The Pradata is very comfortable on the wrist, and that is coming from someone who is not a bracelet guy anymore. Yet this watch to me just looks at home on the 5 link bracelet and simply wraps around the wrist. I have a 7.5-inch wrist and the size is right in my sweet spot of 44mm with 52mm lug to lug. For those who want to change it out to another strap, the Pradata uses screw bars for the lugs. This makes strap changes a little easier.
The case, bracelet, and case back are all bead blasted. Although the finish is very well done, it is very apparent when sizing the bracelet (which uses one piece screws) that it was blasted after it was initially assembled. While this is not a huge deal, and does not affect the functionality or appearance, you will notice when removing the screws it is a little rough, as some of the bead blasting dust is inside the links. It feels like there is sand inside. After I removed the screws, I gave it a shot of compressed air to clean out any little particles.
Fricker came to mind when looking at the case. It just has that German tool diver feeling about it. If you are familiar with German dive watches, you will know what I mean. This is another reason that I fell in love with it. The bezel clicks nicely. Firm, but easily turned with a little a pressure. I do find it odd that the elapsed timer markings on the bezel are not coated or filled in. If you plan to use this to actually time a dive, I am not sure if you would be able to easily read it. Personally, I am not a diver, but I like the aesthetic of a dive watch, and the machined bezel looks good to me the way it is. It gives it a very clean look.
The bracelet, as I mentioned, is very comfortable. The links are rounded and smooth and I enjoy wearing it. The clasp, your standard dive lock clasp, has 3 micro adjustments. It does lack a dive extension, though, which is another thing to keep in mind if you wanted to use for actual diving. This is not a knock on the watch or the brand, but I feel if you are going to build an absolute functional dive watch, you need to go all the way. The case has a helium release valve, which let’s face it, 98% of us will never use. Many divers will use a dive extension to be able to put the watch over a dive suit. This honestly is me being really picky, but they are things I noticed and felt the need to report them.
My review sample is the black dial with C1 superluminova and yellow accents (second hand and Pradata text). The color, a deeper yellow, appears orange in some photos. An orange version is available as well. It is, for me, just the right amount of color.
The lume was surprisingly good for C1, as that is not always the case. All the markers and hands, including the second hand tip are lumed, and the lume is the same strength on the hands and markers.
Paul L
I have the Pradata in a brushed finish and I have to say that for the money, this is an amazing watch! The bezel took some getting used to due to how wide the surface is, but when paired with the faceted case, the combo is terrific. I ordered a blue nato strap and brown leather strap from them directly when I ordered my Pradata, and I have to say that the watch looks better on the leather strap first, the nato second, and the bracelet third. The case and bezel have so much metal that a non-metal strap seems to showcase the watch in an even better light.
Great review, I look forward to reading more!
Don
Thank you Paul L. I did not get a chance to put it on a leather strap, but I am sure it looks great.
Post a picture of yours on your Instagram page and tag us @watchreport.
X2Eliah
I may be totally wrong on this, but doesn’t “Pradata” mean “Sold” (as in, ‘the cookies have been sold to the customer’) in some of the slavic languages?
tac
I have a collection of around forty dive watches, as well as a couple, an old Navitimer, a flightmaster and a Ferrari, that don’t see water. This was a bit of an adventure for me, since my blasted and blue dial Pradator cost substantially less than any kind of a service on any of my other watches. It turned up here in UK in six days, and although I got hit with almost $50 UK taxes [grrrr], the watch is a colossal bargain by any standards. It is also numbingly beautiful to look at – IMO – and is a joy to wear and to show off, when necessary. My usual daily wear comes from Breitling, Rolex, IWC, Ebel, Omega and so on. This beautiful creation costs half the price of a Breitling leather strap…and a third of a service.
Thanks, Obris-Morgan.
tac
Kenneth Drysdale
Tac,
Thanks for your feedback. With Don Evans review, I had to experience the Pradata for myself. 5 days later, this watch quickly became one of my top favorites in the collection. I’m glad you like the Pradata!!
Julio Santos
Hello! Where can I found this watch. The Nevon
Charles Anderson
I have to say given the titanium case and Sapphire crystal combined with the price this is like buying a Rolex in the 1950’s. I have had it for 2 years now and its still amazing. Near perfect. Cheers charles.
Paul Fogel
Don,
I really like my Pradata and considering they do not make them any longer, it seemed like a great buy and a keeper, at least for a while. I don’t get to wear it that much but it is still a great model to own. To me as nice as most of the divers that even cost a bit more. Good review..I’m going to keep it unless I absolutely have to thin the herd of 35….I like watches that you don’t see everyone wearing.