Available at an MSRP of $499 -and currently offered on their official website at just $400- this new Deep Blue Master Diver 1000 automatic diving tool doesn’t look particularly flashy. On the contrary, the new Master Diver is deliberately dull, almost as dull as a wrench or a hammer can be. With every brushed surface, with every massive part, it declares: “Look at me! I am a professional instrument! I am a beater that you can take every place you go to!” Well, it looks like it tells the truth.
Like the 2011 Master Explorer 1000 that Deep Blue has released almost exactly two years ago, the new Master Diver sports the same self-winding Miyota caliber 9015.
Actually, the choice of the mechanism is predictable since the timekeeper that I briefly review here based on my first impressions looks like a more rugged, tool-like variation of the Explorer.
While the older model looks like a dressier interpretation of a diving timepiece, a sort of a Submariner for those who can’t afford one (nothing wrong with that, actually), the MD’s probably been designed to be actually worn with a neoprene wetsuit. With its dull, machine-brushed surfaces and overall bleak appearance, it is aimed at people whose goal is to get the job done, not just to impress some chick in a cafeteria while reading the New Yorker on your iPad.
The movement was introduced only four years ago as an answer to the ETA 2824, the self-winding Japanese engine. Reliable and efficient, it grows more popular among independent watchmakers thanks to its relatively low price and Citizen’s willingness to sell them on an “equal opportunity” basis, while the Swiss juggernaut ETA gradually decreases sales of its ebauches to third-party watchmakers.
As I have already noted, the new Master Diver 1000 has a business-like, professional appearance. Its unidirectional notched bezel that holds a thick sapphire crystal is decorated only with a greenish lume that makes the diving scale easily readable in any condition. The crown is protected against bumps with Rolex-style crown guards and, too, looks sober, almost like it was removed from the sort of navigation instrument.
I am not sure about this sunray burst enamel dial, which is available in black, red, green, or blue color: something monochromatic would be more pertinent here. However, I am sure that some people will love it. Its massive body that measures 45 millimeters in diameter is, too, not for everyone, but still allows using the timekeeper as a daily beater even if you have never seen a scuba tank.
Rated for impressive 1000 meters of water resistance, the watch is predictably equipped with a helium escape valve. As the name hints, the regulator allows helium to be gradually released from the watch during fast decompression without it pushing out the sapphire crystal and effectively ruining the timekeeper.
Since the watch is designed as a diver’s companion, its massive stainless steel bracelet is equipped with a wetsuit extension that will make the gadget a lot more comfortable to wear if you plan to use it underwater.
See also: UTS 1000M Diver 10th year anniversary edition
Photos: Deep Blue
WWR verdict
Originality 3.5/5
Build quality: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Legibility: 5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Deep Blue Master Diver 1000 specification
Price: $500 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Miyota caliber 9015, Made in Japan
Number of jewels: 24
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 45.00 mm
Case height: 16.00 mm
Lug width: 22.00 mm
Dial: Black / Red / Green / Blue
Numerals: Arabic (on the bezel)
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 1000 meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with wetsuit extension
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid