If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, Oceaneva are one of the best value proposition brands operating in the watch space right now. They intentionally avoid all the classic markups from major watch brands in order to bring high spec tool watches with mechanical movements to frankly insane levels of accessibility. Having been hands-on with the gargantuan Deep Marine Explorer 6,000m, I was also keen to get hands-on with its smaller cousin, the Deep Marine Explorer II Damascus.
After spending time with the aforementioned 6,000m with its 44mm x 18.2mm case, the Deep Marine Explorer II Damascus feels positively svelte by comparison. It has dimensions of 42mm x 14.8mm, so in reality it’s not a small watch by any stretch of the imagination. It’s simply ‘on the large side’ as opposed to ‘big enough to sink the Titanic’. On the wrist, I actually think its well sized because it’s made from Damascus steel, so it has the characteristic wavy texture that really stands out across the broad surfaces of the lugs and the case’s flanks.
The same Damascus pattern is also seen across the pin-buckle, unidirectional rotating dive timer bezel, and dial. The dial is also ion plated to give it a coffee brown colour that works really well with the Damascus texture, emphasising the alternating polished and grainy ripples. The specific model I have here features quite a wide ripple across the display as opposed to the tightly woven pattern you sometimes see, such as on the bezel at the 45 minute marker. Though each individual watch in the collection is unique, as is the nature of Damascus steel.
Completing the design of the dial are a classic set of applied hour markers in triangle, circle and rectangle shapes, all coated with lume. They’re pointed to by alpha style hour and minute hands as well as a lollipop seconds hand. Again, coated with lume for that low light legibility that’s vital for a dive watch. Speaking of which, the watch is rated to 1,250m with Oceaneva being one of the few brands to actually test their watches in real world scenarios as opposed to sterile lab tests. It’s an impressive rating, though obviously much less extreme than the 6,000m.
Protected by the solid caseback is the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with 38-hour power reserve. It’s one of the most classic workhorse calibres out there, as ubiquitous as anything due to its accessibility and serviceability. It also features a date function at 3 o’clock for a little extra utility.
With a special pre-sale price of £344, it’s a fun novelty that’s sure to catch attention at your next watch meet-up. Each of the colourways, of which the coffee brown is just one, is limited to 1,000 pieces. Delivery is expected in September 2025.
Price and Specs:
More details at Damascus.
