Crafter Blue

Overview

Crafter Blue produces dive watches and rubber straps targeted at free divers, oceanographers, and luxury watch enthusiasts. The brand originated with vulcanized rubber straps compatible with Seiko, Tudor, and Rolex models, later expanding into microbrand dive watches with features like high water resistance and helium escape valves. It positions as an affordable option in the enthusiast dive watch segment, often launching via Kickstarter and emphasizing marine exploration support.¹²³

History

Crafter Blue was founded in 2014 in Hong Kong by Steve Chan, a Seiko enthusiast, initially focusing on high-quality curved-end vulcanized rubber straps for dive watches. In 2016, the brand launched its first watch, the Mechanic Ocean 300m. Subsequent models include the 2019 Swiss-made Hyperion Ocean 600m via Kickstarter and the Mechanic Ocean MkII with Miyota 9015 movement.¹²⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Early watches like the Mechanic Ocean use customized Seiko NH35A or Miyota 9015 movements, assembled likely in Asia. The Hyperion Ocean is Swiss-made with Sellita SW200 movement via a partner in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Straps are produced in-house with vulcanized rubber.¹²⁴

Notable Products

• Mechanic Ocean MkII - 45mm automatic dive watch with 300m WR, Miyota 9015, DLC bezel, priced under $600.
• Hyperion Ocean 600m - Swiss-made 45mm diver with Sellita SW200, 600m WR, helium valve, launched on Kickstarter at $599.
• Mechanic Ocean 300m - First watch model with Seiko NH35A, sapphire crystal, helium valve, 300m WR.
• S2 Rubber Strap - Curved-end vulcanized strap with 15 holes for dive watches.

Reputation

Crafter Blue is regarded by enthusiasts as a value-driven microbrand for robust dive watches outperforming comparably priced models like Seiko Samurai in specs such as sapphire crystals and helium valves. Straps receive praise for comfort and compatibility with premium brands. Criticisms are minimal in sources, though some note comparisons to established designs like Submariner or Nautilus.²⁴