I don’t know when blue dials went from being a relative rarity to being very popular, but I am not complaining. Maybe we should be wondering why blue dials were never as well represented as they are now. Regardless, the Steinhart Marine Officer Blue is another watch option if you like the blue dial, and it represents a pretty decent bargain to boot.
When I profiled the Steinhart Ocean Titanium 500, I mentioned that I have yet to check out one of the brand’s offerings in person, but I have not seen anything to dissuade me from recommending the brand. Like the diver, this watch is Swiss made with a Swiss Automatic movement; but the Steinhart Marine Officer Blue uses an basic ETA 2824-2 elabore, with a DD2030 chronograph module from Dubois Dépraz. The exhibition caseback shows off the movement and the gold rotor. The caseback crystal is mineral glass, but the front crystal is a domed sapphire with AR coating.
The 44mm x 16mm tall watch has a generous application of lume, as well as a brushed stainless case with a tachymeter scale on the bezel. I am not 100% sure, but it looks like the 3:00 subdial handles seconds, the 9:00 subdial is a 30 minute chrono, and the central second hand is for chrono timing as well. As a Marine Officer watch, I would have hoped for a bit more water resistance than the 3 ATM rating attached to the case. Not that I would want it rated for diving, but at least enough to survive a dunk in the drink if it came to that. I know I have turned my dingy turtle once (not intentionally) and swimming it to the dock should not end up ruining your watch.
Overall, I think the package is very attractive. Outside the EU, where VAT is not applied, the Steinhart Marine Office Blue is €748, which is about $800. If you are subject to VAT, add 19%. You may want more chrono functions out of your watch that seconds and a 30 minute dial, but I think that this is sufficient for a lot of cases, and most of the time the chrono goes unused anyway. By keeping the system down to two symmetrical eyes, the design is uncluttered and leaved the whole watch easy to read. The leather strap and brushed case give the watch a lived-in, almost vintage look, and I like it. How do I get one to test drive? www.steinhartwatches.de/
Watch Overview:
- Brand & Model: Steinhart Marine Officer Blue
- Price: €748, without VAT (approx $800 USD)
- Who we think it might be for: You want a simple chrono, and you like the look of the blue dial.
- Would I wear one myself based on what I’ve seen?: Definitely. No questions asked.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: A slightly beefier depth rating.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: An ETA with a chrono module, a sapphire crystal, and a pretty design for under $1,000? That’s a good deal.
Tech Specs from Steinhart:
- Movement: ETA 2824-2 elabore, with a DD2030 chronograph module from Dubois Dépra
- Functions: 30 minute chronograph, small second hand
- Case: Brushed stainless steel
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with mineral glass exhibition caseback.
- Water resistance: 3ATM
- Lug width: 22mm
- Straps: Leather strap
- Diameter: 44 mm
- Case Height: 16 mm
