Review of one of Dans (OWC) finest, Explorer-5517 (proper lume shot added)

[discordianist]

Review of one of Dans (OWC) finest, Explorer-5517

I wanted to get something bit dressier in my watchbox to be used in weddings, formal parties and such. But I had a catch in mind, I wanted a watch that gives out bad ass attitude, utilitarian feeling and looks right at home on my wrist. I'm usually drawn to military styled watches so when I asked Dan if he had something like this. He showed me couple of watches and few concepts, this one popped right off and screamed to me "get me". So I did. Dan's a great guy to do business with and knows his business. One of the most pleasurable watch purchases I've made.

Now to the watch. It has Explorer styled case, sword hands in memory of military Submariner and Dans MilSub dial with ultra shiny surface. Lume is great and I'll take a shot of it when I have some spare time. It came with Dans mesh bracelet and few NATOs. I'm mostly nylon guy so It's on nato right now. Althou the mesh looks great and is definitely suit worthy. Watch has tried and tested Seagull that's direct ETA 2824-2 replacement (copy). It's hacking, hand winding and quit accurate (haven't tested that out yet thou).

Watch is 36mm across with out the crown (38 with it) and 40 from lug tip to lug tip.

Oh and as this is prototype/custom made/one off. Dan used what he had handy as parts, So don't be alarmed by the small marking on crystal, if this goes to production there's no markings like that! Dan has a idea about Explorer styled watch coming along, but I'll let you know when I know more of it. But it seems like it's worth the wait :)

This is one kick ass watch and it has made me even more eager about Dans MilSub-5517.

But now to the business. The pictures!
First ones show the watch with included mesh and included NATO:








Then couple pics with off the shelf silicone.



And proper lume shot for those that can't scroll the thread down :)

[kiwidj]

Nice review and pics! Looks sweet on the mesh and just as nice on the Nato. Well done and thanks for sharing...

[GuySie]

Nice!

Something I just realized: I really like the Orange logo. No crappy handwritten font, no odd icons, just a nice choice of sans serif typeface and a simple orange circle - has a vintage feel going. Considering the serious bad taste in logo design going around in the watchworld it's very refreshing.

[Guillermo_P]

Very nice catch... a custom made watch from Dan! While is not my cup of tea, the dial and hands seems great.

A teaser for the MilSub comming in... the mesh looks good...! Tell us how accurate the movements is after the break in period.

Cheers,

Guillermo

[danielb]

Congratulations Santtu:)
Thanks :thanks

[Blackrover]

That is a fantastic watch. I'd love to see a Lume shot of it


Regards,
Don

[nhoJ]

I think the watch, prototype or otherwise, should be presented with a proper crystal. The little symbol I can see at 6 oclock in some of the pictures does not send the right message. Esp. for what I remember the asking price of this watch.

[foxint]

Sir,

I would not normally jump in, but - NO asking price has ever been offerred or mentioned. It has Never been on the the Forum as an item for sale.

Santtu is the first person to present the watch and he is the only one with whom I have talked pricing. This is the only ONE in existence.

Dan
Orange

I think the watch, prototype or otherwise, should be presented with a proper crystal. The little symbol I can see at 6 oclock in some of the pictures does not send the right message. Esp. for what I remember the asking price of this watch.

[nhoJ]

I found the old posts with the design and I see the case posted here has changed from your previous design. So you are correct, I have no idea what this particular model costs.

[narwhal]

Dan, are you considering doing this in a larger size than 36mm (for those of us with larger wrist sizes)?