This review was FANTASTIC! Extremely thorough! I have been watching watch reviews for 3 days now and you are the absolute BEST at it! I very much appreciate what you do! Thank you!
First off, Great review! I own this watch. I'm very hard on my watches and as a result I recently broke my Pagani Design sub homage. I bought this watchdives version by accident because at first glance I thought it was a San Martin for a clearance sale price. Upon receipt I was disappointed at first feeling like I had made a mistake in hastily buying without reading the ad. After sizing and wearing the watch for a few hours I quickly realized I was wrong to think that. I'm completely satisfied with this watch and I'm so happy to have it. This watch is fantastic. The watch itself is much higher quality than the PD version I replaced, and the bracelet isn't as cheap feeling as some other reviewers implied. It is easily on par with my San Martin sub homage at 1/3 of the cost. It is a heavy watch but not quite as heavy as the San Martin and I like that. In fact I think I like this watch better than my San Martin's, which are honestly not far off the quality feel of my actual Rolex no date sub. I strongly recommend this watch.
Took advantage of the Christmas sale. Ordered one of these in blue and a 6105 in blue as well with free shipping and a $12 off coupon. Fantastic watches for that price. Really good reviews you did on both models in black.
My Sunday routine… make a good coffee and watch WR4K reviews… thank you for the excellent work… and wow… are we looking at world’s best value for money automatic watch??? I don’t see any weakness whatsoever and for 99$????
welp I was on the fence on what to order. After watching this review and your other reviews about the SD1953, SN017, PD1661, I decided to pull the trigger on this one. Excellent content!
Evil man! I think this is my sixth watch I ordered from your reviews. Just snagged it for $89. on Watchdives weekly sale with $5. shipping. When I receive it I will amend this comment and compare it to my Cronos Kermit which cost a lot more money. I will also compare it to my two previously owned Rolex Sea Dwellers, neither of which were as accurate as my two Cronos watches, my Phylida PT5000 007 or my Octopus Kraken. Update 13 Aug: I've had my WD1680 for two days. Firstly, in all respects the head of the piece is absolutely spectacular. At first the crown action seemed stiff but after using it I realized the gaskets are really sealing the crown mechanism. It is running +6 seconds a day. In contrast my much more expensive Cronos Kermit with the PT5000 movement runs -15 seconds per day. The only issue is the Watchdives bracelet. The clasp edges are extremely sharp on the short edges of the long clasp top. There is no edge smoothing whatsoever. I immediately took it off and replaced it with a spare Cronos bracelet with glide lock. If I get in the mood I will take my Dremel tool and smooth the edges and then I may re-install it. I cannot believe this watch was $89. My Octopus Kraken is running within COSC specification, which is astonishing.
I’m astonished at how much yellower the bezel markers and the indices are in comparison to the San Martin version of this-for a moment I thought someone had pulled a switcheroo on me but it is the same one. The San Martin vs scratches the submariner itch best for me,although these watches differ in their logos and shade of white, I think they’re a milimeter apart in case size 😅
Yeah. Banger deal on pretty accurate sub homage. Very well spec'ed for this l the money. If I wanted one, this would be a very strong and favorable consideration. Curious to see what other watches they release.
This video got me very interested in the WD1680 but then I found out there is a WD5510 which is supposed to be better although the bezel doesn't have lume. Waiting for an Ali sale to make a decision.
I purchased the sterile version of this watch in blue from Watchdives for around $70. I replaced the bracelet (it was the 3 micro adjust stamped flip lock clasp) with a Barton silicone Elite strap. Mine is rated 200m. The only flaws on this particular watch is the lume pip is slightly misaligned and the NH35a could use calibrating. Definitely the best value Rolex sub available. I think a few of these brands are made in the same factory; they have an online video showing some of the assembly process. The sterile models appear to be currently sold out.
99$… That’s quite the offer! Paganis 1661 and Steeldives 1953 both come in and around this price. So one needs to compare them… Pagani: no AR, weak lume. Form over function clasp. The PD-1661 lost by a long shot, maybe it’s a bit cheaper on occasion, but would you really save 10 bucks and get something this much worse? SD1953, when you look at the newest version, it also has a lumed pip and their newer milled clasp with 6 microadjusts. But the WD1680 has a silver frame around the date, something the Pagani nor the Steeldive have. For me it comes down to the clasp, I really like the 2 button push clasps. Would choose over the other offerings! Thanks for the review!
Wow! What to say... It was worth to wait. Thank you for this complete and detailed review. Owner of the PD1661, I was disappointed by some quality control problems, the lack of AR coating, the poor lume, the polish links in the middle of the bracelet and the difficulty to adjust the clasp. I didn't want to go for a San Martin whether it was 017 or 019 because I didn't like the shark/big S marking of the crown which broke the general harmony of the watch in my opinion. The question potentially arises for some, but I think that this WD1680 is the most accomplished submariner hommage, which is for less money than a San Martin. Well done watchdives for what you've done, you got me.
As always, another amazing review!!! You are my first and last stop when deciding on a watch purchase. I started my $100 sub-homage journey thinking PD1661 was a clear choice. So glad I kept watching ur vids and realized, for the money, other watches offered much more to include AR coating/BGW9. While you praised the San Martin SN017-G as “no negatives, simply can’t be beat, done to perfection, no cost cutting measure,” you also spoke similarity of the Watchdives WD1680 short of only one cost cutting measure w/ their use of link push pins, however, the WD1680 offers a lumed bezel. Other than that, they seemed relatively identical. Anything more I should consider when deciding bwtn the SN017-G and WD1680? Lastly, am I noticing a discoloration of the maxi dial markers, somewhat off-white esp compared to the bezel's white paint? Can't thank you enough for your reviews, you are so spot on!!
Yes, PD-1661 was the best Submariner Date homage under 150 USD. However its now been beaten by this WD1680 due to AR coating, and BGW9 Superluminova. The specification can't be beaten for the 99 USD price point. The SN017-G has a better bracelet with screw pins. Is it worth paying the extra for? No. Other than the bracelet, the WD1680 really is similar quality to the SN017-G. Yes, the lume on the indices is thicker than the hands, so it appears a slightly different tone. However in daylight this isn't noticeable, it doesn't look like cream on the dial, and white on the hands. They both look the same white. Regards, #WR4K
I have just received the cronos homage of the cookie monster, and I have to say that the watchdives version is on par with it , and in terms of price really comes out ahead-I paid $99 and $167 respectively , and the cronos is the full lume version which had been around $230 before the sale. It’s not a bad watch by any means but it’s janky glide lock doesn’t warrant the price difference,though many of the components are surely either the same or from the manufacturer next door,but under the same warehouse roof.. I had to see for myself and the extra money is not worth it
Why aren't they selling this on AliExpress yet. The SD1953 V2 has a lume pip now but i like the (1000ft=300m) text on the watchdives. I wonder if steeldive accepts request for a custom dial text.
Thank you, and I will miss your streight forward reviews. I went with the 1680Q version(s)...they are different from the reviewed 1680 as the hands are both thinner(smaller) and shorter. Not correct for the watch, probably i'm the only one to notice? The bezel scallops are slippery as well( looks nice but poor grip) The Pagani design PD 1661 is a better(automatic) watch except the bezel is more easily turned and of course poor lume. However, Given the price/value/quality, Pagani is clearly the winner dispite shortcomings.
Great review again. Once you had it in your hands, would you say this piece stands at the level of Cronos / San Martin submariner homages? above? below? Thank you.
It’s a “loss leader “for sure, and part of the economic warfare China has been engaging in for years. The dollar stores are part of it, and so is fentanyl.They are sitting back and grinning at the prospect of the sheer havoc that 60k+ overdose deaths a year in the US causes..the same watch made in the USA would be $750 +
@@DirtywesternerI've been saying exactly that! The prices of goods and importantly the fentanyl havoc is economic warfare. The deaths are 100k plus now. It's time to wake up.
As I mentioned in another comment, Watchdives doesn't have an EU website, but I did reach out to them and they informed me that "they are planning to open an AliExpress store in the near future." Just thought I'd throw it out there for anyone else in the EU considering this watch, as AliExpress adds on VAT, so there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes to added import tax when the parcel lands on your doorstep.
Congratulations Jim. Excellent choice. Wear yours in good health. No, its not worth selling your SD1953 and buying a WD1680 for the improved clasp. Other than that they are equal quality. Regards, #WR4K
Got mine today,a little loose at the end links but overall a visually stunning piece that is something the good folks at St***hart might want to view with concern ,thanks again for the recommendation
@@watchreviews4k so I couldn't resist the quartz version , for $70 shipping included, it arrived in under 2 weeks, it is the same watch visually minus the date window and cyclops, w/ a uniform hue on the indices, markers ,and bezel. it's not got a smoothly flowing second hand but it is a beauty at that price especially, and it's ronda movement can help keep my automatics adjusted accurately . I wish san martin would offer a quartz version of their watches, forgive me if that sounds like heresy . Looking forward to san martin's homage to the tudor pelagos 39
The L6015 has a better quality bracelet as it uses screw pins, and a Glidelock style clasp. The heads of the pieces are similar quality. Regards, #WR4K
With this now available, other than for the choice of colors, I legitimately do not see a reason to buy a Pagani watch. I already didn't really see a reason to buy one because of all of the issues they come with, but now this fixes every issue present on the PDs and even improves upon them. If they ever make a GMT watch (and hopefully find a way to have a 20->16mm bracelet) and make them available on Aliexpress/Amazon EU, it's over for Pagani in the west. Cheers for the review.
Yeah I hear what you are saying. I'm awaiting arrival of a blue wd1680, a step ahead of Pagani hopefully. I did pick up a PD1692 last year (Air King) and it hasn't stopped laughing at my 30yo Rolex..
I actually prefer the shark on the crown for San Martin :) I wish San Martin would put their shield on the bracelet and dial and leave the shark on the crown. Based on your video I just placed an order for a MilSub model. For the price the quality looks great!
Awesome review! I was very unlucky with mine. I had it a few days, and sent it back. Very disappointed in the quality of the bracelet. The edges are too sharp. The clasp is not bad, but those push buttons are jingly rattily, and makes it feel kind of cheap, and the edges of the clasp are razor sharp. One of the top links that do not have the push pins to adjust, was left unfinished on one side, so a hole is there to see the inside of the link… and guess what? The links are NOT solid, but hollow all in the inside of the link. They made a huge mistake of not completing the side of the link, exposing the inside, and that’s what contributed to the bracelet feeling light and cheap. Maybe the bottom links are solid, but most definitely not the top links. The caseback feels like a thin tin can when you tap it with your fingernail, so I question the 300m water resistance. The bezel did not align on mine. Crown is too long. Lume is good, magnification is good. I just received the new version of the Steeldive 1953, and it’s hands down MUCH MUCH better quality than the Watchdives. The caseback is solid, thick, bubbled, comfortable and nicely done, along with holes for standard caseback opening tools. The bezel action is solid like a good Seiko bezel, and doesn’t feel like it drags on a chalkboard like the warchdive’s bezel. The clasp feels very solid, with six holes, push buttons don’t rattle, and with the extra fold clasp security. The crown is not ridiculously long like the Watchdives version. The bracelet feels heavier, and much better made. The dial looks better made too. These two watches might have a slight resemblance, but the Steeldive most definitely pulls away from the Watchdives. Lume is the same. This is just my take from owning both. Keep up the great reviews!!
Thank you! From the very first minute I see that the watch is very cool and in general, sd1953 happened in such a way that it is even better than sn017-g v3 Cool watch! I looked at the price of $ 99, very, very attractive value! Super! The bezel is all lume, the bead on the triangle is bigger and more beautiful! 300m like the original, clasp on the bracelet like sn017, but much more adjustments! You will say - why are you listing what is already in the review, I will say that I'm just impressed! You took the best and made it very low! How good is the bezel? No backlash? Same as sn017-g?
The bezel action is excellent Samet. No lateral side-to-side play, no back play, perfect alignment. The resistance is heavier than the PD-1661, lighter than the SN017-G. The 120 clicks feel finer than the SN017-G. I prefer the bezel action to the PD-1661 which feels too light. Regards, #WR4K
@@watchreviews4k Aww bummer would love to hear your thoughts regarding the fact that PD made an homage to an already relatively affordable watch and if it is even worth to get the homage.
Hello, what is the best homage watch brand? I recently ordered PD-1661, still waiting delivery. I'm scared i made maybe a mistake. As i heard from your videos, pd-1661 is great but lume sux. Does steeldive made better option by adding super-luminova or pd is better quality? What's your opinion, what is the best option?
"what is the best homage watch brand?" This depends on price. Under 600 Euro its the Steinhart Ocean One. Under 300 Euro its The San Martin SN017-G. Under 100 Euro its this WD1680. "Does steeldive made better option by adding super-luminova or pd is better quality?" The SD1953 has better lume than the PD-1661. However the PD-1661 has a better bracelet as it uses screw pins, rather than push pins. "What's your opinion, what is the best option? The WD1680 is the best option compared to the SD1953, and PD-1661. Regards, #WR4K
I'm sure you heard this a lot but still. If you had to choose between this one or the Steeldive, or even the Addiesdive one which one would to pick? Thanks! and Merry Christmas.
@@watchreviews4k Thanks for your answer I really appreciate it! I can't decide yet I'm between this one, the Captain Willard one and the Vintage Addiesdive piece (like the bond one) but this last one sadly has to short dials hands and it's kinda a let down for me 😅
Hey , What is the quality difference between this one or a san martin SN 0017 V3 /SN 0019 regards the price 🕵️♂️😎💎👍🏻 Which one do you pick ?? San martin or this ?? If 💰price was no issue Thkx
Thank you for letting me know the link wasn't working. See link below. Regards, #WR4K watchdives.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/watchdives-wd1680-watch
One thing I noticed right off the bat, was that the finishing on the bracelet links and end link were not crisp, and slightly rounded on the edges in the joint area, if you know what I mean? Other then that, it's a nice time piece for the money!
Just received this watch. When rotating the crown, should it feel and sound like gears moving? Or should it be 100% smooth with no sound? First time with a mechanism like this and trying to figure out if it's damaged or it's normal lol
Hi bud Will you be reviewing the quarzt version of this . I must say the indexs dont look as white as the bezel ones. Is this the case in real life or just on video. Cheers👍
Question for you, since you mention that this watch comes with a very long bracelet. Are there enough removable links to shorten this bracelet to fit my 6.25"/16cm wrist? If my eyes don't deceive me when you're holding the watch sideways, there are only two more removable links on each side of the clasp. I'm not sure that'll be enough, considering you have an 8" wrist.
I had to come back to this because I just got mine in and I cannot believe this is only $99. its better looking in hand than it does on the web. the bezel is black but in lower light, it sometimes looks gunmetal with certain reflections.
This looks great but I’m surprised that you didn’t have any criticism for differences in color between the numbers on the insert , the hands and the indices
Hi, thanks for the content. Do you know if I could franken the WD1680 milsub with the SN006 (YN55/NH35A version) case or alternatively with the Cronos Sub (NH35A) no date case? I would love to see the WD1680 milsub's dial, hands and bezel in the SN006 or Cronos case. Many thanks!
The SN006-G parts aren't compatible with the WD1680. You could use the L6015, as the bezel insert, movement, dial, and hands, would be interchangeable. Regards, #WR4K
@@watchreviews4k Hi, I'm sorry to bother you again with the same topic but was wondering if the WD1680's parts would be also interchangeable with the Steeldive SD1953? Are these having the same crown diameter? I appreciate your a busy person but I would love your comment on this. Many thanks!
I just got my new one that I purchased from the store in the United States. I paid less than one hundred dollars for the watch. I can't believe the quality of this piece. Now I need to remove two links on both sides so it will fit my wrist.
Merry Christmas to everyone! 🎅🎄 I received my gift and finally opened it tonight. I wanted to give you a quick feedback which, I hope, will help some people decide to buy this piece. As explained in the review, I received it in its new, solid, efficient black plastic box. In addition to the watch I received a black nato strap, why not, it's a plus that I will use on another watch! For the price this piece is simply amazing. Well above what pagani design does with its 1661 model on all aspects in my opinion... The bgw9 lume is simply fantastic, the blue AR does work well, the bracelet is much more qualitative without sharp edges and the clasp allows a perfect adjustment to the wrist. But what struck me the most in terms of difference was the handling of the movement, which is identical on both models (NH35a). It is so pleasant to use it! As a certain youtuber would say : Absolutely silky smooth! I do not regret this purchase and I already know that I will take a great pleasure by wearing this piece. Thank you @WatchReviews4K ❤️
@@memez0fh423 Hi ! I ordered my watch right after the video review and received it on December 21, took standard delivery and paid €5 for delivery to France. About 2 weeks for the delivery so absolutely no problem for me. After 1 month on the wrist I am completely in love with. I hope you will be too !
