The case back shown in the pictures is the optional sapphire exhibition caseback that costs an extra $50 USD. I show a picture of the standard case back as well. Truth be told, I am not a huge fan of exhibition case backs with a Miyota 9015, only because it is a rather plain looking movement; It is nice that you have the option to choose the case back that you want.
Another great feature of the Hyperdive is the lume. The hands and outline of the markers use C3 superluminova, while the inside of the markers are painted with (BGW9). The bezel also integrates both of the lume compounds. The lume looks fantastic, and is sure to get some comments when you are wearing the watch. I have to say though, while there is lume almost everywhere, (including the “S” logo) the lume is not flashlight bright. I would say Lum-tec or Reactor watches are still much brighter, but you should not have an issue seeing the time in the dark at all, as my unedited lume shots show.
On the wrist, the Hyperdive is very comfortable, and really does a great job of curving to my wrist. This is a large watch at 46mm, and it does look even bigger than that due to its large dial opening. Because this is such a large and heavy watch, perfect sizing is key here. This would not be a watch to wear on the looser side, in my opinion. Fortunately, between relatively small links and the ratcheting extension clasp, getting a perfect fit should not be an issue.
I always try and convey my honest thoughts as best as possible in my reviews. Personally, I love the style and look of the Hyperdive, but I know its non traditional dial and hands might not be for everyone. If you take a look at the current offerings from other micro dive watch brands, I think you will see that the Strider Hyperdive offers the same, if not more features than many of them, at a much lower price. And the quality is there. The watch is solid, well finished, and is put together with tight tolerances. This is not a cheap feeling watch by any means. In the watch world, there is no shortage of competition, and these days we have so many choices. I would say if you are looking for a bold, unique and large dive watch, or if you are on more of a budget, this watch is definitely worth a look.
Thank you to Jim for providing the Hyperdive for review.
Please leave a comment below to let us know what you think, or if you have any questions.
11 comments
What a disgrace. China produced watch with Built in USA on the dial. Why did you ignore this?
Hello Tim.
Thank you for your comment.
I didn’t ignore this, I state specifically in the article that it was China manufactured and assembled in the USA. I am guessing you don’t like the wording on the dial of USA built and I agree it might lead one to think it is manufactured in the US. Strider Watches does not hide the fact it is China manufactured at all, but maybe could have gone with USA assembled on the case back and left the wording off the dial. In the end, it is still designed in the USA and assembled here, much like Lum-tec does.
Thanks for the reply. I still think it’s an attempt to muddy the waters by the designer. I googled the website and looked at a bunch of pictures of the watch and no where is China mentioned. The only marking that would indicate country of origin says Built in USA. Kind of misleading, especially because it’s on the dial. I also couldn’t find that Lum-tec did this.
Oh well. I won’t be buying, so whatever will be will be. Thanks for the review.
Well I think that was a great review of the watch I don’t mind if it was built in china at all wish there was a retailer who sold them in the uk so we did not have to pay hi import tax.Have had a look at the lume looks great.
I bought it … (025/175) what a watch…. well made…Thanks Jim for your commitment in making an awesome watch.
Received one yesterday.
As per http://www.striderwatches.com web site and watch review by Jim Skelton:
1. The watch should be calibrated to +/- 5 seconds per day ( Miyota 9015 automatic movement, will be adjusted in-house to run within 5 spd) . Upon receiving, put watch on the timegrapher and it’s ahead +16 seconds per day.
2. “All markings are white in the light, then glow green (C3) or Blue (BGW9)” .
On the watch I received, all markings glow green (C3) only. No Blue glow.
Disappointed with misinformation.
I appreciate your concern, and I did receive your email. Customer Service will be contacting you soon. I was surprised that we did not get the opportunity to reply to you before you posted this. The accuracy issue is easily remedied, and we do strive to ship all running within 5spd. As to the Superluminova, there is absolutely no misrepresentation. You can easily see in this review, and the hundreds of customers who have posted their lume shots on Facebook, Instagram and watch forums that every watch gets BGW9 and C3 applications. When we regulate your watch, I will be looking at your lume to see if somehow, someway ONE single watch came through with the wrong lume application. It is extremely unlikely, but anything can happen I suppose. Please allow us to contact you to resolve. Thank you.
Hi Jim,
Need a exhibition caseback for my Strider Hyperdrive.
Just pulled from storage and it’s bnib. Can’t believe I stored it this long. Don’t know why I didn’t order it with the exhibition caseback!
Alan Adams
Palm Springs
I can almost guarantee Jim will never see this, and with this watch about to be 10 years old next year and the company out of business, unfortunately, I don’t think you will be getting an exhibition case back. I would reach out to Jim on Instagram, but I doubt he would be able to help at this point. His Instagram is @skeltonbladeworks.
Hello Jim,
Holiday Greetings !
Thank you for you respond.
Actually I purchased two Stainless Steel and Black Coated STRIDERS from OKO Interrnational Inc. (Android-USA.com)
And both watches running ahead +12 to +16 seconds per day , depend on which position they are.
They were sold in a bundles : AD800ABU_ST001BKK and AD720AK_ST001BK
There are accuracy (calibration) problem with all four, plus AD800ABU has issue with case back screws damaged and pinched gasket sticking out. Probably, casing cover were not assembled properly and screws were overtorqued. And AD720AK lagging 26 seconds per day which is does not match ETA2824 performance.
All together just on these three orders I spent over $2000. Plus around of $140 COD fees.
Would you contact me directly onto this email address to solve issues.
Thank you
Jim, Were issues expressed to Jim Skelton ( re: Strider Hyperdive watch) dealt with in a manner which met your approval?