The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Other (non-Rolex) Watch Topics > Watches (Non-Rolex) Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 27 June 2007, 09:28 AM   #1
haakon59
"TRF" Member
 
haakon59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,571
Which Dive Watch says "Diver" the best?

This is a question you can answer many ways, depending on what is most important to you in a watch. But if you had to pick the most important diver that's come along, which would it be? Here's the list to pick from:

1. Blancpain 50 Fathoms (I believe this was the very first diver)
2. Rolex Submariner (This is perhaps the most imitated design of any)
3. Omega Seamaster (Great value, been in production a long time, popular)
4. Doxa (A diver that gets used by real divers, used by tactical teams in the CIA and other special services. Not the highest seller, but the design says "pure")
haakon59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 09:31 AM   #2
C.J.
"TRF" Member
 
C.J.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: *
Posts: 10,196
IMHO, The Blancpain 50 began it all. But, the Submariner is the one that took the ball and ran with it
__________________
Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there
C.J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 09:32 AM   #3
haakon59
"TRF" Member
 
haakon59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,571
Quote:
Originally Posted by C.J. View Post
IMHO, The Blancpain 50 began it all. But, the Submariner is the one that took the ball and ran with it
Yes, a good way to put it.
haakon59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 09:34 AM   #4
USNA98
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Philly, PA
Posts: 12
The Seamaster

I say the Omega Seamaster Chronograph, because that is what I own. However, the SeaDweller is really nice but does it matter if it is tested to 4000ft. Divers can only go down to 200 ft anyways unless you are in a pressure suit where you won't be seeing your watch anyways.
USNA98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 10:05 AM   #5
mike
"TRF" Member
 
mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 22,683
mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 10:23 AM   #6
leopardprey
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Chad
Location: Around the world
Watch: Panerai 233
Posts: 4,204
Doxa (A diver that gets used by real divers, used by tactical teams in the CIA and other special services. Not the highest seller, but the design says "pure")

Don't know where your getting that CIA BS from. But, the DOXA is made popluar by Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt character.
leopardprey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 10:49 AM   #7
roadcarver
"TRF" Member
 
roadcarver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Real Name: Vernon
Location: C-a-n-a-d-a
Watch: 16600
Posts: 5,641
Yeah, only a few watches can use the chrono pushers under water :-)

I have the same one too...



Quote:
Originally Posted by USNA98 View Post
I say the Omega Seamaster Chronograph, because that is what I own. However, the SeaDweller is really nice but does it matter if it is tested to 4000ft. Divers can only go down to 200 ft anyways unless you are in a pressure suit where you won't be seeing your watch anyways.
__________________
I'm just a cook...
roadcarver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 10:51 AM   #8
haakon59
"TRF" Member
 
haakon59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,571
Quote:
Originally Posted by leopardprey View Post
Doxa (A diver that gets used by real divers, used by tactical teams in the CIA and other special services. Not the highest seller, but the design says "pure")

Don't know where your getting that CIA BS from. But, the DOXA is made popluar by Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt character.

Yes, I know about Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt character. Cussler started out with Rolex then switched to Doxa in his later books. As to your BS remark, well, I knew a few tactical divers a few years ago, they mentioned this to me and they did contract dives. Moreover, both Doxa and Tutima are mentioned as watches used on missions. Sure, I am betting a lot of other brands are used as well. These were just some things that were mentioned to me, so I will stand by them.
haakon59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 10:52 AM   #9
ezmoney46
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: steve
Location: florida
Watch: several
Posts: 711
Although I own the SS sub date which I like a lot ........Duh! I wouldn't mind owning the Doxa either.
ezmoney46 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 11:05 AM   #10
haakon59
"TRF" Member
 
haakon59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,571
Quote:
Originally Posted by ezmoney46 View Post
Although I own the SS sub date which I like a lot ........Duh! I wouldn't mind owning the Doxa either.
I haven't owned a Doxa either yet. When the reissues first came out I thought I would buy one, then I watched how they treated several of their posters/customers and got turned off. Since then, I have noticed that most people who have them are very enthusiastic about them and have high praise for the watches, so I am reconsidering and may pick one up, I think they look very cool.
haakon59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 11:11 AM   #11
ezmoney46
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: steve
Location: florida
Watch: several
Posts: 711
Quote:
Originally Posted by haakon59 View Post
I haven't owned a Doxa either yet. When the reissues first came out I thought I would buy one, then I watched how they treated several of their posters/customers and got turned off. Since then, I have noticed that most people who have them are very enthusiastic about them and have high praise for the watches, so I am reconsidering and may pick one up, I think they look very cool.

This is the one I would get
Attached Images
 
ezmoney46 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 11:43 AM   #12
haakon59
"TRF" Member
 
haakon59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,571
Quote:
Originally Posted by ezmoney46 View Post
This is the one I would get
Yes, I like that one as well. I have also been thinking about the 1000T Sharkhunter. I wish the Divingstar GMT (yellow) was still available.
haakon59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 12:07 PM   #13
ezmoney46
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: steve
Location: florida
Watch: several
Posts: 711
Quote:
Originally Posted by haakon59 View Post
Yes, I like that one as well. I have also been thinking about the 1000T Sharkhunter. I wish the Divingstar GMT (yellow) was still available.
I haven't followed their line of watches as of late, But I do remember the yellow I also liked it as well



Steve
ezmoney46 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 12:31 PM   #14
Interested Bystander
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Real Name: David
Location: Arlington, Texas
Watch: Rolex Oysterdate
Posts: 102
That Blancpain watch is one fine looking watch.

So did the Submariner get its basic design from it,

very similar.

Doesn't matter a very very fine watch indeed.
Interested Bystander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 02:46 PM   #15
idoitsavant
Member
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Ivan
Location: singapore
Watch: WGDJ
Posts: 177
I have looked at Doxa watches before I think these watches best represent the Divers series.

I say that cos they are hugh and they come with good lume and legible indices. The bezels also serve their functions well.

Also, if I were to beat up a Doxa, I would not feel as much pain as I would with a Rolex.
idoitsavant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 03:04 PM   #16
GoldenBear
"TRF" Member
 
GoldenBear's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: San Francisco
Watch: Submariner
Posts: 2,480
I think the Rolex Submariner and/or the Sea Dweller are the gold standard of the diving watches. Every other dive watch just wants to be like them.
GoldenBear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 03:37 PM   #17
Interested Bystander
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Real Name: David
Location: Arlington, Texas
Watch: Rolex Oysterdate
Posts: 102
I think you are right Golden Bear.

Omega would probably argue that point though.
Interested Bystander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 05:26 PM   #18
JJ Irani
Fondly Remembered
 
JJ Irani's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Real Name: JJ
Location: Auckland, NZ
Watch: ALL SOLD!!
Posts: 74,319
Quote:
Originally Posted by ezmoney46 View Post
This is the one I would get
Hey Steve,

If our Ed (Rockrolex) sees that ORANGE, he's going to have a coronary and then ban you....and not necessarily in that order!!
__________________
Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!!

I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!
JJ Irani is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 06:45 PM   #19
leopardprey
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Chad
Location: Around the world
Watch: Panerai 233
Posts: 4,204
You could say that Casios are used by CIA teams also, as well as Timex, Citizen, Rolex, Doxa, etc...

Just cause one or two people in a SMU have a certain watch, does not mean it is standard issue or all in the SMU use it.

Typical marketing ploy that manufactures use ("watch used by SEAL operatoer" " worn by Green Berets"), etc...


As far as DOXA, Clive Cussler was given a orange face Doxa Watch by his boss when he left working at a dive shop to begin his writing career. A reward from his boss for his years of hard work at the shop Thus Dirk Pitt wears a Doxa in his books. Never seen a reference in any of the Dirk Pitt novels to him wearing a Rolex.
leopardprey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 08:21 PM   #20
astcell
"TRF" Member
 
astcell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Real Name: Robert
Location: Angelus Oaks, CA
Watch: 116713
Posts: 6,828
Chad, I have given my endorsement to a product or two, once I even called the manufactrer to offer advice, he came out with a new product, sent me one for free, then sold it as "Specops tested and aproved."
astcell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 08:41 PM   #21
leopardprey
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Real Name: Chad
Location: Around the world
Watch: Panerai 233
Posts: 4,204
I have done the same (Spyderco knives) in the past as well. But, what I am saying is one or two guys in a particular unit who test out a product, cause the company gives it to them to test out, does not make it "Standard" issue or used by all. It is then used as a Marketing ploy that many buy into. When in reality it usually is just a few. For example there is another Knife company that was bosting on it's web page and advertisements, that their knifes where used by a particular unit I was in. Well, in the several years I was in that unit, I never once saw or even heard of that brand of knife. But, their marketing ploy worked as many bought the knife, so as they could have the same type of knife certain "operators" were carrying and thus live the fantasy or thought that the knife was proven. When in fact it was probably only one guy using the knife, and everyone else had less exepnsive KBars, Spydercos, issue Dive knives.

But, if I was manufacturing a product, I would probably do the same. Pass out a few free samples to Joes overseas, ask for some photos and feedback and then advertise or redesign product based on their feedback.
leopardprey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 08:48 PM   #22
padi56
"TRF" Life Patron
 
padi56's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 53,062
Quote:
Originally Posted by leopardprey View Post
You could say that Casios are used by CIA teams also, as well as Timex, Citizen, Rolex, Doxa, etc...

Just cause one or two people in a SMU have a certain watch, does not mean it is standard issue or all in the SMU use it.

Typical marketing ploy that manufactures use ("watch used by SEAL operatoer" " worn by Green Berets"), etc...


As far as DOXA, Clive Cussler was given a orange face Doxa Watch by his boss when he left working at a dive shop to begin his writing career. A reward from his boss for his years of hard work at the shop Thus Dirk Pitt wears a Doxa in his books. Never seen a reference in any of the Dirk Pitt novels to him wearing a Rolex.
Around 1969, Doxa introduced the first diver watch equipped with a Helium Release Valve that was available first to the general public.And its widely believed to have been co-developed by Doxa and Rolex.Now Rolex submitted a prototype patent on 6th November 1967.Although Rolex fitted Submariners (model 5513 - non date) with prototypes of this escape valve, for the COMEX divers.They did not start to build the Helium Release Valve into their retail dive watches until the SD in 1971,two years after the Doxa.Now after a bit of negotiations with Doxa and both companies had a good working relationship they decided to share the H/Valve patent to get it into the new Rolex SD. Always a fan of Doxa but at the moment a lot of unrest in the company.But for general diving watches from Seiko and Citizen especially the quartz Citizen Promaster range. Has far more diving related functions than any simple time laspe bezel.
__________________

ICom Pro3

All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only.

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever."
Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again.

www.mc0yad.club

Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder
padi56 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 10:25 PM   #23
Alex Stylianou
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 1,785
SS ROlex Submariner
Alex Stylianou is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 June 2007, 10:50 PM   #24
Gedanken
"TRF" Member
 
Gedanken's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Real Name: Sir
Location: Melbourne
Watch: F-series SD
Posts: 8,589
While the 50F was the first, it's largely been overshadowed by the Submariner - now whether that's a matter of design, build quality or just good marketing is a matter of argument. Between the two, I'd say the Sub's much more the quintessential diver's watch. That said, I'd say that the Doxa says "serious diver's watch" more clearly than the Sub, but only because of its more utilitarian design. As for the Seamaster, what with all the changes over the years, the current design is makes it the new kid on the block.
__________________
You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.
Gedanken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 June 2007, 04:59 AM   #25
SLRdude
"TRF" Member
 
SLRdude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Real Name: Chip
Location: Dallas TX
Posts: 6,194
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gedanken View Post
As for the Seamaster, what with all the changes over the years, the current design is makes it the new kid on the block.
You think?
IMHO the Planet Ocean is a spitting image of the Seamaster 300.
__________________
Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try.
Yoda, Jedi Master
CHIP
Member # 87
SLRdude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 June 2007, 06:03 AM   #26
C.J.
"TRF" Member
 
C.J.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: *
Posts: 10,196
Quote:
Originally Posted by comatox View Post
You think?
IMHO the Planet Ocean is a spitting image of the Seamaster 300.
I've heard that said a few times now. I dig me some Omegas and want a PO on rubber strap along with the new 2220.80. I think the PO has an incredibly cool vintage look to it with the arrow hands, bezel style and 12, 6, 9 dial layout, but I just don't see the strong resemblance to the SM 300.
__________________
Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there
C.J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 June 2007, 06:42 AM   #27
haakon59
"TRF" Member
 
haakon59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,571
Quote:
Originally Posted by C.J. View Post
I've heard that said a few times now. I dig me some Omegas and want a PO on rubber strap along with the new 2220.80. I think the PO has an incredibly cool vintage look to it with the arrow hands, bezel style and 12, 6, 9 dial layout, but I just don't see the strong resemblance to the SM 300.
Planet Ocean is high on my list as well--it's a beautiful watch.
haakon59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 June 2007, 06:54 AM   #28
GerardoG
Banned
 
GerardoG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Real Name: Gerardo
Location: Here
Watch: ALL of them
Posts: 32,098
(I know I will get banned and on JJ's tosser list for this, but here it goes.....)

I have used 3 watches for diving: 2T sub, omega seamaster and this baby; guess which one gets the MOST comments

GerardoG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 June 2007, 07:20 AM   #29
haakon59
"TRF" Member
 
haakon59's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,571
GerardoG

Did you swim/scuba in the ocean with your 2-tone Sub? Did the gold get a lot of scratches? I am interested because I am considering the 2-tone submariner. However, the overwhelming majority of my use of the water will be in the swimming pool, but I was wondering how much the gold scratches.
haakon59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 June 2007, 07:29 AM   #30
C.J.
"TRF" Member
 
C.J.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: *
Posts: 10,196
Quote:
Originally Posted by GerardoG View Post
(I know I will get banned and on JJ's tosser list for this, but here it goes.....)

I have used 3 watches for diving: 2T sub, omega seamaster and this baby; guess which one gets the MOST comments

Gerardo, with your amazing collection, you're allowed to wear that.........................................but just barely
__________________
Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there
C.J. is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.