Exploring Timeless Design: A Review of Escudo's Ocean Seacrest

By Michael Teitelbaum

Article Originally Appeared in Spring 2023 Issue of Caviar Affair

In recent years, there has been an emergence of wristwatch microbrands that have capitalized on global supply chains, overseas manufacturing, and a direct-to-consumer sales model to disrupt the traditional retail industry of watch sales. While this has led to an abundance of options for consumers, it has also made it difficult for individual brands to distinguish themselves from the competition.

One microbrand that has managed to stand out from the crowd is Escudo, a British-Portuguese company that draws inspiration from the golden age of exploration to create timepieces with unique character and charm. The Ocean Seacrest is a prime example of this, particularly in the chocolate brown bronze colorway.

From the moment you lay eyes on the watch, you are struck by its beauty. The stainless steel case is a mix of polished and brushed surfaces, with chamfered edges that elevate the case architecture into a work of art. The screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel are expertly crafted, with smooth actions that set them apart from other watches in the same price range.

The attention to detail is evident throughout the watch, from the gilded compass rose style hands and hour markers to the Portuguese flag colored 12 o'clock bezel pip. The bronze-rimmed brown bezel, black dial, and bronze-edged numerals add a touch of old-world glamour to the piece, making it a stunning addition to any collection.

The Escudo Ocean Seacrest is powered by the Escudo Calibre 1488, a modified Swiss-Made Sellita SW200-1 automatic no-date movement that beats at 28,800 BPH and has a 38-hour power reserve.

At a price point of under $2000 USD, the Ocean Seacrest is a stellar value proposition, offering exceptional design, build quality, and attention to detail that more than justify the price tag. Whether you're a collector or simply in the market for a diver's watch that sets itself apart from the endless submariner clones and homages, the Escudo Ocean Seacrest is definitely worth considering.