The SteelDive SD1970 "Captain Willard" 6105 Homage Divers Watch - The Best Budget Diver - Period!!

[@drwindsurf]

I agree completely - I love mine, it is an unbelievable watch for the price. - I never even sized the bracelet - it lives on a tropic strap

[@Mike-vd7ee]

Couldn't agree more with this video..got mine a couple of months ago..absolutely unbelievable quality for the money..£100...looks amazing..put mine on a rubber strap and its that comfortable i forget its there..fantastic piece.

[@donnyboon2896]

Yes. I have a blue SD1970. It is excellent!

[@clifforddriver9434]

I've purchased three watch dives, they are just as impressive. These watches will increase in value over time.

[@knutjunker2019]

The Steeldive is great for the money. I have a Heimdallr Willard and it‘s beautiful. Recently i bought parts to build a more accurate Version: The Rdunae case with aluminium bezel insert like the Original from the 70s, hands, dial and movement. All for around 100 Bucks.

[@tomhill4003]

I bought one of these recently for $60 US delivered. I am truly amazed by the quality of something so affordable for a common bloke. I have two other Seikos which I love, but always wanted the 6108. It's freakin amazing !

[@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563]

You’re absolutely correct. When you can get a watch of this quality for $104, there’s no reason to spend more. Great review! New subscriber!

[@KnallKalle]

Get them from Addiesdive. Even closer to the original and even cheaper. 🤷‍♂️

[@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563]

@@KnallKalle love the Addiesdive!

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Thanks man! Appreciate it..will return the favour

[@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563]

@@TheWatchChannelAU thank you!

[@brunops1]

imagine my feelings when I got it for insane U$ 46.00 last month (tax and shipping included)!! When it arrived, I couldn't believe it is all everyone says and then some. My best watch purchase ever! In my (almost all) modest 14 pieces collection (except from the Sea-Dweller I got as a gift 20+ yrs. ago and lives in a safe box), this one has gotten the most wrist time since it arrived. It's not big at all and wears VERY confortably with the adjusted bracelet. I do not have (and don't want to) those super expensive watches (apart the Sea-Dweller), but in a collection that comprises Tissot, Bulova, Casio, Festina, Citizen, Orient, Seiko, I must say this SD 1970 made quite an impression considering value for money and being my first homage (no prejudices).

[@ludwigheisters8105]

I got now over ten (!!!) different variations of this steeldive. Especially the orange and Tiffany blue Version is amazing! Thanks for your amazing video! 😊

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Thanks Ludwig, I appreciate that. Have you had any issues with any of them?

[@ludwigheisters8105]

​​​@@TheWatchChannelAU No issues until now. The accuracy is amazing, sometimes 0sec./day, mostly 3-6 seconds. 😊 Sometimes the applied Indizies are not exactly at the right place to the markers. But will report again in a few month. P. S. : The Seiko movements are made in Malaysia! I get a box from steeldive with a sticker on it, NH35 made in Malaysia. The used this box twice, first inside were 100pcs of these movements.

[@claytonandry]

I picked one of these up to try out since I did not want to spend Captain Willard money and man, what a good watch. I put it on a nato strap and I've got several other more expensive watches and this has become a favorite.

[@brunops1]

On top of all said in the video, I just got it in the latest Ali promo for U$ 46.00 with bracelets! Tax and delivery included. Unbelievable value for money!!

[@RichardKoppinger]

Yes. The lume is astounding good for the price. I bought the green one, and the color matching of the dial and bezel is actually pretty good. I was so impressed with the watch that I also bought it in black.

[@Messiahwalter]

I have the same one for the last 2 years, out of my 35 watches collection ( from $125 to $2500 ) this watch has the best lume and one of the most precise movement !!!! And it is waterproof …… do we need to spend more money on a watch ????????

[@brianmurphy8154]

Totally agree...got mine in the same sale for $74 delivered...such a great little watch to wear and not worry about damaging it...the value is just crazy for what you get....

[@randymoses5239]

Great Review.....I recently picked up the Blue version for $90 CDN.....i've been hesitant for years now but finally pulled the trigger on this beauty.....Outstanding watch

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

@@randymoses5239 thanks mate! Hope you enjoy the watch!

[@StefaanVdV1961]

At the last sale I bought the Addiesdive version for 79 Euro, it looks like the same watch with a different brand name. It is indeed a very good timepiece for its price range.

[@josephatnip2398]

Me too

[@ThePedroDB]

I own a Steeldive SD1953 which I paid approx. £70 GBP for and it's an absolute stunner. Totally scratched my "Sub" itch. An even better deal though was my Addiesdive MY-H5 "Tuna". Incredible specs for £44 GBP and it has been getting serious 'wrist time' - I'm wearing it ATM. I may well be tempred by a "Captain Willard" in the forthcoming 11/11 AE sale. Especially having watched (no pun intended..) "Apocalypse Now (redux)" the other day..

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Hahahaha...yes...watched that and then found myself on AliExpress ordering the sd1970!!!

[@thesafewordsclub4633]

The best watch I have ever owned. Went for the steel strap which despite a number of reviewers say they are a little sharp in places, mine has no issues. I have never spent more than £300 on a watch, however, this knocks spots all of them. As you say, it does raise the question why pay more when you can this quality?

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Spot on his lordship!! Love that name by the way..my lord!! 🤣

[@MrBertybob]

It is an awesome watch for the price. I was blown away when I got mine out of the box. I've put a Max waffle strap on mine (and that's a nice strap for the price too).

[@badboy4lyf2]

I have this one as well as the tuna homage both from steeldive. Both on steel bracelets. Love them both. Planning to get the sd1968 (300mm) homage soon. Used to own 2 Pagani Design watches but now I am a Steeldive convert

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Nice! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Appreciate it Nats

[@scottbollinger3641]

I just got the Addiesdive… very nice 👍

[@bernardomotard]

A nice dial mod to something more interesting works well also

[@soggz4246]

Great review of an a Amazing watch. I bought one last year. Really happy with this watch and really happy with Steeldive. So happy, today, my Steeldive 1953 came. These watches are outstanding value for the money and quality. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@daleclark3138]

I got a blue Watchdives WD6105 on bracelet last month for $88. Little nicer clasp than the one on the SD1970. The Steeldive SD1977 slim Turtle is quite nice. Good review.

[@davidcrandall4958]

I like Roundes and Addies dives Willard's also ! The first watch I misspelled Has a Double Domed saphire crystal but an Aluminum Bezel insert and sells for more than the Steel dive ! Scroll around for the comparison video I got this info from for a more accurate description!

[@BushCampingTools]

Hi there, I have it too (and have reviewed and blogged about it extensively) and other SteelDive watches. The incredible thing is that the Seiko/TMI NH35 movement in both of mine are Sooooo super accurate it's not funny. I set them exactly 2 min ahead to do some tests and even after 3 months they are still exactly 2min ahead, one maybe is 10sec extra! Now my Seiko baby Tuna was like 3 x's the cost and it always ran slow (same wearing profile, ie 24/7), 50 bucks to get it running fast but it's now too fast gaining over 5 min per week. Hard to justify the cost of Seiko for an accurate time piece from Steeldive, I think. Not to mention the sapphire glass as standard and a ceramic bezel insert.

[@andrewe.8321]

Love the shoutout to Jody! Bought one for me, and one for my dad.

[@Mysticforest_]

Love wearing the watch. Instantly my favorite daily. The crown is difficult to get tight enough to wear it in the water. Ensure the case back it tight enough. Wore mine free diving once and it stopped working. At the repair shop now. Full of rust

[@petem.3719]

Curious as to how many new ones you could buy with the money to fix the rusty one. A whole new movement is $30 on Ali and labor charges alone would add up to more than the $70 or so a new Willard costs. It's weird how that works and kind of a shame, really.

[@lordcharfield]

I’ve seen a couple of your videos now. Great channel and put together beautifully with humility and some very useful content! Many thanks, subscribed! 👏👍

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Thank you mate, thats very kind of you. Appreciate the support! Have a lovely weekend!

[@nathandietrich1004]

I have the green one on a bracelet and it is a great watch for the money. Wears really nice.

[@michael_alan]

Thanks for the video. I own three of these in different colors. My favorite daily wear watch.

[@ryokan9120]

The original Seiko Captain Willard came with a black waffle strap and that's the version that Martin Sheen wore in Apocalypse Now.

[@DM-0072]

A lovely Homage to a classic. I see a " copy" being one with an aftermarket seiko dial and sterile caseback. But i feel this is definitely a homage due to using their own name on the dial, caseback,watch clasp and crown.

[@nigelbowler1601]

Great review own both the Green dial ( Hulk) & Black dial went for the Marine Nationale french straps they look outstanding better than waffle & tropic straps which i tried on the watches my opinion give it a try guys had many comments. keep your reviews rolling buddy all the best from the UK.

[@TheCK84Project]

Got mine for under $60, makes me question all watches like you said that cost over $150.

[@paulg6340]

Great video, I am curious, has anyone pressure tested them to see if they truly are 200m watches? at that price it would be amazing if so.

[@mihaimarin89]

I bought a Seiko turtle and decided to get the optional stainless bracelet. I sold the original rubber strap for 60 usd, and with that bought a sd1970 during the ali 11.11 sale! Can't wait to see what a watch that costs as much as a seiko rubber strap looks like!

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

@@mihaimarin89 please let me know when you get it!

[@mihaimarin89]

@TheWatchChannelAU ok i will!👍

[@mihaimarin89]

@@TheWatchChannelAU Hey, I got the watch two days ago and I can say that it's above my expectations. The build quality is really solid, the brushing, the sapphire crystal, the screw down crown, all are really really nice! The only thing that isn't perfect is the bezel, it's not aligned with the minute markers. During the 11.11 sale I was a bit late to the party so I could only get the watch on a rubber strap, but that's ok. All in all I am happy with the watch, I really can't believe i got a watch with these great specs and for only 59$ U.S.

[@Contemplator24]

I've got one coming this week. Quite excited! Nice review mate!

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Thanks, I appreciate that

[@bigboi9611]

Have this and the 1975. The 1975 is lovely with the engineer strap. Tremendous value,got both for 180 euro total

[@7302ab]

It’s a stunning watch looking to be worth in the flesh 300 plus

[@roger.bhutan]

You can get one with a pt5000 high beat movement, probably for around 120usd, the sd1970t. I own a rdunae r2x which I just love, very similar build but no lume on the bezel, cost about 160usd

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Is the PT5000 going to be as reliable as an NH35? I wonder if the higher beat movement adds any value to the overall package in terms of accuracy & long term reliability?

[@roger.bhutan]

Yeah that’s a fair point. I do find the nh35 movements very pleasing to wind. Something about the feel and the sound it makes. I’ve tried some watches with miyota movements and I don’t like them as much…the rdunaes use the nh35 movements. Their Achilles heel is that they went with the more accurate but odd sized 19mm lug widths

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

@@roger.bhutan I was doing a bit of research on NH35A and noticed that the movements in Pagani aren't showing country of manufacture on the rotor. Calibre corner have expressed concern that these movements may be replicas....have you heard this unsubstantiated rumour?

[@roger.bhutan]

@@TheWatchChannelAU I did not know that

[@tobi.hat.frei.0815]

Super watch, i love my captain willard 👍👍

[@John-x9x2q]

Steeldive is insane value ❤

[@CharlieGould]

Loving mine, bought a black waffle strap for mine and it looks and wears great 😁

[@cgm246]

Had it a month...FINALLY took it off for others in my collection....all more expensive and many will be for sale soon!!! Great daily beater!!!

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Wow..that's a great testimonial to this watch!

[@motouno3778]

Hi there great overview . I got mine on sale for $63 aud on a bracelet , unbelievable value . The fit & finish is better than entry level Seiko's AND entry level Seiko's have their case & bracelets made in china anyway . So why pay the mark up !

[@jusuftheeagle6772]

Opening contents very insightful. My PAGANI GMT is perfect. Loom not as good but it’s ok. Yes and Jody sent me too 😊

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Thanks Jusef, appreciate the comments.

[@NZJamesMitchell]

@The Watch Channel - please can you add an ice test to your reviews. Place an ice block against the crystal of the watch, to check for condensation inside the watch. This indicates humid air, and is a definite flaw that should be rectified if you want longevity in a dive watch.

[@wayneriley7367]

I live in China and have taken advantage of Heimdaller, San Martin, Sig Flemma, Loreo, Seagull and addiesdive prices. The only thing that is a bummer about this is how low the pay is for the people making them. That worries me.

[@stephenrasmussen8160]

You'd rather they had no job at all?

[@wayneriley7367]

@@stephenrasmussen8160 ah the standard reply to justify people taking advantage of others. Yes, I’m guilty also as I bought them. But you would think with our Christian values and knowledge of respect and empathy we would pay people a livable wage. I guess your respect and empathy are only towards your own friends and family. Why can’t you think of a different and more enlightened response?

[@chrisventer3060]

Love mine, I also have Loreo

[@ringoramjet]

I just got an Addisdive version...absolutely fantastic. Im sleeping with it,shower with it,etc. I love mine. Same as Steel Dive im told. Super comfortable with the cheap rubber strap. Mabe strap is better than what i think

[@PlugInRides]

Fair warning - this watch has ruined my watch collecting. Since receiving this watch, I have worn it daily, and I have to force myself to occasionally wear one of my other 35+ watches. I bought the blue version, which is just stunning. The next month I found a blue rubber Steeldive strap for $10. The newest versions get a milled clasp, but they cost almost as much a a complete bracelet ($18 vs $22), so I won't be upgrading my old, stamped clasp. I did buy an unbranded milled clasp early on, but have never felt the need to switch out the clasp it came with.

[@SuperBANDIT68]

I HAVE THE ADDIESDIVE VERSION FOR A YEAR NO ISSUE SO FAR THE BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY OVER CASIO OR INVICTA

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Nice!!! Wear it well my friend!!

[@kirkschroder6449]

Unbelievable watches for the dollar. Have had mine a few weeks now. Go to work watch.

[@sgbh8874]

Great review. I love my Willard homage. How water resistant are they really? Anyone tested one?

[@sinjinadams2862]

I don't own this watch but I do have to agree that the value proposition for some of these Chinese watch brands are outstanding! I don't understand how they make any money. There is no better time to be an affordable watch collector.

[@davidcrandall4958]

My bet is Seiko is making a lot more per watch!

[@petem.3719]

I just got one delivered today. $68 USD. Don't know how they do it. I also have the slightly more expensive Heimdallr version in black PVD. I have to say, the Heimdallr wins. You should review that one. Disappointed in the bezel action on the SD. It's mushy and the clicks are barely perceptible. The thicker bezel of the Heim not only makes it easier to operate, but has the crystal virtually flush with the bezel. The lume treatment on both the dial and bezel is much better on the SD than on the Heim though. No branding on my buckle and the strap feels thinner and cheaper than the Heimdallr strap. The crown is harder to operate than the Heimdallr crown too. But that lume!!! Too bad the dimensions are slightly different. You could make one helluva great Frankenwatch between them for well under $200.

[@knutjunker2019]

You‘re right, the Heimdallr is way better in build and finishing.

[@DaftdogUK]

Jody at JOMW has cost me a fortune in budget watches.

[@dwenchan831]

Some have reported the 1970 SD Willards has some crown stem issues for some batches.. whats the measurements of the glass crystal diameter btw, no info on that online anywhere..

[@ademirmagalhaes6438]

Sonho de consumo,quero esse na minha coleção

[@pinikpikantv3555]

I love mine minus the clasp. The ceramic bezel lumed is worth 104$ . Seiko did charity by selling their movements to chinese. Chinese are the best in making quality cases at lowest prices. Together they created the best value for money watches. But still I bought mine because I am a seikocoholic. It looks like a seiko willard and has a seiko movement so its legit seiko. A dial swap will make it look the real thing but better as the bezel is ceramic and lumes better than seiko. If you want a luxury seiko vibes, always choose something from trusted Japan makers. Try zelos brand, put all expensive watches to self doubt.

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Thanks, I'll take a look at Zelos this evening!, thanks again for your comment & if you haven't already please do consider subscribing. Have a great christmas

[@hotrodsgarage]

A year after purchase, how do you feel about this watch now?

[@jnotlog7040]

I got mine for $73 and so much better than my SRP-777.

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Wow...that is a good price!!

[@dazzarazza6708]

Good specs for the price. You didn't mention the movement?

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

I thought I had...whoops!! Ahahah

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Amateur hour! Hahahaha

[@07thomasd]

Fine.... I'll buy one. 😅

[@chris101gray3]

Up the game and grab the San Martin version. Side by side it is nicer than the Seiko reissue.

[@andyvonbourske6405]

the Steeldive SD1970T comes with the pt5000 movement . its my everyday watch, i love it.

[@jeffreyalbarandorivera9750]

The only thing I dont. like with steeldive ..helmdr..or any other cheap 6105 style is that the rotating bezel internal structure. ..is not the same with seiko reissue..

[@anthonyhulse1248]

I got mine for $85 Canadian on Black Friday, and based on the quality of this watch, you’re right. Why bother paying more? And I have a number of Omegas

[@anthonyhulse1248]

And I think it’s a bit more than a homage😂

[@jacksoncornbreadmcbride6763]

​@anthonyhulse1248 No Hulsey, it's not

[@johnswale376]

Forget seiko there so overpriced now and not very accurate. Steeldive all the way fantastic watch for the money 💰

[@timdale9123]

Just dived in myself - £63.54 taxed and delivered from the site you suggest. Unbelievable.

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Its unreal isn't it? I think I'll be buying another one soon!

[@dank.2791]

Hello friend...What is the Bulova watch at the instruction of your vide please? Many thanks

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Hi there mate, it's this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIWvYpewdtKIra8

[@davidperkins605]

I agree with everybody, its an amazing watch, mine is on a beige canvas, and ir looks great.

[@GunGuy258]

There's lots if $500.00 watches that don't give you what Steeldive does for $100.00 Seiko doesn't even bother to regulate their watches to the accuracy that steeldive does.

[@chriskelly509]

I got it for $58 total

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

@@chriskelly509 great price!

[@jnotlog7040]

I can't fault this watch.

[@atifghafoor6258]

How does this brand compare to Orient for not much price difference.

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

I would say there is a big price difference...this cost me $100 aud...an orient of similar specs would be at least $400

[@atifghafoor6258]

@@TheWatchChannelAU so what Orient is this like as I have a Ray 2, kano, defender 2 and tri star.

[@PaulCzerny-u1u]

At the last sale the price was 38€ with coins😂

[@thecookingchannel1741]

Can I go swimming with this?

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

Yes, absolutely. I have been testing it here in Australia at the beach and it's fine for swimming

[@thecookingchannel1741]

@@TheWatchChannelAU and underwater?

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

@@thecookingchannel1741 oh yes, skin diving is fine. 200m water resistant will be more than enough.

[@thecookingchannel1741]

@@TheWatchChannelAU I’m buying one

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

@@thecookingchannel1741 you won't be disappointed

[@thewaywelive2775]

I love when English speaking people try to say homage.

[@jusuftheeagle6772]

To pay homage is not pronounced the French way which is how the watch x version is said. Homidge versus homardge.

[@Onemore59]

It doesn't keep time. Why would you buy that? IT DOESNT KEEP TIME. YOU DIDNT METER IT!!!!!

[@Onemore59]

You didnt talk about the lousy time it keeps

[@peterlandbo2726]

Homage. You mean "copy" don't you?

[@williamf.9615]

The best budget diver.......but does it dive?

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

It's been in the ocean quite a few times...maybe down to 3m or so... It's good to go imho

[@williamf.9615]

@@TheWatchChannelAU ok.

[@TheWatchChannelAU]

@@williamf.9615 To be clear, I don't dive but I have tested this quite thoroughly in the situations that 99% of people would be wearing it.