When I saw this watch for the first time I immediately thought that I had to test it.
I was very curious and I also expected a lot from this timepiece. I have to admit that Lorenz Hydro-Sub did not disappointed me. On the contrary I’m happy that I had the chance to review a high finishing watch, 500 meters water resistant and with a Swiss heart.
Technical Details
Reference: Lorenz Hydro-Sub 090000BB
Case size: 41,5 mm of diameter and 15,5 of height
Case material: Stainless Steel 316L
Metal bracelet: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic Swiss Made STP1-11
Dial: Blue
Bezel: one way turning with 120 clicks
Crown: screw
Case back: screw
Water Resistant: 50 ATM
Weight: 200 grams
Price: 890 euro
Review Lorenz Hydro-Sub
Let’s start from the gift box: the packaging is very well done, made in wood with a satin finishing. Inside the box we have a cream color suede. On this aspect (boxes) Lorenz always showed a special attention.
The impact is amazing. The design of this watch recalls the one of the world’s most famous diver, the Rolex Submariner. The attention to the details and the choice of the materials is very accurate.
The watch is entirely in stainless steel with satin finishing. The only polish parts are on the side of the case, on the side of the bezel and the crown protector.
Case
One of the best aspects of this watch is the case size of almost 42 mm., a size that I like very much for diving watches. The case height is quite high, 15,6 mm., but looking more closely we notice that this result comes from the bezel scalpering, made to easen the grip and the rotation of the bezel and from the sapphire crystal slightly curved.
The distance lug to lug is 50,5 mm, not too much in my opinion. The weight is quite important but similar to the majority of the diving watches.
The case horns are specially designed and they narrow progressively to their edge.
On the left side of the case we can find the automatic helium valve. It is a very professional accessory for a watch that is water resistant to 500 meters.
The bezel is very interesting: one way turning, 120 clicks, with a solid ceramic disc with the same color of the dial. At 12 there is a small Swiss Luminova sphere, very useful in case of poor visibility. The dial is very essential, with applied round luminescent indexes. The hands (hour hand is Mercedes style) are also luminescent. At 12 we can find the logo and at 6 the name of the model and the technical specifications of the watch (professional, automatic, 500 wr). At three we can find the calendar.
Turning the watch we find the case-back with a special pattern that makes it very confortable. I appreciate the full metal caseback, as with such a high water resistance I do not find appropriate the see through caseback. I like to see the movements but I also think that professional divers have to meet certain standards.
The crown has a protector and is conceived for divers. Its size is generous and can be turned also with gloves. The quality of the screw filet is clearly visible.
The metal bracelet has been a nice surprise. It impressed me for its quality and attention to the details. It has a full satin finishing that gives to the watch a lot of sporty character. The links have a 3 rows design and are adjustable with side screws. This gives more resistance to the bracelet and shows how Lorenz wanted to build a high quality timepiece. In addition the metal bracelet has an easy link to longer the bracelet to wear it over the diving suit. The buckle is very solid with safety clasp.
Movement STP1-11
The movement is mechanical with automatic winding, caliber STP1-11. It is a Swiss Made movement made by Swiss Technology Production and is a very similar movement to ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200.
It has 26 jewels, 28.800 vibrations per hour, 44 hours of power reserve, stop seconds device, the possibility to hand-wind the watch and incabloc anti-shock balance wheel. I’m wearing it since almost a month and up to today I did not have a problem and the performance is in line with the competitors.
Price and opinions
List price of this watch is 890€ and the line shows 4 different dial variations. Initially I though the price was a bit high but touching and wearing the watch I can perceive the quality of this timepiece.
I think that in the average of the Swiss industry and Swiss Brands a watch with those specifications would cost at least 2.000 euro.
Many users asked me information about this watch. For this reason I can say that there is a high interest on this line. My review is positive and I did not find any particular negative point. I would suggest this Hydro-Sub to all those who appreciate high quality hommage watches. Personally I prefer those watches to copies or fakes.
