The Sternglas Merion Diver Is An Affordable Alternative With Innovative Touches
Sternglas has come a long way since its first watch debuted in 2016. The earliest models were straightforward Bauhaus-styled watches. While this design still governs the brand’s offerings, straightforward dress watches no longer dominate the catalog. Today’s Merion diver is a good example of how Sternglas has expanded.
When I recall my formative collecting years, Seiko loomed large when searching for attractive, affordable dive watches. The Japanese brand offered a universe of options below €750. Now, as Seiko has moved upmarket, there are still some options, but most are lighter versions without a hefty depth rating or functional details like a screw-down crown. Seiko’s lack of a suite of watches in the affordable entry-level category has left the door open for other brands like Sternglas. The Merion is a watch that offers buyers style and capability at an approachable price.
The Sternglas Merion
Let’s begin with some basic specifications for the Merion dive watch. The two versions utilize a 41mm 316L stainless steel case featuring a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. A 49mm lug-to-lug and 14mm thickness keep the Merion wearable for those with medium-sized wrists. A sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating is included in the thickness measurement. Additionally, these divers come with a black or dark blue Tropic-style strap and a novel stainless steel bracelet that we’ll discuss in more detail.
From a design standpoint, these watches show inspiration from ’60s Super Compressor divers. Twin screw-down crowns bring modern capability, including water resistance to 200 meters. The crowns have a nice touch in that a reddish-orange ring is exposed when unscrewed. It’s a gentle reminder for the wearer to “batten down the hatches” before getting wet. The crown at 2 o’clock is for rotating the bidirectional 120-click internal bezel. The other signed crown sets the time and date.
Two dial options
Sternglas offers two dial colorways. A green and orange option with a blue internal bezel joins the black and red variant with a gray bezel, which is our hands-on subject. I liken the dial surfaces to a crackle finish that becomes darker towards the periphery. The Bauhaus influence is visible on the dial with its simple lines and rectangular, luminous indices. The bezel arrow, indices, and pointed hands use green-glowing Super-LumiNova. Note the circular date window at 6 o’clock and the contrasting red or green background. It’s a different take that adds the right amount of sportiness to the otherwise functional design.
The Seiko NH35
Ironically, even if Seiko has decided to stop offering affordable divers, the company still has its hand in the mix by supplying movements. Sternglas equips the Merion with the ubiquitous automatic NH35. While it may not be the fanciest movement spec-wise, the NH35 is reliable and proven. Essentially, the NH35 is an unbranded 4R35, which means it offers hacking, manual winding, and a quick-setting date complication. The movement ticks with a 21,600vph frequency and has a power reserve of 41 hours. It’s not the most accurate movement with its advertised tolerance of -20/+40 seconds per day, but it often performs better.
Wisely, Sternglas has chosen a more functional-looking steel screw-in case back. It is adorned with engraved flying fish in a circular pattern. I don’t mind this because the NH35 isn’t a show-off movement. Also, a display back normally adds thickness.
A bracelet worth mentioning
I’ve noticed that smaller watch brands have become extremely creative with small touches that help create differentiation. Sternglas has equipped the Merion diver with an ingenious bracelet. The links are removable via a toolless system. The outer row of links is spring-loaded. These can be pulled up and rotated away from the bracelet. Then, individual links can be removed. The outer link is then twisted back into place and lifted above a pin on the central link. It’s simple, but with a stiff spring and lengthy pin, it shouldn’t accidentally open. The rest of the deployant buckle includes two extra micro-adjustment holes, a safety clasp, and a wetsuit extension.
Final thoughts on the Sternglas Merion
The Merion is priced at €649 and is available directly on the Sternglas website. Also, Sternglas has a surprising number of authorized retailer locations globally, so seeing this watch in person may be simple. Overall, I like the blend of a ’60s diver case design with Bauhaus simplicity. Plus, the textured dials, alternating surface finishes, and bracelet/strap combo make this a classy option for the price. What’s your take on these dive watches, and which is your favorite color?
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