ralphmcclure
24.05.2021 22:02:22
While there’s no denying the Submariner is the most expensive watch on this list, it has rightfully earned its price. here
See full version: Best Dive Watches of 2021
While there’s no denying the Submariner is the most expensive watch on this list, it has rightfully earned its price. here
8. STUHRLING ORIGINAL AQUADIVER
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It features a protective Krysterna crystal dial window and Swiss quartz movement. [links]
Having been in the business since 1832, Longines has established itself on the market as a brand with a strong devotion to its roots, elegance and the world of sports. The brand is a member of the reputable Swatch Group and it has been building watches that resemble popular vintage watches from the midst of the 20th century. Their Legend Diver model is water-resistant, has an inner bezel and serves many purposes from water sports to fancy night-outs. more
Everything from the ideal size (41mm) of the display to the uni-directional rotating bezel speaks about the high level of quality of this watch. And, when added a 200m water-resistance, this unit becomes an even more appealing accessory to divers from across the globe.
The bezel is marked with minutes up to 60 minutes (typically) to allow divers to quickly discern how long they’ve been down. You rotate the bezel so the zero mark is at the minute hand when you descend, and then you can read the duration of your dive at any time, without having to calculate it. And the bezel typically only rotates one way, so if it is accidentally moved, it will only shorten your dive, not extend it, possibly beyond your no-decompression limit. Always err on the side of caution. more
Seiko is among the first brand names that will come to your mind when you think of watches. Their strong presence in the watch industry has earned them unparalleled reverence. Their divers’ collection is often not usually expensive. However, when you have a glance at the Prospex SBDB018 you will be left in awe. Its breathtaking design and detail will leave you mesmerized. It is a perfection of Seiko’s pioneering dive watch of 1968.
Why we like it:
Kicking off the year with a splash (I told you) at SIHH was Panerai, who put a new, smaller twist on its familiar Luminor Submersible diver. The 42mm Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio, which James Stacey recently reviewed, was finally a more wearable version of what has long been one of my favorite divers. At 47 millimeters, traditionally the Submersible line was always attractive but missed the, er, boat, for most due to its gargantuan size. The minimalist, slightly steampunk aesthetic on this one works well with the more compact proportions and fits those of us who aren’t action movie heroes. more
After a year underwater, here's what came out on top.
Sinn usually flies under the radar (dives under the sonar?) with its divers, but a special US-market version of its stark U1 sold out quickly, thanks to the small tweaks the German brand made at the suggestion of one of its most ardent fans, a Florida cop. The so-called U1 Professional’s differences from the standard diver are subtle but significant, like a black bezel with white markings, fully hardened steel case, and altered dial with less text. They also did away with the date function and, most noticeably, moved the crown to the left side of the case. I had a chance to dive a chilly Great Lakes shipwreck with the U1 Professional back in the spring, where it more than proved its (German submarine steel) mettle. more
Moving on to Baselworld, we were spoiled for dive watch choice, with many brands trotting out new aquatic hardware, from Breitling’s new Superocean Heritage II, Tudor’s Black Bay Steel, and Omega’s “Trilogy” 60th Anniversary Seamaster 300. But of course, what we all came to see was the 50th anniversary Sea-Dweller from Rolex. And in typical fashion, Rolex didn’t give us what we expected. Sure, there was the red text on the dial we all wanted, but the watch also sported an all-new 43-millimeter size and—blasphemy!—a “Cyclops” date magnifier. I’ll be the first to admit, I wasn’t a fan when I first saw the watch, but by October, when I spent a few days diving with it in Mexico, I saw the light, so to speak. 43 millimeter is a pretty great size for a dive watch, and it emphatically sets it apart from the smaller Submariner. And the Cyclops? The rationale that it’s an improvement that Rolex can now confidently add to its 1,220 meter diver is debatable, but as someone with aging eyes, I can’t say it’s unwelcome.
A legendary dive watch brand from the past returned in 2011, using the same case as the legendary “Bathyscaphe” model from the 1970s (but not its depth-meter functionality). There are 43-mm and 47-mm models available, both with up to 3,000 meters of water resistance, with different functions and movements, and there are even some new old stock (NOS) models available. Prices start at $990.
Hi Harry,
I did have the chance to shortly meet Graeme two or three years ago during Baselworld and saw the No. 1 of his first watch model in person. I especially like the bezel and am looking forward to see where he’s taking the brand next.
And you are of course right: as soon as you attempt doing a list, you start to wonder why the other 90 names are not on it. :-)
Thanks for your remark!
Best regards
Roger
Dear Roger. Your article is very interesting. It allows to know these companies.
Innovation is undoubtedly very important. It is to contribute something new for humanity. Technology is growing by leaps and bounds. I admire the great watchmakers who invest in creating better movements, metallurgical advances to achieve more resistant materials and in the work of designers who are at risk.
The models in this article do not participate in innovation. These companies do not make movements. They buy them from the real watchmakers. They add a design copied from others, justifying the replica in the word vintage and sell it at a price in some cases, high. What is the merit? What is their contribution to watchmaking? Is there someone who buys them?
The number 1, Aegir Instruments. What is the idea of its optional fixed bezel for a diving watch?
In relation to the numbers 10 Vintage VDB; the 3 Germano and Walter and the 6 suissmecanica, the appearance of the watches leaves much to be desired.
It does not seem rational Tempus Computare to integrate a chronograph to a diving watch when you can not activate it underwater.
Number 4 H2O / Helberg a copy of a military submariner.
Returning to the title of your article it is obvious why these brands continue in ignominy and I do not see how they can get out of there.
I send you a warm greeting. Your article is very interesting.
Oscar Barragán.