Express Review:  Crafter Blue Mechanic Ocean Mark II #MO2SS007

Another microbrand that delivers a real dive watch.  Decent overall proportions (41mm x 22mm lugs x 13.5mm thick).  Pro feature set (sapphire xtal, 300 meter water resistance, Swiss-grade lume).  DLC coated bezel for durability.

Plus:  Nicely weighted.  Solid Miyota 9015 automatic movement.  Great looking gradient dial with legible black hand set.  Quality craftsmanship with excellent FKM rubber strap and fine case finishing.

Minus:  Crown guards make it hard to screw in crown.  Crown could be larger.  No anti-reflective coating on crystal.  Bezel design limits functionality.  20mm lugs would be preferred for overall balance.

Sum: An intriguing dive watch that speaks its own language without veering off course.  Quality look and feel.  Very legible.  Easy watch to become a favorite.

Express Review:  Nezumi Baleine Automatic #BA3.302/1

Superb microbrand combining Swedish design, German assembly and a Japanese movement.  Nice overall proportions (40mm x 20mm lugs x 12.5mm thick).  Solid feature set (sapphire xtal, 200 meter water resistance, good lume).

Plus:  Beautiful blue dial and bezel.  Proper no-date movement (Miyota 9039).  Very nice embossed caseback.  Comfortable and attractive rubber strap.

Minus:  Pricey if purchased new.  Crown could be a tad larger.  Case detailing should be better for the pricepoint.

Sum:  An overall excellent diver from an energetic company.  Ticks most all the boxes in a positive manner.  This watch is a ‘whale’ of a fun time and wears well with good looks.

Express Review:  Duxot Bastia Automatic #DX-2068-22

Duxot Bastia 'Sandy Silver' automatic with IWC Ingenieur/Chopard Alpine Eagle/Vacheron Constantin Overseas vibes.  Perfect size (40mm x 25mm integrated lug x 14mm thick).  Detailed dial looks rich.  Sporty and dressy at the same time.  Bezel screws are aligned!

Plus:  No screwdown crown.  No display back.  Brushed bracelet.  Ever-present NH35 movement.  Black outline hands aid legibility.  Sapphire crystal with AR coating.

Minus:  Integrated lugs preclude use of aftermarket straps.  No half links and butterfly clasp makes precise sizing difficult.  Redundant self-winding/automatic printing on dial (just choose one).

Sum: Not a lot of money for a sharp looking watch.  Great dial presentation.  Should wear well for most people.  Good feature set adds value.

Express Review:  Deep Blue Daynight Stealth Ops Camo #DNSTLTHOPSWHTGREYCAMOBLUTUBE

Deep Blue is a respected microbrand and this Daynight Ops tritium tube automatic carries on the tradition.  Lightweight (three ounces) CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced polymer) case with stainless steel back.  17 tubes (blue and yellow, the yellow looks green in photo).  Strong military/tool vibe.

*Watch is shown on aftermarket Hadley-Roma Cordura^®  strap*

Plus:  Sapphire crystal.  Cool camo dial.  Well made carbon case.  NH35 automatic engine.  Flat tubes fit dial well.  Great price.

Minus:  Camo dial makes it hard to read the time.  Watch may be too lightweight for some given the size (44mm x 22mm lugs x 14mm thick). Brightness of tubes diminishes over time (10+ years).

Sum: Superb carbon case tritium tube automatic.  Very attractive price.  High quality with all black presentation.  Deep Blue comes through again.

Express Review:  OceanX Sharkmaster 1000 #SMS1017

Another big somewhat chunky diver that works well.  Nicely executed overall look.  Superb ceramic bezel.  Deep water resistance at 1000 meters.  Wears well for a 44mm piece.

Plus:  Beautiful navy blue ceramic bezel and white waffle-style dial.  Perfectly sized applied markers.  Screwed links on brushed bracelet.  Ubiquitous NH35 Seiko automatic.

Minus:  Too much printing on the dial.  Can we please have some different handset designs?  Helium escape valve printing on chapter ring looks a bit hokey. 21mm lugs limit strap choices.

Sum:  Solid workman-like diver that delivers quality with style.  Decent price point if bought right.  Take the plunge with the Sharkmaster and enjoy the cool blue lume.

Express Review:  Pagani Design Automatic GMT #PD-1784

A homage to Longines, but executed well.  Beautiful blue dial and clean handset.  Perfectly sized and weighted (40mm with bezel x 20mm lugs x 14.3mm thick).  Superb multilink bracelet.  200 meter water rating.

Plus:  Ceramic bezel insert and slightly domed sapphire crystal.  Well-liked Seiko NH34A movement.  Arabics don’t overpower the dial.  Wears comfortably.

Minus:  Lume could be better on hand set.  Split pins on bracelet instead of screws.  No signed rotor or movement decoration despite display caseback.

Sum:  For around $100USD this one can’t be beat.  Pagani has upped their game and this watch proves it, as overall fit and finish belies the value price.

Express Review:  RGMT Ohio Series Automatic Diver #RG-8034

Insane water resistance rating of 3000 meters.  Unique dial and handset.  Easy-grip sawtooth bezel.  Big and heavy (48mm with bezel x 24mm lugs x 21mm thick).  Quality bracelet with screwed links.

Plus:  Go deep.  Chunky if you like it.  Reliable Seiko NH35 movement.  Detailed caseback.  Sapphire crystal.  Pelican style presentation box with extra rubber strap.

Minus:  Too large and weighty for some.  Lume could be better.  Gimmicky?

Sum:  Get this one for under $300USD and you’ll be the deepest diver on the block.