Pagani Design PD1671 Review – Unapologetic Homage

The Pagani Design PD1671 is an unapologetic homage — but one aimed at a sensible target. Rather than mimicking a $20,000 grail, it draws inspiration from a piece that costs around $3,000, striking a more grounded balance between aspiration and realism. At sub $100, the Pagani Design PD1671 brings together a stainless-steel case and bracelet, ceramic bezel, NH35 automatic movement, and a boxed sapphire crystal — specifications that punch far above its price tag. But beyond the numbers, the question is whether the PD1671 offers genuine charm, or just another budget imitation. Let’s take a closer look.

Design & Case

The stainless-steel case delivers an immediately familiar dive silhouette with thoughtful finishing for the money. The brushed lugs contrast neatly with polished chamfers, giving definition without flash. The case measures 42 mm in diameter, 47.2 mm lug-to-lug, and 14.5 mm thick, with much of that height owed to the domed and boxed sapphire crystal. The 21 mm lug width is unconventional but proportionate to the case, keeping the ratio close to 1:2.

At 170 g, the Pagani Design PD1671 feels solid but not unwieldy. The flanks are tall and horizontally brushed, lending visual strength. On the wrist — here shown on a 6.5-inch wrist — the downward-curving lugs and inverted end links help it sit low and balanced, with virtually no overhang. For a 42 mm diver, it’s impressively wearable across wrist sizes.

Movement & Crown

Inside beats the Seiko NH35A automatic, a self-winding, 24-jewel movement running at 21,600 beats per hour (6 beats per second) with a 42-hour power reserve. It features hacking, hand-winding, and Seiko’s Magic Lever system — meaning a simple shake brings it back to life. Accuracy typically ranges between –20 to +40 seconds per day, and it can be regulated for tighter performance.

The screw-down crown, signed with the Pagani Design logo, operates cleanly with well-cut threading. Engagement feels smooth and secure, sealing the 100 m water resistance. For a watch at this price point, the machining quality here is unexpectedly confident.

Bezel

A 120-click unidirectional bezel frames the dial, fitted with a ceramic insert and a lume pip at 12 o’clock. The action is firm, metallic, and deliberate — a welcome surprise given Pagani’s inconsistent history in this area. There’s minimal backplay, and the bezel aligns cleanly at twelve. The coin-edge grip is functional and easy to manipulate, even when gloved. Available bezel color options include black, blue, and dark red, allowing some stylistic flexibility without compromising the base design’s coherence.

Bracelet

The bracelet continues the solid impression: a three-link stainless-steel design with brushed outer links and polished chamfers along the edges. It uses screw pins for sizing — a premium touch at this tier — and articulates smoothly with good tolerance and flexibility.

The signed clasp features a double-pusher mechanism and three micro-adjustments, allowing for a comfortable fit. A reinforced mid-clasp wing improves durability. On the wrist, it feels cohesive with the case, contributing to the PD1671’s strong, everyday wearability.

Crystal & Dial

Front and center is the watch’s standout feature: a boxed synthetic sapphire crystal, both domed and vertically walled. The slight distortion at extreme angles adds vintage charm without sacrificing readability. Beneath it lies a matte black dial with a subtle grain finish.
The layout follows a clean, classic diver aesthetic: applied indices filled with lume, minimal text reading “Automatic” and “100 m,” and bold snowflake-style hands that complement the dial’s geometry. The green lume glows brighter and lasts longer than earlier Pagani models — a meaningful improvement even if not on par with higher-end competitors.

Flip the watch over, and a mineral-glass exhibition caseback reveals the NH35A movement. There’s no decoration, but it’s signed and functional. Around the perimeter, the etchings confirm the watch’s all-stainless-steel construction and 100 m water resistance.

Summary

The Pagani Design PD1671 stands out not for originality, but for execution. Priced under $100, it manages to deliver a sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, screw-link bracelet, and one of the most reliable automatic movements in its class. Its proportions, finishing, and tactile details make it feel more complete than many watches twice its price. Yes, it’s on the thicker side, and the bezel could be more refined — but in the landscape of budget automatics, this one earns genuine respect. Pagani may still live in the shadow of the brands it homages, yet the PD1671 proves that even homage can be done with substance.

Specifications Table