The watch has a proportionate 7mm screw down crown positioned at the 3 o’clock side of the case between integrated crown guards and 6mm function pushers. The crown guards will not provide significant protection as the crown extends 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 rather smooth action with no play or wiggle in either setting position, which actually caught me off guard for a watch at this price point. The function pushers are not screw down so that fact tends to concern me slightly in regards to water resistance, which is quoted at 300 meters. Hopefully the gasket system with the crown and the pushers are up to snuff with that type of rating.
Moving on we find a 60 click unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel which typically isn’t found often on a watch at this price point and another outstanding feature. The bezel is slightly difficult to grasp even with the scalloped edges. The bezel was surprisingly as firm as any I have seen with absolutely zero play in either direction. The markers surrounding the bezel are not lumed, which was a bit disappointing, however, can be overlooked due to the overall cost. However, the marker paint is somewhat disappointing as I believe over time the markers will wear quite easily so be prepared for no markers down the road. Jiusko could have obviously used whatever substance/application other companies use to protect the markers but that may have impacted costs slightly, however, I think it would have been preferred by almost all consumers. An actual lume pip and a 120 click would have been greatly appreciated as well.
Next, the Deep Sea is fitted with a sapphire crystal measuring approximately 31mm in diameter. I’m not sure the crystal has an Anti-Reflective (AR) coating, as I had to fight quite a bit of glare when taking photographs and shooting the video. If it does have an AR coating it most certainly isn’t the best that I have seen over the years. Beneath the sapphire crystal is a well-organized black chronograph dial even though it is a bit cramped. Even though the dial is a bit cramped visibility of all the functions is not compromised. The dial branding is very minimal at the 3 o’clock position and corresponds well with the color accents of the watch. The model comes with an open blue accented white date window positioned between the 3-5 o’clock positions, which are extremely legible up against the black dial. The model appears to use C1 superluminova, which is present on the hour markers and on the arrow style hour and minute hands. The lume fades rather quickly and really doesn’t provide much afterglow so if you happen to be a lume nut this aspect may be quite disappointing. Three (3) sub-dials are present on the dial; a running second hand at the 9 o’clock position, minute accumulator at the 12 o’clock and an hour accumulator at the 6 o’clock position.
Quite possibly the best feature of the model is the highly etched case back. The case back is screwed into the case and has a large Jiusko “crest” etched at the center. The typical specification information found on case backs is etched around the perimeter. The case back is flat so it will sit raised up off of the wrist at all. Under the case back is a very nice Seiko YM92 quartz movement powering the Deep Sea. The movement has been highly accurate as one would anticipate with a quartz. One of the great features of the movement like many model day quartz movements is that chronograph hands can be calibrated if needed. I have to admit the chrono second hand arrived slightly off center and by pulling the crown out to the time setting position, then depressing the top function pusher for a few seconds each part of the chronograph can be calibrated.
Finally, probably the most disappointing feature of the Deep Sea, outside of the bezel paint, is the silicon rubber strap; however, it is not a complete deal breaker by any means. The fact that the strap is silicon rubber is not the most disappointing aspect but rather it is the strap length leaving a lot to be desired. On my 7-¾ inch wrist I have to use the next to the last sizing hole and it is quite tight but the last hole will not allow for a significant amount of the strap tail to slide under the keeper. Anyone with a wrist over 8 inches will have a problem with the strap length so be prepared to slap an Isofrane or some other custom strap on the watch. For those of you at 7 ½ inches and below you will be happy that the strap does measure 22mm at the lug with no taper through to the buckle. Finishing off the strap is a heavy-duty signed buckle, which is a perfect compliment to the watch case rather than having some flimsy buckle that comes with so many silicon straps. In my opinion, go ahead and order a 22mm Isofrane or Cuda so you can have it to slap on the Deep Sea when it arrives. The other option would be to pay the extra coin and purchase the bracelet model of the Deep Sea.
The Deep Sea Quartz Chronograph on rubber is a reasonably priced dive style watch at $220 with some quality specifications. The Deep Sea packs quite a punch with many highly desirable features such as sapphire crystal, helium release valve, screw down crown, ceramic bezel, multiple complications and an outstanding Seiko YM92 quartz movement that allows for movement calibration. Jiusko also provides superior presentation with the dive case packaging, which so many of us enjoy. The Deep Sea would be a great weekend warrior watch, but also an everyday wear on the job. Other than the bezel markers my guess is the watch will take a pretty good beating and keep performing. I would like to thank all of you for reading and ask that you take a moment to view the brief video presentation on the Deep Sea and follow WatchReport.com on YouTube.
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