Today, we’ll have a look at a diving watch from a brand that you may not be that familiar with – but if you’re active on watch forums, you’ve likely seen. Tauchmeister (German for Dive Master) appears to be a relatively new brand (I can’t find any information on their website touting a heritage), and definitely have a specific design niche in mind.
A lot of their collection focuses in on big ( over 40mm) dive watches, and today’s example is a prime example. The T0133 measures in at a hefty 47mm wide by 14mm thick, and carries a water resistance rating of 100 meters. Of course, that size is a little misleading. As the pictures show, this is a canteen-style case, so you’ve got the large crown protector on the right.
Additionally, you’ve got additional wire “lugs” on the remaining three sides of the stainless steel case. This certainly adds some to the bulk of the case. However, if you’re the type that bashes watches into things, this extra protection may be right up your alley. After the size, the most noticeable feature of this watch is the dial itself. Being fully lumed, it has a light green cast to it; given it’s larger size as well, you can’t help but to notice it.
Of course, both of those features make this a very legible and easy to read watch, day or night. The markers are reminiscent of a sandwich dial, and part of me wishes they had gone that route for the aesthetic, though it would’ve added some more thickness to the assembly. And whats moving the hands around that dial? The more familiar Miyota 8215 automatic movement. Yes, it’s small for the case (the date window gives that away), but it gets the job done.
I did find this to be a comfortable watch, even given it’s size. The leather strap, though thick, conformed to the wrist nicely, and I didn’t have issues with the crown digging into my wrist, unless I bent my hand way back. And, at an asking price of €99 (~$130), it’s pretty darn affordable, especially once you consider that it’s an automatic. If you’re in the market for a bigger watch that looks different (and better) than the oversize stuff at the mall, or you want an affordable automatic and don’t care for the Seiko Monster, you’ll want to check out Tauchmeister.
