I ordered the version with the red triangle / gold markings and cannot wait for it to arrive. Last month I thought seriously about buying their Speedmaster but decided that, like many of their watches, the case was far too thick. I was delighted to see that they have done a better job with this watch and the VH31 movement combined with 37mm case made it irresistible. Hopefully if they ever decide to produce a version with the rivet bracelet they remember to offer the bracelet to early-adopters who have bought the watch. The more quartz watches they produce, the more I will buy !
Ive ordered the same bit of a delay, I think they're restocking , looks like a lot of watch for the money, the mecaquartz movement sealed the deal for me
The moment the Ali brands started using the VH31, I've opted for the quartz option whenever it's available. The black/red triangle version arrived on Tuesday :)
I agree, all the other ones I have seen have been 12mm+. Part of what makes the bb54 so awesome is how thin it is. This one looks good. Perfect beater/ vacation watch.
Tudor is vastly superior! These watches look good, but their movements are what they are: cheap seiko movements with poor accuracy when compared to a quality movement. Irrespective of this, Chinese watches are still good- they have their place. I own several.
@@EscapeWheel it's not much but I wanted to acknowledge/appreciate your efforts - your video is what helped me decide to buy this watch and I didn't think to use your affiliate link :( excellent video thank you. above all appreciate your honesty/impartial assessments.
@@yellowblue2479 this one here? s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mNKmAle If so, I did review it a while back and also have a link in that video th-cam.com/video/IFcvjYg2_fY/w-d-xo.html
I absolutely agree that the use of the aluminum insert is the right choice! I am really liking the way Watchdives is heading with their recent releases. I wish San Martin used more aluminum inserts. There is like you said a certain charm that a watch looses when its fitted with a sterile, glossy, boring ceramic insert.
Nice bezel, everything looks really great. Love the sweeping quartz movement. Seems to need more AR. Looks like a great value and more obtainable than a Rolex. Thanks for sharing!
Indeed, and unlike a rolex, I have not had to "build a relationship" with them by buying unwanted watches before they would sell me the watch that I actually wanted 😁
THIS is the issue I have.... I have the PD BB58 version and its a lovely watch in every way, but its TOO BLOODY BIG/thick/heavy for me and there really isnt any decent(inexpensive) 'smaller version' that I can find in a mechanical watch....but the VK31 is the next best thing.
Just got this in blue today. Very much so agree with your review. I‘m heavily contemplating selling my San Martin SN004 x WD bb58. The head of the WD is nearly on the same level as SM and brings a great convenience of quartz. I’m prefer the aluminum bezel look over ceramic. The thin clasp on the WD is nice compared to the great but bigger SM adjustable clasp. Decisions, decisions… The bracelet isn’t wonderful, though much better than the addiesdive AD2023. Finishing/brushing/tolerances are much better. The lume color mismatch is very minimal on the blue. My SM has significantly worse mismatch. Maybe I’ll put together a comparison on r/ChineseWatches
The really gotta release it in black/silver and green. I'd also love to see the option for a riveted bracelet, maybe even a glossy dial. Barely halfway through the review, I'm really enjoying this :)
yeah, a monochrome option would have been nice. maybe even monochrome but a red triangle...id be down for that. I think if these sell well enough we may get some more colors.
I gave up finding a good diver for myself. I have small wrists (16cm/6.3inches) and I hate date watches, also ghost date watches. I think diver watches will not go under this sizing, so not worth to waiting further, also the movement is non-plus-ultra for me. The VH31 movement is my dream movement: quartz and do not needs any attention, except battery changes in every 2 years, and is a true no-date movement, finally! I think Seiko just read my mind when they designed and made this movement. Okay, there are Japanese Miyota and Swiss Ronda true no date movements, but the VH31 mimics the mechanical’s sweeping second hand, what I like. Also, the aluminum bezel is not a problem for me, it is just fine. Every color is great for me except the blue. Blue is simply not my color. But the other three is great, especially the red one.
I have that watch since a few days and I love it 🥰 With the gilt bezel insert and red triangle 👌 Perfect case size and slimness for me ! Everything is well aligned, the finishing is great, and it is pretty comfortable on the wrist 👍 Watchdives is dealing with a new factory for their new watches and I think they have found a very good one ! 👏
Hey Steve.. Sam here we had a chat on Reddit on my Sugess jump dial, thanks for the feedback. Your watch reviewed is great, glad they’re using good parts. One question I have is on the bracelet, can you get extra links if needed? Common problem I have is my big wrists of 8.5 inches in diameter. Most watches cover a 6-8 inch wrist. Just so you know I’m good on dive watches for now.
san martin bracelet is better by quite a bit. but other than that, the differences are pretty minimal. I actually prefer the case on this. finishing is damn close, and it's quite a bit thinner which is always nice.
During this last AE sale I’ve purchased 3x Thorn 2x Pagani 1x Seestern 1x Tandorio & now I’ve just come across this & the bloody thing is calling my name 😂😂..........fcuk it just pulled the trigger 😄
Great review! Thank you 😁 definitely looking at picking one of these up just not sure which colour version to get yet. Someone said on a Reddit post that the hands and indices colour doesn’t match. Is that something you have seen IRL on this version?
@@EscapeWheel sorry must have missed that bit. Probably got distracted on the watch dives website 😂🤦🏼♀️ I suppose it’s like that on every colour way apart from the blue one.
Best of both worlds right there with that watch. Can really make you question your decision on getting the real deal. You get the Tudor BB54 look and feel and sweeping seconds function, specs, and reliable Japanese quartz accuracy for a fraction of the price! If you’re looking at a Tudor BB54, think again fellas. Would you rather spend $100 or $2500-$3,999? It’s a no-brainer.
@@DanielSantos-jm9zk haha, reviews were getting out of hand (length wise) so I thought I'd speed it up a bit. Too much to talk about, too little time. Maybe I need to write a script to cut down on the waffle
I haven't had the thorn, but I'd still take this. The thickness here is incredible, I've heard the thorn bracelet isn't great. This watch is awesome for the price, you won't be disappointed
Just got an Addiesdive ad2043 with NH35 movement that looks identical to this one but with a jubilee strap for $139 plus tax. With Steeldives watches drifting towards San Martin pricing that leaves only Watchdiv and Addiesdive for bargains.
Really impressive for the price! I have to say, not the biggest fan of these gilt accents and yellowish faux patina on the lume. It would be amazing if they did a monochrome version of this, or even better, a mil-sub variant!!! That would be the perfect beater/everyday watch.
Make a 41mm version! Lots of folks complain about watches being too big, but this would be too small for me. I have a couple of 44mm Casio's including a Duro which look great but I appreciate 44mm is considered big, but I'd be happy with 41mm!
we need to stop comparing everything to pagani. pagani is the king of specs to price....if that's all you care about, they cannot be beat. but... 1. pagani doesn't sell a VH31 diver 2. their VH31 watches are nowhere near as nice as this is....you bet your ass it's going to cost more money to - fit a nicer crytsal - put good lume on the watch - manufacture and supply a really good rotating bezel - manufacture a superior bracelet - finish the watch to a higher standard Edit: not to mention warranty their watches for 3 years and actuall stand by the product.
I ordered the version with the red triangle / gold markings and cannot wait for it to arrive. Last month I thought seriously about buying their Speedmaster but decided that, like many of their watches, the case was far too thick. I was delighted to see that they have done a better job with this watch and the VH31 movement combined with 37mm case made it irresistible. Hopefully if they ever decide to produce a version with the rivet bracelet they remember to offer the bracelet to early-adopters who have bought the watch.
The more quartz watches they produce, the more I will buy !
Got mine the other day. It is great 😊
Ive ordered the same bit of a delay, I think they're restocking , looks like a lot of watch for the money, the mecaquartz movement sealed the deal for me
If only it came with a Jubilee, i would buy in a heartbeat
Hope even more manufacturers offer a quartz option and even solar.
Love the VH31, far better than a cheap mechanical Seiko or Miyota movement in my opinion.
The moment the Ali brands started using the VH31, I've opted for the quartz option whenever it's available. The black/red triangle version arrived on Tuesday :)
Finally someone made a BB54 homage that is thin! I have no problems with the VH31, the one I have has been great. Thanks for the review!
I agree, all the other ones I have seen have been 12mm+. Part of what makes the bb54 so awesome is how thin it is. This one looks good. Perfect beater/ vacation watch.
Dang! Wearing my BB54 today and questioning my decision making!
Brand is still brand. People wear watch because of the brand
@@shahan1465 Not everyone. Some just like aesthetics. 99% of people won't care or know what watch brand you're wearing
You could always try selling it to members of your local watch club or Facebook watch groups in your area.
The original never can be wrong 😂
Tudor is vastly superior! These watches look good, but their movements are what they are: cheap seiko movements with poor accuracy when compared to a quality movement. Irrespective of this, Chinese watches are still good- they have their place. I own several.
Thanks!
Thanks, man. Much appreciated 👍
@@EscapeWheel it's not much but I wanted to acknowledge/appreciate your efforts - your video is what helped me decide to buy this watch and I didn't think to use your affiliate link :( excellent video thank you. above all appreciate your honesty/impartial assessments.
@@yellowblue2479 just glad to know my work is being appreciated 👍. That'll keep me going on its own
@@EscapeWheeli don’t think you have reviewed the san martin SN004-v2 but do you have an affiliate link for it? Looking at buying it
@@yellowblue2479 this one here?
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mNKmAle
If so, I did review it a while back and also have a link in that video
th-cam.com/video/IFcvjYg2_fY/w-d-xo.html
Next time Watchdives have a sale, I'm snapping this up. Wouldn't pay more than £85/$100. Cheers for the review.
Anything you don’t like about it? Or that comes across cheap looking that you wouldn’t pay $19 more for it? (Asking bc I just paid $119 for it!)
@@yellowblue2479i paid 119$ i and would pay a lot more for it! Amazing watch.
I absolutely agree that the use of the aluminum insert is the right choice! I am really liking the way Watchdives is heading with their recent releases. I wish San Martin used more aluminum inserts. There is like you said a certain charm that a watch looses when its fitted with a sterile, glossy, boring ceramic insert.
got the original black n white for discount as well. It's my gada watch now.
Nice bezel, everything looks really great. Love the sweeping quartz movement. Seems to need more AR. Looks like a great value and more obtainable than a Rolex. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!!
Indeed, and unlike a rolex, I have not had to "build a relationship" with them by buying unwanted watches before they would sell me the watch that I actually wanted 😁
Super solid, detailed review!
Have the gilt bezel/ red triangle on the way.
I like the idea of the look of a ‘58 with the sizing of the ‘54😎
I kind of want to get the gilt/red after having this one....tempting. enjoy it!
@@EscapeWheel At this price go for it!😃
THIS is the issue I have.... I have the PD BB58 version and its a lovely watch in every way, but its TOO BLOODY BIG/thick/heavy for me and there really isnt any decent(inexpensive) 'smaller version' that I can find in a mechanical watch....but the VK31 is the next best thing.
@@EscapeWheel ...that is my personal fav color combination. I think it looks classy as hell without being BLING-BLING
@@ssnerd583 if you are patient I think the you can get the Cronos for like $160.
WatchDives continues to impress me
finally a review of this one haha. Thank you!
Just got this in blue today. Very much so agree with your review. I‘m heavily contemplating selling my San Martin SN004 x WD bb58. The head of the WD is nearly on the same level as SM and brings a great convenience of quartz. I’m prefer the aluminum bezel look over ceramic. The thin clasp on the WD is nice compared to the great but bigger SM adjustable clasp. Decisions, decisions…
The bracelet isn’t wonderful, though much better than the addiesdive AD2023. Finishing/brushing/tolerances are much better.
The lume color mismatch is very minimal on the blue. My SM has significantly worse mismatch.
Maybe I’ll put together a comparison on r/ChineseWatches
I'm sure many would appreciate the comparison 👍
looking forward to this
The really gotta release it in black/silver and green. I'd also love to see the option for a riveted bracelet, maybe even a glossy dial. Barely halfway through the review, I'm really enjoying this :)
yeah, a monochrome option would have been nice. maybe even monochrome but a red triangle...id be down for that.
I think if these sell well enough we may get some more colors.
Solid movement, great finishing IMHO perfection of dimensions snd its a beautiful watch. I think it offers great value.
I gave up finding a good diver for myself. I have small wrists (16cm/6.3inches) and I hate date watches, also ghost date watches. I think diver watches will not go under this sizing, so not worth to waiting further, also the movement is non-plus-ultra for me. The VH31 movement is my dream movement: quartz and do not needs any attention, except battery changes in every 2 years, and is a true no-date movement, finally! I think Seiko just read my mind when they designed and made this movement. Okay, there are Japanese Miyota and Swiss Ronda true no date movements, but the VH31 mimics the mechanical’s sweeping second hand, what I like. Also, the aluminum bezel is not a problem for me, it is just fine. Every color is great for me except the blue. Blue is simply not my color. But the other three is great, especially the red one.
Very nice,
Thank you for the video, nice presentation, great Job.
@@benoitbernard8172 thank you. And thanks for watching
I have that watch since a few days and I love it 🥰 With the gilt bezel insert and red triangle 👌 Perfect case size and slimness for me !
Everything is well aligned, the finishing is great, and it is pretty comfortable on the wrist 👍
Watchdives is dealing with a new factory for their new watches and I think they have found a very good one ! 👏
I have the same on order!👌
@@hootonhoot Nice 😎 This is great to have that BB58 color on a BB54 homage 👌
@@GalorOffroad Absolutely! Feels like a little more honest homage when you mix it up a little.
@@hootonhoot yes 👍 And I’m not sure I like fake rivets on a bracelet, so I’m happy this one doesn’t have, just like the very first gen Black Bay 🙂
Hey Steve.. Sam here we had a chat on Reddit on my Sugess jump dial, thanks for the feedback. Your watch reviewed is great, glad they’re using good parts. One question I have is on the bracelet, can you get extra links if needed? Common problem I have is my big wrists of 8.5 inches in diameter. Most watches cover a 6-8 inch wrist. Just so you know I’m good on dive watches for now.
Email watchdives and ask if they can provide extra links.
Is this watch suitable for diving
Quartz or mechanical?
Quartz VH31 movement
What are your thoughts on how this compares to the San Martin BB54 homage? SN0138
san martin bracelet is better by quite a bit. but other than that, the differences are pretty minimal. I actually prefer the case on this. finishing is damn close, and it's quite a bit thinner which is always nice.
During this last AE sale I’ve purchased 3x Thorn 2x Pagani 1x Seestern 1x Tandorio & now I’ve just come across this & the bloody thing is calling my name 😂😂..........fcuk it just pulled the trigger 😄
Hi Steve, great review. Do you know if Watchdives is going ahead with using the VH31 for the AT homage (the × San Martin V2).
Hope they introduce some other colorways without the gilt hands and indicies. Maybe even a ceramic bezel
Great review! Thank you 😁 definitely looking at picking one of these up just not sure which colour version to get yet. Someone said on a Reddit post that the hands and indices colour doesn’t match. Is that something you have seen IRL on this version?
I talk about it in the dial section. It's slightly off (darker on hands) but hasn't bothered me at all.
@@EscapeWheel sorry must have missed that bit. Probably got distracted on the watch dives website 😂🤦🏼♀️ I suppose it’s like that on every colour way apart from the blue one.
@@laurablockley1269 yep 👍
Great review!!
I'm getting one today!
Thank you so much!!!
Best of both worlds right there with that watch. Can really make you question your decision on getting the real deal. You get the Tudor BB54 look and feel and sweeping seconds function, specs, and reliable Japanese quartz accuracy for a fraction of the price! If you’re looking at a Tudor BB54, think again fellas. Would you rather spend $100 or $2500-$3,999? It’s a no-brainer.
Hear hear
Well done review. Sometimes sounds like “God, I’m late, need to speed this up!”, but good in general dude
@@DanielSantos-jm9zk haha, reviews were getting out of hand (length wise) so I thought I'd speed it up a bit. Too much to talk about, too little time. Maybe I need to write a script to cut down on the waffle
@@EscapeWheel may be :D. Just trying to give a constructive opinion. Nice job anyway :)
this or Thorn, aside from mvmnt?
I haven't had the thorn, but I'd still take this. The thickness here is incredible, I've heard the thorn bracelet isn't great. This watch is awesome for the price, you won't be disappointed
Are the "watch dives" quartz models made in the same factory as the San Martins?
No, different factory, but similar quality from what I've seen
Love the bezel
Are they planning on making a bigger version?
not that I'm aware of.
Just got an Addiesdive ad2043 with NH35 movement that looks identical to this one but with a jubilee strap for $139 plus tax. With Steeldives watches drifting towards San Martin pricing that leaves only Watchdiv and Addiesdive for bargains.
It would be nice if they made a no date Submariner using this VH31 movement
Which do you think is better and long lasting lume? Bgw or c3?
@@davidsonviray1403 C3 looks brighter, but BGW9 can be just as long lasting...my best lumped watch (Wise Adamascus AD8) has BGW9
@@davidsonviray1403 it all depends on the application and how many layers they use.
Addiesdive should do the same and use this movement instead of that crap one on their sub homage Quartz
My only nitpick is the missing 15 minute marks on the bezel.
Id instantly buy this if it came with...or i could find a replacement bezel.
I do use the bezel a good amount, but I actually prefer the perfect symmetry without the 15min markers
Nice watch, but my wife doesn´t like divers Never mind, first class review , as always, thanks for that 👍👍👍
Haha, mine tolerates them but gravitates towards anything shiny 😂
Superb informative video. That's a nice watch for the price.
Disregarding the movement, how would you compare this to the SN0138G?
I have the SM version and its a very good watch, but its to thick and heavy for such a small watch.. i think i will like this one more
I ordered the blue one the second I saw them post on Reddit and it's still in shipping lol. Almost in America though
If they release the monochrome in a larger size, will certainley purchase.
No lume shot?
12:42
Thanks so much! Sorry, I skipped through and missed it, it was a long video!
Really impressive for the price! I have to say, not the biggest fan of these gilt accents and yellowish faux patina on the lume.
It would be amazing if they did a monochrome version of this, or even better, a mil-sub variant!!! That would be the perfect beater/everyday watch.
I would prefer printed indices but those raised ones something like militado did on theirs version
and would be grate to see it on jubilee
@@karolwicik3888 yeah, I'm surprised we didn't get a jubilee option
I asked them about a jubilee- „no plans“ 😢
I got my blue bb54 today and tried it on a jubilee. Looked so good (except it didn’t fit right…)
@@davidc3903 such a shame 😢
Too bad the instant discount seems to be over.
Ah, darn...it was still active as of yesterday.
No, the green and red does NOT look good.
Volume too low for my phone
Weird. Same settings I have been using for years
@@EscapeWheelvolume is perfectly fine
Get ur phone replaced/fixed👍
Make a 41mm version! Lots of folks complain about watches being too big, but this would be too small for me. I have a couple of 44mm Casio's including a Duro which look great but I appreciate 44mm is considered big, but I'd be happy with 41mm!
@@philiptutton8041 in a perfect world they would make everything in 2 sizes. 🤣. I could see this in 41mm being a good seller
My GS clasp has more slop😂
Just pushed the trigger for this one. I need to stop watching these videos
@@aronchas no you don't 🤣😉
Ok, it's a VH 31/VK 93 Seiko movement, but Pagani is also better and much cheaper for this!
No lume though
we need to stop comparing everything to pagani. pagani is the king of specs to price....if that's all you care about, they cannot be beat.
but...
1. pagani doesn't sell a VH31 diver
2. their VH31 watches are nowhere near as nice as this is....you bet your ass it's going to cost more money to
- fit a nicer crytsal
- put good lume on the watch
- manufacture and supply a really good rotating bezel
- manufacture a superior bracelet
- finish the watch to a higher standard
Edit: not to mention warranty their watches for 3 years and actuall stand by the product.
I'd pick watchdives over pagani any day.
@@EscapeWheel 1000%