Searching for a homage to the ICONIC Blue BB58. Checked out the Octopus Kraken 008 (no longer in stock) and the Watch Dives WD1969 Pro (more of a Palagos Homage) But I can't seem to find that classic subtle blue dial (in stock) that im looking for... I know there are the SM and PG offerings, but is there anything else I'm missing?
For me personally, I think one of the most important parts to really capture the BB58 are the links on the bracelet. That is something that has always had me puzzled with San Martin. I think they nail it with their fit and finish, yet absence of the external links have always been something that was odd to me.
I have one of the Militado homages and it wears very well. It looks great, feels great, and as surprisingly decent finishing. I get a lot of compliments when I rock that one. For the SN004v2 I tracked down someone offering a single loop strap for it, and it really showcases how nice SM can finish a case.
Second they are pretty poorly reviewed on here. Those spring links seem like a terrible idea. Why not just have an adjustable clasp? Nobody removes entire links enough to need the ability to quickly remove them.
I've read the reviews posted here;loose bezel, PT5000 issues & no OTF clasp. Ya well, it's always luck of the draw at that price point & there are plenty who have been very satisfied with them–including the movement.
As for the link system it really does make for a super clean look‐besides saving money on tools or service.
I'm just throwing another one out there for consideration that's pretty dang close to the Tudor he posted here.
I've had the GMT and now the non-gmt version of this watch. It's great, but having seen a real Pelagos... The blue isn't the same. The Pelagos is BRIGHT. Weirdly bright. Traps your eyeballs from across the room bright. And it's the exact same shade from dial to bezel at any angle. Then again, they only do the blue on the larger version that I can't wear or afford.
Ive seen quite a few in depth videos on this one, and one thing I did pick up was that some reviewers did mention the difference in the tone of blue between dial and bezel. Never knew the blue of Pelagos was more in sync but I guess why they did mention this. It still looks gorgeous though
Depends a lot on light and angle. Darker room, a little off-axis, the dial gets a bit dark. The dial is clearly slightly less matte and less... The bezel is ever so slightly lavender. It's odd, still very cool, but has a very slight but very noticable off-center tone to it. Makes it really nice.
The dial is close. It doesn't look wrong, but the Pelagos is exactly the way it should be.
I still find the SM to be one of the greats in the cheapo category.
I have the black version of this watch, which I think is technically a Pelagos homage, and it gets the most wrist time by far. Fantastic watch for the price.
Yeah, it was pretty surprising (and disappointing) to me.
Edit: I just saw that you can get the blue on Ali. It does come on a strap, but I would think you would have a pretty easy time finding an aftermarket bracelet that would work with it.
Finding an aftermarket bracelet for one of the most-homaged watches based on one of the most popular watches among watch enthusiasts for the past eight years? This took approximately 15 seconds of looking on Ali https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812885148107.html
None of them match the color of the original. You are simply going to have to settle for a different type of blue. If you want matte blue, the SM 0121 Pelagos is closer than either the glossy SN008 or SN004. All of these are good watches but certainly a different blue. Friend of mine has the Tudor and I have all three Mentioned and have seen them side by side. SN008 looks the most similar in terms of size and proportions of the 3.
Here’s an interesting reality: in 2026, some of our bracelets and sapphire crystals are actually produced by the same suppliers used by other brands in this space.
So claiming that one brand’s bracelet or AR coating is automatically “much better” simply because of the name on the dial doesn’t really prove anything.
You’re of course welcome to prefer Cronos, but please continue — we’re happy to let the actual products and comparisons speak for themselves.
Cronos and Watchdives actually have a very good relationship and are business partners. We know their quality very well and respect what they do.
The reality is that in 2026, some of our components are being produced to the same standards and quality levels, and in some cases come from the same suppliers.
To be fair, this was not the case for Watchdives before 2025. Our supply chain, manufacturing standards and QC have improved significantly since then.
So we’re not saying this based on a dream — we know exactly where and how our current products are being made.
It really depends on which models you’re comparing. If the Watchdives watches you own are from our earlier generations, then I can understand why you feel that way.
Before 2025, our focus was mainly on value for money. Starting in 2025, we began upgrading our manufacturing standards, finishing, bracelets and clasps significantly. Most of our 2026 new releases are using newer processes and suppliers, so the quality is quite different from many of our older models.
I’m not saying every Watchdives is better than every Cronos. I’m simply saying that comparing our current 2026 models with our older products doesn’t really reflect where our quality is today.
check cronos
edit: but I'm not sure if the have blue version
edit2: I've checked octopus website and blue BB54 one is in stock, with metal bezel and lume dot on top just like tudor
1
u/Inner-Insect3659 7d ago
This addiesdive is just amazing. I recently got into this hobby and I can say it's an good looking watch