Octopus Kraken OCT004 Review: An Outstanding Affordable Dive Watch

Among the many budget-friendly divers on the market, the Octopus Kraken OCT004 stands out with its impressive all-around performance. As a longtime watch enthusiast, I’d like to share my detailed impressions from actual use.

Packaging & First Impressions

The watch arrives in a rugged protective case with sturdy plastic latches and dual-layer foam padding to ensure safe transport. Inside, you’ll find an English manual, an international warranty card, and a branded cleaning cloth thoughtful extras that go well beyond what you’d expect at this price point.

Specifications & Wearing Experience

Case Diameter: 42.6 mm Lug-to-Lug: 49.6 mm Thickness: 14 mm (including double-domed sapphire crystal) Water Resistance: 300 meters Strap: 20 mm NATO nylon strap The OCT004 borrows elements from classic dive watch design, but small details give it a unique character. The 42.6 mm case suits most men’s wrists, while the double-layer NATO strap ensures a secure fit. A highlight is the ceramic dial and bezel with wave pattern texture, which reflects light beautifully and feels far above its price class.

Operation & Functionality

Crown: Screw-down crown with smooth threading and clearly defined three-position adjustment Bezel: 120-click unidirectional ceramic bezel, precise and well-damped Professional Touch: Fully functional helium escape valve In daily use, both the crown and bezel operate with satisfying precision, comparable to much higher-end divers.

Lume Performance

The OCT004 uses BGW9 Super-LumiNova, applied not only to the hands and indices but also to the ceramic bezel insert. Nighttime visibility is excellent, with a bright, lasting glow that meets professional dive standards.

Movement Performance

Powered by the PT5000 automatic movement: Beat Rate: 28,800 bph Power Reserve: 40 hours Accuracy (tested): +2 seconds/day Features: Hacking seconds and hand-winding The PT5000 is a proven, reliable caliber with a strong track record. In real use, the OCT004’s timekeeping exceeded expectations.

Final Verdict

Key strengths of the Octopus Kraken OCT004 include: Premium ceramic dial and bezel with wave texture Exceptional lume performance with BGW9 Professional 300 m water resistance Accurate, reliable PT5000 movement Thoughtful packaging and accessories The only caveat is its 14 mm thickness, which can feel a bit tall when paired with the stock NATO strap. Switching to a slimmer strap may improve comfort depending on personal preference. Overall, the OCT004 delivers mid-tier dive watch quality at a sub-$250 price point. Whether for daily wear or as a functional dive companion, it punches far above its weight and deserves strong recommendation.

Click to Buy This Watch Oct004