On my 7.5“ wrist the watch it is smooth and comfortable, and wears just like it’s stated specs of 42mm. Not small, not oversized, and will easily fit under a shirt or jacket cuff. The ratcheting clasp, a staple of Boschett dive watches, plays here as well, and as I have said in many reviews, one of the best clasps for a dive watch bracelet. It is large and chunky, but closes securely and adjusting the extension is done at the push of a button.
Boschett chose to keep the Reef Ranger running off a Swiss Made movement, as was the first generation, but instead of an ETA 2824, we get a Selitta SW-200 automatic movement. I have never had an issue with this movement. Selitta has been around for a good number of years, with Oris being a company who has been using them in almost all of their dive watches. The movement runs smooth, keeps very accurate time, and has a nice smooth second hand as well.
I was surprised with how much I liked this Reef Ranger model, not because of anything other than the size of 42mm, which is on the smaller side for me when it comes to dive watches. That did not seem to matter here. I loved the look and feel on the wrist. I think using 22mm lugs and bracelet with no taper helped in that aspect, as it gives the watch a larger feel than, say a 20mm would have, which is what you find on most 42mm watches. This is one of those occasions where I really don’t have anything negative to say about the watch. The dial is striking, the watch is well balanced on the wrist, everything is machined and fits together with tight tolerances. Sapphire crystals on both front and back, the Swiss movement, excellent lume, with great looks and comfort put the Reef Ranger up there with some of the best boutique brand watches. Some might feel that $825 is a lot for this watch, but these days with a lot of micro or boutique divers using the Miyota 9015 and charging $6-$700 or more, I feel the price is actually quite a bargain, especially if you are a watch enthusiast who prefers a Swiss movement.
While Boschett has become known for the Cave Dweller and Harpoon models, don’t give this one a passing glance. This is the type of diver that would be much more suited for office attire or when getting dressed up, as opposed to a large chunky dive watch.
Thank you to Boschett for providing this model for review. Stay tuned to Watchreport.com as I will be reporting on Boschett’s first dress watch, The Legacy, in an upcoming review.
