This week Jason and James decided to delay the episode by one day to align with the embargo for the latest from Aquastar Watches – the new Deepstar II.
Such a great ep! Classic Heaton and Stacey! As a guy who's Rolex is still sitting on the bottom of a lake, and who's had two different Omegas, a Citizen Nighthawk and a Luminox ripped off my wrist during various exploits...I absolutely love the fixed lugs on the new MN21. Kudos to Tudor for trying something different for such a big name brand. I hate not having dates on watches so I'd love to see maybe both options for MN22 but if they stick with the no date I just might have to buy one anyway for the solid lugs alone. Great stuff.
Not someone who would buy either watch but I loved hearing what each of you thought and find them to both be rather handsome watches. Great episode this week! I always look forward to the end of the week to hear you two.
Speaking of divers, I *do* happen to crack up each time you talk about the Pelagos and how neither of you have gotten one yet! I think it's a great watch (images are all I've had of it, never tried it on in the metal) and I feel a similar appreciation for what it is and how it sets itself apart from Rolex. Maybe this ep will be the thing that pushes me to actually try one on/set aside some $ to get one myself.
Another great episode guys. As a Pelagos devotee, I was a little unimpressed with the FXD but its growing on me. That Deepstar is seriously cool too. keep up the great work.
The FXD hits all the right spots for me, thinner case, no HEV, no date. I like titanium, I’m not big on bracelets (though I know the Pelagos is top of the heap there), and the tone of blue looks good in the photos. I think the fully graduated bezel also looks good, especially on a no-date, watch, and the differing number of hash marks doesn’t bother me. And 200m of water resistance is more than enough. And all at a fair price.
I’m just not in the market for another diver. But if I were, both Aquastars would be on the short list. I like the skin diver design of the watches. I’d probably go with the larger chrono since 37mm is really small for me, but the new version is a real beaut.
Man, I was worried since the vanity URL notes.thegreynato.com has not been working for me. I have had to search substack and the grey nato. Can't wait to listen.
Hey Steven, sorry for the struggle on the link. We are migrating the site (new homepage at thegreynato.com is now live) and in the shuffle I've lost the ability to easily add a subdomain forward (Squarespace + hover not getting along that well). We are working on it as it's definitely a pain.
Gentlemen, great reviews of both watches. Two quick notes: I believe the Toxic NATOs are called Ute Straps, pronounced like "yute". Terry probably named these in reference to the Ute Indians that inhabit Colorado. On 19mm straps - it used to be be troublesome trying to find 19mm straps for your SLA033, SLA017 or Deepstar II. However, the Ute NATOs now come in 19mm and Erikas Originals are also available in 19mm. These are two great options. Thanks for the great work fellas!
Great show again... and great nice watches. Between these 2 watches I would choose both. The only thing is my slander wrist would complain a little about the lug width of the Tudor... but who cares it's such a nice watch. The Aquastar Deepstar II thicks all the boxes on my "watch demands". Wish I was on a position to get both watches but maybe I would go for the Aquastar if I had to pick just one. Really would like just to try it. Maybe when times and funds get better.
Hi James and Jason - wanted to hear more about your thoughts on the straps for the Deepstar2? Specifically interested in any experience with the tropic. Picking up the new blue watch, and want options beyond the nato
Nice episode. The FXD talk made me research and I found this fun review of the FXD with the bezel functionality explained by 2 real French MN divers (masked). Only in French but great Idea and a lot of well explained stuff about this watch. As I was born on an 22. so perhaps this year is my watch... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvC142xuhK4
Great ep, gents. I have the FXD on order and can't wait to get my hands on a MilSub (OK, almost a MilSub). Having recently taken delivery of a 226570, I'm no longer intimidated by the larger size, so fingers crossed!
Haven’t got the call for the FXD yet. Tudor Boutique said it would be a few months, my other AD was even vaguer… I'd imagine some dealers must have display models you could check out?
Ah… good suggestion. Yeah, I’ll call around. Thanks! The AD I spoke with was pretty vague too, but said early new year. Here’s hoping you get yours soon. Would love to know your reaction once you get some wrist time with it.
First time commenting loving your work depth charge is a great novel Jason have you guys seen discovering Cousteau the national geographic documentary on Disney + (at least in the u.k might be somewhere else your side of the pond) think it might just be in your wheelhouse
Another episode I the books, and I found myself missing my usual Thursday fix - so you two matter! A couple of thoughts.
First, on the FXD: I prize authenticity in tool watches, and every feature of the new Pelagos is included for the stated purpose. No He valve: check. No date: check. Countdown timing bezel made for easy reset: check. Machined lug slots and low-ride form factor: check. What is not to love? Special operators of many nations have history selecting equipment for their missions that doesn’t scale to equipping larger armies, so the high-ish cost here is not a huge obstacle. Love it. I’ll have to try one on. If it fits my skinny wrist it will be hard not to take home.
Second, on the Deepstar II: it is certainly fun and cool. I guess it reminds me of what Zodiac and Doxa are doing these days - really owning a period of time in watch fashion (the 70’s) and doubling down on the design language. Do either of you have a favorite decade in watch design?
Perfect! I had the blue pelly a few years ago, but found the blue to be too loud for my taste as a daily wear kind of watch, but overall loved it. I definitely will check out the FXD in person. Would love to see the slimmer case design work its way into more Pelagos models with the bracelet. Would be fantastic.
Blanton's just OK? James, you are displaying Royal Oak/Nautilus level whiskey snobbery. FYI, I have not seen a bottle of Blanton's on a US shelf in years.
That's a fair point, I do love Blantons. Was just thinking of a bottle of Willet I got to try a while back while chatting on the subject. My snobbery is of no credit anyways, as I can't buy either here. Good luck on the hunt.
Such a great ep! Classic Heaton and Stacey! As a guy who's Rolex is still sitting on the bottom of a lake, and who's had two different Omegas, a Citizen Nighthawk and a Luminox ripped off my wrist during various exploits...I absolutely love the fixed lugs on the new MN21. Kudos to Tudor for trying something different for such a big name brand. I hate not having dates on watches so I'd love to see maybe both options for MN22 but if they stick with the no date I just might have to buy one anyway for the solid lugs alone. Great stuff.
Name the lake that holds the Rolex and let's gather the scuba gear!!
I’ve been diving for it for two summers now! Dropping search markers and getting a nice search grid going. One of these days, man!
Not someone who would buy either watch but I loved hearing what each of you thought and find them to both be rather handsome watches. Great episode this week! I always look forward to the end of the week to hear you two.
Speaking of divers, I *do* happen to crack up each time you talk about the Pelagos and how neither of you have gotten one yet! I think it's a great watch (images are all I've had of it, never tried it on in the metal) and I feel a similar appreciation for what it is and how it sets itself apart from Rolex. Maybe this ep will be the thing that pushes me to actually try one on/set aside some $ to get one myself.
Definitely worth trying one on. Though, then you'll be where I am, unable to pick which one you really want :) (JS)
Another great episode guys. As a Pelagos devotee, I was a little unimpressed with the FXD but its growing on me. That Deepstar is seriously cool too. keep up the great work.
The FXD hits all the right spots for me, thinner case, no HEV, no date. I like titanium, I’m not big on bracelets (though I know the Pelagos is top of the heap there), and the tone of blue looks good in the photos. I think the fully graduated bezel also looks good, especially on a no-date, watch, and the differing number of hash marks doesn’t bother me. And 200m of water resistance is more than enough. And all at a fair price.
I’m just not in the market for another diver. But if I were, both Aquastars would be on the short list. I like the skin diver design of the watches. I’d probably go with the larger chrono since 37mm is really small for me, but the new version is a real beaut.
Man, I was worried since the vanity URL notes.thegreynato.com has not been working for me. I have had to search substack and the grey nato. Can't wait to listen.
Update: notes.thegreynato.com should be working again and now points to the new homepage!
Hey Steven, sorry for the struggle on the link. We are migrating the site (new homepage at thegreynato.com is now live) and in the shuffle I've lost the ability to easily add a subdomain forward (Squarespace + hover not getting along that well). We are working on it as it's definitely a pain.
Finally, I can stop refreshing this page waiting for this week's episode. Looking forward to the listening guys!
Gentlemen, great reviews of both watches. Two quick notes: I believe the Toxic NATOs are called Ute Straps, pronounced like "yute". Terry probably named these in reference to the Ute Indians that inhabit Colorado. On 19mm straps - it used to be be troublesome trying to find 19mm straps for your SLA033, SLA017 or Deepstar II. However, the Ute NATOs now come in 19mm and Erikas Originals are also available in 19mm. These are two great options. Thanks for the great work fellas!
Great show again... and great nice watches. Between these 2 watches I would choose both. The only thing is my slander wrist would complain a little about the lug width of the Tudor... but who cares it's such a nice watch. The Aquastar Deepstar II thicks all the boxes on my "watch demands". Wish I was on a position to get both watches but maybe I would go for the Aquastar if I had to pick just one. Really would like just to try it. Maybe when times and funds get better.
Hi James and Jason - wanted to hear more about your thoughts on the straps for the Deepstar2? Specifically interested in any experience with the tropic. Picking up the new blue watch, and want options beyond the nato
James here, I haven't tried to DSII on the tropic, but I have frequently worn my vintage skin diver on a tropic and it's a killer combo.
I'm with you! I have the BoR on pre-order and I was thinking about getting both the tropic and nato.
Nice episode. The FXD talk made me research and I found this fun review of the FXD with the bezel functionality explained by 2 real French MN divers (masked). Only in French but great Idea and a lot of well explained stuff about this watch. As I was born on an 22. so perhaps this year is my watch... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvC142xuhK4
Come on, Nolan before Villeneuve, everyone knows Nolan is the watch guy.
Great ep, gents. I have the FXD on order and can't wait to get my hands on a MilSub (OK, almost a MilSub). Having recently taken delivery of a 226570, I'm no longer intimidated by the larger size, so fingers crossed!
Have you taken delivery yet? And if so, what do you think? I really want one but haven’t seen one in person.
Haven’t got the call for the FXD yet. Tudor Boutique said it would be a few months, my other AD was even vaguer… I'd imagine some dealers must have display models you could check out?
Ah… good suggestion. Yeah, I’ll call around. Thanks! The AD I spoke with was pretty vague too, but said early new year. Here’s hoping you get yours soon. Would love to know your reaction once you get some wrist time with it.
First time commenting loving your work depth charge is a great novel Jason have you guys seen discovering Cousteau the national geographic documentary on Disney + (at least in the u.k might be somewhere else your side of the pond) think it might just be in your wheelhouse
Another episode I the books, and I found myself missing my usual Thursday fix - so you two matter! A couple of thoughts.
First, on the FXD: I prize authenticity in tool watches, and every feature of the new Pelagos is included for the stated purpose. No He valve: check. No date: check. Countdown timing bezel made for easy reset: check. Machined lug slots and low-ride form factor: check. What is not to love? Special operators of many nations have history selecting equipment for their missions that doesn’t scale to equipping larger armies, so the high-ish cost here is not a huge obstacle. Love it. I’ll have to try one on. If it fits my skinny wrist it will be hard not to take home.
Second, on the Deepstar II: it is certainly fun and cool. I guess it reminds me of what Zodiac and Doxa are doing these days - really owning a period of time in watch fashion (the 70’s) and doubling down on the design language. Do either of you have a favorite decade in watch design?
Perfect! I had the blue pelly a few years ago, but found the blue to be too loud for my taste as a daily wear kind of watch, but overall loved it. I definitely will check out the FXD in person. Would love to see the slimmer case design work its way into more Pelagos models with the bracelet. Would be fantastic.
Blanton's just OK? James, you are displaying Royal Oak/Nautilus level whiskey snobbery. FYI, I have not seen a bottle of Blanton's on a US shelf in years.
That's a fair point, I do love Blantons. Was just thinking of a bottle of Willet I got to try a while back while chatting on the subject. My snobbery is of no credit anyways, as I can't buy either here. Good luck on the hunt.