October 3rd, 2024

This is the prototype of their newest dive watch! I can’t believe it’s their 4th dive watch release. Those of you familiar with Duzu will instantly recognize the case shape/design. This one is a little more traditional in overall design than the past Duzu diver releases, but thankfully still retains enough of Duzu’s DNA for me to appreciate it. I will share my more in-depth feelings on this watch as I review this prototype of their upcoming release. Today is just a quick introduction post!

Here are some specs to get you acquainted with this watch:

CASE: 40.0(W)x 46.5 (H)mm 12.8mm thickness
OPENING: 231.0mm
BRACELET: 22.0mm
MOVT: MIYOTA 9015

Dial :

• Matt Black Curve dial
• IP Gun Applied Index & OR (BL)
  Printed Matt CG 9C markings

Hands:

• IP Gun & OR (BL)
  (Hour/minute)
  -IP Gun
  (Second)

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Duzu:

“We are a boutique Western Australian watch brand, where artistry meets the untamed beauty of the Western Australian coast. Our watches are meticulously designed to pay tribute to the captivating marine life that calls these waters home. Experience the synergy between style and nature, and let our timepieces become a timeless companion on your journey through life’s tides. “

October 13th, 2024

I wanted to highlight a detail that I find beautifully fascinating. The way color of the hands and the indices change depending upon the lighting. In lower lighting environments the color has hues of orange but in brighter lighting the color is tan. Both look great with the matte black case and the matte dial.

You all know how much I appreciate the unique when it comes to watch designs but sometimes getting back to the classics is a welcome change of pace. What I like what Duzu did here though is that they kept their OG DNA with the design of this case. The rounded shape of the case and how the lug design has that cohesive rounded design language. This cohesiveness in the design allows the Diver 4 to wear so well on the wrist whether if you have a flat wrist or a round wrist.

The stealthy bezel insert also shows how committed to design cohesion. Instead of using colored filler in the bezel markers, Duzu chose to use black lume to maintain those black stealthy aesthetics. This may not be the most unique Duzu watch but it retains all the details that made me appreciate their watches. Their commitment to keeping the design aesthetics consistent throughout the watch with well executed precision. I want to point out how the edges on the bezel match the edges on the signed crown. Yet another example of how Duzu comes in with a design plan and holds true to it. This highlights how Duzu just doesn’t have a quick idea and throws it together, rather Duzu starts with an idea and slowly & methodically plans it out. Weighing all of the pros and cons until they are completely satisfied, then it goes into the next phase. Hell, even the caseback has a matte finish.

October 22nd, 2024

I wanted to highlight the matte finish on the case and dial. It is so well done. This is the type of watch that will age beautifully especially when the PVD starts to get nice wear & tear on it. This is the prototype piece so I can’t beat the shit out of it to highlight that wear & tear. Sorry everyone.

There’s a certain type of magic to the combination of having a matte case and a matte dial. It obviously gives this watch an undeniable stealth feel, but it also gives this watch a beautiful appearance that a polished or gloss finish can never obtain. The bezel insert also has this beautiful matte finish.

The bezel and the crown both function perfectly as I have come accustomed to with Duzu’s watches. Both are easy to operate thanks to their edges. As you can see in the pictures, the crown and the bezel ‘teeth’ allow for that nice grip to action. I have to say that the signed crown and the bezel & insert are aesthetically pleasing as well.

The hands are not only aesthetically pleasing but they are also perfectly proportional allowing for form and function. Duzu had form and function in mind throughout the design of their 4th dive watch. A small glimpse of this that makes a strong expression of this, is evident in the date window. No, you didn’t read that wrong. Duzu included the date window and still included a small lume coated marker at the 3H position. A great example of Duzu’s dedication to form and function.

October 29th, 2024

I am thoroughly enjoying this piece, more so than I thought I would. You all know me and how I appreciate the unique & different designs from the same old tired watch designs that we have seen many times before. When Wayne from Duzu reached out to me to see if I would be interested in checking out this prototype, I have to say that I honestly was hesitant. There’s no secret to where the inspiration for these hands came from. Yeah they have a slight difference to the traditional snowflake hands, but they still scream where the inspiration comes from. I appreciate that Wayne acknowledges the inspiration while staying true to the Duzu DNA with the case design. Typically I don’t gravitate towards the patina/aged color of the hands and applied indices, but it looks absolutely beautiful set against the sea of matte black on this watch. This dial is stunning in person, more so than how it appears in the pictures. The second hand is quite exceptional. It’s the ideal length and how a small portion of it is skeletonized. It’s an example of how a small detail can have a larger impact.

The bracelet that this watch came on is nice and of good quality. Since it’s a prototype and I’m accident prone when it comes to dropping watches, I put this one on this custom leather strap. This combo actually makes me appreciate this watch so much more. The matte black case against the brown leather and the patina color on the dial, it just works so damn well together. It’s always leather season in my world. It cracks me up when I see people saying that leather isn’t good in summer but they wear rubber straps. How the f-ck does that make sense?!? There are parts of this community that I am not meant to understand.

This will be up for ordering in February of 2025, so stay tuned here for more info and for my review of this prototype. I will update the review once I get hands on with one of the actual production pieces.

November 5th, 2024

The DW-D4 so far has been a pleasant surprise. The Miyota 9015 is also surprisingly accurate at just -5 seconds per day! It’s a workhorse of a movement that can definitely handle abuse and keep on timing well. The movement is protected by Parashock which is an anti-shock system. The mounting is spring-loaded for the jewel bearings that act as support for the balance wheel, so when you accidentally hit your watch against something or drop it, the anti-shock protects the balance wheel.

I reviewed my first Duzu back in 2018 with their first release, the Ningaloo Reef. I have been watching Duzu’s journey and Wayne McCay, Duzu’s founder and let me tell you that it’s been a great journey to watch. Every Duzu’s piece is infused with an Australian DNA that Duzu has made their own. The diver 4 may not be their most unique design but it is definitely infused with that DNA. This case design which has characteristics of their DW-D3, especially with the shape. I love how compact the case design is. The rounded case sides, the short rounded lugs and the rounded caseback, all are the consistent design language that made me appreciate the very first release from Duzu and now comes full circle with this DW-D4.

The function of the watch is obviously the important aspect because what good is a watch without good function, but the aesthetics have to draw us in initially. Like a car or a house or even a person, the outer appearance is what always draws us in first, then the inner functions are what makes us stay or run. Without delving too deeply into the psychology of this, the appearance of this watch definitely draws me in and how everything functions would definitely make me stay. It wears incredibly well and comfortable. It looks brilliant on the wrist with a strong presence because of the case. The dial is not only beautiful but legible. And the matte flow of the finish throughout this piece is exactly the type of finish that satisfies my preferences!

November 12th, 2024

The DW-D4 was a good companion during this moody, misty hike on my way to Mordor. I like the vintage meets modern aesthetic of this watch. The vintage feel doesn’t feel gimmicky to me at all which is important to me. It’s important because there are pieces that try this approach but come across way too forced. I think Duzu did it just right by going the less is more right. The watch looks fantastic on this custom leather strap from @vintagerstraps but those of you who like the look & feel of a bracelet, you are in luck. The DW-D4 comes on a matching matte black bracelet.

Duzu understands how to put out a well made watch, with nice details and keeping it extremely affordable. They are definitely in that affordable beater category. This one will look fantastic with some wear and tear on it. I had to be a bit more careful with this one since it’s not mine to abuse. I can tell you that it felt great on the wrist in the rain during a pretty challenging hike. It was pretty rad because it was raining, foggy/misty, muddy and the autumn colors made for a great atmosphere. The color of the hands and applied indices matched my surroundings perfectly. I love how the trees were growing from the rocks, you can see what I am talking about in the last two shots! Nature is fucking amazing!!!

According to Wayne from Duzu, these will be up for pre-sale around February. In the past I know Duzu has done kickstarter campaigns, as soon as I know more I will let you all know.

November 19th, 2024

Such a rad piece this one. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I am enjoying this one. It’s a watch that I didn’t think it would be one I would see in my collection but after spending this time with this prototype, I can definitely see getting one of the production pieces next year! I am definitely familiar with the quality of a Duzu watch. I’ve experienced every one of their releases and each one is better than the last. That streak continues with this watch. It may not be their most unique but the execution and quality is great. Especially for the Duzu price point which is always such an incredible value.

I like having a well rounded collection, a few divers, a couple of pilot watches, a few field watches, a dress watch, an officers watch. They are from all different countries, made with different case materials, all different movements, all different sizes, from 36mm to 50mm+. Each watch has its own unique personality and style. That is exactly the type of collection I want for myself. It works perfectly for me.

This hobby should be about you collecting for yourself and sharing your vision with the community. It shouldn’t be about hey this watch is the best and all other watches are garbage. It’s ok to share your experienced based opinions with others. It’s ok to have differences of opinions. We are all at different points in our watch journeys. I enjoy sharing my experiences and what I have learned over the years. I still have a lot to learn. We are all equals here because we are here for the same reasons, the love of watches and photography. I’ll stop there before I gag on my own positivity.

November 26th, 2024

I have reviewed every Duzu watch and its prototype, and I can tell you that the production piece is almost identical to the prototype. What does that mean? Well it means that the production piece is awesome just like the prototype. Sometimes the production piece is tweaked a bit in terms of improvements. The production piece is never less, so I know if the prototype is this good, I know that the production piece is going to be great.

The details on this watch are beautifully executed and fluidly functional. The only thing i would change is I would drill the lugs and have screw bars. I like that extra strength and security for my watch/strap. It also adds an aesthetically pleasing detail to the profile of the watch.

This is going to be a nice offering from Duzu. It’s a bit more mainstream than their previous offerings but I think this piece will appeal to both seasoned Duzu enthusiasts and those new to the brand. It’s got a little something for everyone. In addition to the PVD version there will be non-PVD coated releases as well. So if the stealth look isn’t your thing, Duzu has you covered.

I really like this watch. The case shape is fantastic. I love the dial. The matte dial with the color of the hands & applied markers is absolutely beautiful. I think it’s even better when this watch is on a leather strap which brings this piece all together into a stunning and aesthetically pleasing experience for the wrist.

December 3rd, 2024

What works for me on this watch?

1.) The matte finish on the case.
2.) The matte black dial
3.) The color of the hands and markers, the contrast between that color and the black.
4.) The compact case design and shape
5.) The quality (though it is the prototype)
6.) The black lume in the bezel insert

What could improved upon on this watch to give an even more satisfying wearing experience?

1.) Drilled lugs
2.) Solid screw in lug bars

It’s a great piece and I am surprised that I am saying this, but it’s my favorite release from Duzu. The DW-D4 has such a complete feel it. I don’t know if I would feel the same about the other models that aren’t PVD coated, but this one is definitely awesome.

December 10th, 2024

The PVD coated titanium case is beautiful and I know that once it’s starts wearing on the contact points. That’s why I love PVD cases, they age as beautifully as bronze! This watch is already charming and it will grow as it ages. Duzu has created a great little beater of a watch. A great daily beater for sure! A case that can handle the abuse and a dial that is legible in both day & night.

These little gems will go for pre-sale price of $379, retail after pre-sales for $549 usd. That pre-sale price is absolutely insane in my opinion, especially for what you get for your money. Sub $500 for the DW-D4 is a great bargain for 2025!

December 31st, 2024

This shoot had Rambo vibes all over it. Raining, misty, moody forest. I put it back on the OEM bracelet for its last few days here before I have to send it back to Australia. What an awesome little beater of a watch. The compact case is killer. I love the shape of the case and all the matte details found throughout this watch. From the case, to the dial, this is just such a charming piece. I honestly think this is my favorite Duzu watch that I have reviewed. All of their watches have something good to offer but there is something captivating about this one that it has me under its spell.

The only thing I would change on this watch would be to have drilled lugs with solid screw bars. If I want to take it to a super picky and personal preference level, I’d have a no date dial. That’s it! Otherwise this piece is pretty damn good on every level. This watch is offering some stiff competition at this particular price point. I would definitely recommend this watch to someone who wants a well made diver at a very budget friendly price. Especially the presale price which is absolutely ridiculous.

The bracelet is nice but I am a diver on leather kind of guy. There’s nothing better than a custom leather strap on a watch. It’s leather weather here all year round.

January 7th, 2025

The DW-D4 is a great addition to Duzu’s catalog. I have been a fan of what Wayne has been doing since he started Duzu. Each watch becomes a little more fine tuned, a little more refined, yet they all retain Duzu’s unique DNA. When I say a little more fine tuned and more refined, it doesn’t mean their earlier releases were bad. It just means that each release gets better while not straying far away from the original DNA that initially drew me in. Over the decades of being active in the watch community and on my blog, I have personally witnessed companies do a 180 from their original, unique DNA and become a brand that releases safe designs. Let me tell you that it never ends well for the company.

I like that Duzu has found a way to evolve, maintain its unique DNA and continue to put out watches that I consistently enjoy. That’s one way of securing a spot in the industry & community. I personally never want to see a brand struggle or fail regardless if I am a fan of their designs or not. I may not agree with their choices or their vision of progression, but I would never wish a company to go under.

Duzu has another solid watch under their growing belt. I definitely would recommend this watch to people who are looking for an inexpensive diver/daily beater. Especially for those who get in on the early bird prices. I am excited for this release and I am excited to see where Duzu goes next. They are a great little Australian brand, with a great catalog of watches, headed by a great guy!

Thank you all for reading! And thanks to Duzu for letting me spend a few months with the DW-D4 prototype.