Detomaso San Marino Dive Watch Review

The watch case is 316L stainless steel with a brushed finish throughout. The case measures 45mm and a robust 49mm including the crown. The lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 54mm, combined with a weight of 258 grams, 16mm case thickness and the other case specifications, provide quite a substantial appearance on the wrist. The lugs have almost no curvature, however, the case does sit fairly flat across the wrist, which is of great importance to overall comfort. The non-crown side of the case is a little different due to the branding. A Helium Release Valve (HEV) is positioned at the center with the company name engraved to the left of the HEV. I am not a huge fan of case branding, as I feel it cheapens the overall look of the watch at times. I would much prefer no branding or maybe the company logo etched into the HEV.

On the opposite side of the case is an almost 8mm screw down crown. The crown is located at the 3 o’clock position between integrated crown guards. The crown guards will provide fairly decent protection, however, the crown does extend a few millimeters beyond the guards so just be aware of the slight exposure. The gear shape style of the crown allows for easy grasp and rotation. The crown has a buttery smooth action with no play or wiggle in either setting position. With branding on the non-crown side, the crown side of the case is surprisingly lacking. The crown face would be a perfect location for the company logo/crest and I believe it would look fantastic as I do prefer signed crowns.

The 120 click unidirectional rotating bezel is extremely easy to grasp due to the almost scalloped perimeter. The bezel is extremely firm with no play in either direction. The insert is fully lumed, including a 15-minute countdown, and glows brightly for hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal that appears to have an interior AR coating. The crystal diameter measures approximately 34mm, providing adequate viewing of the full lume dial. The dial is extremely clean and uncluttered with the typical branding for this style of watch noting the brand, model and water resistance above and below center dial. All of the dial markers are painted black which looks fantastic up against the white dial. I like the company logo/crest, which seems to be applied at the 12 o’clock position rather than a typical numeral or some other marker style. The model comes with a date window positioned between the 4-5 o’clock position, which is fairly legible. Personally, I am starting to enjoy no date dive watch models more and more, as size of the window seems to always be problematic. The San Marino comes with a fairly typical handset that is well lumed, including a lume dot near the tip of the second hand. I really like the added detail of the company crest/logo functioning as the counterweight on the second hand.