The quick answer.
Thorn Watches SHY042 40mm NH35A Diver (Black) is a 40 mm diver watch at $169. We recommend it for a buyer who wants a first mechanical diver in a classic 40 mm size at a low price.
Why it belongs on the shortlist.
The SHY042 is a conventional diver: a rotating bezel with lume dots, a date, a steel bracelet and an NH35A, the widely used Seiko-made movement. The black version is the most neutral of THORN’s five colours.
Our verdict: the classic entry diver.
There is nothing exotic about this watch, which is why we like it. A 40 mm case, steel bracelet, sapphire and an NH35A are the ingredients of the standard first diver, and $169 keeps the cost down.
What you get.
THORN lists a screw-down crown, a screwed caseback with a sapphire window, a unidirectional rotating bezel with lume dots and BGW9 blue lume. See our guide on how automatic watches work for what the NH35A means in daily use.
Size and fit.
THORN lists a 40 mm diameter without the crown, 47.8 mm lug-to-lug, 13.6 mm thickness and a 20 mm lug width. Compare the span and thickness with a watch you already wear. Our guide to watch size explains how.
Which variant.
This review covers the Black variant at $169. THORN lists red, black fade blue, light blue and white versions at the same price.
The details, at a glance.
- Selected variant
- SHY042 · Black · Variant 48129344012596
- Case diameter
- 40 mm
- Lug-to-lug
- 47.8 mm
- Thickness
- 13.6 mm
- Lug width
- 20 mm
- Case
- 316L stainless steel
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Movement
- Japan NH35A automatic
- Listed functions
- Hours, minutes, seconds and date; unidirectional rotating bezel with lume dots
- Water resistance
- 200 m / 20 ATM
- Strap / bracelet
- Stainless-steel bracelet
What draws us in
- NH35A automatic with a sapphire display caseback
- Sapphire crystal and a 200 m / 20 ATM rating
- 40 mm case with a 47.8 mm lug-to-lug span
Before you choose
At 13.6 mm thick it wears chunkier than its 40 mm diameter suggests. THORN gives no rated power reserve and no ISO dive certification, and lists the water rating as its own specification.
Who it suits.
A buyer who wants a first mechanical diver in a classic 40 mm size at a low price.
When to choose something else.
Choose a thinner watch if you wear slim cuffs, or a titanium diver if weight matters.
Warranty, returns and ownership.
THORN’s listing states a 3-year warranty and refers to its Return / Exchange / Warranty Policy page for returns. Check the current policy before ordering.
Closest alternatives.
- Thorn Watches T028 37mm PT5000 Automatic Dive Watch (Black Dial): A smaller 37 mm PT5000 diver with two bezel inserts at $199.
- Thorn Watches SHY036 39mm Titanium PT5000 Diver (Blue): A lighter 39 mm titanium diver for $20 more.
- Citizen Promaster Automatic Blue Dial (NY0086-16L): A Citizen automatic diver if you prefer a major brand.
Think beyond the diameter.
The published 47.8 mm lug-to-lug gives you a useful starting point for checking overhang. Use our wrist-fit guide and compare the proportions with a watch you already enjoy wearing.
Thorn Watches partner code and offer terms. Our supplied code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for $5 off. Check the exact model and variant at the store, then confirm eligibility and the final total at checkout.
Where to buy.
Specifications and product photography: THORN Watches product page (checked October 17, 2026). Find SHY042 40mm NH35A Diver (Black) at Thorn Watches through our partner link and search for the selected option there. How we choose.
A few good questions.
What is the discount code for the Thorn Watches SHY042 40mm NH35A Diver (Black)?
The Thorn Watches discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for $5 off at thornwatches.com. We have not tested it on this exact model, so confirm the saving in your order summary. Every code and tested price: https://watchritual.com/promo/thorn-watches
How much is the Thorn Watches SHY042 40mm NH35A Diver (Black)?
THORN listed the Black variant at $169 USD on October 17, 2026. THORN’s supplied code SEBASTIANBASSOL gives $5 off on tested products; confirm it applies to this exact watch at checkout.
What movement is in the Thorn Watches SHY042 40mm NH35A Diver (Black)?
THORN lists the Japan-made NH35A automatic movement.
What size is the Thorn Watches SHY042 40mm NH35A Diver (Black)?
THORN lists a 40 mm diameter without the crown, 47.8 mm lug-to-lug, 13.6 mm thickness and a 20 mm lug width.
How water resistant is the Thorn Watches SHY042 40mm NH35A Diver (Black)?
THORN lists 200 m / 20 ATM with a screw-down crown. THORN does not state an ISO dive certification.
