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Thread: STEELHEAD WATCH PROJECT

  1. #1
    Member Steelhead's Avatar
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    STEELHEAD WATCH PROJECT

    STEELHEAD WATCH PROJECT

    Background: Over at that other forum, I helped facilitate and design DWP. Fidel Chirtes "Watchaholic" was the lead designer and engineer. 100 pieces were produced by Keith Boschetti owner Boschett-Time Pieces. The project took about 2-years and was completed against all odds, including early comments that a forum designed watch was like herding cats -- an impossibility. But we prevailed, and with all the help of our friends, moderators, Keith and Fidel -- produced a very unique watch that, as far as I know, is the only watch with the "W" logo.

    I soon got busy exploring the possibility of another forum watch project. I solicited opinions and suggestions and spent months working w/ Nick Slater and a local (Montana, USA) CNC shop that had experience building watch cases, but no experience building water-proof dive watches. The idea of a dive watch Made in the USA attracted much interest, but the CNC shop was not ready for the project. Nick Slater and I continued working on the design. Elfuego joined in and launched a private Facebook Forum where a group of dedicated, experienced dive watch enthusiasts, including Lexvil, Duncan, M Pearce provided critical feedback regarding specifications and design. As most of you all may discern, the inspiration comes from Vintage Seiko divers (6105 / 6309) with the addition of classic hooded case. It should come as no surprise that the current design is proudly displayed as my Avatar and Signature.


    The Name: Nick and the rest of us tossed around quite a few names, but we settled on STEELHEAD. As some of you may know, the Steelhead is a species that is sort of a cross between a salmon and a trout. Steelhead frequent rivers and ocean waters. Steelhead does not die after spawning like some salmon species, but has a life-cycle that allows it to be a prized game fish for many seasons. The name Steelhead suggests too the metal from which the watch is made, i.e.: stainless steel. It is our hope and expectation that STEELHEAD will appeal to the diver as well as the fly-fisherman or other watermen.

    Specifications: The specifications were determined after much discussion and feedback. We wanted a robust, accurate high-beat automatic movement that is reasonably priced and case dimensions that will appeal to most, i.e. not too small, not too big.

    • Miyota 9015
    • 316L brushed stainless
    • Sapphire crystal w/ moderate dome
    • BGW9 lume
    • ceramic bezel insert
    • 300 meters water resistance
    • 43mm case width
    • 13mm – 14mm thickness
    • 4 o'clock crown
    • date wheel or no-date depending on price
    • Case back deep etch design to be determined
    • Dial color black


    Production: We solicited several reputable small / boutique dive watch companies. We were very pleased to know that Chris "ARMIDA" watches would be willing to produce the watch. If any of you have an Armida A1 or other model, then I think you would agree that the quality is outstanding considering the reasonable prices. I am very excited to have ARMIDA as the watchmaker.

    Links: As I am new to IWL, I am hesitant to post any links, but there is information on the world wide web on Face Book and TLEX provided a very generous spot on his well known blog.

    Information: I will gladly provide any further information, and look forward to any comments and suggestions; however, please understand that the watch is essentially designed. We do need some help with the case back. And with that stated, I am opening up a design contest for the case back. We are tending toward Steam-Punk fish.

    Thanks all for your interest.

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    Last edited by Steelhead; Feb 14, 2015 at 01:37 AM.

    STEELHEAD
    Designer: Nick Slater

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  3. #2
    Member CamB's Avatar
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    Will follow this with interest!
    Regards Cam

    Watches
    Tudor Pelagos, Omega Speedmaster 3510.50, Oris 1965 Diver, Tissot Visodate, Junghans Max Bill Auto, Helson Blackbeard, Seiko PADI Turtle, Tag Heuer F1

  4. #3
    The Dude Abides Nokie's Avatar
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    Sounds very interesting.
    "Either He's Dead, Or My Watch Has Stopped....."
    Groucho Marx

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    Not a Zombie drickster's Avatar
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    I joined the Mississauga Steelheads FB group but that doesn't seem right....

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    Dive Watches & Japanese Moderator OTGabe's Avatar
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    Feel free to post any links you like, Jim.

  10. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by OTGabe View Post
    Feel free to post any links you like, Jim.
    He would say that

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  12. #8
    I am glad to have a bit part in this process (Nick and Jim did all the hard stuff), it has certainly been fun and informative. And the group of guys involved have become friends across at least 2 oceans. I hope to be wearing a Steelhead this year!

  13. #9
    Member Steelhead's Avatar
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    LOL !
    Hard working hockey.

    Quote Originally Posted by drickster View Post
    I joined the Mississauga Steelheads FB group but that doesn't seem right....

    STEELHEAD
    Designer: Nick Slater

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  15. #10
    Member Steelhead's Avatar
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    Thanks Gabe.

    Quote Originally Posted by OTGabe View Post
    Feel free to post any links you like, Jim.

    STEELHEAD
    Designer: Nick Slater

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