April 2nd, 2026

Last Friday, I saw an Instagram post from Greg Stevens Design that I just couldn’t resist. For $660, the package included this watch, an ammo can converted into a watch/strap box, a pocket knife, and a leather GSD knife holder. I am a sucker for cool gear, so all those extras were the ultimate selling point. I really needed a rugged box to keep my watches protected during outdoor adventures and photoshoots.

As Greg will tell you, the two of us have been trying to put a deal together for over a decade, but the timing was never right until now. I’ve always been a huge fan of his leather straps. Now, I’m stoked to finally own his work, along with the watch, the ammo can box, and the sheath. To top it all off, he even sent along his personal watch from the new 6 Series just for me to check out.

What are my first impressions of these watches? To start, I’d place them right in the same category as Scurfa, Boldr, Isotope, and Resco. They fit perfectly into that sweet spot of affordable, quintessential “beater” watches. Right out of the box, the domed crystal caught my attention first and foremost. There is something truly magical about a domed crystal, and it is a design detail that will always pull at my horological heartstrings.

Specs:
42mm case width
22mm lugs
50mm lug to lug distance, approx.
12mm thick excluding crystal, 12.8mm with crystal
WR to 300M
Superluminova on the dials and hands for superior low-light visibility
domed sapphire crystal
Available in three different case finishes—stainless steel, PVD, and CuSn8 bronze (bronze is sold out)
Powered by the Swiss/Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement

https://www.gregstevensdesign.com

April 9th, 2026

Owning the Kobold Seal for a brief time completely started my obsession with black watch cases. I am really looking forward to seeing how this particular finish patinas and ages over time. This piece nails two of my absolute favorite design elements: drilled lugs and a beautifully domed crystal. While I understand the manufacturing trade-offs at this price point, adding screw bars instead of spring bars would have pushed the rugged tactical vibe to the next level.

The bezel aesthetics are absolutely spot on. The red triangle highlighting the lume pip is a fantastic design choice that ties the entire dial configuration together. Functionally, the bezel action is incredibly smooth and lines up perfectly with each marker. Given the affordable price point, its performance completely punches above its weight class—running circles around its price bracket and matching watches I’ve owned at much higher tiers. 

The crown position on this watch is excellent, though the crown itself runs smaller than what I am typically used to. I wish it had a larger profile to make gripping it easier; operating this crown with gloves on would be next to impossible. Pulling it out to engage the time-setting position is also a bit of a struggle, and I am not entirely sure if the issue lies with the crown size or the stem tension. However, once engaged, both setting the time and manually winding the movement feel incredibly smooth and fluid!

I highly commend Greg for choosing a solid case back for this piece. There is absolutely no need for a display window here; we all know exactly what a standard Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement looks like. The matte finish on the case is executed flawlessly. It is going to look incredible down the road when the coating begins to wear down and the raw stainless steel starts peeking through. 

When buying a watch at this price point, you can’t expect it to feel like a $6,000 luxury piece. I notice a lot of collectors complain about $600 watches as if they should be on par with high-end retail brands. You simply can’t go into a purchase with unrealistic expectations. That being said, this watch absolutely holds its own against established microbrands like Resco, Aegir, Boldr, Gruppo Gamma, Zelos, Raven, and Nodus.

April 16th, 2026

Happy Thursday, aka mini-Friday! I am thoroughly enjoying this GSD-5 from @gregstevensdesign. This matte black dial with the classic 3-6-9-12 numerals is just so damn good, both from a legibility standpoint and pure aesthetics. There is something incredibly pure and beautiful about this classic layout.

What I really appreciate about Greg’s design choices here is how he kept the dial classic yet bare-bones. His execution of the text is brilliant; it adds subtle depth while maintaining an ultra-clean look. If it had been standard printed white text, it completely would have changed the dynamic of the dial. Of course, I’m a massive fan of the no-date execution as well. Date windows aren’t a dealbreaker for me, but no-date dials are always a major bonus.

The hands on this watch are a perfect match. They are proportioned to the dial with absolute precision, both in terms of length and width. Thanks to the excellent lume treatment on both the hands and the numerals, that stellar legibility extends effortlessly into low-light and dark environments.

Factoring in how I purchased this piece—bundled with the converted ammo can box, the pocket knife, the leather sheath, and strap-changing tools—this is easily one of the best $600 values I’ve come across in a very long time. Any standalone watch at this price point is going to have stiff competition when stacked against a complete kit like this.

The crystal provides the perfect window to view this dial, heavily enhancing the overall aesthetics of the watch. Given how much I’ve grown to appreciate Greg’s custom straps over the years, it comes as no surprise that I really like this piece. He has a meticulous eye and a clear talent for crafting incredible leatherwork. His transition into watch design makes perfect sense, and the fact that his timepieces are on par with the quality of his straps is exactly what I expected. 

April 24th, 2026

The GSD 5 Series is a highly pleasant surprise. I already knew that Greg makes a fantastic strap and has a well-deserved cult following, but watchmaking is an entirely different beast. What surprises me most about the GSD 5 and 6 Series is how the watches feel like a direct extension of his straps. Normally, it’s the other way around—a strap adds character and extends the personality of a watch. Greg flips the script here. His watches completely capture the character, charm, and overall badassery of his straps. Having owned and reviewed watches from other strapmakers turned watch brands, I’ve seen many fail to translate that leatherwork magic into a timepiece. Greg completely achieved it. 

There is a deeply spoiled perspective within the watch community. I am definitely guilty of it myself, and I see it from others on a daily basis. As we delve deeper into our own watch journeys, we become jaded. We start demanding that every single timepiece be our definition of “perfect.” It’s not only unrealistic, but it is also completely unfair to watch brands. If I had stumbled upon a watch like this 30 years ago, I would have considered it absolutely flawless and the most badass watch I had ever experienced.

To some people this may be the case today with this watch. Now I am not excusing watches that have shitty quality/quality control, I am simply saying that each watch comes from a different place. I would never compare my SeL Omnidiver to one of Greg’s watches. Does that mean Greg’s watches are inferior or should receive less recognition?!? Absolutely not. This watch is simply from a different place and intended for different use. I would grab this watch and hike with it, swim in the river with it, change the oil in my Jeep with it. I wouldn’t grab this watch for a situation where hard impacts were present.

The moral of the story is that we need to understand where a watch is from so that we can appreciate it for what it is, not compare it for what it’s not. We are too quick to criticize and don’t take the time to understand why a watch was made and what it encompasses.

April 30th, 2026

This field diver is a great option in the overcrowded sub $1k watch market. What separates Greg from a large percentage is he doesn’t claim any bullshit. He lays the specs out, the price and his background as a strap maker. No smoke and mirrors stupidity.

This watch has a lot to offer at the price point. I am glad I bought this watch. Yes, the extras included in the special Greg was running helped sway my decision. When I got this watch and have been spending time with it, the more I appreciate what it is. I mentioned earlier in my review about the brands this watch is on par with. Brands I respect and appreciate their watches.

You all know how much I love over-engineered tool watches but I also love affordable beaters that are easy to grab & go with. The GSD 5 series is that workshop watch. The watch you wear when you are getting your hands dirty. Wearing watches that I don’t have to second guess or worry about, forget about until I need them. That’s my wearing style. This watch definitely fits in with how I abuse my watches from wear and tear.

Last I read, Greg said that he had the means of putting more of these GSD 5 series kits that he can put together. To remind you it comes with this watch and strap, the ammo can converted into a watch box/strap box, a pocket knife and a GSD leather knife sheath. A kickass value if you ask me.

May 10th, 2026

I am deeply impressed with the overall value of this watch and kit. Having been in this hobby for nearly three decades, I admit I can be jaded about certain things. However, this comes from a place of pure objectivity. When you’ve been involved with a hobby for this long, genuine surprises become increasingly rare—it is simply the nature of the beast. The flip side is that when something does manage to surprise you, it feels that much more special and authentic.

This watch completely caught me off guard because of its details, quality, price point, and the sheer volume of gear included in the package. I am extremely satisfied with this offering from Greg. I highly urge others to ask him about the ammo can and knife bundle. For $660 USD, you get a quality watch, a custom strap, a converted ammo can watch box, a pocket knife, a leather sheath, and strap tools. Try finding a better value out there right now—especially in today’s economy.

🫠🫠🫠

After seeing Greg’s straps since his start, I finally can say that I have experienced his work. He is a talented artist with strap making. His watches are good quality. And he is an absolute professional when dealing with. He is definitely an asset to the industry and community! If you have been contemplating trying one of his straps or watches, they are definitely worth it. Definitely one of the best values I have purchased in a long time. I highly recommend Greg’s products. His watches are on par with brands like Resco, Nodus, Boldr, Raven…..to give you an idea of where GSD falls into.

Thanks Greg and thanks to you all for reading!