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HomeBlogWatch Reviews & UnboxingsFrom Deep Sea to Skies: The Shanghai Watches That Conquer Every Terrain

From Deep Sea to Skies: The Shanghai Watches That Conquer Every Terrain

shanghai relogio masculino Men Watch 200m Diving Business Waterproof Fashion Automatic Mechanical Watch Ocean Series 3080

One Brand, Three Missions

There are watches you wear to check the time.
And there are watches you wear to live the time.

Some follow you from the boardroom to the bar. Others are built to survive the ocean’s crushing depths. A rare few keep you grounded while flying halfway across the planet.

Shanghai Watch Factory, one of China’s most respected mechanical watchmakers, has quietly built three such timepieces — each mastering a different world:

This is the story of how these watches work, why they matter, and how they’ve earned a place on the wrists of divers, executives, and globetrotters alike.



Part I – Into the Deep: Shanghai Ocean Series 3080

Diving Roots in Chinese Horology

The Ocean Series 3080 didn’t appear in a vacuum. Its lineage can be traced back to the 1970s, when Shanghai Watch Factory began experimenting with maritime and military-grade timepieces for naval crews. In a country still building its industrial base, creating a 200m-rated mechanical diver was an engineering statement — proof that Chinese horology could rival foreign designs.


Did You Know?
In the 1980s, Shanghai Watch Factory’s early divers were so well-regarded domestically that they were used as ceremonial gifts for naval officers.


Engineered for the Sea

At the heart of the 3080 is the NH35 automatic movement, a Japanese caliber prized for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of service. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a 41-hour power reserve.

Core Specifications:

  • Case: 316L stainless steel — highly resistant to saltwater corrosion.
  • Crystal: Sapphire — scratch-proof and glare-resistant.
  • Bezel: Unidirectional, 120-click, perfect for tracking dive times.
  • Lume: Long-lasting lume on hands and indices for underwater legibility.
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters / 20 ATM — safe for diving.

Shop the Shanghai Ocean Series 3080 Dive Watch now.



The Versatility Factor

While its performance is dive-ready, the Ocean Series 3080’s brushed steel finish and balanced proportions make it equally at home with a polo shirt at a seaside café. It’s a true tool watch that transitions into a style statement.


Buyer’s Tip:
If you’re getting your first mechanical diver, the Ocean Series 3080 is a “buy-it-for-life” watch — built tough, easily serviceable, and timeless in design.


Part II – In the Boardroom: Shanghai SH3085 Automatic Mechanical

Bauhaus Meets Shanghai Heritage

Where the Ocean Series is muscular, the SH3085 is refined. Its aesthetic draws heavily from Bauhaus principles — balance, minimalism, and functional elegance. This is the watch for those who believe luxury isn’t about shouting, it’s about whispering the right things.


Did You Know?
The Bauhaus design movement, born in Germany in 1919, influenced not only architecture and furniture but also modern watch design. Its “form follows function” ethos fits perfectly with Shanghai’s understated SH3085.


A Closer Look at the Details

  • Movement: Shanghai ST2130 automatic, known for smooth sweeping seconds and stable accuracy.
  • Calendar: Dual-window date/day complication — practical and visually balanced.
  • Dial Variations: Silver White, Blue, Green, Black, and Two-Tone — letting wearers match personality to style.
  • Case Size: 41.3mm diameter for presence without overpowering the wrist.
  • Crystal: Sapphire — distortion-free and durable.

Discover the Shanghai SH3085 Automatic Dress Watch.



The Psychology of a Dress Watch

A business watch isn’t just an accessory. It’s a non-verbal cue. When someone notices the crisp edge of a sapphire crystal under a shirt cuff, it communicates discipline, taste, and attention to detail.


Style Tip:
Pair the SH3085 with a charcoal or navy suit for a boardroom-ready look. Swap to a leather strap for a more relaxed weekend vibe.


Part III – Above the Clouds: Shanghai SH6021 Dual Time Pilot Watch

From Cockpits to Conference Rooms

The SH6021 is part of a tradition that began in the 1930s, when aviation demanded large, legible watches with dual-time tracking for navigation. Shanghai’s take combines vintage pilot cues with modern precision.


Did You Know?
Pilot watches were originally oversized so pilots could read them at a glance without removing gloves — a design detail still echoed in the SH6021’s crown size and bold numerals.


Built for Travel

  • Movement: Automatic with independent GMT/dual-time functionality.
  • Dial: Oversized numerals, lume-filled hands, and high contrast for low-light reading.
  • Crown: Oversized for glove-friendly adjustments.
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters — more than enough for daily wear and travel.
  • Design Influence: Chinese Air Force–inspired layout with contemporary refinements.

Fly Smarter with the Shanghai SH6021 Dual-Time Pilot’s Watch – Shop the Shanghai SH6021 Now



Traveler’s Tip:
Set the main hands to local time and the secondary display to your home base — no mental math required when calling home.


The Common DNA – Why These Watches Feel Related

Even though these models live in different worlds, they share:

  1. Mechanical Authenticity — All are powered by reliable automatic calibers.
  2. Durable Materials — 316L stainless steel, sapphire crystals.
  3. Shanghai Heritage — Decades of design tradition.
  4. Accessible Luxury — Premium specs without Swiss markup.

Comparison Chart

Feature / ModelOcean Series 3080SH3085SH6021
PurposeDiving / SportsBusiness / DressAviation / Travel
Water Resistance200m50m100m
MovementNH35ST2130Automatic Dual-Time
CrystalSapphireSapphireSapphire
Case Material316L SS316L SS316L SS
Special FeaturesRotating bezel, lumeDouble calendarDual-time/GMT

Real-World Case Studies

Case 1 – Diving in Hainan
When professional diving instructor Liang Chen upgraded from his aging quartz diver to the Shanghai Ocean Series 3080, he wasn’t looking for a fashion statement — he wanted a watch he could trust under 20 meters of water, day after day. Over two years, Liang has logged more than 200 dives, from shallow reef explorations to deep wreck penetrations. His verdict?

“It hasn’t missed a beat. The bezel clicks are as precise as day one, and the lume has saved me more than once in murky water. It’s a diver’s tool, plain and simple.”
Even off-duty, Liang keeps the 3080 on his wrist, swapping the steel bracelet for a NATO strap when teaching classes onshore.

Case 2 – Executive Meetings in Shanghai
For Zhou Wei, a senior consultant in Shanghai’s financial district, the SH3085 Automatic Mechanical is a quiet weapon.

“In my line of work, subtlety matters. Clients notice details. They see the sapphire crystal, the clean dial, and they know you take your presentation seriously.”
Zhou wears the SH3085 daily, praising its ability to slip under a cuff without snagging and its versatility for after-work social events. For him, it’s more than a timekeeper — it’s part of the unspoken language of professionalism.

Case 3 – Transcontinental Cargo Flights
Flying overnight freight routes between Beijing and Paris, Captain Liu lives by two time zones: departure and arrival. His Shanghai SH6021 Dual Time Pilot Watch means he never has to calculate time differences mid-flight.

“It’s just a glance — I know exactly what time it is back home and at my destination. That’s one less distraction when I need to focus on the aircraft.”
For Liu, the SH6021 isn’t a luxury — it’s a piece of mission-critical gear that happens to look good enough to wear on layovers in Paris cafés.


Challenges & Criticisms

While the Ocean Series 3080, SH3085, and SH6021 prove Shanghai Watch Factory’s capability, they face hurdles in broader market acceptance:

  • Brand Recognition – Outside Asia, many watch buyers still gravitate toward Swiss or Japanese names by habit. Shanghai must invest in storytelling to match its technical achievements.
  • Movement Perception – The NH35 and ST2130 are respected among enthusiasts for reliability, but lack the prestige of Swiss in-house calibers. Educating buyers on the real-world performance of these movements could shift perceptions.
  • Availability – Certain dial or strap variations can be difficult to source outside China, creating frustration for potential international customers. Expanding authorized dealer networks is key.

Future Outlook – What This Means for You as a Watch Lover

The most exciting part of Shanghai Watch Factory’s story is that it’s still being written — and you can be part of it.

  • Easier Access Worldwide – If the brand pushes further into Western markets, you won’t need to hunt through obscure online sellers or pay steep import fees. That means you could walk into a boutique in your own city and try on the Ocean Series 3080, SH3085, or SH6021 in person.
  • Collectibility on the Rise – Limited-edition reissues of historic Shanghai divers or pilot’s watches could quickly become the pieces collectors chase. Owning one early might mean holding a future classic.
  • Next-Level Movements – If Shanghai revives its fully in-house calibers, you could own a watch with the precision and craftsmanship of Swiss engineering, but at a fraction of the price.
  • More Ways to Connect with the Brand – With modern digital storytelling and influencer-led reviews, it’ll be easier to see these watches in real-life scenarios, compare them to other brands, and hear directly from owners before you buy.

In short — the future of Shanghai watches isn’t just about what the brand will do.
It’s about how much easier, more exciting, and more rewarding it will be for you to discover, own, and enjoy one.


Conclusion – A Watch for Every Mission

Whether you’re submerged beneath the waves, sealing a deal in a skyscraper, or crossing time zones at 36,000 feet, Shanghai Watch Factory has built a model that fits your mission.

The Ocean Series 3080, SH3085, and SH6021 aren’t just timekeepers — they’re companions for every chapter of your life.

From deep sea to skies, Shanghai proves that one brand can conquer every terrain without compromise. The only question left is:
Which mission will you choose first?

Explore the Shanghai Watch Collection at Jewelry Addicts

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