Taking inspiration from vintage divers, TC-9 has made some pretty cool looking watches. I have reviewed their TC-9 1970’s Bronze Diver and their TC-9 Bronze Navy. Both were very cool and I really do like bronze watches. However, it was nice to see, that they have now offered their TC-9 1970’s diver in stainless steel. TC-9 was able to send me one, which I have been wearing it for about a week straight and I must say I am very pleased with this watch. Lets take a look at this tough, not-so-little diver.
The Dial
There is a lot packed into the dial of this TC-9 1970’s Diver. As expected for a diver, this is a three hander with very large lume-filled hour and minute hands. There’s a lumed seconds hand. There are your normal numbered hour makers. Beneath the 12 hour numerals are also 24 hour time hour makers. Outside of all that are triangular hour markers, all of which is lumed. It is busy, but in such a good way. There are three dial options to choose from: 24 hour military time, a black dial, or a blue dial. Protecting the dial is a hard scratch resistant sapphire crystal. There are several bezel insert options you can choose from: For this one I got the 12 hour bezel which can be used as a second time zone for when you travel for your next tropical dive. You can still easily use this bezel to track you minutes if you need to. Just look at the hash marks and use the numbers to count the 5 minute intervals. If you don’t want this bezel you can get the decompression dive bezel or the black and blue minute counter bezel. They are all nice options.
The Case
This watch is no novelty diver. With a water resistance of 300 meters, this watch can take anything a recreational diver can throw at it. The case is made from a high grade brushed stainless steel with a screw down crown and solid screw down case back. The TC-9 Diver is based on the vintage 1970’s turtle style Seiko divers and really looks great. The crown sits at the 4 o’clock position and is almost totally protected by the large crown guards. Since this watch is basically an homage to the 1970’s Seiko, it is appropriate that the movement in this watch is a Seiko NH35a automatic movement.
The Strap
When I first pulled the TC-9 out of the box, I thought the strap was going to be way too stiff. I was wrong. Roll these straps up a bit and they soften right up. They are thick and heavily stitched, but are very comfortable. I have worn this watch for over a week and had no comfort issues at all. The clasp on these straps is a signed pin and buckle in brushed stainless steel. You can choose from a green or black strap. This watch also comes with a free additional shark mesh strap. That’s too cool.
Luv the lume!
There is a lot of lume on this TC-9 1970’s diver. Hour markers, hour numerals, and even the 24 time hour markers are filled with lume. The large hour and minute hands glow like lanterns. This thing glows in the light and is brilliant in the dark. I really love how this watch looks in the dark.
Overall Impression
Overall ImpressionThe watch has a lot of appeal for me. It has the vintage look but with real diver functionality. Construction is solid and all watches go through quality inspection in Basel, Switzerland before being shipped out. For a watch of this style and quality, the retail price of £299 GBP or approximately $415 USD is already a pretty good price, but for our readers TC-9 is offering a 30% discount. Just use discount code “cyclone30” when checking out. That makes the TC-9 a pretty good deal for around $290 USD. Shipping is free also. You can check them out at TC-9 Watches.
Review Summary
- Brand and model: TC-9 1970’s Diver
- Price: Approx. $415 USD retail but only $290 usd with discount.
- Who’s it for? Vintage diver fans.
- Would I wear it? For sure.
- What I’d change: Exhibition case back would be nice.
- The best thing about it: Vintage style.
Tech Specs from TC-9
- Case: high grade brushed stainless steel 44 mm case
- Movement: Seiko NH35a automatic movement
- Water resistance: 300 meters water resistant
- Glass: Sapphire Crystal glass with anti reflective coating
- Case back: Solid screw down case back
- Crown: Screw down
