Last March, during the Baselworld 2011 international trade show in Basel, Switzerland, the young (and rather obscure) German watchmaker Nivrel has presented a replacement for its recently discontinued Deep Sea model. Doubling the catalog price, the new model also offers ten times better water resistance rating making it a perfect tool for a diver on a tight budget. Okay, just meet the automatic Nivrel Deep Ocean diving companion.
Not particularly original and, let us be honest, downright dull and uninspiring, this is, ironically, still an excellent product.
The source of greatness stems from the fact that the watch, like many artifacts created by the German Genius, is built not to visually impress, but to serve its main function or, maybe, its destiny.
You see, the new Nivrel Deep Ocean Automatic was designed as a semi-professional diving tool.
Rated for whole 50 atmospheres (500M of water resistance,) the tool is delivered in a satin-finished stainless steel case.
Coming without any noticeable decor, the case nevertheless does its job: keeps the salty water out of the “engine compartment” where the Swiss-made ETA 2824-2 automatic caliber does its own job.
Also not overloaded with fancy complications, yet still robust and reliable, the movement is widely used by brands all over the world.
Among the latest entries that come equipped with this little engine are the new Dievas Vortex Professional and the gorgeous Laco Squad 1000 Meter professional diver.
Well, giving the Germans their due I must admit that there is a purely decorative piece here: the timekeeper’s black dial is made of carbon fiber. Slightly decreasing the Deep Ocean’s legibility, the piece of high-tech fiber tries hard to make the watch look just a little more interesting.
As you can see on the photos, the dial is decorated with three large, applied Arabic numerals that are generously covered with Superluminova compound.
Too bad that Nivrel is afraid of using tritium tubes to lighten up the Deep Ocean: deep underwater, in total darkness, you may have a real hard time trying to discern its readings (the recently presented Luminox Deep Dive LLT, for example, features just such technology and glows like an Antarctic krill after days and weeks in total darkness (I mean, the watch, not the krill).) Well, going so deep underwater you will probably have a powerful flashlight with you, so reading the gadget will not be a serious issue.
The Deep Ocean Automatic is available now at Nivrel’s online store at a price of €675 including 19 percent VAT, but excluding shipping costs.
See also: UTS Adventure GMT Diver
Photos: Nivrel
Nivrel Deep Ocean Automatic Diver specification
Price: €675 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2824-2, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: Branded oscillating weight
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Tonneau
Bezel shape: Round
Size: 43.00 mm
Case height: 10.00 mm
Dial: Black, carbon-fiber
Numerals: Arabic, applied, luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with secure deployment buckle and a wetsuit extension AND A black silicone strap
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid