As a watch reviewer and journalist working in this field for many years, I approach reviewing new watches from a relatively unknown startup brand with curiosity, but sometimes with caution.
While some watch publications are currently reviewing the 300th Speedmaster, today on WatchTested we will be reviewing the Marine M001-07 model from Nove watches.
We receive many review requests from small brands trying to attract watch enthusiasts to their brand, and therefore we must carefully choose those whom we believe are authentic in their approach. Fortunately, after unboxing the Marine, I feel we've made the right decision. Today we have the version with a black dial, and at first glance and a quick review of the technical specifications, we discover several truly elegant and unique design features.
First Look at the Watch
As watch enthusiasts, we all know that the first time handling a watch tells us a lot, even without a long examination of the dial and watch details. The feel of the edges, the weight, the texture of the bezel - these are just a few instant signals about the watch's quality. The Marine M001-07 surprised me with the polishing of the case and what can be described as laser-cut angles around the case and lugs. The weight, while not excessive, was quite in line with what one would expect from a diver watch of this size. Perhaps they seemed a bit lighter than usual for divers, but after further examining the case thickness and the overall compactness of the watch, it became clear.
Design and Features
Nove has come out with a rather innovative design. If the new release of the Oris Aquis Date looks restrained and commonplace, then Nove takes the opposite approach, which is especially noticeable in the use of an octagonal compressor-style case. Another design feature is the sharply curved thick lugs angled downward at 90 degrees. In addition to the unique design, Nove has used twin crowns, which at first glance create the impression of compressor diver watches. In fact, as I found out, the compressor function is absent, and the twin crowns are used for setting the time and rotating the internal bezel.
The bezel initially seemed ceramic, I think because of the black inky surface, but in fact, it is 316L steel, as are all other parts of the watch. While ceramic might have provided a slightly lower overall weight, I feel that this material is used too often nowadays, and I welcome the use of steel here. The external bezel also has very neat markers. Departing from mimicking other brands using an external countdown scale, the Marine is equipped with larger, easily readable markers.
The color combinations on the version presented here are easy on the eyes: a red lollipop-style second hand (rectangular) matches the 'Automatic' inscription at the 6 o'clock position. As I sit here looking at the watch, the Super-LumiNova C3 luminescent coating is stunningly bright, and it seems generously applied to the inner and outer bezel, as well as all three hands. Speaking of the hands, the minute and hour hands are absolutely massive - in a good way. Both are equally wide and have a classic sword shape. They are very readable and create a sporty look, as a diving watch should.
Sellita Movement
The movement in the Marine is the tried and trusted Sellita SW200 caliber. The Nove website states that the power reserve is 41 hours, but I assume they are mistaken, as the official power reserve for this movement is 38 hours, and I have not checked it myself.
In fact, this movement looks quite attractive, and despite the Marine's diving watch design, Nove decided to equip it with a display case back. It's a fun touch, but I wonder if it reduces the real capabilities for measuring water pressure during prolonged use. Another interesting fact about the SW200 is its very thin profile (4.6 mm), which Nove has clearly taken advantage of, considering how thin they have managed to make the Marine model (13.05 mm).