I still love my steeldive 3 years later. This watch should be required for all new watch guys to show a good quality inexpensive watch can be. Love the dial.
Just got this watch. it's by far my favorite Chinese turtle - i have a bronze one and a black one both with the smallish 62mas style hands (that i don't really like) and black face and black bezel inserts. I love the stainless bezel on this one and let me tell you that the gradient blue to turquoise dial with a touch of white is fantastic, you would have to put a mag. glass to it to see the "cartoonish" vibe if any, I don't really see it. The metal contoured markers and hands are great as is the flat sapphire and polished bezel edge that give a premium look. It's so comfortable and stable on the wrist also. Love the retro brushed steel look. i almost like it more than my save the oceans samurai and its crap stock crystal, except the brushed finishes on the Seiko are so much better of course as is the grade of steel. Really enjoying this AD 2045. If you're scared about the dial, don't be, it's a real winner. If i had to make one change, i would make the contour of the minute hand yellow instead of pale blue, but for 72 usd, how can you complain? the lume is also quite close in duration to the samurai.
Interesting release from Addiesdive, lot of people buy addiesdive watches for the classic look of a Willard or go for the Turtle homage (or get both) depending on taste, so doing a hybrid risks displeasing the willard fans for the turtle elements and vice versa. Still solid watch and a good alternative for people who aren't looking for a direct homage.....for names "Willturd"? ...nah much too good to deserve that. Foltsom and Jetsom brought a smile to my face coming from a merchant marine family.....always thought that would be a great name for a pair of cats.wife veto'd it.
I received my AD2045 a few days ago and I absolutely love it. It's a real Willard (case) /Turtle (face) hybrid. The Ocean graphic face and Turtle indices/hands look far better than the standard Willard items IMO. Keeps good time (+5s/day). Super comfortable on wrist. No QC Issues at all. Bezel alignment all good etc. Minor criticisms? The Blue edged Minute hand would be better Chrome edged (to match the Hour hand..) and Silver writing on the face would have been more legible than Black. Unbranded/pressed steel clasp is no big deal at the price point. Great value at £63 (incl. taxes & shipping)
The dial screams summer watch and I like it for the beach or at the sea scenario..but the heft and thickness even with small lug to lug reduces comfort..more suitable for bigger wrists to compensate it..but overall not too bad..and the lume is great
I’m going to go with Captain Turtle 🫡🐢. I actually like the mash up, but I’m not a huge fan of the dial. I wish they offered it with more traditional colors. Great review as always!
I like mine a lot. I love the brushed steel bezel and insane BGW9 blue lume. I added an fkm black strap. The dial grows on you but I would have preferred a polished blue sort of sunburst dial instead. Everything else it great.
The interesting dials that Addiesdive have been using recently certainly do make them more attractive! I'm not yet sure there's something sufficiently different from Steeldive to convince me to branch out, though.
I bought 3 of the white dial ones they were a crackin deal on the last sale. I left one just box standard and the other two were fully modded (dials, hands, bezel insert, etc.) If you can get them at the right price they are a smashing watch for the money. Sorry you had such a problem with the bracelet/case fitment on yours. This blue dial I could take it or leave it, but they offer them in so many options Im sure there is something for just about everyone.
Thanks for the question. I tried PTFE lubricant but it seems the springbar has been jammed in at an angle and is crushed in its own tube so there is no bounce to pull it free. Ah well !
I adjusted the bracelet and gave it some wrist time today. I really like it. It looks good on my 8" wrist. I was worried it might look a bit big. I think my favorite thing is the brushed top pieces of the case. That and the brushed aluminum bezel make it very classy. If it was all polish, it would be a bit too garish.
Oh John you had me in stitches musing over the dial for a 'beater' version.... :) 170g for a watch with a stamped clasp, that's a beast of a thing. Not for me but enjoyed the presentation as always. I trust you are on the mend now?
I got my green SM by the way. Only took 5 days to arrive via Watchdives! What a stunner but I see what you mean about the bracelet. Comfy but pretty lightweight...but that dial...awesome 👍😎
Can't be many that don't have one or more Willard/Turtle lookalikes. I suspect we're coming to the end of this particular road. There'll always be a market for this type but dial colours and case shape tweaks are not going to promote the sale numbers of the past.
Great review, I'm not sure about the dial, I think it is borderline cheesy and I think I would tire of it, but at first glance it does look good. I don't like the Willard case, I much prefer the later turtle srp777 style case, but I don't like the turtle hands/indices, so this is worst of both worlds for me 😁. I actually bought a Heimdallr turtle that has Willard hands and indices rather than buying the Seiko original.
Oh, man. I was expecting a slight turquoise hue and sharper textures on the sun glittered waves from the dial. It looks like it wasn't done well based on what I can make out from the close-up shots, and like you mentioned, it's rather cartoonish. I know Addiesdive can do better than this as they've shown with their sand dune and salt flat dials, but unfortunately, this one's a hard pass for me. Until then, I think I'm gonna wait for them to finally release a Sandy Willard, or stick with the King Turtle (U.S. Special Edition) homage from Heimdallr.
Have you considered looking at the Heimdalr turtle titanium diver John? Maybe worth a comparison as it has a similar sea blue dial. The dial looks far better quality based on the images and also has two other colours with frosted gradient effect. I already own an Addiesdive bronze turtle and a two titanium watches (a Boderry + a Berny) so just cant justify the buy right now sadly.
@@johnswatchjoint Ah yes. Of course. What one was a cracker! I will have to go have another look at that vid 😜 The titanium version is definitively worth considering then if it is of the same quality. Titanium finish can be difficult at this price point maybe though. Noticed that some of their monster homages have the same frost style dials.🤔Another one on my wish list...Dangerous🤑
I think this Willard style should have 22mm lugs. It handles the weight of the watchhead better. I put 22mm and cut the extra to fit 20mm. Thats my think on a solution for this big head watch. Steeldive has nice rubber/resin straps .
Great review, I'm not sure about the dial, I think it is borderline cheesy and I think I would tire of it, but at first glance it does look good. I don't like the Willard case, I much prefer the later turtle srp777 style case, but I don't like the turtle hands/indices, so this is worst of both worlds for me 😁. I actually bought a Heimdallr turtle that has Willard hands and indices rather than buying the Seiko original.
Great review, I'm not sure about the dial, I think it is borderline cheesy and I think I would tire of it, but at first glance it does look good. I don't like the Willard case, I much prefer the later turtle srp777 style case, but I don't like the turtle hands/indices, so this is worst of both worlds for me 😁. I actually bought a Heimdallr turtle that has Willard hands and indices rather than buying the Seiko original.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I still love my steeldive 3 years later. This watch should be required for all new watch guys to show a good quality inexpensive watch can be. Love the dial.
Just got this watch. it's by far my favorite Chinese turtle - i have a bronze one and a black one both with the smallish 62mas style hands (that i don't really like) and black face and black bezel inserts. I love the stainless bezel on this one and let me tell you that the gradient blue to turquoise dial with a touch of white is fantastic, you would have to put a mag. glass to it to see the "cartoonish" vibe if any, I don't really see it. The metal contoured markers and hands are great as is the flat sapphire and polished bezel edge that give a premium look. It's so comfortable and stable on the wrist also. Love the retro brushed steel look. i almost like it more than my save the oceans samurai and its crap stock crystal, except the brushed finishes on the Seiko are so much better of course as is the grade of steel. Really enjoying this AD 2045. If you're scared about the dial, don't be, it's a real winner. If i had to make one change, i would make the contour of the minute hand yellow instead of pale blue, but for 72 usd, how can you complain? the lume is also quite close in duration to the samurai.
Interesting release from Addiesdive, lot of people buy addiesdive watches for the classic look of a Willard or go for the Turtle homage (or get both) depending on taste, so doing a hybrid risks displeasing the willard fans for the turtle elements and vice versa. Still solid watch and a good alternative for people who aren't looking for a direct homage.....for names "Willturd"? ...nah much too good to deserve that.
Foltsom and Jetsom brought a smile to my face coming from a merchant marine family.....always thought that would be a great name for a pair of cats.wife veto'd it.
Haha. Nice one 😁
My first thought when seeing the dial was how nice addiesdive text is barely visible 😂
I received my AD2045 a few days ago and I absolutely love it. It's a real Willard (case) /Turtle (face) hybrid. The Ocean graphic face and Turtle indices/hands look far better than the standard Willard items IMO. Keeps good time (+5s/day). Super comfortable on wrist. No QC Issues at all. Bezel alignment all good etc. Minor criticisms? The Blue edged Minute hand would be better Chrome edged (to match the Hour hand..) and Silver writing on the face would have been more legible than Black. Unbranded/pressed steel clasp is no big deal at the price point. Great value at £63 (incl. taxes & shipping)
Glad you got a good one and that you are happy 😊
The dial screams summer watch and I like it for the beach or at the sea scenario..but the heft and thickness even with small lug to lug reduces comfort..more suitable for bigger wrists to compensate it..but overall not too bad..and the lume is great
The Lume was a BIG surprise!
I’m going to go with Captain Turtle 🫡🐢. I actually like the mash up, but I’m not a huge fan of the dial. I wish they offered it with more traditional colors. Great review as always!
This one had me flummoxed!
I like mine a lot. I love the brushed steel bezel and insane BGW9 blue lume. I added an fkm black strap. The dial grows on you but I would have preferred a polished blue sort of sunburst dial instead. Everything else it great.
The interesting dials that Addiesdive have been using recently certainly do make them more attractive! I'm not yet sure there's something sufficiently different from Steeldive to convince me to branch out, though.
I bought 3 of the white dial ones they were a crackin deal on the last sale. I left one just box standard and the other two were fully modded (dials, hands, bezel insert, etc.) If you can get them at the right price they are a smashing watch for the money. Sorry you had such a problem with the bracelet/case fitment on yours. This blue dial I could take it or leave it, but they offer them in so many options Im sure there is something for just about everyone.
I like the markers and the dial 👌🏼👌🏼 strong lume for an unexpensive watch 💡💡
The dial kinda reminds me of the Nirvana Nevermind album cover sans baby... let's rock... 🤘🏻🤘🏻
From a distance, I quite like the dial, but up close I agree it does look cartoonish. Perhaps this would make a good watch for a beach holiday.
John, have you tried a spot of oil/margarine/lard/plastic explosive on the awkward springbar? Nice Wurtle, though. Cheers 🍻!
Thanks for the question. I tried PTFE lubricant but it seems the springbar has been jammed in at an angle and is crushed in its own tube so there is no bounce to pull it free. Ah well !
I just got mine today. The dial looks great live. Id have preferred it sterile, but that wasnt an option. Great review.
Enjoy 😊
I adjusted the bracelet and gave it some wrist time today. I really like it. It looks good on my 8" wrist. I was worried it might look a bit big. I think my favorite thing is the brushed top pieces of the case. That and the brushed aluminum bezel make it very classy. If it was all polish, it would be a bit too garish.
Your wrist size is perfect for that style. Wear it in good health 😉
Oh John you had me in stitches musing over the dial for a 'beater' version.... :) 170g for a watch with a stamped clasp, that's a beast of a thing. Not for me but enjoyed the presentation as always. I trust you are on the mend now?
I certainly am :)
Wurtle seems fine.
👍
Haha 😆
I agree with you. Love the case and bezel insert, but I don't really like that dial. It looks very cheap. I guess they can't always be winners! 😂
It's just weird isn't it?
I got my green SM by the way. Only took 5 days to arrive via Watchdives! What a stunner but I see what you mean about the bracelet. Comfy but pretty lightweight...but that dial...awesome 👍😎
@@johnswatchjoint Does your bracelet kink as well? If not, they may have fixed it.
I've only had a brief look at it. I will give it the full once over when I get back tomorrow:)
@@johnswatchjoint Sounds good my friend! Glad you like it as much as I do!
Nice for the price. Not feeling the dial. love the Lum. Hope you're feeling on the up and up. Thanks John.
I am . I got good news today 😃
😀🥰😁😍😅🤩😂😘🙃😜😊@@johnswatchjoint
Great news. All the very best health to you John ✌
Can't be many that don't have one or more Willard/Turtle lookalikes. I suspect we're coming to the end of this particular road. There'll always be a market for this type but dial colours and case shape tweaks are not going to promote the sale numbers of the past.
Great review, I'm not sure about the dial, I think it is borderline cheesy and I think I would tire of it, but at first glance it does look good. I don't like the Willard case, I much prefer the later turtle srp777 style case, but I don't like the turtle hands/indices, so this is worst of both worlds for me 😁. I actually bought a Heimdallr turtle that has Willard hands and indices rather than buying the Seiko original.
Oh, man. I was expecting a slight turquoise hue and sharper textures on the sun glittered waves from the dial. It looks like it wasn't done well based on what I can make out from the close-up shots, and like you mentioned, it's rather cartoonish. I know Addiesdive can do better than this as they've shown with their sand dune and salt flat dials, but unfortunately, this one's a hard pass for me.
Until then, I think I'm gonna wait for them to finally release a Sandy Willard, or stick with the King Turtle (U.S. Special Edition) homage from Heimdallr.
Have you considered looking at the Heimdalr turtle titanium diver John? Maybe worth a comparison as it has a similar sea blue dial. The dial looks far better quality based on the images and also has two other colours with frosted gradient effect. I already own an Addiesdive bronze turtle and a two titanium watches (a Boderry + a Berny) so just cant justify the buy right now sadly.
I won't review the Heimdallr Titanium as I have already reviewed the Heimdallr Turtle with the champagne dial. Very impressed I have to say 😀
@@johnswatchjoint Ah yes. Of course. What one was a cracker! I will have to go have another look at that vid 😜 The titanium version is definitively worth considering then if it is of the same quality. Titanium finish can be difficult at this price point maybe though. Noticed that some of their monster homages have the same frost style dials.🤔Another one on my wish list...Dangerous🤑
Looks like a pretty nice watch, but that dial is a mess.
Dial looks cheap I’m afraid imo - but fab value
I think this Willard style should have 22mm lugs.
It handles the weight of the watchhead better.
I put 22mm and cut the extra to fit 20mm.
Thats my think on a solution for this big head watch.
Steeldive has nice rubber/resin straps .
What is the dimensions of the clasp?
?
Great review, I'm not sure about the dial, I think it is borderline cheesy and I think I would tire of it, but at first glance it does look good. I don't like the Willard case, I much prefer the later turtle srp777 style case, but I don't like the turtle hands/indices, so this is worst of both worlds for me 😁. I actually bought a Heimdallr turtle that has Willard hands and indices rather than buying the Seiko original.
Great review, I'm not sure about the dial, I think it is borderline cheesy and I think I would tire of it, but at first glance it does look good. I don't like the Willard case, I much prefer the later turtle srp777 style case, but I don't like the turtle hands/indices, so this is worst of both worlds for me 😁. I actually bought a Heimdallr turtle that has Willard hands and indices rather than buying the Seiko original.
The heimdallr is excellent 👌