Hands-On: The Cincinnati Watch Co Desk Diver

“Sold Out,” the words marking what was previously an “add to cart” button, reminding me that I missed out on the original drop. Just a few months ago, a small unassuming brand just 4 hours south of me in Cincinnati, Ohio teased a few images of an eye-catching dive-style watch sporting the tongue-in-cheek dial text of “0 ft = 0m, No Submersion, Superlative Desk Diver, Unofficially Certified”. While it is true that a lot of brands release watches on the more playful side of things, it is rare that the actual watch appears well executed throughout but instead leans into the whimsical, forgetting about tradition and practicality. So as further details and images were revealed of the 75-piece limited edition, it began to paint a picture of a well-made everyday watch utilizing new old stock Swiss-made cases poking fun at the seriousness plaguing the watch community. I loaded up the website, then swung and missed. So, when I learned that a non limited Desk Diver was in production with an upcoming release, I jumped at the opportunity to get the model on my wrist and give it a proper go. 

Being that the original was limited simply due to the number of cases found after 50 years of hiding, Cincinnati Watch Co. set out to recreate a faithful case design made to a modern specification. The vintage-inspired cushion case measures a stout 43.3 mm in diameter. Despite its large measurements on paper, the Desk Diver Professional makes use of its clever geometry to disappear on the wrist and wear much smaller than you might expect. Enhancing the wearing experience is the 5-link flat bracelet secured by screws nestled between the 20 mm lugs with quick-release spring bars. With brushed outer links and polished inner, the bracelet tapers to 18mm and flows down to a foldover clasp with 3 points of micro adjustment. Overall, the watch rides well on the wrist, something I was skeptical of,  but the bracelet offers excellent articulation and the case riding close to the wrist makes it all the easier to slide under a cuff. 

The case offers a blend of finishing with horizontal brushing on its anterior surface complemented with polished case sides and small lugs. Lug guards protect the screw-down crown which pairs with the screw-down case back in achieving the 100 meters of water resistance. Rising from the case, the bi-directional friction bezel continues blending brushed and polished surfaces while providing ample grip and the perfect amount of tension to allow the wearer to rotate and set it without worrying that the slightest brushing against a surface might cause it to move. Inside, a black aluminum bezel with gilt marking handles the countdown with a lumed triangle marking 60. A flat sapphire tophat crystal with a chamfered edge protects the dial beneath which, though not specifically called out, does a great job at reducing glare in direct lighting. 

Set just beneath the crystal, a sandwich dial plays in the light with its sunburst taupe dial cutaway to reveal the SuperLumiNova X1 C3 lume beneath to mark the hours. Golden-hued gilt frames the indice windows with white minute hash marks counting the space in between. At its center, gold-hued polished baton hands each holding their own X1 C3 lume application handle time telling. Dial text has not been limited here though it does blend into the dial well with the word markings “Cincinnati Watch Co” at 12:00 and the new dial text of “333ft = 100m, Professional, Superlativetive Desk Diver, Unofficially Certified”. Though serious water resistance has been added, the playfulness remains, bringing a smile to my face every time I read it or show anyone who will take the time to look. Overall, the dial feels more refined than the price point might suggest with a focus on both daytime and nighttime legibility. It is often the case that a shiny dial paired with gilt accents can hinder time telling though I never failed to catch the time with a quick glance. 

Powering the watch is the elabore grade automatic winding Sellita SW200-1b. Operating at 4hz, or 28,800 vph, the movement achieves a healthy 40 hours of power reserve while featuring hacking and hand winding. Due to technical difficulties, I was not able to test this watch on my timegrapher, though during my wearing time I never noticed any significant change in timekeeping which is to be expected with the higher grade reputable caliber. 

For the $675 price point, $550 if you pre-order, this watch offers a lot of value. The finishing is on par with watches twice its price point while offering a unique design and a very comfortable wearing experience from an under-the-radar brand doing things the right way. I can confirm that this watch is more than just a desk diver having taken it out sailing where it faced a few splashes and more than a few decent knocks, though the bits of polishing, elevated dial design, and slim profile make it perfectly suited for those who hide their passion in the office under a long sleeve button down. It is a serious watch with a playful side, something we need more of in this industry. 

The Cincinnati Watch Co Desk Diver Professional is available for pre-order now at a discounted price with units set to be shipped out in December of 2024. Cincinnati Watch Co