With a refined 39mm case, cardinal markers, boxed sapphire crystal and a tool inspired vibe, we review the next iteration in the Ocean Seacrest lineup…the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Black Ice.
At A Glance
- Following on from the Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul, with a striking cobalt blue bezel, comes the next instalment in this popular collection.
- Founded by Simon Correia and Richard Johnson, this microbrand has already established itself on the independent scene with executions such as the Preto and Chocolate Bronze.
- Blending Portuguese maritime and British craftsmanship, the brand has pushed the horological boundaries one more time, with a new silver dial variation and an imposing black bezel.
- Versatile, robust and built for the sea-faring explorer, the design language remains the same, from a 316L stainless steel bracelet and unidirectional bezel to compass inspired dial and classic tapered hands.
- This latest execution once again delivers excellent clarity, Tudor Black Bay style looks, decorated Sellita SW200-1 movement, longevity and everyday style
Omega has the Seamaster. Rolex has the Submariner.
But if you are looking to buy a watch that’s wrist worthy of a full on nautical experience, have you considered Escudo watches? Maybe it’s about time. We don’t need to sing you a sea shanty to get you in the mood.
Influenced by British and Portuguese naval adventurers like Vasco da Gama, who in 1497-1498 led the first sea voyage from Europe to India around Africa, Co-Founders Simon Correia and Richard Johnson have gone one step further in developing the Ocean Seacrest series.
That being said, before we set sail on our review of the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Black Ice, let’s take a look (for a minute) at what actually makes the brand tick.
Land ahoy…
Time Travellers
It is the British and Portuguese naval heritage that’s behind the underlying foundation of this brand, established by Simon Correia and Richard Johnson.
Both collectors in their own right, it is this intertwined connection of the ocean that has given birth to a timepiece that encapsulates the spirit of adventure.
Move over, Vacheron Constantin.
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Yes, it may be crafted for today’s adventure-seeker with a soupcon of wanderlust. But Escudo channels the fearless essence of early explorers — men who set out with little more than a compass, a map…and an insatiable hunger for discovery.
Pedro Álvares Cabral, a symbol of Portuguese exploration. Source: Wikipedia
These are timepieces built not just for journeys, but for those who, like Cristiano Ronaldo, carry history in their stride.
Deeply anchored in exploration on land, equal to the Speedmaster’s epic space journey, they draw direct inspiration from legendary 15th-century navigators like Duarte Pacheco Pereira and Pedro Álvares Cabral.
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Their pioneering voyages are echoed throughout the brand’s standout collections - from the moody elegance of the Preto e Bronze to the rugged sophistication of the Silver Inox. These watches don’t just tell time, they tell stories.
And the Portuguese heritage doesn’t end with the names.
Every detail, from the fleur-de-lis - once a guiding mark on ancient cartographic maps - can be seen on their warranty cards and packaging.
Even the use of bronze, a metal synonymous with 15th-century seafaring vessels, reflects a reverence for craftsmanship and maritime legacy.
Cruzo di Campo. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Symbolism: The Cross of Christ
- Their logo is a nod to the Cross of the Order of Christ — a red cross with flared ends, sometimes set within a white border. This became one of the most iconic Portuguese symbols.
- It adorned the sails of ships, royal banners, maps, and modern military insignias.
- Most notably, this cross was flown on the ships of explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan as they journeyed to India, Brazil, and beyond.
Personality Of The Escudo Ocean Seacrest Black Ice
“The Ocean Seacrest Black Ice Edition is a versatile timepiece, perfectly suited for any special occasion, whether paired with a suit or worn on an adventure. It offers a contemporary aesthetic that balances style, functionality and sophistication.”
Simon Correia, Co-Founder of Escudo Watches, talking exclusively to Chrono Hunter.
On the face of it, not much has changed in this series. Same specs, same design codes and classic appeal, that’s a nice alternative to the usual horological suspects in this category. Nothing to write home about?
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Well, there is…a brand spanking new silver dial.
As timeless as a Cartier Tank and as enduring as a Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso, there’s something about a tool watch that grinds many enthusiasts' gears, in a good way.
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With a very wearable, Goldilocks case diameter of 39mm and 12.8mm, to give you some idea, this watch is 1mm less than an IWC Mark XX (IW328201) and only 0.9mm bulkier than the ever popular Longines Hydroconquest (L3.742.3.56.7)
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Gone is the blue bezel on the previous Deep Azul variant, and in its place is a stealth-like matt black tone that’s full of vigour. With every rotation, the steel bezel reveals its refined mechanics, a dual ball-bearing system that ensures smooth, lasting precision.
Raised lumed numerals glow, while the bi-coloured green and red triangular marker at 12 quietly honours Portugal, a subtle tribute to heritage beneath the surface.
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Although it doesn’t hit the Cristiano Ronaldo heights of architectural design (he’s a Franck Muller fan), there’s plenty about this solid three-hander that will strike the right chord.
“The Ocean Seacrest Black Ice Edition represents the evolution of Escudo’s design language. It's modern, engineered with purpose and built to deliver a level of refinement, resonating with today’s watch enthusiasts.”
Richard Johnson, Co-Founder of Escudo Watches
The caseback again has the brand’s logo encapsulated with the Portuguese shield bang in the centre, with the following information around the periphery;
- Swiss Automatic
- Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- W.R.200m 660ft
- Ocean Seacrest
- Limited (Model Number, ie 025-300)
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The screw down crown in steel is nicely designed with the brand logo enamelled while sitting proudly above the bezel, the polished sapphire crystal blends strength with clarit, its triple anti-reflective treatment ensures a pristine view at every angle.
Subtle and intriguing, a breath reveals a hidden hallmark: a central logo, inspired by holographic illusions, vanishing as quickly as it appears.
I don’t see many entry-level brands like TAG Heuer thinking literally outside the glass box like this!
FIND OUT MORE: Our Must Read Guide To Buying A TAG Heuer Watch
Comfort and wearability come as standard by way of the 316L stainless steel bracelet that has a fold-over clasp with a micro-adjustment system, offering brushed and polished finishing with a reliable fit.
The shield logo is again visible as a sign of consistency and detail.
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Meanwhile, we like the push button element that can be amended on the fly, ensuring you can make it from boardroom to cocktail bar in no time.
The matte silver dial evokes the spirit of exploration with design cues taken from age-old compasses used by cartographers going back centuries.
Another nice touch.
Did You Know?
The name Escudo was the official currency of both Portugal and Cape Verde until it was replaced by the Euro in 2002. It also means shield in Portuguese, the premise for their logo.
There are 3D lumed cardinal markers that guide the eye as confidently as they would a bearing with minimalist tapered silver hands that glide with clarity and intent.
With BGW9 & C1 Super-LumiNova®, it means excellent visibility where light fades and precision matters most.
Due to the screw-down crown, expect around 200 metres of water resistance. Engineered for adventure, this timepiece is more than tough enough for swimming, high board dives, and dependable during extended scuba excursions.
Ok, not quite a Rolex Deepsea Challenge, but it will more than fit the bill for an everyday driver.
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If you want an alternative to traditional stainless steel, there are also not one but two FKM rubber strap options on the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Black Ice in complementary dial hue or white.
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As tropical in design as a vintage Rolex Daytona ref. 6263, the straps are a visual cue to the 60s, but brought up to the modern day.
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White dial version
Go anywhere and fear nothing. Note, this is the same material trusted in aerospace and automotive industries — this strap shrugs off salt, sun, and sweat without losing flexibility.
Whether diving deep or pushing limits on land, it stays strong, secure, and ready for more.
Official Specs - Escudo Ocean Seacrest Black Ice
|
Reference |
0222 2171 (stainless steel variation) 0232 2173 (FKM white rubber) |
|
Case Diameter |
39mm |
|
Case Thickness |
12.8mm |
|
Case Material |
316L Stainless Steel |
|
Hands Colour |
Silver |
|
Lume |
BGW9 & C1 Super-LumiNova® |
|
Bezel Material |
Matte Black Aluminium |
|
Dial Colour |
Matte Silver |
|
Crown |
Screw-down |
|
Bezel |
Unidirectional |
|
Lug to Lug |
47.5mm |
|
Lug Width |
20mm |
|
Water Resistance |
200m / 660ft / 20ATM / 20 Bar |
|
Functions |
Hours, minutes, seconds |
|
Limited Edition |
Yes, 300 pieces |
Sellita SW200-1 (Escudo Calibre 1488 base) Movement
Beating inside the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Black Ice is that old familiar workhorse.
The Sellita SW200-1 No Date is a variation of the well-known SW200-1 automatic mechanical movement, produced by Swiss manufacturer Sellita.
A great adversary, it’s designed as a reliable, cost-effective alternative to the ETA 2824-2, and the “No Date” version omits the date complication entirely—an appealing feature for watch enthusiasts who prefer to buy a watch for a clean dial or symmetrical design.
The SW200-1 is reliable and has built a strong reputation among microbrands and major watchmakers alike.
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This particular calibre is housed in many types of watches, from field to divers, including the following;
- Invicta Ocean Ghost
- Nite Icon
- Montblanc Tradition
- Glycine Combat Sub 42mm
- Farr and Swit Seaplane
Official Movement Specs
|
Country Of Manufacture |
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland |
|
Movement Diameter |
25.6mm |
|
Movement Height |
4.6mm |
|
Number of Jewels |
26 |
|
Power Reserve |
38 hours |
|
Rotor |
Ball-Bearing |
|
VPH |
28,800 (4Hz) |
|
Hacking |
Yes |
Where Can You Buy An Escudo Ocean Seacrest Black Ice?
Available either on a 316L stainless steel bracelet or cutting edge FKM rubber straps in black or white, there are three pricing options outlined below;
- White or black FKM rubber version (Ref. 0232 2173) - £1,358
- Stainless steel variation (Ref. 0222 2171) - £1645
All executions are in stock at the time of writing.
A nice touch is that they throw in a free spring tool bar and strap with every purchase. Handy for those on the fly, man about town. Please note that as their novelties are handmade, there will be at least a fourteen day period before watches are dispatched.
Further details can be found here or contact us to see how we can make this your next addition.
What’s Our View?
Here’s the horological lowdown.
As I have seen on former iterations of this model, it’s not going to win any Emmys or Oscars for mindblowing artisanal techniques, as seen with the guilloche dials on the Atelier Wen Perception ‘Millésime’.
However, as an entry-level number, it is a great alternative at this level to a pre-owned Breitling, which is in the region of £2,500.
A third less.
Micro‑brand appeal? Spot on. Diver characteristics? Absolutely. How about a potential GADA watch? Perhaps.
It has everything going for it, is more “underground” relative to the top Swiss luxury watch brands and may appeal to collectors looking for something more unique.
Plus, a captivating hidden detail awaits discovery: a central logo, virtually invisible under normal conditions, emerges like a hologram when breath or steam is applied. Subtle yet striking, it's a nod to craftsmanship that reveals itself only to the curious.
There is a clear sense of purpose, history, and presentation on display, which, like Berlin sung about in 1986, may take your breath away.
Conclusion
Escudo is an exciting micro‑brand with solid credentials, a distinctive back story, and technical specs that can stand up to scrutiny.
The Ocean Seacrest line (including the Inox variant) with its Portuguese and British DNA offers a compelling package: wearable size, Swiss movement, good water resistance, and stylish design.
Arguably, they are one of the best British watch brands under the radar at the moment.
If you like the style but don’t want to pay London Fashion Week prices, appreciate durable design, good quality finishing and are comfortable with the pricing/positioning (and fine with the minor trade‑offs that come with micro‑brands), it is a very good option.
You’ll soon be riding on the crest of a wave with this on your wrist.
Looking to buy a deep sea diver or tool timepiece at the best possible price? Want to level up your collection and sell a Rolex Sea-Dweller? Why not contact Chrono Hunter directly?
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Images:
Unless otherwise stated - Escudo
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