Wolbrook Watch: Skindiver Automatic 38 mm Even Numbers BGW9

Wolbrook Skindiver 38: a compact diver with even numerals and a date disc

The Wolbrook Skindiver Automatic 38 mm with even numerals BGW9 takes the design of a 1960s diver watch and presents it in a compact format. On the matte black dial, the numerals 12, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 stand out around the hands, with a broad hour arrow and a “lollipop” seconds hand. Reference 26-SA38E-002-RB1-BLK-STL-LE1 corresponds to the black Tropic selected here; the grey Tropic and rice-grain steel versions have their own references.

The 38 mm 316L steel case alternates between polished and brushed surfaces, measuring 46 mm from lug to lug and 12 mm thick. The domed glass-box sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating on its inner surface, adds depth to the dial without resorting to acrylic glass. The hands and indices are coated with Super-LumiNova BGW9, white in the daylight and blue in the dark. The black PVD-treated steel bezel rotates in one direction over 120 clicks to track elapsed time.

The Citizen/Miyota 9015 automatic movement offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve, manual winding, and a hacking seconds feature for precise time setting. Wolbrook tests and regulates it to a stated tolerance of ±15 seconds per day. At 3 o’clock, the “date disc” alternates between black numerals on odd days and red numerals on even days. The movement is housed in the HexapleX architecture, with rubber shock absorbers that help protect it against impacts.

This watch is assembled in France and offered with a black or grey NBR rubber Tropic strap, or a 316L steel rice-grain bracelet. The Tropic straps fasten with a pin buckle; the steel bracelet features a double-push-button deployment clasp and five micro-adjustment positions. The screw-down crown and case back support a water resistance of 200 m. The drilled lugs and 20 mm lug width make it easy to change the strap, allowing you to switch from a flexible fit to a continuous metal look.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Wolbrook
• Collection: Skindiver 38 Automatic
• Model: Skindiver Automatic 38 mm with even numerals, BGW9
• Reference: 26-SA38E-002-RB1-BLK-STL-LE1 for the black Tropic; other bracelet versions have their own references
• Movement: Automatic, manual winding and hacking seconds
• Calibre: Citizen/Miyota 9015
• Movement origin: Japan
• Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
• Jewels: 24
• Power reserve: Approximately 42 hours on a full charge
• Regulation: Tested and regulated by Wolbrook to a stated tolerance of ±15 seconds/day
• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds and date
• Date: At 3 o’clock, date disc: black numerals on odd days and red numerals on even days
• Case: 316L stainless steel, with hand-finished polished and brushed surfaces
• Movement protection: HexapleX architecture with rubber shock absorbers
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Lug to lug: 46 mm
• Thickness: 12 mm
• Lug width: 20 mm, drilled lugs
• Crystal: Domed glass-box sapphire, with an internal anti-reflective coating
• Case back: Screw-down, dodecagonal shape
• Dial: Matte black, with Arabic even numerals at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 o’clock
• Hands: Arrow hour hand, central seconds hand with a broad lollipop marker
• Luminescence: Super-LumiNova BGW9 on the hands, indices and the triangle at 12 o’clock
• Crown: Screw-down
• Bezel: Black PVD-treated 316L steel with titanium carbide, unidirectional with 120 clicks, 0–60 graduation
• Straps: Black or grey NBR rubber Tropic, or brushed 316L stainless steel rice-grain
• Strap width: 20 mm at the lugs, 16 mm at the buckle
• Clasps: 316L steel pin buckle for the Tropic; double-push-button deployment clasp for the rice-grain bracelet
• Micro-adjustment: 5 positions on the steel bracelet clasp
• Quick change: Quick-release spring bars on the steel bracelet
• Water resistance: 200 m / 20 ATM
• Case: Green canvas and leather travel pouch
• Assembly: France
• Brand country of origin: United States
• Wolbrook warranty: 3 years

Why choose this watch?

The 38 mm size and 46 mm lug-to-lug length recreate the proportions of a classic diver watch without compromising on modern features. The matte dial and even numerals provide instant readability, while the hour arrow and large lollipop seconds hand preserve the Skindiver’s graphic identity.

The Wolbrook-regulated Miyota 9015 provides a 4 Hz mechanical movement with manual winding and hacking seconds. The date disc adds a visible detail with every change of day: red and black alternate without cluttering the dial with a second display.

The glass-box sapphire, screw-down crown and HexapleX architecture address different needs: protecting readability, contributing to water resistance and cushioning the movement against stress. Super-LumiNova BGW9 adds a blue glow in the dark after exposure to light.

The choice between two Tropic straps and a rice-grain bracelet genuinely changes how the watch wears. The rubber prioritizes flexibility and a nautical feel, while the steel offers visual continuity with the case and five-position clasp adjustment. The 20 mm lug width and drilled lugs also make it possible to adapt the watch to changing needs over time.

About the Wolbrook brand

Wolbrook was founded in the United States in 1949, with an approach focused on tool watches: legible displays, robust cases and affordable prices. Its sister brand Douglas follows the same ethos, particularly among professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

At the end of the 1950s, Wolbrook and Douglas turned to French manufacturing. The 1960s Skindiver continued this connection with compact watches designed for aquatic activities. Relaunched in 2019, Wolbrook today revisits this heritage with watches assembled in France.

The Skindiver collection reinterprets these historic designs with contemporary movements and several types of crystals and calibres across its different ranges. The 38 Automatic version combines the Miyota 9015, sapphire crystal and HexapleX architecture. You can also discover our other diving watches to compare sizes and styles.