Winfield Master Diver: Dive Watch Review

A Rugged and Reliable Option For The Unplugged Adventurer

In today's high tech world where everything seems to be beeping, buzzing, ringing, and radiating light you can take the first step toward simplicity. Embrace a leisurely approach to reliability and timeless class with an old-school automatic precision dive watch you can truly count on.

There is no need to worry about battery life, durability, or tracking when you're wearing an automatic watch. It simply does what it is intended to do, tell time. This frees the wearer up to focus on the task at hand.

The Winfield Master Diver Automatic Dive Watch

Winfield Watch Company entered the market in late 2019 with the Mission Timer One (MT1), a high adventure timepiece. Since then, Winfield has been building a strong following with the daring people of the world. The Master Diver does not stray from its lineage. Designed for those with an adventurous spirit in mind the Master Diver can be counted on to serve you well in the field, water, or the city.

Like all Winfield Watches, the Master Diver is assembled in Ohio. Winfield Watch Company aims to bring high quality precision timepieces to the market at an attainable price points.

Notable Features

With the Seiko NH35 at its center this is a precision instrument you can count on. The Seiko NH35, a self-winding automatic movement. NH35 is known for its accuracy, performance, and precision.  

A true tool timepiece, the Master Diver harkens back to the old days of the classic dive watch. Winfield balances the beauty of simplicity with rugged toughness perfectly. With a case diameter of 44mm this is not a dainty watch by any measure. The 13.5mm domed sapphire crystal is 3mm thick with double anti-reflective coating to reduce your visual signature and to increase visibility for the user.

The dial has a matte black finish with 6 layers of Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 at the hour positions tastefully including the date window at the 3 O’clock position. You will not struggle to read the face of your Master Diver given the dial size and amount of illumination that can be generated at the number positions. The chapter ring supplies the 24 hour military time honoring their time in service, truly finishing finalizing the Winfield design.

Each watch is fitted with double case back gaskets and individually pressure tested to 200mm/660 feet. The case is 316L surgical-grade stainless steel to further ensure longevity in any environment your expeditions may take you. The bezel edge and crown are highly polished in heavy contrast to the matte black finish of the watch dial, bezel, and FKM band. The band is dirt and dust resistant and is molded for comfort and versatility. The underside of the band features scalloped concave relief cuts to promote comfort and breathability. 

Drawbacks

Like all watches, the Winfield Master Diver does not come without its drawbacks. The same features that make the Winfield Master Diver a rugged and durable dive watch also adds significant weight and bulk. While this may not present a challenge in the field, it is less suited for an office environment, especially when spending extended times working on your laptop's keyboard.

The weight and bulk of the case may be uncomfortable or awkward for people with smaller wrists or are just simply accustomed to wearing a slimmer watch style. Those who who wear button down long sleeved shirts or suit jackets at work may find the width and height of the case difficult to manage.

A modern smart watch or slimmer dress watch may be a better option for formal dress and office work. The Master Diver is a capable option for everyday life as long as you are comfortable with a bulky watch. However, it may be best suited for those who are making a conscious choice to unplug and live an adventurous lifestyle. 

In the Box

Each Winfield comes with a 12” x 6” waxed canvas tool roll with a leather strap closure. Outfitted with four internal pockets for additional watches, extra bands, and tools, the roll provides an ideal surface to work on, and helps catch dropped pins when changing bands.

An additional NATO band is included with the Master Diver. Don’t let the NATO band fool you. This is not your run of the mill flimsy thin strap. The case lugs call for a wider band of 22mm. The seat belt-thick nylon gives added durability while still feeling quite palatial. You’ll find the Winfield name engraved in the buckle of each high quality band and strap. NATO straps are available in Ranger Green, Gray, Blue, and Tan. 

A brushed metal warranty registration card will be found tucked into the waxed canvas roll as well. This is another classy touch from Winfield that provides you with the serial number and date of purchase to track the two year transferable warranty of your new timepiece.

Final Thoughts

Like all tools, the Winfield Master Diver may not be suited for every application. If you are in the market for an easy wearing dress watch for days on the computer or at the office, there may be better options out there. However, if you are in the market for a overbuilt, rugged, and reliable time piece that won't let you down in when in the field the Master Diver may be exactly what you are looking for.

Being an automatic dive watch you get the benefits of never having to worry about a dead battery or plugging in. The sealed case ensures that dust, water, and all other manners of grime and liquid will never impact performance. Multiple strap options included in the box allows the wearer to choose the option that works best for their personal comfort and intended use. All this functionality is topped off with excellent design and build quality resulting in a functional dive watch that looks as good as it performs!

Wearing a Winfield is more than a choice, it's a statement. It emulates the wearer’s adventurous spirt and appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and attention to detail.

Winfield Master Diver Automatic Dive Watch Specs

  • Case: Brushed and polished 316L surgical-grade stainless steel, drilled lugs, dual case back gaskets, metal movement holder
  • Crown: Screw-down with double gaskets
  • Crystal: 3mm flat sapphire with double anti-reflective coating
  • Bezel: Stainless steel uni-directional 120 click
  • Hands: Polished stainless steel
  • Date: 3:00 position
  • Lume: Six layers of Swiss Super-LumiNova C3
  • Water resistance: 200m / 660 feet, individually pressure tested
  • Movement: Seiko NH35 Automatic regulated in 6 positions

Winfield Master Diver Automatic Dive Watch Case Dimensions

  • 44mm diameter
  • 13.5mm thick with domed crystal
  • 22mm lug width

Sources

Winfield Watch Company

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