Hydrogen Sportivo

by Michael Satterfield – 05/28/2019

For the last week, I have been wearing the Hydrogen Sportivo Link by Hydrogen watches, the handsome 42mm stainless steel automatic that retails for just $545. Before receiving the watch I was skeptical that it would look as good in person as it did in the promotional photos. But I was pleasantly surprised, upon opening the box to find a watch with all the right proportions, a nice weight, and crisp lines with the excellent build quality I would expect from a much more expensive watch.

Inside the NH35A movement by Seiko’s Time Module, is basically an unbranded version of the Seiko caliber 4R35 which has an excellent track record for reliability and performance. While it is not a Swiss movement, Seiko has been producing some of the best automatic movements since the 1950s. At 21,600 bph the NH35A provides a smooth sweeping seconds hand and a 41-hour power reserve.

The brushed stainless steel case and bracelet are very high quality and I was impressed with the fine details on the watch face and the bezel. The exhibition case back was a nice touch and showcases the automatic movement. The face has a Carbon Fiber look with black and white details, for a nice update to the classic diver motif. The bracelet comes in 173mm which is perfect if you have a larger wrist, you can have links removed if you need to take up some slack. The watch arrived in a very nice box, with papers outlining the two-year warranty as well as a handwritten note from the team who shipped it.

The verdict?  Overall I found the watch to be impressive for the sub $1,000 watch range, while it does ape the classic diver watch like the Rolex Submariner, it does so in a unique way that makes it stand out from the many other Diver watches. It does have a premium feel and a history of being from a designer Italian luxury sportswear brand.

For more check out the full specs below or visit HydrogenWatch.com.

Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Dial Markings: English (Analog)
Watch Movement: Time Module NH35A
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Band Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Case Height: 14 mm
Strap & Lug Width: 24 mm
Strap Length: 173 mm
Band Color: Silver
Buckle/Clasp: Clasp
Case Color: Silver
Case Finish: Vertical Brush
Case Shape: Round
Case Size: 42 mm
Crystal/Lens: Mineral Glass
Dial Color: Black