Watch Review: Royalguard 200 - Limited Edition Model "Classic Black"
A Love Letter to the Dive Watch You Didn’t Know You Needed
Listen up, my friend, because I’m about to tell you something that could change the way you look at your wrist forever. There’s a dive watch out there that has captured the soul of the 1950s and 60s – a time when stuff was built to last, made for adventure, and designed with a classic style that never fades.
This isn’t just some off-the-shelf, mass-produced hunk of metal. No, this timepiece will have people stopping you mid-conversation to ask, “Where did you get that?” Let’s dive in and dissect why this beauty belongs on your wrist, and what makes it such a knockout deal. Spoiler alert: You’re getting a hell of a lot more than you’re paying for.
A Build That’s Tougher Than Your Toughest Day
We’re talking about 316L stainless steel – the kind that laughs in the face of scratches and shrugs off dings like they’re nothing (sort of). The 38mm case is no flimsy fashion statement. It’s rock-solid, perfectly proportioned to hug your wrist without feeling like a boulder. And don’t even get me started on the 47mm lug-to-lug distance. It’s just the right amount to sit comfortably on any wrist without overhang, and that’s important because a dive watch is only as good as it fits, especially if you do most of your diving at a desk like me.
And the crown? It’s screw-down and 7.5mm big, giving you all the grip you need to set the time and date without fumbling. Plus, it’s engraved with a crown. That’s the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from watches costing much more.
The crystal is sapphire, and not just any old slab – it’s vintage domed, with anti-reflective coating. That means it not only looks damn good, but it’s going to resist scratches and glare like a champ. It’s designed to be worn every day, whether you’re diving off a boat or diving into spreadsheets.
And oh yeah, it’s water-resistant to 200 meters. That’s enough to laugh in the face of rainstorms, pools, and even a bit of light diving (if you’re into that sort of thing). The faded aluminum bezel not only gives you that “I’ve been there, done that” look right out of the box, but it’s functional – perfect for timing anything from a dive to how long that lasagna’s been in the oven.
This Design is Timeless… Literally
Now, let’s talk about the looks. Because let’s be honest, that’s half the reason you’re buying this watch, isn’t it? You want something that turns heads and starts conversations. This piece has gilt printing and Swiss vintage lume on the midnight black dial – it’s classic, classy, and tough as nails all at the same time.
Those big triangular markers? They don’t just look cool; they’re a nod to the golden era of dive watches, when people were tough and watches were built for action. The gilt hands are custom-made and lumed to light up like a Christmas tree when the lights go out. That’s green emission, by the way – not some weak, washed-out glow.
The bracelet (which I forgot to photograph because I was so excited about all the strap combinations!) tapers from 20mm to 16mm, with solid links and a micro-adjustment clasp. What does that mean for you? It means this watch is going to feel custom-fitted no matter what kind of day you’re having. It’s comfortable, it’s secure, and it looks good with just about anything.
The Value Package You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Listen, there are watches out there costing much more and similarly provide you sapphire crystal, 316L steel, or even the reliable Seiko NH35 movement that this bad boy does. The Royalguard 200 does it for around $500 which is a fair price for the venerable NH35, a movement known for taking a beating and keeping on ticking. It’s also got a 41-hour power reserve, so if you set it down for a day or two, it’ll still be ready to go when you are.
The price point is almost absurdly fair for what you’re getting. It’s like finding a Rolex Submariner at a garage sale – it feels like a steal. And with this watch, you’re not just getting quality materials and killer looks; you’re getting a timepiece with a soul. It’s like stepping into a time machine and coming out with a watch built for today.
Here’s where things get even more fun: this watch pairs with literally any strap you throw at it. The 20mm lug width makes it a chameleon. Throw it on a leather strap and it’s ready for a night out. Slap on a rubber dive strap, and it’s suddenly all business, ready for the surf or sand. Swap in a NATO “style” strap for a weekend look that’s pure rugged charm. There’s no wrong choice here – it’s all about how you want to express yourself.
This versatility means the watch isn’t just “one look fits all.” It’s multiple watches in one – a shapeshifter that’ll keep things interesting for years to come.
A Little Tough Love: The Critique
As much as there is to love, no watch is perfect. First off, make more units. There’s a demand for this watch, and having to wait for the next batch or hunt one down like a rare collectible just feels unnecessary. If it’s good enough for the masses (and trust me, it is), then make more.
Second, while the NH35 movement gets the job done, there’s room for an upgrade. Imagine this same beauty with a thinner movement – we’re talking less than 14mm in thickness – and you’d have a watch that’s even more comfortable under a dress shirt. A higher-end automatic movement would not only slim down the profile but also elevate the whole experience to another level.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a watch that has the strength of a tank, the looks of a classic diver, and value that feels like you’re getting away with something, then this is it. The build quality is second to none, the design is timeless, and the versatility is unmatched. This watch is a love letter to the past, crafted for the present, and ready to endure well into the future.
Don’t miss out on this one. Get your hands on it before it’s gone (again), and when they upgrade it with a slimmer profile, just know you’ll already be ahead of the curve – and you’ll still be getting compliments.
