Interestingly, the internals of this watch don’t come from ETA, but from Seiko. The Oceanis features the automatic 24-jewel hacking NH36a with a 40-hour power reserve and hacking seconds. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Seiko’s mechanical movements, and it is definitely a bit of a coup d’etat that Anstead was able to secure these movements from the Japanese giant (they don’t sell their movements to just anyone). Ultimately, this is a fantastic movement for a tool watch, keeps the costs down, and will be easily serviceable. Well played, Anstead.
As a whole, I can safely say that the Oceanis is worth more than the sum of its parts – particularly at its impressive price point of $399, and will likely become a welcome addition to the collection of many dive and tool watch cultists. But I do have a few small nitpicks, and one big one.
For starters, the crystal should fit flush against the bezel, if not being slightly recessed, to avoid damage. Sapphire crystals are tough as nails, but I’ve seen more than one damaged at the edges from taking a rough bang against a wall. Furthermore, although the brushing on the steel case is well done, I noticed a few small flaws towards the bottom of the lugs just beneath where the bezel sits, almost as if the tops of the lugs were brushed after the bezel was attached, which of course doesn’t make much sense. To be honest, I had to look really closely to see these imperfections, but they are there, and they bothered me.
My big complaint is simple: There is no need to have a day or date function on a serious diver’s watch. All that matters is counting the minutes, hours, and seconds that you’re using it underwater. Now, as I mentioned earlier, most of these probably won’t be getting serious field use, but Anstead’s entire marketing plan revolves around a “less is more” philosophy, and having a day/date function on their first timepiece seems to go against that. If I had to compromise, I would say a date function would be OK, but as is commonly said about divers: If you need to know what day it is underwater, you’re fucked. [Ed. Note: it is always Taco Tuesday somewhere…]
At the end of the day, this is a bomber watch with killer looks, great internals and an even better price point. I would personally wait for the next incarnation to see what Anstead has in store, but I’m sure that for many fans of inexpensive mechanical divers, this will become a must-have.
Necessary Data
>Brand: Anstead
>Model: Oceanis
>Price: $399
>Would reviewer personally wear it: No.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Wannabe Navy SEAL on a budget
>Worst characteristic of watch: There is absolutely no need for a day/date function on a serious tool watch.
>Best characteristic of watch: Sawtooth Bezel design.
