Bang For The Buck - SWC's Automatic Diver 300m.

Now, I don't like to throw this term around too often, but stick with me here, because this may very well be a game changer.

Cast your mind back to my previous articles featuring the legendary Seiko dive series and you will, hopefully, have noticed the running theme. Watches, mostly automatics, that pack a serious punch without breaking the bank. Honestly, even if I had hundreds of thousands of dollars to throw around, which sadly I don't, I'd still be looking for the very best value at each price point.

That's where the SWC (The Swiss Watch Company) Automatic Diver comes in to play.

---

In the field of horology the term Swiss Made is synonymous with quality, acclaimed for precision and pedigree, conjuring images of the greats; Rolex, Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, Longines, Omega, the list goes on. And rightly so, these manufactures have earned the right to be considered the finest watch-makers in the world through innovation and excellence. All things considered, it's pretty understandable to find some of these brands on the higher tiers of the price spectrum, after all you get what you pay for.

How about this then, a taste of Swiss excellence, without the daunting price tag. Tempting? Very.

---

Let's take a look at the specs, which you can find on the website: www.swcusa.com

- SW 200 Swiss Made Automatic movement with 28800 A/h (4Hz)

- 26 jewels

- 316 L solid stainless steel case

- 120 step uni-directional divers bezel

- Ceramic diver bezel ring

- Oil pressed case back

- Sapphire crystal

- 5x Anti reflective coating

- 30 ATM / 1000 ft water resistant

- Swiss Made Super luminova indexes

- Solid 3 link 316 l stainless steel bracelet

- Capsa pins

- Solid integrated divers buckle

---

A comparison then, to introduce some perspective. Take for example the Tag Aquaracer Calibre 5. Don’t get me wrong it’s a fantastic watch, fine-brushed and polished steel case, engraved ceramic bezel, 300m water resistance rating, sapphire crystal, Swiss automatic movement, I could go on. It’s a serious piece of kit, not to mention being, in my opinion, one of the best looking dive watches on the market. Ultimately, this watch is worth every penny of the two and a half thousand dollar price tag.

But, here’s where it gets interesting, the aforementioned game changer if you like. Take a look for yourself, the basic DNA of these two watches are the same; sapphire crystal check, stainless case check, 300m resistance check, ceramic bezel check, Swiss movement check, I think you see where I'm going with this. What SWC have achieved is to manufacture a watch that, on the face of it, could make your wallet a couple of thousand dollars lighter. Forget about it, you can drop that by 75% and then you're in the ball park. These will be going on sale for just shy of $400.

---

If a timepiece has ever had Bang For The Buck, it’s sure as hell this one.

My advice, keep an eye on these guys, they're going places.

The Urchin Report.