Rivelta Metrodive

Where the city meets the sea

The Metrodive is the inaugural offering from the Singapore-based watchmaker Rivelta. However, founder Jesse Prawiro is no stranger to watches and microbrands. Back in 2020 he founded Soldat Watch, which produced the Heuer-inspired Promessa. But the Metrodive is a bird of a different feather–or, is it a fish of a different scale (just wait till the pun dawns on you later)?

Rivelta Metrodive Watch Review — Rivelta Metrodive 04 @calibre321

Key Features of the Rivelta Metrodive

Not many dive watches are inspired by the cityscape, and to fair, the Metrodive–other than in name–does not look much different from more traditional propositions, except in one regard. The bezel. The bidirectional countdown scale (did the pun just hit you?) differs from an elapsed time bezel–used commonly in diving–in that it works best when you know the predetermined length of an event. The duration of your flight, for instance. The time left on your parking meter. The scheduled length of time from one subway stop to another. You get my drift.

As such, the Metrodive is certainly better suited to quotidian urban activities than a conventional dive bezel. And, thus, potentially more functional and relevant for the average desk diver.

The Metrodive comes in four iterations, simply numbered 01, 02, 03, and 04. The latter, featured here, comes is a uniformly brushed 316L stainless steel case with a matching bezel insert. It strikes a familiar silhouette with its crown guards and gently curved lugs. The watch is 39mm in diameter and a restrained 46mm lug to lug. Including the domed sapphire crystal, it is 13mm thick.

On wrist, with the OEM sailcloth strap, it sits nicely. The strap tapers from 20mm at the lugs to 18mm at the brushed clasp. It is robust and, like most nylon hybrids, will take some breaking in.

The case back and crown are screwed down, and–despite its urban nomenclature–the watch offers up 200m of water resistance.

The Metrodive dial employs customary block markers on the hours; however, it doubles down with bold white, printed Arabics, as well. There is a minute track in the chapter ring and a date window at three. The hands are an interesting mix. For the hour indicator, we have a truncated sword-style. But the minute hand is a much slimmer, elongated baton. The juxtaposition reminds me of mid-century vintage French divers.

Interestingly, however, the stark difference between the two hands also make it much more functional as and actual dive watch. The blue Super-LumiNova also helps here. I like, particularly, that the bezel pip and second hand have received equal treatment.

Rivelta have called upon the Japanese Miyota 9015 to power the Metrodive. It is a 4Hz, automatic calibre with a 42-hour power reserve.

Screw down crown and case back with 200m water resistance @calibre321

SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 46mm Lug to Lug 13mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Bidirectional Bezel Drilled Lugs Screw Down Crown & Case Back 200m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Domed Sapphire Crystal Pebbled Matte Black Dial Printed Markers Sword/Baton Handset Super-LumiNova
Movement	Miyota 9015 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Hybrid Nylon Fabric Strap /w Steel Buckle

Rivelta Metrodive 04

Final Thoughts

The Metrodive is a handsome diver that checks a lot of boxes. While it doesn’t go out on a limb in terms of design, it certainly offers a well-constructed, value-driven package. The friction bezel has excellent action and the application of lume is surprisingly strong. I do like the stainless steel insert here, as well. It provides the watch with a sense of presence, especially when paired with the matte black pool of the dial. Nonetheless, the other three models which feature PVD-coated bezels have a certain stealthiness that is also compelling. The Rivelta Metrodive is a tidy package designed for the weekend warrior and urban desk diver, alike.

Pricing & Availability

The Rivelta Metrodive retails for $449USD/$599CAD. For more information, please visit the brand website.

About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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