As discussed in previous articles, I’ve been exploring Chinese watch brands that have gained popularity on platforms like AliExpress. Many of these brands offer interesting homage pieces to iconic watches I admire—but can’t realistically afford. Beyond the homages, there are also original designs that are surprisingly creative and worth a closer look. One such brand is Addiesdive.

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Addiesdive doesn’t come with a rich history or deep heritage. In fact, very little is known about the brand. Based in China, they focus primarily on producing both homage watches and their own original designs. In addition to building their own branded timepieces, they also do OEM manufacturing for other brands. On their official website, they mention that the inspiration for the brand came from Jacques Cousteau—the legendary French naval officer, oceanographer, filmmaker, and author—which is an interesting, albeit vague, starting point for their identity.

The watch I’m reviewing today is a rather unusual homage to the Certina DS PH200M. It’s an interesting choice because Certina is not typically the target of homage designs from Chinese microbrands. Most manufacturers tend to emulate luxury watches from Rolex, Omega, Panerai, or vintage Seiko divers. Those are the usual suspects because of their mainstream appeal and cult status among enthusiasts. So, it was a bit of a surprise to see a company like Addiesdive opting to model a piece after a Certina—especially one that’s already relatively affordable in its own right, costing only about three times more than the Addiesdive version.

What makes it even more interesting is that this is a homage not to the original vintage Certina DS PH200M, but rather to the modern reissue. The design cues—particularly the domed blue bezel insert and the clean black dial—suggest a clear influence from the newer Certina release. The watch also features a case design that bears a noticeable resemblance to the Omega Seamaster 300M, especially around the lugs where the polished chamfers curve elegantly into the case. It’s a refined and unexpected touch for a watch at this price point, and it’s one of the reasons I decided to pick it up for review.

According to Addiesdive, this isn’t one of their best-selling models, which honestly surprises me. From my experience, this is one of the more impressive watches I’ve reviewed under €150. The overall package is well-executed, and I think a lot of people are missing out on what might be one of the brand’s hidden gems.

The watch arrived in packaging that’s typical for many Chinese microbrands—compact, functional, and minimal. This style of packaging is commonly used by brands like San Martin and others, and it actually doubles as a small travel case that can hold at least two watches. Inside the case, you get the watch itself, an instruction manual, and a warranty card. It’s a no-frills unboxing experience, but a practical one, and frankly, I appreciate the efficiency of it.

At a retail price of €149, I wasn’t expecting anything extraordinary—but the initial impression was surprisingly positive. The case feels solid in hand, the finishing is decent, and the bezel action genuinely exceeded my expectations. I’ve handled watches five times the price of this one that didn’t have bezel action this clean or satisfying. The fact that this model also comes on a stainless steel bracelet that doesn’t feel like an afterthought is a big bonus. It’s actually one of the first sub-€150 watches I’ve worn with a bracelet that feels properly made and not like a cheap throw-in.

The case is made from 316L stainless steel and is finished entirely in a brushed satin texture. Dimensions are spot on for a versatile diver: 40mm in diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, 13.8mm thick, and a lug width of 20mm. It’s a wearable size for most wrists and wears well throughout the day. The machining is well done, with clean lines and edges that compare favorably to watches in much higher price brackets. The finishing isn’t flawless—there are some very minor blemishes if you look closely—but given the price point, that’s more than acceptable.

The bezel is a 120-click unidirectional design with a domed K1 mineral glass insert in a striking blue color. The bezel action is smooth, tactile, and offers zero backplay—something I’ve rarely seen in this price range. While I would’ve preferred a sapphire insert over mineral glass, the choice doesn’t detract much from the overall appeal. The visual impact is still strong, and it definitely adds a touch of character to the watch. The one thing I do wish they had included is lume on the bezel, which would’ve added both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The crown is a signed, screw-down design, measuring 7mm in diameter. It has ample grip and makes setting the time and date an easy task. Despite having a screw-down crown, the water resistance is rated at only 100 meters. That’s somewhat surprising, as the watch looks and feels like it could easily handle 200 or even 300 meters. Still, for most everyday water activities—like swimming, snorkeling, or even casual diving—it’s more than sufficient.

Around back, the watch features a solid screw-in caseback engraved with the Addiesdive logo and key specifications. It’s a nice touch and a detail that many other Chinese brands often overlook by leaving their casebacks sterile. Seeing both the caseback and crown properly signed and engraved adds a layer of value and shows that Addiesdive made a genuine effort to go the extra mile.

Topping it all off is a high-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, which enhances both legibility and vintage charm. The distortion at sharp angles gives the watch a slightly retro vibe, complementing the overall aesthetic quite nicely.

The dial is a matte black finish with a clean white minute track along the outer edge. Bold hour markers are lumed and provide excellent visibility. Notably, the markers at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock are framed in a subtle gold color, which matches the rectangular date window at 3 o’clock. The sword-shaped hour and minute hands are polished and fully lumed, as is the arrow-tipped seconds hand. Lume performance is decent, though not exceptional. It glows brightly at first but fades within 20 to 30 minutes. Still, for the price, it’s serviceable.

Text on the dial is minimal, with the Addiesdive logo at 12 o’clock and “Automatic & 100M” at 6 o’clock. The layout closely resembles the modern Certina DS PH200M, and the overall legibility is excellent. For a watch that hints at dive watch heritage, even with the limited water resistance, it gets the job done in terms of function and readability.

Inside the Milsub AD2058 ticks the reliable Seiko NH35 movement—a staple in the world of automatic watches, renowned for its durability, accuracy, and value. Manufactured by Seiko, the NH35 has become a preferred choice among microbrands and watch modders alike, thanks to its robust performance, ease of maintenance, and widespread availability.

This 24-jewel automatic caliber operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second), offering smooth sweep of the second hand and consistent timekeeping. It features both hacking (allowing the second hand to stop when the crown is pulled) and manual winding—functionalities often missing in entry-level automatic movements. With a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, the NH35 delivers respectable endurance in its category. One of its most praised attributes is its rugged construction. Built to endure daily wear and harsh conditions, it’s often described as a true workhorse of the industry.

While the NH35 doesn’t boast high-end finishing or advanced complications found in premium calibers, its reliability and simplicity make it a favorite among enthusiasts. In my experience, it has maintained an accuracy of +10 to +15 seconds per day straight out of the box—though many users report even better results after regulation. It’s not a certified chronometer, but it is stable, consistent, and easily fine-tuned. In essence, the Seiko NH35 strikes a well-balanced blend of affordability and dependability. It may not turn heads among haute horology purists, but for anyone seeking a reliable, serviceable, and mod-friendly automatic movement, it’s a smart, trusted choice. Think of it as the Toyota Corolla of watch movements—unassuming, dependable, and always ready to perform.

The bracelet is a three-link, oyster-style design made from 316L stainless steel and finished in a satin brushed texture. It features solid end links and well-finished surfaces. The links are held in place by push pins, which I would prefer to see upgraded to screw pins, but again—at this price, that’s a small gripe. The milled clasp is solid, signed with the Addiesdive logo, and offers six micro-adjustment points for a great fit. The bracelet tapers nicely from 20mm to 16mm and wears comfortably throughout the day. It has a decent amount of heft, doesn’t rattle, and thankfully doesn’t pull arm hair—issues that often plague bracelets in this price segment.

Going into this review, I didn’t have particularly high expectations. I figured it would be another budget-friendly piece that’s decent for the price but ultimately unremarkable. However, after wearing it consistently for a week, I was genuinely impressed. At €149, this watch delivers far more than expected—and even gives some timepieces costing three times as much a reason to worry. The fit and finish are well executed, and the bracelet, in particular, stands out as one of the best I’ve encountered in this price range. Powered by the reliable Seiko NH35 movement, it offers dependable performance and solid value. The bezel action is crisp and precise, and aesthetically, the watch has a lot of charm. I’m always a fan of the vintage-inspired design.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for a rugged daily beater or an affordable gateway into mechanical watch collecting, this piece is a compelling option—especially if you’re working with a tight budget.

Price: 149€ at addiesdivewatches.de

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