TWCO Sea Rescue Diver Watch Review

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As one would imagine a rescue vessel to be, the Sea Rescue Diver’s full-bodied case provides the watch a robust frame, giving it an impressive 600m depth rating. Its bead blasted finish suits its essence well, as does the matching oyster style bracelet. Personally, I would have loved to have seen this model in a brushed finish version as well, since I favor the brushed stainless steel look. The hidden dive extension serves as a subtle reminder that although this watch is capable of living above sea level, it was constructed with a seafaring purpose in mind. Sizing of the bracelet was effortless; I used both of the provided screw drivers to remove the pins. Need a little extra room but not enough to remove a full link? Four micro adjustments are located on the flip down clasp for just the right fit. TWCO also included a silicone rubber strap that, as like most silicone strap, is a lint magnet. A large screw-down crown, equipped with quintuple Viton protection seals, extends past the case’s crown guards; functionality is at the core of its design. When extended out, I found no wobble. Once the time was set, screwing it back in was a breeze.

The 120 click uni-directional bezel, which is slightly larger than the case, has zero play when set into positon. Large teeth enable the user to manipulate it easily with or without gloves on, which one can expect to use when diving. An aluminum bezel insert was used, which for some, seems to be a sore spot. While many micro brands are going with high-end ceramic inserts, it would have looked wrong on this model since its styling is best described as a no-frills tool diver. Having placed anything on it other than its aluminum insert would have infused it with awkward bling. The “rescue orange” comes back into play as it hashes the insert with its bold color from 0 to the 20 minute mark. A slightly domed double AR coated sapphire crystal completes the package. The case back, which is sealed with Viton O-rings and gaskets, is simple and reminiscent of an old sea hatch. The brand’s T- logo sits in the center, surrounded by bead blasted frost. While I’m not sure why TWCO chose to incorporate the frosting, I imagine it to be sand from the ocean floor and how it has become part of the watch.

The company is big on build quality which is the reason it justifies a much higher price point than many of the micro brands currently in production. As you may have noticed, I’ve mention that the TWCO’s O-rings and seals aren’t just run-of-the-mill rubber ones, but instead, they are made by Viton, a company that is a part of DuPont. Average O-rings deteriorate quickly whereas the Viton fluorocarbon O-rings, which have similar functional characteristics, are able to withstand higher temperatures and possess increased chemical resistance characteristics, giving them a longer life. It’s easy to dismiss these “out of sight, out of mind” technical differences and always shoot for the cheaper alternative; however, as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” After having worn the Sea Rescue Diver for some time, its value is not only easily seen, but it’s easily felt as well.

Having been re-born from a moment when passion, opportunity, and coincidence collided, I believe the brand is headed in the right direction. TWCO’s 22 year old owner must only continue to relentlessly pursue his horological passion, and through it, fulfill ours.