TW Steel CEO Diver CE5000 Review

Hello again everyone. In for review is a relatively new model from TW Steel in the CEO Automatic Diver model CE5000. I noticed the CEO diver a few times in the past but an automatic variation was not available as far as I am aware until recently. Before I get into the watch, I want to refresh everyone briefly on the history of TW Steel. TW Steel is a Dutch company, founded by Jordy and Ton Cobelens, which introduced their first collection of watches in 2005. The brand name is actually an abbreviation for “The Watch in Steel” and the company now offers around 140 different models while striving to produce modern, stylish and oversized designs that will not impact the wallet as much as many other brands. The CE5000 CEO Diver is certainly proof that TW Steel places a lot of emphasis on style and modern design while also recognizing the changing market and desire from the consumer for quality automatic movements. At a full retail of $1295, the CEO Diver has the following basic specifications: Movement 9100 Automatic from Miyota, 316L steel blasted titanium coated case, 44mm case diameter, Sapphire crystal, and 10ATM water resistant. I have been advised by various sources that the model can be found under the full retail price on occasion, making it an even better value.

The packaging is different than the standard TW Steel metal case that comes with so many other models. Staying with the theme of the watch model, a leatherette style clamshell case is provided. The typical outer sleeve and inner cardboard box are also part of the packaging. The interior of the case is well padded with the watch resting on a pillow. The packaging will provide the necessary protection of the watch during shipping. However, as I have mentioned so many times in the past and will continue to do so, the packaging lacks functionality, ultimately ending up in the watch case pile in the closet. More watch companies should consider using travel cases in the future, such as zipper cases or rolls, providing just a touch of extra flexibility for consumers on the go so multiple watches can be taken while traveling. Of course, branded functional packaging could provide an extra bit of indirect advertising for the company, which will never hurt.

The stylish case of the CEO Diver is composed of 316L stainless steel, which is coated with a blasted, dark, titanium PVD coating. The finishing is truly superb and even applied throughout the case and matching buckle. I would compare the finishing as comparable to any high-end watch brand plating process that I have seen to date. Earlier CEO divers were slightly larger is size but the CE5000 provides a much more pedestrian 44mm size case which is an adequate size for almost any wrist size. When factoring in the crown, the overall diameter jumps to right around 48mm and a case thickness of just under 15mm, which will also satisfy those seeking a more oversized appearance. The large oversized screw down crown measures 8.5mm x 4mm and controls the timing, power reserve, day, date, and 24 hour time complications. The crown is extremely easy to grasp with buttery smooth action and absolutely no play or wiggle when engaged. A small manual function pusher is inset into the upper crown guard, which controls the month setting complication. I would recommend using something with a softer edge when depressing the manual pusher to keep from scratching the finish on and around the pusher.

Next, I want to discuss the first aspect of the CEO Diver that really places this model in the fashion dive watch category, rather than a true functional dive watch, the unidirectional rotating bezel. While the bezel is extremely easy to grasp and rotate, it lacks a lume pip, which would make it difficult to calculate dive times unless you have a dive light. Knocking the bezel out of place shouldn’t be a concern though, as it is fairly firm with no play to speak of in either direction. The CEO Diver is fitted with a large sapphire crystal measuring approximately 33mm in diameter. The sapphire crystal has an interior anti-reflective (AR) coating which really seems to be of high quality as the glare is greatly reduced under direct sunlight. I have seen many other AR coating of much less quality.