CuSn8 Bronze Pilot Watch | Unboxing STEELDIVE SD1903s

[@WatchWitt]

There's a new stainless steel version AND a 36mm adaptation...see the entire family here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5aYi4qiiZaUf8k

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Man! I love that crown! I recently asked a micro brand to swap out their small crown on their recent pilot watch. This watch has a vintage pilot look. I agree with the logo. Nice job on the review.

[@WatchWitt]

Definitely very vintage. I think it matches the looks of the Zenith very well, without infringing. The crown knocks you on your ass at first sight, but again it's well matched to the original in terms of size. That crown is a love it or hate it feature! Thanks for commenting!

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

How can you not love this style of watch, just oozes class and still gives that vintage look. Love it!

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, I was impressed with how sharp and classy STEELDIVE kept it. Nice details, and a few missed opportunities. Just like the crown, I think this is a love or hate piece, aside from any homage arguments. I’m sure there are others that love this style, but also wouldn’t wear something this big, regardless if its intention, as a tool, is specifically to be this big.

[@marionboren5787]

That is a dive watch! 200 meters water resistant.. I have had my eye this watch for over a year and I agree.. it would look better with a nice leather strap I think a rootbeer brown swade!

[@WatchWitt]

A Pilot Diver! This is one of my very favorite handsets!

[@seumasrouse8590]

Thanks for the review, I got myself one 18 months ago and love it. Binned the rubber strap and humongous belt buckle, bought a chunky leather distressed strap with bronze hardware, so now it’s 👍🏼 I totally agree about the logo, it really detracts from the aesthetic, considered trying to paint over it but luckily restrained myself from buggering it up. Now the polish has gone and a nice patina developed it is just the duck’s nuts mate👍🏼 Love the look and have bought other similar quartz versions from other makers, but could be tempted by a smaller version… maybe😊

[@WatchWitt]

Glad you’re diggin’ it! I’m also glad you didn’t paint over the logo! The dial is so clean with that matte finish that it surely would’ve screwed it up. The more you live with it, the less it bugs you though, right? They have a smaller 36mm Meca-quartz version, but they’re hard to find now. I think there’s a 39mm now too??? Here’s a video I did on the 36mm and larger SS versions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5aYi4qiiZaUf8k

[@MirrlyonTime]

And yeah, buckle needs to match the head of the watch, little strange there.

[@WatchWitt]

I think it was a way to keep the price down, or sell more items. Would have been a better move to just offer it right up front. But again, I don’t really like this strap with the overall aesthetics of this build. A thick, beefy leather strap sticks with tradition. As I mentioned, SD’s leather game is pretty weak, so this IS a better choice. Just add your own strap.

[@meltdowngrfx969]

@@WatchWitt bronze buckle could cause your skin to discolor. That’s why the caseback is stainless steel.

[@WatchWitt]

@@meltdowngrfx969 That’s true. But they sell a bronze buckle strap separately!

[@ryokan9120]

Possibly one of the most beautiful timepieces I've ever seen. I think it would look even more beautiful with a white dial and Roman numerals.

[@WatchWitt]

Well, you can thank Zenith for that! I like your idea…that would be cool if STEELDIVE took the ball and ran with it! They do make a stainless steel version of this, still a black dial but with more white-like hands and indices. It’s SD1903 (without the “s”).

[@ryokan9120]

@@WatchWitt Perhaps you could draw a prototype and make a suggestion to Steeldive? Perhaps even an antique-looking cream/off-white colour dial? That would be my idea of the perfect watch.

[@WatchWitt]

Unfortunately they haven’t made any original design watches under the STEELDIVE name yet, but I feel like it’s coming!

[@RolandDigsIt]

What a great looking watch and I really like that their watches come in those pelican style cases.

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, it's a beaut! Funny, I've always thought these little cases would be good to haul around a watch or two, but I've never reused them!

[@MirrlyonTime]

Maybe another elephant, the numbers 6 and 9.....they look a little funny with the rest of the numerals being relatively plain

[@WatchWitt]

Yeah, the original is the same…they just matched the numeral font.

[@MirrlyonTime]

@@WatchWitt Must have missed it, what is this a homage of?

[@WatchWitt]

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special

[@Olddirtytiger]

Guess I've found my next steeldive...... or you have found me my next steeldive 😆😆

[@WatchWitt]

Nice! Enabling since 2020!

[@scousewillo62]

New sub. Loving the whole steeldive range. Amazing value and reliable movements.

[@WatchWitt]

Thanks for coming along for the ride, Roy! Yes, definitely value pieces, and plenty of watches to choose from. I think they have over 50 styles, at least, under the SD brand name.

[@Nefville]

Great review! I don't know how I wasn't subbed but I am now. PS I had a Steeldive fleiger, they make very soilid watches, I was so impressed with it. These Chinese brands are just killing it lately, Steeldive, San Martin and Merkur especially make fantastic watches. *Just saw they make a 36mm one, DONE! I'm sold!

[@WatchWitt]

STEELDIVE has over 50 models now. Of course, it would be cool to see them branch out into original designs. Yes, check out that 36mm here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5aYi4qiiZaUf8k

[@ToddsWatchshop]

That really is a great point. I don't have a problem with their logo, it's kind of cool... but why even put it on the face if you're marketing it was a pilot watch? The name "Steeldive" of course should be there, but leave the logo off... it just doesn't go with anything else on the watch, and does kind of give it an Invicta feel. I will say though, I do really like this watch. It reminds me of the Ingersoll Radiolite.

[@WatchWitt]

They’re signature font even matches up well with this design. I’m with you…love their logo, but it doesn’t need to be here…just adds some clutter. But….branding. This is an homage to the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special.

[@watchin9920]

Wow I really like this one! I love bronze watches now it’s cool to see the patina they get over time

[@WatchWitt]

I don’t like when the green sets in, but yes to a weathered look. So I’m torn, because I actually prefer this shiny, new look!

[@watchin9920]

@@WatchWitt I wonder if you could clear coat it? Or let it weather 2 your liking then clear it?

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, you can clean them up fairly easy, then just start your natural patina process all over again. Some people use a process to force patina as well. All just a preference…like so many things in this hobby!

[@watchin9920]

@@WatchWitt I’ve never been a fan of the forced patina it’s way overboard for me. I like the natural my Tsao Baltimore Torsk Diver patina is all me and I think it looks super cool. There’s a watch for every wrist! 😜

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, I prefer natural over forced, too. Like you eluded…it’s like you EARNED it!

[@muckshifter]

"Pocket Watch" winder ... I'd be tempted to use it as a pocket watch. 😁

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, definitely has a vintage pocket watch vibe to it. Throwback to the transition of pocket to wrist worn!

[@MirrlyonTime]

Remember that great SNL skit, more cowbell? More crown!!! lol And I agree, on this particular watch, the logo doesn't match the type of watch, so just the name steeldive would have been better on this pilot watch. I love the dial, but am sure I could rock a crown that big......gorgeous watch, but I don't know, I think it needs something a little bit more.......more crown!!!

[@WatchWitt]

More crown! Ha! Yeah, that’s why I had to compare it to the Aragon Hiro…makes that crown look small. Obviously, the idea is that old school pilots would be able to manipulate the crown with their gloves on. Check!

[@karlgarnett7445]

Bought one and Getting a leather Strap AND a couple of Nato Bands with Bronze parts on. But to have a watch on this design you should only have a Leather or Nato strap. It great also to have it water proof but I would slap myself if I took it scuba diving.

[@WatchWitt]

Nice! Haha, yeah no reason to take it diving…but this can easily handle some water sports with your NATO strap. I think a nice, thick leather strap would be the best look for this…agreed!

[@karlgarnett7445]

I also Beleave in what you said about the Logo. Some watches work well with Name and logo But Some Work even better with just a Name and NO LOGO. Like this one world work great with Just steeldive at the top and No logo

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, it would class it up a notch! Speaking of logos, have you seen that STEELDIVE has a watch dial that is ALL logo? Have to be a super fan for that one!

[@somewhereintimewatchreviews]

Very cool piece love it! I think I have to agree with you on the logo thing, but definitely a beauty. Get a nice heavy vintage style leather strap on it & thats a winner.

[@WatchWitt]

I thought you might like this one, Adrian! This jet black with the orange cathedral handset is pure fire! Yes, the perfect leather strap will send this over the top. (And then you’ll have a new diver’s rubber strap for a…..dive watch!) 😜

[@somewhereintimewatchreviews]

@@WatchWitt its a win win then! 😁

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

i agree 100%. that logo does not belong on that style of watch. they need to make an alternative signature. they really need to scrap those goofy rubber straps too. they suck and they have 0 taper. you can buy bronze buckles on aliexpress. a nice leather strap and good bronze buckle will do that thing justice.

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, we’re in kahootz…nice leather and bronze buckle! I think they just have those straps around and put them on to keep their costs down. In the back of my mind I feel like they think this strap matches the water resistance!

[@patrickdearmas8929]

Brown Leather strap is the best for bronze watch!

[@WatchWitt]

Absolutely! I need to collect some more leather straps…I only have a few.

[@extradimensional8818]

I wish steel dive would have a separate metal steeldive diver logo like the new metal logo that San Martin v3 watches now have🧐🇬🇧

[@WatchWitt]

That would be pretty slick!

[@Sicarius888]

Very interesting, I really like decent size watches. I think I will get steel version on a bracelet, first non diver since Orient Multi Year.

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, the SS version looks great too. But I prefer this orange handset better! I like the bronze, but not sure if I’d be a patina guy. I feel like I would always want it shiny, like this, or somewhere in between.

[@halfpastblog]

First, you should do radio with that voice. Second, it feels like they started this watch with their top designer and then handed it off to an intern to finish up the details like the buckle, crown size, and logo.

[@WatchWitt]

Thanks, Alton! Actually, I was in radio for years. I guess the "feel" sticks with you. But this IS my normal speaking voice, just with a presentation flair. Yes, I can imagine your designer scenario! I think the strap was a cost cutting measure. Like I said, they don't do leather well, and they DO have a bronze buckle for sale on its own. The crown is an identical match to the Zenith they're paying homage to, so I think it works. Not for everyone, though. Compare here: www.jomashop.com/zenith-watch-29-1940-679-57-c808.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4b2MBhD2ARIsAIrcB-SIXeiPrrTwiUYJ5UhuORfqTOyAWNuQJTqKnATr6J_xmR4RzSDvNoAaAtxlEALw_wcB

[@halfpastblog]

@@WatchWitt That does not surprise me at all.

[@Shabec2982]

If they offer it without the logo I’m getting one. No logo and a leather strap would be the perfect match.

[@WatchWitt]

I don’t think they do. They’re starting to become more aware of the importance of promoting their brand, since they have really built something. But yes, this needs a nice leather strap!

[@WatchWitt]

Want to see this dial design in a much smaller case? Check out the 36mm adaptation with a Seiko VH31 sweeping quartz movement, as featured on Time for Another Watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWaZhJ2ChruKnK8

[@hectormonclova7563]

What I don’t like of the ghost date is that you don’t know whe the watch could be at risk of damaging the watch setting the time when the date is about to change...

[@WatchWitt]

Not really an issue in this case, but I hear you…just put a no date movement in there!

[@ryokan9120]

has the watch developed a patina since this video was made? I'm sure a patina would further enhance the look of the watch?

[@WatchWitt]

I bought this watch to flip, so it’s gone. I hope to add one to my collection down the road, though. But, I’m one who prefers just a slight patina…kinda in between all out dive wreck and shiny new like this one.

[@nashtym]

Is it big for my 7 inch wrist? Planning to get the stainless steel version as it is within my budget.

[@WatchWitt]

It WILL look big if you get this size, but that is the intention of this Pilot watch. If you’re talking about the 36mm stainless steel version, that is MUCH smaller. Check out that video from Al at Time for Another Watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWaZhJ2ChruKnK8

[@alexprendido2023]

Thanks for the video 👌

[@WatchWitt]

Glad you like it, Alex…thanks for watching!

[@karlgustav5490]

LOLOL, today on the link you sent, the watch is at € 851,81 LOL

[@WatchWitt]

Wow. It’s a nice watch, but that’s a little overboard. I’m sure if you click around in their store there will be other listings of it at a cheaper price. That’s definitely one thing I hate about AliExpress…multiple listings and prices from the SAME vendor!

[@brunoschoelkopf9174]

Can you please review and compare the tandorio Version of this?

[@WatchWitt]

The Tandorio looks interesting…but maybe a more budget conscious version of the SD…if that’s even possible! I don’t have the SD1903s in-house anymore…flipped it. If I were to buy the Tandorio, I would pickup the sterile dial version (I think it looks more out of place than the SD logo!) and PT5000 movement. They seem to only offer an NH35 as the other option. Both are going to have ghost date on the crown, but I’d like to try the 4Hz PT5000.

[@brunoschoelkopf9174]

@@WatchWitt yes, I Just bought the sterile dial Version with nh35 cause i Trust japanese movements more than Chinese. And also because of the lower price. The Most interesting Thing for me is that the tandorio for 125 Euro seems to be identical to the steeldive except dial and hands. The biggest weakness of the watches are the lugs that are Not a Solid Part of the Case but fixed with screws and glue.

[@WatchWitt]

@@brunoschoelkopf9174 Cool! How is the luminescence on it? The SD comes with an NH38 now…no date movement, so no ghost position on the crown. Lug issue you mention is not the case with SD.

[@brunoschoelkopf9174]

@@WatchWitt i assume I will buy the SD Version then later as Well. There are five Versions of this Bronze watch now: sugess, hruodland, San Martin, steeldive, tandorio. But the lugs are also Not Solid Part of the Case with the steeldive, right? I still wait For the tandorio to arrive.

[@WatchWitt]

Lugs appeared to be solid part of the case with SD. I don’t have the watch in-house to re-inspect, but I don’t recall (nor can you see in this video) lugs attached to the case via external screws. IF they are attached with screws, they must be hidden on the other side…INSIDE the case. I did take the caseback off to inspect the movement, but didn’t take notice of anything else.

[@WATCHingJames]

Wow. What a monster. Looks very cool but it’s huuuge. Not cheap either. But I still like it. Cheers.

[@WatchWitt]

Pilot’s watches like this are the original BIG watches, for legibility and ease of use with gloves on. That’s where the monster long straps came from, too! It’s a beaut, huh?!

[@ofb7212]

Hate the strap. I would replace immediately

[@WatchWitt]

I'm with you. It doesn't match, right? Too much Diver vibes. This needs nice leather!

[@marionboren5787]

Is the strap fkm?

[@WatchWitt]

I don't think so, at least when this was bought/filmed. It's a decent strap, though. I had always steered away from them with their divers, mainly because I prefer to have the OEM bracelet. So finally seeing one in person, I liked it. But it's a style mismatch for this watch, in my opinion.

[@TheWatchCorner]

Nice video Witt. Yes have to agree no bronze buckle for that $. I agree take away Steeldive and just shrink logo maybe but at 6 position instead. It takes away from that beautiful dial! This lume is a torch bro🔦🔦🔦🔦🔦U love the huge crown❤🥰. Late watching but atleast I watched. Love orange on hands too🧡 Keep up great content. Look forward to Invicta review 👊👊👊👍

[@WatchWitt]

I was saying take away the logo and just have the written signature. I like your idea of moving THAT to the 6 spot, though. Aren’t we all watch designers? Ha! Their lume is usually on fire! This one is definitely a torch! I don’t necessarily like big crowns…this one just goes with the design. Ok, maybe I do like big crowns, I cannot lie! Yes, these orange cathedral hands are the star of the show for me!!!

[@TheWatchCorner]

@@WatchWitt 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@greatdogg]

Looks like brass vs bronze

[@WatchWitt]

It’s just shiny new. Does have that look, but it’s not. Biggest giveaway, if you’re not holding it like I am, is the weight for this size of case. Brass would be much lighter.

[@TheSilverDubberII]

Steampunk, much?

[@WatchWitt]

Haha! This could definitely fit that wardrobe department, right? Only wired lugs would make it match more.

[@TheSilverDubberII]

@@WatchWitt 🤣

[@jazzman5598]

Move over Invicta 😭😭😭

[@WatchWitt]

Too big for you? I mean, it IS a Pilot watch. Or were you saying it was too loud?! 😂

[@Caucasiancookingadventures]

I love the aesthetics of trench watches but to be honest that strap looks out of place. The strap alone kills the overall look, a classic leather strap or bund strap would tie it all together.

[@WatchWitt]

Yes, I agree. They have since come out with a stainless steel version and sell it on a leather strap. Leather has never been their game, though!

[@sacredclown4179]

Brother, you may be a white man, but you have a black man's cadence, putting the groove back into watch reviews!!!

[@WatchWitt]

Haha! Thanks...just trying to keep it real. My friends at work say I'm our only white black guy.

[@sacredclown4179]

@@WatchWitt Well my friend, they ain't "Jive Talkin, I nearly fell my chair, with your delight at the lume. I think you should do a podcast, name it "The right dial" or something! lol

[@milo5524]

La corona è troppo vistosa, e mi sembra pure un orologio da donna 👎👎

[@WatchWitt]

Il bronzo patinerà nel tempo e niente sarà appariscente, ma so cosa stai dicendo... non è per tutti. Questo è un design di anni fa, che mantiene l'orologio e la corona grandi per garantire leggibilità e facilità di manipolazione della corona indossando i guanti.