There are two main category of modern dive watch. The purpose-built tool-watch with function at the forefront, and the dress diver with pleasing aesthetics and comfort taking precedence over deep-dive performance. Most dive watches will sit somewhere between the two extremes, and the new Orion Calamity certainly veers towards the dressier end of the spectrum.
From a background in the Seiko modding world, Nick Harris launched the Orion 1 (read our coverage here) two years ago with the aim of creating a brand that fuses modern and vintage elements, producing watches that smaller-wristed watch lovers could appreciate. Whereas the Orion 1 and the Field Standard came in at or under the $500 mark, the latest offering comes with a significant hike in price ($1,495), putting it in competition with some pretty serious watches from more well-known marques. That said, in my estimation, the Orion Calamity is a slim and elegant diver, it’s moderately sized, and it boasts specs and finishing that, I hope, justifies the higher price point.
$1495

Review: Orion Calamity Dive Watch

Case
Stainless Steel

Movement
ETA 2892-A2

Dial
Drab Green, Blue or Black

Lume
BGW9 Super-lumiNova

Lens
Sapphire

Strap
Bracelet

Water Resistance
666ft

Dimensions
40 x 48mm

Thickness
11.3mm

Lug Width
20mm

Crown
screw down

Warranty
Yes

Price
$1495

One of the big draws for this watch on paper is its thickness, or thinness rather. It is listed as 11.3...