Thread: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

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  1. #1
    Member euthymic's Avatar
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    New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Just a quick picture and some thoughts on my "new to me" Stow Seatime Prodiver with black dial, hands, and bezel. I recognize this is a rather generic combo but I like the understated nature which allows the watch to "blend in" regardless of attire. Regarding the quality of the watch, I had high expectations given my experience with Stowa (I already own a Antea KS and also purchased a Antea for my brother-in-law) and the Prodiver shows the same high level of attention to detail that I have come to expect from Jorg.

    I was a little worried that the black hands on the black dial might negatively impact how quickly I could read the time with a rapid glance but I am happy to say that the large hands and bright lume make the readability of the dial/hand combo excellent. While the black second hand makes accurate timing by the sub-second difficult (particularly in low light) I was surprised how, in practical terms, the large lume on the second hand makes up for this. It's almost as if the watch lacks a second hand for quick glances but as soon as you really look at the dial, the lume indicator on the second hand pops out at you. Also, the visual appeal of the lume indicator seemingly "floating" smoothly around the dial is very cool.

    As I had read in previous reviews, the lume is very good, equaling or perhaps slightly surpassing that of my Omega Seamaster 2254.

    Although I have read several threads where individuals were surprised by the overall size of the Prodiver (particuarly on "for sale" posts), I find that the watch does not wear particuarly large. What it does do, and what would be one of my few criticisms of the watch, is ride rather high on the wrist. I suspect that the increased thickness of the caseback when compared to the standard Seatime is responsible for this. Thus, when wearing the ProDiver the primary contact point of the watch on the wrist is the circumference of the case back, as opposed to the entire width of the case. Fortunately, the bracelet is very comfortable and allows ample adjustments for fit, allowing you to achieve a fit that is neither too tight or loose (which is important given the way the case rides on the wrist). Overall, I am quite impressed with this watch. It is a relatively unique design (it certainly doesn't look like every other diver on the market), is built solidly with great fit and finish, and comes from a company with horological history and great service/support. In my book, that's a winning combination.

    On a sidenote, I purchased this watch on the same day that our family had to put our cat of 15 years to sleep (stomach cancer). I thought it was rather fitting that the black and white combo of the Stowa mirrored his black and white appearance.

    Here are some pics next to some of my old dive gear.


    And some outdoor pics I took this morning (in response to everyone's enthusiastic comments):




    and a shot of the back showing the contact patch where the watch rides on the wrist.


    And a wrist shot on my 7 3/4" wrist for Ikagan:


    Thanks for reading
    -Scott
    Last edited by euthymic; September 10th, 2007 at 20:23. Reason: more pics added

    Stowa Prodiver Panerai 210 Omega Seamaster Pro Damasko DC56 Misc Others

  2. #2
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Scott, first of all congrats on a great pick up. I saw what was probably the same watch on the sales corner and came very close to buying it myself, except I have another one on my mind at this time. It seems like a great diver. Every review I have read has been positive on this model, and I am glad that yours is no exception. I was also concerned about how big some reviews make it sound. Hopefully one day I will be fortunate to try one on my wrist as well. Hope you enjoy it.

    Len

    BTW sorry to hear about your cat, but sounds like this watch will remind you of your old friend. Regards.

  3. #3
    Member XTrooper's Avatar
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Congratulations on your new Prodiver, Scott, and thanks for the fine review!

    I owned a Stowa Seatime for over a year (that alone says a lot for a flipper like me ) and I really enjoyed it!

    Regarding lume, your Prodiver's is indeed a bit better than your Omega's as can be plainly seen in this thread found in our Reference Material subforum. For those interested in lume tests, take a look at the whole series of them found there.

    moby711's FIRST LUME TEST - MODEM BURNER 23 pics !!!
    Steve

    My favorite diver? Jessica Alba, of course!

  4. #4
    Member Peter Atwood's Avatar
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    What a great watch. Nice review too. Enjoy it!
    Current faves.....no particular order:

    Helson Porthole
    Stowa Partitio Automatic
    Archimedes bronze pilot
    IWC Vintage Pilot
    Helson Skindiver
    Doxa Vintage Pilot auto
    Sinn 556I, 556A
    Sinn 358 Jubilaum Chrono
    Sinn
    856 non UTC, 857 non UTC, 857 UTC
    Sinn 756, 756 Diapal, 757 and 757 Diapal
    Sinn U1000, U2
    Panerai 088, 024
    Benarus Moray Bronze #6
    Kobold Comanche chrono, two tone
    Jorg Schauer 44mm chronograph
    Stowa FOLE #21, MOLE II #21
    Doxa 1200t Searambler, 1200t Pro, 1200t Sharkie




  5. #5
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Scott, congratulations on your new PD. I enjoyed the mini-review. As a current PD owner, I believe you got it right about the watch being "high on the wrist" and that the bracelet helps in that area. That black bezel looks great on the PD. Hope you continue to enjoy the Stowa.

    Leo

  6. #6
    Dive Watches Mod & MaL OnTimeGabe's Avatar
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Stowa. :thanks It's definately on my shortlist, but I have to decide on the color...

    Godspeed to your cat. I've been there before, and letting them go is always the right thing to do when they're suffering.
    Regards,

    Gabe


  7. #7
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Can you post a wrist shot please?
    Stowa Antea Museum LE
    Casio PAW1300-1V
    Oris TT1 Divers Der Meistertaucher
    Casio G-Shock Raysman.
    Fortis Flieger
    Bathys 100 Fathom UV quartz


    Watches are like crack...After that first rock, you cant stop! I'm gonna go broke:thanks

  8. #8
    Member SHANE 1000's Avatar
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    What a winner you got Scott, great review too!.... Killer pic Bad to the bone watch, CONGRATULATIONS.

  9. #9
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Great review. I have the sapphire blue dial. I love the black bezel and I ordered it. It is suppose to be easy to change yourself so I'm going to try it myself.
    Tom
    Doxa - 5000t COSC Caribbean
    Tag Heuer- Aquaracer 500
    Sinn- UX
    Scorpion - Reef Diver
    Armida- A2
    Oris- Aquis, Titan 300
    Seiko - Tuna, 007
    Deep Blue - Flat Tubes T-100
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  10. #10
    Member euthymic's Avatar
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    Re: New to me Seatime Prodiver - minireview

    Thanks everyone for your enthusiastic replies. I've added some additional pics taken in outdoor light as well as a wrist shot for Ikagan.

    Tom, the bezel was surprisingly easy to change although I approached it with some trepidation / worry. There is a sticky in the Stowa forum describing the task. The first time I tried I got the bezel raised but did not simultaneusly turn it enough. Once I figured out the motion, it came off easily on my second attempt. Similarly, putting the bezel back on was not a problem but is one of those tasks that is easier to do than to write about I realize that not having the numbers on the bezel limits utility somewhat (so it may not be the best choice for many users) but it does add some visual continuity and makes the watch a bit less sporty and a bit more retro (with it's unusual case). I'm looking forward to trying it on rubber/leather but have to pick up some new straps as the band had been cut down by a previous owner.

    How to change a Seatime bezel ?

    Oh and something I realized I omitted when discussing the watch. One is how easy the bezel is to grip and turn. While I had taken this for granted with my old Seiko, I realized that I have a hard time turning the bezel on my seamaster pro on dry land much less what I imagine it would be like to try to turn it underwater. Thus, I mention it only because one assumes they will work easily (but sometimes do not as in the case of the seamaster pro).

    Also, and again a testimate to Jorg's business practices, I e-mailed Stowa about getting a replacment clasp for the braclet (so I wouldn't worry about desk diver swirls like my seamaster accumulates just looking at it). His response, a very resonable 15 euros and a new clasp is yours (no price gouging here). Thanks again Stowa for a beautiful and well-built watch.

    BTW, I do appreciate the kind words regarding the loss of the cat.

    Thanks again,
    -Scott

    Stowa Prodiver Panerai 210 Omega Seamaster Pro Damasko DC56 Misc Others

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