The BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver

While we love a complicated chronograph rattrapante watch as much as the next watch enthusiast, that’s not where most of us start this passion. We fully realize that, even though we focus on high-end watchmaking, we would be fools to ignore watches geared towards more budget-conscious enthusiasts. With that in mind, and considering that we introduced the BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver as a value proposition before, we decided to get a hands-on look at what’s what.

Our contributor, Erik, already explained the background of the story and how the founder of BND sold his collection to pursue a watch brand of his own. Now, with the watch in our hands, we want to find out if it lives up to our expectations? Is it any good, and should you consider it if you’re in the market for such a watch? Read on and find out.

Taking inspiration from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, the BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver is pretty much exactly what the name suggests. A retro design, in a rather welcoming size, combining both vintage and contemporary elements. The 39.5mm stainless steel case, which is 11.3mm tall, fits right in between the larger dimensions we see today, and proper vintage sizes. And that’s not a bad thing, as this size will fit most wrists perfectly well. Instead of a bezel insert, the bezel matches the case material, and the timing scale is engraved directly, giving the watch a robust, tool-like look.

You have the option of a black, dark blue, or brown dial. Regardless of which, the indices and other markings are treated with Old Radium Super-LumiNova. The dial is crisp and very legible due to the minimal amount of markings and the contrasting colours. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands and the red-tipped seconds hand blend in well with the rest of the watch.

BND Watches has fitted the Neo-Vintage Diver with the Seiko NH35 automatic movement. This is a choice we see many microbrands take, and for obvious reasons. It is affordable, works very well, is easily serviced, and is available. The movement has 24 jewels, runs at a frequency of 21,600vph, and has an acceptable 41 hours of power reserve. The standard rate for this movement is -20/+40 seconds per day, which would be a let-down, but it has been regulated to a more acceptable -5/+20 seconds per day. The movement has been stripped of its date function, but still has the setting position in the crown stem.

With its price of  EUR 396 (incl. taxes), BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver provides decent value for money. All colours are limited to 150 pieces and come with two NATO-style straps: one in sand, and one matching the dial.

To come to quite a simple conclusion, the BND Watches Neo-Vintage Diver is a down-to-earth, attractive watch at a very reasonable price. We applaud the effort put into this watch, as it’s a fun, cool piece for people on a budget, or those looking for a no-nonsense watch with a cool vintage vibe.

For more information, please visit BND-watches.com.