UTS Watches has built its reputation as the maker of elite diving tools by designing timekeepers that successfully combine well-designed cases, highly readable dials, high-quality movements, and relatively affordable prices. In other words, the watchmaker has been selling products with good value. Recently, the Munich-based watchmaker has released their new UTS 2000M Pacific Horizon Blue limited-edition super-diver with an official depth rating of two thousand meters. That’s almost 6600 feet of water pressure of 200kg/cm2: something that you don’t see that often in your average boutique.
Like many ‘independents’, UTS Watches doesn’t make movements for their products. However, they have their own shop with enough high-grade tools and CNC machinery to make their own cases and bracelets. They are so good at this job that they can charge as much as $3800 for a relatively plain-looking diving tool in stainless steel. Yes: their watches have no usual gimmicks like a well-advertised logo on o a dial or even a hint of gold, or carbon, or titanium, yet they are still at least two times more expensive than similarly specced timekeepers from other brands.
As for the movement, as many smaller brands do, the Germans outsource their movements from third-party companies that specialize in manufacturing ready-to-case blank calibers.
In this particular case (no pun intended) we see the good old ETA 2824-2 automatic movement that offers a simple calendar function and has a guaranteed power reserve of 42 hours.
The Swiss-made movement is known for its high reliability and adequate accuracy and is often referred to as an “industry’s workhorse” for its widespread popularity among watchmakers (you can often find the caliber ticking -with minor modifications- inside a lot more expensive watches from the most reputable brands.)
Another good point is that there are thousands of repairmen trained to work with this ebauche, so, if the need arises, you will have no problem finding a repairman to service or fix the tiny engine.
Since the Pacific Horizon Blue is rated for more than the impressive depth of 2000 meters, its stainless steel case is equipped with a special helium escape valve (HEV) that lets the gas escape easily during decompression stops without popping out the thick sapphire crystal that protects the dial.
Being 44 mm in diameter, impressive 16.5 mm in height and tipping the scales at massive 250g (bracelet included), this watch is definitely not a device you will wear with your business suit, but it still may be used with a more casual dress: a pair of blue jeans and a rugged sweater will fit it just right.
Still, even despite its relatively high price, it must be noted that this product is not a luxury accessory (although you can use it as one.) It is what it is — an accurate and reliable time-measuring device, which is designed to make sure that you will not find yourself 1.3 miles deep underwater with nothing but a top-grade vacuum in your oxygen tank.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4.5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
See also: UTS 1000M Diver 10th year Anniversary Special Edition
Photos: UTS
UTS 2000M Pacific Horizon Blue specification
Price range: $3800 (MSRP)
Movement: Caliber ETA 2824-2, automatic, Swiss Made
Functions & Complications: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date, helium escape valve on the case side
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 16.50 mm
Dial: Blue, with sunburst finish
Hands: White, luminous
Water resistance: 2000 meters (200 atm)
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with solid links, brushed finish
Crystal: Sapphire, 4.00 mm thick, antireflective
Case back: Solid, engraved