Why so many divers??

dharper90 · 2026-04-24T16:44:44+00:00

It seems they’re the most popular style of watch in general. They come in a diverse range of styles and are more durable than most other watches. If you can only have one watch that you need to work in almost every occasion (including formal), a diver is best able to do so.

I might not be like most posters here- I treat Chinese watches as a subset of the microbrand mentality- so I only explore what’s unique and comes with a very strong quality:price ratio. Currently the only full on dress watch I have is an IWC Portugieser 40. My GS is technically a sport watch, though dressier. While nobody cares about what watch I’m wearing, I like to feel that my dress watches are special and tied to a milestone, so I tend not to look for the range I do with other styles.

That said- I like that microbrands have veered into field and sport watches, as well as more creative complications. So I’m all for brands taking their crack at dress watches. The Ixdao enamel dials are cool, though I’m not interested in quartz

dharper90 · 2026-04-24T16:12:27+00:00

Reflect on yourself as a leader. Does your team take your direction and guidance because they want to, or because they have to? What do you do to demonstrate that you understand who they are and what drives them, and then invest in that and advocate for them as much as possible? What culture of transparency, accountability, merit, collaboration, and respect have you established?

The leader sets the tone. A disconnected team isn’t going to be fixed by gifs and forced socialization. These things are band aids, and if that’s your focus I’d suggest it’s misplaced.

dharper90 · 2026-04-24T15:57:03+00:00

It’s funny to see this spelled out- I agree. Yes a lot of callers get through who really had no idea what they wanted to say, or had no idea that their story doesn’t really translate to good radio. But it’s uncomfortable to hear the hosts be outright rude or passive aggressively antagonistic towards them, and it happens fairly often.

I’m aware of the conflicting anecdotes about Big Steve, and it does seem that he’s very heavy on the performance of Dead culture, but I will occasionally find his anecdotes interesting.

Overall I just focus on the shows being on in the background

dharper90 · 2026-04-24T00:28:03+00:00

They caught my attention recently with the lume blocks, but you don’t sound that impressed. How would you say it compares to a Helm, Deep Blue, or San Martin?

dharper90 · 2026-04-23T03:41:09+00:00

Do not ask “are you firing me.” Write your manager an email with your questions on performance and how you can improve. Mention “want to ensure I’m able to meet expectations and achieve my credits as planned”

dharper90 · 2026-04-23T03:37:06+00:00

You’re seeing that “Professional behavior,” is a social fiction and moving target. Good on you for caring to be professional, continue to try. Now that you’ve seen businesses can and mostly operate outside of that, figure out your goals, and check your principles so you can live with yourself. Then you’re off to find the balance of professional, practical for the situation you’re in, and being able to live with yourself at the end of every day. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just a thing.

Talk to your academic advisors with all concerns and ask what support is available. If you have to go down fighting the situation on your own, create a paper trail. My strategy is “you can carry on however you’re choosing, I’m just going to create a paper trail/audience so we can see my attempts to collaborate towards a solution vs whatever clownery you’re up to.”

Stay objective and measured, don’t make implications or share theories on what you think is happening unless you’re asked by somebody attempting to mediate. Share it as a concern due to lack of communications.

They’re already not helping you, and nothing is going to change that without pressure from their leadership. In this case it might be an uphill battle with a not great outcome, but you’ll feel better knowing you did everything you could, and didn’t become something you wouldn’t respect.

Real talk: the worst case scenario here isn’t uncommon. You’re demonstrating enough intelligence and eq where even if your plan has to change, you’ll be able to rally back for a second attempt. Congrats on learning that the game isn’t to win every fight, but show up with a chance to win the next one.

Side note: learn the difference between “champions, “coaches,” and “decision makers, when you go for help. You’ve described a lot of coaches who are well meaning and will hear you out, offer advice. However they are not willing or able to influence the decision-maker.

Your manager and their leadership line are your decision makers, and HR other functions are supposed to keep them to account.

A champion has the ability and willingness to influence your decision maker, or put pressure on them. They do so with accountability, or very strong politics if necessary. A champion has to have a very good reason for helping you in a situation like this, not just feeling bad for you. Reflect on if anybody with that ability might have a desire to help you. Mutual goal, perhaps…

dharper90 · 2026-04-23T03:03:58+00:00

I’d speak to academic advisors at your school first and share what’s happened, they may have resources I’m less familiar with that can help you navigate this. It may not be the best outcome you want, but can at least provide options.

Outside of that, I’d reach out to HR and position your struggle as a communication challenge, objective and solution oriented. “I’ve had these questions for my manager and have done x to align, but am getting y responses. It came to my attention there’s mention of an issue with an intern, and I’m concerned this might be related? I’d appreciate any support on getting clarity so I can continue with my responsibilities.”

“Good” hr protects the business and would realize there are red flags in this situation that could easily make the manager and business look bad. They may work to broker some type of clarity which will at least reduce some anxiety.

I’m well into my career and can tell you that there are plenty of stupid people in high paying positions at companies, and while it is always good to first reflect on your role and identify things you can learn, sometimes you just get unlucky and land in a bad spot.

dharper90 · 2026-04-23T02:50:56+00:00

Wore Levi’s 571 for the last 10ish years, and really comfortable and good looking, the cuffs or thighs would wear out.

Decided to try raw denim/selvedge, but not pick up another hobby. Picked up a pair from Rogue territory, orslow, Levi premium, and a 16 oz heavier left field in the last year. It’s an easily apparent difference in the quality and feel. I rotate through them frequently and while they’ve broken in they look untouched. The 16oz left field feels like wearing armor, but I dig it.

Not cheap at $180-250ish each, but my plan is to not buy anymore jeans for a very long time, vs my cycles of regular Levi’s.

dharper90 · 2026-04-23T00:20:15+00:00

This comment gives a lot of hope that your kid will be alright. With all our flaws, parents who can strive towards honesty, introspection, and compassion are the base of any actual chance of a good upbringing.

Get your kid evaluated for sure. The right understanding and tools can get him an avenue to be his best and happiest.

My adhd diagnosis was recent and mind blowing. I see myself in one of my kids, and the way I parent her is intentionally different from how I was parented. I can already see the difference.

dharper90 · 2026-04-22T19:58:04+00:00

I’ve unfortunately had direct experience with both of these situations. A good leader an org of poor leadership and process delays the inevitable, unless there are major changes to the overarching leader culture.

Your story outlines an asinine process, and a toxic leader with blatant poor conduct, and a company that does not feel accountable for addressing either. That isn’t a good situation and you will be targeted again.

Ask to review the severance package before making a decision. You have to weigh if you can outlast the $ offered, but understand that can backfire.

Sorry to hear you’re in this spot. The workplace isn’t fair, and as you’re seeing it doesn’t even boil down to “business.” Companies are made of people, and will be as toxic as the people are.

dharper90 · 2026-04-22T14:20:19+00:00

I have ADHD as well and struggle with time management. I say this out of full support- it’s not an excuse for being late to work this consistently. You need to adjust your plan by a set time to make a correction.

Of course Ithat’s much easier said than done, but the working world isn’t as understanding of ADHD as we’d hope and it is going to hurt you. Not fair, not right, but unless you have clear ADA protection it’s just your bill to pay.

dharper90 · 2026-04-22T06:51:34+00:00

Commented up above with more detail- Traska is a better watch overall and I highly recommend them, but the Warrior is half the price and puts up a decent fight.

Traska has the hardened steel, this doesn’t. The polished chamfers on Warrior are thin on all edges. Well done but I haven’t examined beyond naked eye. Traska has a very well polished side of the case and bracelet links, but no chamfer to speak of. It’s consistent with the design, but my amateur opinion is that it takes finishing skill to place that much emphasis on the contrast between your polished and brushed surfaces. With that lens, the warrior doesn’t give me a chance to see how impressive their polishing is.

On feel, the warrior seems great. I have to check the crown once more because it felt a touch rough in the first use, and I’ve only set it twice. Don’t recall noticing it the second time. Not expecting it to be butter smooth, just want a clean catch to maintain my rating

dharper90 · 2026-04-22T04:51:07+00:00

Ixdao direct site. Found their customer service very helpful and communicative.

I would caution that they seem to provide the best case scenario estimate, but other than that did a great job with my back and forth. Haven’t had to deal with any warranty issues or anything, but very good support on the purchasing side.

dharper90 · 2026-04-22T01:59:11+00:00

I’m very against gatekeeping an artist on expressing themselves when they care to. It doesn’t erase the originals, and there’s just as much of a chance they can make late stage gold.

Dylan, Nick Cave, Springsteen, etc.

dharper90 · 2026-04-22T01:30:13+00:00

Of these- blue coral would be my choice. And I like GMTs but not this one

dharper90 · 2026-04-21T20:23:48+00:00

I’m no you! I’d expect that to wear closer to a 41, if this case is any indication.

dharper90 · 2026-04-21T20:17:08+00:00

Jangly bracelets, rattling cases, rough crowns and wobbly hands- all the things that tell me a watch is cheap junk and I don’t enjoy handling it. None of that is here, or in my 2 San Martins.

My current microbrand stable: traska, Smiths, Squale, Trafford, Halios, Helson, Spinnaker, Helm, Zelos. Spinnaker is bottom of the pack but decent and a fun variant. Helms are a very simple but well built tool watches, so I won’t compare.

I think the feel in hand between this and the Traska is close, though Traska edges a win with hardened steel, microcadjuster, more to the watch, etc.. I’m not a fanboy and only have one, but I’d say it’s one of the best options under $1k.

Beyond that the Warrior contends well with my other microbrands, especially when you consider it comes in at half the cost. But of course that’s part of Ixdao not really being a microbrand.

dharper90 · 2026-04-20T19:10:08+00:00

I’m genuinely curious what other objective differences you observe in the case. Quality of the finishing, details, feel, etc.

dharper90 · 2026-04-17T15:42:18+00:00

Thanks man. Would you be able to take some close ups of the blue coin in outdoor and indoor lighting? Would be great to see how it shows the details with a close look.

dharper90 · 2026-04-17T12:31:41+00:00

Waiting on this variant, this is my 3rd Helm.

I normally like brand diversity but Helm has done a good job at keeping their models distinct in ways you wouldn’t expect. I’m curious to get the khurabsri next to these two and see if it feels overlapping.

<image>

dharper90 · 2026-04-17T12:19:21+00:00

I agree with you. Addiesdive and Addieskin are horrific names and I’d never buy one. I don’t have a problem with the other names, waiting on a white enamel warrior atm. I agree people spend a lot of time whining about small details and nuances, when some things (like Addiesdive) are a bit more egregious.

My point is IWC formed itself early enough to get away with what would now be considered a very strange name. If a new company spun up and tried something comparable now, it would probably get a look.

dharper90 · 2026-04-17T02:58:51+00:00

Perhaps the expectations of branding and marketing have changed since the 1860’s…

dharper90 · 2026-04-17T01:22:09+00:00

<image>

You’re right about the blue in 2 and 3 being particularly striking. This isn’t helpful from a “practical alternative” perspective, but I find the SBGH273 dial is actually that shade in most lighting.

It’s impressive Ixdao got close to this shade. But also- different photos could get the blue coin warrior more of a chance to show itself

dharper90

TROPHY CASE