The 2023 Tissot 1000 Powermatic 80 with 300m and 43mm stain steel band with divers extension big dials with excellent super-lume visibility it makes a statement and AR anti reflective coating and engraved ceramic bezel SHOULD have been A tier. Such a beautiful watch and lasts 80 hours without winding which lasts longer than the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster.
I agree with most of the list except for the Tissot sea star. I think it should’ve been bumped up to the A tier as well, if not higher! Doesn’t mean you should downgrade the kamasu, but considering the fact that the Tissot gives you: 1)300m WR compared to 200m in the orient 2) ceramic scratch proof bezel just as you’d find on a £4000 omega seamaster professional 3) anti reflective sapphire crystal 3) exhibition caseback with sapphire crystal 4) more accurate movement with much nicer finishing 5) 80 hours of power reserve 6) solid end links 7) new sea star comes with a milled deployant in the clasp 8)Superluminova lume in the indices and hands While the orient kamasu is pretty much a nicer version of the orient ray or mako II. Now don’t get me wrong, the orient gives you great value and I’m not saying it should go b tier, but although the kamasu is a good dive watch for the money, the Tissot is an exceptional one for its retail price as it boasts specs that on paper at least, are comparable to watches like the Oris Aquis and the Omega Seamaster, which are watches several times more expensive.. Needless to say it also looks fantastic! That’s why I feel you didn’t do it justice by putting it in the b tier!
You got a bad Duro my friend. I own 3 in different colorways - the crowns and bezels are good, and the second hands hit every marker. No accident - I examined them at a brick-and-mortar, not online. At $50 the Duro is the best value proposition feature for feature.
Exactly: the new colors are spectacular. The Pepsi and Kermit duro hit every marker. My new tissot PRX quartz does not. That’s a ridiculous thing lol..
Same here, I have the OG black one. I've worn it almost every day for about the past 6 years. I run professional kitchens for a living and this watch gets the absolute snot beaten out of it. It still just runs and runs and runs. I get compliments on it all the time. My buddy works at patek and loves my duro. It makes me feel like a cool guy.
Thought Id at least see a Christopher Ward watch, especially given their super extensive C60 range, the finishing, the specs and the fact that a bunch of them come at 38mm.
I thoroughly enjoy my Vostok but also can't argue with the D tier rating lol. I think as long as you're realistic with expectations they're neat and fun but some folks take them WAY too seriously.
@@Angry_Gnome that's fair. I'm not sure how much Vostok is involved or contributing but I've sortof set them aside lately too. I've also fallen back in love with my SKX lol
I can't take anyone seriously who's making a tier list with watches he hasn't even held in his hand. Just stick to the ones you've reviewed/owned etc... makes the list shorter but definitely more viable. Just my opinion...
@@thetimeteller dude I respect your content but you just said it yourself: ALMOST every watch. I counted at least 4 or 5 where you said you never had these or you just heard from a friend etc... that's 20 - 25% of the watches on your list! Why not leave them out and make a tier list with 15 watches? But it's your channel and you can obviously do whatever you want... it's just my opinion🤷♂️
@@thetimeteller you do you man. I'm just giving you my opinion. Just like you on watches. It's not my fault you can't handle a bit of criticism. Seems like you only respect the opinions that go hand in hand with yours... really mature...
I have the Red Kamasu and it has easily become my favorite diver. It looks gorgeous in sunlight and wears well on pretty much any style of strap/bracelet you throw at it. I wear it so much that even tho I have it only for a few months I already managed to give it a few battle scars despite me being super-careful. It's not just an amazing value, it's an amazing watch regardless of the price.
I’ve had the black kamasu for about a year now. Wear it every day and cannot compliment it enough. I’ve worn it on bracelet and throw a nato strap on it most of the time, matches all colors I’ve put on it. Love that it got A tier
Glycine Combat Sub (I have the bronze one) I'd put it at the B/C tier. Eta 2824-2 based movement, 430 date window, 28800 bph, 38hr power reserve, 200M water resistance, nice classic look albeit a little boring.
@AtR Yeah, I'm not a fan of the direction they're going since getting bought by Invicta. A lot of their models come WAAAAAY too large. I used to be a large watch guy (I have large flat wrists) but now I'm on team 40mm+-2mm is the perfect size.
Definitely have to check out the Certina DS action diver, or the Certina PH200m. These are great solid watches, and for their prices.. Definitely between A and B tier.
Although I liked PH200 so much, I didn't have luck with it. After just 2 years click spring broke, than thread on the crown and movement accuracy went from initial +5sec/day to +25sec/day. So I sold the watch.
@@grale78 I have both the Ds Action and the Ph200m since 2018, and they are still perfect. But the truth is, with any watch it's the luck of the draw. I've had more issues with my Omega, than these Certina's, but I totally get you 100%. Depending on one's experience, dictates ones opinion.
My Baltic Aquascaphe is one of my favorite pieces. High beat/Smooth Sweep miyota 9039 movement, -+6 seconds per day, lovely double domed sapphire crystal, slim fit case, smoothest bezel I’ve ever experienced, extraordinarily comfortable beads of rice bracelet, and grainy white textured dial, and ofc 200m. Absolute sleeper desk diver, and it’s cool to say I own a French watch.
The one thing the Amphibia has going for it is the caseback with retaining ring. That's actually a quite brilliant design that's easier on the O-ring than a typical screwback.
The use of acrylic lens is also brilliant - can be buffed out, and much less likely to break. They are amazingly well sealed as I understand the testing. Also, the Bulova Accutron I have from my Dad - late 70's has the same retaining ring design that only put the rear seal in compression, which is ideal - more complex than the std screw down case back that puts the seal in shear stress and deformation that can more likely damage the seal.
Yep. Got me a very nice Citizen Eco Drive for around $500, I've had it for a few years it's all scratched up but it still works fine, like a tank. I've been swimming, camping and everything else active that you can think of. I love it! 😬 I love my G Shocks too
My Casio Duro in black/gold is my daily watch. It is doing everything with me including regular swimming. The second hand does hit the indices - okay not all, but half of them. I enjoy it everyday. I had to buy it from ebay. It was shipped from Las Vegas to Europe which made a total price of 71 Euro. But it is worth it and does the job. Great watch!
It’s a 200m water resistant stainless steel watch with a great bezel. He calls it a toy. Kinda snobby I think it’s price point and it’s quartz movement is the only reason it’s so low.
jory, i think you are looking at vostok watches in a modern sence but you have to remember these watches haven't changed since the 60s and as a vintage collector you know these specs were the norm in that era.
I bought an Invicta pro diver about a year ago for a trip out of the country. I haven't taken it off since I can't get a sub, but I love them. Mine keeps about +9 seconds a day which baffles me for the price. For the price, it's an S tier imo.
I'm a big fan of your channel. It's been awhile since I've watched because of work etc but I can't get over the new setting haha. It's like when Joe Rogan moved to Texas I guess, I'll get use to it. Cool stuff man keep it up dude.
Vostok Amphibia's crown is like that because the clutch is in the crown, not in the stem, an easy cheap solution to the technically mandatory clutch in a threaded crown. That's one of the reasons it cost 47$ or 44€, the price if you don't buy from a middleman. It's just a watch with 60's or 70's standards, a vintage living fossil diver.
Three of my favorites missing: Steinhart OMV, Glycine Combat Sub and Christopher Ward Trident. This last one just went up in price but I think it can still be found under 1K fairly easily.
It's certainly not high end watch, has some quirks which makes them seem "low quality'. Like the bezel action or the crown, plastic glass, no quick date adjust... etc. However I really like their genuity, uniqueness. About the rating... well I usually like Jory's lighthearted style, but when Invictas share class with Midos, Orient overtake Tissot... Each time a different aspect were taken more heavily into consideration (finish, quality, price, bang for the buck, availability...) to decide the rating... Seems like the goalpost is changing for each watch. It's hard to not disagree.
It sounds like this list was put together by your sub group, which is fun.But the ranking was wildly inconsistent. Why include the G shock at 3K when this is for watches under 1K? Some watches were ranked high because of specs, but not all. Some were rank low because of your personal aesthetic preferences. It's your channel, you get to do that. But your hang-up on the 4:30 date location is laughable. You rank the Tissot at a B and then you rank other sections based on that one misplacement. What you enjoy aesthetically in one watch you mock in another. I enjoy your channel, this was just all over the place.
Thanks for the video. Expected to see Longlines Hydroconquest Quartz here, as it fits in this category as well. Also there are few more interesting watches like Baltic.
Just picked up a Seiko SNA457 two tone watch at an online estate sale for $80.00! DUDE! this is the way to buy watches! it was band new and was in perfect condition. It is a perfect size, SUBSTANTIAL, great for a daily wear bang around watch. God I love this hobby!
I liked the Citizen Promaster (blue) so much, I bought a black one as well. You can catch these on sale at Amazon for less than $200. At that price, for what you're getting - these are a terrific value for the money. Bought an SKX for Christmas. I wish I'd bought one years ago. Seiko should have updated it instead of coming out with the Turtle (or the 5KX).
Oh no! Kicking the Marathon to the curb??? I appreciate your honesty, but I freakin LOVE the looks and spec of this brand! One day I'm absolutely going to buy myself an automatic GSAR with black dial for a retirement gift. Really badass. They also offer discounts for military, police, firefighter, EMT, medical workers, teachers and students. Nice!
The Zelos Spearfish is nice but their best speced diver is the Ti Mako V3, at under $600 you get titanium case and bracelet hardened to 1200 vickers, Miyota 9015 movement, 300 meters water resistance, sapphire crystal, color matched date wheel, and a tool less adjustable clasp !
Mil Spec is because the DOD gives contracts to the lowest bidder so they need mil Spec to ensure the minimum salient features are met. The Marathon is Outstanding though. Most of the reason for the extreme depth id to ensure there is enough space to clear those tubes. Try a Marathon GSAR or JSAR. You would most likely prefer the GSAR @ a smallish 41mm.
I used my citizen pro master auto on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier last deployment. While a friends G shock malfunctioned by either getting water in it or with electric interference the citizen kept on ticking.
Choosing between Mido Ocean Star and Mido Ocean Star Tribute I would definitely go for the Tribute version. And for sure it's 5 heads above the Tissot. In terms of both the design and the finish quality.
I never thought Doxa was a big deal...until I got to try one on at Watches of Switzerland in NY...man was that a beautiful watch and felt solid as a rock!
Surprised that Christopher Ward isn't on your list. Could probably be S tier. No joke, the CW light catcher case is one of the best looking cases I've seen. 5 year warranty and great customer service too.
I think the Lorier Neptune is definitely B tier or even high B tier. The finishing is good and in the metal it exudes a vintage charm that the other vintage inspired watches on this list can’t replicate, with the exception of the Yema. By the way, if Yema fixed their QC issues, they could be A tier or at least B, IMO.
Hi Ace, do you have any opinions re the current army issue, the Precidus A11 ?. Being a recent aquisition, I have not been using it for long enough to give more than a superficial assessment of it. Briefly it seems accurate to within a few seconds per day, and the daylight visibility makes the numbers easy to read, however the lume is only slightly less useless than that of the much loved Hamilton Khakis, (of which I have two.)I have read that the latest Hammys now have usable lume, at last. Just how the US D o D expects the army to operate with watches needing a torch to be readable when the sun has gone to bed, taxes my level of understanding beyond what I think a soldier should be expected to tolerate. In short, the lack of super lume in one of its several forms is a let-down for the guys expected to use it, in extremely testing conditions, and also is a waste of tax-payer dollars. DoD need to raise the spec significantly if the guys on the front-line are having to risk exposing their position, impairing their night vision, and puttin themselves and their comrades at risk by having to use a torch to see the time in the already hazardous conditions of night time combat. Stay safe now bud.
Always hard to do a video like this - so many awesome watches will naturally have to miss out. If you were to add a part 2 I’d recommend some of the following: CWard c60 and c65. Certina DS Action and the Ph200. Seiko spb143. Longines hydroconquest. Baltic aquascath. For me the best divers under £1k are comfortably the CWard C60 and Seiko spb143. For more budget conscious it’s the citizen pro diver and Orient Kamasu. The Certina rocks too though.
I own the Marathon GSAR arctic auto 41mm beauty in the eye of the beholder I guess.. I like the deep set face on the wrist gives it kind of an interesting 3D look to my eye.. date window position doesn’t bother me and it is a rugged watch with great bezal movement and high quality construction.
The "boring" Dan Henry is my favourite budget watch in my collection, simply because it is an exact replica of a super cool sixties Exactus Aquamax Supercompressor (except in size). Bold, clean yet charming retro style, super legible, nice case finish, sapphire (sandwich) crystal, compact size, killer lume beats all my Seikos, no-date option, no stupid signed crowns or other knick-knack, unobtrusive branding. I think it's perfect except maybe for its blue AR coating which interferes a bit with its clean color scheme.
Invicta pro diver owner here. C tier is spot on. I bought it to try out an automatic dive watch. I got mine for $60. It decently executes but isn't anything special
Interesting choices. I took the chance on a Yema Superman a few months ago and have been very pleased with it. I ordered direct from Yema since I prefer the look of it over the US model. SW200 movement very accurate and awesome fit and finish. Perhaps I got lucky only time will tell.
I have two Yema watches, the Marine Nationale Diver and the Wristmaster traveler, nice watches, well made, keep great time and the interaction with Yema was very smooth. I suspect they have improved.
Another happy tema owner. Brass LE superman. Good fit and finish, beautiful watch no problems. Gets more compliments than watches I own at 3x the price
I agree with most of the rankings. I'm a little suprised the Seiko King Samurai didn't make the list. Also, the Citizen NY0040 series should be up there. I found the Bulova had the most character... Just wish it had a 9k series caliber for the price. No S tier under 1k? What would that watch have to do to blow you away, I wonder? Great video.
I love my Vostok, but I agree that D tier seems like a fair spot for it. It's tough, fun and cheap, but not really "good", but that's OK, it's quirky fun.
What about Steinhart Ocean 1 series? I know you aren't a homage guy but there are models and color ways that Rolex never even thought of for way under 1k that are sterling value.
I like the C-tier rating on the SKX. Unfortunately the gray market prices around $300-$400 dont make it a great value. A few years ago at $190 the ISO certified SKX is a high B-tier maybe A-tier watch.
Citizen Promaster Aqualand bn20xx. Deko alarm, depth gauge, memo depth, solar, nice bezel, super nice lume and that for under 1000 bucks. Aint no better dive tool watch than that.
22:22 I generally agree…the only caveat I’ll add is that the real value of true “mil-spec” is similar to “bottled in bond” for whisky. It just provides a reliable reference point in a world where transparency can sometimes be hard to come by. In other words, at least you know what you’re getting (this assumes it is actually “mil-spec”, which is a term people can just throw around, unlike “bottled in bond” which is strictly regulated).
Imo, Seiko King Samurai is my top choice for a diver under $1000 Just so damn handsome for $500 especially with the white dial. Edit: on a side note, the Baltic Aquascaphe Diver with the Beads of rice bracelet - that’s a damn nice watch under $1000.
The good news about Invicta. You can wear it anywhere. And you will not give a sh*t if it gets stolen. You can go diving with it and you will not give a sh*t if it gets flooded. I could go on all day.
Has anyone ever imagined how Time Teller would sound if someone were to ask him to say: "That's just a theory, A GAME THEORY. Thanks for watching." Your mind no explode?
Exact format as Bourbon Junkies lists, down to placing a photo in each row with S at the top spot. Odd that you started with S and went all the way to F though, without using all the letters. Fun episode, i really enjoy these long-winded lists. More please!
Definitely episode for me, since divers are my favourite watch tipe and 1000$ is my price limit. I am watching this episode wearing my Citizen Promaster Eco and I am glad that you give love to this watch. I also had Promaster automatic and it's also great watch. I had Certina PH200, but PM80 movement inside was terribly inaccurate and inconsistent. Unfortunately I agree with you regarding Vostok.
Imo the Glycine Combat Sub is the best bang for your buck under $1000 or even $500 if you find a good sale. Swiss made ETA2824, sapphire crystal, just 10.5mm thick and comes in tons of different colorways. Also would have liked your thoughts on the Baltic Aquascaphe, Zelos Mako V3, Zodiac Super Seawolf and the Squale 1521
Great video! Definitely some surprises in there, but overall, I would agree with your rankings, especially the last one. I have maintained for years that the Citizen Promaster Diver is the best value entry level diver's watch on the market.
I'd go 1) Doxa Sub 200 2) Certina DS 3) Glycine Combat Sub 4) Mido Ocean Star 5) Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba My only Vostok had one of the hands fall off on the first day I owned it.
I have the Bulova Devil Diver blue/orange and I love it. Except the date window, it's kinda useless. It's strange how most date/day windows are poorly executed by most companies.
Love the list and the reasonings behind them. I do own a few of these, or variants of them, and generally agree with the rankings, except the Marathon. I know you don't like the 4:30 date window, but other than that, they are absolute tank-built watches that have a lot more wrist appeal than in photos. Also, I have the Tissot SeaStar 2000 instead of the 1000, which can be had for $995 as of this, and I think that one's worthy of bumping up the ranking by a tier.
I have an Invicta Pro Diver 8928OB and the finish is fine. It has *200 meter* wr! The only weak spot is the lume not lasting very long, but that's a huge nitpick at this price point. Mine has *ZERO* PLAY in the bezel. I got mine for *$45* Yes, a sale, but not one time sale. It has happened in the past, and will happen again on Amazon. Automatic NH35A movement 200m dive watch for *FORTY FIVE DOLLARS!!?* Move that to A! P.S. The people who said theirs got water in it? They didn't screw down the crown. Someone on RUclips put theirs in a pressure tank under 60m of water pressure and it was fine.
I have 2 Mido’s blue dial and black dial the MSRP is $930, but you can get them at great sales and discounts. The Mido in Person I think is sharper and cleaner than the Tissot Seastar.
I have a Vostok Komandirskie Automatic Self-Winding Mens Russian Military Wristwatch WR 200m # 650856 that I bought 2 years ago one of my favorite daily beater watch is accurate and so far holding strong.
Fun ranking! I’ve worn about half the watches on this list, and the only one I suspect you’ll be pleasantly surprised with if you get one in is the Lorier Neptune. Their current v3 is excellent, but I’m a sucker for the v2 that was chunkier and had gobs of lume and the superdome plexi crystal! And I’m also still waiting for Hamilton to do the batman Navy Scuba in no-date, or at 3 or 6…
The Seiko King Samurai is missing from the top of this list as well as the Deep Blue Alpha 500. I liked the Orient Kamasu but the bracelet left a lot to be desired so I returned it.
I would definitely give the G-Shock Frogman an A or B. Pushers that can be used while submerged makes this a professional tool dive watch. I wish I had known about these while we were still using watches to time dives. Computers have made dive watches accessories and jewelry, rather than dive tools. If I was going to go back to timing dives with watches instead of a dive computer, I would have to learn how to do repetitive dive time calculation all over again.
Let me toss in for consideration a few watches which are just a tad over a grand -- the Dietrich SD-1, Ollech & Wajs P-101, Serica 5303, and Farer Aquacompressor. And yes, Yema is crap.
Great video brotha 👌 you reminded by mentioning Seiko I still need to get a Seiko Prospex Capitan Willard. Dosen't the Hamilton khaki Navy Scuba have a no date option or is that just for the blue and black dial s
It didn't become obvious until after watching for a while that this ranking is based purely on online research and no hands-on experience. A watch is not something you can judge just by looking at pictures and videos. You have to see it in real life. If you did, you would know the quality of the Mido and its craftsmanship. The band alone makes it worth well over the Tossit any day. I mean they are from the same parent company. Why would the Mido retail for more?
The 2023 Tissot 1000 Powermatic 80 with 300m and 43mm stain steel band with divers extension big dials with excellent super-lume visibility it makes a statement and AR anti reflective coating and engraved ceramic bezel SHOULD have been A tier. Such a beautiful watch and lasts 80 hours without winding which lasts longer than the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster.
I agree with most of the list except for the Tissot sea star. I think it should’ve been bumped up to the A tier as well, if not higher! Doesn’t mean you should downgrade the kamasu, but considering the fact that the Tissot gives you:
1)300m WR compared to 200m in the orient
2) ceramic scratch proof bezel just as you’d find on a £4000 omega seamaster professional
3) anti reflective sapphire crystal
3) exhibition caseback with sapphire crystal
4) more accurate movement with much nicer finishing
5) 80 hours of power reserve
6) solid end links
7) new sea star comes with a milled deployant in the clasp
8)Superluminova lume in the indices and hands
While the orient kamasu is pretty much a nicer version of the orient ray or mako II.
Now don’t get me wrong, the orient gives you great value and I’m not saying it should go b tier, but although the kamasu is a good dive watch for the money, the Tissot is an exceptional one for its retail price as it boasts specs that on paper at least, are comparable to watches like the Oris Aquis and the Omega Seamaster, which are watches several times more expensive.. Needless to say it also looks fantastic!
That’s why I feel you didn’t do it justice by putting it in the b tier!
I bought my wife a Tissot power matic 80 for Xmas, a woman's version of course and it's a amazing watch hers was bought for about 400 and she loves it
39mm Glycine Combat Sub , 300m, sw200, incredible solid
You got a bad Duro my friend. I own 3 in different colorways - the crowns and bezels are good, and the second hands hit every marker. No accident - I examined them at a brick-and-mortar, not online. At $50 the Duro is the best value proposition feature for feature.
Agree my Duro surpassed my expectations. Put it on a better strap and you got a great beater watch.
The bezel on my Duro is excellent.
Exactly: the new colors are spectacular. The Pepsi and Kermit duro hit every marker. My new tissot PRX quartz does not. That’s a ridiculous thing lol..
Same here, I have the OG black one. I've worn it almost every day for about the past 6 years. I run professional kitchens for a living and this watch gets the absolute snot beaten out of it. It still just runs and runs and runs. I get compliments on it all the time. My buddy works at patek and loves my duro. It makes me feel like a cool guy.
Yes, great watches for the money. Definitely not "Toys".
Thought Id at least see a Christopher Ward watch, especially given their super extensive C60 range, the finishing, the specs and the fact that a bunch of them come at 38mm.
Take a look at this video comparison of 12 dive watches from last year. You'll see a C60 Trident there! ruclips.net/video/GkmD3IzEJys/видео.html
I thoroughly enjoy my Vostok but also can't argue with the D tier rating lol. I think as long as you're realistic with expectations they're neat and fun but some folks take them WAY too seriously.
100% agree I have two and have regulated them to run within a few seconds per day, but I would never compare them to some of my higher end time piece.
Some people take Horology way too seriously that's why I like Jory
I have a Komandirskie that I used to enjoy wearing, but given what the Russians are doing at the moment I can’t even look at the thing anymore.
@@Angry_Gnome that's fair. I'm not sure how much Vostok is involved or contributing but I've sortof set them aside lately too. I've also fallen back in love with my SKX lol
@@Angry_Gnome they're just doing what what isreal, Columbus and George Washington are praised for.
I can't take anyone seriously who's making a tier list with watches he hasn't even held in his hand. Just stick to the ones you've reviewed/owned etc... makes the list shorter but definitely more viable. Just my opinion...
Good news! I’ve held almost every watch on this list.
@@thetimeteller dude I respect your content but you just said it yourself: ALMOST every watch.
I counted at least 4 or 5 where you said you never had these or you just heard from a friend etc... that's 20 - 25% of the watches on your list! Why not leave them out and make a tier list with 15 watches? But it's your channel and you can obviously do whatever you want... it's just my opinion🤷♂️
You need to find bigger things to complain about. 🤣👍
And by the way- the ones my friends own, I’ve worn. 🤣🥱
@@thetimeteller you do you man. I'm just giving you my opinion. Just like you on watches. It's not my fault you can't handle a bit of criticism. Seems like you only respect the opinions that go hand in hand with yours... really mature...
I have the Red Kamasu and it has easily become my favorite diver. It looks gorgeous in sunlight and wears well on pretty much any style of strap/bracelet you throw at it. I wear it so much that even tho I have it only for a few months I already managed to give it a few battle scars despite me being super-careful. It's not just an amazing value, it's an amazing watch regardless of the price.
I’ve had the black kamasu for about a year now. Wear it every day and cannot compliment it enough. I’ve worn it on bracelet and throw a nato strap on it most of the time, matches all colors I’ve put on it. Love that it got A tier
I’d deff recommend the updated Hamilton khaki navy scuba 43mm
Glycine Combat Sub (I have the bronze one) I'd put it at the B/C tier. Eta 2824-2 based movement, 430 date window, 28800 bph, 38hr power reserve, 200M water resistance, nice classic look albeit a little boring.
Only wear glycine now! They are fantastic. I have a whole bunch of the combat sub range specifically as well!
@AtR Yeah, I'm not a fan of the direction they're going since getting bought by Invicta. A lot of their models come WAAAAAY too large. I used to be a large watch guy (I have large flat wrists) but now I'm on team 40mm+-2mm is the perfect size.
@@egutzait In fact the combat sub 39mm has recently been released and the gl403 is very attractive. It also comes in many other colour combos.
Definitely have to check out the Certina DS action diver, or the Certina PH200m. These are great solid watches, and for their prices.. Definitely between A and B tier.
Totaly agree!
PH200m is so good-looking. Only thing that has stopped me is the huge variety of other choices around that price, too many great options.
Although I liked PH200 so much, I didn't have luck with it. After just 2 years click spring broke, than thread on the crown and movement accuracy went from initial +5sec/day to +25sec/day. So I sold the watch.
@@grale78 I have both the Ds Action and the Ph200m since 2018, and they are still perfect. But the truth is, with any watch it's the luck of the draw. I've had more issues with my Omega, than these Certina's, but I totally get you 100%. Depending on one's experience, dictates ones opinion.
My Baltic Aquascaphe is one of my favorite pieces. High beat/Smooth Sweep miyota 9039 movement, -+6 seconds per day, lovely double domed sapphire crystal, slim fit case, smoothest bezel I’ve ever experienced, extraordinarily comfortable beads of rice bracelet, and grainy white textured dial, and ofc 200m. Absolute sleeper desk diver, and it’s cool to say I own a French watch.
The one thing the Amphibia has going for it is the caseback with retaining ring. That's actually a quite brilliant design that's easier on the O-ring than a typical screwback.
The crown to, he doesn't like it but it is a brilliant engineering
The use of acrylic lens is also brilliant - can be buffed out, and much less likely to break. They are amazingly well sealed as I understand the testing. Also, the Bulova Accutron I have from my Dad - late 70's has the same retaining ring design that only put the rear seal in compression, which is ideal - more complex than the std screw down case back that puts the seal in shear stress and deformation that can more likely damage the seal.
Believe they can function until 750metres worth of water pressure
Why didn’t the Tissot Seastar make the A tier? This watch is outstanding.
Great vid Jory. Being a citizen nut, you left the best til last. Stylish, functional, reliable and so well priced, what more can you ask of a watch.
Yep. Got me a very nice Citizen Eco Drive for around $500, I've had it for a few years it's all scratched up but it still works fine, like a tank. I've been swimming, camping and everything else active that you can think of. I love it! 😬 I love my G Shocks too
My Casio Duro in black/gold is my daily watch. It is doing everything with me including regular swimming. The second hand does hit the indices - okay not all, but half of them. I enjoy it everyday. I had to buy it from ebay. It was shipped from Las Vegas to Europe which made a total price of 71 Euro. But it is worth it and does the job. Great watch!
It’s a 200m water resistant stainless steel watch with a great bezel. He calls it a toy. Kinda snobby I think it’s price point and it’s quartz movement is the only reason it’s so low.
@@a1axel738 Of course he is snobby. That is his style.
I totally disagree on Marathon. I have the Navigator with black dial and the GSAR mechanical in black dial and they are both kick ass watches!
I picked up an Invicta 1953, good everyday watch, excellent for work without worrying about it getting damaged or scratched. Peace of mind watch!
jory, i think you are looking at vostok watches in a modern sence but you have to remember these watches haven't changed since the 60s and as a vintage collector you know these specs were the norm in that era.
Good video. If we're being snobby, I think there should be a distinction between "dive style" watches and true ISO 6425 watches.
I bought an Invicta pro diver about a year ago for a trip out of the country. I haven't taken it off since I can't get a sub, but I love them. Mine keeps about +9 seconds a day which baffles me for the price. For the price, it's an S tier imo.
I'm a big fan of your channel. It's been awhile since I've watched because of work etc but I can't get over the new setting haha. It's like when Joe Rogan moved to Texas I guess, I'll get use to it. Cool stuff man keep it up dude.
Vostok Amphibia's crown is like that because the clutch is in the crown, not in the stem, an easy cheap solution to the technically mandatory clutch in a threaded crown. That's one of the reasons it cost 47$ or 44€, the price if you don't buy from a middleman. It's just a watch with 60's or 70's standards, a vintage living fossil diver.
Three of my favorites missing: Steinhart OMV, Glycine Combat Sub and Christopher Ward Trident. This last one just went up in price but I think it can still be found under 1K fairly easily.
Squale 1521 deserves a spot on this list. Other than that, solid list!
Totally agree
I absolutely love Восток Амфибия watches and I would've put it at D class too.
Completely agree.
It's certainly not high end watch, has some quirks which makes them seem "low quality'. Like the bezel action or the crown, plastic glass, no quick date adjust... etc.
However I really like their genuity, uniqueness.
About the rating... well I usually like Jory's lighthearted style, but when Invictas share class with Midos, Orient overtake Tissot... Each time a different aspect were taken more heavily into consideration (finish, quality, price, bang for the buck, availability...) to decide the rating... Seems like the goalpost is changing for each watch.
It's hard to not disagree.
gylcine combat sub ? , squale 1545 , logines hydroquest ? you missed the watches I'm looking into, help me out
My Promaster is one of my favorite watches I've ever owned super reliable and the build quality for the price is great
It sounds like this list was put together by your sub group, which is fun.But the ranking was wildly inconsistent. Why include the G shock at 3K when this is for watches under 1K? Some watches were ranked high because of specs, but not all. Some were rank low because of your personal aesthetic preferences. It's your channel, you get to do that. But your hang-up on the 4:30 date location is laughable. You rank the Tissot at a B and then you rank other sections based on that one misplacement. What you enjoy aesthetically in one watch you mock in another. I enjoy your channel, this was just all over the place.
Thanks for the video. Expected to see Longlines Hydroconquest Quartz here, as it fits in this category as well. Also there are few more interesting watches like Baltic.
Just picked up a Seiko SNA457 two tone watch at an online estate sale for $80.00! DUDE! this is the way to buy watches! it was band new and was in perfect condition. It is a perfect size, SUBSTANTIAL, great for a daily wear bang around watch. God I love this hobby!
I liked the Citizen Promaster (blue) so much, I bought a black one as well. You can catch these on sale at Amazon for less than $200. At that price, for what you're getting - these are a terrific value for the money.
Bought an SKX for Christmas. I wish I'd bought one years ago. Seiko should have updated it instead of coming out with the Turtle (or the 5KX).
Oh no! Kicking the Marathon to the curb??? I appreciate your honesty, but I freakin LOVE the looks and spec of this brand! One day I'm absolutely going to buy myself an automatic GSAR with black dial for a retirement gift. Really badass. They also offer discounts for military, police, firefighter, EMT, medical workers, teachers and students. Nice!
I have the TSAR, Quartz. Amazing watch. Served me well in Afghanistan
Amen to that! I have the GSAR and it is amazing!!!
The Zelos Spearfish is nice but their best speced diver is the Ti Mako V3, at under $600 you get titanium case and bracelet hardened to 1200 vickers, Miyota 9015 movement, 300 meters water resistance, sapphire crystal, color matched date wheel, and a tool less adjustable clasp !
Mil Spec is because the DOD gives contracts to the lowest bidder so they need mil Spec to ensure the minimum salient features are met. The Marathon is Outstanding though. Most of the reason for the extreme depth id to ensure there is enough space to clear those tubes. Try a Marathon GSAR or JSAR. You would most likely prefer the GSAR @ a smallish 41mm.
Watching this while wearing my SKX and looking at my Duro and getting so huffy rn
I used my citizen pro master auto on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier last deployment. While a friends G shock malfunctioned by either getting water in it or with electric interference the citizen kept on ticking.
Choosing between Mido Ocean Star and Mido Ocean Star Tribute I would definitely go for the Tribute version.
And for sure it's 5 heads above the Tissot.
In terms of both the design and the finish quality.
The regular Ocean Star is boring. The Tribute has more personality.
I never thought Doxa was a big deal...until I got to try one on at Watches of Switzerland in NY...man was that a beautiful watch and felt solid as a rock!
Surprised that Christopher Ward isn't on your list. Could probably be S tier. No joke, the CW light catcher case is one of the best looking cases I've seen. 5 year warranty and great customer service too.
Is CW within the budget?
The left handed Promasters aren't eco drive.
I think the Lorier Neptune is definitely B tier or even high B tier. The finishing is good and in the metal it exudes a vintage charm that the other vintage inspired watches on this list can’t replicate, with the exception of the Yema. By the way, if Yema fixed their QC issues, they could be A tier or at least B, IMO.
But they use Acrylic, only for that point it goes to D tier imo
As a dude in the US Army, I always laugh when something is “Milspec”. Jory is spot on.
Hi Ace, do you have any opinions re the current army issue, the Precidus A11 ?.
Being a recent aquisition, I have not been using it for long enough to give more than a superficial assessment of it. Briefly it seems accurate to within a few seconds per day, and the daylight visibility makes the numbers easy to read, however the lume is only slightly less useless than that of the much loved Hamilton Khakis, (of which I have two.)I have read that the latest Hammys now have usable lume, at last. Just how the US D o D expects the army to operate with watches needing a torch to be readable when the sun has gone to bed, taxes my level of understanding beyond what I think a soldier should be expected to tolerate. In short, the lack of super lume in one of its several forms is a let-down for the guys expected to use it, in extremely testing conditions, and also is a waste of tax-payer dollars. DoD need to raise the spec significantly if the guys on the front-line are having to risk exposing their position, impairing their night vision, and puttin themselves and their comrades at risk by having to use a torch to see the time in the already hazardous conditions of night time combat. Stay safe now bud.
The Zelos Spearfish has a ton of refinements and features that are unbelievably well done for the money.
Always hard to do a video like this - so many awesome watches will naturally have to miss out. If you were to add a part 2 I’d recommend some of the following: CWard c60 and c65. Certina DS Action and the Ph200. Seiko spb143. Longines hydroconquest. Baltic aquascath.
For me the best divers under £1k are comfortably the CWard C60 and Seiko spb143. For more budget conscious it’s the citizen pro diver and Orient Kamasu. The Certina rocks too though.
I own the Marathon GSAR arctic auto 41mm beauty in the eye of the beholder I guess.. I like the deep set face on the wrist gives it kind of an interesting 3D look to my eye.. date window position doesn’t bother me and it is a rugged watch with great bezal movement and high quality construction.
I have the MSAR quartz and it is kinda funky looking, but that's what gives it charm. Love mine
Enjoyable video. I agreed with a lot of your ranking decisions. The Doxa would be my first choice.
The "boring" Dan Henry is my favourite budget watch in my collection, simply because it is an exact replica of a super cool sixties Exactus Aquamax Supercompressor (except in size). Bold, clean yet charming retro style, super legible, nice case finish, sapphire (sandwich) crystal, compact size, killer lume beats all my Seikos, no-date option, no stupid signed crowns or other knick-knack, unobtrusive branding. I think it's perfect except maybe for its blue AR coating which interferes a bit with its clean color scheme.
Invicta pro diver owner here. C tier is spot on. I bought it to try out an automatic dive watch. I got mine for $60. It decently executes but isn't anything special
I got an 8928OB (automatic) for $45, and it is special for the price! I give it A. 😁
Interesting choices. I took the chance on a Yema Superman a few months ago and have been very pleased with it. I ordered direct from Yema since I prefer the look of it over the US model. SW200 movement very accurate and awesome fit and finish. Perhaps I got lucky only time will tell.
I have two Yema watches, the Marine Nationale Diver and the Wristmaster traveler, nice watches, well made, keep great time and the interaction with Yema was very smooth. I suspect they have improved.
Another happy tema owner. Brass LE superman. Good fit and finish, beautiful watch no problems. Gets more compliments than watches I own at 3x the price
I agree with most of the rankings. I'm a little suprised the Seiko King Samurai didn't make the list. Also, the Citizen NY0040 series should be up there. I found the Bulova had the most character... Just wish it had a 9k series caliber for the price. No S tier under 1k? What would that watch have to do to blow you away, I wonder? Great video.
Samurais don't get much love on this channel. Probably C-tier.
@@armandr1613 I feel like if the King Turtle is B-Tier... Then so is the King Samurai. IMHO, I guess.
I love my Vostok, but I agree that D tier seems like a fair spot for it. It's tough, fun and cheap, but not really "good", but that's OK, it's quirky fun.
Excellent job, Jory. Loved your take on these different divers. Thank you, once again, for your insight.
What about the Alpina Seastrong?
I wear a Duro on a PDW NATO strap (not, recommended) and it looks amazing! I get compliments all the time. Too bad it's crap. But, looks good.
What about Steinhart Ocean 1 series? I know you aren't a homage guy but there are models and color ways that Rolex never even thought of for way under 1k that are sterling value.
I like the C-tier rating on the SKX. Unfortunately the gray market prices around $300-$400 dont make it a great value. A few years ago at $190 the ISO certified SKX is a high B-tier maybe A-tier watch.
Citizen Promaster Aqualand bn20xx. Deko alarm, depth gauge, memo depth, solar, nice bezel, super nice lume and that for under 1000 bucks. Aint no better dive tool watch than that.
22:22 I generally agree…the only caveat I’ll add is that the real value of true “mil-spec” is similar to “bottled in bond” for whisky. It just provides a reliable reference point in a world where transparency can sometimes be hard to come by. In other words, at least you know what you’re getting (this assumes it is actually “mil-spec”, which is a term people can just throw around, unlike “bottled in bond” which is strictly regulated).
Imo, Seiko King Samurai is my top choice for a diver under $1000
Just so damn handsome for $500 especially with the white dial.
Edit: on a side note, the Baltic Aquascaphe Diver with the Beads of rice bracelet - that’s a damn nice watch under $1000.
I agree along side the King Turtle. I have the white dial samurai and it’s a killer piece.
I’m so happy with my Red Kamasu and my Invicta Pro Diver gets sooo many compliments
The good news about Invicta. You can wear it anywhere. And you will not give a sh*t if it gets stolen. You can go diving with it and you will not give a sh*t if it gets flooded. I could go on all day.
Has anyone ever imagined how Time Teller would sound if someone were to ask him to say: "That's just a theory, A GAME THEORY. Thanks for watching." Your mind no explode?
Exact format as Bourbon Junkies lists, down to placing a photo in each row with S at the top spot. Odd that you started with S and went all the way to F though, without using all the letters. Fun episode, i really enjoy these long-winded lists. More please!
Where's that guy who lives in his mom's basement and says that no one dives with a watch today
Where would you put the glycine combat sub?
Definitely episode for me, since divers are my favourite watch tipe and 1000$ is my price limit. I am watching this episode wearing my Citizen Promaster Eco and I am glad that you give love to this watch. I also had Promaster automatic and it's also great watch. I had Certina PH200, but PM80 movement inside was terribly inaccurate and inconsistent. Unfortunately I agree with you regarding Vostok.
Imo the Glycine Combat Sub is the best bang for your buck under $1000 or even $500 if you find a good sale. Swiss made ETA2824, sapphire crystal, just 10.5mm thick and comes in tons of different colorways. Also would have liked your thoughts on the Baltic Aquascaphe, Zelos Mako V3, Zodiac Super Seawolf and the Squale 1521
I really liked this video. I wish you had the same video with dress, everyday and chronographs.
Great video! Definitely some surprises in there, but overall, I would agree with your rankings, especially the last one. I have maintained for years that the Citizen Promaster Diver is the best value entry level diver's watch on the market.
I like my Vostok, love my Zodiac Super Sea Wolf which was under $1000.
Just wanted to post that I'm a happy with my Yema Superman GMT.
I'd go 1) Doxa Sub 200 2) Certina DS 3) Glycine Combat Sub 4) Mido Ocean Star 5) Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba My only Vostok had one of the hands fall off on the first day I owned it.
I have the Bulova Devil Diver blue/orange and I love it. Except the date window, it's kinda useless. It's strange how most date/day windows are poorly executed by most companies.
Pretty much spot on as far as I'm concerned. 👍
finally got my vanuatu after 2 years of trying just shipped yesterday! I am very excited.
Got mine a few weeks ago. It's awesome
Love the list and the reasonings behind them. I do own a few of these, or variants of them, and generally agree with the rankings, except the Marathon. I know you don't like the 4:30 date window, but other than that, they are absolute tank-built watches that have a lot more wrist appeal than in photos. Also, I have the Tissot SeaStar 2000 instead of the 1000, which can be had for $995 as of this, and I think that one's worthy of bumping up the ranking by a tier.
Mido Ocean Star tribute! A+
I have an Invicta Pro Diver 8928OB and the finish is fine. It has *200 meter* wr! The only weak spot is the lume not lasting very long, but that's a huge nitpick at this price point. Mine has *ZERO* PLAY in the bezel. I got mine for *$45* Yes, a sale, but not one time sale. It has happened in the past, and will happen again on Amazon. Automatic NH35A movement 200m dive watch for *FORTY FIVE DOLLARS!!?* Move that to A!
P.S. The people who said theirs got water in it? They didn't screw down the crown. Someone on RUclips put theirs in a pressure tank under 60m of water pressure and it was fine.
I own the Red Orient Kamasu and I love it…
I have 2 Mido’s blue dial and black dial the MSRP is $930, but you can get them at great sales and discounts. The Mido in Person I think is sharper and cleaner than the Tissot Seastar.
the Frogman was literally the most capable diver out of anything you showed in your video.
Mini turtle!!! And I’m so confused by some of your rankings…but I respect your right to have lousy opinions. 😬
I have a Vostok Komandirskie Automatic Self-Winding Mens Russian Military Wristwatch WR 200m # 650856 that I bought 2 years ago one of my favorite daily beater watch is accurate and so far holding strong.
Time Teller - „Stop Ignoring Those Companies! Certina”
Also Time Teller - *ignores Certina*
I like the video tho. Pretty solid ranking.
You missed Baltic. The Baltic Aquascaphe is a beautiful diver for around 700. Phoibos too.
BALTIC GANGGGGGGG
I would knock that Tissot down a full letter grade due to date window peeking! Also that Casio Duro with a super engineer II strap is wicked!
Fun ranking! I’ve worn about half the watches on this list, and the only one I suspect you’ll be pleasantly surprised with if you get one in is the Lorier Neptune. Their current v3 is excellent, but I’m a sucker for the v2 that was chunkier and had gobs of lume and the superdome plexi crystal! And I’m also still waiting for Hamilton to do the batman Navy Scuba in no-date, or at 3 or 6…
Excellent ranking, I really enjoyed it. I agree with you on the Citizen Promaster, I'm a fan...
The Seiko King Samurai is missing from the top of this list as well as the Deep Blue Alpha 500. I liked the Orient Kamasu but the bracelet left a lot to be desired so I returned it.
Cool video. Citizen Promaster Diver and the Seiko SKX are my favs.
Just ordered the Blue Seastar. Beautiful piece I must say - and great value for the price point
I would definitely give the G-Shock Frogman an A or B. Pushers that can be used while submerged makes this a professional tool dive watch. I wish I had known about these while we were still using watches to time dives. Computers have made dive watches accessories and jewelry, rather than dive tools. If I was going to go back to timing dives with watches instead of a dive computer, I would have to learn how to do repetitive dive time calculation all over again.
No flippin’ way that Invicta is better than an SKX. I’ve owned both. I got rid of that Invicta very quickly, but still own the SKX.
"Milspec" means "who could meet the contract the cheapest with the least amount of failures."
This is true. Think space shuttle.
Let me toss in for consideration a few watches which are just a tad over a grand -- the Dietrich SD-1, Ollech & Wajs P-101, Serica 5303, and Farer Aquacompressor. And yes, Yema is crap.
4 figures for at one time was the coolest most affordable watch since the 1980s?
I would never pay too much for a GShock. 😯😯😯😯
Great video brotha 👌 you reminded by mentioning Seiko I still need to get a Seiko Prospex Capitan Willard. Dosen't the Hamilton khaki Navy Scuba have a no date option or is that just for the blue and black dial s
It didn't become obvious until after watching for a while that this ranking is based purely on online research and no hands-on experience. A watch is not something you can judge just by looking at pictures and videos. You have to see it in real life. If you did, you would know the quality of the Mido and its craftsmanship. The band alone makes it worth well over the Tossit any day. I mean they are from the same parent company. Why would the Mido retail for more?
Wise words! 👏