The hour and minute hands are very large, with the hour hand being a massive arrow hand. While this of course makes for easy reading, I feel the arrow hour hand is a little distracting on the dial. For contrast the second hand is red, with an arrow tip, which is lumed with C3 superluminova as well as the hour, minute and large applied markers. I don’t mind the large Kentex name and logo on the dial, but feel there is too much writing on the lower portion of the dial. Ceramic and sapphire, along with the model name and water resistance, is a little overkill. Speaking of sapphire, the crystal is a high grade Japanese sapphire, and the date magnifier is sapphire as well. Some watch enthusiasts love the bubble date magnifier, some don’t. I’m one that can take it or leave it. When you look straight down, it does of course magnify the date greatly, allowing it to be easily read. Unfortunately, you cannot just quickly glance at it, as it is distorted at most angles, except for straight on.
The case back is another characteristic that resembles a high end Seiko. It is a beautiful multi level machined and engraved case back, with a large Seahorse in the center. The attention to detail and finishing is very well done, and one that makes you think of watches costing much more.
The bracelet has a solid end link attachment, and is 22mm wide. The bracelet, however, tapers to 20mm at the clasp. The bracelet is well made and finished, with it being mostly satin finished, with polished sections running down the edges of the middle links. The links measure just about 3.3mm in thickness. The clasp is a push button dive clasp, with flip lock safety and a dive extension. It also 4 micro adjustments, but only 2 can really be used because of the push button mechanism and dive extension will not allow you to move to the third hole. But fear not, the bracelet also has half links, to help obtain that perfect fit for your wrist.
I do have a few issues with the bracelet and clasp, though. One issue is the use of the pin and collar system for link attachment. While these styles of pins make for a very secure attachment, they are also a bear to remove, and these are no different. It took about 20 minutes, some patience, a few expletives and two broken pins, in which I did get it sized for my 7.5 inch wrist. My other issue is really nitpicking, which is the stamped deployant clasp. Functionality is not comprised here, but with a price of $780 I would have preferred a solid scissor style deployant.
The movement used in this version of the Marineman is the Seiko NH35. This is a reliable, hand winding and hacking movement, used in many watches by many different brands. But I know many will take issue with this movement being used, considering the price of the watch. As said, the movement is reliable, but the sweep is not as smooth as say a Miyota 9015 or other Seiko movements such as the 6R15. It also, in my experience always ends up running fast, about a minute a week. The owner of Kentex told me that they plan to use the Miyota 9015 in the future. Whether that will raise the price of the Marineman model, I do not know.
The lume is very similar to a Seiko, in that it not only glows nuclear bright, but also lasts well into the night. For a dive watch at this price, I would expect no less, and they have not disappointed.
On the wrist, it is extremely comfortable, and quite good looking. While it might be another dive watch, I don’t think anyone would immediately mistake it for a Seiko, Rolex, or other brands. This is a good thing, as it stands on its own. Its 44mm case and 50mm length is what I really like. You get a nice diameter, but not one you have to worry about the lugs over hanging your wrists.
So, what’s my consensus? I think Kentex is on the right track and could have a very bright future, if they just upgrade some things that I mentioned in this review. The case and bracelet finishing, engraved case back, excellent lume, and a striking MOP dial are what I liked most about the Marineman. However, the pin and collar system, decorative lug screws, and the NH35 movement brought it down a little for the price. Of course, this is one person’s opinion, and I leave it up to you to make your own decision. Is the Kentex Marineman right for you? You decide. I can say, I do look forward to future models and see what upgrades and designs they come out with.
You can check out the full line Kentex models in their online shop. (The website is in Japanese, but google will translate it for you) http://www.kentex-jp.com/
Thank you to Kentex for providing the Marineman for review.
