We see a lot of dive watches here at WWR. We even have a special category for divers, making your search on our site easier. Plus, I am a diver myself, so we enjoy writing up attractive and sensible dive watches. And that is where this retro inspired new diver comes in. The MachesterWatchWorks Tatoskok automatic is the third shot at the crowdfunding market, and I think they hit a good mix of design, features and value.
This is project #3 for the company, and Patrick had a chance to write a hands-on review project #2 for ABTW a while back. If you are considering the watch, then you should check out the review, since a lot of what he liked is pulled directly into this project. The dial, for example, has a texture designed to look like sand. The previous watch project offered three case finishes, while the current project simplified things with the bead blasted stainless steel case, which was Patrick’s favorite. In my eyes, they made a great step up when they switched from the quartz movement of the last project to the current Miyota 9015 automatic. The 42.5 mm case, the rubber strap, and the lake monster engraved on the case back are all carry overs from the previous project as well.
One last change was that they eliminated the option of a date for this version, which I think is a good choice. The small date windows are not very useful to me, and they could not have been able to color match at this price point. Which leads me to value. As I write this, there are still several early bird watches available for $230, including world wide shipping. Like another diver I bought off Kickstarter a while back, this is a no-brainer pledge for me. Even as the price steps up to a maximum of $260, the watch remains a very good value. You have attractive retro styling, a modern automatic movement, real diver functionality, and no unneeded frills. I think the ManchesterWatchWorks Tatoskok (project page) is a winning package. manchesterwatchworks
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: ManchesterWatchWorks Tatoskok
- Price: $230 to $260, depending on timing
- Who we think it might be for: Fans of retro divers.
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: If I did not already own a stable of divers, then yes. I like the retro styling and the price is definitely intriguing.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Go with a mismatched handset for ISO diver compatibility.
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: It hits the retro look dead on and I like the bezel.
Tech Specs from ManchesterWatchWorks
- Movement : Miyota 9015 automatic
- Functions : Three hander, unidirectional 120 click bezel
- Case : Bead blasted 316L stainless steel
- Glass : Sapphire
- Water resistance : 200 meters (20 ATM)
- Lug width : 22mm (drilled)
- Straps : Black leather standard, brushed stainless steel optional
- Diameter : 42.5mm
- Length : 47mm
- Case height : 11 mm
- Weight of watch head : Not specified