Back in December of 2017 I reviewed the Pontvs Nessi, which was the first model from Pontvs. Made from brass, this was was a fantastic vintage style diver. Now, Pontvs has introduced its latest vintage diver watch, the Hydra. This model is made from brass and looks tough. Named after the immortal nine headed water-snake like monster from Greek mythology, the Hydra looks to be one beast of a watch. I was able to get my hands on a review prototype and have kept it on my wrist for a good couple weeks.
The Dial
I like the simple, utilitarian look of this dial. The face is a textured matte black with brass colored hour makers. All the hands are also polished brass. The hands on this watch are mounted to the very reliable Seiko HN35A automatic movement. There is no date on this model, which is fine with me. There are times I just want to wind up a watch, set the time and go. The look of the dial on this Pontvs Hydra is simple but functional, and really fits the style of this watch.
The Case
Made from naval grade blasted Brass (70% Cu), you are sure to get that great patina over time, which adds character. The entire case is brass with the exception of the case back, and the screw down crown, which are made from stainless steel. Water resistance is a respectable 200m or approx. 660ft. The bezel is a 120 click uni-directional and reminds me of some of the Panerai bezels with minute markers at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. The bezel rotates with a tight feel and has no play.
The Strap
The Pontvs Hydra comes with a cool Zulu strap with brass clasps. The Hydra also comes with a distressed leather strap which is very cool, but only comes in one size and will not fit a 6.5 inch wrist like mine. That’s ok with me since I really like this Zulu strap. I can wear this watch all day everyday and have no comfort issues. I also like that all the components on the strap are made from the same brass as the case. There are three color options: blue, green, and black. All look fantastic.
The Lume
I absolutely love the lume on this Pontvs Hydra. The hour and minute hands are fully lumed and the tip of the seconds hands is lumed. The bezel and hour markers are also lumed. Charge time for the lume is very fast and it glows bright for a long time.
Overall Impression
Pontvs really did a great job with this watch. It’s rugged looking but has lots of style to it. Build quality is rock solid and everything just feels right. The straps are great looking and very comfortable. I do wish that the leather strap could fit smaller wrists, but that’s ok. For a pre-order price of only $250 USD you get a very cool, well built watch. If you like what you see go and check them out at pontvswatch.com.
REVIEW SUMMARY
- Brand and model: Pontvs Hydra
- Price: Pre-order price of $250 USD
- Who’s it for: Vintage diver fans.
- Would I wear it: Anytime
- What I’d change: All good.
- The best thing about it: The Bezel.
Tech Specs from Pontvs
- LIMITED TO 150 PIECES.
- Case Size: 43mm
- Lug to lug: 50mm
- Movement: Automatic NH35A
- Crystal: Sapphire with AR coating.
- Water Resistance: 200mt / 20 ATM
- Case Material: Naval grade blasted Brass (70% Cu) with lume application and screw down strap bars.
- Crown: Steel with lume application.
- Lume: Swiss C1 Superluminova.
- Straps: 24mm NATO with brass buckles and leather with brass buckle.
- Caseback: Blasted steel with Pontvs logo engraving, each piece is numbered.
- Box: Handmade wooden box.
