Hruodland Sub Homage

The fit and finish is good with no misalignment including the magnifier which is 2 1/2 times magnification. The size is good for any size wrist and the tapering makes it comfortable. The screw links are easy to adjust and no sharp edges around the watch. The sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel are good material and the lume is above average even not as good as Seiko but maybe on par with Orient. The movement is off only 2 seconds a day if fully wielded. The logo is consistently applied on the dial, the clasp, and the crown. The engraving at the rehault is an additional detail. Overall I will prefer it over Cronos or San Martin.

I bought the green version and have worn it for a while now. As the 21mm lug width suggests, this is an homage of the new Sub reference from 2022 onwards. I much prefer the new slimmer lugs to the older maxi case style, even though it narrows one's strap choices. The green sunburst dial is combined with a beautiful fully lumed dark green bezel insert, which I think is actually ceramic, not sapphire as stated in the spec sheet. The bezel lines up perfectly and its action is superb – the best I have experienced to this point, and I have had watches from other brands such as San Martin, Sugess and Cronos to compare. The engraved rehaut is nicely done and the anchor at the 12 o'clock position is perfectly aligned as well. I feel like three lines of text below the pinion would have been enough, but due to the font and size chosen, it is not overwhelming or too cluttered in my opinion. The finishing of both the case and bracelet are lovely: Compared to my San Martin and Sugess Subs, the edges are much smoother. Sizing on the hands is perfect – each hand reaches out to exactly where it should. The bracelet clasp is also a looker, very lovely design and finish with five holes of micro adjustment, which I prefer to a mediocre Glidelock implementation.

I have three minor points of criticism: The end links of the bracelet do not sit at the exact same height, one being a tad higher than the other, leading to more resistance in the bezel action when having the bracelet installed on the watch. Then, the cyclops seems to only be a 2x magnification, which is enough for me, but I would rather have the option of not having one at all. Lastly, the movement: The PT5000 (by ShanCheng? I thought it was made by HKPT) is running perfectly, coming in at around +2 seconds per day. The only thing I am worried about is that this movement is still an unknown quantity compared to something like an NH35. Only time will tell I guess. I will say though that I can not agree with the other review on here mentioning a subpar crown assembly – the crown action and hand winding have worked perfectly, the thread engages with no issues and there is an outer seal on the crown stem, allowing for more water resistance.

Overall, I can wholeheartedly recommend this watch. I love this "Hulk" homage, but would have been even more tempted by a "Starbucks" or "Kermit", with a black dial and green bezel. Maybe in the future? Thank you to WR Watches for (by all accounts) quick delivery, even on the free shipping tier.

Crown assembly isn't the best but otherwise great construction