The history of dive watches date back to 1950s, when Blancpain and Rolex came up with the Fifty Fathoms and the Submariner respectively. These are not just mere devices that tell time; they are tool watches that provide information to assist people in carrying out their work. They were also immensely popular, due to their robustness and utilitarianism.
Many decades later, tool watches are still very well-sought after by people. No, it is not because they require it for the purpose of say, diving. Rather, people like its sporty looks, as well as the fact that they are very well-made pieces. The moVas Oceaner 1 is no different either; it is rather handsome, and it feels very sturdy.
Up to this point, some folks may be scratching their heads since many may not be aware about moVas. moVas is actually a watch company based in Singapore, and their watches are designed, assembled, and regulated locally. There are several collections, of which the Oceaner is the latest to enter the foray.
The Movas Oceaner 1. On the first impression, the watch looks really solid and formidable.
The Watch
The Oceaner comes with metal bracelet and rubber strap. The packaging, as shown in the background, is done tastefully too.
When we first saw the watch, we were rather impressed. The watch, as mentioned, looks very well-built. Holding the watch confirms what we have thought: it was rather heavy and it feels very tough. It was literally built like a tank. I mean, you could use it to throw at someone’s head and they will probably suffer from some sort of concussion. That shows how tough this watch is. For a tool watch, this is already scoring plenty of points here.
We like the way the watch case is shaped- it reminds us of the Nautilus and the Omega Speedmaster TV Screen. At 49mm wide and 15mm thick, the Oceaner 1 is definitely a very big watch with a great wrist presence. While it feels rather comfortable on our wrists, collectors with a small wrist may find it a little too large and cumbersome.
The watch also features two crowns, at both the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock position of the watch. The former is to adjust the time, day, and date. The latter, on the other hand, is used to adjust the internal bezel. Additionally, this gives the watch a rather symmetrical look as well.
The Movement
The caseback of the Oceaner 1. The watch is powered by a Seagull movement, and moVas had done some modifications on the movement.
The Oceaner 1 is powered by Seagull’s Calibre 2100, an automatic movement that features a day and a date display. Interestingly, moVas did some tweaking on the base movement. They had substituted the original rotor for a skeletonized PVD rotor, as well as “perlaging” the main plates on the movement. Additionally, it also features an anti-shock protection system on the balance wheel as well.
One interesting feature to point out would be the day wheel. On top of the English day display, it also comes with the Chinese one. So, the user can have the preference to choose to use either the Chinese or English version simply by adjusting the crown.
Our Thoughts
The bracelet on the Oceaner 1, which features the divers’ extension function.
Having spent some time with the Oceaner 1, we feel that it is actually quite a decent timepiece. Granted, the size of the watch may not be suitable for some, but the robustness is second to none. The watch felt solid, and we would not hesitate in bring it out for some vigorous activities if the occasion arises.
We also like how moVas provided us with both the stainless steel bracelet and a rubber strap. We do prefer the rubber strap, as it makes the watch less hefty as compared to the other option. By implementing the use of screwed-in spring bars also made it much easier to switch between the various options as well.
Certainly, this may not be the best tool watches in the market. However, when it comes to value proposition, the Oceaner 1 is definitely one of the better value-for-money pieces out there. At $1350 (local pickup in Singapore) or USD$1115 (international price, including shipping), you will be paying for a decent and solid tool watch.
Specifications from Press Release
moVas Oceaner 1
Case: 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel with multi- finishing (tri-toned), shot peened, brushed and polished. Case is 43mm across excluding crown guards, 49mm with both crown guard. 48mm lug hole- lug hole. 15mm height to top of bezel/ 16mm height including domed sapphire.
Caseback: Exhibition caseback in 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel and 3mm thick colourless sapphire with deep etching, shot peened recessed surface and polished raised numerals/ characters. Numbered 01-50. 12 sloted.
Crown: 9H screwdown crown to set internal bezel. 3H screwdown crown to set time and day/ date. First click to set day (clockwise) and date (anti-clockwise). Second click to set time.
Bezel: Unidirectional, 60 clicks with C1 Superluminova.
Glass: 3mm thick double domed american sourced scratch resistant colourless sapphire. Single Anti Reflective coating applied internally. 3mm thick flat american sourced scratch resistant colourless sapphire for caseback.
Movement: Produced by Tianjin Seagull Watch Co. Ltd. Caliber 2100. 26 Jewels, beating at 28800bpm, 45H Power Reserve, featuring customised date disc at 6H, customised day disc at 3H. Day disc in English and Chinese characters. Customised skeleton rotor in black PVD and signed. Main plates perlaged. Antishock protection system on balance wheel. Hackable.
Dial: Deep sandwich dial in matt black, with white printing. C3 Superluminova lume on bottom layer of sandwich dial.
Hands: Brass hands plated silver and brushed with C3 Superluminova lume.
Strap/ Bracelet: Bracelet which has been brushed to match the case finishing is provided. ALL Links are removable with screwdriver for length adjustment. Black anti-static Nitrite rubber strap compatible with diver’s deployant and tang buckle also provided. Watch accepts 24mm wide straps.
Buckle: Double locking diver’s buckle with diving suit extension is provided with the bracelet, brushed surface to match finishing on the case and bracelet. Strap/ bracelet connected via micro-adjustable springbar holes. Deep engraved logo on sides. Also included is an additional Tang buckle with ‘V’ logo cutout, and “moVas” deep engraved on sides.
Water Resistance: 30atm.
Power Reserve: 45 hours, fully wound.
Warranty: 2 year.
