SteelDive SD1970S - Bronze Seiko 6105 homage | The Watcher
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
- I have reviewed this certain design at least 4 times over, SteelDive then go and produce this case in a bronze version with a new and Vintage looking dial. Very impressed with the finer details in the watch.Having said this, none of this would be possible without Seiko producing such a timeless case design.
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Love the contrast the black ceramic bezel delivers on this bronze beauty, an option not found on the other bronze turtles out there; Heimdallr, San Martin etc. and the retooled dial with gilded text and bronze finished hands and indexes put this one over the top for me. Can't wait to get it. I already have the Steeldive Captain Willard (on aftermarket waffle strap) and absolutely love it. Much respect for these Chinese Seikoesqe watches with more features at a fraction of the cost.
Thank you so much for showing it side by side with the Heimdallr, the different bronze color gradings has been difficult to figure out!
This is indeed Tin-bronze. This is what people expect when they think of bronze. If you are not informed, and buy an aluminiun-bronze watch, you might be put off by the 'yellowness' and be disappointed by the fact that it will patina a lot slower or almost not at all. Some 'bronze' watches are sometimes messing, which is not bronze at all.
Love that Bronze relief bezel. Nice points you made about the crystal. Thanks for the in depth review 🙏.
Love that bronze on bronze variant. Thanks for the indepth review bud
Good review, thanks for the honest view on QC, been looking at these for a few months now as I would like a bronze in my collection, will pull the trigger on one. Thank you. 👍
Greeting from a fellow student of Dr. Deming! I love your videos they are very entertaining and full of good information.
Great video. I the stainless steel version of this watch, which I love.
Great video. Thanks!
Nice video, as usual. Thanks!
Great video 👍
And like always a great video and interesting watch keep it up brother !!
Well just got a good deal on a new one of these. Can't stop looking at it. Gorgeous. I'm not a gold colour fan but my God the bronze looks great. Very happy with it. Leather strap is cool but maybe change it. See whats out there. Just put a Shark mesh strap today on my San Martin turtle Great wave watch WOWWWW. Truly epic looking.
I love my steeldive hulk, I'm definitely getting some more steeldives that take my fancy,,can't get better imo for the 💰
Great detailed video, thank you very much.
I just ordered the bronze it should be here by the first of march 2022
A tip to help a smooth running bezel is to finely shave pencil lead between the body and the bezel. The graphite is natural dry lube for want of a better word.
Thats a great tip
I know it works on stell watches, do a test area on bronze or protect the surfaces with masking tape where you apply the graphite. I'd hate for it to stain the bronze.. 🙏
Nice watch es I’ve got a Aquatico sea star in bronze as it has a pinkish hue I’ve put on a rose gold Milanese bracelet and it look good this watches would also just a thought enjoyed ur video 👍
Thanks Patrick 👍🏼
Nice one, thankfully for the wallet I just don't vibe with Willard or Turtle styles but these look like good pieces. Recd two bronze watches recently, done at that - Heimdallr bronze 62mas green dial, and Proxima Samurai. Both lovely but big difference between the bronzes, the copper one on the Proxima is stunning and glistening, both nice, will see how patina develops. Although I said not into turtles what do think of those new black San Martin ones? Orange lume version tempting, actually all intriguing, can't see a review up yet.
They look awesome, waiting to get a link with san martin hopefully so should be able to get them in
How do these compare to the 6309 homage from heimdallr you reviewed previously ? I know the cases differ and they are different alloys of bronze, but what were the pros and cons of each?
The bronze is different, 1 is tin and 1 is aluminium alloy and brighter. The tin darker version should patina like a copper pipe and the aluminium alloy bronze should patina slower and not get so much green patina
Got one with ceramic instert (the bronze insert was just....too bronze) on the 11.11 sale, and it arrived an hour ago. I hope it will get along with its beloved steel brother. The bezel-action is quite horrible, but you buy this for the looks. It works. I let some sewing-mchine oil seep in. the click sounds less like a tortured toy now. These bezels are NOT TO BE REMOVED without (semi)professional tools. You will damage your watch! I already swapped the crystal with a clear flat one, just like I did on the steel one. Big improvement. What's with Steeldive and their AR? Go easy on that stuff guys. Too much just ain't pretty. And I put a little silicon grease on the crown tube and greased the caseback gasket. And of course it comes with the Seiko-standard 1.5 ms beat-error. I'll deal with that in a few weeks. I love Steeldive. Recommend!
Hello, where did you buy the crystal and how did you find out which one to buy? Also, what professional tool would you use for the bezel? I couldn't remove mine either!
@@scbr2458 I bought it on Aliexpress. As long as you want flat, non Ar crystals you'll easily find whatever you want for 15$ or less. As for the dimensions: If you don't have the equipment to push a crystal out, you won't get a new one in anyway. So basically it's just pushing out what's in there and measuring. if you reply to this message, I'm open for questions.
I’ve somehow never taken the plunge into bronze. I still don’t know how I really feel about it. I think it’s the no bracelet aspect. I did see that zelos had made a bronze bracelet though. Really cool too, looks like it’s stainless on the inside with a bronze shell on the outside. One way the bracelets are out there I’ll go bronze.
You know what it is, the reason for bronze bracelets is the same reason the back cases are SS, they will discolour skin and clothes once patina forms. The only thing really for bronze pieces is leather/nato or waffle/silicone straps. I sat on the fence for a while but my first bronze purchase was the heimdallr 's which I love (green dial turtle)
I think you'll like it. The two I got recently are great, both look and feel fantastic on their black rubber waffle straps. No desire to change straps on these which is unusual for me, the black/gold looking so nice as it is.
Hey Watcher, did you keep one of these?
So basically If mine got oxidized, I just rinse it with lemon juice when I'm bored with the patina? 😊
I have a Steeldive, but I just can’t do bronze. I’ve been a pallbearer too many times it just makes me think of caskets.
Could you do a review of the Addiesdive CUSN8 Bronze Turtle Diver Watch, I’m not sure if addiesdive is a good watch, thanks
Lol "looking like an old copper pipe".
They need to make the buckle on the strap in bronze for me though, i think the San Martin strap has a bronze one? Nice video mate
Yes, true Steeldive need to raise their strap game.
You can get aftermarket bronze buckles on Ali for ~$10.
Those are interesting looking watches. Personally, I am so OCD, that I would constantly be polishing them to make them shiny again. The patina is not my thing!
Haha, then the bronze isn't for you. They weren't for me when I first saw them, but now I have warmed up to them slightly
I am as well. That’s why my Willard is stainless steel!
Do you know what the dimensions of the dial are like? Is it the same as Seiko divers? Really interested to know as that means we could in theory make an "actual" bronze Seiko.
Yes the dial is 28.5mm
@@TheWatcherReviews thanks! Think of all the possibilities...
What are the internal and external diameters of the bezel inserts? I am considering the option of modding the watch. Also, would you happen to know the diameter of the dial?
Skx007 bezel insert is compatible and dial diameter is 28.5
@@TheWatcherReviews thank you
Stunning watch! The bronze works really well with the cushion case. I would love to see an original dial / hands set in a steam punk style.
would i be correct that these are bronze plated, not constructed of bronze?
Not at all, they are constructed fully of bronze
I can't decide between both models: ceramic or bronze bezel!
Ceramic
The Bronze Willard is gorgeous, shit!! It looks very high end.
I just can’t get past that 20mm strap. For a diver, we really want to see 22mm. A 44mm case would also be ideal.
I use olive oil on a couple bezels that have that weird action. It works pretty good and evens out the feel. My san martin 62mas, steeldive submariner and seiko 55 fathoms mod especially had that weird ratchet feel.
Ok that's a good hack, did you remove the bezel or just soak it in oil?
@@TheWatcherReviews no, i use olive oil in my beard so i have some in a small spray bottle and something made me think oiling the bezel action would make it a little smoother. I just sprayed a liberal amount around the bezel were it meets with the case and gave it a couple turns to work it in.
Ah yeah i get you and yes olive oil is definitely the right oil for the beard. I keep a healthy one myself 😉
Now these are nice...Are those dials actually charcoal grey....?
They're black but due to the matt finish it's looking like a dark grey possibly
@@TheWatcherReviews I assumed that too. Nice with a tropic or waffle these ones. We'll have to find some decent bronze buckles out there....
neilba1 , I agree this watch deserves a waffle and Bronze buckle.
I did not want to watch this video. I am currently waiting on my blue SteelDive turtle, should take another couple weeks to arrive. I think i will order the ceramic bezel one. May have to wait and get it for Christmas. As always, great video...
Still prefer my steeldive SD1970.... they look great but too much hassle to keep that bronze looking good.
I got a feeling Steeldive would eventually introduce a rose gold variant, kinda like what Heimdallr did.
Don't get a bronze watch if you're not into patina.
@@waider I agree my friend 😊👍😊
With bronze watches i always find my self in a sort of dilemma ... I do like the look and the style and even the idea of having some exotic type material on the wrist ... but On the other hand this type of material comes with some cons !! you have to pay a constant attention for your bezel and it's action ... And how much corrosion there is and decide if you should get ride of it or not ... I mean it's not easy as put it on your wrist and forget about it .... It requires far more work and maintenance and that's not a practical specially if it's your first watch ever !!!
Ps : the other day i found a publication on Facebook ( official group of zelos ) some individuals are facing a little problem ... The groves on the crown are wearing down ...
Yeh you're right sid, but the amount of maintenance isn't alot. The patina actually protects the case, bronze materials were used in diving before Stainless steel. The patina even protects against highly corrosive acids too. Also, there is alot of forced patina out there which mens alot of pictures you see is a result of accelerated oxidisation. I'm wearing my heimdallr and its been out in the open and its just dulled down slightly so it may not be too much maintenance. Linseed oil can be applied to develop a more sustained and even type of patina and to be honest, like how car enthusiasts enjoy polishing their cars, you may enjoy doing some extra maintenance. Lets be honest were here because we love watches and not just have them out of necessity. I felt the same about bronze but now that I have had a few, they are alot better in person.
I would still pay attention to bezel action and crown thread wear but when buying bronze, these things are expected
@@TheWatcherReviews hhhhhhhh alright I admit you convinced me you have a point in everything you said ... And honestly the only thing that i fear for in a bronze watch is the malfunction of the bezel other than this i don't mind the patina ... And thank you very much for all the informations above !!!
@@sary171 its minor, it can be reset by soaking in lemon juice 😉 i think as a watch collector, its important to experience something different
@@TheWatcherReviews thanks bro i understand better now !!! And totally agree with you when you're into watches you have to came out of your comfort zone from time to time and experience new things ...
Nice design but too thick and wide for my liking
First of all the price of this watch is dropping down in a very regular way. Around 190 € two months ago, 140 € now available (£129) on Aliexpress. Seen yesterday.
Probably because the bronze watch is not everybody's cup of tea.
What brings me to the "affiliate Aliexpress links" on YT (in general , not only yours) selling the product always more expensive than the price you can find yourself within 5 minutes on Aliexpress (the YT rewiever commission is not falling from the sky...).
I imagine in 3 months on 11/11 Aliexpress sale this watch will be available for £110 or something. Already seen this with most of Steeldive watches. Big price drop in the short period of time.
Second : the bronze watch sold with the steel silver buckle is a typical Chinese sense of quality...If you want to buy the bronze one for this watch it's + £15 minimum (seen some for £45).
I'm telling that cause I have thiswatch, ordered with black rubber strap and received with steel silver buckle as well so I was looking myself.
Third : your affiliate link leads to Steeldive official store that ships the items with DHL that will charge you extra 30 € for "duty fees" (in France for sure, I don't know for UK).
Already had this "issue" with DHL, this is what they systematically do, never mind the value declared by the seller.
+30 € to be paid to DHL before and if you want to see your parcel.
If you don't pay they will put as "parcel refused by the client" on "delivery status" so you can not open any dispute with Aliexpress or the seller.
Of course if any issue with the watch (it's Steeldive so a big chance you have one) nobody will refund you the "duty fees" (actually DHL takes 20 € to their pocket as "DHL fees", duty is only10 € max as the declared value will be under 50$).
If it happens to you just ask DHL for the invoice and you'll see the fees details on it.
So I usually state that its always wise to look around on different sellers also for best price. That's common sense on a consumers behalf. Secondly, prices always change, steeldive are adjusting prices to match other agents selling their product. The reason for usinf offical store is that they will honor warranty better as per my personal experience.
3rd, logistics, due to covid19 theres massive disruptions and complaints from consumers so they use expresa shipping. Speak with the sellers and ask for 4PX shipping option which has no customs and they can declare low value of order.
Be a smart consumer and look around and speak with the sellers personally, message them and seek advice.
@@TheWatcherReviews
Just to complete your review I personally prefer the flat to doomed glass for the tool watch as diver is.
Too fragile when doomed, my experience.
So rather good point for me it's flat. Unfortunately not well covered by the bezel that I agree is the "visual +" for me (I'm talking about the black ceramic bezel, fully lumed).
The glass is just 1 -1.2 mm over the bezel level. It's nice to look at, but in case of any hard surface contact...1 mm under the bezel level would be great for security if shock but of course even in this case not 100 % safe.
I think it's because they use the thicker glass now. Better quality, they say.
Otherwise the bronze + black dial + black bezel + a touch of red on the second hand and the dial makes this watch very versatile.
I use black and red silicone strap + black clasp and it matches perfectly.
Looks very good on the green, green and black, full black strap as well.
Even use the Bond (true Bond colour) NATO (RAF) for it and it's just perfect (with black clasp and the rest, silver buckle is not nice with the bronze).
Very very versatile for a bronze watch, what's not always the case.
Probably also due to the good size of the case.
Bronce is not my cup of Tee
Bronze watches are a huge ripoff - probably an extra dollar or so in material cost, which results in a $50-100 price increase over stainless. Complete sucker play...
Hi
Its nothing to do with material cost and more to do with machining & marketing. It is harder to machine and can only be CNC'd , the drills need replacing more often too.
Secondary to that, commercial aspect, because its less common than SS, they're charging more too
@@TheWatcherReviews Yeah...not convinced. Bronze is softer than stainless so should require fewer tool changes. And I see no reason why bronze cases can't be produced in the same manner as stainless, whether CNC'd or otherwise.
Jon Parker , technical challenges aside, Steel watches still outsell Bronze by a huge margin thus affecting economies of scale. Supply and demand would also effect, I suspect people who want a Bronze watch are generally ok with spending a little more for the pleasure. Just thoughts 🤔.
@@neverknowinglyunders I suspect that if the prices were more in line with actual production costs they might sell a lot better. As for economy of scale, I don't think much retooling is necessary to produce a bronze case, so they could probably be passed through along with, or after a stainless run. But I could be wrong... nah! :) In any "case." it's a good review.
Jon Parker , I am as sceptical as you. I’m not really happy about having to pay more than 20 - 30% for bronze. I certainly can’t answer specifics about how they Machine differently.
Great review 👍.
Thumbs up bro, I mean, one and a half thumb up 😅