Heh, my PADI turtle is the MOST expensive watch I ever owned! I never thought I could have a real dive watch! (yes I'm very poor). I threw a dive strap on it and a Japanese day wheel, and its really my pride and joy. Just saying "affordable" is a relative term!
@@JohnDoe-vh7vc I love mine. I got it with the mesh bracelet and I wear it to the office, out to dinner, and even casual nights out. It's very versatile IMO
Have owned all three (Kamasu was an outstanding choice as my first automatic) - ended up with the Citizen NY0040 series as my favourite for this budget though - I just love 'em!
Good review, but you're really comparing two apples to a pear. The Promaster (like the Seiko) is designed to be a diving watch. And while mineral glass is more susceptible to scratching than sapphire, it is less inclined to shatter. Anyone who has been racked up against a coral reef or rock by a wave will tell you that your dive watch can get knocked about quite a bit. Also, scratches, no matter how deep, tend to disappear in the water. So shatter resistance trumps scratch resistance for any watch who's primary purpose is to be under water. The ISO rating is also important to divers because it means EACH piece has been tested to 125% rated depth for two hours. So when you buy a divers 200m watch, you know that particular piece has been subjected to 25BAR for two hours. With watches that don't have an ISO 6245 rating, the rating is only given to the "type", so while the "design" might be rated, you have no assurance your actual piece was tested. (It most likely wasn't). The Rubber strap, while agreeably unattractive is designed that way for a specific reason. The extra long length of the strap is so that the watch can be worn over a wetsuit. The "scallops" or "waves" near the lugs are expansion joints so that the watch band can expand as wetsuit material expands. The thicker a dive suit, the more water it will absorb when worn, and the thicker it will become (like a sponge) once wet. I agree with you, that most of these points are of little concern to "sports watch enthusiasts". But for divers, they do make a difference. And despite the fact that most dives are computer dives now, it is still important to have a reliable dive watch that in case of emergency will be there to backup your dive computer, and provide you with the ability to perform the required safety stops necessary to prevent decompression sickness. In that way, they still are very much "life saving" gear. Both the Sieko and Citizen fit this bill. Tool watches purpose designed and built. And since the eco-drive watch is solar powered, it assures the user that, like the Seiko, the only time the back on these watches needs to be removed, is for routine o-ring inspection, replacement, and re-certification testing. If you just want a dive inspired watch, then the Orient is a perfect "desk diver" but I'd never take it to depth without knowing it had already been there before.
I freedive with that Citizen and i love that rubber strap. Much more secure and adjustable. The lume is intensely bright. You can get them for like $140 i think. But the aluminum bezel and crystal scratch super easy. Mine gets scared against sand and rocks underwater. Still maybe my fav watch in my collection. I got it on my honeymoon and took it diving immediately.
The Orient Kamasu was my first automatic and out of the box, it has been the best calibrated watch even compared to some of my more expensive watches. With a premium bracelet from Strapcode to replace the mediocre bracelet the Kamasu comes with, the Kamasu feels, looks, and wears like a much more expensive watch! It's still one of my favorites.
Just got my first watch, a Kamasu on Wednesday (in Green) and its beautiful. Very happy. All of these watches look great, I would be happy with any of them
The Citizen is one of my absolute favorite watches. It's always ready to grab and go when I don't feel like fussing with the sleeping automatics. First thing I did was ditch the strap and it now wears a great variety of NATO's like a champ.
I had a few Seiko Skx, 2 stopped and one still works but the face is loose. Had a Citizen and the movement is not as smooth but still works and the lume is stays bright all night long. The only problem is the two rubber rings on the band that held the excess band cracked and eventually broke and the paint on the bezel scratches easily.
The Citizen just looks like you can take it anywhere and enjoy it's utility. Same with the Seiko, it's a reliable piece that gives you legitimate purpose under water. The Orient show great versatility and is more like a skin diver IMO, a great piece to wear on a vacation, and it's there for you if you want to go snorkeling or if you fall in the pool because you were drinking too much and thought you could hop across the corner of the deep end.
I have had my PADI turtle for a year and logged about 50 dives with it. It’s been in mud, sand and nasty environments and the mineral crystal has held up. Banged it on rock, metal and concrete, still looks great. I lose about 4 minutes a week. I get a ton of compliments on it and I think it’s a great looking watch. I have worn it with a tuxedo and basketball shorts and it seems to work everywhere, I am a diver so I feel like I can get away with wearing one in all occasions. funny enough while people may assume that dive watches are obsolete, I tend to dive with a watch and a computer, when my computer malfunctioned on a day trip, I had to rely on my depth gage and dive watch. It worked out for me on the 4 dives I did that day.
I have the Cit. Promaster as the so called "beater watch" and love it. I also only use the citizen for water activities (in a pool, fishing, skiing, etc) Looks good and is one tough watch. I own 3 other dive watches, (dive watches are my favorite) Zelos, Alpina, and Orient Mako USA (white dial). The Mako is favorite watch to wear with shorts, jeans, etc. I get lots of compliments on the white dial. Thanks Teddy, always look forward to your reviews!!
I have the Seiko solar PADI. I feel like I’m getting the best combination of all. Great brand, great design, solar convenience and reliability and an affordable price.
I swear by SEIKO! I'm sure ALL the other Japanese watches are equally good. My experience with SEIKO was that on a very active teenage wrist it NEVER failed, was incredibly durable and held up to what could ONLY be described as pure TORTURE which had killed several of those "KEEPS ON TICKING... NO MATTER WHAT!" ones.
Thanks for your insight Teddy. I must say; I'm glad to see that the Citizen Promaster Diver made your list. I wear mine often when I'm working around the pool and must say it is one of the most comfortable straps I've worn so far and, the fact that the mineral crystal is somewhat recessed in relation to the bezel, I find that it's a "peace of mind" feature and enables me to wear it w/o having to worry about the watch. Thanks for sharing.
Great to see you're wearing the anOrdain in the wrist Teddy. From my experience Iv'e not had any issue with reliability with Citizen or Seiko (not including Seiko analog quartz) I cannot comment (yet) on Orient as I've yet to try one. From someone who has a preference for mechanical watches of these options I'd probably go for the Citizen Eco Drive quartz in this trio. I've owned (and still have) a number of Citizen Eco Drive watches over many years and so far have not had a failure. As you say Teddy they really are a set it and forget it watch for accuracy. I'll take a look at Orient at some point.
I go Orient all day.. but of I am truly a diver, than the choice is Seiko PADI. Not sure how i feel about solar charge movement. However, Citizen does have a beautiful watch looks expensive where as the Seiko looks a bit dated and the movement could be better for the money.
Regarding the choice of that particular Citizen for the comparison , even though the Eco drive is a proven technology (i have one that has been working non stop for 19 years now! without a new capacitor) the right contender should have been the automatic promaster ny-0040
An important data point for comparison, especially for the Seiko’s benefit, is street price, not the inflated MSRP. A king turtle can be had for 425-450, and given the improved materials, is by far the best option. At least from a materials abs mechanics perspective. In my opinion. Probably not a popular suggestion considering you are a retailer as well, but valid information nonetheless. Cheers
I got a SRPF77 "Save the Ocean" Turtle as one of my first watches. Still love it to this day! Looking forward to adding another Turtle to the collection someday
As always.... another EXCELLENT video Teddy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a relaxed and entertaining manner. Greatly appreciate the great work you do. Cheers! M.
My wife bought me the Citizen pro master automatic for my birthday a couple of years ago. Keeps bloody awful time. Got Tag Heuer Aquaracer and a couple of Tissot automatics that put it to shame. Pity, because the 4 quartz Citizens I own are brilliant watches
Got the Citizen ProMaster (blue) and Orient Kamasu (black/gold) for less than $300 and it's the best combo so far for the money! Recently added the Invicta 8926 Automatic for $54 and it's very good at its price!
I have the Citizen and Orient ( or um, should I say Epson)? and a Seiko SKX007. All great fun watches. I wear the Orient most often looks, appearance, size.
and weird that Teddy doesn’t mentioned they’re wholly owned by Seiko, which makes the lack of sapphire on the PADI even more strange. But Seiko really loves their proprietary glass. 🤷♂️
@@Judah.Rosenthal I'd really like to upgrade from the Seiko Hardlex glass to a double dome sapphire with an AR blue inside coating for my Padi 45mm Turtle. Do you know where I might be able to pick one up? (A good quality crystal that will not harm the WR of this otherwise great watch?) Thanks!
For me accuracy is very important. As a daily wear it would frustrate me having to reset to the correct time every couple of days. I own a Seiko dress quartz given to me for my 21st birthday and that was 45 years ago. The movement is accurate to one second per month from this old watch. Yes, I still wear it and is as accurate as ever. I also own a Citizen Chronograph given to me a year ago and it to is accurate to within one second per month. I once was a mechanical movement snob and would wear my Yachtmaster every day. But I have been drawn to quartz movements of late and I am in awe with the movements made by Citizen, Seiko and even Casio. All Japanese brands but the range and value for money proposition is insanely good. European brands are simply too expensive and mostly use mechanical movements that are truly expensive to service and repair.
I liked my 151 Promaster so much, I bought a 150 (black face) as well. With a street price of less than $250, the Citizens are hard to beat; a tremendous value. I'd say lose the rubber strap and go with a NATO or an aftermarket bracelet. The 150/151 are "dress divers". They look good with jeans/chinos or a suit.
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I can't decide between the black, blue and Pepsi version of this promaster diver. I have 3 citizen divers (2 Aqualand & Ny0040 automatic) since my NY is black, I'm thinking of the blue or Pepsi. The Pepsi is about $60 more than the blue though.
Greg I've got the 150 (black) on my wrist right now; it's on a Marine Nationale NATO with an orange stripe. The blue is on a bracelet; I wear that when i want to feel pretty.
Citizen Promaster, Eco Drive, BN0150-61E is quite amazing for the price. This variant also has a bracelet with diver's extension. A near perfect beater and still fits a 6.25 inch wrist. Lume is very satisfying too.
It's a shame the bracelet version wasn't the review sample. The bracelet really upgrades the look of the watch and embarrasses the bracelet on the other watches in this review.
I have both the orient and the citizen...both are excellent choices, in my opinion. Despite what seems a large diameter, the citizen really works well for a small wrist. No regrets for either one!
I’ve got the Seiko a couple years ago as my first “expensive” watch and I love it. I’ve had my eye on the Citizen as my beater work (construction) watch. I have a handful of Gshocks that I use for work but I just love the aesthetic of dive watches and I want one on my wrist at all time now.
💯 Can't beat a G-shock to wear doing construction though... I'm wearing my DW5600 right now (but I'll pop on my Orient Mako 2 or Seiko 5 sport for days at the office - I feel like a 👑 without breaking the bank) Gotta say the square G-shock is the one that I reach for reflexively in the morning.
As a PADI trained diver since the late '80s, I know a number of divers that still use their dive watches. Some use only watches, most use them as a safety and to verify the computer and to maintain their skills.
I've owned and greatly enjoyed the Citizen Promaster for several months. Great looking watch and a real diver's watch. One possibly overlooked feature: there is a ladies version (something I rarely find for any other divers). I bought it for my wife and she loves it. We both happily wear the same watch.
I tried on a turtle today. On my 6.65” wrist it definitely doesn’t wear as large as you’d think. Very comfortable and a lot lower profile than I expected. I like it.
Just between these three, the Citizen and the Orient are the clear winners. Most likely, only a Seiko fanboy would choose the Turtle. I am not really "into" quartz, but; the two that I DO have are both Citizen Eco-Drives. Citizen has been at the forefront of solar power for quite some time. Enjoyed the video, sir.
Most people who wear dive watches don't scuba dive. Scuba divers for most use a dive computer and some use a watch for a backup. My problem is I like the dive watch style but with a 6.8-inch wrist it really limits my comfort level to maybe a 38mm sized watch and lighter weight. I have a couple 40mm dive-style watches one being a Seiko and another a microbrand but both are kind of heavy about 150 grams. I tend to take resin G shock watches in the pool as they are super lightweight and I forget there are there many times. I have had Echo Drive watches from Citizen that lasted more than 20 years before breaking down. Very impressive and lightweight. Seiko watches are going up in price for me to justify the cost. I am looking at Orient now. I am not sure but somehow they are connected in ownership. Citizen ownes a few watch brands as well.
Kamasu is a fantastic watch but you incorrectly stated that it has solid end links. They are hollow. Replace that crummy bracelet with a strap code oyster style one and this watch is out of sight.
@@antonhallergren588 hahahaha what 😂😂😂 we can still get the skx007 (full set, in worn but like new condition) for 230 to 260 euro in the Netherlands. People ask what ever they think it's worth but I've yet to see or hear anyone pay over 300 euro for one.
as fun diver(advanced open water) for 17 yrs, citizen by far the best of the three. Mako is more diver style watch by changing some factors of diver watch to make if more beautiful such as indipendent color of minute hands and dot on 12 bezel. Seiko very good but one would buy dive computer w that money. :) for diving, get seiko for dive style all rounder watch, if want to wear w suit, mako for some of both, but wear more w casual, seiko.
Great video! I think another "box" which may be applicable is which watch would be best suited as a "desk diver". Generally speaking, I find Orient watches to be more elegant and work better in an office environment, so the Kamaso (or Ray/Mako II) may be more suitable for people who wish to wear the watch in an office job.
Nice comparison video. This might've better titled "Best traditional dive watches under $500" as I think the best dive watch under $500 is a Casio G-Shock 5600. Thoughts?
Kamasu is by far the most versatile out of them and it’s not even close. I feel the other two are for straight up diving but although the Kamasu can definitely get wet but it’s also a lot dressier than the other two.
Kamusu looks more like a dress watch on my 7.5 inch wrist, turtle and promaster are chunky divers not that suitable for every day wear it's not easy to find something that fits perfectly without being oversized or too small, 43mm with a 47/48mm lug to lug would be perfect, thx for the video 👍
My grandfather wore an Orient Tristar (with the 46943 movement) which was never serviced and was still running in specs in 2017 when he gave it to me. He didn’t remember when he bought the watch but he said it was between ‘75 to ‘78. So it’s really impressive.
Great video, Teddy. Really good comparison and balanced points over all. I finally took the plunge on the red dial Kamasu, and got it last week. The bracelet is a bit jingly jangly and kinda cheap over all, but it looks good and is comfortable. My first Orient, and I don't regret it as I'm highly enjoying it. Seeing Seiko's prices now, I'm just glad I got a pre owned mint condition SKX (with an unused Strapcode bracelet) for under $180 a couple of years ago.
I saw the grey Citizen Promaster with wave design on the dial and almost made an impulse purchase, but I already bought a bunch of watches recently. it's on my wishlist to buy, maybe next year.
Nive comparison. I would not hesitate to dive with an Orient ‘diver’. Even diving with a computer, I always wore a dive watch as a backup, in case my computer stopped mid dive. We generally know how deep we will be diving. On the boat, my computer will tell me how long I can stay at any given depth, for a 2nd or 3rd dive of the day. That way, if my computer quits, I know when I have to be at the surface. I would definitely get any Orient pressure tested before a diving trip, as non-certified watches are not all tested? Eco-Drive Divers are my favorite quartz divers. Regular battery operated quartz divers are expensive for battery changes, since they have to be fully tested for water resistance at every battery change.
@@e28forever30 it's great value, some of the newer watches of this style seem to have a slightly updated movement that hacks. My ny0400 has been rock solid for the last 5 years and I have an Avi-8 with the same older movement and that is well over 10 years old and runs a treat.
I have the Citizen diver featured in this review and one of the reasons why I purchased it is its size: though it's 43mm plus, it wears really snug and handy because of its "perfect" circular case and less than 48mm lug to lug. Too many companies these days, Seiko, Hamilton, Certina, Mido and even Citizen are making their watches way too big - 44mm and 45 mm are way too big for most people and just look ridiculous on most average-sized wrists. Glycine must hold the world record for the longest lug to lug on most of their range - some measure over 53mm.
I have a Seiko Tuna that I bought back in 1982, it's been my go to watch. I've worn it every day for the past 40 years, and through some tough blue collar working conditions. I've also gone diving with it. It's been an incredibly durable and reliable watch.
I have a Solar Tuna. Cost like 300 bucks or something. I call it my doomsday watch. If shit ever went down its the watch I would grab. Solar powered and built like a tank.
I got my Advanced Open Water cert. with PADI. That's cool. And it's actually made in Japan *and* is affordable which is rare as hell these days. Most things MIJ are priced like they are made out of raw diamond and only gods can afford anything made in Switzerland.
Great comparison video! I love dive watches and SEIKO is on top of them. Just a bummer for that PADI turtle to just have hardlex crystal and an aluminium bezel insert so I got a second one to have it modified with a sapphire crystal and a ceramic lumed bezel insert. I do got the King Turtle but am not a fan of that cyclops.
@RolandB Jr.; would you mind telling whose Sapphire crystal and ceramic lumed bezel insert you chose. I'd really like to do that mod on my SRPA21 45mm Turtle. I feel that with that mod it would become my favorite watch in the rotation.
@@leb4life11 I had dive with all my dive watches and mostly with the SEIKOs and I assure you whether they have sapphire or hardlex crystal as long as you dive within the watch certified depth limit they will be fine. The deepest I've dive with my SEIKOs was about 78 meters(255.905512 Feet) to 80 meters (262.467192 Feet) using the PADI Turtle with the hardlex crystal at Blue Hole - Dahab, Egypt and recently using the King Turtle with the sapphire crystal in the Maldives-Maaya Thila, South Ari Atoll at 30 meters(100 feet).
I own the Padi (I put it on a Crafter Blue rubber strap). Love the look and feel. But I feel like Citizen would be a better watch. I got the Padi on reputation alone, but build quality is questionable. I think the Citizen would have less rattle, wiggle, alignment issues.
I have the Seiko padi and absolutely love it. You can pick one up at any department store for $300. Only chumps pay retail on a Seiko. The bracelet is the only part of the watch that leaves something to be desired. I mostly wear it on a Seiko rubber strap. The dial really pops in the sun!
I looked up my receipt. I paid $415 apparently. But I bought from a Seiko dealer. Macy's wanted $500. Also that's the Japan market one where the whole watch, not just the movement is made in Japan. They cost more.
@@michaeladonler8892 Great choice. You just can not go wrong with any of their bracelets. Some complain about their premium $$ price but I believe that "You get what you pay for."
I was planning on getting a Orient Kamasu, but found a Orient Triton on ridiculous sale (only like $50 more than Kamasu). I'm really tempted to get a Seiko Turtle, but held back by the mineral glass when other watches in the same price point has sapphire (where I'm from).
Teddy, Great choice of watches and an excellent review. I have the Kamasu in red and it is a stunning watch. It does have hollow end links that can also be seen in your video. The crown is slightly small and is not the easiest to use. I also have a Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle. I really like the blue fade to black textured striped dial. The Seiko's bracelet is just not as nice as the Orient's.
I can't make up my mind I will probably end up getting a clone of the seiko but the oreint in red is my grail I'm treating myself to one for my birthday!
I think the seiko tuna is not getting the love that deserves. Sure, it's not for everyone but it has a ton of history and character and it wears beautifully
Have all three. My favorite is the PADI turtle hands down. In my experience all my Orients run too fast, while the 4R movement is far more accurate. The Citizen is a great watch as well.
I considered the Orient Kamasu and Seiko King Turtle, ended up going with the Seiko because I liked the design better, ceramic bezel is nice as well. Can't go wrong with a Kamasu though, especially for less money.
Yeah all of these are great watches, just choose the style you like best. Also, the Kamasu was called that by fans, it has never been called that by Orient afaik. So that's why it doesn't have a barracuda on the back.
Heh, my PADI turtle is the MOST expensive watch I ever owned! I never thought I could have a real dive watch! (yes I'm very poor). I threw a dive strap on it and a Japanese day wheel, and its really my pride and joy. Just saying "affordable" is a relative term!
I think you made a good choice. I wasn’t a fan at first, but I am more and more drawn to the turtle.
Mechanical watches are expensive. $500 on a watch is a lot of money and most people wouldn't spend that much on a watch.
PADI turtle is one of my absolute favourites. I’ve put mine on a strapcode Oyster style, wears like a Sub now.
@@Pete...NoNotThatOne I'm more a dive strap person on a dive watch.
@@mattc3929 I had a very rare windfall and figured it was my one chance.
I’ve had nothing but great experiences with Orient. I believe they make the best entry level automatics you can buy
Love my 4 Bambino and 2 Kano
What about seiko 5 sports
@@JohnDoe-vh7vc I love mine. I got it with the mesh bracelet and I wear it to the office, out to dinner, and even casual nights out. It's very versatile IMO
Pop a ceramic bezel and a j style bracelet on a ray 2 and it's hard to beat for under 600
@@carlobighouse5434 that’s almost the exact setup I have. Just a different bracelet and I added a sapphire crystal
Have owned all three (Kamasu was an outstanding choice as my first automatic) - ended up with the Citizen NY0040 series as my favourite for this budget though - I just love 'em!
Good review, but you're really comparing two apples to a pear.
The Promaster (like the Seiko) is designed to be a diving watch. And while mineral glass is more susceptible to scratching than sapphire, it is less inclined to shatter. Anyone who has been racked up against a coral reef or rock by a wave will tell you that your dive watch can get knocked about quite a bit. Also, scratches, no matter how deep, tend to disappear in the water. So shatter resistance trumps scratch resistance for any watch who's primary purpose is to be under water.
The ISO rating is also important to divers because it means EACH piece has been tested to 125% rated depth for two hours. So when you buy a divers 200m watch, you know that particular piece has been subjected to 25BAR for two hours. With watches that don't have an ISO 6245 rating, the rating is only given to the "type", so while the "design" might be rated, you have no assurance your actual piece was tested. (It most likely wasn't).
The Rubber strap, while agreeably unattractive is designed that way for a specific reason. The extra long length of the strap is so that the watch can be worn over a wetsuit. The "scallops" or "waves" near the lugs are expansion joints so that the watch band can expand as wetsuit material expands. The thicker a dive suit, the more water it will absorb when worn, and the thicker it will become (like a sponge) once wet.
I agree with you, that most of these points are of little concern to "sports watch enthusiasts". But for divers, they do make a difference. And despite the fact that most dives are computer dives now, it is still important to have a reliable dive watch that in case of emergency will be there to backup your dive computer, and provide you with the ability to perform the required safety stops necessary to prevent decompression sickness. In that way, they still are very much "life saving" gear.
Both the Sieko and Citizen fit this bill. Tool watches purpose designed and built. And since the eco-drive watch is solar powered, it assures the user that, like the Seiko, the only time the back on these watches needs to be removed, is for routine o-ring inspection, replacement, and re-certification testing.
If you just want a dive inspired watch, then the Orient is a perfect "desk diver" but I'd never take it to depth without knowing it had already been there before.
I freedive with that Citizen and i love that rubber strap. Much more secure and adjustable. The lume is intensely bright. You can get them for like $140 i think. But the aluminum bezel and crystal scratch super easy. Mine gets scared against sand and rocks underwater. Still maybe my fav watch in my collection. I got it on my honeymoon and took it diving immediately.
@Tillmanator 5000 I put mine on an FKM rubber Waffle strap from Amazon. It cost £20, a serious Upgrade in quality comfort and appearance.
Just got my Orient Kamasu yesterday, can say that I’m extremely satisfied.
Color!
Which color did you get?
This guy
Being a total SKX fan boy, I have to say Turtle case is one of the most comfortable I tried!!! Totally I am gonna buy a Turtle!
The Orient Kamasu was my first automatic and out of the box, it has been the best calibrated watch even compared to some of my more expensive watches. With a premium bracelet from Strapcode to replace the mediocre bracelet the Kamasu comes with, the Kamasu feels, looks, and wears like a much more expensive watch! It's still one of my favorites.
Hey there sir which strap fits well?
@@izzie1200 I personally like SKU SS221820B115 but they make a handful for the Kamasu.
how hard is it to replace with a nice replacement? What size do you need to look at in measurements to compare?
@@alexlandy7422 It's not hard. Strapcode has some nice fitting replacements.
Still the best orient diver in the market?
Teddy’s camera person is a MASTER.
Also, the Orient looks especially tasty.
Just got my first watch, a Kamasu on Wednesday (in Green) and its beautiful. Very happy. All of these watches look great, I would be happy with any of them
The Citizen is one of my absolute favorite watches. It's always ready to grab and go when I don't feel like fussing with the sleeping automatics. First thing I did was ditch the strap and it now wears a great variety of NATO's like a champ.
The only drawback is the 20mm. All my other watches are 22mm.
I bought the Orient Bambino recently. This the best watch I have ever had!
Proud owner of a Kamasu right here 😎✌️
Me too
Same here. Just got mine 5 days ago and loving the heck out of it. Still in the honeymoon period ❤️🔥
How many years of life can we expect from this watch?
@@SilentShadow07same here! Just got into watches and it was my first one.
Have had the Citizen Pro Master for a couple years. Worn it every day. Holds up in the water. Solid, solid watch.
I have also, and I love it. As you say, very solid. I've noticed they also come in red and green now, and I'm so tempted to get those also.
Thanks for that Sean I think that’s my next watch instead of a Samurai. It’s more affordable.
I had a few Seiko Skx, 2 stopped and one still works but the face is loose. Had a Citizen and the movement is not as smooth but still works and the lume is stays bright all night long. The only problem is the two rubber rings on the band that held the excess band cracked and eventually broke and the paint on the bezel scratches easily.
The Citizen just looks like you can take it anywhere and enjoy it's utility. Same with the Seiko, it's a reliable piece that gives you legitimate purpose under water. The Orient show great versatility and is more like a skin diver IMO, a great piece to wear on a vacation, and it's there for you if you want to go snorkeling or if you fall in the pool because you were drinking too much and thought you could hop across the corner of the deep end.
I have had my PADI turtle for a year and logged about 50 dives with it. It’s been in mud, sand and nasty environments and the mineral crystal has held up. Banged it on rock, metal and concrete, still looks great. I lose about 4 minutes a week. I get a ton of compliments on it and I think it’s a great looking watch. I have worn it with a tuxedo and basketball shorts and it seems to work everywhere, I am a diver so I feel like I can get away with wearing one in all occasions. funny enough while people may assume that dive watches are obsolete, I tend to dive with a watch and a computer, when my computer malfunctioned on a day trip, I had to rely on my depth gage and dive watch. It worked out for me on the 4 dives I did that day.
I've been wanting a Turtle for ever, and I just bought one SRPE99 from you all just recently. Truly can't wait for it to arrive.
I have the Cit. Promaster as the so called "beater watch" and love it. I also only use the citizen for water activities (in a pool, fishing, skiing, etc) Looks good and is one tough watch. I own 3 other dive watches, (dive watches are my favorite) Zelos, Alpina, and Orient Mako USA (white dial). The Mako is favorite watch to wear with shorts, jeans, etc. I get lots of compliments on the white dial. Thanks Teddy, always look forward to your reviews!!
Kamasu all the way, hope ill get it one day.
Go get you the red one you with be disappointed oh and a black nato trust me it’s a look
@@jhatgotagat300 Yeah, definitely red one, blue is also nice, but red is level up.
I have the Seiko solar PADI. I feel like I’m getting the best combination of all. Great brand, great design, solar convenience and reliability and an affordable price.
I have the Citizen Promaster BNO 150 on my wrist as I write.
Love it....
I have a seiko srpd09k1; the dial is unbelievable and I have taken it diving multiple times
Also the bezel action on my promaster is flawless.
Had the kamasu for a year now red dial i fricking love it awesome watch :)
I absolutely LOVE the Kamasu!! I wear it with a tapered mesh bracelet and it is an elegant dive watch for $250
Nice video Teddy. I have 8 dive watches, three of which are Seiko turtles. The case is the best.
My red kamasu is the best.
Still getting compliments and questions about it from rolex owners.
I have that citizen! Amazing Quality for the money
I just bought the PADI Turtle and it is a great addition to my watch collection. Still love my SKX007 though. I'm pumped to have both now!
I swear by SEIKO! I'm sure ALL the other Japanese watches are equally good. My experience with SEIKO was that on a very active teenage wrist it NEVER failed, was incredibly durable and held up to what could ONLY be described as pure TORTURE which had killed several of those "KEEPS ON TICKING... NO MATTER WHAT!" ones.
Thanks for your insight Teddy.
I must say; I'm glad to see that the Citizen Promaster Diver made your list.
I wear mine often when I'm working around the pool and must say it is one of the most comfortable straps I've worn so far and, the fact that the mineral crystal is somewhat recessed in relation to the bezel, I find that it's a "peace of mind" feature and enables me to wear it w/o having to worry about the watch.
Thanks for sharing.
Great to see you're wearing the anOrdain in the wrist Teddy. From my experience Iv'e not had any issue with reliability with Citizen or Seiko (not including Seiko analog quartz) I cannot comment (yet) on Orient as I've yet to try one. From someone who has a preference for mechanical watches of these options I'd probably go for the Citizen Eco Drive quartz in this trio. I've owned (and still have) a number of Citizen Eco Drive watches over many years and so far have not had a failure. As you say Teddy they really are a set it and forget it watch for accuracy. I'll take a look at Orient at some point.
I go Orient all day.. but of I am truly a diver, than the choice is Seiko PADI. Not sure how i feel about solar charge movement. However, Citizen does have a beautiful watch looks expensive where as the Seiko looks a bit dated and the movement could be better for the money.
Regarding the choice of that particular Citizen for the comparison , even though the Eco drive is a proven technology (i have one that has been working non stop for 19 years now! without a new capacitor) the right contender should have been the automatic promaster ny-0040
I'm just more convinced now that I want an Orient Kamasu, just gotta wait a little. Most likely gonna get the green variant.
An important data point for comparison, especially for the Seiko’s benefit, is street price, not the inflated MSRP. A king turtle can be had for 425-450, and given the improved materials, is by far the best option. At least from a materials abs mechanics perspective. In my opinion. Probably not a popular suggestion considering you are a retailer as well, but valid information nonetheless. Cheers
I got a SRPF77 "Save the Ocean" Turtle as one of my first watches. Still love it to this day! Looking forward to adding another Turtle to the collection someday
Good video, very informative. But if we're talking true value Japanese 200m dive (style) watches, what about the Casio Duro?
Under $100 video
Put a bracelet on it and it tricks it up!
That’s quartz
Casio makes things unfair. You’re not wrong though.
As always.... another EXCELLENT video Teddy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a relaxed and entertaining manner. Greatly appreciate the great work you do. Cheers! M.
My wife bought me the Citizen pro master automatic for my birthday a couple of years ago. Keeps bloody awful time. Got Tag Heuer Aquaracer and a couple of Tissot automatics that put it to shame. Pity, because the 4 quartz Citizens I own are brilliant watches
The Tissot prx pm 80 is an incredible watch for under $600
I easily picked the watch, just can’t decide which color to get my Kamasu in!
that Citizen looks like a lot of fun.
It really is. I got mine on Amazon for 160 $ and I love it to bits. The lume is amazing, outlasting even a Rolex Sub.
Good Morning, I think that this video is what the many enthusiausts has been waiting... I do!
Saludos!
Got the Citizen ProMaster (blue) and Orient Kamasu (black/gold) for less than $300 and it's the best combo so far for the money! Recently added the Invicta 8926 Automatic for $54 and it's very good at its price!
I have the Citizen and Orient ( or um, should I say Epson)? and a Seiko SKX007. All great fun watches. I wear the Orient most often looks, appearance, size.
Orient really is an incredible brand. The value for money is amazing.
and weird that Teddy doesn’t mentioned they’re wholly owned by Seiko, which makes the lack of sapphire on the PADI even more strange. But Seiko really loves their proprietary glass. 🤷♂️
@@Judah.Rosenthal I'd really like to upgrade from the Seiko Hardlex glass to a double dome sapphire with an AR blue inside coating for my Padi 45mm Turtle. Do you know where I might be able to pick one up? (A good quality crystal that will not harm the WR of this otherwise great watch?) Thanks!
For me accuracy is very important. As a daily wear it would frustrate me having to reset to the correct time every couple of days. I own a Seiko dress quartz given to me for my 21st birthday and that was 45 years ago. The movement is accurate to one second per month from this old watch. Yes, I still wear it and is as accurate as ever. I also own a Citizen Chronograph given to me a year ago and it to is accurate to within one second per month. I once was a mechanical movement snob and would wear my Yachtmaster every day. But I have been drawn to quartz movements of late and I am in awe with the movements made by Citizen, Seiko and even Casio. All Japanese brands but the range and value for money proposition is insanely good. European brands are simply too expensive and mostly use mechanical movements that are truly expensive to service and repair.
I liked my 151 Promaster so much, I bought a 150 (black face) as well. With a street price of less than $250, the Citizens are hard to beat; a tremendous value. I'd say lose the rubber strap and go with a NATO or an aftermarket bracelet. The 150/151 are "dress divers". They look good with jeans/chinos or a suit.
I can't decide between the black, blue and Pepsi version of this promaster diver. I have 3 citizen divers (2 Aqualand & Ny0040 automatic) since my NY is black, I'm thinking of the blue or Pepsi. The Pepsi is about $60 more than the blue though.
Greg I've got the 150 (black) on my wrist right now; it's on a Marine Nationale NATO with an orange stripe. The blue is on a bracelet; I wear that when i want to feel pretty.
Citizen Promaster, Eco Drive, BN0150-61E is quite amazing for the price. This variant also has a bracelet with diver's extension. A near perfect beater and still fits a 6.25 inch wrist. Lume is very satisfying too.
I agree, i like the more ice blue lume compared to the more neon green of the seiko
It's a shame the bracelet version wasn't the review sample. The bracelet really upgrades the look of the watch and embarrasses the bracelet on the other watches in this review.
Agreed, wears very comfortably on a small wrist
I own one too, got it at very good price and wears comfortably in my wrist....a must buy for entry level
I have both the orient and the citizen...both are excellent choices, in my opinion. Despite what seems a large diameter, the citizen really works well for a small wrist. No regrets for either one!
@shahjahonsaidmurodov2086 No. Take the 37mm Promaster.
That Kamasu looks great!
I’ve got the Seiko a couple years ago as my first “expensive” watch and I love it. I’ve had my eye on the Citizen as my beater work (construction) watch. I have a handful of Gshocks that I use for work but I just love the aesthetic of dive watches and I want one on my wrist at all time now.
💯 Can't beat a G-shock to wear doing construction though... I'm wearing my DW5600 right now (but I'll pop on my Orient Mako 2 or Seiko 5 sport for days at the office - I feel like a 👑 without breaking the bank) Gotta say the square G-shock is the one that I reach for reflexively in the morning.
As a PADI trained diver since the late '80s, I know a number of divers that still use their dive watches. Some use only watches, most use them as a safety and to verify the computer and to maintain their skills.
I've owned and greatly enjoyed the Citizen Promaster for several months. Great looking watch and a real diver's watch. One possibly overlooked feature: there is a ladies version (something I rarely find for any other divers). I bought it for my wife and she loves it. We both happily wear the same watch.
Oh, how cool! I didn't know that. Gonna look it up now
Check up the Phoibos. They got some stunning watches that I was saddened when I saw they are meant only for women
I tried on a turtle today. On my 6.65” wrist it definitely doesn’t wear as large as you’d think. Very comfortable and a lot lower profile than I expected. I like it.
Just between these three, the Citizen and the Orient are the clear winners. Most likely, only a Seiko fanboy would choose the Turtle. I am not really "into" quartz, but; the two that I DO have are both Citizen Eco-Drives. Citizen has been at the forefront of solar power for quite some time. Enjoyed the video, sir.
Most people who wear dive watches don't scuba dive. Scuba divers for most use a dive computer and some use a watch for a backup. My problem is I like the dive watch style but with a 6.8-inch wrist it really limits my comfort level to maybe a 38mm sized watch and lighter weight. I have a couple 40mm dive-style watches one being a Seiko and another a microbrand but both are kind of heavy about 150 grams. I tend to take resin G shock watches in the pool as they are super lightweight and I forget there are there many times. I have had Echo Drive watches from Citizen that lasted more than 20 years before breaking down. Very impressive and lightweight. Seiko watches are going up in price for me to justify the cost. I am looking at Orient now. I am not sure but somehow they are connected in ownership. Citizen ownes a few watch brands as well.
Kamasu is a fantastic watch but you incorrectly stated that it has solid end links. They are hollow. Replace that crummy bracelet with a strap code oyster style one and this watch is out of sight.
Noticed that too.
Video shows hollow end links, in close up, Teddy states they are solid..
Ahhh, I miss the days when the SKX was a main staple on all these types of list.
I miss the days when it wasn't selling for $500+ dollars on Amazon.
@@derekwalter4238 it's 700 euros on a bracelet here in Sweden from grey market. I bought mine for 220 euros in 2016 or 17
@@antonhallergren588 hahahaha what 😂😂😂 we can still get the skx007 (full set, in worn but like new condition) for 230 to 260 euro in the Netherlands. People ask what ever they think it's worth but I've yet to see or hear anyone pay over 300 euro for one.
I miss when they where cheap
@@antonhallergren588 Damn. Yeah, I remember the last one I picked up was around $290 back in April 2020. Can't believe how much they're going up now.
For me? The DAY&DATE window is a HUGE selling point. Just the date is OK but having the DAY too is a big plus!
This is always my holiday watch because I tend to loose track of time and day
as fun diver(advanced open water) for 17 yrs, citizen by far the best of the three. Mako is more diver style watch by changing some factors of diver watch to make if more beautiful such as indipendent color of minute hands and dot on 12 bezel. Seiko very good but one would buy dive computer w that money. :)
for diving, get seiko
for dive style all rounder watch, if want to wear w suit, mako
for some of both, but wear more w casual, seiko.
Great video! I think another "box" which may be applicable is which watch would be best suited as a "desk diver".
Generally speaking, I find Orient watches to be more elegant and work better in an office environment, so the Kamaso (or Ray/Mako II) may be more suitable for people who wish to wear the watch in an office job.
Citizen is the most reliable, longest lasting, and most classy.
I am a huge fan of the Orient. I currently have 4 of them. My favorites are the Mako II and the Ray II. Upgrade to a sapphire crystal and enjoy!
Nice comparison video. This might've better titled "Best traditional dive watches under $500" as I think the best dive watch under $500 is a Casio G-Shock 5600. Thoughts?
Technically not a dive watch.
Try reading that tiny display underwater.
Not gonna work buddy.
Kamasu is by far the most versatile out of them and it’s not even close. I feel the other two are for straight up diving but although the Kamasu can definitely get wet but it’s also a lot dressier than the other two.
This citizen pro master is such an amazing watch it's a tank and pairs perfectly with a good quality nato.
Kamusu looks more like a dress watch on my 7.5 inch wrist, turtle and promaster are chunky divers not that suitable for every day wear it's not easy to find something that fits perfectly without being oversized or too small, 43mm with a 47/48mm lug to lug would be perfect, thx for the video 👍
citizen bn0190 would be better choice for comparsion. Anyway, great video!
Great intro teddy! Getting better everyday man.
Orients movements run really well compared to seiko for a lot less money and the bushing on the whole watch looked a little iffy on the seiko
My grandfather wore an Orient Tristar (with the 46943 movement) which was never serviced and was still running in specs in 2017 when he gave it to me. He didn’t remember when he bought the watch but he said it was between ‘75 to ‘78. So it’s really impressive.
Great video, Teddy. Really good comparison and balanced points over all. I finally took the plunge on the red dial Kamasu, and got it last week. The bracelet is a bit jingly jangly and kinda cheap over all, but it looks good and is comfortable. My first Orient, and I don't regret it as I'm highly enjoying it. Seeing Seiko's prices now, I'm just glad I got a pre owned mint condition SKX (with an unused Strapcode bracelet) for under $180 a couple of years ago.
I saw the grey Citizen Promaster with wave design on the dial and almost made an impulse purchase, but I already bought a bunch of watches recently. it's on my wishlist to buy, maybe next year.
I CHOSE WELL AS I HAVE ALL 3 IN MY WATCH COLLECTION. ALL GREAT WATCHES
Anyone not sure if orient is good need only look at the availability on teddy’s site. They are worth the wait. Love my kanno
Nive comparison. I would not hesitate to dive with an Orient ‘diver’. Even diving with a computer, I always wore a dive watch as a backup, in case my computer stopped mid dive. We generally know how deep we will be diving. On the boat, my computer will tell me how long I can stay at any given depth, for a 2nd or 3rd dive of the day. That way, if my computer quits, I know when I have to be at the surface. I would definitely get any Orient pressure tested before a diving trip, as non-certified watches are not all tested? Eco-Drive Divers are my favorite quartz divers. Regular battery operated quartz divers are expensive for battery changes, since they have to be fully tested for water resistance at every battery change.
You should had reviewed the citizen Promaster automatic ny0040
Agree, you cannot beat an iso titanium automatic diver for £300
@@richardshaw1968
The NY0040 is made of stainless steel, not titanium.
@@e28forever30 apologies I meant the ny0100-50XE (same case shape) currently £260
@@richardshaw1968
That watch is on my radar too, it looks like a solid piece.
Only the outdated movement is holding me back..
@@e28forever30 it's great value, some of the newer watches of this style seem to have a slightly updated movement that hacks. My ny0400 has been rock solid for the last 5 years and I have an Avi-8 with the same older movement and that is well over 10 years old and runs a treat.
I have the Citizen diver featured in this review and one of the reasons why I purchased it is its size: though it's 43mm plus, it wears really snug and handy because of its "perfect" circular case and less than 48mm lug to lug.
Too many companies these days, Seiko, Hamilton, Certina, Mido and even Citizen are making their watches way too big - 44mm and 45 mm are way too big for most people and just look ridiculous on most average-sized wrists. Glycine must hold the world record for the longest lug to lug on most of their range - some measure over 53mm.
I have a Seiko Tuna that I bought back in 1982, it's been my go to watch. I've worn it every day for the past 40 years, and through some tough blue collar working conditions. I've also gone diving with it. It's been an incredibly durable and reliable watch.
WOw
Excellent result but that was back in the day when movement quality was there is spades.
I have a Solar Tuna. Cost like 300 bucks or something. I call it my doomsday watch. If shit ever went down its the watch I would grab. Solar powered and built like a tank.
@@InebriHATED it's a Seiko Tuna that's solar powered? That's pretty cool.
@@brimstonebrimstone8617 yea man, the Street series.
I got my Advanced Open Water cert. with PADI. That's cool. And it's actually made in Japan *and* is affordable which is rare as hell these days. Most things MIJ are priced like they are made out of raw diamond and only gods can afford anything made in Switzerland.
Orient marks the check and it looks great aesthetically
Great comparison video! I love dive watches and SEIKO is on top of them.
Just a bummer for that PADI turtle to just have hardlex crystal and an aluminium bezel insert so I got a second one to have it modified with a sapphire crystal and a ceramic lumed bezel insert. I do got the King Turtle but am not a fan of that cyclops.
A true dive watch should have a hardlex crystal. It's less likely to shatter, and clearer when compared to saphire.
@RolandB Jr.; would you mind telling whose Sapphire crystal and ceramic lumed bezel insert you chose. I'd really like to do that mod on my SRPA21 45mm Turtle. I feel that with that mod it would become my favorite watch in the rotation.
@@leb4life11 I had dive with all my dive watches and mostly with the SEIKOs and I assure you whether they have sapphire or hardlex crystal as long as you dive within the watch certified depth limit they will be fine.
The deepest I've dive with my SEIKOs was about 78 meters(255.905512 Feet) to 80 meters (262.467192 Feet) using the PADI Turtle with the hardlex crystal at Blue Hole - Dahab, Egypt and recently using the King Turtle with the sapphire crystal in the Maldives-Maaya Thila, South Ari Atoll at 30 meters(100 feet).
Kamasu all the way, combined with a jubilee strapcode bracelet!
A strapcode bracelet (any of them) makes the Kamasu feel like an $800 watch.
Great video and purchased the citizen based on you guidance.
Kamasu, then swap out the bracelet with a strapcode jubilee. Looks wayy better, did it with the black and the red 👌👌👌
I own the Padi (I put it on a Crafter Blue rubber strap). Love the look and feel. But I feel like Citizen would be a better watch. I got the Padi on reputation alone, but build quality is questionable. I think the Citizen would have less rattle, wiggle, alignment issues.
And less character.
I have the Seiko padi and absolutely love it. You can pick one up at any department store for $300. Only chumps pay retail on a Seiko. The bracelet is the only part of the watch that leaves something to be desired. I mostly wear it on a Seiko rubber strap. The dial really pops in the sun!
I looked up my receipt. I paid $415 apparently. But I bought from a Seiko dealer. Macy's wanted $500. Also that's the Japan market one where the whole watch, not just the movement is made in Japan. They cost more.
I suggest a strapcode jubilee bracelet it’ll set you back another 80 bucks but it’s so worth it 👌 have it on mine
@@michaeladonler8892 Great choice. You just can not go wrong with any of their bracelets. Some complain about their premium $$ price but I believe that "You get what you pay for."
I was planning on getting a Orient Kamasu, but found a Orient Triton on ridiculous sale (only like $50 more than Kamasu). I'm really tempted to get a Seiko Turtle, but held back by the mineral glass when other watches in the same price point has sapphire (where I'm from).
The Pepsi Seiko SPA21 is the absolute best. My first Seiko and the start of my disease.
Kamasu is the clear winner imo
I own the blue Citizen Promaster . I dive , diving is my hobby . I love this watch with a passion .
Helm watches for me. I have both the Khuraburi and the Vanuatu. Each are certified and under $300.
Teddy, Great choice of watches and an excellent review. I have the Kamasu in red and it is a stunning watch. It does have hollow end links that can also be seen in your video. The crown is slightly small and is not the easiest to use. I also have a Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle. I really like the blue fade to black textured striped dial. The Seiko's bracelet is just not as nice as the Orient's.
I can't make up my mind I will probably end up getting a clone of the seiko but the oreint in red is my grail I'm treating myself to one for my birthday!
I think the seiko tuna is not getting the love that deserves. Sure, it's not for everyone but it has a ton of history and character and it wears beautifully
Have all three. My favorite is the PADI turtle hands down. In my experience all my Orients run too fast, while the 4R movement is far more accurate. The Citizen is a great watch as well.
I considered the Orient Kamasu and Seiko King Turtle, ended up going with the Seiko because I liked the design better, ceramic bezel is nice as well. Can't go wrong with a Kamasu though, especially for less money.
Japanese watches sure. I have the red Kamasu, very nice watch. But also Zelos, Nodus...
Yeah all of these are great watches, just choose the style you like best.
Also, the Kamasu was called that by fans, it has never been called that by Orient afaik. So that's why it doesn't have a barracuda on the back.
The kamasu is a great piece, but that tiny crown is really unfortunate.