I own 2 of the diver 1000 second generation. The change from the first to second generation is the bezel, gen 2 is ceramic and lumed. Bezel action is very good and I think the lume is excellent. Also, the crystal is sapphire, AR coated. I wear my watch every day working on boats and diving, still looks like new! This watch is one of the best values in a dive watch you will find.
Yes I was incorrect, mine are the version 1 and I hear they made major improvements to the version 2 (basically everything I didn’t like about the version 1). I checked their website and see they also stopped the predatory pricing which is a relief. Too many people way overpaid back in the day. $150-$160 for a high spec, tough and well built tool watch with all the issues resolved is a good deal. Personally I would still probably go with an Orient or the like but wear what suits you. It sounds like you use it pretty hard so for you the Deep Blue is probably a better choice.
It's a tool watch. It's a professional Diver's watch. It's not a dress watch. Get passed the fine finishing on the sides...Get one home and you'll be fine and impressed. I have 10 of these watches. They're great. Value for money they're hard to beat. When you go to their website you might not be able to find a lot of their models because they sell out fast.
I just bought a Master 1000 Chronograph 2 with a silicone strap and compared it to the video as I watched. First, I agree with the brushed finish. It doesn't quite cover the entire surface but it's unnoticeable unless you look closely and yes, the brushing does seem a little uneven. Although I don't have calipers to measure, as far as the advertised size goes, it seems fairly accurate using a metric tape. As for the bezel, mine is rock solid with no play of any kind and is perfectly aligned. Finally, I'd say the lume rocks. I can still see the time even after it's been sitting in the dark for six or seven hours. I've had it about a month now and it keeps perfect time so far when compared to NIST time. Paid about $150 for it after discount. For the price I'm well satisfied.
I was incorrect in that mine are the version 1 and not the version 2. Apologies on that one. I hear version 2 is significantly better all around, the dimensions are different than the version 1 (again my bad) and I checked the website and saw they have stopped the predatory pricing system. For $150 it’s a solid tool watch with a good workhorse movement. Glad you like it, I still have mine for when I need something tough.
I haven't had the same experience with my Deep Blue GEN2. The beads of rice bracelet is comfortable, the bezel is solid with no back play and the finishing is good. All that said I appreciate your honest opinion on these GEN1 models. You can only comment on what's in front of you and I respect that. I also respect your reply to what was initially a very negative response on my part. My apologies.
Well when I bought them years ago list was something like $360 but they were on a buy one get one free sale and had a 60% off discount code on top of that so they ended up being $75-80 bucks. For $100 sure it’s an ok watch but I wouldn’t spend more than that. That said they have dropped their prices, started using selita movements and it looks like they are trying to build them better. Just one more watch did a review on one just this morning, worth a watch if you’re thinking about one. This model was discontinued while ago.
this is a gen 1. the finishing and build of the watch is spot on or better than it should be for a $170 watch. the only complaint I ever had was the bezel alignment on the gen 2 1000 and the military diver 300, but I just popped mine off and re-aligned it with jeweler cement and it's perfect. i do have 2 of their trit divers and the crown is HUGE!!! i've asked them if I can buy smaller crowns/stems to replace it and since they use the same movement as their other watches.. the smaller crowns should fit right in. we'll see what they say.
You are correct these are the version 1. I bought them so long ago I was mistaken when looking at the spec sheet. I hear the version 2 is vastly improved in just about every way. The version 1 definitely has very very poor finishing. I have heard some say version 2 has great finishing but some have said not so much but hardly noticeable. I personally can’t say since I have yet to see one in person. I actually like the giant crowns, very easy to grip and nice smooth action but if it digs into the wrist then yeah I would definitely replace them.
thank you, I appreciate it. I was incorrect in that this is a gen 1 not a gen 2. from what I have heard the gen 2 is much improved but still is not something I would fancy.
@@bluequiltedness it’s just what they had listed. Honestly the size was wrong so that doesn’t surprise me. From what I hear it was about the time the Master II had just come out.
Yup looking into it further they are the gen 1, my bad. I hear the gen 2 has resolved most if not all the issues I had with them. Also I recently checked their website and they have stopped with the predatory pricing. I’m still not going to buy another but I’m glad they are making improvements not just to the watches but to the company as well.
Yes I found out they are actually 1st gen which explains the size difference and what I was able to get them so cheap. Point understood but for me, unacceptable finishing and iffy business practices make it a no go. Lord knows I’ve gotten a plethora of people who disagree though.
Lol I’ve been told they are the 1st gen a few times now and I believe it. Probably got it wrong, not arguing that at all. I make mistakes just giving my honest opinion. You don’t need to agree. I stand by the fact that they are very solidly built with nice dials but with mediocre finishing and poor bezel action on both. I also firmly believe the way they do their pricing is not ok. Someone can easily pay 40% more for the same piece than someone else because they aren’t aware that there is a permanent coupon… not cool. This puts a bad taste in my mouth and definitely makes me not trust the seller. And yes I am an American.
@@whiteglovewatches9908 I hear ya. I still own 4 Deep Blue and sold at leat another 4 over the years, but I never paid full retail. I didn't even get them from USA because taxes and import duties, so I'm always looking for special offers here, and even then I have to really really like the watch and check reviews before I decide to buy it, unless it's one of those now or never offers but with an option to return it no questions asked.
@@IAmWatcher yeah I hear the import duties can be a nightmare. I just had return a Montage to Malaysia, i had to find a post office with the right kind of computer and fill out two pages of paperwork just to mail it. Hunting for the bargains is my favorite part of the hobby that’s how I came across the Deep Blues to begin with. If they come up on a BOGO again I’d probably pick up another couple since they’re so tough and have some unique dials.
I own 2 of the diver 1000 second generation. The change from the first to second generation is the bezel, gen 2 is ceramic and lumed. Bezel action is very good and I think the lume is excellent. Also, the crystal is sapphire, AR coated. I wear my watch every day working on boats and diving, still looks like new! This watch is one of the best values in a dive watch you will find.
Yes I was incorrect, mine are the version 1 and I hear they made major improvements to the version 2 (basically everything I didn’t like about the version 1).
I checked their website and see they also stopped the predatory pricing which is a relief. Too many people way overpaid back in the day.
$150-$160 for a high spec, tough and well built tool watch with all the issues resolved is a good deal.
Personally I would still probably go with an Orient or the like but wear what suits you. It sounds like you use it pretty hard so for you the Deep Blue is probably a better choice.
It's a tool watch. It's a professional Diver's watch. It's not a dress watch. Get passed the fine finishing on the sides...Get one home and you'll be fine and impressed. I have 10 of these watches. They're great. Value for money they're hard to beat. When you go to their website you might not be able to find a lot of their models because they sell out fast.
I just bought a Master 1000 Chronograph 2 with a silicone strap and compared it to the video as I watched. First, I agree with the brushed finish. It doesn't quite cover the entire surface but it's unnoticeable unless you look closely and yes, the brushing does seem a little uneven. Although I don't have calipers to measure, as far as the advertised size goes, it seems fairly accurate using a metric tape. As for the bezel, mine is rock solid with no play of any kind and is perfectly aligned. Finally, I'd say the lume rocks. I can still see the time even after it's been sitting in the dark for six or seven hours. I've had it about a month now and it keeps perfect time so far when compared to NIST time. Paid about $150 for it after discount. For the price I'm well satisfied.
I was incorrect in that mine are the version 1 and not the version 2. Apologies on that one. I hear version 2 is significantly better all around, the dimensions are different than the version 1 (again my bad) and I checked the website and saw they have stopped the predatory pricing system.
For $150 it’s a solid tool watch with a good workhorse movement. Glad you like it, I still have mine for when I need something tough.
I haven't had the same experience with my Deep Blue GEN2. The beads of rice bracelet is comfortable, the bezel is solid with no back play and the finishing is good. All that said I appreciate your honest opinion on these GEN1 models. You can only comment on what's in front of you and I respect that. I also respect your reply to what was initially a very negative response on my part. My apologies.
How much?
Well when I bought them years ago list was something like $360 but they were on a buy one get one free sale and had a 60% off discount code on top of that so they ended up being $75-80 bucks.
For $100 sure it’s an ok watch but I wouldn’t spend more than that.
That said they have dropped their prices, started using selita movements and it looks like they are trying to build them better.
Just one more watch did a review on one just this morning, worth a watch if you’re thinking about one. This model was discontinued while ago.
this is a gen 1. the finishing and build of the watch is spot on or better than it should be for a $170 watch. the only complaint I ever had was the bezel alignment on the gen 2 1000 and the military diver 300, but I just popped mine off and re-aligned it with jeweler cement and it's perfect. i do have 2 of their trit divers and the crown is HUGE!!! i've asked them if I can buy smaller crowns/stems to replace it and since they use the same movement as their other watches.. the smaller crowns should fit right in. we'll see what they say.
You are correct these are the version 1. I bought them so long ago I was mistaken when looking at the spec sheet. I hear the version 2 is vastly improved in just about every way. The version 1 definitely has very very poor finishing. I have heard some say version 2 has great finishing but some have said not so much but hardly noticeable. I personally can’t say since I have yet to see one in person.
I actually like the giant crowns, very easy to grip and nice smooth action but if it digs into the wrist then yeah I would definitely replace them.
You are the best, i loved your review. Very sincere review and truely amazing
thank you, I appreciate it.
I was incorrect in that this is a gen 1 not a gen 2.
from what I have heard the gen 2 is much improved but still is not something I would fancy.
Hey, what robust dive watch for 150-250$ would you recommend? I was really interested in deep blue until i saw this review.
The standard in that price range would be the Orient Kamasu but shop around, there are always deals to be had.
I think this is the first review to compare the sizes - usually reviewers just have one or the other
Yeah I got them on a BOGO so I got both sizes
These appear to be the Gen I, not Gen II. Good review comparing the two sizes though.
Wouldn’t surprise me as they were supposed to have ceramic bezels and I think that is the difference between the gen 1 and 2.
@@whiteglovewatches9908 The Gen ii also have a display caseback
@@bluequiltedness it’s just what they had listed. Honestly the size was wrong so that doesn’t surprise me. From what I hear it was about the time the Master II had just come out.
Yup looking into it further they are the gen 1, my bad. I hear the gen 2 has resolved most if not all the issues I had with them.
Also I recently checked their website and they have stopped with the predatory pricing.
I’m still not going to buy another but I’m glad they are making improvements not just to the watches but to the company as well.
Dang, some minor imperfections on a $150 watch? Shame on them... (Good Grief) Also, this is not the 2nd generation of this watch.
Yes I found out they are actually 1st gen which explains the size difference and what I was able to get them so cheap. Point understood but for me, unacceptable finishing and iffy business practices make it a no go. Lord knows I’ve gotten a plethora of people who disagree though.
A very objective review! which is nice!
Thanks, I try to keep the reviews as objective as possible. Never trying to sell anything, just giving my honest opinions.
Doesn't pay attention when ordering so he ends up buying the wrong models, then blames the watches and the seller. That's so.... American lol.
Lol I’ve been told they are the 1st gen a few times now and I believe it. Probably got it wrong, not arguing that at all. I make mistakes just giving my honest opinion. You don’t need to agree.
I stand by the fact that they are very solidly built with nice dials but with mediocre finishing and poor bezel action on both.
I also firmly believe the way they do their pricing is not ok. Someone can easily pay 40% more for the same piece than someone else because they aren’t aware that there is a permanent coupon… not cool. This puts a bad taste in my mouth and definitely makes me not trust the seller.
And yes I am an American.
@@whiteglovewatches9908 I hear ya. I still own 4 Deep Blue and sold at leat another 4 over the years, but I never paid full retail. I didn't even get them from USA because taxes and import duties, so I'm always looking for special offers here, and even then I have to really really like the watch and check reviews before I decide to buy it, unless it's one of those now or never offers but with an option to return it no questions asked.
@@IAmWatcher yeah I hear the import duties can be a nightmare. I just had return a Montage to Malaysia, i had to find a post office with the right kind of computer and fill out two pages of paperwork just to mail it. Hunting for the bargains is my favorite part of the hobby that’s how I came across the Deep Blues to begin with. If they come up on a BOGO again I’d probably pick up another couple since they’re so tough and have some unique dials.