Today, I am reviewing the "Shark" Brand tribute to the legendary diver by Seiko, the 6105-8110.
The technical specs to my best knowledge:
316 Stainless Steel Casing
Double AR Coated Sapphire Glass, slightly domed.
Seiko's NH35A Calibre (Hacking/self-winding with date)
Dimension: Exact mirroring of the 6105 (Except Strap's lug width at 20mm instead of 19mm)
Screw-down Crown (impressive 5-6 turns)
Black Chapter Ring
Brownish-Bluish-Black Dial
Aged Applied indicators.
6105 styled hands
"Ceramic" Bezel
States "200m water resistance"
Additional items included: Extra Matching Rubber Strap, Strap Changing tool and Extra Matt Bezel (for the vintage look)
Everyone in this forum should be familiar with the 6105, I will save all the details that you might already know. I will let the pictures do the most of the talking for this review.
What I like about this watch (Part 1):
The Price: For less than SGD 200 including shipping, this watch is truly bang-for-buck-value-for-money-to-the-max. Some complained that the workmanship of the watch is not refine. However at the price point, the specs and the additional freebies, it makes the price of other 6105 tribute seem astronomical.
The construction: The 316 Stainless Steel casing on this 6105 has a rock solid feel to it. The brush finishing on the cushion-cut case and case back is no-nonsense and nicely-smoothly done.
The Blue-Brown Dial: I have always enjoyed dark colour dials as it give me a duo-colour option. In the day it's Blueish-Brown and at night it's Black. Price of one for 2 coloured dial. Good deal. It's like have two variants of the same watch for the price of one, depending on the hour of the day.
The Screw-in-Crown: 5-6 turn to secure the screw-in? It's a hassle for some, but it sure is a sign of confidence that the crown is securely fastened. Safety for water proof: Checked.
What I like about this watch (Part 2):
The applied markers on both indicators and hands: We are paying tribute to a classic diver in the middle of 20th Century, aren't we? Staying true to it's classic, vintage look. Nice.
The freebies included: I bought this watch with the pretext that the it came with a box and the watch alone. The additional freebies was a pleasant surprise indeed! Extra Strap, Strap Changing tool and a Matt Bezel included? Yes, Sir. Included, Sir.
Engraving on the case back: Tastefully decorated with a compass as an emblem, with excerpt of the epic poem of Ulysses, gave the case back a nice classy european touch. Not that you would admire the case back of a watch often, but it's a nice to have feature with the attention to details.
The Double AR Coated Slightly Domed Crystal: The reflection of the text "Limited Edition 6105 - 8110" could be mirrored, while admiring the watch in certain angle. Shades of blue is apparent while rotating the watch in circular motion. Stunning.
Black Chapter Ring: The smooth jet-black chapter ring adds that additional mystery while looking at the dial closely. I prefer black over chrome chapter rings anytime, simply because I like black.
NH35A Calibre: It's made by Seiko for the confidence, it's reliable, easy to find a watchmaker for servicing when the occasion arises, it's accurate, some say it's even more accurate than an entry level swiss made automatic movement... the list goes on. The calibre one of the main reason for me when considering micro-brand watches.
What I think this watch can improve on:
Replace the "Shark" Logo beneath the 12 o'clock indicator to a Submarine instead? It's just my personal preference as I prefer a machine icon over a mammal on a tool watch.
Nothing to complain about, to be honest. With it's classic good looks, this Shark 6105 is suitable for all occassions and for any attire. Literally.
Conclusion: It's good, it's affordable, it's a pretty close tribute to the legend. If you always desire a 6105, but don't wish to pay through your nose to be Martin Sheen of Apocalypse Now, buy this Sharky if you can find it.
Additional footnotes: A veteran in the watch admiring circuit and I had a debate about whether this watch is value for money (VFM) but obviously he and I have very different point of view (POV). His idea of VFM is whether he can resell it at the same price, or to make a profit. His philosophy is $200 spent today, is $200 gone. He advised me to "squirrel" $200 for every cheap watch that I fancy, and by the 10th time, I can afford a 2nd tier swiss made watch with higher resale/perceived value.
Fair point.
My idea of VFM, for now, is when I can spend minimally on a decently constructed time piece with good features. I will wear it for as long as my wrist desire and sell it at a small loss before moving on to the next piece. Just for the experience, if you understand my mentality.
Which camp are you on?
Last note: I read from the an article on social media not too long ago and found it hilarious. It says "God made heaven, earth and hell; The Chinese made everything else." There is a certain truth to this joke; once again, at a price less than SGD 200 for all the feature and inclusion of this Shark Brand 6105 tribute? Only the Chinese can produce it and still make a profit out of it.
Thank you for taking time out to read this review. Leave a comment, it will help others find my works and reviews of watches. Cheers.
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