all images © eBay EPN & Steeldive China unless stated otherwise
Steeldive watches summed up in a few words – exceptional quality usable dive watches at prices that will surprise most watch fans. All their watches are tested for water resistancy and built from modern, high quality components. ChronoDivers takes a deep dive into the Steeldive Dive Watch collection including a review of their key functions & features and where to buy a Steeldive watch.
Unlike many other homage watches you can swim and even scuba in a Steeldive watch. Most models are powered by reliable movements like the automatic NH35 (made by TMI / Seiko).
Are Steeldive FAKES?
No – Steeldive timepieces are generally designed as a tribute to some of the best and most famous dive watches. They are often, but not always influenced by iconic Seiko dive watches and other Swiss dive watches including the Omega Seamaster Diver’s watches. Importantly, they are NOT fake watches as they do not make any claim to be the original watch. These watches do NOT bear any of the original branded livery (logos etc). Just look at the spec below – that’s not what you’d find in a cheap copy watch. We have more Homage Watches here – a collection of Rolex, Omega and Blancpain tributes from Parnis, Bliger, Corgeut and Tandorio
Are Steeldive watches any good? absolutely yes. Their cases are manufactured from marine grade stainless steel – 316L. Most of their watches utilize proven automatic movements such as the Seiko NH34 and NH35 – reliable and accurate. All Steeldive timepieces feature scratch resistant sapphire glass.
Where are Steeldive watches made? as far as we can gather, the company responsible for this brand is the Guangzhou Qiin Watch Company in Guangdong, China.
Steeldive 1953 Rolex Submariner tribute
The SD1953 is Steeldive’s tribute to the classic Rolex Submariner. The Steeldive SD1953 comes in several colours including traditional black, “hulk” green and “smurf” blue. The one shown here is the Steeldive HULK with all green dial and bezel. For a tribute watch the SD1953’s specification reads like a that of a watch double it’s price. Marine grade 316L steel casing – Seiko NH35 automatic self winding movement, sapphire crystal and BGW9 lume.
SD1953 Submariner Homage Review
Introduction: Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of affordable homage watches with the Steeldive SD1953. This timepiece combines the timeless aesthetics of a vintage Submariner with the practicality and durability required for underwater adventures. Let’s take a closer look at this budget-friendly diver and see if it can hold its own in the crowded dive watch market.
Design and Build Quality: The Steeldive SD1953 immediately catches your eye with its classic dive watch design. It pays homage to the iconic Rolex Submariner, with its round stainless steel case, black dial, and Mercedes-style hands. The 40mm case size is just right, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The unidirectional rotating bezel has a ceramic insert, providing excellent scratch resistance and a satisfyingly smooth ratcheting action. The sapphire crystal is a welcome addition, ensuring that the watch face remains clear and scratch-free.
The build quality is surprisingly solid for a watch in this price range. The case feels sturdy, and the screw-down crown and case back contribute to the SD1953’s 300 meters (1,000 feet) water resistance, meeting the requirements of a true dive watch. The lume on the hands and hour markers is impressive, offering excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
SD1953 on Amazon 🛒
Amazon is a great place to get a Steeldive watch at a sensible price. We’ve selected a couple of Steeldive SD1953 (a tribute to the iconic Rolex Submariner) below:
STEELDIVE SD1953 Green Men’s Automatic Diver Watch, 300m Water Resista…
£128.60 (as of 30 November 2023 20:26 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Movement: The Steeldive SD1953 is powered by a Seiko NH35 automatic movement, a reliable workhorse known for its accuracy and robustness. While it’s not the most prestigious movement, it’s certainly dependable and easy to service. The presence of a hacking feature allows you to set the time precisely, and it has a power reserve of around 40 hours.
Comfort and Wearability: Thanks to its modest case size and versatile design, the SD1953 is comfortable to wear daily. The stainless steel bracelet is well-made, with solid end links and a secure clasp. The micro-adjustment feature on the clasp ensures you can achieve a perfect fit for your wrist.
Value for Money: One of the standout features of the Steeldive SD1953 is its exceptional value for money. It offers the classic aesthetics and functionality of a dive watch at a fraction of the price of its high-end counterparts. While it may lack the prestige and advanced features of luxury dive watches, it more than makes up for it with its affordability.
Conclusion: The Steeldive SD1953 is a budget-friendly dive watch that impresses with its classic design, robust build quality, and dependable movement. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable yet stylish dive watch that can handle underwater adventures with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply a watch enthusiast, the SD1953 offers a compelling package that won’t break the bank. This watch serves as a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a reliable and good-looking dive watch.
All Steeldive Watches on Amazon 🔍
For Steeldive watches in the UK there is one standout seller on Amazon – NH35 Watches. We have recommended this seller since 2020 and continue to do so. Click the button below to browse all the Steeldive watches held in UK stock from this reputable seller. This is a direct link to Amazon to show only Steeldive watches from this trusted seller.
New & Used Steeldive on eBay 🛒
A small selection of new and pre-owned Steeldive watches discovered on eBay in the last couple of days. Some of these sellers may be located OUTSIDE the UK (location is shown in the listing) – HOWEVER – they all despatch their watches to the UK.
Steeldive SD1983, DS-3, NH35, AR Sapphire, Lume, 1000m Diver, Orange, Rubber. This watch is available now for £208.07. The seller is located in AU. The condition of this Divers Watch has been listed as New with tags. This watch is…
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Steeldive SD1970 ‘Captain Willard’ 6105 Automatic Homage Diver Watch Seiko NH35. This watch is available now for £87.99. The seller is located in GB. The condition of this Divers Watch has been listed as New with tags.…
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Steeldive SD1969, V3, Black Rubber, NH35, AR Sapphire, Lume,1200m Diving,BNIB. This watch is available now for £320.88. The seller is located in AU. The condition of this Divers Watch has been listed as New with tags. This watch i…
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Steeldive SD1953 Sky Blue Homage Seiko NH35 Automatic Dive Watch UK. This watch is available now for £94.99. The seller is located in GB. The condition of this Divers Watch has been listed as New with tags. This watch is being sol…
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Steeldive SD1984, Monster, Yellow, NH36, Sapphire, Lume, Rubber, 200m Diver,BNIB. This watch is available now for £157.10. The seller is located in AU. The condition of this Divers Watch has been listed as New with tags. This watc…
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2022 Steeldive Black SD1980 44mm Turtle Watch, NH35 Auto Black Rubber 200m WR. This watch is available now for £99.00. The seller is located in GB. The condition of this Divers Watch has been listed as New with tags. This watch is…
Read MoreClick the button below to browse ALL the Steeldive watches available today
*ChronoDivers are affiliated to the EPN (eBay Partners Network). The website owner may earn commission on resulting sales
Steeldive 1975 Seiko Tuna Homage
Another very popular model from Steeldive is their bomb-proof, deep diving SD1975 – a clear tribute to the iconic Seiko Tuna. The original Tuna dive watch was made famous in the 1970’s due to it’s innovative solution to a common deep-dive watch problem- the ingress of helium gas in to the watch. Instead of installing a helium escape valve as found in watches like the Rolex Sea-Dweller and Omega Planet Ocean – Seiko solved the problem with an external “helium proof” gasket. It’s this gasket that makes the Steeldive SD1975 instantly recognizable as a Seiko Tuna Homage.
There are several models in the SD 1975 range. The all black SD 9175 5 link Tuna is very popular. Another new model that stands out from the rest is the vintage styled SD1975V with a tropical patina on the luminous indexes. This false aging gives the impression it’s been around for several decades.
Both watches are constructed from a 316L marine grade steel case with an AV coated sapphire crystal, 120 click uni-directional bezel and Japanese Seiko NH35A automatic self-winding movement. All models are certified water resistant to 300m with some models such as the Steeldive SD1978 Emperor Tuna rated to a whopping 1000m
Review of the SD1975 Tuna Tribute
Introduction: Today, we’re exploring the Steeldive SD1975, a dive watch that pays homage to the classic design of vintage divers. If you’re a fan of the timeless aesthetic of old-school dive watches and are on the hunt for an affordable timepiece that combines nostalgia with modern functionality, the SD1975 might just be the one. Let’s dive into the details of this retro-inspired beauty.
Design and Build Quality: The Steeldive SD1975 instantly captivates with its vintage charm. It draws inspiration from iconic dive watches of the 1970s, with its cushion-shaped stainless steel case, bold lume markers, and a striking red and blue “Pepsi” bezel. The 44mm case size might seem a bit large, but it’s in line with the bold and chunky aesthetics of vintage divers. The unidirectional rotating bezel, though not ceramic, exudes a robust feel and provides a satisfying click during use. The sapphire crystal ensures scratch resistance and clarity.
The build quality of the SD1975 is commendable. The case is solid, and the screw-down crown and case back contribute to its impressive 300 meters (1,000 feet) water resistance, which is a must for a true dive watch. The lume on the hands and markers is generous and glows brightly in low-light conditions, ensuring readability even in the depths of the ocean.
SD1975 on Amazon 🛒
Steeldive SD1975, Tuna, NH35, AR Sapphire, Lume, Orange, 300m Diving,2…
£180.00 (as of 30 November 2023 12:09 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Steeldive SD1970S, 6105 Turtle Captain Willard, V2, NH35, Sapphire, Di…
£190.00 (as of 30 November 2023 12:09 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Movement: Under the hood, the Steeldive SD1975 is powered by a reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement. While not a haute horology movement, the NH35 is known for its accuracy and durability. It features hacking and hand-winding capabilities, making it practical for everyday use, and boasts a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
Comfort and Wearability: Despite its larger case size, the SD1975 is surprisingly comfortable to wear. The stainless steel bracelet complements the watch’s vintage aesthetics, with solid end links and a secure clasp. The bracelet’s links are well-designed, allowing for an easy fit adjustment. If the bracelet isn’t your style, the SD1975 comes with a comfortable rubber strap that’s ideal for aquatic adventures.
Value for Money: The Steeldive SD1975 offers fantastic value for money, especially if you’re seeking a vintage-inspired dive watch without the steep price tag. It successfully captures the essence of classic 1970s divers and combines it with modern functionality. While it may lack some of the high-end features found in luxury timepieces, it compensates with affordability and an appealing design.
Conclusion: The Steeldive SD1975 is a delightful nod to the golden age of dive watches. It marries vintage aesthetics with modern construction, making it a compelling choice for watch enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re a diver or simply a fan of classic design, the SD1975 is an affordable option that embraces the enduring appeal of vintage divers. It proves that you can have the best of both worlds – a stylish, reliable dive watch without breaking the bank. Dive into the past with the Steeldive SD1975 on your wrist and enjoy its retro charm.
Steeldive SD1970 Willard Turtle Tribute
Possibly the most popular watch in the Steeldive collection. This is their version of the classic Seiko Turtle as worn by Martin Sheen in the movie “Apocalypse Now“. The Steeldive Turtle features a smooth, shell like case with rounded lugs. The Steeldive SD1970 is a mid-sized dive watch that looks right both on the beach and in the office.
As with all Steeldive timepieces it features quality marine grade components and inside it’s powered by the Japanese NH35A self-winding movement. If you’re in the market for a dive watch made famous in patrolling the Vietnam rivers – look no further than this Steeldive Captain Willard tribute.
Amazon is a great place to get a Steeldive watch at a sensible price. We’ve selected a couple of Steeldive SD1970 (Seiko Turtle tribute watches) below:
Review of the SD1970 Willard Homage
Introduction: In the world of dive watches, the Steeldive SD1970 is a fascinating timepiece that takes us on a nostalgic journey back to the 1970s. This vintage-inspired diver channels the spirit of classic underwater timekeepers while maintaining modern functionality. Join me as I explore the Steeldive SD1970 (aka the Captain WIllard) to see if it’s more than just a blast from the past.
Design and Build Quality: The SD1970’s design is an immediate throwback to the vintage dive watches of yesteryears. Its cushion-shaped stainless steel case, iconic Pepsi bezel, and bold markers all pay homage to the 1970s era. The 40mm case strikes a balance between retro charm and modern wearability. The unidirectional bezel, although not ceramic, exudes a tactile and reliable feel. A sapphire crystal adds durability and scratch resistance.
Build quality is commendable. The watch’s robust case, screw-down crown, and case back ensure a water resistance of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet), meeting the criteria for a true dive watch. The luminous markers and hands provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
SD1970 on Amazon 🛒
London Craftwork SD1970 Steeldive Captain Willard 6105 Automatic Diver…
£114.99 (as of 30 November 2023 15:09 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
STEELDIVE SD1970 Green Men’s Automatic Diver Watch, 200m Water Resista…
£119.99 (as of 30 November 2023 15:09 GMT +00:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Movement: Under the hood, the Steeldive SD1970 houses a Seiko NH35 automatic movement. While not a high-end movement, it’s known for its reliability and accuracy. With features like hacking and hand-winding, it’s a practical choice for everyday wear, and it boasts a power reserve of around 40 hours.
Comfort and Wearability: Despite its vintage-inspired design, the SD1970 is surprisingly comfortable to wear. The stainless steel bracelet is well-crafted, complete with solid end links and a secure clasp. The links on the bracelet offer a versatile fit adjustment. For those who prefer a more aquatic experience, it also comes with a comfortable rubber strap.
Value for Money: The Steeldive SD1970 offers incredible value for money, especially for those yearning for a vintage dive watch without the premium price tag. It effectively captures the essence of 1970s divers and blends it with modern-day reliability. While it may not have all the luxury features of high-end timepieces, it delivers affordability and an irresistible design.
Conclusion: The Steeldive SD1970 is a delightful return to the golden era of dive watches. Its vintage aesthetics and modern construction make it an attractive choice for watch enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re a diver or simply an admirer of classic design, the SD1970 proves that you can have a stylish, dependable dive watch without breaking the bank. It’s a tribute to the enduring charm of vintage divers and a wearable piece of history for your wrist. Dive into the past with the Steeldive SD1970, and experience the retro magic for yourself.
Steeldive SD1970 Specification
- Sapphire Crystal Glass
- NH35 Automatic Movement
- 120 Click Rotational Ceramic Bezel
- 200m Water Resistance
- Screwdown Crown
- Screwback Case
- 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Stainless Steel Strap and Extra Steeldive branded rubber strap included
- Hacking Movement
- C3 Luminova on the face
- BGW9 on the bezel
- Lug Width – 20mm
- Case Diameter – 44mm
- Lug to Lug – 46mm
- Case Thickness – 13.5mm
- Weight – 140g
- Hard Presentation Box and warranty card
Trusted Seller on Amazon 🎖️
For Steeldive watches in the UK there is one standout seller on Amazon – NH35 Watches. We have recommended this seller since 2020 and continue to do so. Click the button below to browse all the Steeldive watches held in UK stock from this reputable seller. This is a direct link to Amazon to show only Steeldive watches from this trusted seller.
Steeldive SD1969 – Ploprof Homage
The Steeldive SD1969 pays tribute to the highly innovative Omega Ploprof – “Plongeur Professional” – French for Professional Divers. A deep dive watch that broke records in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. The orange button on the side is a helium escape valve.
‘It may not look pretty on the surface, but deep down it’s beautiful.’- that’s genuinely how Omega described their deep diving masterpiece. The Steeldive PloProf is, believe it or not, like the Omega original, waterproof rated to a depth of 1,200m. Honestly? We don’t know, but that’s what it says on the spec sheet and we’ve not got a testing machine capable of testing beyond 200m! One thing is certain – it’s more than good enough for scuba, snorkeling, bathing etc.
Steeldive SD1969 Specification
- Sapphire Crystal Glass
- NH35 Automatic Movement
- Lockable Bi-Rotational Ceramic Bezel
- 1200m Water Resistance
- Screwdown Crown and Crown Guard
- Screwback Case
- 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Stainless Steel Sharkmesh strap fitted and free Rubber Strap also supplied
- Hacking Movement
- Helium Escape Valve
- C3 Luminova on the face
- Lug width – 22mm
- Case Diameter with crown- 56mm
- Lug to Lug – 46 mm
- Case Thickness – 13.8mm
- Weight – 250g
- Hard Presentation Box and warranty card
Dilema – a modern reliable homage watch or a vintage refurbished one
In our opinion it makes sense buying one of these watches over a 20 year old watch of unknown origin. Steeldive make a lovely homage to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. They also produce tribute watches to many of the most popular Seiko diver’s watches. This includes homages to the Seiko Tuna, Turtle and a very nice Seiko Captain Willard homage. That one reproducing the looks of the classic 1970’s 6105 Seiko Turtle. Other best sellers are the Steeldive SD1970 (Captain Willard), the SD1975J Kanagawa Wave (Seiko Tuna homage) and the Steeldive SD1952 MilSpec (Blancpain Fifty Fathoms tribute)
Steeldive Video Reviews
A couple of video reviews that illustrate the quality of this brand. The first is the Steeldive SD1953 Submariner homage and the Steeldive SD1970 Willard – the tribute to the Seiko Tuna
Steeldive SD1953 Video Review
The Watchdog reviews the SteelDive SD1953 and thinks it is an awesome watch for under $100 (Fun with Watches)
Steeldive SD1970 Turtle Video Review
Here are my thoughts on the Steeldive SD1970, a watch that is supposed to be the best bang for the buck from AliExpress, but is it? (Wes’ Watch Room)
The Best Value Automatic Diver’s Watch in the UK
Did you know we have our own brand of Automatic Dive Watches. ChronoDivers aim was to produce the best value for money divers watch in the UK. All our watches are powered by the Seiko NH35A automatic movement. They all feature sapphire crystal and most come with a ceramic bezel. Please click on a watch below or CLICK HERE to visit the ChronoDivers Watch Store.
“Branded” alternatives to Steeldive
There are two other brands that may appeal to customer’s looking at Steeldive products – Invicta and Orient. They are massively popular brands in Asia – known for their own quality and innovation, not simply “tribute” watches.
Invicta Divers Watches
The Invicta range of dive watches include the hugely popular Invicta Pro Diver and the 300m water resistant Invicta Grand Diver (both pictured below). Invicta Dive watches feature very good quality Japanese movements like the Miyota 8215 (Citizen owned) and the Seiko produced NH35 (automatic / hacking).
Orient Dive Watches
Orient watches are a wholly owned subsidiary company of Seiko Epson. All Orient dive watches use movements Made in Japan – in other words – great quality at a sensible price. The most popular from this brand are often referred to as the Orient Mako – a Rolex Submariner styled divers watch – and the Orient Kamasu. However, Orient themselves do NOT refer to these watches by those nicknames.
A final word of warning!
When you wear your Steeldive watch expect to be asked over and over – “where did you buy it? – I want one”
Further Reading & External Shopping Links
It’s simple, free and greatly appreciated if you can show your support for ChronoDivers. Just click on the shopping link below to browse the selection of Steeldive watches either on eBay or with our shopping partners (where available). You don’t need to buy anything – just click the link – thank you very much!
- eBay Filtered Selection – browse all the Steeldive watches on eBay
- Amazon Selection – browse all Steeldive watches from UK seller NH35
- Steeldive Worldwide : Global Website