The world of watches never ceases to amaze enthusiasts with its timeless charm and mechanical wonders. Today we turn our attention to Houtman Watches Australia and their remarkable timepiece, the Pilbara dive watch (pronounced Pil-buh-ruh, assumedly with a bit of an Aussie twang). Inspired by the rugged landscapes of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, this timepiece captures the essence of exploration and adventure. Join us as we dive into the depths of its design, craftsmanship, and performance, and discover why the Pilbara series is an excellent choice for both avid divers and watch enthusiasts alike.
Houtman Watches takes pride in paying homage to the majestic Pilbara region through its Pilbara dive watch. Known for its ancient landscapes, vibrant red earth, and vast mineral deposits, Australia’s Pilbara region is a natural wonder that exudes strength and beauty. The watch’s design reflects this awe-inspiring landscape, featuring a robust and rugged construction that is reminiscent of the Pilbara’s natural formations.
The Pilbara dive watch boasts a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41mm, ensuring a substantial presence on the wrist without being overly bulky. The slim 11.8mm height, and turned-down lugs, mean the watch not only suits a wide range of wrist sizes but also hugs the wrist – and is slim enough to slip under your shirt or jacket sleeve without worry.
Its design elements, such as the textured dial resembling the region’s rocky terrain and the distinctive color palette inspired by the Pilbara’s vibrant hues, create a captivating visual narrative. This watch is almost a wearable piece of art that captures the essence of Pilbara’s natural grandeur.
Beyond its aesthetics, the Pilbara dive watch exhibits exceptional craftsmanship, a hallmark of Houtman Watches. The meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the timepiece. A two-piece construction of the dial creates depth – the markers almost float above the main dial. Superb polished chamfers feature on the lugs, while the rest of the case features a very nice brushed finish. The watches feature generous applications of Super-LumiNova BGW9 on the markers, hands, and bezel, ensuring legibility even in the darkest depths. The ever so slightly double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating guarantees durability and optimum clarity, safeguarding the dial from scratches and enhancing underwater visibility.
Water resistance is a crucial aspect of any dive watch, and the Pilbara series is more than adequate in this regard; with a water resistance rating of 200 meters (20 ATM). The screw-down crown and case back provide an additional layer of protection.
The heart of the Pilbara dive watch beats precisely, courtesy of its automatic movement. Houtman Watches Australia utilizes the ever-reliable Miyota calibre 9039, renowned for its accuracy and reliability, ensuring that the timepiece not only performs admirably but also lasts for generations.
The Pilbara series is more than just an aesthetically pleasing timepiece; it is a robust tool watch. The uni-directional rotating bezel has a nice resistance and a crisp click with minimal back play, allowing you to track elapsed time accurately without the worry of accidental rotation. The bezel’s finish is a sandblasted matte effect, with flush luminous markers – again Swiss BWG9, ensuring longevity and legibility.
Comfort and versatility are paramount on any watch, and the Pilbara series excels in both aspects. The stainless steel bracelet, featuring solid links and a milled clasp, offers durability and comfort for extended periods of wear. Additionally, the watch comes with an additional FKM rubber strap, ideal for aquatic adventures, providing enhanced flexibility and length should it need to be fitted over a wetsuit. It can be dressed up on leather, and also looks the part on a NATO or cloth strap – it seems quite the strap monster!
On review, it seems Houtman Watches Australia understands the importance of comfort and quality in watches, and the Pilbara series rises to the occasion. The subtle styling, case finishing, solid bracelet and premium Miyota movement really make these watches a value proposition.
For a limited time, discount code “WristReview” will unlock extra savings and a free leather strap.
