The $379 Fifty Fathoms Alternative - RLG Odyssea "4" 39mm automatic dive watch review

One of the best affordable dive watches get's even better. Check out the 4th Odyssea from RLG watches here:
www.rlgwatches.com
Featuring a stunning domed sapphire bezel and crystal, a Miyota 9039 hi-beat automatic movement, and gorgeous finishing throughout, the RLG Odysea is one of the most polished and refined dive watches you can find for under $500.
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[@DennisBible]

I can't believe how little attention these are getting on the watch forums. I received mine yesterday and it's a very high value proposition. It hits way above it's weight class.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

I received my watch about a week a half ago(green dial)...love it. 7 1/2 wrist and it by No means seems too small. It wears great and it feels and looks as refines as any of the much more expensive watches in my collection. Highly recommended! Thanks for the great review!

[@sarsiemanuel9229]

I have purchased every version of Richard Legrand’s Odyssea/Oceanfarer ever since it was introduced. Version 3 was when they finally got it right when they made the case 40mm and used a Miyota 9K instead of the NH35. But the first two versions were very solid and still good watches. This is a super awesome bang for your buck model and this latest version is improved in every way. I already have a blue and black model from last time so I can’t find a color I like or need with this new version. I hope they come up with new colors in the future such as gray and white and I’ll surely grab those. Great review 👍🏻

[@JusttheWatch]

I forgot to include shots of the watch on it's Tropic Strap, so I filmed a short video for that, here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXeWY2qsh9t2e5o

[@DesignAtelier]

i love how the production quality of your videos just jumped a level in these past videos! great content and review!

[@JusttheWatch]

Thanks Jayson! That's high praise coming from you, your production quality is incredible!

[@michaelgialogo7568]

Vintage sounds for a vintage inspired watch. Nice touch! Loving the format of your vids. Quick rundown and a taste of what's to come then the full show. Classic and I think hits me like my favorite sitcom about to give me another awesome episode! Cant fault the watch however, the logo, in my humble opinion still needs work. Not as catchy as say the new formex logo. Other than that the value it offers is just fantastic!

[@stusims6567]

I love the fifty-fathom design, so I love this design! Great review as always Dave!!!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I really like the shape and size of the case. It seems very nicely finished too. This is a very nice watch! Great review as always Dave. Beautiful footage and spot on commentary.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

Wow! Placed an order Thusday night (Friday morning in Singapore) and the Odyssea came in this afternoon! Fantastic watch and the bracelet is way beyond what I expected. It took no time at all to resize and fits my 7 inch wrist perfectly (removed 4 links). Thanks for the thoughtful review!

[@markdenney3903]

Nice video as usual. Like the retro look of the watch.

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

Very attractive. I like the style of the markers and numbers on the dial. It's not your typical looking dive watch.

[@paulhart2021]

I'm wearing mine today on a Hirsch-robbie strap. Love this watch. It is getting more wrist time than my Tissot and Certina.....at least for the moment!

[@stevenv3r836]

First of all, I just love your intro tune! So catchy and suits the vibe of your channel ^^ About the watch, I love it but I'm still holding on to pull the trigger.

[@busstation350]

great review, thanks. i'm really considering it instead of the seiko spb 143.

[@ozziebrito4527]

Great review Dave. The watch look awesome.

[@TroubledTurnip]

Ordered after your review and this has absolutely become my daily beater. I was a bit shocked at first by how small it is compared to the 42-45mm monstrosities I've become used to but that "small" size means reduced weight and reduced height, both of which become noticeably pleasant after a few days of wear. I don't bang this on everything like I do those big Seiko divers. 200m water resistance, sapphire everywhere, built like a tank, with a workhorse movement inside. This is a watch you can wear in any conditions and be confident it'll come out unscathed. What a fantastic tool watch.

[@JusttheWatch]

This is still one of my favorites as well!

[@WillyMcCoy50]

I don't know who is regulating these movements but mine always averages +0 with 0.1 beat error. Accuracy is very high and it looks fantastic.

[@TroubledTurnip]

@@WillyMcCoy50 Mine is about +4 and I can't complain about that at all! Also yesterday I compared this watch to my friends Seamaster 300m, which is 42mm. Interestingly, the dial face is exactly the same size on that and the RLG despite the big size difference. RLG has just reduced that big chunky bezel to something thinner and, imo, more classy. I was surprised to see that you're losing zero actual dial space here even at 39mm. Honestly, I have absolutely zero complaints about this RLG watch. I'm consistently shocked by how good it is.

[@nitsuddo]

How was your overall experience with their shipping and service? Their contact page on the website seems a bit bare so I wanna make sure they're reliable in that department before I buy.

[@TroubledTurnip]

@@nitsuddo You're right, their website isn't much to speak of. It's been a while since I ordered but I didn't have any problems. I can't remember how long shipping was, but nothing stands out in my memory as being an issue. According to my previous comment its been about 9 months now and I still really like the watch. It's simple, small, and tough. It gets out of the way while I'm working and stands up to any abuse I've thrown at it.

[@kiwimark3875]

I have the pastel blue ordered. Its a matt dial so will be less blingy than the black gloss. Great review.

[@poppad1187]

Definitely a model that’s evolved well since the 1st Odysea. I grabbed a MK2 years back at a bargain and it continues to run great, looks much more expensive then it was, great daily . They’ve improved from the inside out and when they put them on sale their a great deal and a sharp looking dress diver on a budget now more then ever especially with a 9 series in there. Thanks 🙏🏽 for the review, appreciate the the work! 👊🏼

[@jaer.6540]

Got my green one coming next month... Very excited

[@breakers1986]

I like the pastel blue one but after watching your video this black dial version might be more versatile. Thanks for the review!

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Pin & collar style links are generally bi-directional for removal and reinsertion.

[@andrewk1916]

Another great extended review! And that's a very, very nice looking watch! It looks as though the bracelet is rubbing/pressing against itself, esp. on the edge of the clasp. I recently swapped the strap off of my Lunar Pilot for a WatchGecko Douglas (in olive green) and I see slight rub marks where that strap ever-so-slightly rubs against the case, I wonder if that's something that happened in the shipping/packaging? Nonetheless, it looks great and I too am liking the smaller case sizes that are coming out!

[@WorthAWatchReviews]

Very nice dress diver👌🔥 I do agree about the date. Great showcase of the watch as always Dave👍

[@paulhart2021]

Great review. And thank you for getting the black one that's the one that I already bought. A lot of people go Gaga over the pastel blue or the green one with the sunburst dial. But somehow I've managed to never own a black dive watch and I really wanted one!!!!

[@bifflee3603]

Most people usually moan about not having screw pins but push pins are easier to change and you don't get them coming loose. This watch is a bit too shiny for me but I like the overall look

Very true Biff - I personally am a fan of pin and collar systems - but the market generally demands screwed links for a more "premium" feel - so I do have to put my personal feelings aside when making commercial decisions.

[@harveyb4114]

I too have the pastel blue on order can't wait till it comes in.

[@DovidSal]

I like the mix on the hour markers: numbers at 12, 3, 6 & 9 and indices on the rest. Numbers bring more character and definition to the watch... o Date / Day, great! it is not needed , it allows symmetry Case design , bezel - kind of Spinnaker BUT the movement, a Miyota 9039 - great - Good price! for what it has .. a lot of personality 👍

[@timefliesby-jleo474]

Nice I just picked one up for a really good price! This makes me feel even better about it

[@thehorologychannel]

Great review, thanks a lot! But... No pocket shots today?(

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

38- 42 mm is the sweet spot for watch diameter. I got a STEELDIVE Oris '65 this week. Beautiful and only 40mm across. Makes my Samurai look like an Abrams tank.

[@duncanidaho2130]

Love the 80s synthwave. Great touch.

[@mefjupl8679]

Hey great review, cheers man. Do you think this watch is better than Zealos Horizons 200m ?

[@anonimushbosh]

Cross between a fifty fathoms & Oris 65 Art Deco version

[@ramspencer5492]

Nice review. Very nice watch....I have an earlier model actually, and it feels different enough to be tempting.... Still enjoy the one I have..... But maybe in another color-way. It has a different vibe with all the subtle refinements.

[@televison1679]

You deserve more Subscribers. Nice Watch, the Odyssea.

[@JusttheWatch]

Thanks!

[@quiterioalbertobaezbenitez5739]

Very interesting piece!, Thank you!! Saludos!

[@Andrew-J316]

The logo looks like a San Martin. 🤔 I figure San Martin will put out a model soon.

[@karlsenula9495]

I agree ... as a result I prefer the older RL Richard Legrand logo ... more distinctive.

[@danwilkinson5239]

That new logo is utter crap they need to get rid of it, nice watches but I couldn’t buy one with that stupid logo, same for San martin

[@partybees8856]

I really like the new logo haha.

[@odotec]

this is probably coming from the same factory like Cronos, Addies Dive, San Martin,...... :-)

[@brianmsahin]

Probably the other way round. The tables have turned. Microbrands are now copying the Chinese!😂

[@anthonydevono8833]

Very nice lots of watches at this price point though so has to stand out I can’t buy anything else at moment till I downsize my collection I fancy a zelos as next purchase Great video by the way

[@Machichplatt]

That is the first RLG I would consider... Great video! Greetings from the "No-Date Camp" :)

[@jwags24]

This is excellent for the price. My NTH retailed for $700, and this looks just as good if not better.

[@cesarv.1178]

Nice video,does this ha ve screw on crown cheers!

[@watchalot919]

I have the Odyssey Mk3 Oceanfairer, and it's fantastic. Must say though, my fume blue looks better than the black. I prefer the old logo and previous clasp.

[@nakke3]

I like the quality of my Mark 2 and this is even cooler design.

[@andrewhannam.]

Wondering about spring bars to case clearance? The v III couldn't take NATO scraps like the v II

[@exploringhistory5796]

New subscriber here: Good video covering a brand I learned of from Jody @ JOMW. I’m not one for micro brands (other than 3 Islander’s) but I was looking for something new & inexpensive, and most importantly-sub 40mm. I have a 7.5 inch wrist and have really been gravitating toward sub 40mm watches with a thickness of below 12mm. I prefer how they fit. I purchased the black Odyssea you reviewed. I’m really impressed with the secure packaging and finish of the watch. I think a watch with applied lumed markers, sapphire bezel & crystal-and a Miyota 9000 series movement at $429 is quite a deal. The bezel action is one of the best I’ve handled. I haven’t bothered to size the bracelet, opting instead to wear it on the rubber strap for the summer months. I think anyone in the market for a micro brand diver-style watch would be very happy with this latest version of the Odyssea (If they’re ok with 39mm!).

[@JusttheWatch]

I'm really starting to gravitate towards watches this size as well! And this one is one of my favorites that I've reviewed, really the only thing I would change is I wish there was a date version.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I really like the watch 👍I'm a big Fifty Fathoms 👌 fan , good review 👍

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Love the size !

[@bassmanbowman3266]

I think the watch looks best on the tropic strap, no need to worry about the scuffs on the bracelet.😎

[@brynphillips4578]

Bought the pastel blue version of this, it looks fantastic!

[@JusttheWatch]

Nice! I think they sold out of that one already!

[@brynphillips4578]

That's right. The black one you reviewed looks stunning though, as you said most black dials are a bit bland but not that one, I'm now having second thoughts about my blue dial 👀

[@scottlauren3145]

@@JusttheWatch Sweet choice, dude.

[@watchalot919]

I have an earlier version and love it

[@brianmsahin]

Nice watch. That logo looks like the new applied San Martin logo. Are other companies starting to copy the Chinese for a change?😉 Quick question. How did it do on the timegrapher? What + / - numbers did you get?

[@leoberg2390]

I wish they send you the blue dial version, that would be awesome

[@porscheguy19]

Very awesome. I don't know whether to get this rather than the Baltic Aquascaphe. Any thoughts? I think the RLG is more "Fifty Fathoms" and I like that, but the Baltic is so good. Also I wish you had done a shot with the rubber strap.

[@JusttheWatch]

My bad, here's a quick video I made of it on the strap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXeWY2qsh9t2e5o

[@porscheguy19]

@@JusttheWatch Hey, awesome! Thank you very much. I have been seriously considering pre-ordering one of these, however I just learned the "dual-crown" Aquascaphe is being announced in April. I don't know whether to wait or just pull the trigger on this one right now. Your video made the decision even harder! haha.

[@luthfurrahman7560]

any ideas how or if this will look on a Uncle seiko 1450 president bracelet?

[@manuelnegrete2168]

You are correct, it is a very retro attractive watch. The problem for me is that I purchased a RLG compressor a few months ago and am disappointed with it. For one thing the inner bezel is very hard to turn and the crystal is supposedly sapphire. I have only lightly used it a couple times and the crystal is scratched. I am hesitant to throw away good money after bad. I may go for the San Martin 6200 instead. To bad because I really like the looks of this watch.

[@krisl7068]

The Atlanticus doesn't have a sapphire crystal, it's only sapphire coated. This is full sapphire.

[@michaelriera6277]

This is a NICE looking watch

[@FWYGANOWSKI]

That is some 80s tunes

[@BongoManal]

Great video. Btw: Would you still consider the Yema Navygraf your grail watch?

[@JusttheWatch]

I don't know if I would call it my grail, but it's still one of my favorite watches in my collection, definitely a keeper.

[@BongoManal]

Thank you!

[@nintendokings]

Think a more matte dark grey dial would’ve been cooler. Glossy black dial and bezel is a bit much for me

[@PpaStrmpf]

Why no 9015 version..bummer I need that date complication. That new logo looks like San Martin logo 😄

[@disheuresdis]

Great review, you didn't put it on the supplied tropic strap though. Thoughts about it?

[@JusttheWatch]

My bad, here's a quick video I made of it on the strap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXeWY2qsh9t2e5o

[@disheuresdis]

@@JusttheWatch looks awesome, thanks. Is it comfortable? Feels quality?

[@JusttheWatch]

@@disheuresdis it's average quality. A lot better than cheap ones off Aliexpress, but not as good as some premium ones I've tried. it's pretty comfortable.

[@disheuresdis]

@@JusttheWatch 😊 thanks, appreciate your dedication and thoroughness. Cheers

[@kws4e]

What a beauftiful watch.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Reminds me of the Exiton watch.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I have #11 Exciton

[@WillyMcCoy50]

Allied Underwater demolition teams, Jaques Cousteau and Thor Heyerdahl, the pioneers of Nautical Research, Underwater and Divers apparatuses had a lot of input on divers watches. There were none much over 36mm (an exception being the Italian Panerai who were aligned with the 5th Column). 40mm+ were the advent of marketing teams appealing to the crowd. Those first divers watches are iconic and did there job well. Very expensive. Fantastic review!

[@Alias_Anybody]

@@WillyMcCoy50 The best combat divers of the western world Vs some middle aged guys who's eyesight is getting worse. Different audiences.

[@strannostrannovasrr]

If you have to remove an odd number of links from the bracelet, on which side do you remove the most links? the 12 or 6 side? Or is it up to your own privilege?

[@JusttheWatch]

I usually go with whatever feels right. Sort of depends a lot on the kind of clasp that the watch has.

[@the_9ent]

Not really into dive watches but this is lovely. That inky black is eye catching. Just a shame about the price. I think it’s too high.

[@aussie8114]

I have the dark blue one. In Aussie dollars it’s $650. Trust me it looks way more expensive than that. Even the bracelet looks great. I’m no expert but I think it presents like a $2,000 watch.

[@xxraverxxonxtacy]

I'll wait for an affordable Chinese special on AE.

[@BojanBojovic]

Could Kamasu with the StrapCode bracelet compare with this? What would you suggest?

[@JusttheWatch]

I think that would be a pretty fair comparison. This one is still going to have a slight edge in specs with the Miyota 9000 series movement and sapphire bezel, but the Kamasu will have better lume.

[@BojanBojovic]

@@JusttheWatch Thanks. I am afraid that the Kamasu is too large for me as I find the Alpinist perfect size for my wrist. Not sure about buying a micro brand as well, but it would be nice to support the effort if the small brand deserves it, which I think is the case with the RLG Watches.

[@loganholmberg2295]

Its nice but completely out my range....well if I'm behaving responsibly. 😅 All these microbrands are going for Seike NH35 movements...It'd be nice to them also offer something more affordable in a quality 5 year battery quartz or even solar.

[@zillsburyy1]

and probably works just as good

[@johnleonard3951]

The marks are where the links rub on the clasp

[@anthonysmith2982]

An interesting watch. In a way it has a very austere, almost Mil-Spec design, however the case finishing is far from austere. It looks like a beautifully finished & faceted piece with a great looking bracelet. The mov't is fantastic too. The case back is great, the new case design with the brushed mid section is great, the size is great (although for self-serving reasons I'd like to see longer lugs & a 48mm wing-span) but there's a few things I don't like. The new RLG branding looks ᴠᴇʀʏ amateurish. If you look at Baltic's & Lorier's branding compared to this? It's on a different level. In all other aspects they compete directly with those brands, but the way RLG market themselves cheapens the brand. And that clasp. Any micro-brand using off the shelf clasps absolutely should be offering something akin to glide-lock. But it's a nice looking watch, just not something I'd actually buy.

[@AK-pr2nk]

Is this a Swiss watch ? Why are there hardly any reviews at all on KZbin

[@JusttheWatch]

Pretty sure RLG is based in Singapore with manufacturing in either Hong Kong or mainland China.

[@BWo-bb1yw]

Those scuff marks are from the bracelet rubbing the two finished sides together,

[@cedarcanoe]

Not really sure if we needed yet another microbrand diver on Kickstarter

[@JusttheWatch]

This one's not on Kickstarter, they're just doing pre-orders direct from their site.

[@shanephillips8735]

With import fees and delivery costs it takes it to $490 for me, a bridge too far for me which is a shame. Great video and very nice looking watch though.

[@kiwimark3875]

What country is that importing too? And is that based on the current pre-order cost? In Aussie it was $349 + $25 postage. Hoping for no import fees.

[@shanephillips8735]

@@kiwimark3875 UK

[@bronco1199]

Nice watch!! Where are they manufactured?

[@disheuresdis]

Company is from Singapore, not sure if watches are manufactured there though.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Cool

[@UTJMAN]

Really like silver watches with a black face, but this is a little out of my price range :(

[@butts4653]

I don't know if anybody has put 2 and 2 together yet but this seems, to me anyway, to clearly be coming from the same people behind San Martin. A lot of clues here: the hexagonal logo....which just so happened to change right around the same time san martin changed to their hexagonal logo, the clasp is clearly a san martin clasp to the T. The "version" changes are very similar to how the San Martin factory improves their designs little by little over time. I don't think that's a knock against the brand, but just kind of re-orients your perspective about how much of a "value" this watch is when similar San Martin watches are selling for cheaper.

[@oceanwatchesclaudejolly1742]

When you wear the watch these scratches will appear when you open the clap and close even if you really take care I guess they sended you a pre owned watch but it’s free so you can’t complain

[@gundamOPS]

Stick with the title lol, the bathyscaphe is still techinically a fifty fathoms. That said, I think the predecessor, the oceanfearer look much more like the bathyscaphe due to the flatter angular look, while the odyssey look like the ff with a slimmer bezel.

[@uhrologe2596]

It's seems to be a great watch. Actually I'm intense looking for a watch in the BlancPain Bathyscaphe design. So far the Baltic Aquascaphe seems to be the closest model and honests hommage. The RLG appears geeat too. But what triggers me heavy is the branding. The logo looks too much like a ripp off of TagHeuer, same as "San Martin" did. I also don't like that they used also a francophone name, to appear more "european". So the branding is a kind of akward to me. Don't get me wrong. The branding is usually secondary to me as long it is authentic and self confident and if it's possible for me to identify myself with that brand. While the Odyssee uses RLG as the abbreviation, the "Oceanfarer" uses RL Richard LeGrand and trying to appear like the JB Blancpain Which is ok, but the inconsistence of the branding is little disturbing. With that said, I will anyway take a shorter look to the Oceanfarer as the branding doesn't looks like TagHeuer :-). Thank you anyway for this recommendation. May be I will check it out.

[@jonirwin7316]

It's okay. 3 micros should be enough, otherwise remove another link. Too many holes looks stupid imo.

[@aussie8114]

It comes with half links too.

[@explained4242]

Any of their watches have a date complex?

[@korat747]

looks like Orient Mako

[@chasfoster9895]

Uh, I think the watch roll is leather. I can smell it from here.

[@lefroy1]

Richard LeGrand is such a bogus name., it always makes me laugh. They did well to abbreviate and get rid of the text.

[@Visitor555]

I prefer older logo, that new hexagonal logo is like on San Martin, it doesnt look good imo.

[@jeb-zf4un]

Logo is bad and too close to san martin. Prefer previous branding. Shame otherwise v cool watch.

[@razvanon]

It'$ 100 bucks too much .....maybe more

[@kiwimark3875]

Can you link me to a watch with a Miyota 9000 series movement that is cheaper?

[@razvanon]

@@kiwimark3875 seems like this guy doesn't allow links on comments but check out watch geek for a mileneal prestige for $200 and jody from just one more watch has some chinese reviews on $95 watches. The movement itself doesn't cost too much

[@kiwimark3875]

@@razvanon you need to do a proper comparison. Agree that the mileneal prestige is great value with the Miyota but it's a simple dress watch, no bezel, let alone Sapphire bezel, no C3 lume, no sapphire crystal, cheap leather strap instead of stainless bracelet. Big fan of Jody but in the sub $300 price range it's normally NH35 movements and those are def cheaper than Miyota 9000 series.

[@razvanon]

@@kiwimark3875 jody did a review of a crappy chinese watch that has a 9015 movement or so. I mean is doable ,that was my point

[@kws4e]

No, I honestly don't think it is, and I'm normaly very sceptic when it comes to pricing of a watch. The cheapest good divers with a 9015 start at arround $300, not going to count those Sub Clomages from Tisell or something. because they dont offer an own design. For a watch with a totally own design, with a saphire Bezel, with all those specs and that level of finishing, the price actually is really good in my opinion. You can't just always compare everything with the cheapest stuff available.

[@bronco1199]

I have a feeling these micro's with great specs and prices are all made in China. I personally would like you and other reviewers to mention where the watches you showcase are made. Swiss, Japanese and China. See the issue?

[@kiwimark3875]

Ummm no. What's the issue?

[@bronco1199]

The issue is I want to know where the watches I purchase are made, and especially if they are being made in China.

[@kiwimark3875]

@@bronco1199 for what purpose?

[@bronco1199]

The purpose of not supporting the Chinese economy!

[@aussie8114]

@@bronco1199 If you don’t want to support the Chinese economy, which I understand and agree with, you will find it pretty hard.

[@thedar7164]

once I hear they sent you the watch to keep for free credibility out the window no matter how you massage it.

[@Beechhill]

Be careful about being too grateful for free content.

[@bboooobbyy]

you're totally off about that. Psychologically, a person who buys something tends to be more forgiving of a product's faults and emphasize the good in an effort to self-justify the purchase. If anything, the review of a product thats been gifted will be more objective

[@furzkram]

Reflections on the glass aren't "cool" at all - they ruin legibility. I wouldn't give ten bucks for such a watch. Let alone more.

[@aussie8114]

This watch is extremely legible in any daylight conditions.