Hodinkee
Pre-Owned Picks: A Classic Rolex Submariner, A Royal Oak Offshore, And A Seriously Lovely Dress Watch From Jaeger-LeCoultre
Plus, a titanium diver from Blancpain and a yacht-ready chronograph from IWC.
Dive Watches · Page 58
Hodinkee
Fratello
Introducing: A Flash Of Gold With The Venezianico Nereide Aureo
The Venezianico Nereide Aureo is the latest release from the small Venetian brand. It’s also a dive watch with interesting materials and processes that come together at an affordable price. Let’s check out this intriguingly colored watch. We’ve looked at several Venezianico watches on Fratello and have been impressed with them. Today’s Nereide Aureo uses […] Visit Introducing: A Flash Of Gold With The Venezianico Nereide Aureo to read the full article.
Hodinkee
Pre-Owned Picks: A Sword-Hand Seamaster, A Classic 5-Digit No-Date Rolex Sub, And A Two-Tone Cartier Panthere
Plus, a wild Millenary from AP and ever-so-thin Piaget.
Deployant
New: Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll
Ulysse Nardin releases a new Ladies Diver watch dubbed Atoll. This is a new addition to their 39mm Diver collection, which now numbers 19.
SJX Watches
Hands On: Tudor Black Bay 41 Ref. 7941A1A0NU
Among Tudor’s new releases for 2024, the most conservative is undoubtedly the Black Bay 41 METAS ref. 7941A1A0NU, which offers a monochrome, black-and-white alternative to the gilt-and-burgundy ref. M7941A1A0RU-0003 introduced last year. Initial thoughts The new Black Bay 41 (BB41) feels instantly familiar. In fact, it’s a little surprising that it wasn’t already in the collection, being about at straightforward as a contemporary dive watch can be. But what it lacks in surprise, it makes up for in simple, tangible quality. While the BB41 was the original Black Bay – launched a dozen years ago now – it now sits atop a range that also includes the smaller Black Bay 58 and even more compact Black Bay 54. The BB41 METAS’ dimensions of 41 mm by 13.6 mm thick mean it wears similar to a modern Rolex Submariner; those looking for vintage proportions should consider the BB58 and BB54. Of course, the big news is METAS certification for the MT5602-U movement, which now carries a “U” suffix to identify it as a METAS-certified Master Chronometer. The differences from the standard MT5602 used to date are likely minimal, since the movement has always had a silicon hairspring, one of the most important features for resisting the METAS standard’s 15,000 gauss anti-magnetism test. The difference, therefore, is that the movement’s high-performance specs have been confirmed by an independent test. Tudor is all about value, and the BB41 METAS is no exception. Available with...
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Doxa Sub 300T Sharkhunter Clive Cussler Limited Edition
A fitting nod to Cussler on what would have been his 93rd birthday.
Worn & Wound
Astor+Banks Launches the Sea Ranger M2
Astor+Banks has debuted the long awaited Sea Ranger M2, a watch that brand founder Andrew Perez has been working on, tinkering with, and previewing for over a year. At this weekend’s Windup Watch Fair in Chicago, he finally had production versions on display for all to see, and it was well worth the wait. It’s easily the most refined and well thought out watch in the Astor+Banks catalog, a natural evolution of what came before and a logical extension of the Sea Ranger line. This is a dual crown diver in four colorways: black, blue, army green, and a rich brown the brand refers to as “tobacco.” As you’d expect, one crown controls the time setting and winding duties, while the other rotates the internal bezel, which is lumed on all four variants. This is a really fun effect and the lume is applied liberally for a bright glow that will be genuinely useful in low light situations. The dials all have a matte finish. The case is 40mm in diameter, 12.5mm tall, and 45.5mm lug to lug. On the wrist it feels very well proportioned, and the overall machining quality and finishing is top notch, and feels like a step up from previous Astor+Banks efforts. The bracelet is a match for the case in finishing quality and has a lovely taper from 20mm down to 16mm at the clasp. Astor+Banks, responding to feedback from collectors, is using the NodeX clasp by Nodus on the Sea Ranger M2, which offers easy micro-adjustments up to 10mm. The Astor+Banks Sea Ranger M2 has a retail price ...
Time+Tide
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll has a dial like you’ve never seen
With a stunning chrysocolla dial and a blingy bezel, this is a thoroughly dressed-up diver.The post The Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll has a dial like you’ve never seen appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Tusenö Shellback V2 is a microbrand full package diver
The Swedish micro-brand has refined its diver offering in this Shellback V2 with its charismatic sandwich dial and respectable specs.The post The Tusenö Shellback V2 is a microbrand full package diver appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Monochrome
First Look – The Doxa SUB 300T Sharkhunter Clive Cussler, the Second Chapter of the Story
Nothing does more for a brand’s image than having a famous name spontaneously endorse your product. Although Doxa was not the first Swiss brand to produce a professional dive watch, it was the first to introduce a dive watch with a unidirectional rotating bezel to ensure safe no-decompression ascents in 1967. Doxa’s SUB 300, with […]
Time+Tide
Diver finds Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time lost for over a year
After falling off his wrist off the Mallorca coast, a hobby diver finds the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time 10 metres down. The post Diver finds Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time lost for over a year appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Sunday Morning Showdown: Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 Vs. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date
Another Sunday morning, another showdown! This week, Thomas and Daan pit two popular dive watches against each other. Thomas fights for the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400, while Daan defends the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date. These two watches are similar in price, function, and concept but are worlds apart in style and execution. […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 Vs. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date to read the full article.
Deployant
New: Tudor Black Bay Ceramic “Blue”
The Tudor Black Bay Ceramic "Blue" is a notable addition to the Black Bay lineup, featuring a 41mm matte black ceramic case and a striking matte blue dial. This model retains the METAS-certified master chronometer MT5602-U1 movement, ensuring high precision and anti-magnetic properties. The watch is equipped with a hybrid leather and rubber strap, as well as a fabric strap, both complementing the blue dial.
Fratello
Hands-On With The Beaufort Seatrekker - A Big-Hearted Dual-Crown Diver From New Zealand
When I feel my appetite for retro filling up, something catches my eye in a typical fashion. A good dégradé dial does that to me, and green is supposedly the color of 2024, right? Combining this with a busier-than-usual Super Compressor-style dial sounds like too much, but the Beaufort Seatrekker might prove me wrong. I’ll […] Visit Hands-On With The Beaufort Seatrekker - A Big-Hearted Dual-Crown Diver From New Zealand to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
Christopher Ward Adds a New C65 Super Compressor to the Collection
Christopher Ward has just released the latest in their popular retro-dive line-up, the C65 Super Compressor Elite. With technical upgrades and a new color palette, it’s one of the most exciting new additions for the UK-based watchmaker this year. In terms of design, the C65 Super Compressor Elite has knocked it out of the park. There’s a playful use of color here, mixing a vibrant color palette that somehow doesn’t tip into garish territory. The main palette is orange and blue, complementing the stainless steel case. Most notable on the dial are the orange and light blue bands which contrast against the darker blue dial base. These bands aren’t just a stylistic choice, of course, but a functional throwback to previous dive watches. While dive computers are now common for dive safety, the compression dive timer scales outlined in blue and orange were once used to avoid decompression sickness. Divers would find their dive depth (marked at 12 o’clock on the Super Compressor Elite) and follow the scale clockwise. This showed the maximum time they could stay underwater without needing decompression. If they exceeded this time, the scale showed how long they needed to decompress before resurfacing. This is just one of the features which show that this reference is as much a stylish watch as it is a performance watch. Like the original from 2020, the C65 Super Compressor Elite features a true super compressor case mechanism that increases water resistance as you desce...
Fratello
Fratello’s Top 5 GMT Watches Of The First Half Of 2024 - Featuring Tudor, Christopher Ward, RZE, And More
Another Friday, another Top 5! This week, we return to highlighting some of the best watches of the first half of 2024. After already having discussed recently released dive watches, it’s now time to look at GMTs. With most people getting ready to travel for the summer holidays, this is a timely topic. We have […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 GMT Watches Of The First Half Of 2024 - Featuring Tudor, Christopher Ward, RZE, And More to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
ProTek Adds an Automatic Movement to the 1210 Automatic Series
ProTek owner Barry Cohen is not what you would call a novice when it comes to tritium-illuminated timepieces. He pioneered the genre as Luminox’s original owner and founder, the brand that revolutionized tactical-style watches with continuous illumination capabilities. Thirty-five years later, he now leads another tritium-focused brand called ProTek, which manufactures watches for those working in challenging environments. They use only high-quality components that can withstand harsh conditions. ProTek is proud to be approved and recognized as an Official Watch of the United States Marine Corps, a testament to the ruggedness and reliability of their timepieces. These watches are as tough as the service members who wear them, enduring the most adverse environments. If they can endure the challenges of the USMC, you can trust their performance on your wrist. In June 2024, they launched a new automatic version of their popular Official USMC dive watch, available in multiple colors. These watches feature 42mm cases made of carbon composite, a material known for its lightweight and extreme durability. The unidirectional rotating bezel is also made of this material, ensuring the watch’s resilience. The screw-down stainless steel case provides 300 meters of water resistance and features an embossed USMC logo. To maintain this rating, the screw-down crown is equipped with multiple O-ring gaskets. The dial, hands, and bezel pip are equipped with ProTek’s ProGlo tritium illum...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Introducing the Christopher Ward C65 Super Compressor Elite
Christopher Ward has long been known for bridging the gap between high-end watches and accessibility. Their latest release, the C65 Super Compressor Elite, is a masterclass in this philosophy. A tribute to vintage dive watches, it blends cutting-edge technology with a nostalgic design that harkens back to the golden era of underwater exploration. Let’s dive into the details.
Fratello
Christopher Ward Introduces The C65 Super Compressor Elite - Bringing Back The Flair Of This Characteristic Diver Style
Christopher Ward has developed a distinct style over the past couple of years, but there is still great variety in the different releases. A great example of an aesthetic that differs from the brand’s signature style is the new C65 Super Compressor Elite. This watch celebrates the funky Super Compressor divers from the ’70s. But […] Visit Christopher Ward Introduces The C65 Super Compressor Elite - Bringing Back The Flair Of This Characteristic Diver Style to read the full article.
Teddy Baldassarre
Marathon Watches Guide
Many watch companies have a history of supplying timepieces for military units around the world, from Blancpain and Tudor’s dive watches for the French Navy to Hamilton’s field watches for World War II troops to IWC’s pilot watches for German and later British air forces. However, only one watch company has been an official supplier to the U.S. armed forces throughout nearly its entire existence, and it’s a company that many watch enthusiasts might be hearing about for the very first time: Marathon Watch Company. Read on for more background and a comprehensive rundown of the brand's collection. The Marathon Watch Company, one of the very few family-owned watch brands in existence and one of the even fewer based in Canada, traces its lineage all the way back to 1904. Its predecessor, the Weinstrum Watch Company, was founded by the Wein family, Russian immigrants who originally settled in New York City. (Another branch of the family changed their last name to “Wenger” and founded another Canadian watch business under that name, though it’s not to be confused with the better known Wenger company in Switzerland, today part of Victorinox.) In 1939, family scion Morris Wein carried on the family trade with the founding of Marathon, basing it not in New York but in Montreal, Canada, where the family had moved during the 1920s - not exactly a hotbed of watchmaking even at the time, but an ideal home base for the mission that the company began in 1941: supplying dep...
Fratello
Pre-Owned Spotlight: Five Small But Tough Neo-Vintage Dive Watches - Featuring TAG Heuer, Breitling, Cartier, And More
We are still in the midst of the biggest small-sized revival of the decade, so surely all the bargains have already been snapped up? With patience, you’ll find hidden gems from the late ’90s to the end of the ’00s. But with many of these having been big-watch years, finding small but tough neo-vintage dive […] Visit Pre-Owned Spotlight: Five Small But Tough Neo-Vintage Dive Watches - Featuring TAG Heuer, Breitling, Cartier, And More to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing – The Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll with a Mesmerising Chrysocolla Dial
Ulysse Nardin has always been associated with the sea, from its early days as a purveyor of precision marine chronometers to its current nautical-inspired collection, which includes classical references like the Marine Torpilleur or more contemporary, high-performance Divers. Offered in three case sizes, the more compact 39mm model returns with a stunning mottled neon blue […]
Fratello
A Historical Overview Of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris
Dive watches are some of the most popular sports watches in the world, steeped in romance and a sense of adventure. While some have become the stuff of legend, others have not received quite as much attention. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris is one that I feel many often overlook. Its history, however, is fascinating and […] Visit A Historical Overview Of The Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
Oris Introduces the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV, Made in Partnership with the Reef Restoration Foundation
Oris has unveiled their latest release in their ongoing “Change for the Better” campaign, a limited edition Aquis with a unique gradient dial. The Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV continues a tradition of partnership with the Reef Restoration Foundation, an Australian non-profit whose mission is to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef. Watches in this series frequently feature evocative, nature inspired dial designs, and the Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV is no exception. It also marks the first of these watches to be built on the new Aquis platform that was unveiled at Watches & Wonders earlier this year. The most prominent design detail here is certainly the dial, rendered in a gradient blue that is meant to mimic the turquoise and blue water of the Great Barrier Reef as seen from the air. The gradient effect also captures the natural refraction of the sun’s rays through water, as you’d see if you were diving. This phenomenon is unique in nature and something that only a handful of divers get to see at depth. Oris points out that the vertical gradient seen in this dial design is rare for the brand, as typically their gradient dials emanate from the center. But the verticality here reinforces the idea of a diver descending, and fits the watch thematically. Regular readers will remember that when Oris introduced a revamped Aquis earlier this year, they did so in a multitude of sizes and configurations. This particular limited edition is built ...