I actually think a good solution might be to simply consider a thinner bracelet (thickness of the links, not narrowness), or, of course, a tapering one. With that said, I should remind you that OWC offers a range of strap and bracelet offerings. Interested in putting a custom made Milanese mesh metal bracelet on your OWC MilSub MS-5517 watch? OWC offers that too. The bracelet has a butterfly-style deployant clasp which works well and allows for a flush look on the underside of the bracelet.
I must also mention that among the various options available with the OWC MilSub MS-5517 watch are two movements. The less expensive option is a Chinese made Seagull ST-1812 automatic and the more interesting option is a Swiss Soprod A-10 automatic – which the watch I reviewed has. OWC goes ahead and marks the movement on the rear of the case which is a nice touch. Opting for the Swiss movement adds $300 to the price, which literally almost doubles the cost of the OWC MilSub MS-5517 watch. Having said that, the watch is still really inexpensive, even with the A-10 – which just goes to show how reasonably priced OWC watches are. I don’t want to sound like too much of a snob, but even though the ST-1812 is Seagull’s clone of the ETA 2892, I still prefer an actual Swiss movement. There is a reason for the Chinese movements being so much cheaper, and that is in the attention to detail when it comes to finishing the parts and the quality of the metals used. It is possible that for a while you might get good performance out of a Chinese watch movement, but statistically speaking, over time, you are going to fare better with a higher-end Swiss movement. Isn’t that what you want anyway, in what should be a highly durable and reliable tool watch?
Even though the OWC MilSub MS-5517 is inspired by the Rolex 5517, pretty much, only the dial is where you see the homage work. While a lot of the OWC MilSub MS-5517 feels familiar, the entire watch is really a combination of features that Dan Fock himself wants, and he continues to improve the models. That means some of my complaints simply might be moot by the time you look at the current models available on the OWC website. These watches are not without their quirks, but in my opinion none of them are absolute deal breakers. For the money, OWC gives you a lot of high quality parts and a case which has a really welcome amount of fit and finishing. That goes for other watches at this price point as well as those costing 3-4 times as much from other brands.
Getting a watch from a micro-brand is trust in the passion and diligence of the creator. Dan is a crazy watch guy in Australia making watches for other crazy watch guys without a lot of BS or gimmicks. Price for the OWC MilSub MS-5517 watch with the Seagull movement is just $595, while price with the Swiss Soprod movement is $895 (updated prices). orangewatchcompany.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: OWC
>Model: MilSub MS-5517
>Price: $595 as tested
>Size: 40mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Independent watch lover interested in dive watches from highly impassioned creators.
>Best characteristic of watch: Excellent value for money and solid construction from truly meticulous watch nut creator.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Dial and bezel lume colors don’t match. More or less flat dial.
