Some are content to enjoy the ocean from the safety of the beach, while others prefer the thrill of extreme adventure. However, when it comes to watches and water, there’s no room for frivolity. The slightest hint of moisture can cause untold damage, clouding displays and wreaking havoc on delicate mechanisms. The ocean places watchmakers under considerable pressure (quite literally!) but they invariably rise to the challenge. Originally, “diving” watches were primarily intended for military use, but today they continue to smash records while sporting stylish, vibrant designs. Let’s dive in!
Making a splash – and a difference
Our oceans can always use a helping hand. Since 2013, Carl F. Bucherer has chosen to support the Manta Trust, a charity dedicated to the conservation of manta rays. The brand financed the Manta Trust Far North Maldives Research Expedition in its entirety – a crucial initiative to catalogue and understand the species. The Patravi ScubaTec Black Manta proudly displays the silhouette of this enigmatic winged fish, both on the dial and engraved on the case back. With a 44mm diameter and a helium valve, this model withstands depths of up to 500m. A portion of its sale price is donated to the Manta Trust.
Bubble art
While Corum’s Bubble is not technically a diving watch, its striking design featuring an oversized sapphire dome was inspired by Séverin Wunderman’s admiration for the Rolex Deep Sea Special. Attached to the exterior of the bathyscaphe Trieste back in 1960, this concept watch endured the tremendous pressure at a depth of 10,916 metres below sea level. The Bubble collection, meanwhile, certainly sets a high bar for creativity. The one-of-a-kind Bubble 47 Central Tourbillon X Label Noir, crafted from titanium, also boasts impressive water resistance (up to 100m). Time to pop the champagne!
The patina of adventure
Exuding an air of literary intrigue and exploration, the Doxa SUB 300 T Clive Cussler appears to have emerged straight from the Black Pearl. With its aged appearance and unique dial featuring an antique compass, this distinctive timepiece pays homage to author Clive Cussler, a Doxa enthusiast who made the protagonist of his novels, Dirk Pitt, wear Doxa watches. Cussler also established the NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency), which has discovered around 20 shipwrecks.
Breathless Excitement!
Maurice Lacroix immerses us in the world of free diving with the new Pontos S Diver. To put it to the test, the brand enlisted the help of Lidija Lijić, a world champion freediver who holds the record with a dive time of 5 minutes and 43 seconds. Drawing inspiration from the original 2013 Pontos S Diver, this latest iteration features an internal rotating bezel to track time spent underwater, adjustable via the crown positioned at 2 o’clock. It’s a surefire hit both above and below the water (withstanding pressures up to 30 ATM – 300m). The bronze version, with its alluring tan beautifully paired with a deep blue grained dial, is particularly captivating.
Master of the waves
Like Poseidon being pulled through the waves by his two seahorses (the iconic image of the Seamaster collection), Omega has mastered the waves. The Seamaster, originally launched back in 1948, has been released in Summer Blue to mark the collection’s 75th anniversary – a tribute to precision and the ocean’s varying shades of blue, which are reflected across the 7 models in the collection. The most extreme, the Seamaster Ultra Deep 6000M, fearlessly ventures into the abyss, with its dial depicting the ocean floor at its deepest point.
Luxury for professionals
In 1996, professional diver Frank Huygue founded Ralf Tech. The WRV and WRX models feature a mechanical movement with an oscillating weight whose energy is stored in a miniature battery, creating a unique hybrid calibre that brought Ralf Tech to the attention of Lexus, with the Lexus RZ model. This diver’s watch in black holds the ISO 6425 diving watch certification, with a water resistance of up to 300m. If you’re tempted to get hold of one, be prepared to dress to impress, as it’s exclusively available at Lexus dealerships.
Deep dive
As a historical expert in marine chronometers, Ulysse Nardin advocates for the oceans, its natural domain. The Diver Net Azure embodies this commitment, as well as the manufacturer’s relentless pursuit of innovation. To produce the watch, the brand collaborated with several start-ups. Crafted from recycled materials, the Diver Net Azure features a case made of carbonium (recycled carbon), Nylo (recycled fishing nets), and 95% recycled steel. With its touches of blue and depth rating of 300m, the Diver Net Azure reflects the breathtaking beauty of the deep.
