Cadisen C8245M Review – Mechanical Precision and a Standout Guilloche-Style Dial
Cadisen has built a reputation for delivering strong refinement at accessible prices, often positioning itself slightly above other AliExpress microbrands in finishing and lume execution. The Cadisen C8245M, however, sits at the upper end of the brand’s typical pricing, landing just under the $100 mark before tax. That naturally raises expectations. This watch competes directly with others in a similar pricing bracket, each offering its own strengths.
On paper, it offers sapphire crystal, stainless steel construction, an automatic movement, and a ceramic bezel insert. But the real story unfolds once it’s on the wrist. Compact in size yet confident in execution, the C8245M combines vintage-leaning proportions with a surprisingly precise bezel and a dial that genuinely elevates the watch beyond its price bracket. We’ve seen similar design philosophies across other diver watches in this space.
Design & Case
The C8245M measures 38.6 mm in diameter, 12.4 mm thick, with a compact 46.5 mm lug-to-lug. On a 6½-inch wrist, it sits planted with no overhang and no awkward angles. The proportions feel deliberate—compact but not slight.
The lugs are short and curve downward naturally, helping the case hug the wrist. They are thin, crisp, and sharply defined without appearing harsh. The case flank is brushed, reinforcing its tool-watch character, interrupted by a polished 45-degree bevel that rises toward the lug hoods. That bevel adds contrast and refinement without overwhelming the design.
Brushing on the top of the lugs runs vertically, matching the direction of the bracelet’s grain. This detail creates visual continuity between case and bracelet, avoiding any mismatch in finishing.
At 3 o’clock sits a 6.3 mm screw-down crown, bead blasted at the tip and threading, signed with the Cadisen logo. It offers excellent grip and feels tactile and notchy in operation.
Movement & Crown
Inside the C8245M beats the Miyota 8215, a widely used Japanese automatic movement featuring 21 jewels, a 21,600 vibrations per hour beat rate, and approximately 41 hours of power reserve.
This is a self-winding calibre built for durability and simplicity. It includes a slip clutch mechanism, meaning there is no risk of overwinding once the mainspring is fully charged. Winding feels mechanical and tactile—there’s a fine grain sensation through the crown. It’s not buttery smooth, but it is satisfying and reassuring.
Crown action remains consistent with the watch’s tool-oriented positioning. The screw-down engagement is secure, and overall operation feels robust and dependable.
Bezel
The bezel is one of the defining elements of the C8245M. It features a ceramic insert with a notably narrow profile, avoiding the oversized appearance common in modern dive watches.
The coin-edge grip is brushed throughout, lending a raw, toolish character. It sits almost flush with the case flank, but its height and sharp notching make it easy to operate.
Rotation resistance is firm—heavier than typically found on Cadisen models. More importantly, resistance remains even across the full 360-degree cycle. Each click is sharply defined, loud, and metallic in tone. There is no flex, no drift, and no backplay. Alignment at 12 is precise every time.
The only omission is the absence of a luminous pip at 12. Otherwise, mechanically, this bezel is executed with impressive precision.
Bracelet
The C8245M comes fitted with a three-link stainless steel bracelet, measuring 20 mm at the lugs and tapering to 18 mm at the clasp. This taper contributes to a balanced, wrist-hugging profile.
Links are secured with push pins rather than screws. While tolerances are not perfect and visible gaps can be seen between links, articulation is excellent. Short link lengths—approximately 8 mm per link—improve comfort and allow for more precise sizing.
The clasp is signed and includes three micro-adjustment positions. Inside, there is a milled folding mechanism, an upgrade over stamped designs typically seen in this price segment.
Flipping the watch over reveals a screw-down caseback, reinforcing its practical construction.
Crystal & Dial
Up front, the watch is fitted with a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, providing clear visibility and reduced glare.
Beneath it, a brushed metallic rehaut slopes inward, guiding the eye toward a glossy black outer ring that mirrors the ceramic bezel’s finish. A crisp white minute track sits on this outer ring before giving way to the dial itself—an emerald green surface featuring a circular guilloché pattern with sunburst effect.
The dial deepens toward the edges, creating a subtle vignette effect that enhances dimensionality. Applied indices include arrow-tipped markers at 12, 3, and 9, with circular plots elsewhere, each framed in chrome and filled with lume. At 6 o’clock sits a rectangular date window, sized and positioned to maintain symmetry.
Branding is restrained, with the Cadisen logo under 12 and “Automatic” and “100 m” printed above the date. In low light, indices glow blue, hands glow green, and the seconds hand features a long baton-style lume fill. There is no lume on the bezel.
Summary
The Cadisen C8245M distinguishes itself from other Cadisen models through mechanical refinement and dial execution. While it carries a slightly higher price than many of the brand’s offerings, the heavier bezel resistance, lack of backplay, sapphire crystal, and the emerald green guilloché sunburst dial justify the step up.
There are compromises—push-pin bracelet construction and no bezel lume—but they do not undermine the overall experience. On the wrist, the C8245M feels cohesive, precise, and visually compelling. For those seeking a compact diver with standout dial work and a mechanically confident bezel, it presents a strong case within its price bracket. Seen in isolation it stands well, but comparisons help sharpen the picture – you may want to check out the Watchdives WD50Q for comparison.
Specifications – Cadisen C8245M
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Cadisen C8245M |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Case Diameter | 38.6 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.4 mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 46.5 mm |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Bracelet Taper | 20 mm to 18 mm |
| Crown | 6.3 mm, screw-down, signed |
| Caseback | Screw-down |
| Water Resistance | 100 m |
| Movement | Miyota 8215 automatic |
| Jewels | 21 |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph |
| Power Reserve | Approx. 41 hours |
| Crystal | Flat sapphire with AR coating |
| Bezel | Ceramic insert, unidirectional |
| Dial | Emerald green guilloché sunburst |
| Lume | Blue indices, green hands |
| Clasp | Signed, milled folding mechanism |
| Price (as reviewed) | ~Under $100 before tax |
