Dive Watch Get-Together and the Dive Watches of Timeless
Nov 2, 2017 16:02:50 GMT -6
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Post by timelessluxwatches on Nov 2, 2017 16:02:50 GMT -6
Dive Watch Get-Together and the Dive Watches of Timeless
We’re looking forward to our first dive watch-specific get-together at Timeless on November 4th and we thought it’d be a good idea to introduce a lot of the great dive watches we carry. Obviously, I can’t hit all of our favorites in this short article, but I just wanted to touch on some of the cool models that are available in addition to the watches guests will be wearing!
We’ll start with my personal favorite dive watch, the Omega Planet Ocean. Of course, like most of the watches on this list, this is just one version of many. Why do I like the PO so much? Well, I think it’s because in a world of ultra-serious dive watches, the Planet Ocean never takes itself too seriously. It’s got a playful character to it that makes it more charming to me.
In a sense, the polar opposite Omega would have to be the Ploprof. This is basically the ideal realization of a tool watch in diver form. You have to respect its purpose-driven nature.
Somewhere between those two is the Seamaster 300, a vintage-themed model that has all of the high-tech features from the above watches, but in a much more toned-down package. This watch in particular has been a huge hit among Omega fans recently.
The Seamaster Pro 300M is, however, one of the most popular Omegas out there. I think I see more of these in the wild than all other Omegas combined. There’s just something about this watch that gives it an incredibly broad appeal.
The Aqua Terra isn’t technically a dive watch, but it’s one of very few watches (don’t worry, we’ve got a couple more on this list) that lives somewhere between land and sea. It lacks a rotating bezel, but has a surprising 150 meters of water resistance. What it’s missing in diver credentials it makes up for in everyday versatility.
The Planet Ocean might be my favorite dive watch these days, but the Pelagos 2.0 is not far behind. While it comes in blue or black, I think I like the blue one a little more. It’s also one of the best values in dive watches, at least among those with really good in-house movements.
But I’m hiding the lead. When you think of a Tudor dive watch, it’s the Black Bay. There are now many different options for the Black Bay, but the relatively new Black Bay Steel is my personal favorite. There is clearly no watch more connected to the modern incarnation of Tudor than this one.
Another one I’d like to highlight is the Black Bay Bronze, mostly because it’s such a radical departure from the rest of the line. You can argue whether or not bronze watches are here to stay or just a fad, but I think the Black Bay Bronze is one of the most well-executed bronze watches out there.
Another outlier is the Black Bay 41. This, like the Aqua Terra, is a hard watch to classify. While it’s clearly not a dive watch in a conventional sense, I think it will appeal to fans of dive watches due to the ultra-legible dial, the broad bezel and the unusually high (for a non-diver) 150 meters of water resistance.
Continuing on the theme of dive watches that aren’t exactly dive watches, we look at the super popular Nomos Ahoi. This watch lacks a rotating bezel, but unlike even the Aqua Terra, it features 200 meters of water resistance, and Nomos specifically says you can dive in it. On top of that, it’s powered by Nomos’ amazing ultra-thin DUW 3001 movement.
A very recent alternative to the Ahoi is the Aqua line of watches. This Club Aqua offers a good alternative to the Ahoi, as it has the same 200 meter water resistance, but gives Nomos fans a different case and many new dials to choose from, especially if you’re not a fan of crown guards.
While Nomos, a company known for ultra-modern dress watches, may not make any hardcore dive watches in the conventional sense, Bremont, a company known for aviation-inspired watches, oddly does. This is the Supermarine S500, complete with its amazing luminous sapphire bezel.
Recently Bremont released the S300 and S301, the latter of which we’re looking at now. From a design standpoint, this will obviously appeal more to people who prefer vintage watch looks, but it’s also in a more versatile 40mm case size as opposed to the S500’s 43mm size.
Another staple among dive watch fans is Seiko. We’ve also got tons of Prospexes to look at, but they were too numerous to include here so instead we’re looking at a Grand Seiko SBGA229, the recently updated version of the modern classic SBGA029. This watch is all-business and focuses on being as strictly functional as possible. On top of its rugged appearance, it’s powered by the most accurate movement on this list, a Grand Seiko 9R65 spring drive.
The second most accurate watch on this list is arguably also a Seiko, the new SBGH257. It, along with the SBGH255, is powered by Grand Seiko’s finest mechanical movement, the 36,000 BPH 9S85.
Although not quite as well known for dive watches as pilot watches, IWC’s Aquatimer has had a powerful impact on the world of dive watches since its first incarnation in 1967. There are many different versions, but this Aquatimer Automatic is probably the most recognizable of the bunch. IWC does more than just three handers, however. The Aquatimer line is one of very few places you can find dive watches with amazing complications like perpetual calendars.
Finally, we take a look at the Carl F. Bucherer Scubatec. This is a really good looking watch, particularly its dial, and it has some of the best lume out there.
Naturally, we have far more than these to see this Saturday, and that’s in addition to the watches the guests will be wearing, so make sure to join us this Saturday!
