model was short-lived and it's hard to find a Seiko original.
Ahhh…I’ll admit that I didn’t know that. You did me some Seiko history learning today!
I agree, the 1970 to my eyes is more visually pleasing.
Great review! I’m swaying on the side of the 1970. When you look at em side by side, the face on the 70 is tighter, compact and clean. No awkward little gaps, all the spaces have info there and from some angles, the seconds markers appear on the face and outer ring.
Totally agree. The SD1980 looks better after they made the handset bigger, though, unlike the original one in this video.
Thanks for this video. I've always felt that the 1970 is quite busy and thought I'd prefer the chapter ring of the 1980. However seeing them side by side the 1970 just looks "tighter" in terms of design. Both great watches however!
Yes, pros and cons to each!
@@WatchWittlol
It looks better and more cleared dial indeed but I personally think they created another problem doing that which is the date window is off to the center now, as the hour markings stretched out the date window remains where it was and that's a problem of cemetery for me
Have you seen they added a day/date (NH36) version too?!
Thanks for this comparison review. Coincidentally my Addiesdive 1970 arrived today and when I unpacked it in my Jeep at the mail box I almost soiled myself. I am a unrepentant watch whore and the Addiesdive watch is without question spectacular. I would have guessed it was at least a $500 watch if I did not know the utterly ridiculous price they sell for. Now, you are an evil man, because after seeing this review I just ordered the Steeldive 1980 in green and got it for under $100. including shipping from Aliexpress. These may become my favorite two watches and I have a lot of watches.
Right?! The nice thing is, you can have several variations and/or colors at this price! Wrecking homes since 2020.
This was all brand new information to me, so thanks for that. Personally I’m glad I bought the 1970 version but this is good to know. Thanks for another great review!
Glad it was helpful! Yes, these just recently came out, along with the day/date version of the watch you have. I think the day/date was a smart move, as there is less of a shortage of Seiko NH36 movements, I believe, like there is for the NH35. Thanks for your compliment!
The SD1980 is a nice looking watch, but I personally still prefer the look of the SD1970. To my eye, the SD1970 is truer to the original 6105, but the SD1980 has me thinking of the Turtle.
Me too. It’s nice to see them try to change things up a little, though.
Kinda cool that they came out with an updated/new version of their classic. Still love rotating the black 1970 on a red rubber strap into the daily wear; the shine of the ceramic bezel really strikes up comments (and surprise when they learn how affordable the whole package is).
Yes, nice variation…if you can get past the handset. I’ll bet that red compliments your black dial nicely! Definitely affordable watches! #BudgetWatchCollecting
Oooh that sounds neat. Got a strap link please buddy?
If William doesn’t see this message, I’ve got a link to awesome FKM straps in the description of this video: ruclips.net/video/7YVt0e6dbq0/видео.html
@@WatchWitt Thanks, I'll be sure to check them out. :)
It’s nice but I still like my 1970. You really can’t beat this watch at the price and it is no wonder it is an Ali darling. Thanks for the comparison.
Yes, at the end of the day I still prefer the SD1970, too. I think they missed an opportunity to customize this variation a little more.
Good to see the differences side by side. Thanks for the video
Yeah, I hadn’t really planned on the whole video being side-by-side, but it organically turned into it…and that’s a good thing! That’s why I like doing these long form unboxings.
i have the green dial one and the second hand runs right up to the chapter ring seconds mark ... nice watch excellent time keeping
Yes, many have commented that they revised the handset sometime after this video was released. They're pretty good with improving their watches after criticism .
I just received my SD80 from Ali Express with the green face and bezel. It is a magnificent watch and a joke for the price. Want to know that Steeldive listens to reviews? They have extended the second hand length to match up perfectly with the chapter ring. This watch is so good if they keep this up and raise the bar any higher they will become a very successful watch company beyond making homage watches.
That’s awesome! Somebody else commented here as well that the handset was extended…great news! Yes, we all keep waiting for them to breakout an original design. But I’m the meantime, we’ll keep enjoying their interpretation of classics.
I also have the green version and it's really intriguing. Most of the time the dial looks deep black/grey but then in direct light it turns green with a beautiful sunburst. And I'm als happy to have the version with the extended hand set. Amazing value. Only disadvantage is that the steeldive logo at the back of the watch is a bit sharp. So I took the sharpness off by polishing/rubbing the back with an old cotton cloth. And now it's perfectly fine!
I think they’ve been playing around with the caseback etching as well. I had a version in (forget the watch now!) that caught my eye…was a bit smoother. I’ve never had an issue with the roughness on my wrist, though, only to touch with fingers.
I have one of each and would prefer the SD1980 for future interest (more and different colors) but I haven't seen it listed in the past year or so (DEC2023). It may be that Steeldive didn't see enough sales to justify a whole new model/sku. I have no idea of the cross-compatibility but it seems like the dials and rehauts of the SD1975 and SD1972 might be about the same size and with a little parts-bin engineering it could work. I'll keep looking and maybe they'll be available for the 11.11 Sale 2024!
I've seen them still listed recently. Seems like only black was available, though.
@@WatchWitt Cool!
The dial of the 70 always was a bit too busy/compressed to me. The 80 version is spot on so I just purchased one in that beautiful dark green color. I think it will also look great with a brown leather strap. Thanks for the info on this one. The info of the seller on this 80 version is a bit hidden...BTW I had it for € 100,-
I think the same of the SD1970 dial, but it works! I like the 80 being more spread out, but the smaller handset looks awkward to me. Check back in when you get yours…would love to hear more from you on it!
Also those half links at the lugs of the 70 version are strange/ugly. And the date window of the 70 version does not have enough room and touches the minute markers, also really ugly to me. On the 80 version the date window really has the room it needs so exactly right imho..For some reason the length of the hands on the 80 version doesn't bother me at all because of the other advantages of the 80 version!
We’re all different about our likes and dislikes…I can completely see your point! Have you seen they have a day/date version now too?
@@WatchWitt Exactly! Yes I indeed saw the SD 1972 with day and date. However a cyclops makes every watch look very cheap (almost like a toy) to me😜
I got 'm! And it's a beautiful watch. And guess what...It came with longer hands so it is really perfect now probably thanks to your review👌
Wow, cool! That’s great news!
Just got my 1970 month ago, well 1980 looks beautiful too…might get one…
Subtle differences unless you’re a watch geek like us! That short handset, though….
My new favorite watch channel because you have an 8 inch wrist like me haha!
It's great when you find a reviewer wrist mate, right?! Great to have you along for the ride!
Personally, I prefer the chapter ring of the old SD1970, where the seconds hand reaches it and cover the indices. On the new model (much more expensive too), the hands seem too short in the dial. So no improvement at all IMO.
Many viewers have commented that the SD1980 handset has been revised since this video was released…they are much longer now. They definitely look too short in this first version shown here!
Nice.
But I think I prefer the 1970 v2.
I’m with you!
I really like this brand, great name and branding for an Ali special, and good value for the money
Yes, even at $135 these are awesome value…if you get a good one. I can’t ignore the fact that some people have had quality control issues in the past. But the good news is that it’s rare.
If you are interested in a 6105 then the 1980 is not for you. The 1970 is much closer in specs to the the original. But if you interpret "homage" as a tribute to the 6105 and not a copy then this is another great value piece from Steeldive.
Agreed. But some are interpreting this as an homage of Seiko’s reissue of their own 6105 in the Prospex line, such as the SBDC111 or SPB151. I didn’t know that at the time of filming, admittedly, but still feel this is just SD morphing their 1970. Otherwise they would have revised the handset, too. Or at least they SHOULD have!
Great video Witt! Love new one, immediately I thought bigger case not chapter ring! Need that one in green since I have blue in other👍 Very cool. Keep up great content and congratulations again on 1100 Subscribers 👌👌💯
Thanks Steve! The handset on this one kind of bugs me, though. Wish they would have adapted instead of stealing from the 1970.
Nice watch. The bracelet, and it might just be me, seems to have a little more shine to it on the SD1980, and it looks to clash with the brushing on the case. I rather prefer the minute track on the dial vs the sd1980's location. The male end links is a no go, as I prefer female links. So for me, it's the SD1970. But, both watches look great. Nice review.
I think it was the same bracelet...but I believe they have changed them a little, or at least the clasp, since this video. I like them both, but something definitely seems more "right" with the SD1970.
I just don't see the point unless there are very many people out there who don't want a reasonably faithful homage to the Willard. It has to be a business proposition or why put it into production? It certainly looks better, and with the Willard connection aside, I'd take the 1980 every time, unless it was uncomfortable or awkward looking on a seven inch wrist. I have two 1970s in green and black as well as the San Martin Kanagawa, so won't be adding this one. Thanks for showing the differences although I'm still puzzled as to why there are differences.
I think it is. The SD1970 has been their money maker and/or introduction to the brand for many. So, if they can tweak it just a bit, maybe it’s enough of a variation to sell another round. Though, many complained about the plastic rehaut on the SD1970, being plain and not well color matched. So, this could be an alternative for those as well. But they missed the mark on reusing the same handset, in my opinion, which is too short for this layout.
I really like the new version, but I hope they update the hand set. That seconds hand sure looks like it belongs to another model (which it actually does as it is taken straight outta the 1970).
I agree. The hour hand actually bugs me even more than the seconds hand…it just looks like someone clipped a bit off!
Yes, they have destroyed the harmony of the dial, widening it and keeping the old handset.
Many viewers have commented that they have purchased an updated version with longer handset. It came out after this video was released.
thank you for the comparison!
My pleasure…it was fun! Didn’t see any other videos of this new model on YT, so figured we should break it out!
@@WatchWitt I have the sd 1997 and I loved it. Always wanted a skx and no problem for me to have this better version with sapphire crystal and nh35. I was between this and the sd1970. Now I would get the sd1977 instead
Interesting, I kind of like the way the 1970 looks re business because I felt that everything kind of drew you in on the dial, but that subtle change definitely gives the 1980 a bigger look, even bigger than what it actually is. What’s the price on the 1980?
Yeah, it’s cool to see that they’re thinking of ways to change it up, and keep building of the success of the 1970. About $135 USD for this one.
1980 do to the chapter ring opening up the dial. Probably the reason I also own the San Martin version! P.S. new subscriber
Yeah, I never really thought of the original as “squished” until seeing the chapter ring on the rehaut. I need to check out San Martin…hear nothing but good things. Thanks for subscribing and contributing to the conversation!
Looks like a solid everyday watch! ☺
They are great everyday watches, as long as you’re cool with the diver look! But they dress up or down easily.
I feel the hands are too thin on both, compared to the Seiko. When comparing watches in a video, it would be great if the hands were in the same position, marking the same time in both watches.
Excellent suggestion...will remember that if I do any future side by sides!
.5mm? That's within tolerances rather than a "bigger" case. Don't think the new dial works as is, with a longer handset it might've worked. Personally I think they nailed it with the original, if it ain't broken, don't fix it springs to mind.
I agree…needs a longer handset. It feels like they’re trying to spin off the popularity to see if there’s more money to be made. They also introduced the original case size in a DAY/date version NH36. But that could just be a creative solution to the NH35 shortage.
@@WatchWitt I've noticed that Steeldive aren't the first to move the minute track to the chapter ring. Heimdallr's titanium version & San Martin both share the chapter ring minute track with regular length handset. So perhaps I was a little harsh? The SD1970 was my first Chinese watch, and very impressive given the crazy low price. I've since added a Heimdallr with ETA 2824-2 movement but that's got a slightly different case shape on that model, more like a regular turtle but with the Captain Willard's crown guards, and I'm also awaiting the delivery of Heimdallr's titanium, champagne sunburst dial version. I still think the Steeldive is a great buy, altho' the AR coating was a little heavy on mine and I think this watch looks better with an aluminium bezel insert (easy to change that tho') I was also impressed by the accuracy of all my Chinese made watches with NH35A movements, the SD1970 has never lost a second, and never gained more than 2 per day on wrist. If only my Seiko Samurai could manage that...
@@oktc68 I didn't realize Heimdallr and San Martin gave that a go. Great accuracy with your NH35! Unregulated, I think that's just the luck of the draw. I've got a couple that run nice too, but they always seem to dip in and out of their limelight. Never out of spec, though! I'll usually regulate it myself if it's outside of +/- 10spd...if it's a favorite watch!
I love the SteelDive Bronze watches.
Stay tuned…!
Io ho un SD1970 proprio come quello recensito...Ora che li ho visti comparati devo dire che lo preferisco al 1980, grazie al suo quadrante che lo fa sembrare più piccolo di quanto non sia in realtà.
Penso che alla fine preferisco anche la SD 1970. Ma è fantastico che Steeldive abbia offerto una variazione. Hanno anche una versione di complicazione giorno/data.
The dial on the sd1980 looks awesome, but I don't like the smaller unproportioned hands, they are lost in that dial. So i think i prefer the sd1970, although also not ideal, because of the busy dial.
A few people have commented that the handset has been enlarged to match the dial, vs. what you see in this video.
Very useful information! Indeed I saw some customer shots in the listing and the hands look bigger.
@@WatchWitt I can confirm this! I received the watch before a week and indeed it has longer hands, touching almost the end of the indices. I really like this watch! I ordered first the sd1970, I didn't know that such better version sd1980 exists. Thanks to you and your comments here, I canceled the order (was not shipped yet), then ordered the SD1980 and I'm really pleasantly surprised, just what I wanted!!! So really thank you for the timely comment!!!! I posted pics on mine watch in the aliexpress sale listing as customer photos (blue dial).
Very nice! SD definitely tweaks their product here and there. I’ve got two different SD1970 watches that quietly have different case shapes…the underside of the crown guards. So, they can have 2 or 3 versions of a fairly new watch out without customers really knowing the difference.
The SD1980 looks better but I agree the hands are a tad small now…
If we get a SD1980W, that would be just perfect, the dial ist larger now, so it would fit the day date better.
Yes, it only makes sense they would produce that next. They already put out the day/date SD1970W, and with the NH35 shortage still ongoing (from what I understand) heading to the day/date NH36 makes sense. As does a no date NH38!
The 1980 looks like its a lot bigger probably because of the spread out dial more than the case size not sure which one i prefer guess I'll have to have both!! 😂
Yes, it’s mainly the look of the dial. Only 1 to 2mm difference on lug to lug…but the edges of the 1980 case do look a bit more pronounced. I should have measured diagonally too, just to compare.
Think it’s cool, but the little hand is too short to be longer
STEELDIVE revised the handset sometime after this video was published. All versions have longer hands now, similar to the SD1970.
Great value for such a good looking watch but 1970 even better value if that's a deal clincher!
Definitely. It feels like the STEELDIVE hype train has been quiet lately…I need to find some more pieces to show from them!
Look identical to me.
If you know, you know!
If the 1970 (6105) was good enough for Captain Willard, it’s good enough for me.
“I don’t see…any method…at all, sir.”
I think I still prefer the SD1970 too…
The 1980 looks like the 1970s big brother that got kicked in the head by a mule. There is just something "off" about it. But that might be down to me being more familiar with the older model.
Some of it is your familiarity with the SD1970 (and original Seiko) and the other is probably the “too short” handset. They’ve remedied that after this video was filmed.
Mmmm i don't know really needed to have both to make my mind
Haha! I like the way you think!
They are now 70$
…with improvements too!
No, I prefer the older version….the new version indexes, hands looked small….
Yeah, I think they should have kept the handset in proportion too.
Only nerds like us can tell the difference...lol. Nice video
I know right. And this one even stumped some of us nerds! Gave us a dose of how others see some watches…”it looks just the other one.”
Wow...it looks a LOT bigger.
But it’s NOT….just a little. Amazing how spreading out that dial changes everything, right?
@@WatchWitt Yeah absolutely. Its a weird kind of optical illusion.
Plus the camera deception when one watch is slightly further than the other.
I prefer the 1970 myself.
At the end of the day, I'm with you.
Ótimo vídeo!
Obrigado! O fone curto me incomoda um pouco, mas por outro lado eu gosto do mostrador maior.
Isso deveria ter sido traduzido como "mãos!"
The hands of 1980 looks too small on that spacious dial. Kinda deal breaker for me. Also the chapter ring too modern.
I’m with you. It feels like they just re-used the SD1970 handset with regard to aesthetics. I kinda like the chapter ring, though!
@@WatchWitt hi, why dont you try to swap the dial between this two? Must be interesting😁
I flipped the SD1980. But I think the interior case sizes are different, unless the movement ring is king of the show.
Wow thats quite odd, if so then steeldive make their own movement ring to fit NH in their case.
👍
It’s decent, right?! Except the handset…
definitely prefer the look of the 1970
I think I do too, because I’m so used to it. This seems different just to be different. Ha!
@@WatchWitt its just too spread out somehow ,i dont particularly like busy watches either but something is amiss with the 1980 it needs thicker hands or longer hour markers to make up for the extra real estate
Yes, I agree. But it may have at least looked better with a larger/longer handset, as you say. I think they just used the 1970 handset. Larger indices may have cut out a bit of that spaciousness too. But I’m not a watch designer! What do I know?!
Steeldive 1980 is $99 right now. 1970 $87
Incredible prices, right?!
I prefer the 1970
I do too. But I haven’t seen the newer version of the 1980 with larger handset…..pretty cool that they revised that.
I automatically yank those steeldive dials out and throw em in the trash and all mine have done I put spb151 black genuine seiko apocalypse dials and hands in em I also put a brushed chapter ring in mine so it's more like the real spb151. And changed to an older looking aluminum bezel insert. Turned out really good Seiko exhibition caseback and clasp from a mini turtle if u didn't know u can't tell it's not a Seiko
That sounds awesome! I've heard of some other modders doing similar, too.