Watch Review: EVOX DV3

About EVOX:

“Where heroes are made of, to fight, to conquer, to celebrate victory. To embrace victory, every timepiece is exquisitely designed and engineered to meet the demands of total defence of our homeland. We make sure our watches stay accurate and strong on your wrist. Our timepiece go through stringent test and quality control as in war, dependency and accuracy is of utmost importance to every combatant.”

Today we are looking at the third version of the EVOX DV series. The first two models were more on the “tactical” side of design where as the DV3 is more on the “dress” side of design. The polished and brushed stainless case has a more refined/dressy appearance than the two previous DV releases. The DV3 can be that watch that can be on your wrist at work and then easily transition to your outdoor adventures.

The dial features a combination of military time and lumed markers. I’m not sure how to feel about the random layout of the numerals on this dial. I think that it would have more symmetrical pleasing if EVOX eliminated the date window at 4 o’clock and added all of the military numerals around the dial. EVOX did get the hands perfect on the DV3 though. The shape and size of the 3 hands are proportionally correct to the dial itself which add to the over legibility of this watch. Legibility that is good in environments with ample lighting and in dark/lowlight environments. In those dark environments, it’s the application of superluminova on the hands and on the hour markers that allow the DV3 to retain that legibility. The shape/design of the DV3 hands are a design highlight of this dial. I like how the hour hand and second hands complement each other with the arrow shape design. The minute hand is outlined in yellow that not only adds a welcome detail of color but also helps in the overall legibility of the DV3.

EVOX kept the dial relatively simple, especially with the text on the dial. The basic 3 lines of text consists of EVOX, automatic and 300m. The DV3 is fitted with a fixed blue chapter ring. On the chapter ring there are printed white minute markers with numerals that are in 15 minute increments.

The DV3 comes in a generous 47mm x 10mm case that features a lug width of 24mm and a 54mm lug to lug length. The DV3 comes in on the larger side of measurements, but the thinner case allows the watch to hug the wrist comfortably without completely overwhelming the wrist especially for those case size conscious folks. The shorter curved lugs also assist in the DV3’s wrist hugging ability. As you can see in the pictures, the DV3 has two crowns. The crown at the 4H position is the one responsible for manually winding, setting the time and for setting the date. The other crown is the helium release valve. Both of the crowns are screw down and both function without any issues. The crowns are both easy to grip and to operate. That same ease of grip and operation is carried over to the uni-directional rotating bezel. The bezel operation is smooth and isn’t plagued by extra play/backspin.

The DV3 comes on a soft calf leather strap but I prefer it on the silicone strap. I work in healthcare and I try not to wear leather straps to work because of the constant hand washing. Leather and canvas are bacteria sponges in my opinion. Both straps are comfortable that conform nicely to the wrist. The straps come with a stainless steel pin buckle that is engraved with EVOX. Doesn’t everyone enjoy the ease of a quick strap change!?! Well EVOX has those of you who do, because the DV3’s straps are equipped with quick release spring bars. I guess quick release straps are the next best way to change a strap when I can’t have my preferred drilled lugs.

The DV3 is definitely the classy version of the DV series of watches and it also the most refined. Each of the DV watches are well made, but the DV3 is definitely the best in terms of finish. I like that EVOX went with a solid stainless steel case back with a cool etched picture. Once you have seen one NH35 movement, you basically have seen them all. I’m pretty much over the whole exhibition case back thing anyway. The DV3 is priced at $504. I think that the DV3 is appropriately priced for what you get Vs what other watches are out there at this price point. One can also appreciate the combo of reliable and affordable. A detail that I like about this dial is how it changes different shades of blue depending upon the lighting that you are in. The deep blue tones are quite beautiful.

EVOX’s devotion to improving is very apparent with this latest release. I know this is obvious but it’s really respectable when a company continues to strive to improve instead of becoming content with staying as is. The DV3 is an affordable diver that is built to be a strong daily beater. It held up well during my time hiking and climbing in the woods, sub-zero temperatures in the snow & ice, and on my wrist at work. The NH35 kept +18 seconds accuracy during my review process which above average for this movement range of -20~+40 seconds per day. Everything on the DV3 functions as it should this includes the bezel & the crowns. The lume is evenly applied on the hands & the markers and glows with some good longevity with a good charge from a strong light source. I would have liked to have seen a ceramic bezel inlay with lume treated numerals to take the details on the DV3 a step further. I would recommend the DV3 to those looking for an affordable diver that isn’t just another clone. The DV3 has some nice details including the small name plaques on either side of the case, the etched diver on the case back, the dual crowns, the unique case shape and the handset. You can see this version and the other variations on EVOX’s website: https://evoxtime.com

Thank you for reading. Thank you to EVOX.

Specifications:

MovementAutomatic NH35

Power Reserve Up to 40 hours

Water Resistant50 ATM, 500 meters

Limited Edition68 pieces

Watch Sapphire Crystal

Crown Screw-in, engraved with the EVOX logo

Case 316L Stainless Steel with Uni-directional rotating bezel

Dial Superluminova Index and Hands

Special Feature Helium Release Valve

Diameter 47mmCase