In a luxury watch market that’s projected to grow toward $64 billion by 2025, one California startup is making waves with a fresh approach to timepiece craftsmanship. Dive King Watches, launched in 2022 from the sun-soaked shores of Newport Beach, is gaining attention for its meticulously crafted, limited-edition dive watches that aim to appeal to collectors’ growing appetite for exclusivity.

The Birth of Dive King

For Dan Bradstreet and Kevin Mohr, founding Dive King wasn’t just about creating another watch brand—it was about pursuing a passion. With decades of combined experience in branding, boating, and horology, these Southern California natives set out to craft something distinct: a micro-brand that would honor the rich heritage of dive watches while forging its own identity.

From their Newport Beach headquarters—where luxury and coastal lifestyle intertwine—they’ve introduced a collection that’s gradually catching the eye of discerning collectors who may feel uninspired by the typical offerings from mainstream brands. “We wanted to create something memorable,” Bradstreet explains, “something that could make collectors feel like they’re part of a unique community.”

The Unique Selling Proposition

What sets Dive King apart is their focus on scarcity. By limiting production runs to as few as 25 pieces per model, they’ve cultivated an air of exclusivity that has intrigued collectors. When asked about this low-volume approach, Bradstreet explains, “Well, we’d rather put every watch we make on the wrists of collectors instead of filling warehouses with inventory like some of our competitors. That allows us to develop new models faster.” While it’s early days, this strategy appears to be creating not just customers, but passionate advocates for the brand.

Drawing inspiration from the golden age of dive watches, each Dive King timepiece is designed as a modern homage to the iconic styles of the 1940s through 1960s. “These dive watches are inspired by some of our all-time favorites, like the legendary Blainpain Fifty Fathoms,” Bradstreet notes with enthusiasm. “We hope fellow watch enthusiasts will enjoy adding unique pieces to their collections, especially those who may have found similar models less accessible in the past.”

The brand’s commitment to quality is reflected in every detail, from the premium materials to the reliable automatic movements supplied by Seiko. “It’s a combination that offers luxury-grade craftsmanship at a price point that won’t require a second mortgage,” adds Kevin Mohr. He explains that “Seiko is well known for the reliability and value proposition of its watches, but **it doesn’t always emphasize uniqueness in its designs.” By integrating accessible modern technologies like Seiko movements into traditional watchmaking, Dive King aims to enhance its products while maintaining the artisanal yet affordable quality that defines its brand. The result is a watch that can be serviced by most watchmakers worldwide, a practical advantage over many premier luxury watches that often require servicing at their Swiss factories.

The Dive King Collection

The current lineup reflects the brand’s focus on thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship. There’s the flagship, limited-edition “Fleet Commander,” featuring a bronze case that develops a patina over time. It’s an elegant combination of vintage “Fifty Fathoms” inspiration and contemporary engineering that’s attracting significant attention among collectors. A non-limited stainless steel version, the “1953 Diver,” is also available. It features a sand-blasted finish reminiscent of the original model, which may have been a precaution to reduce light reflections, potentially preventing it from resembling a fish and attracting sharks.

For those seeking a more stylish option that’s less focused on a diver aesthetic, the “Aquarius” model offers a refined yet robust choice. This piece captures the allure of the deep sea with its captivating gradient dial and durable stainless steel build. Despite its sleek design, it’s engineered to handle the rigors of deep-sea exploration while looking perfectly at home in a professional setting. Keen observers might note that its case design draws inspiration from the British military W-10 watch, aligning with Dive King’s vintage aesthetic. Its compact 36mm case size reflects a return to vintage proportions, making it equally appealing for women and men.

These timepieces are not merely functional; they are a testament to craftsmanship and design that collectors increasingly value for their aesthetic and exclusive qualities.

Engaging the Community

Building a strong brand community is vital for any startup, and Dive King has embraced this challenge with enthusiasm. The company actively interacts with watch enthusiasts via social media and selected local watch dealers. This approach stands out in a market where many micro-brands focus solely on online sales. Dive King’s strategy fosters personal connections and allows customers to experience the watches firsthand before making a purchase.

Collaborations with influencers, watch collectors, and dealers have bolstered Dive King’s visibility in the competitive luxury watch market. These partnerships enhance brand recognition while adding credibility to the growing company. For instance, the team received valuable advice early on from industry experts like Tim Mosso of Watchbox, whose input was particularly encouraging.

Recently, Dive King partnered with Ivan Romero, owner of the “My Watch” store in Newport Beach. Romero suggested a model inspired by the original Seiko dive watch from 1965—an iconic design that even Seiko dealers find difficult to source. Dive King collaborated to produce the “Marine-Matic,” a faithful homage to the Seiko 62MAS, which will be exclusively available to “My Watch” customers in January.

Customer feedback plays a significant role in shaping future designs and collections. Dive King’s commitment to listening to its community has led to initiatives like exclusive pre-orders for members, fostering loyalty and creating a sense of belonging.

The Future of Dive King

Looking ahead, Dive King has ambitious plans for growth within the luxury watch market. Upcoming models and limited editions aim to further innovate in design and craftsmanship. The founders are eager to collaborate with emerging designers and artists to introduce fresh perspectives into the luxury watch market. One such collaboration is with TAVi Art, an artist and fashion designer, to create a limited collection called “TAVi Time.” This 50-piece series features vibrant, colorful dials and graphic treatments that align with TAVi’s award-winning “art fashion” line. This partnership injects a modern twist into Dive King’s vintage appeal, opening doors to a new audience.

Summary

Dive King is carving out a unique space in the luxury watch market by offering a compelling blend of exclusivity, quality, and craftsmanship. With a focus on limited-edition models that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts, the brand is positioned to challenge traditional norms and build a dedicated following.

For those intrigued by the artistry of luxury timepieces, Dive King invites exploration of its collection. Visit www.divekingwatches.com to learn more about these distinctive watches and consider adding one to your collection.

As the luxury watch industry evolves, Dive King demonstrates that innovation, creativity, and passion can create opportunities even in the most competitive spaces.

Published by Anne C.