Please help! 😂 I am not sure what to do. I have managed to narrowed down my choice to two. This Steeldive 1953 or the WR4K ironwork. I recently watched your comparison video with the WR4K ironwork and your Rolex 124060. It sounds like WR4K has a good bracelet and clasp and I like the sword hands on the dial but i'm sure about the printed indices?
Also consider the WD1680, and SN006-G Milsub (see my reviews below). Regards, #WR4K ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n77woAStBI8.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VztdxwFDhjU.html
Funny how years ago the Rolex submariner/ SD had a awful pressed steel clasp. This steel clasp still looks better made and of thicker steel than those early Rolex Subs and Sea Dwellers. How times change as to what is accepted even at this price point. Great review.
You are very right. Just watch the reviews on Rolex watches they also find imperfections similar to the ones complained about this affordable models, like Misaligned markers, dials with weird markings, metal shavings inside the dial. So, I think these budget watches are very impressive for the price point. Just gotta find the better ones, and at these prices we can afford to buy several times to find them.
I bought this watch in blue 2 months ago for $75 and it is probably cheapper in the current March Aliexpress sale. It now has a milled clasp and 6 holes of micro adjustment. My only issue is the over magnification of the cyclops because the dial sits too low in the case. The bezel is somewhat tight but as a scuba diver that is good because you don't want it to move from a bump. Although I dive with a Seiko Diver. This is just a sports watch that looks 5 times more expensive than it is.
I just received my SD1953 (6/10/23) with a black dial and green bezel. The bracelet and clasp have been upgraded. The clasp now has a 6 micro-adjustments and a milled interior. The bezel is perfectly aligned and has NO backplay. I got mine off of Amazon and paid a little more ($136 incl taxes). I like this watch so far. It wears well on my 8" wrist.
Just received my SD 1953 from the 11/11 sale. Happy to report the clasp is now milled with 6 micro adjustments. A very nice upgrade. The lume on the handset appears to be slightly less brighter than the indices and bezel.
Ive two 53s black & green bezel variants one came with the newer inner milled clasp and these both are a solid budget offering....other than the SN017G V3 and the WD version these steelys are a superb homage.....PD i never liked at all so did not even entertain theres.... Great review of a budget homage!!!
Excellent review, as usual. I bought the SD 1953 for £55 in the Ali summer sale and am very happy with it. I got the Jubilee style bracelet and it is perfect.
Steeldive are a fantastic make. Their products are top notch. Bought the ‘Willard’ a couple of years ago and it’s still going strong and keeping great time. I regulated it myself and it gains around 5 seconds a week. Worn it in and out of the sea quite a few times with no trouble. Great review and I am definitely going to get this. The bracelet is ok,imho, and does what it’s suppose to. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
Hello from Ukraine! A very difficult choice between sd1953 and pd1661. SD1953 has more advantages against pagani. The logo is more like, the luminescent coating is more reliable from the water side, the bezel is also better. At the same time, pagani can be ordered with an anniversary bracelet. Which is much cooler and well-made (I looked at the review specifically for it) But the quality of the pagani is a little worse. Taste judgment🤷 Thank you for your videos, they are very cool. Due to the fact that in my country people try to refuse Russian-language content, you are just a diamond in the field of RU-vidrs. Peace🙏🏻
Buy Steeldive. The bracelet is less 'luxurious' compared to the PD but the PD bracelet is iffy at best, the quick adjustment mechanism is a disaster, the screwed links are loose and need Loctite, and Pagani pays more attention to a 'luxury look' than they do to checking if everything is aligned and working properly. I own 2 of each brand, everything on the Steeldive is aligned perfectly: cyclops, bezel insert etc, it runs flawless, less than +/- 1 sec a day, the lume is just phenomenal, it has no sharp edges whatsoever (the PD does) and they pay more attention to the head of the watch and less attention to the bracelet. The bracelet is good enough, straight forward with solid end links, no milled clasp but a 7 dollar milled clasp will make it look a lot better. Every Pagani I own and have seen so far has alignment issues, the date magnifiers are crooked, bezel alignment is off, and they run less precise. Oh and the Pagani lume is a joke compred to Steeldive SD1953. I own 100+ watches, including Tudor, Seiko, Glycine and other more expensive brands, but all I have been wearing these last 2 months are my 2 Steeldive subs. They even glow in the daylight lol. Wait till there is a sale, I got em for 85 euros each, including taxes. Ps: I have both of the SD on full brushed oyster bracelet, not the half brushed/polished ones I sometimes see online.
Thanks for answering the request! This video made me seal the deal, I’ll get one of these, I was really worried about the wristband, but we have to agree that they’ve spent their budget on the right thing, replacing the wristband it’s way more easier and cheaper than any of the watch pieces itself! Also, I think you’ve made this watch sales go wild, as I’ve noticed that the green version ain’t available anymore on Ali!
Great review.. Which is the best all-rounder out of the Steeldive SD1953 & Watchdives WD1680 ? Looking to purchase one for my sons birthday, At the moment his daily watch is the Pagani Design 1661. which he has had for awhile now. Thanks
Спасибо большое за подробные обзоры! Мне очень нравится размеренная речь и разбор характеристик качества и конечно сравнение! В этом ценовом диапазоне может конкурировать PD и другие похожие китайские мастерские! Хоть и нельзя не похвалить китайцев за представленные возможности по ценам и качеству разнообразия часов их можно сравнивать и выбирать лучшее. Steeldive, на мой взгляд выглядят привлекательнее по качеству чем PD, по моему небольшому опыту ношения PD и Steeldive. И для повседневного ношения Steeldive мне намного больше нравятся из за их комфорта на руке и внешней эстетичности, а за люм отдельное спасибо Steeldive! Например PD1690, PD1662 и SD1934, и сейчас хочу еще взять sd1953 или sd1954. У меня была возможность около 2-х месяцев почти не снимать с руки и те и другие часы, я менял стальные браслеты, устричные на юбилейные. И более удобные для меня показались от Steeldive, они так хорошо сидели на руке, что я порой не замечал их, и даже по весу юбилейный от Steeldive массивнее чем PD. У PD необработанные края и это заметно при ношении и когда закрываешь или открываешь! Несмотря на штампованную застежку у Steeldive, она намного удобнее на руке и при использовании, а чувствуется солиднее на руке и массивнее. Устричный браслет от SD сужается меньше (20-18) чем PD (20-16) к застежке, а юбилейный у PD очень легкий как будто не цельнометаллический и с необработанными краями. Так что следующий мой выбор это часы Steeldive sd1953 или sd1954. Еще надеюсь приобрести некоторые понравившиеся модели таких китайских микро брендов как SanMartin, Cronos, Proxima, Seestern, Sugess, Heimdallr (возможно некоторые из них дочерние) На вашем канале много обзоров и понемногу я наверное все просмотрю. Обычно я нахожу понравившуюся модель часов и ищу ее в обзорах. Спасибо за ваши труды!
I love all my steeldive watches. Addiesdive aswell. I just bought a pd1644 with the texture dial. The watch head on the underside has machined marks throughout the bottom and between the lugs. I've never seen such poor workmanship. The lume is not acceptable. The texture dial matches the back of the case. I will never buy a Pagani watch again. Steeldive is a far superior product to pd. After 5 purchases I'm done with Pagani. I will tell as many people I can of poor quality and disappointment. Thank you for this video.
Like Mark already pointed out, the clasp has been upgraded to one with 6 micro-adjust holes. Steeldive must be watching your videos. Other than that, the bracelet is still pretty lousy. The finish is OK and it is very comfortable, but the play in the links is awful. I'd also like to inform people who are watching this video that this watch will fit a 6" wrist, if you remove all 6 links and use the micro-adjust. (Reviewers always talk about the maximum length of a bracelet, never the minimum.) All in all, not a bad watch for the 62€ (shipping and 21% VAT incl.) that I paid for it in the sale.
Agreed John, it has the edge over the PD-1661 and cannot be beaten for 100 USD. To get AR coating, BGW9 Superluminova, and 300 metres water resistance; is very strong specification. Regards, #WR4K
This is such an easy choice to buy and can be purchased for less than $100. I have the Light Blue V2 model and it's easily as nice as my Seiko 5 Sport watches. Really enjoyed this review.
Great review, I just bought one few weeks back and they no longer have play between the links, now has milled clasp and the addition gram make it a bit more weighty, also previously no sharp edges however now its a bit sharp on the bezel edge, easily scratch your face if going for a itch. Ive owned a couple now about a year apart.
I've just bought the newer version of SD1953 for 55 bucks! As you said it's a great watch for 99 USD. I would never miss the chance to grab one for half the price :) Thx for the review.
A great combination of quality where it counts leaving the customer the option of changing out the bracelet to shore up the weak points. I just wish it had an exhibition back case.
These watches cost 16000 Rupees in India which is equivalent to 190 USD. But they are much better than what Seiko has to offer in terms of dive watches. Their SRPD line sells for 25000 Rupees which is equivalent to 300 dollars and yet they give us mineral glass. I'm thinking of getting this Steel dive for myself on my birthday.
I own a TAG CV2010-3 and want an alternative nice looking piece without the cost. Just ordered the SD 1953 SS based on the numerous reviews and recent improvements made to the bracelet. I'll come back with my thoughts when it arrives.
Excellent review, thanks John! I really enjoy the fully lumed bezel! Little torch really… I have nothing to add to your comparison to Paganis offering eg the PD-1661. Did you check or do you know, if your bonetto cinturini strap fitted to your PD-1664 would fit this SD1953? Nice touch with the mention of the modding potential of the piece!
I didn't try my strap on it, however I know it would fit. Its very similar profile to the PD-1661 rubber strap in the video below. Also see link to a similar one I bought recently from AliExpress. It's too short for my 8" wrist, but would fit a 7" wrist well. They also sell a really good Seamaster style rubber strap, which would suit the Octopus Kraken (see link). Regards, #WR4K ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nBRA9pa3ANM.html fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005001406252192.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.371662b4qH1f1x&algo_pvid=ae4723b9-b924-4709-abf8-a571fcd65bce&algo_exp_id=ae4723b9-b924-4709-abf8-a571fcd65bce-31&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000015962389336%22%7D&pdp_pi=-1%3B12.23%3B-1%3B-1%40salePrice%3BEUR%3Bsearch-mainSearch www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001451820195.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.3.4bb6a6ec5yOU0w
I bought the Cermit (SD1953 green bezel/black face)...fantastic watch with an average bracelet. Went with an after-market bracelet (unbranded Rolex oyster) for another $15.
Nice review Jit, the best deal for this one is the green watch with green silicon waffle design. I think you must make Comparison between SD 1953 & original rolex submariner...I think conclusions will be mind blowing...thanks.
Thank you for watching Yecihel. I appreciate the suggestion, however I have already made a Pagani Design PD-1661 v Submariner Date video, and also a WR4K Ironwatch RX8004B v Submariner; comparison videos. (See links below). Therefore I don't want repeat it again on my channel. Regards, #WR4K ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7E43zAwE2Zo.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-F6g6cqZag0o.html
I've got 3 Steeldive watches, SD1970W, SD1975C and a SD1975W. I'm also looking at getting 2 more, a SD1983 and the other being the SD1953 you just reviewed. The 3 I own are all great watches and I have no negatives for the money I paid for them. Personally I like a bit of play in the steel bands as I find the flexibility more comfortable on my rather bony wrist. However if it's not well liked the slackness can easily be over come or improved by swapping out the link pins for slightly thicker ones at most if not all retailers that sell and or repair watches. The only gripe I have was I had to get my SD1970W Regulated when I got it as it was running way to slow.
Hi ! Thanks for your amazing work ! Quick question, do this 300m WR has been tested or we just have to believe what's written on the dial ? Curious to know if it's really a 300m WR. Thank you !
I've just purchase the Kermit version black dial and green ceramic bezel and it is a beauty I also have the San Martin ghost sub with black dial and black ceramic bezel and it is also a beauty but cost me about £100 more than the steeldive sub but only a 200m dive limit not a 300m like the steeldive but the San Martin has a NH35a movement and screws on the bracelet instead of pins with hacking instead of the NH35 movement but they both have the same stats and side by side I must say the steeldive Kermit's is the most eye catching of the two but the San Martin strap is done a lot better..✌️🧐🇬🇧🇺🇦
As usual, a clear, concise and professional review. On the strength of your review of the Steeldive SD1953, I ordered one from Steeldive UK last Tuesday at 15:00 and received the watch the following morning at 09:40, only 18 hours and 40 minutes later. I agree with what you said about the bracelet, however the watch is just so gorgeous, it’s not really an issue for me.
They do make a no-date version Donn. See link below to the SD1954. Fee free to use the "WR4K" 10 USD discount code on any watch over 150 USD on Watchdives. Regards, #WR4K watchdives.com/collections/steeldive/products/steeldive-1954-automatic-self-wind-diving-watch-200m-waterproof-nh35-mechanical-watches-men-316l-steel-dive-watch-for-men
Thank you for watching. 18mm. See link below to the Steeldive solid mill clasp. Regards, #WR4K www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004283965313.html?srcSns=sns_Copy&spreadType=socialShare&bizType=ProductDetail&social_params=20626348710&aff_fcid=6bba06cdb47b486eac542c32aee6dad3-1661622442378-01063-_m0E2oE4&tt=MG&aff_fsk=_m0E2oE4&aff_platform=default&sk=_m0E2oE4&aff_trace_key=6bba06cdb47b486eac542c32aee6dad3-1661622442378-01063-_m0E2oE4&shareId=20626348710&businessType=ProductDetail&platform=AE&terminal_id=c2961b6d3f1040d7b46f1d7385bf60cf&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt
This is the watch I’m wearing right now! A great quality and reliable watch, although I’m pretty much done with dive watches. They all look too similar to one another!
@@watchreviews4k I saw that 300 meter waterproof in the description but wonder if it is real and tested. I hope it is before I wear it for diving. Thanks!
RU-vid just fed me this video today, even though it's a year old. l've acquired two Cronos Rolex type watches since Nov., one as a gift from my wife, and one as a gift for myself. I must say this Steeldive version packs a heck of a punch for the current $95.00 USD list price (less 10% discount) what with the engraved logos and lumed ceramic bezel included in the base price. While l do like my two Cronos watches a lot, for only about a hundred bucks delivered, may have to pull the triggger on one or two of these Steeldive products as well!
I got a sd 1953 and my loom is not matching, is green dial and blue bezel, should i make trade or ask for refund? Is not that beutifull as full blue loom
@@watchreviews4k thank you they want to give me 20usd refund, but i wont be buying it again,with that price and even with the risk of coming wrong again. i really loved everithing came right 😔best regards
Outstanding watch for the money and great review as always. Interestingly I just received a Corguet 'Batman' GMT which at only £70 has a superb bracelet with glidelock. It also has excellent bezel action. Sadly it has awful crown action (probably due to the cheaper movement) and crap lume. However it just goes to prove that all these manufacturers could easily tick all the boxes for $100 but unfortunately they rarely do!
I have a corguet railmaster. It's bullet proof. I work construction and it eats up ruff days. I hate the lack of lume so I'm modifying it. But it's a proper daily watch. Sand off the scratches
Has anyone successfully removed the cyclops? I tried using a kitchen blow torch and a double edge razor blade but was unsuccessful. The heat damaged the lume at the 10 o'clock position. That section of the bezel no longer glows in the dark.
Yes. First uncrew the crown and pull it out fully. This avoids pressurising the air inside the case when its heated (and potentially blowing out the sapphire crystal). To avoid scorching the bezel insert; apply Polymide tape (available on Amazon) to it which can be used continully at 240 degrees Celsius. Alternatively you can cover the bezel insert with aluminium kitchen foil. Then keep the blowtorch focussed on the cyclops for 5 minutes continually and it will pop off the sapphire crystal itself (without using a razor blade). If 5 minutes isn't enough, keep heating for a further 5 minutes. Regards, #WR4K
@@watchreviews4k Thank you for your reply. I took a course in watchmaking in high school and disassembled and reassembled watches. I understand the delicacy of watches. Some models allow you to operate the calendar, but I still try to avoid risks by operating them in the least stressful way possible.
By the way, about the bracelet, they hear your comments and either progress, I don’t know if they will put these clasps on watches in the future, but they sell separately for 20 bucks and ask for 40 for a whole bracelet. As I understand it, with a width of 20 mm and narrows to 18 mm, that is, they are suitable for many models, which they indicate in the description in the Aliexpress store. I can leave a link if you please. google translate, sorry if that's the case
Nice homage to a modern Submariner, but if they’re going to call it a 1953 it should look like the classic reference 6204. This has all the stuff Rolex has added over the years to spoil the original lines: huge bezel, crown guards, date window, and-my least favorite-that awful cyclops magnifier.
I used to feel the same way regarding the cyclops, but found, after getting a few years under my belt and a lot of gray hairs everywhere else, that a cyclops began, more and more, to appeal to me. It's funny how time has a tendency to change a lot of things. Just sayin. ☮✌
Better bracelet, better end links, almost as good case finishing and much better bezel alignment than seiko 5 models trading at 3-5x the price, with the same movement, and probably better regulated too. No brainer if you dont care about the brand prestige of the name on the dial.
Top tier review! You provided a very fair and accurate review of this excellent watch. This is my favorite homage so far, and I am highly enjoying wearing mine. I opted for the green gradient dial which is stunning in person.
Hi, Really enjoyed the video, lots of useful info. Could you tell me how many turns of the crown does it take to reach the full 41 hour power? Also, if you were to put the watch on the wrist when almost at low power, how many minutes of walking before it reaches full power? Thanks
The L6005 is a better quality piece overall. For reference see my review below. Regards, #WR4K ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G_JHHr8xCzY.html
"I was told that it's a mistake to set the date with both hands close to 12 o'clock." The NH35A movement isn't damaged by changing the date between midnight and 4.00am. See video below of a Seiko 7S26 which details why. The same applies to; 7S, 4R, 6R, series movements. (The NH36 is the same as a 4R36). Regards, #WR4K ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9EuHG1bYPKs.html
They are equal quality. This has better lume, and bezel action. The Pagani Design has a better bracelet with screw pins rather than push pins. Also consider the Watchdives WD1680. Regards, #WR4K
i have the 1953 smurf excellent quality all round £s for quality and very reliable . iam a steeldive fan i have a 1975 and 1903 all great quality and imo good value for your £ .
@@watchreviews4k thanks for replying i have watched a load of your video's now and im a wee Scottish groupie for WR4K great and precise video's and un biased in my opinion, please keep up the good work .
Great review -- question: It seems the watch top compares well to the San Martin SN017? I am thinking the Steeldive with rubber strap makes the twice the price San Martin useless? May I have your opinion please.
Thank you for watching Edwin. The SN017-G is worth paying the extra for the excellent bracelet and clasp. Yes, this SD1953 would be excellent on a rubber strap. Regards, #WR4K
Just ordered it. Can't wait to get my hands on it. Also I was wondering. You are mentioning the silver applied indices. Are they just called like that or are the hands actually silver plated to stop corrosion or something like that?
Congratulations. Excellent choice. Wear yours in good health. The hands and indices are nickel plated. On the Rolex Submariner Date the indices, and hands are made from solid white gold. Regards, #WR4K
@@watchreviews4k Update. I just got the watch and it's great. I was wondering if you know a good bracelet alternative (I want to replace the Steeldive bracelet) that has a glidelock or something similar
@@tatarugabriel4328 No, as the spring bar holes in the lugs don't align with the end links in bracelets on AliExpress. However I can recommend the solid milled clasp below as an upgrade to the pressed clasp. Regards, #WR4K www.aliexpress.com/item/4000418482880.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.1647250bQh7UXE&algo_pvid=9f532405-8d3c-4902-b713-af2ce169c5c8&algo_exp_id=9f532405-8d3c-4902-b713-af2ce169c5c8-19&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2210000001727574217%22%7D&pdp_pi=-1%3B7.57%3B-1%3B-1%40salePrice%3BEUR%3Bsearch-mainSearch
Could anybody tell me what the difference is between this watch and the San Martin SN017 ??? As far as I can see they both look pretty much the same, nevertheless, the SM is around $150 more expensive...
Sir, have you tried swapping the bezel (inlcuding the stainless steel not only the ceramic material) of pagani pd1661 and steeldive sd1953 if they fit with one another?
Great review, I have been waiting for this one from you. One suggestion for your videos, you usually mention the bracelet tapers from 20mm but you don’t say what it tapers down to, could you add the taper at the clasp in future videos?
Thank you for watching Rob. I appreciate the suggestion. I used to mention the bracelet taper in my earlier reviews. The usual taper is 22-18mm, and 20-16mm. I will mention it again in future reviews. Regards, #WR4K
Check out my Ocean One 39 Starbucks review below Gaetan, it may interest you. Regards, #WR4K ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ha6TGBQDWPU.html
