u/WristReport

Still one of my favorite references in the whole catalog

I've been slowly coming around to the GS diver handset for 10 years or more. I've always liked the rest of the dials and the cases, but often couldn't decide if I loved or hated the hands. The release of the new 40mm divers solidified it- I was utterly disappointed with the new hardware.

I get it, the old hands were polarizing. Hell, I was bipolar about them. But the new design looks like it emerged from the committee for inoffensive shapes. Just as unfortunate, the vaguely sharpened hour hand points somewhere in the vicinity of crowded rectangles. Gone are obviously differentiated cardinal indices that made the divers so legible. Not to mention the useful date complication.

It took the new release for me to realize that the hands were the primary source of the funky character that made GS dive watches endearing. But most luxury watch buyers aren't looking for kitchy, they're looking for for popularity. The new divers will fit right in with Subs and SMPs in jewelry cases. My initial reaction hasn't changed. "Thanks, I hate it."

Buying a legacy model wasn't straightforward. The hole in my collection was for a subdued, neutral colored tool watch that won't attract undue attention, is rugged enough to wear for any travel activity, thin enough to slip under backpack straps when I have the shoulder mobility of a penguin, and is nice enough looking to wear with business casual clothing. Many of the divers have quite a bit of polish, and for years I've been put off by the DLC bezel inserts (hard to swallow when my LX has an incredible cermet insert).

Enter the SLGA015. Easily my favorite dive dial to date, the black wave pattern is extraordinary. It still employs the trademark handset, and even the power reserve display is more intuitive and symmetrical than my other spring drives. The bezel insert is ceramic, and the bezel action very good.

The case is not too thick, and rounds to the top unlike my LX. The case shape is gorgeous, and the subdued polished accents are just perfect. Every review said that it's larger than it's listed dimensions, but it's not. You can clearly see that the bezel is as wide if not slightly wider than the case at 9. On the 3 o'clock side the crown guards start practically at the lugs, so there's no place to measure the case that doesn't include the swell of the crown guards.

The bracelet maintains the low profile, being fully brushed on top- including the thin accent links that are almost always polished on other 5 link bracelets. The ham fisted ratcheting clasp is dumb, but I knew that from experience going in.

It's a completely anonymous black dial diver from a few feet away. Up close it's magnificent.

Flexing fake luxury watches and writing like the marketing manager for Hasbro's GI Joe division.