dive

Certina DS Action Diver Watch

The best new Certina watches for 2011 were the "Action Divers." The name of the collection sounds as youthful as Certina wants the watches to be. Certina once made very impressive diving watches and are seemingly trying to return that image a bit. While intended to be for the mainstream buyer, these DS Action Divers are a nice watch and a good value that are also diving capable. They come in a few styles and colors, and on metal bracelets or straps. Size is just right at 43mm wide for most people. The dial is an amalgamated look from a range of successful high-end divers from brands such as Rolex and Omega. Certina sort of melded a few together to come up with this attractive look. The same concept applied to the steel case and bezel - not wholly original, but satisfying.

I love the clean integration of the date. None of the hour indicators needed to be removed, and the date disc is black to match the dial being placed between hour indicators. The watch case has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 200 meters. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement. Overall a great daily wear at a price that feels comfortable in the $800 - $1000 range.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: action diver, certina, dive, ds, watch

Graff ScubaGraff Diver's Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Since when is it OK for a super high-end diamond seller and jewelry maker to make diving watches? Never, but Graff did it anyway. Not just that, but their audacity paid off because the ScubaGraff watch is a real horological winner. I love this thing. You can't tell on the dial, but the caseback has some Octopus tentacle images, while more are engraved in the metal work of the DLC black coated deployment strap (with a nifty micro-adjust feature).

Graff is being skimpy with details so I don't know pricing or the case size. The watch will be available in steel and gold, with a DLC black rotating diver's bezel. The case will be water resistant to 300 meters and have a helium release valve. I love the liquid blue dial and large easy to see hands. It wouldn't be a Graff without diamonds. Note the trapeze cut diamond as the 12 o'clock hour indicator. I believe it will be an emerald on the gold cased version. There is another precious stone in the crown. Inside the watch is an automatic movement with 50 hours of power reserve. There is also a unique 30 minute count-down timer on the dial, not sure how that is activated though. Really a cool diving watch from Graff - even if it is destined to be incredibly excessive.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: dive, diver, diving, graff, scubagraff, watches

Christopher Ward C60 Trident Auto & GMT Dive Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is a really nice looking dive watch from Christopher Ward, I am glad that they released it (well, about to release it). The design of the C60 Trident isn't exactly their creation entirely, but has a lot borrowed from fellow British watch maker Bremont. Consider this a more affordable Supermarine 500 watch. This baby Bremont isn't so baby in a 42mm wide steel case that has two optional movements. You can get the three hand automatic (C60 Trident Auto) with a Swiss ETA 2824 movement, and there is also a GMT model (C60 Trident GMT) with a Swiss ETA 2893 movement. The best part of the watch is the hands, which Christopher Ward adopted from Bremont, as did they with the hour markers. The watch is available on two strap options (leather or rubber), and a metal bracelet (another homage to the Supermarine 500 watch).

The case is water resistant to 300 meters and has a sapphire crystal. The GMT model differentiates itself by having bronze/rose gold colored hour markers and a greener lume on the hands. Of course it has a GMT hand as well, with a GMT rotating bezel. You can even get the GMT models with "Pepsi" style GMT bezel in red and blue (in addition to the black).

Priced between $390 - $690, these are a really good value for what you get (as are most Christopher Ward timepieces). And you can order them online from their website. If you can't afford a Bremont Supermarine 500 and like the style, then a C60 Trident Auto or GMT will likely certainly satisfy. Available between October-November 2010.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: automatic, C60, Christopher Ward, dive, diver, Trident, watch, watches

Sarpaneva Korona K0 Watch Is Finnish Avant Garde Diver

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The last brand I though I would see a fully functional diver watch was from Sarpaneva. From fame based on a particularly sardonic looking face on their moon phase indicators, the dark Finnish brand brings us the Korona K0 Dive watch. You can see one of their limited edition Korona K3 moon phase watches here. The K0 will be in titanium and 46mm wide, quite thin at just 10mm thick actually. While the iconic moon phase won't be there, but the look of the case, uniquely cut dial, and hands are pure Sapraneva. The movement is a modified Soprod A10 automatic. Sarpaneva modified it a bit to make the crown operate to rotate the inner rotating diver's bezel. This removes the need for a second crown to rotate the inner bezel, and the watch even still retains a 200 meter water resistance level. Pretty neat idea, and I look forward to checking it out in action. Strap is going to be a clean black rubber one, to help keep focus on the interesting case and dial. The whole thing is topped off with a 1.5mm thick sapphire crystal and a decent level of lume on the dial. It isn't a "game changing" dive watch, but it is an interesting and welcome addition to the brand. Available starting next year.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: dive, k0, korona, sarpaneva, watch

Bulova Accutron Kirkwood Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It used to be that for the most part, even though Accutron was owned by Bulova, it was a separate watch brand. Under Japanese ownership by Citizen, you are seeing "Bulova Accutron" on watch dials now - which is a bit confusing in my opinion. Can't they just choose one name? In Japan, they seem to have a custom of branding, and then sub-branding. This is exhibited on many of their products, but to Americans, the redundant nomenclature is a bit confusing. Aside from that we are presented with a handsome watch that won't break the bank. This is the new Kirkwood dive style watch (not to be confused with "Kirkland," which would make it a Costco watch!).

The watch continues the new trend of porthole open dials for Bulova. You can see this at 12 o'clock, where you see a decorated view of the Swiss automatic Sellita SW 200 movement (same at ETA 2824-2). The case is in steel (with rose gold ion plating treatment) and is 44mm wide. There is also a normal steel version available with a blue, black or silver colored dial (as opposed to the pictured brown). It has a handsomely made rotating diver's bezel and 100 meters of water resistance. I like the large lume filled applied hour markers and the wave patterned dial.

The strap is not rubber, but fancy plastic (polyurethane). I'd have to check that out to see what it feels like. Lugs on the case look really long as well. In addition to the strap, there is a metal bracelet option available. Watch case crystal is sapphire. Not too sure about price - should be in the $1,000 - $1,300 range, and the full line should be available for the holiday season.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: accutron, automatic, bulova, dive, kirkwood, watch

Richard Mille RM 28 Diver Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Richard Mille first teased the diver watch loving world with the RM 25 tourbillon diver watch. While the timepiece was ultra impressive, it was also ultra impractical. Now they release a new diver's watch that is more akin to something you might wear more often, but still requiring a large budget. This is the RM 28 Diver and represent a more simple dial design that I feel is actually more satisfying. Richard Mille timepieces are easily among the many brands that need to be seen in person to appreciate. The photos just don't do them justice, but at least you get a good idea of what the timepieces are all about.

The RM 28 is a bit smaller than the RM 25, being "only" 47mm wide in a titanium and rubber case. It is water resistant to 300 meters an has a hefty sized rotating diver's bezel. With a dial design the reminds me of Seiko dive watches on steroids, the watch is much easier to read that most Richard Mille watches, and has their cool vertical date window. The case is held together with a series of 22 torque screws. The movement is skeletonized and an automatic. It features a "variable winding level" which means that you can adjust how hard you need to move your wrist to get the watch to wind a certain amount. This is partially gimmicky, but an interesting concept. For example, Richard Mille expect you to adjust the watch if you are sitting at a help (easy winding), versus swinging a hammer around (tough winding). The winding level is set via adjustment done by 18k white gold pusher wings on the case. While a novelty, the idea is to get the owner more involved with the operation of the watch. Overall I like the bold looks, large hands, a fun character that Richard Mille brings to the "diver watch" plate.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: dive, diver, richaed mille, RichaedMille, rm 28, Rm28, titanium, watch

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Watch In Rose Gold

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As though such a dive watch needed any beautification to begin with? IWC thought otherwise and has now crafted one of its new popular Aquatimer Chronograph watches in gold. This is the IWC Ref. IW3769 and it represents that large demographic of fully capable dive watches that you'd never want to get wet. Unless you find yourself suddenly in a James Bond style action-filled chase that ends up in the ocean, you are going to baby this watch.

All rose gold cased watches such as this feel good in the hands being hefty and solid - just what a good diver's watch should feel like. Aside from rose gold, the case has the sapphire crystal covered bezel, and rubber for parts of the crown and pushers, and for the strap. You also get IWC's special quick release strap that was first seen on the 2009 aquatimer watches. The watch is 44mm wide by 15.5mm thick. Only water resistant to 120 meters though, so don't get any deep diving ideas.

Powering the watch is an IWC in-house made caliber 89360 automatic chronograph movement that I really love. Not only does it have a long-lasting 68 hours of power reserve, but it also has a 12 hour chronograph in a bi-compax array. It does this by have two hands in the upper subdial, making it count both the hours and minutes. IWC typifies the chronograph hands by making them in red. Really a fantastic layout from a popular movement that IWC uses in a few watches. The back of the watch has a sapphire caseback window showing the movement. Nothing is better for "everyday excess" than a luxury dive watch with an in-house movement in my opinion .

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: aquatimer, dive, diver, iwc, rose gold, RoseGold, watch

Pita Oceana Watch Gets Wristed

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of the most hotly anticipated indy dive watches of the last few years is the Spanish Pita Oceana. I originally discussed the watch here while pointing out the relative high value of the available platinum version. The Oceana watch has been in development for a while now, and for 2009 there will be a limited edition of just 80 pieces. Remember that the timepiece is available in a number of metals with a broad range of customization options. This includes choosing your own hands, crystal material, strap, bezel, and more. A great array of options from a small and very dedicated watch maker. Did I mention again that it is water resistant to 5000 meters? See the original post for more details. This represents the first time Pita has really shown the world a real version of the watch in a non-prototype form. The watch as seen above will go for about $4,000 - $5,000. Pre-orders are being accepted now.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: barcelona, dive, oceana, pita, spain, watch

Blancpain 500 Fathoms Releasable Version Watch Gets Shown

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It has been a long road since Q1 of last year when Blancpain teased our eager eyes with the new 500 Fathoms watch. This month the watch will finally see its official release. So far there has been a special one-off 500 Fathoms watch for the Only Watch 2009 charity auction, a limited edition version to celebrate the release of the 500 Fathoms Watch at the Cannes Boat Show, and now the standard watch, that itself seems to be in a limited edition of 500 pieces - at least for the first run.

The biggest change to the final version of the watch from the early renders is in the dial colors (note the nice looking reversal of the colors for the Cannes limited edition). Notice the gray on black sections of the watch? Those gray portions initially shared the same dull green lume color as the four large Arabic numerals. Still, the gray sections are lume covered - so they will glow after being charged by light. There should be lume also in the rotating diver's bezel. Starting with the newer 50 Fathoms watch, Blancpain has has one of the best looking and most durable diver's bezels available, as they are covered with curved sapphire crystals. You also have the optional rubber straps that are uniquely done for the 500 Fathoms watches (seen in the image). Both this and the water resistant canvas strap ought to deal with the 1000 meter water resistance of the watch quite nicely when spending time "in the deep." I have yet to see a brand new metal bracelet for the line. If one comes out, it will look interesting no doubt.

You will finally be able to find the Blancpain 500 Fathoms watches out now where Blancpain watches are sold. It is even a stark departure from their outgoing luxury dive watch line (50 Fathoms and Aqualung). Movement is the in house made automatic Blancpain Caliber 1315 movement with a 5 day power reserve. Price is likely to be over $12,000, but we will see how Blancpain responds to the current stubbornness to pay retail luxury prices.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, 500 fathoms, 500Fathoms, blancpain, dive, diver, diving, limited edition, LimitedEdition, watch

Louis Vuitton Ladies Tambour Diver Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Louis Vuitton applies it feminine touch to the otherwise manly Tambour Diver watch. The new Tambour Diver Lady is a charming line of watches that come in 35mm steel or pink gold cases (the latter having some diamond decoration). You can get the Louis Vuitton Tambour Diver Lady watch with a Swiss quartz or automatic mechanical movement. The dial is available with the classic Louis Vuitton floral pattern or pink mother or pearl.

Look for the Tambour Diver Lady on a textured rubber strap in pink or white. The watch uses the same shape and has the internal rotating diver's bezel just like the handsome, larger men's version. The timepiece is a fully functional diver being water resistant to 300 meters, and having a thick sapphire crystal. With its good looks, durability, and desirable name brand, this Louis Vuitton Tambour Diver Lady watch line could be the most notable women's diving watch to come along in a long while. You won't find the watches that easily as you'll have to look at special Louis Vuitton boutiques only. Price will likely be around 3,000 euros.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: dive, diver, ladies, lady, louis vuitton, LouisVuitton, Q131M0, tambour

Rodolphe Paninaro Diver Chrono Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A new diver styled watch will be released from watch maker Rodolphe. The timepiece is nice, but notice that I mention diver "style" watch. A true diver watch is water resistant to 300 meters, while you don't really want to submerge anything in water that is tested less than 100 meters water resistant. However the Paninaro Diver Chrono watch is only 50 meters water resistant. So enough to watch your hands a bit more, but I'd rather Rodolphe have called it the "Paninaro Wading Chrono." Pretty nonetheless.

The watch is in steel in black PVD and 44mm wide. For all intents and purposes it should be more than 50 meters water resistant. weakness might be in the crowns or chronograph pushers. The watch uses an automatic Swiss movement with a chronograph mechanism and big date. The dial is handsome with applied features making for a nice and clear, yet three dimensional look. It also has an inner rotating diver's bezel. From a pure style perspective the watch does a good job at adding the Rodolphe trendy forward thinking and brand characteristic design to the diving watch genre, but the watch does seem to lack in the durability department.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: chrono, chronograph, dive, diver, paninaro, rodolphe, timepiece, watch