Steeldive SD1976 Automatic 1000m Dive Watch

Steeldive. Is this watch brand worth looking into or not? In this review I will dive into this really interesting watch and see how it performs, holds up and what my thoughts are. Before we deep dive into this, let me mention what my initial thoughts are around this interesting and budget friendly time-piece.

I really like this watch and find the design to be quite unique from the sort of watch that I would traditionally wear. I have been wearing this watch for the last week and it has been working flawlessly.

Ive not had to wind up in the mornings, I put it on my wrist and hit the road. No issues at all. My opinion is that it is great value for money.

Now let’s dive into the detail.

The Steeldive SD1976 “Puck” in sunburst blue is a robust homage to professional dive watches, offering impressive specifications at an accessible price point.

🛠️ Specifications & Build Quality

Movement: Equipped with the reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement, featuring hacking and hand-winding capabilities, 24 jewels, and a 41-hour power reserve.
Case: Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case measures 46mm in diameter and 13.8mm in thickness, offering a substantial wrist presence.
Crystal: Features a double-domed sapphire crystal with an inner anti-reflective blue coating, enhancing legibility and scratch resistance.
Bezel: The 120-click unidirectional ceramic bezel provides precise timing functionality, essential for divers.
Water Resistance: Boasts an impressive 1000m (100 ATM) water resistance, suitable for professional diving activities.
Lume: Utilizes Swiss Super-Luminova BGW9, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
Straps: Available with both stainless steel and rubber straps, catering to different preferences and occasions.

🎨 Design & Aesthetics

The sunburst blue dial of the SD1976 offers a vibrant and dynamic appearance, changing hues under different lighting conditions. The watch’s design is inspired by the Halios Puck model, featuring a bold and distinctive look that stands out on the wrist.

🧭 Performance & Accuracy

The Seiko NH35 movement is known for its reliability and accuracy. Users have reported timekeeping within a few seconds per day, which is commendable for a watch in this price range.

📦 Packaging & Accessories

The SD1976 comes in a sturdy presentation box and includes a warranty card. Some retailers also provide additional accessories, such as a spare rubber strap, extra pins, and a pin removal tool, enhancing the overall value.

✅ Pros

Exceptional Value: Offers high-end features like sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, and significant water resistance at an affordable price.
Robust Build: The 316L stainless steel case and quality construction ensure durability.
Versatile Design: The sunburst blue dial and overall aesthetics make it suitable for both diving and daily wear.

❌ Cons

Size: At 46mm, the watch may be too large for individuals with smaller wrists, however this is not an issue for me as I have fairly large wrists.
Quality Control: Some users have reported minor issues like misaligned batons or lume inconsistencies.

🏁 Final Verdict

The Steeldive SD1976 “Puck” in sunburst blue is a compelling choice for those seeking a professional-grade dive watch without breaking the bank. Its combination of robust features, reliable movement, and striking design make it a standout in its category.