It depends if you desperately need that tide system of theirs. If not, then $425 is a LOT to pay for a quartz diver.

 

The tide system is definitely a nice feature to have, but it's not something that I really need. I just want a tough and reliable watch, that is also modern and stylish, for every day wear and scuba diving. So, it doesn't look like a good deal then?

What type of movement should I be expecting for this price point? Also, are there any other cool military-ish looking dive watches you recommend for around this price point?

 

There was a guy here months back who had one and absolutely loved it. Can't remember his name tho....

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I bought one as a kid, and see them in the surf shops here all the time. They're just your average fashion type watch. I've never seen one that stood out for build quality, value, or anything else of the sort.

With a 5 year warranty though, if you can get a chance to hold it in your hand and decide if you really like it or not, why not?

Edit: Haha, actually, I remember now. Mine, an ana-digi like that one, killed batteries really quickly. Like under a year quickly. I sent it in for warranty, it came back with a new battery. This happened until it was out of warranty, and each time cost me more than a battery, and the battery life got shorter. And yes, I escalated each time. I dragged it out of a drawer the other day and popped another battery in it. Died.

 

Edit: Haha, actually, I remember now. Mine, an ana-digi like that one, killed batteries really quickly. Like under a year quickly. I sent it in for warranty, it came back with a new battery. This happened until it was out of warranty, and each time cost me more than a battery, and the battery life got shorter. And yes, I escalated each time. I dragged it out of a drawer the other day and popped another battery in it. Died.

So, the only relatively minor problem with the watch was that the battery dies within a year? Other than that did you notice anything bad with the movement or anything bad with water resistance?

I have been looking at some other watches like Freestyle, and Momentum. I really like the looks of the Freestyle Hammerhead and the Momentum M1. They're also much cheaper than the Rip Curl. In the $100 to $150 range. Does anyone have any opinions on these watches as well?

 

Sorry, I can't speak intelligently about the name-brands you're asking about, but I can offer this thought:

For the price, features and reliability that you're looking for, have you considered any of the Casio G-Shock lines? Plenty of styles, designs and features, and the reliability is proven. Starting at about $325.00usd or so, you can get into a Frogman; as rugged as they come, made for swimming/diving, and with the right version (MIRB), military-ish.

Cheers!
Bill

 

Well, I guess I'll have to steer clear of Rip Curl watches then.

@breitlingman, I actually own several G-Shocks. I have been wearing G-Shocks for years and truly believe there is other watch that comes as tough as them. The reason I want a different watch is because I am kind of getting bored of my G-Shocks. So, I want a stylish analog dive watch that is tough and reliable. I really LOVED the look of that Rip Curl watch but it appears as if it won't hold up from what people are saying.

 

Well aside from Momentum and G-Shocks, I would look into some of the legendary Seiko divers - - they're proven and very reliable...Seiko also came out with a limited edition model with the 4R36 calibre movement and for a price point of less than <$300, I think it might be worth looking into...

Seiko Automatic Diver Limited Edition SRP236K1

 

Was at the local surf shop today and saw the same watch but with the rubber band on sale for $200.00. I ended up buying it, and so far I'm really loving it. Let's see how it turns out. I'll keep the thread updated.

 

I have 3... Two analog and one combo. The older versions with Swiss movement have been bullet proof outside the crystal. My oldest is 18 years old and still works/looks great. This build quality lasted up until about 5-6 years ago when they switched to primarily china-based manufacturing. My most recent tidemaster (tidemaster 2 shipstern) seems relatively solid and keeps perfect time/tide. It does like to use batteries, I think the lume effects this quite a bit. In my year with the watch I have had one replacement done, whereas I get 3-4 years out of the older analogs).

The bottoms line... I can't foresee the new watch lasting 20 years. Also, I don't think the new tidemaster 2's are worth the price tag. I picked up mine on eBay for about a hundred bucks. If you like them, I would shop the old ripcurl ats core series on eBay. 40mm, slim, analog, Swiss movement, etc.

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Agree with everything here. I had an older tidemaster with a sapphire crystal and swiss movement, it was quite nice. And their tide function is great if you'll use it.

I also had a newer titanium tidemaster 2 and as said it is now cased in China has a mineral crystal and no longer has a swiss movement. The price is hard to justify now.

The tide feature is unique, but if you don't care about the tides at specific locations around the globe, id probably look elsewhere for the price.

 

There are very few analog watches with tide. The seiko tide master is on the verge of impossible to find.

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I bought my first tidemaster in 98 and I still wear it till this day. It's my go-to surf watch.

that being said, I got this as a gift from my parents.

I'm in love. It has a quality rubber strap and pvd case. It also has tide info for over 500 worldwide beaches, compass, sun up/down info, moon phase.

 

My Trifecta of tidemasters.

 

Very nice! My father has one very similar to the first in your trio.

My Trifecta of tidemasters.

View attachment 1513526 View attachment 1513527 View attachment 1513528

 

I found this Rip Curl Core ATS Tidemaster watch (Ref#: 17121) in the drawer. I had a few of these in the 90s. New battery and rubber strap for $20 and works like new.

 

Do you still have this for sale? John .Leutgens @gmail.com

 

Thank you for the thread! I have an original 17101 SSS Pump Tidemaster that I bought from the local surf shop back in 2000, for $400. I have sent it in to Rip Curl twice for service and battery replacement. The crystal is kinda sacrificial. Swiss mov’t is impeccable. Gorgeous watch though. Out of the 21 years I have had it, it may have ran for 5 years combined. Strap pin is broken now. I believe this watch is obsolete. I cannot find anything online about how to get it fixed. The Rip Curl site does not recognize my style code. I wish I could get it going again.

 

do you know the battery size as i have one as well?

 

I did a forum search on Rip Curl watches but could not find a single thread dedicated to its thorough discussion. So, I suppose I'll start one.

Who here has owns one or has owned one? And what can you guys tell me about the quality and reliability of a Rip Curl watch? They seem to have really nice designs and excellent features.

I am looking for a new diving watch under $500 and really fell in love with this model right here. CORTEZ TIDEMASTER 2 MIDNIGHT STEEL

I haven't heard much discussion on these watches but they look like they're solidly built. What do you guys think? Does it look worthy of the $425 they're asking? It looks like they have a pretty solid 5 year warranty too. They even welcome you to bring your watch to one of their service centers if you have a problem with it. Luckily I am only about 15 minutes away from their service center which is a HUGE plus for me. :-!

Not commenting on that price, which is too much, I am a fan of Rip Curl watches.

I have owned two, and I am sure they are still going, where ever they are.

I vote yes in a vaccuum.
No, because you can get a lot more watch somewhere else for that money. i Just got a Scurfa.