Today we will be sending you the 2023 edition of our "Top 5 Recommended Diver's Watches" mechanical wristwatches .
As the name suggests, a "diver's watch" is a watch with functions suitable for diving, and its main features are not only waterproofness but also a "rotating bezel" for measuring diving time. In addition, there are professional-use specifications that are equipped with a "helium gas escape valve" that releases helium gas so that helium does not damage the watch during saturation diving, and an "extension buckle" that allows the bracelet to be adjusted so that it can be easily put on and taken off even over a wetsuit.
Having said that, there are hardly any people who would consider using a watch underwater. After all, the most important points are the design and value as an asset. With that in mind, we would like to introduce five carefully selected recommended models for those who are interested in "diver's watches" with the coming summer! Please enjoy until the end.
*This list is based on our store selling prices as of March 2023.
① [Blancpain] "Fifty Fathoms Norad" "Ref. 5008D-1130-B64A"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/blancpain/fifty-fathoms-no-rad-211015/
The Fifty Fathoms was created in 1953 after the Second World War at the request of French Navy Officer Bob Maloubier. It is the forerunner of military divers, with a rotating bezel for measuring diving time and luminous indexes, and is said to be the world's first automatic diver's watch. ("Fathoms" is a French unit of depth.)
The words "NO RADIATIONS" are written at the 6 o'clock position on the dial, which means that no radioactive materials are used. This is said to be due to the safety issues surrounding the use of radium luminous materials in watches in the 1960s. In fact, a model called the "Fifty Fathoms Norad" was reproduced in 2010, but the case diameter was 45mm, which was too large to be considered a reproduction of the original. On the other hand, the limited edition model of 500 pieces released in 2021 that we are introducing this time has a diameter of 40.3mm, which is almost the same as the original. Many people were happy that it was reproduced in a similar shape to the original, and due to its popularity, it is not often seen on the market. This versatile watch, which is both rare and practical, is definitely one of the recommended diver's watches.
● Estimated budget: around 3,000,000 yen
② [Panerai] "Luminor Marina Tantalium" "Ref. PAM00172"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/panerai/luminor-243392/
In 1935, the Italian Navy established a special submarine unit, and in order to use the submarine attack boat "SLC" to blow up enemy ships, a waterproof watch that could tell the time even in the dark sea was essential. In this global situation, Guido Panerai & Figlio of Florence (the predecessor of today's Panerai), which had a track record in instruments such as underwater compasses, produced a prototype of a wristwatch in 1936 at the request of the Italian Navy. After that, in 1938, they commercialized the Radiomir, and this is where the history of Panerai's diver's watches began.
This is the special edition of the Luminor Marina, released in 2003 and limited to 300 pieces worldwide. Its most distinctive feature is that it is made of tantalum, a slightly bluish anthracite gray color. Models made of this material are very limited, such as the Ref. PAM00192, which features a two-counter chronograph, making it a very rare watch. It is harder and more corrosion-resistant than titanium, and the 44mm case diameter and the brand's unique crown guard give it a rugged design. This is a watch that we would recommend to anyone with a large wrist.
● Estimated budget: around 1,800,000 yen
3. Rolex: Sea-Dweller, Ref. 16660
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/sea-dweller-263945/
The Sea-Dweller Ref. 16660 was manufactured from 1978 to 1988 and boasts overwhelming waterproof performance among Rolex models. This popular model is also affectionately nicknamed "Triple Six" due to the arrangement of the reference numbers. By enlarging the helium gas escape valve, the waterproofness has been increased to 4000 feet (1220 meters), which is about twice that of the original Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665, making it a model with the same specifications as the current model.
The bidirectional rotating bezel was modified to have a reverse rotation prevention mechanism to ensure the safety of divers, and the crystal was changed from plastic to scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Around 1983, the dial was changed from a rimless (matte dial) to a rimmed (lacquer dial), and some rimmed lacquer dials have cracks called "spiders". The movement is the Cal. 3035, the first high-beat movement in a sports model and also equipped with a quick-change function. Although it tends to be overshadowed by the original Sea-Dweller "Ref. 1665", it can be said to be a historic model that became the prototype for diver's watches.
Estimated budget: Approximately 2,500,000 yen (without border)
④ [Omega] "Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold" "Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001"
*Source: https://www.omegawatches.jp/watch-omega-seamaster-300-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-23492412110001
The Seamaster 300, introduced in 1957, is a watch specially designed for divers and professionals working underwater, and this model is a 2021 model that features a case made of Omega's proprietary bronze alloy, 9K bronze gold. The appeal of the bronze case is the unique blue-green color that appears on the surface over time, and this material has been developed to closely resemble the color that appears after aging. (Approximately 50% copper, approximately 37.5% gold, and the rest silver, palladium, and gallium are used.)
The combination of the deep brown sandwich dial and ceramic bezel is modern yet has a strong vintage feel, making it a design that can be easily matched by anyone regardless of age. Normally, it comes with a brown leather strap, but with the coming hot summer months, it might be a good idea to try replacing it with a NATO strap (sold separately).
● Estimated budget: around 1,200,000 yen
5. [Audemars Piguet] "Royal Oak Offshore Diver" "Ref. 15711OI.OO.A006CA.01"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/royal-oak-offshore/offshore-5/
Lastly, there is the "Ref. 15711OI.OO.A006CA.01," a new model released in 2018 that follows the design of the "Royal Oak Offshore Scuba," a limited edition of 35 pieces released in 2005.
This is the first time that a gold case has been adopted for the "Offshore Diver", and the combination of an 18KPG (pink gold) case and a titanium bezel gives it a sporty yet elegant look. A rotating inner ring is attached to the outer circumference of the dial, and by turning the crown at the 10 o'clock position, you can measure your diving time. This diver's model, limited to 500 pieces in boutiques, is a rare and luxurious piece that we highly recommend to those who feel that simple watches are not quite enough.
● Estimated budget: around 6,000,000 yen
summary
What did you think.
There is a wide lineup of "diver's watches", but this time we have selected some models that are rarely seen on the market. If you don't want to look like everyone else but still think "diver's watches are good"! We hope you will find this useful.
Once again, I hope this article helps you find your favorite one.
see you!