SDC OceanRider Silky Grey: Sustainable Dive Watch Review

The SDC OceanRider Silky Grey is a dive watch that seeks to reconcile luxury with sustainability, a combination that has historically been challenging. Launched by SDC Watches, a brand founded in 2020 by Sean Clements, the OceanRider collection introduces upcycled materials and eco-friendly practices to the traditionally conservative watch industry. This review examines the Silky Grey model, named after the endangered silky shark, and assesses its design, construction, and performance.

Origins of a Sustainable Watch Brand

SDC Watches emerged from founder Sean Clements' dual passions for diving and watchmaking, with a mission to address environmental issues facing the oceans. The brand's first collection, the OceanRider, comprises four models, each named after a shark species. The Silky Grey honors the silky shark, a species threatened by overfishing. In line with its environmental commitment, SDC Watches donates 5% of each purchase to the Marine Conservation Society, a UK-based nonprofit dedicated to ocean preservation.

Packaging and Presentation

The watch arrives in packaging that reflects the brand's ethos: a box made from 100% biodegradable FSC-certified materials, assembled with vegan water-based adhesive. Even the foam inserts are fully recyclable. Despite these eco-conscious choices, the packaging maintains a quality feel comparable to conventional watch boxes, demonstrating that sustainability need not compromise presentation.

Case and Design

The OceanRider Silky Grey features a 42mm case crafted from solid 316L stainless steel, a material known for its resistance to corrosion and shocks. The case measures 14.3mm in height and 48mm lug-to-lug, dimensions that wear comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The finish is predominantly matte, with polished accents, and the overall construction feels robust and well-executed. A black ceramic bezel with a unidirectional rotation mechanism serves as a dive timer, while the sapphire crystal—flat rather than domed—provides scratch resistance. The screw-down case back includes a circular sapphire window, offering a view of the movement, and contributes to the watch's 300-meter water resistance. Notably, a helium escape valve is omitted, but for most recreational divers, this is not a drawback.

Dial and Legibility

The dial's silky grey hue, inspired by the shark, is complemented by a red central seconds hand that adds a pop of color and enhances legibility. Hour and minute hands, along with the applied indices, are coated with Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent low-light visibility. A rectangular date window at 3 o'clock provides practical functionality without disrupting the dial's balance.

Movement

Powering the OceanRider Silky Grey is the Seiko NH35 automatic movement, a reliable and widely used caliber that contributes to the watch's accessible price point. It offers a 41-hour power reserve, sufficient for daily wear, and includes hours, minutes, seconds, and a date function. The crown, flanked by crown guards, is easy to operate thanks to its fluted design.

Strap and Wearability

One of the watch's most innovative features is its strap, made from recycled neoprene wetsuits sewn into silicone rubber. The strap is equipped with a quick-release system, allowing for easy swapping, and has a lug width of 20mm. Comfort is on par with traditional rubber or silicone straps, making it suitable for extended wear.

Conclusion

The SDC OceanRider Silky Grey represents a thoughtful blend of sustainability and horological value. Its use of recycled materials, eco-friendly packaging, and support for marine conservation set it apart, while its classic dive watch design, robust construction, and reliable movement make it a competent timepiece. At £399, it offers considerable value for those seeking a dive watch with a conscience. Whether you're a diving enthusiast or a collector looking to support sustainable practices, the OceanRider Silky Grey is a compelling option.