While we love complex watches with a rattrapante chronograph as much as any other watch enthusiast, most of us don't begin our passion there. We understand perfectly well that, despite specializing in high-class watches, we would be foolish to ignore watches intended for more budget-conscious enthusiasts. Given this, and since we have already presented the BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver as a value proposition, we decided to take a look at what it truly offers.
Our author, Eric, has already discussed the backstory of this tale and how he sold his collection to start his own watch brand. And here we are, with the watch in hand. Does it meet our expectations based on the previous story? Are they good, and should you consider them if you're in the market for such watches? Read on to find out.
Inspired by the fifties, sixties, and seventies, the BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver almost entirely lives up to its name. A retro design in a pretty convenient size, combining both vintage and modern elements. The stainless steel case measures 39.5mm in diameter and 11.3mm in height, sitting right between the larger sizes we see today and corresponding vintage sizes. And that's not a bad thing, as such a size will fit most wrists perfectly. A pleasing solution is that the bezel matches the case, and instead of a bezel insert, the time scale is engraved directly on it. This gives the watch a reliable, tool-like appearance.
You can choose from a black, dark blue, or brown dial. Regardless of the choice, the indices and other markers are done in Old Radium Super LumiNova color. The dial is clear and very legible thanks to the minimal number of markings and contrasting colors. The hour and minute hands in sword shape and the second hand with a red tip complement the rest of the watch well.
BND Watches equipped the Neo-Vintage Diver with an automatic Seiko NH35 movement. This is a choice of many microbrands, and for good reasons. It is affordable, performs very well, is easy to service, and above all, available. The movement has 24 jewels, operates at 21,600 beats per hour, and has a reasonable power reserve of 41 hours. The standard timekeeping for this movement is -20/+40 seconds per day, which would be disappointing, but it has been adjusted to a more acceptable -5/+20 seconds per day. The movement has been stripped of the date function but still has a setting position in the winding stem.
The BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver offers a decent value for money, priced at 396 euros, including taxes. All color variants are limited to 150 pieces and come with two NATO-style straps: one in sand color and another matching the dial.
The conclusion is quite simple: BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver is a grounded, attractive watch at a very reasonable price. We welcome the effort put into these watches, as they represent a fun, cool item for people on a budget or those looking for non-serious watches with a cool vintage vibe.
For more information, please visit BND-watches.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - BND WATCHES NEO-VINTAGE DIVER
Case: 39.5mm diameter x 11.3mm height - satin stainless steel - double domed plexiglass - closed back - rotating bezel in matte steel with vintage yellow time scale - crown with protection - 100m water resistance
Dial: black, blue, or brown dial - Super LumiNova Old Radium paint for indices - sword-style hour and minute hands with Super LumiNova - second hand with red triangular tip - printed logo and anchor
Movement: Seiko NH35A - automatic winding - 24 jewels - 21,600 bph (3 Hz) - 41h power reserve - hours, minutes, seconds, no date (removed)
Strap: NATO strap matching the dial with an additional sand-colored strap
Availability: Limited to 150 pieces per color
Price: 396 euros including taxes