Diving Watches: 20,000 hours under the sea

Originally designed for professionals, diving watches have long been found on the wrists of land lubbers who enjoy all things mechanical and technical. Fitted with all sorts of attributes and add-ons (highly waterproof, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screwed down back and crown, large hands and luminous indexes), along with the chronograph, it has become the masculine sporting watch par excellence. As well as the performance and functionality, these genuine works of art play heavily on the use of colors and innovative materials to attract their customers. Here we dive into the deep waters of the Silent World to select some of the most interesting models.

Frank Declerck

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Published 22/11/2019

By Emmanuel van Deth

Subscribers Only

Issue: 169

Published: jan. / feb. 2020

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An Aquatic Icon

Staying close aesthetically to the Fifty Fathoms that was created for professionals in 1953, this automatic version has a domed sapphire crystal. It is guaranteed waterproof down to 300 meters (985 feet). The titanium casing which is both lightweight and resistant houses a black face that contrasts with the luminous elements.

www.blancpain.com

Retro Diving

Inspired by the Tudor models produced from 1950 to 1970, the Black Bay Bronze with its slate grey face is waterproof down to 200 meters (660 feet). Certified COSC, this watch has a woven Jacquard strap with gold banding, which is a throwback to the straps made from parachute fabric that French navy divers would make for their watches.

www.tudor.com

High Performance

The Richard Mille RM 032 chronograph is an example of ultramodern fine watchmaking that has been designed to cope with extreme conditions. The titanium case, which is a complex build, protects a titanium skeleton caliber and has an oversized crown with a system that guarantees total waterproofing down to 300 meters (985 feet).

www.richardmille.com

An Eco-friendly Strap

The Superocean Heritage Ocean Conservancy Limited Edition is an indication of Breitling’s commitment to helping preserve the oceans. Waterproof down to 200 meters (660 feet), this steel chronograph sports a NATO strap, made from ECONYL^®thread. This material is produced from fishing nets that have been recuperated from the seas.

www.breitling.com

Hi-Tech Materials

The Panerai Submersible allies unique design, sturdiness and functionality. It is waterproof down to 300 meters (985 feet) and boasts hi-tech materials such as 316L steel, state of the art ceramics (for the bezel) and carbon (Carbotech^TM). It’s clearly aimed at the most demanding of divers.

www.panerai.com