Steinhart Comex Hands-On Watch Review

Introducing the remarkable Steinhart ComeX Ocean One, a special edition watch exclusively available at Olko Watches, a reputable dealer based in Germany. Many of you are likely familiar with the renowned Ocean One, a highly sought-after microbrand timepiece. The Steinhart ComeX Ocean One, originally released in 2009-2010, has now made a comeback with a fresh twist. While I don’t possess all the details regarding whether these are new old stock dials or reprints specifically created for the latest versions, it is evident that they draw inspiration from the latest Ocean One models, featuring the distinctive ComeX dial and a beautifully curved sapphire crystal.

This unique edition, priced at approximately $535, offers exceptional value for money, boasting an array of impressive features. Notably, the watch showcases the Ocean text against a white background, reminiscent of the iconic Rolex ComeX watches from the past. By taking the classic Ocean One as a base and enhancing it with a domed sapphire crystal and the distinct white rectangle treatment on the dial, Steinhart pays homage to the renowned Rolex Sea Dweller ComeX edition, which was originally designed for the esteemed French Diving company.

While a previous version of this watch was introduced around 2010, Steinhart has recently collaborated with Olko Watches, an authorized dealer, to produce exclusive editions. Based on the information I have gathered, the remaining aspects of this watch align with the standard Steinhart Ocean One models currently available.

I’ve encountered people expressing their views on why paying a higher price for it compared to a standard Ocean One (which is approximately $130 cheaper) would be justified. The reason lies in its striking resemblance to a highly specific and exceedingly rare Rolex Sea Dweller model that is no longer in production. Steinhart has established its reputation on the Ocean One line, crafting numerous iterations that pay direct homage to Rolex designs. Thus, it seemed fitting for Steinhart to produce the ComeX Ocean One, a successful venture they embarked on well over a decade ago. While I’m uncertain about the exact duration Olko has been selling the latest version of the ComeX, I estimate it to be around two years. Now that it’s back on the market, it has become a highly sought-after item, primarily due to its exceptional dial.

Determining whether the premium price is justified is a subjective matter that only consumers can assess, as opinions vary. Personally, I believe it is worth the additional cost, particularly because the conventional Ocean One fails to captivate me, especially with the inclusion of a date display and cyclops lens in recent versions. I am fully aware that, in retrospect, it may seem somewhat trivial that they merely altered the background color to white in that small area where the “ocean” text is positioned. Additionally, this dial lacks a date feature (although the movement still displays the date), and it boasts the characteristic domed sapphire crystal, a feature shared with other Steinhart watches and Ocean One models. Nevertheless, it is this subtle detail that sets this timepiece apart for me, as I’ve always had an affinity for it. Apart from that, this watch follows the standard Ocean One design, featuring identical printed markers, Mercedes hands, case, bezel, crown, and bracelet.

In the realm of watch reviews, the little details can often make a world of difference. In the case of the Steinhart ComeX Ocean One, there are two particular features that have always caught my attention and made this version highly desirable. While there is no shortage of Rolex homages in the market, including those by Steinhart and various other brands, the ComeX Ocean One stands out to me personally. Its uniqueness sets it apart, making it truly special. Moreover, being a Steinhart timepiece, it also offers exceptional quality for its price.

The Steinhart ComeX Ocean One boasts several noteworthy attributes that contribute to its appeal. With solid end links, a sturdy bracelet, a standard clasp, and a water resistance of up to 300 meters, this watch embodies reliability. Its brushed and polished case, coupled with the reliable ETA 2824 Elaboré movement, make it even more impressive considering its affordability. Priced at around $500 for this ComeX edition, the specifications it offers are undeniably commendable.

Steinhart’s ability to produce such remarkable timepieces at a relatively lower cost is intriguing. While their experience and buying power undoubtedly play a role, I still find myself contemplating how they manage to achieve this feat. Although the finishing may not rival that of a Rolex, the brushing and high polishing on the ComeX Ocean One surpass the quality of cheaper alternatives found on online marketplaces like AliExpress. The watch’s overall smoothness and absence of rough machining edges further attest to its craftsmanship. And let’s not forget about the bezel—it adds another layer of allure to the timepiece.

Indeed, the bottle cap-style bezel of the Steinhart ComeX Ocean One is not only visually appealing but also incredibly convenient to grip and turn. The impeccable 120-click ratcheting system ensures flawless performance, keeping the bezel firmly in place wherever you position it. Moreover, it provides a delightful experience for desk divers who enjoy fidgeting with their timepieces. While this particular model features an aluminum bezel, some may yearn for a ceramic bezel insert, a popular choice among many watch brands today. 

Although Steinhart offers numerous models with ceramic bezels, one might expect it to be incorporated into this premium-priced watch. Personally, I appreciate the aluminum bezel as it pays homage to a vintage Rolex model, and in my opinion, ceramic wouldn’t quite capture the essence. I must admit that unlike many others, I’m not a huge fan of ceramic or sapphire bezel inserts, as I find the aluminum option to be aesthetically superior, despite its lack of scratch resistance.

Unlike numerous Rolex homages, Steinhart has maintained the Ocean One at a comfortable 42mm size for quite some time. While they now offer 39mm models as well, including the currently sold-out Steinhart ComeX Ocean One with a patina lume, many Rolex-inspired watches tend to be 40mm in diameter. This deviation from the norm is appreciated, especially for individuals like me with a 7 1/2 inch (19.05cm) wrist. A 42mm watch fits me perfectly and looks just right—neither too small nor too large—a true Goldilocks scenario. Adjusting the size is effortless with screw links, although it’s advisable to apply thread locker to the screws to prevent them from loosening over time.

While the Steinhart ComeX Ocean One doesn’t differ significantly from the standard version, there is one small change that makes a world of difference for me—the white background on the model name. The rest of the watch, as many are aware, boasts exceptional craftsmanship, and Steinhart’s popularity continues to soar. Despite the premium price tag, I firmly believe it is worth the investment. Personally, it’s not that I’ve always aspired to own an authentic ComeX watch; rather, I simply adore the aesthetic appeal of this timepiece, and the affordability of Steinhart certainly adds to its appeal. For those who have longed for a genuine Sea Dweller but cannot afford one, this represents an excellent budget-friendly alternative. Moreover, for those seeking a touch of uniqueness, I believe this watch fits the bill perfectly. Oh, and as you can see below, it also exhibits an impressive luminosity in low-light conditions.