Contents
Introduction
Imagine yourself in 1981, basking in the sun on a beautiful Hawaiian beach. As you begin to doze off, the excited screams of fellow beachgoers wake you up. Curious, you look through your sleek black Ray-Ban Wayfarers and notice a tall figure with a legendary mustache. It’s none other than Tom Selleck, affectionately known as “Magnum!” Amongst the cheers, you can’t help but notice the glare from his wrist – his trusty companion, the Chronosport Sea Quartz 30 Dive watch. This iconic timepiece, worn by the superstar private investigator in the first three seasons of Magnum P.I., has now been revived by Momentum Watches.
Authenticity and Upgrades
Momentum Watches, operated by the St. Moritz Watch Corporation, has a direct connection to the original family behind Chronosport watches. This authentic link made it a no-brainer for Momentum to revive the popular Sea Quartz 30 model. To ensure an authentic reproduction, the brand even sent original parts to their manufacturers. While the name has changed, Momentum has managed to retain the spirit of these analog quartz dive watches while incorporating some modern upgrades.
Affordability and Popularity
One of Momentum’s primary objectives is to provide affordable timepieces, and the Sea Quartz 30 is no exception. To celebrate its revival in early 2023, Momentum offered the watch at its original retail price of $195 USD. Even after the initial release, the price remained reasonable. As a result, this fun, funky, and low-cost dive watch quickly gained popularity and consistently sold out.
Design and Features
The Sea Quartz 30 boasts a 42mm-wide stainless steel case with a brushed top and polished chamfers on the sides. The caseback is solid steel, allowing for personal engravings, while the pointed crown guards provide protection without sacrificing usability. With a depth rating of 300 meters, this watch exceeds the requirements of most divers. The polished coin-edge steel bezel features a luminous sapphire insert and 120 clicks for accurate time tracking. The watch also sports a highly legible matte-black dial with large luminous block indices and a day/date function at 3 o’clock. The hands, coated in a vibrant toxic shade of green, provide excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. Powering the Sea Quartz 30 is the reliable Swiss Made R507 Ronda quartz movement, known for its 45-month battery life.
Comfort and Versatility
When worn, the Sea Quartz 30 sits comfortably on the wrist thanks to its flat profile and slightly downturned lugs. Momentum offers a variety of wristband options, including a brushed and polished jubilee-style bracelet or a supple and comfortable rubber tropic strap. The jubilee bracelet features solid links and a milled flip-lock clasp with micro-adjustments, allowing for a perfect fit. For those seeking a military navy dive watch aesthetic, the watch can also be paired with a NATO-style strap.
Final Thoughts
The Momentum Sea Quartz 30 is a watch that brings pure joy. Its vintage-inspired design captures a sense of nostalgia while utilizing modern materials for added durability. With an attractive price point of $295 USD, it’s a timepiece you can wear without worrying about scratches or water damage. Although the bezel may be a bit stiff and slippery, this minor drawback doesn’t overshadow the overall value of the watch. Momentum has diligently restocked and even teased future versions, demonstrating their commitment to meeting the demand for this fun and affordable diver. While wearing the Sea Quartz 30 might not make you as cool as Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I., it will definitely make you feel like a star. Discover more about the Momentum Sea Quartz 30 at the Ambassadeur Hotel website.
Necessary Information:
- Brand: Momentum
- Model: Sea Quartz 30
- Price: $295 USD
- Size: 42mm-wide, 11.3mm-thick, 47mm lug-to-lug
- When reviewer would personally wear it: To the beach, pool, boat, during physical activities or sports.
- Friend we’d recommend it to first: A friend interested in vintage watches, but concerned about damage, water intrusion, and service costs.
- Best characteristic of the watch: Funky dial font and nuclear lume.
- Worst characteristic of the watch: Stiff and slippery bezel.
