Was wearing my PADI today. Figure I do a family portrait:
3 Generations. Edit: that is 3rd gen, 2nd gen, then 1st gen. put 3rd gen on the left, closest to light source, to get the dial color.
I think I've posted the first gen. I don't think I posted the other 2. Yellow on black 2nd gen is my favorite of the particular gen. PADI is obviously a stand-out for 3rd gen.
Went from PU > stainless steel > ceramic shroud. I think the stainless 2nd gen's shroud feels the least tacked on. it is well integrated with rest of the case, where as the 3rd gen feels like it sits on top. First gen is even better integrated, but PU
3rd gen measures about the same as other 2, but wears bigger. I didn't measure it, but feels like the shroud may have bigger diameter on the face side of the watch.
EDIT: measured @ 52 north to south, and east to west. There are points where it measures 54mm, not including the crown. It is a big watch. 1st and 2nd gen only measures about 48 diameter. 3rd gen is borderline clown watch. At least I got it in festive colors.
I guess since I started, may as well talk more about it.
hands and markers
1: pretty unique looking hands that is bifurcated. Seconds hand is from the Sumo. Has needle points on the tips of the hands. It may help with reading the finest marks on the chapter ring... but if you want that much accuracy, get a radio controlled G-Shock.
2: Hand set from monsters. Wish it had a more unique looking handset. I like the updated markers.
3: I know I've seen the hour hands before somewhere, but can't remember exactly. Minute hand looks the same as 2nd gen at first glance, but the 2 angles near the tip are rounded. As the picture show, it has the most 3d markers. The rounded look with triangles is really nice. Note that this the only one in the series that has seconds lume pip on the wrong end.
EDIT: The handset I've seen on the Transocean. I think this series came out before that.
Dial and chapter ring:
1: has the finest graduations on the chapter ring.
2: Boring matte black, but boring is good.
3: Sunburst dial that is slightly matted over. Very interesting under spot lights.
Bezel:
Mostly the same, just different colors. 1st gen has the boldest engravings, and numbers are curved along the circle.
EDIT: I keep forgetting things when I make edits. I measured the bezel and it 4mm bigger on the 3rd gen.
Lugs:
First gen had the longest, and 3rd gen is shortest. 2nd gen is a happy medium.
straps:
1: this actually came on the bracelet I put on the 2nd gen.
2&3: bracelet is a upsized version of the monster's bracelet. I prefer the one from 1st gen. My 3rd gen is obviously on the silicone strap. Not the latest formulation. Not sure if I like this more or the newest silicone more.
Lume:
3>2>1
They all use the same 4R36 movement. Not much there to talk about.
I picked the most eye catching of each generation. If it wasn't for the PADI edition, I would have easily picked 2nd gen as my favorite. Now it is a toss up between 2 and 3.
PS, I still refuse to call these baby tunas.
PS2, 3rd gen PADI is VERY loud. Great if you want the attention. Not so good if you want to fly under the radar.
PS3, I should do a proper review of these 3 together -___-