DOXA SUB 200 C-GRAPH II

March 20, 2023 MasterHorologer

Swiss dive watch specialist DOXA presents a smaller version of its SUB 200 C-GRAPH model. This new stainless steel Doxa diving chronograph features a 42mm diameter case and available in six dial color choices.

The DOXA SUB 200 C-GRAPH II was developed for daring divers who explore underwater caves and caverns. In comparison with regular divers, they need compact equipment and accessories.

With a more contemporary diameter of 42mm and a reduced thickness of 15.85mm, it offers the same functionality and features as the 45mm DOXA SUB 200 C-GRAPH presented in 2020.

It houses a reliable Swiss automatic chronograph movement beating at 28,800 vph (4.0 Hz) with a power reserve of up to 56 hours.

This Tri-Compax chronograph model comes with three counters for keeping track of dive times and a unidirectional rotating steel bezel with the minute indication highlighted in white Super-Luminova™.

The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment offers an uninterrupted view of the luminous sunburst effect dial. This new timepiece is available in six dial color versions: Orange Professional, Whitepearl, Black Sharkhunter, Navy Caribbean, Yellow Divingstar and Turquoise Aquamarine.

The SUB 200 C-GRAPH II is water resistant to 20 ATM (200 meters or approx. 650 feet).

The watch is available with the iconic stainless-steel ‘beads of rice’ bracelet or a softer and suppler FKM rubber strap.

The SUB 200 C-GRAPH II model will be available from April 2023 at all DOXA Watches points of sale and on the official DOXA Watches e-commerce platform.

Technical details

Model: DOXA SUB 200 C-GRAPH II

Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 42.00 mm x 46.00 mm
Thickness: 15.85 mm
Screw-down crown
Crystal: Sapphire
Unidirectional rotating bezel
Solid steel back, screw-in
Water resistance: 20 ATM, 200 meters, approx. 650 feet

Dial
Sunray-finished
Available in the 6 colors of the collection
Hour, minute and counter hands coated with Super-LumiNova™

Bezel
Steel, unidirectional rotation
Marker at 12 o’clock coated with white Super-LumiNova™
Caribbean & SharkHunter models: Super-LumiNova™ on all markers, except the timer
Whitepearl ceramic model: no Super-LumiNova™ on the bezel

Movement
Swiss, mechanical self-winding, 3 hands, chronograph
Power reserve: approx. 56 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
27 jewels
DOXA decorations

Indications
Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Three counters: 60 seconds, 30 minutes, 12 hours

Strap/Bracelet
Stainless steel “beads of rice” bracelet, attached by screws for a secure fit
Folding clasp with wetsuit extension, embossed “DOXA fish” symbol
or
FKM rubber strap, tone-on-tone color-matched with the dial
Buckle featuring the exclusive “DOXA Fish” symbol

Retail price

Models with stainless steel bezel insert:
Stainless steel bracelet: 2‘790.00 CHF / 2‘890.00 EUR / 2‘890.00 $
FKM rubber strap: 2‘750.00 CHF / 2‘850.00 EUR / 2‘850.00 $

Models with ceramic bezel insert:
Stainless steel bracelet: 2‘890.00 CHF / 2‘990.00 EUR / 2‘990.00 $
FKM rubber strap: 2‘850.00 CHF / 2‘950.00 EUR / 2‘950.00 $

Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy Special Edition

March 20, 2023 MasterHorologer

Swiss watch brand Certina has launched a special edition DS-2 Turning Bezel model dedicated to Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Inspired by the designs of a historic watch of the 1960s, the Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel watch features a tonneau-shaped case. It comes with a contemporary mechanical self-winding movement endowed with an 80-hour power reserve and NivachronTM hairspring.

The tonneau-shaped case (42 x 41 mm) features a unidirectional turning bezel. While the regular models appear in classic stainless steel, the Sea Turtle Conservancy Edition is made of ultra-light titanium.

**Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy Special Edition**

The matt black dial is a perfect match with its rectangular hands and Super-LumiNova® coated indexes. This special edition is worn with a striped grey-blue fabric strap made from #tide ocean material® and fitted with a titanium closure.

The watch houses an ETA Powermatic 80.611 automatic movement with an 80 hour power reserve and anti-magnetic Nivachron® hairspring. Visible through the transparent case back, this calibre drives the hour, minutes and seconds displays – along with the date display at 3 o’clock – with great precision and reliability. The screw-down crown and the proven DS System ensure water-resistance up to 20 bar (200 m).

A portion of the proceeds of the special edition will go to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. This non-profit organization has been working for decades to protect sea turtles and their habitats.

**Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Stainless Steel Version with Blue Dial**

The regular production models in stainless steel feature blue or grey dial. All new DS-2 Turning Bezel models, including the Sea Turtle Conservancy Special Edition, are now available from official Certina retailers worldwide. The retail price range is CHF 940 to CHF 995. The stainless steel models come with two interchangeable straps.

Technical details

Model: Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel Sea Turtle Conservancy Special Edition in Titanium
Reference C024.607.48.051.10

Movement
ETA Powermatic 80.611 automatic with Nivachron™ hairspring, Swiss Made
Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 80 hours

Case
Polished/satin-brushed titanium, tonneau-shaped,42 x 41 mm
Unidirectional turning bezel
Screw-down crown
Glass: Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on one side
Screwed-in sapphire crystal case back
Water resistance: Up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m)

Dial
Matt black
Hands and indexes coated with Super-LumiNova®
Date at 3 o’clock

Strap
Striped fabric strap made of#tide ocean material®
Titanium pin buckle

Special features
DS (Double Security), inspired by historical model, anti-magnetic Nivachron™ hairspring, special edition in partnership with Sea Turtle Conservancy, sustainable packaging

Suggested retail price in Switzerland
CHF 940.00

Other versions
C024.607.11.041.02: Steel case, Dark blue satin-brushed dial, Leather and stainless steel straps, Price: CHF 995.00
C024.607.11.081.02: Steel case, Satin-brushed black dial, Fabric and stainless steel straps, Price: CHF 995.00

DELMA Shell Star Titanium 41mm Limited Edition

March 20, 2023 MasterHorologer

Swiss watch brand DELMA presents a new sleeker and lighter version of its Shell Star diving watch. The DELMA Shell Star Titanium 41mm is a compact, robust and light weight timepiece that proudly reflects the company’s excellence and innovation in divers’ watches.

Introduced in 1975, Shell Star was the first professional divers’ watch from DELMA. Titanium is known for its natural tenacity and corrosion resistance. Made of this innovative material, the new Shell Star watch weighs only 136 grams. Measuring 41mm in diameter and just 13.6mm thick, this compact timepiece is exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable to wear.

This watch employs two types of luminous: bright blue glowing Super-LumiNova BGW9 for the bezel markers, and neon green glowing Super-LumiNova C3 for the indexes and hands. The signature spade seconds hand comes with a subtly enlarged luminous pointer.

The black scratch resistant ceramic bezel brings an additional element of durability and creates a dramatic visual effect in combination with sand textured black, blue or orange dials.

The colors of the signature railway track, date window and accents were purposefully considered for each variation.

Driven by the SW200-1 automatic movement, this Swiss made diving watch displays the time with three centrally positioned hands and the date via the window at 3 o’clock. The power reserve of this 26 jewel movement is approximately 38 hours.

With water-resistance to 50 atm, the titanium case back is sealed with a transparent sapphire crystal glass revealing the automatic movement and DELMA customized rotor.

The case and coordinating bracelet feature subtly brushed finish to accentuate the metal’s distinctive warm grey tone.

The DELMA Shell Star Titanium is limited to 499 pieces. Its retail price is CHF 1590 (EUR 1790 / USD 1890).

Technical details

Model: Delma Shell Star Titanium Limited Edition

Case
Titanium case
41mm diameter
13.6 mm thick
Screw down crown
Unidirectional bezel in black ceramic with markers in Super-LumiNovaBGW9 with blue glow

Dial
Black, blue or orange sand textured dial with matching railway track
Hands and indexes with Super-LumiNova C3 with green glow

Bracelet
Titanium bracelet with deployant clasp with pushers

Water-resistance
Water resistant to 500m / 1650 ft

Movement
SW200-1 automatic movement, self-winding mechanism with ball bearing, frequency 28’800, 26 jewels, power reserve of 38 hours
Central hour, minute, seconds hands and date at 3 o’clock

Box
Blue DELMA designed leather box.

Edition
Limited edition to 499 pieces

Suggested retail price
CHF 1590 / EUR 1790 / USD 1890

Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer Special Edition

March 20, 2023 MasterHorologer

The new Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer watch blends neo-vintage style with bright colours and cutting-edge technology. Inspired by an iconic Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch of the 1960s, this special edition boasts an original-style decompression table and GMT function with a bezel that shows the world time.

Created in the 1960s, the historic Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch used a multicoloured scale to display decompression times.

Today, the Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer retains this vintage charm, with an added functionality of an extra time zone display. Its navy blue dial spotlights applied and polished original Mido logo.

Paying homage to the famous Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch of the 1960s, this latest piece displays decompression times to a depth of 6 metres using circles of yellow, green, pink and blue.

The rotating bezel, which is fitted with a blue aluminium ring, has the largest cities in the world marked on it in silver. A red arrow indicates the travel time zone, contrasting with the flat and diamond cut hour, minute and second hands for the “home time”.

The brand has opted for non-tinted Super-LumiNova® to highlight the hands for the hours, minutes and seconds, and additional time zone as well the indices and the dot on the bezel. In the 3 o’clock position, a window displays the date. The “glassbox” shaped sapphire crystal is reminiscent of the plexiglas used during the 1960s.

The strong and durable polished stainless steel case is fitted on a navy blue rubber with a texture inspired by the fashions of the 1960s. An ingenious system allows the strap to be changed in a blink of an eye, and replaced with a Milanese mesh second strap.

Fitted with a screw-down case back and crown, the watch has a water resistance of up to 200 metres. Inside the 40.5 mm diameter case beats the calibre 80 Swiss automatic movement (ETA C07.661 base) with GMT function. It is capable of delivering power reserve of up to 80 hours. Moreover, the Nivachron™ balance-spring provides exceptional resistance to magnetism and shock.

The Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer is also available as a second special edition with a decompression table in gradients of yellow to orange, Mido’s signature colour, on a black dial with aluminium ring and matching rubber strap.

A starfish engraved on the screw-down case back emphasises Mido’s historic achievements in the field of water resistance, both way back in 1934 with their Aquadura system.

Technical details

Model: Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer Special Edition, Reference M026.829.17.041.00

Movement
Mido automatic calibre 80 (ETA C07.661 base), 11½’’’, Ø 25.60 mm, thickness: 5.86 mm, 25 jewels, 21,600 Vib/h, Nivachron™ balance-spring. Finely decorated Elaboré-grademovement, oscillating weight decorated with Côtes de Genève and Mido logo. HMSD + 24-hour GMT functions. Adjusted in three different positions for the highest precision. Power reserve of up to 80 hours.

Case
Polished stainless steel, bi-directional rotating bezel with blue/black aluminium ring and silver markings, natural colour Super-LumiNova® dot at 12 o’clock, diameter 40.5 mm, 2-part, glassbox-style sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and screw-down case back with polished starfish in relief and serial number, water resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m/660 ft).Lug-to-lug length 46.99 mm.

Dial
Blue, with applied, polished indices highlighted with natural colour Super-LumiNova®, date window at 3 o’clock. Polished original Mido applique logo. Decompression scale represented by 4 coloured circles (yellow, green, pink and blue).

Black, with polished applique indices highlighted with natural colour Super-LumiNova®, date window at 3 o’clock. Polished original Mido applique logo. Decompression scale represented by 4 coloured circles (in graduated colours from yellow to orange).

Hands
Flat diamond-cut hour and minutes highlighted with natural colour Super-LumiNova®. Flat diamond-cut large seconds. Varnished red hand for the second time zone, highlighted with natural colour Super-Luminova®.

Strap
Textured dark blue/semi-glossy black rubber strap, polished pin buckle with engraved Mido logo
Additional stainless steel polished Milanese mesh strap and sliding clasp that offers an optimal and secure adjustment mode.

YEMA Superman 500 GMT New Models

March 17, 2023 MasterHorologer

A major evolution of YEMA’s 1960s iconic model, Superman 500 GMT preserves its main professional diving features while providing a 3-time GMT function. For the first time water resistant to 500m, the YEMA Superman 500 GMT watch benefits from a modernized architecture and substantial technical improvements. Equipped with an in-house automatic movement, this timepiece comes with a bi-color bezel.

YEMA Superman 500 GMT New Models

In 2022, the French watchmaking brand introduced the Superman 500 GMT in three color styles: Black & Red, Blue & Grey and Black & White. Among them, the first two models feature bi-colour aluminium bezel-inserts. The third variant comes with sapphire bezel-insert combined with Super LumiNova.

This year three new versions joining the collection: Green & White and Red & White with luminous sapphire bezel-insert and Black & Brown with aluminium bezel-insert.

The YEMA Superman 500 GMT is available in stainless steel with a 39mm or 41mm case. While maintaining its thickness of 2.6 mm, the double dome sapphire crystal has also undergone a change to make it more resistant while retaining the original DNA of the Superman.

The height of the glass has been reduced by 0.3 mm while widening by 0.6 mm on its outside diameter. The double domed sapphire crystal offers better readability, enhanced resistance and a resolute vintage look.

The thickness of stainless steel case-back has been increased from 1.5mm to 2.2mm. Thanks to new technical improvements, this Superman is water resistant up to 50 BAR (500 meters) and 3 BAR (30 meters) with the crown unscrewed.

Bezel

The bezel clamp has been redesigned to ensure better stability with the crown tube. New micro drilling in strategic areas of the case right under the bezel allows for optimized rotation of the bezel click spring and a more precise alignment of the bezel insert.

With a new joint layout, it will now be possible to adjust the setting of the bezel and its bezel lock on the surface of the water. The Superman benefits from a 3 bar seal in the unscrewed crown position representing a major improvement.

The bi-directional 24-hour graduated bezel-insert in bi-color scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that offers a sophisticated appearance.

The GMT bezel with its sapphire insert combined with Super-LumiNova, required a special and innovative design to offer day/night visibility even in the dark. This specific and meticulous construction made it possible to really dissociate the bezel in 2 parts, as can be seen by the indexes at 6 hour and 18 hour.

The bezel’s luminescent marker at 12 o’clock and the luminescent arrow-shaped minute hand provide scuba divers with an accurate indication of dive times in poor visibility conditions at the greatest depths.

The luminescent 24-hour scale on the bezel and the luminescent hands facilitates reading of the three time zones in all situations. The YEMA Superman 500 GMT is also available with a bicolour aluminium bezel-insert offering a neo-vintage look.

The GMT complication makes it possible to read up to 3 different time zones thanks to the GMT hand and the rotating (24 clicks) bezel.

The unique Superman bezel-lock at 3 o’clock has proven very useful to professional divers and is found on all Superman models since 1963.

Other features

The second-generation in-house Caliber YEMA 3000 with optimised components offers a Daily Rate of +/- 10 s/d and a power reserve of 42h.

The markers and hands of the glossy black dial feature Super-LumiNova Grade A application to ensure increased readability. The iconic shovel seconds hand is exactly in the same design used in other 1970’s Superman models.

Three strap choices are available: stainless steel bracelet, leather strap and Rubber FKM VITON®.

Technical details

Model: YEMA Superman 500 GMT

Case
Vertical Brushed 316L stainless steel
Diameter: 39mm or 41mm
Thickness: 11.52mm
Lug width: 19mm or 20mm
Screw-down crown with YEMA logo embossed
2.60 mm double domed sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 50 BAR / 1650 feet / 500m

Bezel
Bidirectional bezel with sapphire insert (24 clicks), 24-hour GMT graduation
Markers and triangular marker at 12 o’clock (Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A)
White luminescent bezel in (Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A)
Bi-color bezel-insert, available in Green & White, Red & White and Black & White color combinations
Also available with bi-color aluminium bezel-inserts: Black & Brown, Blue & Red and Blue & Grey

Movement
YEMA 3000 In-house Caliber GMT Automatic
Adjusted to +/- 10 seconds per day by the watchmakers before and after assembly
Maximum rate of +/- 25 seconds per day
28 800 A/h
Power reserve: 42 hours

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds and GMT timezones
Date at 3 o’clock

Dial
Glossy black
Printed markers
Super-LumiNova BGW9 Grade A

Bracelet
316L stainless steel bracelet with brushed effect
Diver’s extension folding clasp with minted YEMA logo
Also available: Leather strap and Rubber FKM VITON® strap

Suggested retail price
Leather strap version: $ 1259
Stainless steel bracelet version: $ 1399
Rubber FKM VITON® strap version: $ 1429

Gyavius NAVI Diver 1,000M

March 14, 2023March 14, 2023 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

GYAVIUS Watch Company, founded by Industrial designer T. Gyavurov in 2012, presents GYAVIUS NAVI, a mechanical tool dive watch.

This diving timepiece from the independent Bulgarian watch brand fuses its retro-futuristic, lug-less design with meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The GYAVIUS NAVI Diver has a massive 45mm diameter 316L Stainless steel case with integrated strap bars. With a thickness of 13mm (including the dome) and strap size of 22mm, this model is also very comfortable and easy to wear. It also features a solid stainless steel case back and thick domed mineral crystal glass. It has an exceptional water resistance of 100 ATM (approximately 1,000m).

The sleek and sophisticated look of GYAVIUS NAVI is underlined by the brushed finish on the case and its sides polished to a high shine. This creates a beautiful contrast and adds a touch of elegance to the design, making it perfect for everyday wear. A bi-directional 60 click bezel in stainless steel allows the measuring of elapsed time.

The watch has a matte black dial featuring manual pad printed in white index markers. Indicating the hour, minute and central seconds, GYAVIUS NAVI features brushed stainless steel minimalistic hands. The hour marking indexes and all the three hands deploy luminous coating that radiates a green glow in the darkness.

GYAVIUS NAVI will be manufactured in small batches. Majority of the components (case, dial, hands and bezel) are made in-house. Each timepiece houses the proven the Swiss Made Sellita automatic SW200-1 movement. This calibre is capable of delivering 38 hours of power reserve.

The watch comes with fixed strap bars to accommodate 22mm wide Nato straps.

Gyavius NAVI Diver Price and Availability

The recommended retail price of GYAVIUS NAVI is $2,760. Production starts in April 2023, and the brand has started accepting pre-orders for the Batch I. Based near Sofia in Bulgaria, GYAVIUS offers hand-made wristwatches, with a limited annual production of 100 pieces.

Special Packaging

With each purchase, the brand is offering a super special packaging that not only protects the watch but also serves as a stylish display stand. Designed and manufactured in-house, this small cabinet (The Capsule) features aluminium frame and plexiglass.

Every watch will be assigned a distinctive number and will be accompanied by a smart card. With this smart card, the customer can with access a database that offers specifications and manufacturing information, such as build dates and batches.

Technical details

Model: GYAVIUS NAVI Diver

Case
Material: Stainless steel 316L
Finishing: Brushed finish with polished sides and blasted back
Diameter: 45mm
Lug to lug length: 50mm
Thickness: 11mm (without crystal)
Bezel: Stainless steel, bidirectional 60 click
Glass: thick mineral glass domed crystal
Bottom cover: Solid stainless steel case-back
Crown: Stainless steel screwed crown
Water resistance: 100 ATM (1,000M)

Dial
Colour: Matte black. Manual pad printed in White with hand applied Green lume
Material: Stainless steel 316L

Hands
Finish: Hand brush finished
Green lume
Material: Stainless steel 316L

Movement
Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1
Winding: Automatic
Vibrations per hour: 28,800 bph, 4Hz
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Jewels: 26

Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds

Strap
Nato strap
Size: 22mm

Capsule
Material: Aluminium and Plexiglass

Price
$2,760

Website: https://gyavius.com/

Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited Edition, Reference SLA069

March 9, 2023March 10, 2023 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

Seiko pays tribute to the Japanese mountaineering legend Naomi Uemura (1941-1984) by presenting a new limited edition Prospex diving watch.

Limited to 500 pieces, the Naomi Uemura Edition is based on the Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation watch.

Design Inspiration

Five years after making Japan’s first diver’s watch in 1965, Seiko introduced a new diver’s watch. It features a curving case design and an asymmetrical extension that protected the crown at the four o’clock position. This extremely robust and highly readable timepiece featured a solid steel case offering 150-meter water resistance, and a clear dial with luminous hands and indexes.

This 1970 diver’s watch proved its reliability in extreme conditions when it was worn by Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura in the Arctic region in the years 1974 to 1976.

Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver's Modern Re-interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited Edition, Reference SLA069 — Image Credit @ Seiko

Tribute to Naomi Uemura

Born in 1941, Naomi Uemura was a university student when he took on the challenge of his first mountain climb. By the age of 29, he had climbed Mont Blanc, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Mt. Aconcagua, and, in 1970, he became the first Japanese mountaineer to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Just three months later, he reached the top of Alaska’s Denali (then known as Mt. McKinley) and thus became the first mountaineer in the world to reach the summits of all these five peaks.

Seiko commemorates Uemura’s ascents of these five mountains with a modern re-interpretation of the 1970 diver’s watch whose dial depicts Mont Blanc, the first of these climbs.

Seiko Prospex Naomi Uemura Limited Edition SLA069J1

The Seiko Prospex Naomi Uemura watch (reference SLA069J1) echoes the design of the 1970 original but is thoroughly modern in execution. The textured dial features an image of the distinctive silhouette and contours of Mont Blanc over a patterned backdrop that echoes the mountain’s rocky and snowy surface.

Pressing and etching techniques are used to give the dial depth and bring the 4,807-meter peak to life. Mont Blanc is presented at the very same angle from which Uemura began his ascent. Moreover, the color theme used for the crown and surface around the bezel insert evokes the blue shadows that surround Mont Blanc.

The timepiece houses the Seiko Caliber 8L35, an automatic mechanical movement with a power reserve rating of 50 hours.

The 44m diameter case in stainless steel has a super-hard coating to protect it from scratches. The case sides are carefully polished. The front crystal is a curved sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. Fitted with solid steel screw-in case-back, the watch has a water resistance rating of 200 meters.

The date window is positioned between four and five o’clock. All 12 hour markers are visible and all have a generous coating of Lumibrite, as do the hands, to maximize legibility in the dark.

The Seiko Naomi Uemura watch has a five-row steel bracelet to create a sharp, modern profile. This limited edition timepiece is presented in a special box featuring Naomi Uemura’s famous words: “When one dream is realized, other dreams will follow.”

This new watch from the Seiko Prospex family will be available as a limited edition of 500 pieces from May 2023 at the Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide.

Technical details

Model: Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation, the Naomi Uemura Limited Edition, Reference SLA069 (SLA069J1)

Movement
Caliber 8L35
Driving system: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Number of jewels: 26

Case
Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
Diameter: 44.0mm
Thickness: 13.0mm
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw case back
Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 200m
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet with super-hard coating
Three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender

Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €3,000

Edition
Limited edition of 500 pieces

Seiko Prospex GMT Automatic

March 9, 2023March 10, 2023 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

For the first time, the Seiko Prospex collection is offering a GMT diving watch with a mechanical movement. The new Prospex GMT series is comprised of three automatic watches, and all of them are modern re-interpretations of a Seiko classic diver from 1968.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT — Image Credit @ Seiko

Models SPB381J1 and SPB383J1

The first two – SPB381J1 and SPB383J1 – represents two versions of the Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT watch. Among them, Seiko Prospex GMT SPB381 features a green dial and a green ceramic bezel insert. The second model (reference SPB383) has a black dial and a black ceramic bezel insert.

The third watch in the new series is Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition (reference SPB385J1).

Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT Reference SPB381 (with green dial and green bezel) — **Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT Reference SPB381/ Image Credit @ Seiko**

To equip these new timepieces, Seiko has manufactured a new automatic movement in the 6R family. The new Caliber 6R54 offers a GMT function and a power reserve extended to a full 72 hours.

The GMT hand can be set independently in one-hour increments without interrupting the hands that display the time of primary time zone. This arrangement allows the wearer to quickly identify the time in a second time zone.

The 42mm diameter case is made of super hard-coated stainless steel. They also feature a unidirectional bezel with a scratch-proof ceramic bezel-insert featuring luminous pip. Moreover, these models come with the proprietary Lumibrite luminous pigment coating on the hands and all 12 markers.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT Reference SPB383 (with black dial and black bezel) — **Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT Reference SPB383/ Image Credit @ Seiko**

The new three-link stainless steel bracelet with a slim profile sits securely and comfortably on the wrist.

Model: SEIKO Prospex GMT SPB385

Limited to 4,000 pieces, the Seiko Prospex GMT SPB385 Save the Ocean Limited Edition celebrates the 110th anniversary of Seiko’s, and Japan’s, first wristwatch. This model boasts an intricately textured ice-blue dial inspired by the polar glaciers.

Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition Reference SPB385 (with ice blue dial) — **Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition Reference SPB385/ Image Credit @ Seiko**

The Seiko Prospex GMT watch with the ice-blue dial (reference SPB385) is part of the Save the Ocean series. This model shares same case and bracelet with the other two creations.

It is also provided with an additional strap made entirely of recycled plastic bottles using a traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu.

Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition case-back — Image Credit @ Seiko

Water resistant to 200 meters, these new recreational diving timepieces come with screw-in, stainless steel case-backs. The limited edition Save the Ocean variant features individual serial number on the case-back.

All three Automatic Seiko Prospex GMT watches will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide from June 2023.

Technical details

Models
Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT: SPB381 and SPB383
Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition: SPB385

Movement
Caliber 6R54
Driving system: Automatic
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Diameter: 27.4mm, Thickness: 5.3mm
GMT function / Independent 24-hour hand adjustment function

Case
Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw-down crown, screw case back
Bezel with ceramic insert
Lumibrite on hands and indexes
Water resistance: 200m diver’s
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 42.0mm
Thickness: 12.9mm

Bracelet
Stainless steel super-hard coated bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock, and extender
Additional recycled polyester strap included (SPB385)

Recommended retail prices in Europe
SPB381: €1,700
SPB383: €1,700
SPB385: €1,900

Edition
SPB385: Limited edition of 4,000 pieces

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 – Tech Gombessa

March 6, 2023March 10, 2023 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

Blancpain presents the second edition of its Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary commemorative collection.

Launched in 1953, Fifty Fathoms is the first modern diver’s watch. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of this iconic timepiece, Blancpain has proposed a number of commemorative editions.

In January this year, Blancpain presented the first 70th anniversary model (with code name Act 1), a re-edition of the Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary watch. Now, the brand presents Act 2 of the opus that pays tribute to the legendary diving timepiece.

The new evolution of Fifty Fathoms has been designed to meet today’s technical diving requirements. It incorporates an innovation co-developed by Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO of Blancpain, and Laurent Ballesta, founder of the Gombessa project.

With the new Fifty Fathoms “Tech Gombessa” watch, it is possible for the first time to measure up to three-hour immersion times.

Blancpain and The Gombessa Project

Founded in 2013, the Gombessa project supports the study of some of the rarest, most elusive marine creatures like Coelacanth (cœlacanth), Marbled Grouper and Grey Reef Shark as well as deep-sea ecosystems. Leading this venture is a group of passionate deep-sea divers, including Marc A. Hayek and Laurent Ballesta. Blancpain is the partner of this project.

The new Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa series commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Gombessa Project and the 70th anniversary of the iconic Fifty Fathoms.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa (reference 5019-12B30-64A) is capable of measuring the duration of up to three-hour-long tech dives or exits from a saturation system.

Unlike the bezels on conventional diver’s watches, the bezel on the Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa has a three-hour scale. It is linked to a special hand that completes one full turn in three hours and whose material and colour – a white luminescent coating with green emission – match those of its markers.

This device invented jointly by Marc A. Hayek and Laurent Ballesta is a world first for which a patent has been filed.

Bezel and Dial

The black ceramic bezel inlay has a stronger curve and tilts it towards the dial. Offering ultimate readability in all conditions, the absolute black dial’s legibility is optimised by a spherical crystal that eliminates any visual distortion.

The hour and minute hands as well as the block-shaped appliqué markers and numerals feature orange luminous coating with blue emission. The bezel markings, seconds hand, and the three-hour hand feature a different color luminous pigment (white with green emission) to differentiate between time-related information and diving times.

Case

The 47mm diameter case of the watch is made of Grade 23 titanium. Recently introduced to the Blancpain collections, this purest type of titanium has exceptional strength and anti-allergenic properties, while being remarkably light.

The thickness of the case is 14.81 mm. The watch features – in a first for Blancpain – central lugs attached from the inside of the case middle and integrating the strap.

Water-resistant to 30 ATM/ 300m, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa diving watch features a helium valve at 10 o’clock of the case. The notches of the helium valve are identical to those of the winding and time-setting crown that enables simultaneous setting of the hours, minutes and dive-time hands.

As with all Fifty Fathoms timepieces, the crown at 3 o’clock is screwed down and associated with a crown guard that now features a new trapeze-shaped design ensuring visual consistency with the lugs.

The lower part of the case middle is bevelled rather than the rounded ‘bassine’ shape characterising the other Fifty Fathoms models. The notches used to screw in the case back have also been reworked, in the same spirit of robustness.

Movement

Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back is the 13P8 self-winding calibre.

The anthracite-coloured oscillating weight, stamped with the Gombessa Expeditions logo, features an innovative shape dominated by three large openings. This 35 jewel movement offers a power reserve of 120 hours.

Strap

The black rubber strap is screwed to the back of the lugs. It has an internal titanium reinforcement, guaranteeing ideal long-term shape, and is teamed with an extension for wearing the watch over a tech-diving suit.

The buckle with its extremely wide and ergonomic pin reinforces the hold of the watch to the wrist and facilitates fastening the extension.

Presentation Box

The Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa comes in a special Peli™ presentation box. It is water-resistant and shock-resistant as well as reusable and configurable.

This box houses a rest for the watch, the strap extension, a travel pouch, a magnifying glass, as well as a set of dividers and cutting tools offering the possibility of compartmentalizing it for any future use.

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Reference C024.607.48.051.10