Steeldive SD1953 Ceramic Bezel 41mm 30ATM (300 m) Water Resistant NH35 Automatic Mens Dive Watch W/Code Sold by STEELDIVE Store

Negatory. Tax is included in the price.

great watch. where did you get the blue?

That's before tax (edited)

Out of these, Steeldive no doubt.

Steeldive don't do chronos to my knowledge. If you're ok with a dip in quality then there's a Pagani Design PD1664 listed as a deal that might interest you.

The NH35 movement in this is a Seiko movement. They're pretty well regarded generally.

That correct. You win a cookie.

I couldn't agree more with this, I tried a couple of steeldives, Addiesdives and pagani designs and loved them at the beginning and even posted a couple of deals on here for them, I never paid more than £75 for one though...

But sadly the novelty wore off quite quickly for me after a couple of months, never really worked out why, as you said something just never felt quite right, maybe I'm more concerned about a brand/heritage than I once thought...

There is no question though that the materials used on these watches for the price are staggering, it's the quality control and finishing at the lower end you'll notice the most compared to the likes of San Martin.

Luckily you get free returns on most items from AE these days so if you do want to give it a go like I did there's no risk.
Alternatively, you could sell it on eBay, they tend to sell quite well so you shouldn't lose too much money.

In the end, i settled for an older Seiko 5 from 2016 which I spotted in a charity shop for £60, I cleaned and polished it up and couldn't be happier.
 
Yes the spec is nowhere near these Chinese watches, but it just feels right to wear and fits my needs perfectly, the only feature I miss is the sapphire glass, the hardlex crystal is incredibly easy to scratch.

Honestly though, give one a try you may love it there is no denying they are gorgeous watches!

I'd still love to try a San Martin.... (edited)

I just looked up that Seestern. Really not my bag at all, I just can't get on with that pillow design. To each their own I say!

Edit: also thanks for sharing your Steeldive photos! (edited)

Thanks for sharing! Mine are still on their way, both passed customs, one with Evri. Looking forward to getting my hands on them!

Don't think i'd be comfortable wearing a Rolex in this day and age. Hopefully wont get bumped on the head for a £50 watch.

You're welcome. Let us know how you get on with it!

This is the way! You're very welcome, let me know how you get on with them.

That's great! And you're very welcome! What colour and strap did you go for?

Check the comments for tips too.

youtube.com/wat…kMc

Cronos are considered to be the best of the Ali express sub homages. Although when you price up one with a sw200 you are nearly in Glycine territory (when they are reduced in the sales anyway).

About half price I think.

The one with smaller links is called a jubilee strap and is generally considered more dressy, some find it more comfortable, they can be less durable and can stretch over time. The one with larger links is called an oyster strap and is considered more rugged, durable no-nonsense kind of look and feel.

It's all preference but I think most tend to prefer the oyster strap with diver watches as diving is somewhat of a rugged activity and the design of the watch reflects that.

But just get whatever you think looks nicer. Many also prefer to use a NATO strap for submariners. I think the black and grey James Bond NATO strap looks great with the black on black Steeldive here.

Think all the clasps are milled now. In the £44 listing it says “The bracelet is with milled clasp since 12th Nov/ 2022”

I'm not sure what their policy is on acceptable variation per day but I would assume that is grounds for a replacement.

Reviews would suggest so. Better quality control and the lume alone is worth it for me.

Cool, seen people putting flames on it and thought. NOOOOOO!

Did wonder if a soldering iron might be better so thanks for the heads up as it's not really my thing despite being truer to the Sub.

Erm...the obvious thing to do would've been to create more accounts

Looks much better but I actually prefer the no date Submariner. Personally I wouldn't remove the Cylops on a Rolex as I'm pretty certain that it would invalidate your warranty.

Can you share the photo?

Glad you're happy with it! I hear that the QC on the 1970 is much better than the 1953 which can be a bit hot and miss.