The polished, lume-filled baton hands are the right choice to go with the applied hour markers and the rest of the dial. Again, Genta comes to mind, as both hands pinch toward the base, similar to both the Royal Oak and Nautilus. My one issue is that when the hour hand lines up with hour markers, because they’re similar size and shape, they tend to blend together. A small gap, achieved by shortening the hour hand, would provide a bit of space and avoid the issue altogether.

Movement

The Dark Seal is powered by a Miyota 9039 automatic movement, the no-date version of the tried and true Miyota 9015. It’s a reliable movement with 28.8kbph, 24 jewels, and a 42-hour power reserve. The advantage to the 9039 is that it removes the “ghost date” setting when operating the crown, something one often finds on no-date watches using the Miyota 9015 or ETA 2824-2. In other words, unless those movements are modified, the crown will stop in the second position where a date would normally be set before being pulled out to the third position for changing the time.

Some might prefer to see a Swiss-made ETA or Sellita movement, but given the $580 price point, I’m happy to see this movement rather than a heftier price tag. True, some other microbrands do offer Swiss movements at this price point, but I’m not much of a movement (or Swiss-made) snob. Miyota movements are proven, comparable alternatives, and I see the main value in this piece coming from the design and casework.

Straps and accessories

My review version came on a two-stitch black leather strap, but buyers have the choice of two leather or nylon bands. We all love options, and being able to choose a couple of straps to go with the watch you order is a nice way to add personalization. The aged black leather of the strap I received works well with the matte black dial and is extremely soft, requiring no break-in time. The clasp is high-quality (not stamped) and signed with the Seals logo. With those orange highlights, an olive or Army green NATO would be an excellent match. That said, Seals Watch Co. produced a bracelet on the Model A and I’d love to see the option of a three-link or H-link bracelet on this watch to complete the package.

The purchase of a Dark Seal also includes your choice of a canvas watch roll or a microfiber travel roll. This is an approach I wish more brands would take — I do not need another watch box. Period. Travel case options are a functional alternative and one that I was happy to see. However, if I’m being perfectly honest, I’d prefer the industry to move toward no box being the default, with an additional charge for a box or travel roll for those so inclined. (Blasphemy, I know). I’ll get off my soapbox now, but packaging waste is one of my pet peeves.

Final Thoughts

After wearing this watch over the past couple months, my take is that Seals got the formula right: This is a solid, affordable take on a go-anywhere-do-anything watch. The casework and that lovely bezel are standouts, but the whole package comes together harmoniously, which is the real challenge in creating a piece like this. Though the versatility of this watch is one of its most defining features, a bracelet option would only increase the Dark Seal’s versatility and, in my humble opinion, look fantastic.

If we consider alternatives, the Halios Seaforth immediately comes to mind. The Seaforth comes in a wider range of colorways and houses an ETA movement, but it’s also an extra $110 (if you can get your hands on one). Other, more expensive, alternatives include the Sinn 556i, Christopher Ward C65 Classic Trident MKII, or the Longines Conquest, to name a few. The Dark Seal is in good company, but available at an attractive price-point, and it has details like the Genta-esque broad bezel, mix of brushed and polished surfaces, and color pops that give it a personality all its own. But more important than absolute value is whether or not the watch resonates with you. It certainly does with me.

Necessary Data
>Brand: Seals Watch Co.
>Model: Dark Seal Fixed Bezel
>Price: $580 USD
>Size: 40 mm-wide, 12.4 mm-thick, 20mm lugs, and 48mm lug-to-lug distance.
>When reviewer would personally wear it: Anytime (see below).
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone looking for a dressy sport watch that won’t break the bank. This would also be a great watch for someone new to the world of automatic watches looking for a fun watch they can wear day-in and day-out.
>Best characteristic of watch: It’s an ideal grab-and-go that fits nicely in most situations and the pops of orange add a fun bit of personality. Plus, that lovely bezel…
>Worst characteristic of watch: The hour hand is a bit long and blends with the hour marker.