As a passionate enthusiast of fine timepieces and exquisite jewelry, I’m always on the lookout for standout pieces that blend style, functionality, and affordability. Recently, a watch has caught my attention that ticks all these boxes: the Seestern S434. This timepiece is an affordable homage to the Glashütte CQ Skin Diver, a watch with a rich heritage dating back to 1969. The modern reinterpretation of the CQ has sparked interest among watch collectors and enthusiasts alike, and the Seestern S434 is no exception. Allow me to take you on a detailed journey through this remarkable watch.
Released in mid-2023, the Seestern Watch S434 is a versatile timepiece available in five distinct color schemes: base black, blue, green, and two black and blue variations with gold tones. The version I have is the striking gold tone, which adds a touch of luxury to its vintage dive watch aesthetic. For those who prefer a high beat movement, there’s the S435 model, which offers similar color options but at a slightly higher price point.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Seestern S434 Watch is its affordability. Priced at $220, it offers excellent value for money, especially when compared to its counterparts. The S435 model, featuring the high beat movement, is available for around $250 to $280. With big sales, you might even snag these watches for a bit cheaper, making them a fantastic addition to any watch collection without breaking the bank.
The Seestern S434 comes packaged in a robust Pelican case, accompanied by a manual, a guarantee card, and a handy screwdriver for bracelet resizing. This is pretty standard packaging. The overall presentation is practical and ensures that the watch arrives safely and securely.
Let’s delve into the specifics. The watch diameter measures 39.5 mm, with a thickness of about 13.2 mm due to its dome watch glass, or 12 mm if you measure up to the bezel. The lug width is 20 mm, and the lug-to-lug distance is around 46 mm. The watch sports a domed sapphire crystal with light anti-reflective (AR) coating, enhancing its durability and readability.
One of the standout features of the Seestern S434 is its water resistance rating of 200 meters. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy aquatic activities or simply appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a high water resistance rating. Sized down for my 6.2-inch wrist and with four links removed, the watch weighs in at a comfortable 131 grams.
Under the hood, the S434 runs on the Seiko NH35 movement, a reliable automatic movement that beats at 21,600 beats per hour. It comes with a date complication and supports hacking and hand-winding, boasting a power reserve of 41 hours. The movement’s accuracy is rated between +40 to -20 seconds per day, but my particular watch impressively runs at -1 second per day. This accuracy is quite impressive and speaks to the quality of the movement used in this watch.
The watch case exudes a vintage dive watch look and feel, with a fully brushed finish on top and sides, accented by a thin polished chamfer edge running down the lugs. The lugs are rounded off at the end, contributing to the watch’s overall sleek and refined appearance. The case finish is commendable, with no sharp points or edges, ensuring a comfortable wear.
Turning the watch over, you’ll find a display case back showcasing the NH35 movement. While some may find the movement visually unexciting, I appreciate the display case back for its uniqueness among divers, which typically have solid case backs. For those who prefer a more traditional look, there’s an option for a solid case back as well.
The crown on my version is a bit larger than on previous iterations, making it easy to grip and operate. The screw-down crown ensures water resistance, and while the unscrewing and screwing action can feel slightly gritty, the winding and time-setting actions are smooth and precise.
The bezel on the Seestern S434 is a unidirectional 120-click bezel with a coin edge design. It’s easy to turn, with minimal back play, and aligns perfectly. The bezel insert is made of ceramic, and the markers are painted white and fully lumed with BGW9, enhancing the watch’s legibility in low-light conditions.
The watch features an oyster-style bracelet with a brushed finish on top and polished flanks. The bracelet is well-suited for smaller wrists, thanks to the female end links that enhance its fit. The solid links are held together by screws, articulating well and providing a tight yet comfortable fit. The bracelet connects to a double button push clasp with an on-the-fly adjustment mechanism, ensuring a perfect fit every time. While the clasp can be a bit tough to close and the adjustment mechanism slightly awkward to operate, these are minor inconveniences that don’t detract from the overall quality.
The dial of the Seestern S434 is flat with a subtle sunburst effect, featuring a mix of large Arabic numerals and thin rectangular blocks as indices. All indices are applied and filled with BGW9 lume, executed to perfection. The dial also includes the Seestern branding, water resistance rating, and automatic text printed in white. The date window is framed at the 3 o’clock position, adding to the watch’s functionality.
The gold-tone hands complement the overall design, with an hour hand in a sword style and a minute hand in an arrow style. The lollipop second hand adds a playful touch, hovering above the chapter ring. The dial’s execution is superb, ensuring that the watch is not only stylish but also highly legible.
The Seestern S434 boasts impressive lume, thanks to the generous application of BGW9 on the indices, hands, and bezel insert. The lume glows brightly in the dark, ensuring that the watch remains legible in all lighting conditions.
Thanks to the female end links and the manageable lug-to-lug distance, the Seestern S434 fits comfortably on my slender 6.2-inch wrist. It’s slightly lighter than some of my other watches, and the adjustable clasp adds to its wearability. Overall, it’s one of the more comfortable watches I’ve worn.
So, what are my thoughts on the Seestern S434? For $220, this watch offers a tremendous amount of value. The overall case and bracelet finish are commendable, the adjustable milled clasp is a great feature, and the dial and hands are beautifully executed. The watch is highly legible, even in the dark, and fits comfortably on smaller wrists.
While there are a few minor cons, such as the slightly gritty crown, the tough clasp, and the awkward adjustment mechanism, these are minor issues that don’t significantly affect the wearing experience. Overall, the Seestern S434 is a well-rounded timepiece that delivers on both style and functionality.
The Seestern S434 is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a high-quality, stylish, and functional watch. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or a newcomer looking for an affordable yet impressive timepiece, the Seestern S434 is worth considering. It combines vintage charm with modern features, making it a versatile addition to any watch collection.
As someone who loves watches and jewelry, I highly recommend checking out the Seestern S434. It’s a great example of how a well-crafted timepiece can enhance your style and offer exceptional value for money. Visit Jewelry Addicts at jwlraddicts.com to explore more about this watch and other fantastic pieces that can elevate your accessory game.
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