Designed by two passionate watch enthusiasts from Hong Kong, the Shek-O-Matic by micro-watch brand ROIH is a stunning revival of the classic “Skin Diver” design. As the brand’s debut model, it pays homage to vintage dive watches of the 1960s while appealing to modern tastes. With its clean yet bold aesthetic, the Shek-O-Matic strikes a perfect balance between functionality and timeless elegance, reimagining a classic style with a contemporary twist.
ROIH, short for Roots of Industrial Heritage, embraces a spirit of defying convention while honouring the legacy of tool watches. Dedicated to creating its distinctive “Dressy-Sports” style, unlike anything else on the market, the Shek-O-Matic exemplifies the brand’s mission to celebrate the essence of the 1960s. Its name pays tribute to Shek O Beach in Hong Kong, renowned for its natural beauty, connecting the watch to its creators’ heritage and the enduring spirit of dive watches.
Skin Diver watches of the 1960s were slimmer, lighter, and more refined than traditional diving watches, typically measuring 35 mm, yet remaining robust. The Shek-O-Matic adopts a slightly larger 39 mm case to suit modern preferences, while its tonneau-shaped silhouette and meticulous craftsmanship remain faithful to its vintage roots.
Beneath its retro-inspired exterior, the Shek-O-Matic boasts advanced features. The case and bezel are crafted from lightweight yet durable Grade 2 titanium with a bead-blasted finish. Its 120-click unidirectional bezel includes a luminous marker for dive functionality, while the box-shaped sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflective coating ensures excellent clarity and scratch resistance. The matte-textured dial, accented by high-polished metal indexes, features hands and printed markers coated in Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 for optimal legibility.
Powered by the reliable Seiko NH35 automatic movement with hack seconds, quick-set date, and a 40-hour power reserve, the Shek-O-Matic offers water resistance up to 200 metres, secured by a double-gasket screw-in crown. It comes equipped with a titanium bracelet featuring a folding clasp, and an additional TecTuff water-resistant Cordura strap with a titanium buckle.
Launched on Kickstarter, the Shek-O-Matic was fully funded within a month. Priced at USD 539, it is now available on ROIH’s official website.
