Sunrex Banana Reef Review: Vintage Diving Style Meets Solar Powered Innovation
The watch industry loves looking backwards.
Vintage inspired divers are everywhere, with countless brands borrowing styling cues from the 1950s and 1960s. But Sunrex has gone even further back, taking inspiration from the pioneering underwater watches of the 1930s and combining them with something you don't often see in enthusiast circles: solar power.
The result is the Banana Reef, a chronograph that blends old world aesthetics with thoroughly modern practicality. And while it may not appeal to the purists who insist every dive watch should have a mechanical movement, there's a strong argument that this is actually the more sensible choice.
A Different Take On The Vintage Diver
At first glance, the Banana Reef looks like it could have been lifted from a forgotten catalogue of early diving instruments.
The black dial, warm gilt accents, oversized lume plots and heavily domed crystal all create a wonderfully nostalgic feel without becoming a direct homage to any single watch. The black DLC coated bezel adds a contemporary edge while keeping the overall look understated.
It is a handsome watch, but one that has its own personality rather than trying to imitate the usual suspects.
The name itself comes from the famous Banana Reef dive site in the Maldives, paying tribute to one of the world's earliest recognised recreational diving locations.
Solar Makes More Sense Than You Think
Mechanical watches will always hold a special place in collectors' hearts.
But if you're actually buying a watch to wear every day, solar power deserves far more attention than it receives.
Inside the Banana Reef is the Epson VS75A solar powered chronograph movement. Leave it in the light and it quietly keeps itself charged, storing enough energy to run for up to five months in complete darkness. That means no battery changes, no winding and no worrying whether your watch has stopped after a week in the drawer. For an everyday sports watch, that's incredibly appealing.
Specifications
Price: Approximately £401
Case: Stainless steel with black DLC coated bezel
Diameter: 40 mm
Lug to Lug: 47 mm
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Crystal: Museum grade domed crystal with anti reflective coating
Movement: Epson VS75A solar powered quartz chronograph
Power Reserve: Up to 5 months
Water Resistance: 100 metres
Chronograph: 1/5 second timing with 60 minute stopwatch
Crown: Screw down
Dial: Black with gilt accents and luminous hands and markers
Strap: Vegetable tanned leather plus waterproof Tyvek strap
Lug Width: 20 mm
Built For Everyday Adventure
One thing Sunrex deserves credit for is resisting the temptation to oversell the Banana Reef as a professional dive watch.
With 100 metres of water resistance, it is perfectly capable of swimming, snorkelling and everyday life, but it is really aimed at people who want the look and dependability of a tool watch without needing helium escape valves or 500 metre depth ratings.
The inclusion of two straps also makes a lot of sense. The leather option gives it vintage charm, while the lightweight Tyvek strap transforms it into something much sportier in seconds thanks to the quick release spring bars.
The Price Might Surprise You
Perhaps the biggest surprise is where the Banana Reef sits in the market.
At around £400, it isn't competing with entry level fashion watches, nor is it trying to take on Swiss luxury brands.
Instead, it occupies an increasingly interesting middle ground where buyers expect quality finishing, distinctive design and modern technology.
Considering the sapphire style domed crystal, DLC coated components, solar movement and included second strap, it offers a compelling package that feels different from the usual microbrand formula.
Winding Things Up
There is something refreshing about the Banana Reef.
Rather than chasing another vintage mechanical diver, Sunrex has embraced technology that actually improves day to day ownership while wrapping it in one of the most attractive retro designs we've seen this year.
No winding. No battery changes. No unnecessary gimmicks. Just an eye catching, thoughtfully designed chronograph that quietly gets on with the job.
For collectors looking for something a little different from the endless stream of automatic dive watches, the Banana Reef might just be one of this year's hidden gems.
