Traska Freediver Review: The Everyday Diver That Just Makes Sense

The Traska Freediver V7 isn’t just another microbrand diver fighting for attention. It’s the culmination of years of iteration — seven generations of small but meaningful refinements — and one of the rare watches that feels like it was built with actual wearers in mind. In a market drowning in spec-sheet inflation, influencer hype, and half-baked “homage” projects, the Freediver is proof that when a brand sticks to a vision, it pays off.

I’ve owned every single Freediver from the very first generation through to this V7. Each one has been excellent in its own right, and what makes Traska stand out is how each release gets better, tighter, and more refined without losing what made the watch special to begin with. Rarely do you see this type of attention and evolution, especially so quickly, over just a handful of years.

With the V7, I can confidently say: this is the best Freediver yet. Not just the best Traska, but one of the best-value everyday dive watches you can buy — microbrand or not.

The Evolution of the Freediver

When Traska launched the first Freediver back in 2018, it was clear they weren’t just trying to pump out another spec-heavy Kickstarter diver. The goal was simple: take the charm of vintage skin divers and combine it with modern engineering and durability.

From doubling the water resistance in Gen 2, to switching movements in Gen 3 for a thinner, more wearable case, to sharper indices and hands in Gen 4 — each generation has introduced thoughtful improvements. By Gen 6, Traska added ceramic ball bearings to the bezel for smoother action, a new font for clarity, and the best clasp they’d ever produced.

Now with the V7, the refinements are smaller but meaningful: upgraded BGW9 lume that glows brighter and longer, extra anti-reflective coating under the crystal for better legibility, and quick-release spring bars for easier strap swaps. Combine all that with fresh colorways like Arctic White, Black Carbon, Chaouen Blue, and my personal favorite, Hunter Green, and you’ve got a lineup that covers nearly every taste.

Specs That Make Sense

On paper, the Freediver V7 isn’t trying to shock you with over-the-top numbers. Instead, it’s all about balance:

• Case: 40.5mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, 10.5mm thick
• Water resistance: 200m
• Crystal: Box sapphire with multiple AR coatings
• Bezel: 120-click ceramic insert
• Movement: Miyota 9039 (9015 for date versions)
• Bracelet: Solid links with quick-adjust clasp, quick-release spring bars
• Hard coating: 1200Hv scratch-resistant finish

What jumps out here isn’t the raw specs, but the execution. The case feels svelte but substantial. The bezel has almost no back play and satisfying clicks. The hard coating keeps the watch looking new longer than just about anything else in this price bracket. And the clasp? It’s one of the smoothest tool-less micro-adjust systems I’ve used — no jank, no cheap feel, just easy adjustments on the fly.

Wearing the Freediver

Here’s where Traska gets it right: this isn’t just a dive watch, it’s an everyday watch. At 40.5mm, it wears perfectly on my 7.25-inch wrist, with just enough wrist presence to feel like a tool watch but never overbearing.

The case profile, with its polished chamfers and brushed surfaces, is clean and versatile. You can throw it on a bracelet, a NATO, or a rubber strap and it adapts instantly — from desk duty to the beach to a night out.

The dial is restrained and sharp. Depending on the colorway, you get a completely different character: the Arctic White pops in a way that feels almost dressy, the Hunter Green is rich and versatile, the Chaouen Blue has depth and flair, and Black Carbon gives it a no-nonsense, stealth vibe.

And let’s not skip the lume — the V7 finally delivers lume performance that rivals bigger brands, glowing stronger and longer thanks to Swiss BGW9 Grade A application.

Movement: Reliable and Honest

Inside, Traska sticks with the Miyota 9039 (and 9015 for the date). It’s not exotic, and it’s not trying to be. What it is: dependable, slim, and serviceable.

My V7 runs at about +7 seconds a day, which is perfectly fine for this segment. Winding is smooth, no ghost date position, and no drama. Could Traska eventually move to a higher-end movement? Maybe. But the 9039 keeps costs in check while still feeling like a serious choice.

Why the Freediver Still Matters

The dive watch market is absolutely flooded. For every solid release, there are five others that are lazy rehashes. The Freediver continues to cut through the noise because it isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is: a well-executed, thoughtful, everyday dive watch.

What sets Traska apart is consistency. The brand doesn’t chase gimmicks. They don’t overload dials with text. They don’t cheap out on finishing or design. And they don’t forget that watches are meant to be worn.

For me, the Freediver isn’t just one of the best microbrand divers. It’s one of the best divers at its price point, period.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Yes. Absolutely yes.

The Traska Freediver V7 is an easy recommendation — whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone looking for their first “real” dive watch. It offers refinement, durability, comfort, and style in a package that feels like it should cost twice as much.

If you’re hunting for a one-watch collection, the Freediver belongs on your shortlist. And if you’re like me, you’ll probably end up owning more than one color.

Because at the end of the day, Traska hasn’t just made another diver. They’ve made a watch that simply makes sense — and that’s why the Freediver keeps earning its spot on my wrist, generation

Where To Buy The Freediver:
TRASKA Watches
3948 3rd Street South
STE #276
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
https://www.traskawatch.com/