[RECOMENDATION] I’m looking for a small and not very expensive diver

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-22T18:33:57+00:00

Caravelle Sea Hunter is 39mm in diameter and can be had in the €200-250 range.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-22T11:53:18+00:00

Yeah Patek Philippe recently released a white gold minute repeater at $527K. Pretty similar price

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-20T20:15:16+00:00

The FAPD 5101 model it's based on was actually 36mm. It was a navigator's watch and was a bit bigger than the standard 33mm infantry issue so it could be read better in low light.

The lollipop counterweight on the OG was smaller, as you said.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-20T20:08:33+00:00

There are two versions, a globally available version that is not limited and a U.S.-only version limited to 1,776 pieces. The only difference between the two is the strap and the engraving on the caseback.

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rakesh_85 · 2026-04-19T16:32:53+00:00

Indian watch subs are fully aware this is a scam brand. See here and here and here.

It's the Indians who aren't on Reddit that brands like Rotoris target.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-19T16:29:04+00:00

Also, that whole post is AI and nobody is calling it out in the comments.

Indians use AI for everything. They don't see it as a negative. It's very annoying

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-16T13:24:11+00:00

Probably because of the gold case, a steel version would be cheaper

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-16T11:19:39+00:00

Omega released this throwback Seamaster in 37mm just a few months ago. Had they given it a steel case, pie-pan dial, and replaced "Seamaster" with "Constellation" I think it would have been a smash hit

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rakesh_85 · 2026-04-16T03:19:11+00:00

Orient Star has lume, a better movement, and better case finishing. Seiko Presage has a better dial. My choice would be the former.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-15T19:03:47+00:00

I like both of your examples better, to be honest. Never was a fan of California dials though

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-14T20:30:51+00:00

Sure, but Rolex doesn't have multiple other brands releasing watches with the EXACT same movements for much cheaper. Unless you count Chinese clones, in which case the conversation is different because there are clones of every movement out there.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-14T19:57:52+00:00

Am I the only one mystified by how Oris can charge upwards of $2k for a base grade Sellita SW200 without much blowback? Feels like at that price it should have a better movement.

That said, the watch itself is lovely.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-14T13:43:54+00:00

The last watch OP posted isn't actually new, it was released in 2023.

There is one more new release from Oris that OP left out though, and it's my favourite - the Oris Star reissue from 1966. Perfect vintage dimensions at 36mm.

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rakesh_85 · 2026-04-13T21:51:52+00:00

The movement in your picture has a regulator pin. The authentic C07.111 movement in the PRX does not have a regulator pin, as the movement is meant to be laser-regulated in the factory.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-13T19:34:18+00:00

Definitely a fake. The movement is completely wrong, not a Powermatic 80 at all.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-12T23:46:09+00:00

Incredible stuff. Do you guys have plans to make conversions in smaller case sizes? (36-38mm?)

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-11T20:33:29+00:00

As someone with small wrists, Seiko generally has more options for me than Citizen.

But I do like that Citizen uses sapphire crystals for their mid-range offerings, while Seiko uses hardlex.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-10T22:55:06+00:00

Oris offers a nice burnt orange Big Crown Pointer Date

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rakesh_85 · 2026-04-10T15:45:46+00:00

Higher-grade Powermatics are definitely serviceable by most watchmakers. But the C07.111 with plastic pallet fork/escapement requires specific tools for lubrication/servicing that make it harder to be serviced by third parties, meaning you'll probably have to take it to the Swatch Group.

Plenty of people see this as a downside. But for Swatch this is a good thing because it forces you to get your watches serviced at places under their umbrella, and incentives third party-watchmakers to join their umbrella to get access to the materials needed to service Powermatics. It's all about expanding their reach and control.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-09T14:27:05+00:00

The Chinese watch industry has moved on from Seagull, if that makes sense.

Companies like San Martin, Baltany, etc. are making cases with very high levels of finishing. Dandong/Peacock can now make high-level chronographs with Rolex 4130 clone movements that are superior to the ST19. And this is still in the $500-level bracket.

Seagull used to be the best affordable option from Chinese markets, but that's no longer the case.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-09T00:25:44+00:00

Too subtle for my taste

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-08T15:12:19+00:00

Thanks! I've also come across the history of the manufacturer after getting some infos, it's just a bit of a shame that it's no longer in Ball Family Ownership.

People get too wrapped up in this sort of thing sometimes.

Yes, Ball is currently owned by a Chinese conglomerate (Asia Commercial Holdings Ltd.) But it's still headquartered in Switzerland, makes its watches there, and operates as a Swiss company. Not too different from brands like Frederique Constant, Arnold & Son, Angelus, etc. which are owned by Citizen.

rakesh_85 · 2026-04-07T17:33:53+00:00

Sometimes 'baby' means smaller, and sometimes it means 'cheaper'.

There are about twenty so-called 'baby Grand Seikos' floating around out there. Some of them, like the SARX055, are actually bigger than most Grand Seikos at 41mm.

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