Dievas is a new addition to the watch scene. Despite being new, the company is off to a running start with a large selection of intriguing timepieces. Starting in 2006, the watch maker has been releasing militaristic-styled watches; beginning with mostly classic looking models. As is the case with many watch makers, models start with one theme in mind, and begin to branch out, so that subsequent models each have and increasing level of unique character. Take this Dievas Divergraph as a good example. The design of the watch borrows from several classic themes. Namely, divers’ watches and various military type watch designs. Even though the Divergraph is based on what are inherently existing designs, Dievas inserts a lot of its own character in all aspects of this watch. While you might recognize the genres it plays on, you’ve never seen this particular style in a watch before.

This model is the PVD coated Divergraph, which makes it all black. The case (which is the PVD coated part along with the buckle), bezel, dial, and strap are all black toned, and matte finished. The look is really bold and strong, perfectly suited for those who are partial to this look. The matte finish gives it a serious functional attitude, which again coincides with the target market, and is successful in its execution. All black watches such as this don’t go with every outfit, but are certainly suitable with any sporty or casual wardrobe. After wearing the Dievas for a few weeks, I experimented with how well it looked on various occasions. It excelled at night, outside, and while doing laborious work. What the watch was telling me, is that it has a preference to be out in the open exposed to the elements, or worn while I engaged in manual labor. It looked restless sitting on my wrist while I worked at my desk. The watch wants you to go outside and do something.

While I would typically talk about a watch’s strap later on, I am going to mention the natural rubber strap of the particular Dievas Divergraph that I have. The Divergraph comes with three strap options, a NATO strap (canvas cloth), ZULU strap (similar to NATO strap but made of weaved nylon which is the same material used on backpack straps), and of course a natural rubber strap. Some people are fans of NATO and ZULU straps, but I highly recommend the natural rubber. If you’ve never had a real rubber strap before, don’t think it is anything like plastic resin straps (Casio watches, etc…). Natural rubber is pliable and stretches, making it very comfortable. It might not have the durability of weaved nylon, but it sure feels nicer on the skin. Even a few of my friends who put on the watch immediately commented on how nice  and secure it felt. This is really due to the thickness of the strap (22mm here), and the close integration with the case.

Further, the buckle secures the strap as tightly or loosely as you wish. This is one of those cases that I am happy not to have a fitted rubber strap (that needs to be cut to size) with a deployment. I have pretty small wrists, so there is an amount of strap slack after I put the watch on. It is important to ensure that the rubber sliders on the strap are over the excess band to keep it from snagging a bit on a sleeve. This however is a very minor issue and peculiar to people like myself who have small wrists. Overall, the Divergraph is an extremely comfortable watch while worn, having to do with the smooth case design, and the excellent fit of the case with the strap.

Speaking of the case, it is easy to miss some important thoughtful details. Take for example the unique crown guard. I have never seen anything quite like it before. The screw-down crown is covered by a curved little shield, as opposed to merely being flanked by protrusions from the case on each side. The purpose of this is to protect the crown, while at the same time deflecting snags. A really nice little touch. On the crown is an almost too tinny “Dievas” name signature. At first I thought to myself how cute the little engraving was, then I realized that I would have felt lacking if it was not there, so Dievas was proper in keeping the signed crown. The pushers are also screw-down, which is important to protect them and enhance the water resistance of the watch, which happens to be 200 meters.

Underneath the case you’ll find a polished caseback with the standard information about the watch. From there you can appreciate the smooth yet well machined edges of the case. So often a case has sharper edges underneath, and it is surprising that the Dievas Divergraph, given the good value of its price, considers even these small, yet noticeable details. As such, I was equally surprised to find that the rotating bezel has a ceramic insert! Ceramic is known for its scratch resistance, and bezels are even more widely known as parts of a watch that get scratched. It is needless to say why a ceramic insert is useful. The ceramic piece in the bezel is well fitted and has a dark matte color that feels appropriate. I did notice a bit of movement, ever so minor in the bezel when you tap on it. This has to do with the way the bezel is attached and allows for it to click 120 times pretty comfortably around the case in a counterclockwise direction.

The dial of the watch has a lot going for it, with an attractive yet functional look. I have no qualms with the appearance, but there are a few issues with the actual data on the dial. You’ll be happy to know that it is covered with a sapphire crystal (no mineral glass here). A slanted chapter ring around the dial greatly helps with reading comfort. The dial is deep, and the subdials have circular texturing which has a nice look. Between the hour markers are one tenth of a second hash marks. These are decorative only, as the chronograph only counts in one second increments (not less).  The other issue I have is with the minutes subdial counter for the chronograph. The subdial is supposed to have 60 marks (one for each minutes), but for style reasons, the Divergraph only has a mark each 5 minutes. This makes it hard to use the chronograph function with down to the minute precision. I do like how each of the chronograph function hands are red which makes it very easy to read. From a glance though, the dial is handsome and functional, with the primary function (telling the time) a pleasure to deduce.

This brings me to my absolute favorite part of the watch, which are the Tritium gas tubes in the watch specially made for Dievas by Swiss Tritium tube maker MB Microtec. I had been wanting for a Tritium gas tube watch for a long time, and I have to admit that having one has surpassed my expectations. Tritium gas tubes are harmless radioactive gas filled tubes that perpetually glow for about 25 years. The tubes can come in various colors, and be various lengths. Dievas uses them in the hands (chronograph seconds hand included), and each of the hour markers. Three different colors are employed here, with a miraculous effect. In a well lit room, the face of the watch emits no out of the ordinary light. Once the light levels are lower, you can see the glow coming from the markers making it perfectly viewable in any type of darkness. It honestly looks as though there are small LED lights at work, but this requires no electricity. This aspect of the watch makes it an instant favorite of mine, and secures its position as a useful tool in low-light situations.

Inside the Divergraph is a Japanese quartz movement from Citizen’s movement maker Miyota. This movement maker is in the business of producing far more watch movements than its Swiss counterparts on a sheer yearly volume basis. The movements are reliable, and common enough so that parts are available for any problems. I have to say that my time with the Dievas Divergraph has left me feeling pretty confident about its quality. I also like the size of the watch at 43mm wide. The 22mm wide lugs hold the wonderful strap, while the watch itself just feels good in size and looks, it is also solidly built. Really, this is a man’s watch, and while nothing is perfect, the minor quibbles I have with this watch are easily eclipsed by its value and proven usefulness. At $350 US, you really can’t go wrong. I’ll keep a close eye on Dievas, as should you. If there are other watches prove as competent, its a brand of watches worth having around.

Find the best selection of Dievas Divergraph watches at Gnomon Watches here.