July 30th, 2024

We interrupt your evening to bring you this orangtastic beauty! The upcoming @scurfawatches Bell Diver watch! This thing is so Scurfa it’s crazy! Anyone who knows Scurfa watches, knows exactly what I mean. If you don’t know what I mean, you will.

“Having first been made for divers and support staff who were left without a watch when the value of their vintage Rolex diving watches exploded leaving them the option of a large windfall or too self conscious of wearing such a valuable item in a hostile workplace, Paul Scurfield watch enthusiast and saturation diver tried to fill the void with a few affordable watches built to a high standard using the best materials.”

The new Bell Diver comes in 6 different dial colours, as we see with this orange beauty. The case is slightly thinner case than the original Bell Diver. It comes with a new rubber strap and improved bracelet. What I am super stoked about is the caseback artwork that was created by ex-Comex diver and award winning artist Jock Patterson.

“Divers working in the North Sea are made up in teams of three and on any working dive you have a Diver 1, Diver 2 and the Bellman. Diver 1 controls the dive and this is where the name for the watches comes from, Diver 2 is there to make his job easier, the Bellman tends the divers from the diving bell and the divers work in the water for a maximum six hours, a normal saturation diving system will house four teams of three divers covering the full twenty four hours of the working day stopping only for bad weather or crew changes, the work period for the divers is 28 days including decompression.“

https://www.scurfawatches.com

I am digging this one so far. The dial is an attention grabber for sure. What I like about it already is how it changes shades depending upon the lighting. Orange is such a great dial color. It’s probably my second favorite dial color. The bonding with this orange has already begun!

August 5th, 2024

Monday battles with this orange beauty aka the newest Bell Diver 1 from @scurfawatches . The orange dial is absolutely beautiful on this new Bell Diver. I love what Scurfa has done with the cohesive black framing throughout this dial. This consistent design detail can be found on the hands, the applied markers, around the date window and even on the chapter ring and to the text. Normally I would like to see a date wheel the same color as the dial but the white date wheel actually works well here because it matches the white applied hour markers. The black printed numerals also work well because it’s consistent with the black theme found in the above mentioned details.

The hands are perfectly proportional to the dial. The length and width of the hands are ideal for both legibility and overall aesthetics. Even the second hand is perfectly sized. I think we all can agree on if a watch has hands that aren’t proportioned correctly it ruins the aesthetics of the dial. This dial has exactly what I need for a dial and nothing more. I can do without the date window but I definitely get that there are those of you who like having a date window. This date window isn’t a deal breaker whatsoever.

As you can tell from the pictures, this dial is extremely legible. It’s one of those watches that you can do a quick glance at and read the time efficiency and quickly. I personally appreciate that because at work there are many times when I have to focus on a number of things while both hands are occupied, so quick glances at my watch are all I have to time certain aspects of my treatments. I talked about the importance of proportional hands but the hour markers are also important. The large white applied markers are definitely an ideal size for this dial. The combination of the triangle at the 12H position, the rectangle at the 6H and 9H gives the wearer visible cardinal reference points that assist with time telling. The remaining hour markers are circular designed, with the exception of the 3H position which is the date window.

August 12th, 2024

Monday battle is here and I am not mentally prepared to deal with today after a weekend of annoyances and frustrations. Still no electricity, it’s been almost a week. What pisses me off is all the trucks I see from the power company are just sitting in parking lots not doing any work whatsoever. But let’s focus on something good, this Orangtastic beauty from @scurfawatches . This is their newest Bell Diver 1 model for those of you who didn’t see my last few posts on it.

You all know how I prefer any finish but polished. I want to start off with saying that yes this case has some areas of polished finish but they are small enough that they are just accent details and not large surface areas. This case still retains a tool look and not a dress diver like 90% of the luxury divers we see that are just one giant piece of high polished bling. Which I am not a fan of whatsoever. Watches made for adventure, watches marketed for adventure shouldn’t be these obnoxious high polished “hey pay attention to me” watches. Paul did a great job of keeping the Bell Diver 1 on the adventure style diver aesthetic level. The brushed finishes are extremely well done.

Over the years I have come to really appreciate two details on a watch, one which isn’t on this watch and one that is. The detail that is on this watch is the no crown guard sterile look. I like this look because it allows more of the crown to be appreciated. The shape and the size of the Bell Diver’s crown is well executed both from an aesthetic perspective and from functional perspective. The design of the crown comes from Paul’s obvious need for the ease of use in the field. That’s what I appreciate about Scurfa’s watches, they are function over form first and foremost. The fact that Paul and his crew tests the watches in the field adds an authenticity that I appreciate.

August 19th, 2024

Paul makes reliable daily beaters that are field tested through and through. What I appreciate about his watches, and this applies to this new Bell Diver 1, every detail and every function is dependable and reliable day after day regardless of the abuse, the conditions, and the environment the watches are in! Paul knows and understands that the bezel, the crown, the legibility all need to be accessible no matter what. The edge of the bezel on the Bell Diver 1 is the pinnacle of grip-able. What is important to me in gripping a bezel is that it can be operated in wet, dry, cold, hot, etc…environments. I apply this to the crown as well. I tend to use the bezel more often than the crown but when I take my watches out to photograph, I am definitely using the crown often to reset the time to 10:10.

Two evolutions that I would like to see incorporated in this watch are drilled lugs/solid screw bars and matte bezel inserts. This would give both a more tool function and aesthetic to the watch. I don’t think of my suggestions of something that Paul did wrong, I think of them as suggestions to improve upon the experience of the watch. They aren’t dealbreakers whatsoever and I know that there are those who may not agree with my suggestions, which is totally fine.

I want to talk about this absolute work of art that is the caseback. This caseback is truly spectacular! I honestly wish more companies would make these types of horological artworks. The fact that the artist is a former Comex diver is cool in its own regard. I get lost in this caseback quite easily and quite often. The amount of tiny details throughout this picture is fascinating to me. It’s definitely one of the highlights on this watch!

August 26th, 2024

Me and the Scurfa Bell Diver 1 heading into battle with Monday! There are so many great details on this watch, both functional and aesthetic in nature. The functional details are incredibly important especially when they are executed with precision to function flawlessly like they do on this watch. I also think that a watch has to be aesthetically pleasing in order to initially draw attention to it. This orange dial is what drew me in. I think every dive watch enthusiast should own at least one watch with an orange dial. The case back is another beautiful aesthetic design detail that made me attracted to the watch. The amount of detail is incredible especially considering how small a caseback is.

These are slotted to be released late this year. So stay tuned here or on Scurfa’s website for up to date information.

Specs:
CASE – 43(W] x 51(HJmm)
BEZEL – 43mm
OPENING – 31 mm
CROWN – 8mm
LINKS – 22mm
MOVT – 9015 automatic
2mm spring bars, updated from the previous 1.8mm

September 2nd, 2024

Monday time! As promised, here is a post all about the bracelet that comes with the new Bell Diver 1. Like the watch case, the bracelet is a combination of both brushed and polished finishes. I like that it’s more brushed than polished. The polished surfaces on the bracelet nicely tie in with the polished chamfering on the lugs. The vertical brushed finish on the bracelet also is tied into the vertical brushing on the lugs and on the crown. Scurfa did a great job with the consistency of details throughout the watch and the bracelet. The links on the bracelet are 22mm wide x 3.5mm thick. The total weight of the watch on the bracelet is 218.9.

The links on the bracelet are removed by removing the pins so you can easily size the bracelet. I would personally prefer that the links were secured by screws for added security but that’s just a personal preference. If you can’t get the right fit by removing the links then you can use the micro adjustment with the buckle. There’s a button that you push and then can pull the extension out to fine tune the fit. The extension works extremely smoothly as does the buttons on the sides of the buckle to open the clasp.

The bracelet definitely dresses up the Bell Diver but if bracelets aren’t your thing, Scurfa includes a rubber strap as well. If rubber or bracelets aren’t your thing either, then custom straps work beautifully on this watch as well. After I shot this pics, I put the watch on a custom leather NATO strap from Gunny. I’ll take pics of it and share the pictures with you all.

What are you, a bracelet person, a rubber strap person, a nato, leather or canvas person? Or all of the above??? Have a great start to your week fam!

September 9th, 2024

Once again Paul has managed to make a hell of a beater watch. I have said it before and I will say it again, the fact that Paul and his crew test this watches in the North Sea while working as professional divers. This adds an authenticity to Scurfa watches while also giving their customers peace of mind because they know that these watches went through daily hell in the North Sea.

This watch is a great blend of aesthetics and function, and both are executed so damn well. I always believe that function is more important but without aesthetics to initially draw us in, function would just sit there collecting dust. And without function, you just have a pretty face! Thankfully Scurfa understands this well with their watches. They start with function as their base and build the aesthetics around the functional base. The dial is beautiful to look at while the lume on the hands and applied indices glows brightly. This is how the blend of function and aesthetic in complete harmony.

Another example of this harmony is the crown. The crown is beautifully brushed yet machined to be easily gripped while it screws/unscrews with smooth precision. And sometimes there’s just details there for aesthetic purposes that just add to the overall appeal of just getting lost in admiring the details. The orange dial, the brushed finish, the caseback, all examples of those get lost in kind of details.

September 22nd, 2024

I wanted to try this watch on a custom leather strap. I had forgotten that I had this custom strap from Blue Raddish Straps. The fact that Paul is a professional commercial diver, I think this strap works perfectly. He’s badass, like a pirate of yesteryear.

I love the case on this watch. The brushed finish works so well and the minimalist polished accents are just enough to add some depth to this case. I like the heliox release valve is adds a cool bit of detail to the 9H side of the case. The functionality of it adds to the “cool tool” vibe of the watch. The function of this valve comes in handy for Paul and his crew during their decompression phase of their diving. When the crew starts their decompression at the end of their dive, as the pressure decreases in the dry environment of the diving bell, the volume of any trapped helium particles inside the watch increases. In fact, the volume can increase so much that the crystal of the watch will pop off like a cork from a champagne bottle. This is where the heliox escape valve comes into play by allowing those tiny particles to escape before causing harm to the watch.

This is why I always say that Paul’s profession as a diver adds a legitimacy to his watches because they go through actual trials and tests in the field. His field happens to be the North Sea and the North Sea is considered one of the most dangerous seas in the world. If Scurfa watches can survive that, they can definitely survive anything that I can throw at it.

Thank you all for reading. Thanks to Paul, the team at Scurfa and Paul’s diving crew!

Post review:

October 20th, 2024

The @scurfawatches BD1 is back for some October morning goodness! Taking advantage of the October sunrise. The slightly delayed Bell Diver 1 is slated for a release a few months later than originally anticipated but regardless it’s still happening! It’s such a great piece. Scurfa makes some hella good watches that are tested in the North Sea by Paul and his crew.

This watch is packed with some great details both functional and aesthetic. They play off of each other well which makes this newest Bell Diver model work to well. Not only does it look good but also every function works without fail. The orange dial and the brushed case adds such a presence for this watch. There’s something about an orange dial diver that is undeniably cool as f-ck.

The caseback is undeniably cool as f-ck. The art was done by former COMEX diver and award winning artist Jock Patterson. I met Paul when he first started Scurfa. I have been following his journey from the beginning. It’s cool to see the new generation of the watch community appreciating Scurfa’s watches! It’s definitely a reflection of Paul’s hard work.

October 27th, 2024

The upcoming Bell Diver 1 in all of its orange glory. I know I’ve said it a million times before and I am sure that I will say it probably a million more times. I have an affinity with verbal diarrhea. The fact that Paul is a commercial diver in the North Sea and the fact that Paul & his crew wear these watches in their field which happens to be in the depths of the harsh sea. This adds an authenticity to Scurfa watches that makes me truly admire and appreciate what Paul does.

I am always super critical of my photography. It’s annoying but never being satisfied does keep me trying harder. That being said, slide 7 is the one I like. I don’t know if any of you experience this but do you ever come across a photo here on the gram that just speaks to you?!? You can’t put your finger on it but it makes you stop and you just get lost in it! Those types of pictures make me feel a certain kind of peace that I can’t explain. That’s exactly how the watches that I gravitate towards make me feel. Whether I am wearing them, photographing them or just handling them. Thats how I felt when I was 5 years old winding my great grandfather’s pocket watch and how I felt Christmas morning when my mom bought me my first watch around the same age. Watches have always been an escape for me, a peace bringer…..until I see a watch that I want and can’t afford….Then the stress starts 😂🤣😂 You know that stress. You are constantly studying it, researching it, looking at pictures of it. The watch bug has bitten its victim.

November 3rd, 2024

The forest was so rad this morning because it was misty, dark and full of fallen leaves. Perfect for a few photo ops with the upcoming release, the @scurfawatches Bell Diver 1. Scheduled for release this January/February. There are quite a few details that really make me appreciate this watch on a different level. The orange dial that I know @therubyhour and @enthuseddad both absolutely love! The crown and caseback are definitely two other standout details that makes this new Bell Diver 1 so special. Finally, the brushed case is an absolute dream. I love vertical brushed cases. I just love to look and admire the shit out of them.

I’m so stoked to see so many of the new generation of the watch fam discovering Paul’s watches. Scurfa definitely deserves that recognition. I remember when I got my first Scurfa 10 years ago. I loved the packaging because it’s what Paul and his crew use when they are working below the North Sea. The watch was equally as impressive because it was the quintessential grab and go beater watch. If I remember the story from Paul correctly, him and his crew were damaging their Rolex’s during work so Paul decided to start making watches that they could beat the hell out of without the hefty price of Rolex.

November 17th, 2024

This Orangtastic beauty will be available on Scurfa’s website January/February. So those of you who always seem to miss out on getting a Scurfa, I will keep you updated as soon as I know the exact day! Let’s get a @scurfawatches on your wrist!

I absolutely love this caseback. It’s an absolute work of art. Well technically it is a work of art, drawing by a former COMEX diver, Jock Patterson who is an award winning artist. This caseback completes this watch a step further than a lot of watches that I see.

Today’s song choice is a current new favorite from @thedefectmusic . Such a rad song. Check em out! I’m definitely vibing on it big time.

Just a bunch of random stuff today for my caption today. Any of you at @minutesandhourswatches ? If you are, stop by to check out @selinstrument . I wanna know what you think of actually seeing them in the metal.

I can’t believe it’s been a week since I was in the dense forest in the middle of nowhere. I fucking miss it already.

November 24th, 2024

Sometimes you capture something quite beautiful without realizing it at the time of shooting. For me, that magical moment came in the first shot by capturing the falling raindrop! I absolutely love the rain, the cold and the grey sky. My peaceful elements. And I love an orange dial on a diver. Especially when it’s a Scurfa or a Doxa.

In this case, definitely a Scurfa! The orange is beautiful and it changes shades like a mood ring whenever it’s in different lighting. The less light, the deeper the shade of orange is, and the more light, it becomes a pale shade of orange. This isn’t just a pretty face…..I mean dial. The case is just as beautiful. Rugged beauty to be exact. The vertical brushed stainless steel case is so damn good. I’d love to see this watch with a matte ceramic insert. Can you make that happen Paul @scurfawatches ?!?

We all know how damn good this caseback is! The Isotope Hydrium Tangerine has a killer caseback. My SeL Omnidiver does too. I wish more companies would do casebacks like this. It’s such a great way to extend the personality of the watch and it just makes a watch more badass! This badass Bell Diver 1 will sell for around $550+/- USD. Damn good deal if you ask me. Watch to dollar value is fantastic on this Bell Diver 1!