Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Adi Watch Review-IDF Ana-Digi Diver









When I first encountered the Adi IDF watch, my first thought was Breitling Pluton. As it turns out, I was close. Both watches use very similar Miyota analog/digital chronograph movements (see here for a database of these movements and this post on Watchuseek.com for a discussion of the Pluton) with the same functions, but their control layouts are slightly different. The watch seen here is designed for and used by Israeli soldiers. I have confirmed from a representative of Adi that this model is both issued by the Ministry of Defense and ordered by individual military units with their specific insignias. (As I understand it, they have several other styles that are also military issued as well. I'll post an update with that information when I get the details straight). Adi, as I discussed in the previous review below, is Israel’s only domestically produced watch. The factory is located on Kibbutz Yavne between Ashdod and Ashkelon, south of Tel Aviv. They make a number of different watches and I have now located an online dealer who proved both friendly and responsive to my inquiry about them. In addition, the folks at the factory have plans to augment their existing website with more English language content for those of us who aren't fluent in Hebrew.

The Adi IDF watch is an interesting piece of equipment. Visually, it’s a big watch, measuring 47mm in width (including the crown & pushers, 42mm without them) and 12mm in thickness. As style goes, The IDF has a purposeful, military look to it. (One poster on the
Poor Man's Watch Forum said it looked Klingon :) It does exhibit that no-nonsense attitude). The watch uses an integrated rubber diver’s band that is secured by four pins with Seiko style collars. The case is advertised as being made of nickel-free stainless steel and has a matt finish on all but the screw-down case back. This Adi uses a domed mineral glass crystal that is protectively set below the level of a rotating bezel (as opposed to, say a Vostok Amphibia, whose crystal rises above the level of the bezel and can collect scratches more easily). The watch is rated at 200 meters water resistance, which is accomplished without using a screw-down crown. In terms of lume, this model uses what appears to be superluminova on its hands and face. (The lume on the hands lasted quite long in my experience but the face markers faded in a few hours. The lume is not in a Seiko diver's league, but its not a bad performance overall though.). If you like the feel of diver’s watches with rubber straps, you’ll like this watch. The case design is curved in such a way as to allow the watch to sit very firmly but comfortably on the wrist. Incidentally, the graphic on the face of this model is the emblem of the IDF paratroopers. Other unit insignias are available as well.

Internally, the Adi IDF is powered by a Miyota (Citizen)
T201 quartz analog/digital chronograph movement. Accuracy is excellent, as is to be expected from a quartz movement, and the battery life is rated at three years. In terms of capability, there isn’t much that this watch can’t do, as timekeeping goes. The analog hands work predictably and the face includes a twenty-four hour scale should you need to track time that way. Where things get interesting is in the function of that digital display. The display includes a second time zone in either a 12 or 24 hour scale, the month, day and date, a chronograph timer (that is accurate to hundredths of a second), an alarm, an hourly chime and a display light. These various functions are controlled and set by the pushers on the sides of the watch and were not at all difficult to figure out. Lastly, the movement can be hacked if that feature is important to you.

The Adi IDF is an excellent field/diver watch. It is not hard to see why Adi markets this to the military. Its capabilities should prove quite useful in the field and it appears to be very rugged. Additionally, at less than $100, it won’t break the bank either. My one concern about this watch was the integrated band. Realistically, a rubber strap will need replacement after a few years. The folks at
IsraeliProducts.com were helpful in providing me contact information directly to Adi where I learned that a replacement band could be obtained when the time comes without any issues. The people at Adi are apparently comfortable with providing that sort of service when it is required. Nice to see a company that stands behind its product. With that concern addressed, I have no problem recommending this watch for anyone who needs a solid sport/diver or is perhaps in the armed services as well.

30 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can also find Adi IDF unit watches at: http://www.israelmilitary.com/-c-6310_47.html?osCsid=d3c4rhuivnft7qe287e5tdgbt3
however, they're slightly more expensive than from your source.

1:56 AM  
Blogger Ed said...

You're right. Thanks for the heads up.

6:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ed--How is the alarm on these? I.E. is it sufficiently loud, or is it like most 200m watches...almost useless?

9:39 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

Not nearly loud enough. Its really meant to remind you about something when you are awake (meeting, etc) It would never serve as an alarm clock for instance. You're right, most of these alarms are way too soft.

9:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can the battery be replaced without damaging the water resistent seals.

1:34 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

It is a typical screw down back. I opened my Adi, closed it up and have gone swimming with it since. No problems. I should think that as long as you apply a very thin layer of silicone grease to the seal before screwing the case back on, the 0-ring will be fine.

1:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Ed. I really like the the ADI Military watch. I have a few questions. How well does the bezel work. Is the watch heavy or pretty light weight. I'm a water sport kind of guy. would this watch be suitable for diving? you said the watch was 47mm,Is it going to look huge on my wrist? The watch looks well made and should last for many years.
thanks joe
p.s. I really enjoy reading your reviews. keep up the good work...

5:04 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

The bezel on the Adi has a pretty firm feel to it. It is rated at 200 meters water resistance and the lume is not bad so diving should be fine. It is heavy on the wrist though. The case on this one is quite large. As for how it would look on you, if your wrist is around 7" it will fit well. Much below that though, I'd think about something a bit smaller.

5:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Ed I was brousing several websites that have the IDF watches. some are saying that the watch has a swiss movement and are selling for 150.00 I came accross the diamond co. selling the same watch, only it was a regular dive watch, no digitall stuff also with swiss movement for 90.00... should I be cautious ???? Im thinking the online store you got yours from is probably my best bet..

3:58 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

Some of Adi's models have Swiss movements I believe. To the best of my knowledge however, their military/divers are using Miyota movements.

4:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Ed. I went ahead and ordered the idf divers watch last week. (paratrooper) same as yours. I just happen to be looking at the watch website and noticed that the paratrooper does not have the 60 click numbers on the bezel, but yours does. Will I recieve one that looks like your watch?

3:22 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

That I don't know. There are slightly different versions of this one out there. Most of the variations I have encountered involve the insignia on the face. Its possible that the bezels are different too.

3:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

ED,I enjoy ana-digi watches but having trouble finding a good one. Timex are nice but don't hold up. I read your Adi IDF watch review and am wondering? Does the display light lite up the whole watch face or just the digital area? Nice reviews, Thanks for the information on your web site.

6:07 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

The display lights up only the digital window. It's not the brightest of lights either. It's fine in darkness but nothing like a Timex Indiglo.

7:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey ed i'm getting my idf diver tomorrow. I have a question.. what is meant by the watch being nickel free? is that a good thing or bad thing? will the case last awhile?
thanks..

5:42 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

Some folks are allergic to nickel. Just means the stainless won't bother them.

Ed

5:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just came across this review and thought I'd leave a comment. I've had and enjoyed this watch (IDF logo'd) for a few years now and can state unequivocally that it is an excellent timepiece! Mine is now on its 2nd battery and shows essentially zero signs of use/abuse. I originally had concerns about deterioration of the strap but it is a non-issue; its still as strong as when new. FWIW, I have fairly narrow wrists and the watch wears and shows very well without looking ostentatious or terribly oversized. I like this watch so much I've give one to my son as a gift and he has had similar luck with his.

12:14 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

I fully agree. It is a well made piece. While my band is fine as well, I wanted to see if Adi would be able to provide me with a replacement. I placed an order for the band via email to them. No problems at all. So, if the original band does eventually give out, I have another waiting.

2:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hallo Ed, I just got the watch. Setting up the electronic watch was OK but I can not figure out how to set up the arms and block the adjustment screw. After adjusting to the exact time, the arms stop after a while and/or are easily moved while wearing the watch. Any advice? Thank you. Mac

1:49 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

Try drawing the crown all the way out and then firmly pushing it back in. If that doesn't work, there is a problem with the movement. Contact the seller for service.

5:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you, it appears that there is a problem with the movement.

1:21 AM  
Anonymous Selling My Rolex Watch said...

Amazing how the analog and the digital watches synchronized...

How about if the analog stops, will the digital stop too?!

2:52 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

Same battery so I imagine yes. It is possible the digital display draws less power than the analog movement so it might run longer but I doubt it.

2:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Ed,
You have a great blog;
I want to buy a Adi Military watch,but I want the version without a digi window-The Counter Teror Watch.
You know something about it?
Thanks,Radu

4:03 AM  
Blogger Ed said...

I have seen that one. Adi model 2850. 100 meter water resistance, good lume, quartz movement, drilled lugs, rubber diver's band. Looks pretty good.

7:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thats the one.But now,after reading your review on ana-digi,I am not so sure witch one I prefer.
I have 2 weeks to figure out:).
Thanks,mate.

3:30 PM  
Anonymous Generic Cialis said...

Incredible clock! I wonder if you have more stuff like this one!

3:59 PM  
Blogger Ed said...

It is a fun watch indeed :)

10:25 AM  
Blogger ecalzo said...

hey ed .. i'm just asking myself....it's a heavy watch like some other quartz diver watch similar to orient.. quartz diver watch ...maybe? or it is heavier than that? Can you tell me if it can be used like a g-shock? thank you

10:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How can you get replacement bands?

6:57 PM  

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