Steeldive SD1970 (or similar homage) Dive Watch Appraisal
Category: Wristwatch
Description
The item is a dive-style wristwatch, likely a 'Steeldive SD1970' or a similar homage watch, given the visible 'STEELDIVE' branding on the dial. The watch features a robust stainless steel case and a matching stainless steel bracelet with a brushed finish, typical for durable sports watches. It is displayed on a black, presumably faux leather, watch cushion. The most striking visual element is the unidirectional rotating bezel, which has a vibrant orange and dark brown or black insert, indicating a two-tone 'Root Beer' style, though specific colors are orange and dark. The bezel features white markings for diving elapsed time, with numerals at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 minutes, and hash marks in between. The dial is black with applied luminous hour markers, consisting of circular dots, a rectangular marker at 6 and 9 o'clock, and an inverted triangle marker at 12 o'clock. There are three hands: an hour hand, a minute hand (both luminous), and a central seconds hand with a luminous tip. A date window with a white background is present at the 3 o'clock position. The crystal appears flat and is likely sapphire due to its clarity, though its specific material cannot be confirmed from the image alone. The crown is located at 3 o'clock and appears to be a screw-down type, which is standard for dive watches to ensure water resistance. There are no significant visible condition issues such as deep scratches, dings, or cracked crystal; the watch appears to be in very good, well-maintained condition, possibly with minor surface wear consistent with gentle use. The quality of craftsmanship appears to be good for a watch in its category, with clear dial printing and well-aligned bezel markings. The watch evokes the aesthetic of classic dive watches from the mid-20th century, suggesting a retro or vintage-inspired design.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the Steeldive SD1970 dive watch. Visually, the watch presents in very good, well-maintained condition. There are no obvious deep scratches, dings, or crystal damage visible. The brushed finish on the stainless steel case and bracelet appears consistent and clean. The dial printing is crisp, and the bezel alignment seems accurate, suggesting a good level of manufacturing quality for its segment. The 'Root Beer' style bezel insert adds a distinctive aesthetic element. Authenticity: Based on the visible 'STEELDIVE' branding, this appears to be an authentic Steeldive product, a well-known brand in the affordable watch homage market. However, verifying the authenticity of internal components (e.g., movement caliber) or confirming that it hasn't been modified would require a physical inspection. Without direct handling, I cannot confirm details such as crystal material (though sapphire is likely), crown operation, or water resistance. Market Conditions & Comparables: Steeldive watches are generally positioned in the budget-friendly segment of replica and homage watches. Their value is primarily driven by their robust construction, use of reliable automatic movements (often Seiko NH35), and their ability to capture the aesthetic of much more expensive luxury dive watches at an accessible price point. New Steeldive SD1970 models typically retail between $150 and $250, depending on the seller and specific configuration. The pre-owned market for these watches generally sees values slightly below the new retail price, assuming good condition. Demand & Rarity: There is consistent demand for affordable, robust dive watch homages, and Steeldive is a popular choice due to its reputation for value. These watches are not rare; they are mass-produced. Factors Impacting Value: The excellent visual condition is a positive factor. The 'Root Beer' bezel, while popular, does not significantly alter the base value for this specific model. Any claims of ownership by historical figures, such as the 'emperor of Lixland,' would require verifiable provenance documents (e.g., certificate of authenticity from the emperor's estate, historical records, verifiable chain of custody) to impact value. Without such documentation, this claim cannot be factored into the appraisal. Limitations: My appraisal is strictly based on visual assessment from the provided image. A full authentication would necessitate a hands-on examination to verify the movement, internal components, confirm material specifications (e.g., crystal), and assess water resistance. Provenance documentation would be crucial to substantiate any claims of significant historical ownership. No scientific testing has been performed.
Appraisal Value
$120-180