New Stern Glass Merion Diver

Sternglass has come a long way since the first watch debuted in 2016. Early models were straightforward Bauhaus-style watches. Although this design still dominates the brand’s products, simple dress watches no longer dominate the catalog. Today’s Merion diver is a great example of how Sternglas has expanded.

When I think back to the formative years of my collecting, Seiko was a big player when I was looking for an attractive and affordable diver’s watch. This Japanese brand offered a wide selection under 750 euros. Now that Seiko has moved upmarket, there are still some options, but most are lightweight versions without functional details like deep depth ratings or screw-down crowns. Seiko doesn’t have an affordable entry-level watch series, which leaves the door open to other brands like Sternglass. Merion is a watch that offers buyers style and function at an affordable price.

The Sternglass Merrion

First, I will introduce the basic specifications of the Merion diver’s watch. Both versions feature a 41mm 316L stainless steel case featuring a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. With a lug spacing of 49 mm and a thickness of 14 mm, the Merion can be worn by people with medium wrists. Sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings are also included in the thickness measurement. Additionally, these divers come with either a black or dark blue Tropic-style strap and a novelty stainless steel bracelet, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.

From a design perspective, these watches show inspiration from the super compressor divers of the 60s. The twin screw-down crown offers modern features such as 200 meters of water resistance. The crown has a nice touch as it unscrews to reveal a reddish-orange ring. This is a gentle reminder to the wearer to “close the hatches” before getting wet. The crown at 2 o’clock rotates the internal bezel with 120 clicks in both directions. The other signed crown sets the time and date.

Two dial options

Sternglas offers two dial colorways. Green and orange options with blue internal bezels join black and red versions with gray bezels. This is our practical subject. I liken the surface of the dial to a crackle finish that darkens toward the periphery. The Bauhaus influence is evident on the dial, with its simple lines and bright rectangular indexes. The bezel’s arrows, indexes, and pointed hands are made of green Super-LumiNova. Note the contrast between the circular date window at 6 o’clock and the red or green background. A different interpretation of a functional design with just the right amount of sportiness.

Seiko NH35

Ironically, even if Seiko decides to discontinue offering the affordable Diver, the company is still involved in terms of supplying the movement. Sternglas equips Merion with the ubiquitous automatic NH35. While it may not be the flashiest movement spec-wise, the NH35 is reliable and time-tested. Essentially, the NH35 is an unbranded 4R35, meaning it has hacking, hand-winding, and quick-set date capabilities. This movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of 41 hours. With a nominal tolerance of -20/+40 seconds per day, it’s not the most accurate movement, but it often performs better.

Wisely, Sternglas has opted for a steel screw-down caseback, which looks more functional. A flying fish is carved in a circular pattern. This doesn’t bother me because the NH35 is not a show-off move. Also, the back of the display is usually thicker.

Featured bracelet

We’ve noticed that smaller watch brands are getting very creative with small touches to differentiate themselves. Stern Glass has equipped the Merrion Diver with an ingenious bracelet. Links are removable using a tool-free system. The outer row of links is spring loaded. These can be pulled up and rotated away from the bracelet. You can then delete individual links. Then twist the outer links back into place and lift them over the center link’s pins. It’s simple, but it has a hard spring and long pin so it won’t open accidentally. The rest of the deployment buckle includes two additional micro-adjustment holes, a safety clasp, and a wetsuit extension.

Final thoughts about Sternglas Merion

Merion costs 649 euros and can be purchased directly from the Sternglas website. Sternglas also has an impressive number of authorized dealers around the world, so seeing this watch in person may be easy. Overall, I like the combination of 60’s diver case design and Bauhaus simplicity. Additionally, the textured dial, alternating surface finishes, and bracelet/strap combination make it a premium option at this price. What do you think about these dive watches? What is your favorite color?

This is a partnership post. Read about our transparency here.

Watch specifications