Introduction
Pagani Design has made a name for itself in the affordable luxury watch market by producing well-built homage watches with impressive specifications at a fraction of the price of their high-end inspirations. The Pagani Design PD-1639 is no exception. Designed to capture the spirit of iconic luxury dive watches, it offers an impressive feature set for budget-conscious enthusiasts. But is it just another homage, or does it stand out in its own right? Let's dive into its strengths and weaknesses to find out.
Design and Build Quality
The PD-1639 is heavily inspired by the Rolex Submariner, one of the most legendary dive watches of all time. While homage watches often receive criticism for their lack of originality, Pagani Design does an admirable job of delivering a well-finished timepiece with its own appeal.
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Case & Bezel: The 40mm stainless steel case feels solid and well-constructed, offering a reassuring weight on the wrist. The ceramic bezel is a standout feature at this price point, providing a premium look and durability against scratches.
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Dial & Hands: The dial is clean and legible, featuring applied indices, a date window with a cyclops lens, and luminescent coating. The Mercedes-style hands are a nice touch, staying true to its inspiration.
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Crystal: The inclusion of a sapphire crystal is a major plus, providing superior scratch resistance compared to the mineral glass found in many other watches in this price range.
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Bracelet: The stainless steel bracelet is solid and features a push-button clasp, though it lacks the refinement of high-end alternatives. Some users may find it a bit stiff, but it remains comfortable for everyday wear.
Movement and Performance
Powering the PD-1639 is the reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement, a workhorse known for its dependability and ease of maintenance. This movement features:
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Hacking and hand-winding, which is a nice touch for an entry-level automatic watch.
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A 41-hour power reserve, providing ample longevity between wears.
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Accuracy: While the NH35 is generally accurate, some units may require regulation to keep time within tighter tolerances. Expect a variance of around -20 to +40 seconds per day, which is acceptable for the price but not exceptional.
Water Resistance and Usability
The PD-1639 boasts 100m (10ATM) water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and light snorkeling. However, it's not a true dive watch, so serious underwater use should be avoided. The screw-down crown aids in water resistance but could feel more refined when operating.
Strengths of the PD-1639
✅ High-quality materials: Sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, and a stainless steel case are all impressive at this price. ✅ Reliable movement: The Seiko NH35 ensures decent accuracy and durability. ✅ Excellent value: Considering its features, the PD-1639 offers one of the best value propositions in its category. ✅ Attractive design: It captures the essence of a luxury diver without the exorbitant price tag.
Criticisms and Areas for Improvement
❌ Bracelet quality: While decent, it feels somewhat stiff and lacks the smoothness of more premium alternatives. ❌ Cyclops misalignment: Some users have reported slight misalignment with the date magnifier, which can be an annoyance. ❌ Lume performance: The luminescent material, while present, is not as strong or long-lasting as that found on higher-end dive watches. ❌ Lack of originality: As with most homage watches, it doesn’t bring anything new to the table in terms of design.
Final Verdict: Is the Pagani Design PD-1639 Worth It?
For under $100-$150, the Pagani Design PD-1639 is a fantastic choice for watch enthusiasts looking for an affordable automatic timepiece with high-end aesthetics. It offers solid build quality, a reputable movement, and premium materials that are rarely seen in this price bracket.
However, it’s important to keep expectations in check. While it delivers incredible value, minor flaws like the bracelet stiffness and lume strength prevent it from being perfect. If you’re after an affordable, well-built homage that punches above its weight, the PD-1639 is certainly worth considering.
Would you wear the Pagani Design PD-1639, or do you prefer more original designs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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