Monday, July 21, 2008

Orsa Sea Angler Lithium

Anyone who has been into dive watches over the last few years had heard the name Orsa. Orsa watches are the creation of Martin Berg. The most legendary of his creations has been without a doubt the Sea Angler.

The Sea Angler started life in two runs of 50 watches in each run. You had a basic black and orange model. These watches raised eyebrows and sold out in short order. I am happy to say I am the owner of an Orange Sea Angler Automatic which is one of my most prized watches. Berg followed these up with two Swiss made series in silver and luminous dials. Then there is the ultra-rare 3T Limited Edition Sea Angler which I was too dumb to buy though being a moderator at 3T. DOH!! Berg has since released a Miyota powered behemoth known as the Monstrum and continues to produce nice inexpensive military style quartz watches he sells via the Bay. You’ll also find a line known as the Pro Divers which come in a number of configurations and colors. I am also the proud owner of a rare Pro Diver Automatic.






Berg has recently released the Sea Angler Lithium though his affiliation with 3T. The watch is being offered in either a black or stainless steel bezel and brings the great Sea Angler look and feel to a whole new realm. The watch is currently available exclusively though Berg’s brand forum at 3T and if any are left they may eventually be sold on the Bay.

Let’s just dispose with the technical specifications per Berg:

Ronda 715 lithium, Swiss made, 5 jewels.

316l Stainless steel case
unidirectional rotating bezel with 120 clicks
Domed hardlex mineral crystal
300m/1000ft Water resistant
8mm Screw down crown
Date at 4hrs
Super luminova coated hands and dial.
Bezel/case back polished.
22mm lugs with connecting rods
Weight: 126g
Dimensions: 45mm wide x 54mm length
Thickness 16mm
only 50 pcs available for each models


This is truly a Sea Angler for everyman; not just the WIS of the world. I opted to get one with the stainless steel bezel as I thought the look was a little flashy and very cool. The stainless bezel adds a little pop to the watch in my opinion while relegating it useless for true diving. No worries as this is a recreational sport watch in my world.

Where to start? There is the instantly recognizable Sea Angler case which is thick and chunky. This is a purpose built tool and the case leaves little doubt to the rough and ready nature of the watch. The screwdown crown is at 4:00 aligned with the date window. The crown is buffeted by beefy crown guards adding another element of utility to the watch. The lugs are 22mm and quite pronounced with a downward curve which allows the large case to wrap the wearer’s wrist. There is some dissention over the combination of the finishes on the case and bezel. Some do not like the polished bezel edge in combination with the bead blasted finish on the case. In my opinion this adds depth to the case and bezel, creating an imposing 3-D superstructure. The caseback is a true classic highlighted by the well known Sea Angler motif.




The dial is really a love/hate affair for many. Obviously I am in the love camp. The Lithium Sea Angler comes with an orange dial with a flat black/charcoal minute track. The minute track features luminous markers in five minute increment. The five minute increments are marked with the distinctive script which makes a Sea Angler a Sea Angler. Lume is persistent if not blazing and is good for many hours after charging though it will never blow you socks off. It is just utilitarian. You go for the time in zero light and there it is. Wonderful. This all resides under a domed hardlex crystal. While I would prefer sapphire, the hardlex is a viable option and should prove tough. Hands are the familiar Sea Angler paddle hands and glow a tad brighter than the indices. The stainless bezel is beautiful to my eye with a blasted face featuring polished numerals every ten minutes. A little blingy and a sure attention grabber.


The watch comes outfitted with a durable and comfortable rubber strap with signed Orsa tang buckle. The strap is nothing fancy but it quite comfortable and tough. The 22mm lug size and easy screw pins allow for a variety of strap options. Many have put their Sea Anglers on exotic straps though my thought is this is a tool watch and should be strapped up as such. Nothing fancy for me.

Although I am predominantly a collector of mechanical time pieces, the simplicity and dependability of the Rhonda movement is really a big plus. It is kind of nice not to worry about having the watch wound up or sitting on a winder. It’s a true grab and go and since its arrival it’s been a favorite for a day in the pool with the kids.



Berg has hit upon another winner in my opinion and sales support this stance. I have been told all the black bezel models have been sold and that Berg in fact produced 60 in the black bezel and 40 in the stainless bezel. If so this makes mine a touch more rare though this is not a watch I’ll part with any time soon. The watch is too much fun and too easy to love for it to go anywhere but on my wrist.

Thanks for having a look.




2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great review Pax!! Just was wondering if the second hand was also lumed, and also wanted to see if you have any lume pictures?

Dirk Nannes said...

Nice Article!! but would also like to share a link of similar website for vintage watches with easy to navigate and user friendly GUI.