August 31st, 2024

I present to you the Minus 8 Diver 2.0. I reviewed my first Minus 8 watch in 2015. It’s cool to revisit this brand.

A bit about Minus8 from their website:

“We started MINUS-8 in 2013, to challenge the commoditization of the analog watch market, push watch design forward, and deliver ultra-reliable products at attainable price points.

Our team is based in California and backed by years of industrial design and product development expertise. We are tired of the seemingly endless number of poor quality timepieces with uninspiring designs and are constantly thinking about the evolution of the analog watch market and what comes next. We’ve been experimenting with design and development techniques from industries outside of watchmaking since we started MINUS-8. This unique approach, combined with our understanding of the importance of craftsmanship, precision and attention to the finest details is what drives us as we design the watches of the future.”

Specifications:

• Titanium Case & Bracelet
• Seiko NH35 Automatic Movement
• Sapphire Crystal with AR Coating
• Screw Down Crown 4 O’clock Crown
• Super-LumiNova Hands and Markings
• Rotating Dive Timing Bezel
• 30 ATM / 300 M / 1,000 FT
• Helium Release Valve
• PVD Coated
• 44mm Case
• 22mm Strap
• 14mm Height

September 13th, 2024

I love all styles of watches, especially tool watches, but I do love and appreciate every style of watch. I appreciate every style of watch when the design is unique, the quality is good and the overall execution is pleasing in terms of details. The aesthetic details draw me in and the functional details make me stay. I always liked the aesthetic details I would see in the pictures of this Diver 2.0. It’s even better to see them in person. For a watch that comes in right under the $500 price point, it can easily go either way. As I spend more time with this watch, I will definitely let you know which way it went.

In order to get to that point where I can tell you which way it went, I need to start dissecting this watch one detail at a time. The matte black dial is one detail that I can definitely appreciate. Matte black dials are the perfect canvas for painting the rest of the dial details upon. The legibility of the white painted hour markers and the white hour and minute hands amped up 10 fold being set against the matte black. The white markers are slightly oversized which is a detail I completely appreciate from a legibility perspective. The size of the hands are also ideal for optimal legibility. There are so many details about this dial that Minus 8 got absolutely right.

The black on black numerals that are only visible under certain lighting conditions is pretty damn cool. The -8 at the 12H position is a unique detail that adds to the dial’s overall appeal. The off centered text on the dial is another detail that I like a lot. I love when a company goes against the grain of the usual & does their own take and it works! I’m not a date window guy but this is how you should do it by matching the color of the date wheel with the color of the dial. I also believe that not eliminating any hour markers is how all companies who do date windows should start doing. There’s nothing worse that the symmetry of a dial being thrown off my a date window that is in place of a hour marker!

September 20th, 2024

Minus 8 blackened Friday just hits different. The Diver 2.0 has so many details that appeal to me. There’s very little so far that I find fault with on this watch. If I have to nit pick, I would say that the bezel could be tweaked a bit for a more smooth and precise “ratchet” action. This bezel isn’t horrible by any means, I just think it could be a bit smoother. I am not comparing it to watches that cost 6X more than the Diver 2.0, I am just comparing to other sub $500 watches. I do like the bezel design and the use of the mint green accents that nicely match the second hand.

Another detail that I like is the red warning to remind you that the crown is in the open position. I’ve been in situations where I have forgotten to screw the crown back down. This little ingenious addition of red when the crown is in the open position is simple yet effective. Such a small detail but one that I absolutely adore. The red color really sings set against this matte black case. What I like about black cases is when they start to age and show signs of wear when the titanium starts to show through on the contact edges, like the edges of the lugs, around the bezel, etc. That really adds character to the watch.

Speaking of the lugs, the angled lugs are another detail that I appreciate on the Diver 2.0. The strong angle of the lugs not only adds to the profile of this watch but they also allow for the watch to hug the wrist. Drilled lugs with screw bars would have also added strength/security but would have also added a touch of more detail to the profile of this watch.

September 27th, 2024

It’s a Minus 8 kind of Friday! I have to say that the added detail of the text near the crown is something that I appreciate very much about the side profile of this watch. I love when companies do something a bit different in terms of aesthetic details like this. I’m not a fan when a company uses faux details but try to pass them off as functional. For example, when a fixed bezel has screw heads as a detail but they aren’t actually screws and they aren’t holding the bezel in place.

The crown placement on the Diver 2.0 is in an ideal spot for comfort and protection. It’s not as protected as a 6H crown but it’s definitely more protected than a silly 12H crown. The crown is nicely detailed with the -8 logo. I used to get annoyed when a company used an unsigned crown on their watches but that changed. It all depends on the watch for me now. There are watches when it works and when it doesn’t. This signed crown definitely works well and adds a finished feeling. I was pleasantly by how easy this crown is to grip and operate. I find myself enjoying watches without crown guards. Technically the lug here acts as a crown guard d/t the crowns location, but what I like about no crown guards is that it allows the crown to be more visible! Allows the crown to truly shine.

At the 9H position of the case there is another little detail that adds a small touch of that aesthetic detail but more important functional detail. I am talking of course about the helium escape valve! I dig the look of a helium escape valve. I have always appreciated how a helium escape valve adds to the profile of the watch. I can’t explain whether it’s the look of it or if it’s because of the engineering aspect of it, the function of it.

October 4th, 2024

The Minus 8 Diver 2.0 has such a minimalistic case back. I think it works brilliantly with the overall design aesthetics of this watch. The simple engraved text is well done and precise. I think the -8 logo finishes the caseback off with keeping it simple. I also appreciate how Minus 8 pulls all the text together on the Diver 2.0. The dial text, the text near the crown and the text here on the caseback, it all comes together in an organized cohesiveness. All of the design choices on the Diver 2.0 come together making this watch a unique take on a dive watch. The market is saturated with divers, so when a company has a unique take on a dive watch you know I will be into it. I can see this watch appealing to fans of dive watches whether you like more classic designs or if you like more unique designs. This watch is right in the middle of that.

I like the wrist presence of this watch. The black case has a very stealthy vibe but the strong look of the case and of the dial definitely gives this watch the magic of some great eye catching moments. The round case sits nicely on the wrist both in appearance and comfort. 44mm is a great size for a dive watch such as this. I don’t get all wrapped up in case sizes. I think the pandemic era of watch fans have softened the community up a bit too much. The tantrums over case size, weight of a watch, etc…is something I haven’t experienced to this degree very often prior to the pandemic, but the fragile wristed era began in 2019 and it’s something that I see regularly. I personally like having a diverse collection of different watches. It’s also cool that it ranges from just under 38mm to over 50mm, and everything in between. Case size is more fun when it’s just an irrelevant detail.

October 11th, 2024

It’s still pretty new but the caseback has acquired some ASA. I am digging this unique take on a dive watch. It has a lot of unique details that make it different from a the flooded market of the same old same old. The case and dial really play well off of each other. The 44mm x 14 mm thick PVD Ti case is made for some abuse. I can’t wait to see the PVD wearing off the high contact surfaces of this case. The rugged case pairs nicely with the super-legible dial. The oversized hour markers and the large hour/minute hands look absolutely fantastic set against this matte black dial. I know that I said it before but I really appreciate the date wheel single digits are done with a 0 in front of them. In my opinion that little detail adds a big coolness factor!

I think this watch is a great contender in the sub $1000 category. Minus 8 packed a lot a well done/well thought out details on this watch that are enough to make this watch a great option. Seriously, this watch coming at a couple of dollars shy of $500, is kind of impressive. I am looking forward to beating the shit out of this watch. Not intentionally, but it being intentionally on my wrist during all of my adventures will allow it to take some nice grab n go memories to show off proudly on its case!

The crown position was designed for increased comfort and protection and even more protection because of the red reminder that the screw down is in the open position.

October 18th, 2024

There are a few endearing details on the Diver 2.0 that make this piece a unique option when you are in a hunt for a diver in an extremely crowded market place. One of those details is the numerals and painted hour markers. The black on black numerals are a cool and unique way of displaying the cardinal numerals. The -8 at the 12H position is a detail that I think is a pretty damn cool way to display the brand logo. The next detail that I like is the off-center white printed text. It’s unconventional and it adds a different look and feel to the dial in which I quite enjoy. I know it’s not for everyone but anyone who finds its unconventional placement not pleasing probably isn’t looking for this style of dial anyway. I think it’s pretty damn cool. Then there’s the minty fresh second hand with the square! Like the famous poet Hugh Anthony Cregg III once said “It’s hip to be square” The square near the tip of the second hand is one of those little details that hits bigger than what it is.

You all know how much I appreciate those consistency amongst details so of course you know how much I appreciate how Minus 8 carried that consistency over to the solid caseback. The off centered text and logo on the caseback is brilliantly simple but because it’s a carry over detail from the dial, in my opinion it just hits so much harder.

This is one of those watches that all of the little, tiny details add up into a pretty nice package of a watch. I think this is one of those watches that comes in at an affordable price, full of endearing little details and offers something that is different than the same old, same old. It’s an option that standout and it’s an option that should be considered by someone looking for a different take/style of a dive watch.

October 26th, 2024

Time to shine, well shine as much as the matte black titanium case and matte black dial can shine 😅 I am digging this little package of a watch. I am surprised but not surprised. I am not surprised because I reviewed a Minus 8 chronograph many years ago. So I knew that I would this like this watch especially taking into consideration that Minus 8 had nine years to improve upon things. I am surprised by just how much they have improved. It’s always great to see a brand evolve, improve but continue on their journey. Minus 8 has stayed true to their unique DNA, while not only pushing themselves to improve but by also listening to the input of their customers. A company that keeps an ear to the ground has a greater chance of success than those brands who don’t. Before social media there were watch forums and that’s where I got my start with talking with brands, doing reviews, etc…over those decades, I have seen many brands come and go but I have also seen brands who have stayed, who have endured the highs and lows, who have weathered the storms of challenges.

The Diver 2.0 is definitely a solid offering from Minus 8. The pros of this piece heavily outweigh cons, and the cons are just nit picking suggestions I made. This watch is packed with great details and solid functionality….comes in at under $500. I recommend this piece to anyone on a budget and is looking for a unique take on a dive watch. Especially in this market that is flooded with the same tired overplayed redundant designs.

November 1st, 2024

Grab & go goodness. A companion that’s not afraid to get some ASA. It will look even better once the PVD starts showing some age. That’s what I love about black cases. When the edges start getting wear and the titanium starts peeking through, it’s pure magic! I treat all my watches the same whether they cost $200 or $15,000. My criteria for all of my watches is that they can handle what I throw at them. Thats why I gravitate towards the watches that I do.

The case and dial are definitely a match made in the horological dating scene. I love the crown position, the angled lugs(wish they were drilled) and the bezel design. The dial is extremely legible in any lighting environment which is always a plus. The hands and hours markers are sized for optimal legibility, there’s no doubt about that! The sapphire crystal w/ Internal AR just about disappears, as you can see in some of these pics. I took the last shot with a sharp angle so you can see the crystal and same thing with the side profile shots.

The Seiko NH35., Japan made(not Malaysia) has a 41-hour power reserve, a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, hacking seconds. Its accuracy ranges from -20 to +40 seconds per day. This Diver 2.0 is gaining about 10 to 15 seconds per day on the wrist.

November 8th, 2024

I was on facebook yesterday and in my memories from 9 years ago I was working on my review of the Minus 8 Chronograph. When I overhauled my blog that review was deleted with a few others. Unfortunately they are gone forever. I was so pissed. Still am actually. My youngest son still has the Chronograph watch.

I thoroughly enjoy this Diver 2.0! It’s such a refreshing watch because of its unique take on a dive watch. It’s well made, full of great little details and is an absolute pleasure to wear. The wrist presence of this black beauty is so damn good and all the little details on the case just add to that presence. For example, the little “plaque” off the crown with the engraved white filled ‘Diver 2.0, Titanium, 300m’ gives the crown side of the case that little extra zaz that creates a great eye catching detail. It’s eye catching because it’s not a typical detail you see on all the same old redundant dive watches. Minus 8 also added some nice eye catching detail on the bezel insert with the combination of the white and mint green accents that tie in nicely with the details on the dial. They took a step further with the black numerals on the insert for that cohesive grand slam of matching the black numerals on the dial. I truly appreciate when a company commits to a cohesive design language that is evident throughout the dial and the case.

I definitely would recommend the Diver 2.0 as an alternative to the same old shit we see the market flooded with. In my opinion the price is way under for the amount of great details you get on this watch. The bracelet is nicely done too, though I am a strap junky through and through. Minus 8 is definitely worth checking out. If you have any questions about this watch, please feel free to ask me.

Thank you all for reading! Thank you Minus 8!

Post review:

November 15th, 2024

Rolling into Friday with the @minus8watch Diver 2.0! I could definitely see one of the guys from Predator wearing this watch. Arnold would be wearing a SeL Omnidiver of course, but I could definitely see Billy or Blain wearing a Diver 2.0. My review of the Diver 2.0 is up on my blog. I was on my camping excursion when it went live. The cell service was so hit or miss, so I couldn’t do a heads up post. So consider this your heads up post to check out the review. 😉

It’s such a rad piece. It’s rad because it is a different take on a classic diver. I love unique watches, out of the box designs, things that are not redundant, or overplayed, or hyped. And that is exactly why I appreciate the Diver 2.0. Minus 8 did a fantastic job with this watch. Their new solar watch looks awesome too. I have loved watching their progress over the past 9+ years and I am excited to s the where the brand goes next!

I think I am going to start including more nature shots in with my series, kind of like I did with the macro nature shots I used to include. I thoroughly enjoyed taking the nature pics during my camping adventure! They were so therapeutic to shoot. More so than I can explain.

November 22nd, 2024

The @minus8watch Diver 2.0 was definitely loving the camping/outdoors lifestyle. As was I. Felt so good to be immersed in my element. I really enjoyed having this watch with me on my adventures. It handled everything without flaw. And boy oh boy did it look fucking fantastic while it did what it did. Acquired a few new scratches…..memories….memory extenders. My favorite ASA, adventure sustained abuse.

The PVD titanium makes this watch so much more. Not just in a stealthy sort of way, but just in a tool badass kid of way. I absolutely love that about this watch. Something else about this is how that same badass feel was carried over onto the dial. For a watch under $500, it sure does manage to hit a lot of details that I look for on a watch.

I have appreciated Minus 8 watches for 10 years and it’s awesome to revisit the brand after all this time. They have changed me a long way in my opinion. In terms on quality, design, execution, all have improved over the last decade. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next for Minus 8!