The 2012 Deep Blue CALDIVER 500 comes loaded with functions, those including an annual calendar, a second time zone display and a power reserve indicator. I am not sure whether a professional diving watch indeed needs so many displays. However, those looking for a monster-sized diver that could also be worn as a casual watch may find the list of functions quite useful.
When you get yourself such a ‘multi-tool’ of a timekeeper, ergonomics becomes important and this gadget, I am afraid, will not make you moan with pleasure while setting all the numerous indicators. While most functions of the new Deep Blue CALDIVER 500 are operated via the crown (which, by the way, can also be used to manually wind the watch,) the “Months” display, which is placed at 3 o’clock, is set using a water-tight push-piece located just above the crown at 2 hours. This is, of course, dictated by the choice of mechanism that powers this particular CALDIVER 500.
Although for many an ETA 7750 (or one of its many derivatives) still remains a mechanism of choice, guys form Deep Blue decided to employ a high-quality (although mass-produced) self-winding caliber 9100 that was fairly recently presented by the Japanese company Miyota (a brand owned by the famous watchmaker Citizen.) The movement was probably chosen in order to keep the chronograph’s price at an acceptably low level without sacrificing its build quality and ability to keep time.
Sporting 26 jewels and beating at a standard frequency of 28,800 vph, the caliber offers a guaranteed power reserve of 40 hours. It is also accurate as well: the Japanese brand guarantees that the automatic watch will not lose or gain more than 30 seconds per day.
Being around 30 millimeters in diameter and 5.52 mm thick, the movement sits comfortably inside the oversized body, which is crafted from satin-finished stainless steel.
At 46 millimeters in diameter and 17 millimeters high, this is a huge watch. However, its gargantuan proportions are somewhat offset by an impressive water resistance rating of 500 meters: if used together with a professional electronic diving computer, it can become a nice companion for a hard-core diver.
Judging by the photos that we have obtained recently, the watch has its hours and minutes hands, as well as the hour markers covered with some luminous substance, which makes it usable even deep underwater. The traditional dot on the rotating diving bezel is, too, painted with lume.
As far as I understand, the watch is available for order right now. It is offered at a more than affordable price of $499.
See also: Deep Blue Master Explorer 1000M Diver
Photos: Deep Blue
Deep Blue CALDIVER 500 Automatic specification
Price: $499
Movement: Automatic, Miyota caliber 9100, Made in Japan
Number of jewels: 26
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Not decorated
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day of the week, month, second time zone (GMT)
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 46.00 mm
Case height: 17.00 mm
Lug width: 24.00 mm
Dial: Black or Blue
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 500 meters
Strap: Stainless steel multilink bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Transparent