Anyone else put off by PADI? Am I overeacting?

sierra11b · Post by **sierra11b** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 4:43 pm

I really want to try an new Arnie and am torn on PADI being on the dial being that I'm not a diver. Macys has them on sale currently.

Thing is I'd love a pepsi bezel but am torn on the PADI branding. I guess it's like the JLC Navy SEALs for me... beautiful cult watch but never considered it because of that trident on the back I never rated. Not to knock its owners, because it's a great watch, and because it's not like you're wearing it upside down for all to see.

I suppose this is a bit different in that I am wearing a dive watch after all and don't dive...

I dunno... I'm looking at a $1500 custom framed shrine to the pogue and moonwatch (proudly own both) with NASA patches while typing this, and was never an astronaut either.

What's your take on PADI watches?

59yukon01 · Post by **59yukon01** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 4:58 pm

Personally I think the original PADI Turtle is great, but then they went too far and PADIized way too many models for my liking.

hoppyjr · Post by **hoppyjr** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:00 pm

If you’re wearing a Trident on your clothes it’s a dick move (edit: unless you earned it), but having one on the back of your watch isn’t an issue. Now stuff on the dial I’m not a fan of, mostly because I prefer a minimalist aesthetic.

My certification card does say PADI but no way I’d wear anything with the branding on it. Too much for me.

Selym · Post by **Selym** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:04 pm

I don't think a non-diver wearing a watch with "PADI" on the dial constitutes stolen valor.

sierra11b · Post by **sierra11b** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:10 pm

I remember a cherry private in a different platoon (won't disclose his name) got his ass handed to him during a CSM inspection because he had a heavily starched pressed uniform in his closet with Ranger, SF tabs, Master halo, Master parachutist, Pathfinder, Air Assault, etc. That hungry SOB actually achieved them all last time I spoke with a SF pal (not sure if he ever got master HALO), but he never wore the uniform. Apparently it was an inspirational piece but a dick move at that time.

Interesting you frown on the branding. I suppose I was searching for confirmation in order to purchase.

I need this watch like a hole in my head so maybe it's wise to wait for the original black to be readily available at $375.

sierra11b · Post by **sierra11b** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:12 pm

Selym wrote: ↑
Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:04 pm
I don't think a non-diver wearing a watch with "PADI" on the dial constitutes stolen valor.

Of course not.

I'm just thinking the branding might get to me after awhile even though I love the watch and the dual color lume.

HapaHapa · Post by **HapaHapa** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:21 pm

Or over time you may not notice the PADI letters at all

deepcdvr · Post by **deepcdvr** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:24 pm

I say do it

Post by **CGSshorty** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 5:38 pm

They make plenty of great versions without the branding.

gonzomantis · Post by **gonzomantis** » Mon Nov 18, 2019 7:40 pm

One brand on the dial is plenty.

sierra11b · Post by **sierra11b** » Tue Nov 19, 2019 5:15 pm

gonzomantis wrote: ↑
Mon Nov 18, 2019 7:40 pm
One brand on the dial is plenty.

Good point.

59yukon01 · Post by **59yukon01** » Tue Nov 19, 2019 5:28 pm

I thought I read somewhere that a percentage of proceeds from these models went to the PADI organization.

abuemily · Post by **abuemily** » Wed Nov 20, 2019 2:34 pm

PADI doesn’t need more money, it’s the AMWAY of the dive community (and I’m PADI certified DM). Maybe if the money went to reef protection programs or something similar. In any case, I don’t think it says anything about the wearer; go for it if you dig the colors. It’s the reason I bought one.

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jeckyll · Post by **jeckyll** » Wed Nov 20, 2019 3:52 pm

abuemily wrote:PADI doesn’t need more money, it’s the AMWAY of the dive community (and I’m PADI certified DM). Maybe if the money went to reef protection programs or something similar. In any case, I don’t think it says anything about the wearer; go for it if you dig the colors. It’s the reason I bought one.

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Very much this.

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