Most watches are just “Meh.” The Neminus Master Diver 1000 isn’t. When I saw this massive watch with bronze case and hefty hands, I really had to get a hold of one of these. I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send me out one for review.
Bottom line? It’s amazing.
There is a lot going on with this Neminus diver. Right away you can see that this is not a simple three-hander. The hands are crazy! These have to be the largest hour and minute hands I have ever seen. I think on some watches this would not be a good look, but on this one, it works. Since this is a diver it seems appropriate that the seconds hand is a trident.
The hands are mounted to the reliable Seiko SII NH35A automatic movement. Under the hands there is the very unique, crackled face dial. This is supposed to represent the view of the seabed. The applied hour markers are also bold and brash and protecting all of this is a 5mm thick double domed sapphire crystal. Adding to all this hung of crystal is the large rough-looking bronze bezel with ceramic insert. There is nothing polished or refined on this diver. It’s tough, and proud to be.
This case is massive but cool. The width is pretty normal at 44mm in diameter. What makes this case so huge is that its 18.4mm thick. Don’t plan on dressing up with this one, it will never get under the cuff. Of course, this is not made to dress up, its made to work. The case is made from CuSN8 bronze and its tough. You can bang this up without worry, and anyway, over time the case will patina. This is not a watch for shiny people. This watch is for divers, that want to look cool. Water-resistance is good to 1000 meters which is insane. There is a helium escape valve for that tiny population of saturation divers that would actually need it. For those who don’t, it a cool talking point.
The Neminus comes with two straps. The main one is the Kevlar and leather strap which is color-coordinated with the dial. The clasp is a signed bronze pin and buckle that will, like the case, patina over time. It’s very durable yet feels comfortable on the wrist. Now if you don’t want to mess up this nice strap when diving you can switch to the included green rubber dive strap.
Really loving the lume on this one. Neminus has lumed everything that could, and should, be lumed. Those large hour and minute hands really look fantastic. Using BGW9 lume, the glow looks great and lasts for a ling time.
If you want a tough, unique, tool watch I think you might like this one. The Neminus Master Diver 1000 is not pretty, dressy, or in any way refined. It’s huge, well made, and looks cool. You can take this out for some serious dives or at least make people think you do. Either way this is s cool watch and for $599 USD (on sale) you can’t go wrong. If you like what you see go check it out at neminuslab.com.
Review Summary
- Brand and model: Neminus Master Diver 1000
- Price: $599 USD (on sale) Retail $699
- Who’s it for? Diver and wannabe divers.
- Would I wear it? Sure
- What I’d change: Make a little thinner.
- The best thing about it: The dial.
Tech Specs from Neminus:
- Dimensions : Case 44mm ; Lug 22mm ; Center Lug to Lug 46mm ; Case Height 18.4mm (wears 16.4mm when on the wrist) ; Weight : 162g
- Casing & Bezel : CuSn8 Bronze ; CNC Machined ; Ceramic Insert with BGW9 ; 120 Uni-directional Click ; Screwed-In Back Case
- Dial : Textual BGW9 on Hands & Indexes
- Glass : 5mm Double Domed Sapphire Crystal with 4 Layers of Anti-Reflective Coating
- Crowns : Screwed-In CuSn8 Bronze
- Water Resistant : 1000m / 3280 ft
- Movement : Japan Made Seiko SII NH35A Automatic
- Strap : Customized Kevlar Leather Strap
