Background and Purchase Experience
I had been eyeing the Certina PH200M for a while, but its ~$1,000 price tag made me start exploring alternatives, including reps, before discovering this gem from Thorn. The Thorn T008 caught my attention, especially with its three variations. I opted for the T008 model, which features a red 3H logo matching the "Vintage Luminous" filling. I ordered it during the holiday season, and it arrived in about two weeks in a simple Pelican-style case, containing only the watch and the attached strap—no frills.
Specifications
- Case Width + Crown: 40.5mm
- Case Width: 38mm
- Case Thickness: 13.5mm (with domed Sapphire crystal)
- Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
Thorn T008 Official Specs:
- Brand: Thorn
- Model: T008
- Movement: PT5000 [High-Frequency Automatic Mechanical Movement]
- Case Material: Grade 2 Titanium Alloy, Internal Anti-Magnetic Soft Iron
- Crystal: Domed Blue Sapphire Crystal
- Bezel: Blue Sapphire Ring Filled with Vintage Luminous
- Lume: Vintage Super Luminous
- Crown: Screw-Down Crown
- Case Back: Screw-Down Case Back
- Strap: Custom Molded FKM Fluororubber Strap (Non-Yellowing, Non-Discoloring)
- Water Resistance: 20Bar = 200 meters
First Impressions and Wearability
The Thorn T008 exceeded my expectations. The 38mm case diameter is just the right size for my wrist, and the watch sits comfortably without feeling too large or too small. I was initially surprised by the size of the dial; it has a 27mm diameter, which was smaller than I anticipated. Compared to modern dive watches, this one has a more refined, vintage feel.
The FKM fluororubber strap is incredibly comfortable and feels great on the wrist. It's my first rubber strap that I actually enjoy wearing, and I was impressed by its durability—nothing sticks to it, not even dog or cat fur. It also has a sweet, musky smell, which is a unique touch. The strap is embossed near the lugs, and swapping it out will require a spring bar tool.
Performance and Functionality
The PT5000 movement has been smooth and reliable, with no noticeable time loss after 3-4 days of continuous use. The second hand sweeps smoothly, and it features hacking for precise time setting.
While I haven’t personally tested the full 200m water resistance, the screw-down case back and crown give me confidence that it can handle serious water activities.
The bezel is unidirectional, but it’s a bit stiff to turn, and mine is slightly misaligned—about half a minute off. Despite this, the vintage lume on the bezel and the triangle marker instead of the typical diamond design are both excellent touches.
The case material appears to be titanium or a similar alloy, as it doesn’t attract magnets. It’s polished, giving it a stainless-steel-like appearance, though it’s lightweight. The caseback, however, seems to attract magnets, which makes me wonder if it’s the automatic rotor inside that’s magnetic. The laser engraving on the case back is rough, and the brushed finish could use some improvement. I sanded it down to smooth it out, which helped a bit.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Thorn T008 is an excellent watch, particularly considering its price. It combines classic retro diver aesthetics with modern performance features like the PT5000 movement and 200m water resistance. The quality of the materials and the comfortable fit make it a great option for those looking for a vintage-inspired dive watch that stands out from the crowd.
While there are some minor imperfections, such as the bezel alignment and dial space utilization, these issues do not detract from the overall performance. If you’re looking for a unique, reliable, and stylish diver, the Thorn T008 is definitely worth considering.
