Addies Dive 1970 Full review

[@AlexanderB.]

Agree about the watch, it's worth every cent. I guess these are so well priced because they make them in huge numbers. I've got the Steeldive version. These watches put the Seikos for over a grand to shame. I really like the strap choice by the way. Nice one!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks. Yeah, these things are great and agree on the price....soooo many sold

[@PlugInRides]

I paid $80 for my Steeldive SD1970, including US sales taxes. Mine is blue, and the ceramic blue bezel matches the sunburst blue dial. My blue Steeldive rubber band should be here in the next couple days, along with a milled clasp for the bracelet. I love this watch.

[@EscapeWheel]

That's a great price! Looking back I got mine for $75 so there are definitely small sales on these. Still, even at the normal price they are great buys!

[@dannyg6592]

Addiesdive watches offer tremendous value. I love my Addiesdive vintage diver.

[@EscapeWheel]

That's a great one as well. Love the case design on it.

[@deanwaller8283]

I have their pilot watch,it's probably my favourite everyday watch

[@miguelbr3010]

This is my first chinese watch, your reddit and youtube reviews were of great help when deciding what to buy, I'll definitely use your affiliate links again!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you so much! You picked a good one for sure. Glad I could be off help 👊

[@SAREL1963]

I bought mine as promised from Amazon for $119 and wait now to receive on 3rd June Will get back soon.This review does the works for me.

[@EscapeWheel]

Glad I could help! Enjoy it, still enjoying mine!

[@drewweltin89]

This is a nice review. I have this and wear it along with more luxurious pieces - in fact, I enjoy this watch because it DOESNT say SEIKO on it. I always sport my watches with a Crown and Buckle NATO, my own “Mr. Wonderful” vibe. This thing looks so good and always gets comments.

[@SteveFWatches]

absolute lume monster. a complete torch. I have a steeldive but might get the addies in blue. Thanks for the review will definitely share this video next time I see anyone considering a addies

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks man. Yeah, it's a beast...and maybe I got a dud steeldive that missed the lume application a couple times or something. 🤷. Very happy with the Addies, though

[@milosjeknic8431]

I received this watch from my girlfriend as a gift, I am very satisfied with the quality, and how it stands on the wrist, side by side with some much more expensive watches and how it stands on the wrist is great.. Amazing review

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks you! And what a gift! It's still one of my favs to wear!

[@milosjeknic8431]

​@@EscapeWheel I guess the spamming of your reviews was effective :)

[@lwskiner]

I bought this watch a couple months ago and it is on my wrist every day and I must own fifteen watches, three of them are Tags. It has gone to the head of the line in 'cool' factor and at this price is the deal of the century. You will NOT be disappointed.

[@EscapeWheel]

Couldn't agree more! Such a great deal

[@Mobynord]

I remember buying this addies dive as a bit of a joke to compare to the willard re-issue. I ordered both at the same time. The AD arrived about 3 weeks after the willard and just blew me away…..the seiko was sold in no time due to QC issues with the bezel play and alignment ….the addies is still my favorite weekend beta ….I agree with your comment if you plan just to ever buy one Aliexpress watch it has to be this one!

[@EscapeWheel]

I still stand by that comment. Best bang for buck on Ali IMO. Some other really good ones now though

[@watch-box]

If you didn't know about this watch and it was passed to you to value, the specs and quality would show a $300 watch rather than a sub $100. Seiko should be taking notes from these Ali Express brands. Good review - looking forward to your take on the blue Seestern 62 Mas.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you, and completely agree.

[@brokenspine66]

I have mine now over 8 month and I wear it literally every day. It's an awesome watch the bracelet is kind of a mediocre generic one but I replaced it very soon with some NATO + Parachute ones to test until I found one I liked. Now I chose a waffled honeycomb FMK Rubber strap similar to your in the vid and that's the perfect one so far with it the watch is flat molded onto my arm way lower than on a NATO, IMO it's obvious why in the '70s such strap variant was the standard on the originale Willard. Very Happy with mine, I payed around 90 EUR with shipping from Belgium to Germany within 3 days.

[@Modellbaustammtisch]

Moin! Normalerweise werden die Uhren doch aus China versandt, was oftmals nicht klappt, wegen des Zolls in Deutschland. Hast Du einen Tipp für mich, welcher Händler dieses Modell von Belgien aus versendet? Danke und Grüße 👍🏻

[@strikenryken]

Do you have a link to the strap you bought?

[@brokenspine66]

@@strikenryken Sorry, YT deleted/censored every posting with the link, the manufacturer is Juelong with a store on AE.

[@TheAlanzoid]

I already have mine from Steeldive, an excellent purchase, in that , half a year ago, it was in USD85.00 on amazon, now on Aliex with the 11/11 its about USD 55.00! great great watch

[@elchoya8432]

just got it,its a beauty,the rubber strap is so comfortable not to hard, not to stiff, lightweight soft rubber.aint gonna change it at all

[@EscapeWheel]

Yeah I've heard the included straps are pretty good. Enjoy it man! 👊

[@lonewolf30531]

I just purchased this watch . I will put it through the paces and see what happens . It’s funny to read some of the comments about the watch. Some are complaining about the steel bracelet saying it feels cheap. Most of mid tier Seiko bracelets feel if not about the same or worst . Seiko bracelets are trash .

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, indeed. It's also a $80 watch or so...can't expect the world.

[@vincentmayes9257]

After wearing this for awhile now its perfect

[@pauldsingleton]

Great review! Solidifies my decision; I was heading toward the Steeldive because.. Addies sounds goofy, but I will grab an Addies.. You have a solid voice and delivery, too. Great channel!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, Paul. Always been a little subconscious about both, so I appreciate the compliments! Definitely helps that I've been doing reviews for a while now. Better and better each time!

[@ivoshandor6859]

@@EscapeWheel*self conscious

[@beanboy89]

I have the Steeldive version on the exact same rubber strap. Great watch!

[@EscapeWheel]

Nice! Watch twinsies!

[@shawn595]

Thanks for the review! I just bought the Steeldive version of this last week. If I'd have waited, I'd have grabbed the Addies with your affiliate link instead. :( My watch is supposedly already in the US, so I'm hoping to have it in a week or two.

[@EscapeWheel]

Nice! You should t be disappointed with it. Enjoy it man!

[@wristcandy5451]

Probably the best bang for buck watch ever made

[@EscapeWheel]

Can't argue with you there. So solid

[@daniellutz2763]

I got this for $89 AUD via Amazon Australia delivered with the metal bracelet 3 days ago. It’s on the way…

[@hiramabiff885]

Great reviews! My watch will be here tomorrow. Totally stoked.

[@EscapeWheel]

Oh, you're going to like this one. Enjoy it, and thanks for the compliment 👍

[@luked2767]

Addis dive and steel dive are from the same factory. I buy them sterile so I can Seiko them back up, 100% best watch for the money in bulk without tax if you can avoid it in tour nation like the UK and EU buy a few and with vouchers it can be under 60 poubds. I would go with the steel bracelet as its decent and ask nicely for a mesh rubber strap. I don't see the point in putting a pt5000 in a watch that's 21600boh from Seiko. The ar is very good but a little too blue. Many will think it's a huge 44 but since its a cushen case it feels like a 40.

[@EscapeWheel]

Hard to argue with you there, they are great for the money

[@waynemccrory7772]

Great review!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you!

[@fgj4990]

Incredible for the price and a beautiful watch! Thanks.

[@EscapeWheel]

Couldn't agree more! just had mine on vacation in the ocean and it held up great!

[@usaslakt]

Great review, just ordered one without the logo from AliExpress, and some nato straps aswell for like $3 each...

[@EscapeWheel]

Nice! You'll love it!

[@nathaniel.j]

Yet another good review! Where did you get that ribbed NATO strap?! It looks so good on the watch and looks super comfy.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you, sir! Link for the strap is in the description!

[@SilverBackELTorro]

It’s a nice watch and I will get one but, once you feel the real thing you can definitely feel and see the difference. Not to mention the real thing holds value.

[@jimg8887]

I saw another review and the addiesdive sticker on the plastic case was applied right over the steeldive label.

[@EscapeWheel]

Lol, I'll have to check mine when I get home.

[@bitzmil9319]

differences were: slightly larger numbers on bezel and yes, better lume than SD.

[@FermiFred]

Have you found any Seiko Dials (faces) for a mod where the pins fit this watch and installed (NH35) movement? Want to do a mod but without glue, tape, dots, adhesives, etc.

[@EscapeWheel]

I feel like I've seen 4oclock dials on Ali, but never bookmarked them or anything.

[@drebarthelotte5712]

I have the tuna and it's the same. Great everything no issues

[@pacocandano]

Just found the video. I have bought 3. 2 PT5000 and a Nh35. The Pt's are a little temperamental regarding the keyless works function, but I've investigated and this is due to the Chinese being a clone of the ETA2824, which has the same issues. It does not hack or always start and in the first one I got, the stem and crown came off the movement when I tried to hack it. So I got a second one and had similar issues, so I decided to better settle with a NH35 which is bomb-proof albeit slower BPH and maybe less "refined". My advice, is to get the Seiko powered one.

[@EscapeWheel]

hard to argue with the NH at this price point. not sure the chinese are taking too much care in assembling/lubing the PT500 when they are selling it for $100. I trust them more from san Martin and others. never had an issue with the PT500....but none have been THAT cheap.

[@pacocandano]

​@@EscapeWheel on the other hand, the PT on the NTTD phyllida is buttery smooth and perfect. I love the Willard so much that I bought a supposedly original PT (cause I don't trust the ones they use since they're not stamped HKPT5000) and will change the movement to see if I achieve the dream: a beautiful case with a beautiful PT5000😂

[@pacocandano]

Update: I got an allegedly original PT5000 movement, this one IS stamped HK PT5000, unlike the OEM Willard movement. I swapped it altogether and oh boy, I think that was the cure for the problems I had been experiencing. Now the crown's steps are crisp, and I'm not having any problems hacking, winding or starting the watch. It's the first time I've done this, I took the plunge and although it took me like 3 hours I didn't screw anything up and everything came out OK. I have all the necessary tools (some Swiss [bergeon screwdrivers] and everything else Chinese). People say the design is the problem and doesn't matter if the Willards get a somewhat generic PT, but this "original stamped" PT is working as it should. I have a NTTD phyllida that also has a PT and behaves perfectly well, as this one does; I haven't seen if its PT is stamped or not, I haven't opened it since it works well and is very accurate. Now, I will only monitor the new movement's behaviour and see what's what.

[@EscapeWheel]

@@pacocandano that's good to hear and kind of what I expected from these lower tier HOMAGES.

[@pacocandano]

Update: I got an allegedly original PT5000 movement, this one IS stamped HK PT5000, unlike the OEM Willard movement. I swapped it altogether and oh boy, I think that was the cure for the problems I had been experiencing. Now the crown's steps are crisp, and I'm not having any problems hacking, winding or starting the watch. It's the first time I've done this, I took the plunge and although it took me like 3 hours I didn't screw anything up and everything came out OK. I have all the necessary tools (some Swiss [bergeon screwdrivers] and everything else Chinese). People say the design is the problem and doesn't matter if the Willards get a somewhat generic PT, but this "original stamped" PT is working as it should. I have a NTTD phyllida that also has a PT and behaves perfectly well, as this one does; I haven't seen if its PT is stamped or not, I haven't opened it since it works well and is very accurate. Now, I will only monitor the new movement's behaviour and see what's what.

[@hansbischoff8391]

Somebody already tried to put a domed glass on this watch? If yes what are the meassurements?

[@ChrisAlvarezAlvarezImaging]

But... the date isn't actually centered, like, at all is it centered in the window. Listen I want one, but I've read somewhere they are trying to address this at the factory and allegedly the "next run" will be better. But what I really wanted to say is, I'm a fan of all your reviews, but please, please PLEASE, I'm begging you, don't be that guy that tries to gaslight something that WE CAN ALL SEE plain as day, in fact you do a close up at the 09:30 point and again, its soooo clearly obvious that the date is way left.

[@EscapeWheel]

Honestly it hasn't even bothered me so I didn't pay close attention to it..but you are right. Definitely to the left. It's also worse on some (1-6 are much worse than the 20's for instance). Something I'll be paying closer attention to in the future. 👍

[@zulu6ix290]

You definitely get a lot with these watches

[@zemunboy]

wow great review and fantastic homage watch. well done 👍

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you, sir. Appreciate it 👍

[@sflanr5705]

Thinking of getting it minus the logo. Thanks for this.

[@alexprendido2023]

Looks great 🔥

[@SAREL1963]

Better made than Orient linkends Thanks now I'm happy to buy one for myself

[@robedmunds7163]

Nice review, subscribed

[@seventyandone]

Thx for checking this one out....I have an eye on the Cpt. Willard homages and am thinking to get one in in the November Sales. SD1970 PT5000 would be my pick at the moment but I also love the Kanagawa Wave version with NH35A movement. Had you ever one of these dials on your wrist? PS Still in honeymoon with the Cadison. Was wearing it all day....

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, glad to hear it, Andrew! I haven't had the Kanagawa on wrist. The dials are way too busy for me, personally.

[@vincentmayes9257]

Just ordered mine it looks good and I wanted a diver with nice lume like my ecozilla but lighter

[@EscapeWheel]

not sure if this will be lighter, but its still a great watch. enjoy it!

[@vincentmayes9257]

@@EscapeWheel ty trust me check out the citizen ecozilla lol

[@michaeldasilva5079]

Hard to split this watch and the Steeldive version. Would you choose the Steeldive version now the bracelet comes with a milled clasp?

[@EscapeWheel]

Probably. I'm not too keen on this watch on a steel bracelet either way, but if I had to choose, I'd pick the steeldive now.

[@brandonlanois1734]

The Steeldive version has better, bevelled hands.

[@concernedcitizen5493]

Can someone explain the LUMINOSITY , is it Tritium and how long will it last. Thanks

[@EscapeWheel]

Not tritium. Just C3 Superluminova, it lasts all night long in my experience. Not super bright, but with eyes adjusted to the dark, I can still read the time.

[@concernedcitizen5493]

@@EscapeWheel thanks for the reply

[@momay25]

which is better overall?, watchdives or this? thank you

[@EscapeWheel]

They are basically the same. I think the faceted hands on the WD1970 and the clasp make it the better option.

[@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563]

Nice review!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you!

[@Ed_vlog]

Nice awesome review man ! You recommend Addiesdive or Steeldive? Regards from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@EscapeWheel]

from what I saw...the Addies is more impressive. had a "soft" spot in the transition from polished to brushed on the case of the Steeldive and the Addies has better lume for sure. And its CHEAPER!!!

[@allenang9541]

Does it maintain time?

[@EscapeWheel]

Typical accuracy for the NH35. This one runs at +7 seconds a day and has since the beginning.

[@RaphaelRousseau]

Diameter is really not the right dimension to take care of, when it comes to wearability. Lug to lug is only what matters. Having the lugs hanging over the wrist edge is what makes a watch too big, even if it's a 39mm diameter piece... The diameter is then just a matter of style.

[@EscapeWheel]

Good point

[@guidine7]

I have the heimdallr willard and i can highly recommend it 🙋‍

[@EscapeWheel]

I've heard good things about it!

[@davidr9876]

this might be a dumb question but why would you need to hand wind this? it has a battery doesn't it?

[@EscapeWheel]

No, it's mechanical. Hand winding is usually used to get the watch running after a few days of not being worn. No battery, powered by the movement of your arms!

[@DM-0072]

I prefer this name to steeldive.

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

Forget the Rolex's. An original Captain Willard from the Viet Nam era is my grail watch. I bought the Heimdallr version in black and have the Steeldive in blue coming on the slow boat from China. I'm so enthusiastic about the quality and value of these homages that I've been considering the green one too. I've been trying to figure out the Steeldive/Addiesdive connection. I might try them for the green dial but I've also been eyeballing their AD2101. Really good looking watch, at least from the pictures. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger is I'm worried the printed dial will look cheap once I have it in hand and the wait on shipping from China is grueling. Seems like I ordered the Steeldive years ago...lol

[@EscapeWheel]

that 2101 is a longer handset away from being REALLY nice. its the only thing holding me back from buying it....IIRC it's about a 31mm dial, and they threw hands on it meant for a 28mm (Or smaller) dial.

[@paultillett3189]

No brainer I have one good watch

[@elchoya8432]

99 bucks on amazon as of feb.5 2023

[@kennethmcnaught8859]

😮

[@Mikishots]

A bit late to the party, but it isn't the same watch. Even the bezel knurling is different.

[@EscapeWheel]

Looks the same to me 🤷. The watches have been updated a few times though...the 2 models I reviewed look the same to me...but both are pretty old

[@carlosrivi74]

I had this watch for one day. Not really impressed. It felt very top heavy. The band felt very cheap, reminiscent of old Swatches of the 80s. The movement was its strong point. The lume was nice and bright but two different colors looked odd. Promptly returned the watch as it was a short honeymoon.

[@jameslovering9158]

Just never inspired me this watch !

[@kobe5rings]

Will cop on the next alisale just to drop a seiko dial 🤌🏻

[@EscapeWheel]

just be aware of the crown position. this is 4oclock while those seiko dials are set up for actual seikos which use 3.8 O'Clock. so dial dots will be needed.

[@kobe5rings]

@@EscapeWheel got it. Thanks fam 🙏🏻

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Great review!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you! Hope you found it helpful in some way