Today, I’m reviewing the DiveMaster 300 from the Matterhorn Watch Company. Yes, a brand named for a mountain just released its first watch and it’s designed for the ocean. I’ll admit that sounds a little weird. Does it actually matter? No, it does not. Glad we cleared that up. Let’s move on with the review.
The DiveMaster 300 is a fully capable diving watch. It is rated for 300m water resistance, has a screw-down crown, crown guards, 120-click unidirectional bezel, a sapphire crystal, and crazy bright lume. While Matterhorn may not be specifically outfitted for mountaineering, I think these specs make it more than suitable for anyone’s adventure, be it above sea level or below.
At 41mm across, the case is a tad more than mid-size but still quite sensible. The sample was 48.5mm long and 14.5mm thick, but you can expect that to shrink to 47mm and 12.8mm in production. Even in its current form, I found it to be a comfortable fit on my 6.75″ wrist. The proportions lend it an appropriately sporty presence that is further underscored by the brushed finish. This prototype has a nameplate screwed onto the left side. While was not mad at it, I was relieved to see that it will be an option on the production watch. It’s just not the sort of design cue that has mass appeal.
The 120-click, unidirectional bezel wears a knurled edge and while I love the look of the knurling, I found it difficult to get a good grip on this one. A slightly taller bezel or a chunky coin edge like that on the crown likely would have made it easier. Now, your fingertips may not be a slippy as mine but I’d have preferred the aesthetics of matching the textures on those two elements as well. That said, the bezel action is firm, sure, and devoid of wobble. I was pleased to see that all of the bezel markings are lumed – a fairly uncommon touch, particularly on an aluminum insert.
Matterhorn offers the DiveMaster in three colors: Volcanic Black, Forest Green, and the Ocean Blue pictured here. It is bluest at the bezel insert while the matte dial is closer to Navy. Orange accents on the second hand’s spear tip, the water-resistance text, and most uncommonly, on the first quarter of the index, give it a pleasantly contrasting pop. Numbers at 12, 6, and 9 are reminiscent of the Omega Seamaster 300. The applied and polished markers are treated with BGW9 SuperLuminova as are the numbers and the polished handset. Slender dauphine hands may seem like an unusual choice for a diver, but I rather liked the way they dressed things up.
Production dials will see the words “Water Resistance” replaced with the model name and a no-date option might be a stretch goal. The date window is nicely finished with a polished and beveled frame, but I’d happily trade it for symmetry.
Inside, you will find a 28.8k bph Miyota 9015. Well, you will on the production models. This prototype had a stalwart Seiko NH35. You can take a peek at it through the display case back if you are so inclined. Personally, I am not. There is absolutely nothing wrong with either of these movements, but they are nothing special to look at. For that very reason, Matterhorn is dropping the display caseback too. Between the solid case back and the slimmer 9015, the Divemaster will shave a little more than a millimeter from its thickness and that is a very good thing indeed.
Like the case, the brushed, 20mm, three-link bracelet is nicely executed. It tapers to 18mm where it meets a signed, push-button, locking clasp that preserves the lines established by the case and links. Three micro-adjustments help ensure a comfortable fit. Look for drilled lugs as a stretch goal. If you prefer a strap, then Matterhorn has you covered, supplying one in tropic rubber with a signed buckle.
All around, I found the DiveMaster sample to be both attractive and nicely executed, but the finished product will be superior in movement (9015), proportions (1.5mm shorter and 1.2mm thinner), practicality (drilled lugs and AR coating), and appearance (for those of us who prefer their watches without dates).
What will this run you? Well, if you glom onto the early bird specials, just £190 (about $262 US). After the campaign, that price will hit £249 ($343) and eventually the £299 ($412) full retail, so if you are digging the DiveMaster, I’d encourage you to jump on the Kickstarter campaign now.
