For this new self-winding Skydiver Date 80126-3VIN-GDN, Edox used an undisclosed manufacturing process that gave the watch an interesting “Aged Steel” (this is literally how they call it) look. Even though the caliber inside the Skydiver is simple and, well, nonspecific, the vintage-styled watch still deserves some attention.
Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 Automatic Three-Hander
Designed for a person who thought that Ulysse Nardin’s earlier Diver Chronometer 44 was too pricey, too big, and too cluttered for a diver (or, perhaps, for a person who is happy with the watch and wanted to augment their collection with a simpler version,) the 2018 Diver 42 automatic three-hander offers a beautiful, clean exterior, superior build quality, and a mechanism that, alas, is a bit too simple for the price that the brand asks for this thing.
Historic Re-Issue: DOXA Sub 300 “Black Lung” Edition
In 2017, Doxa has released several “anniversary” timekeepers that celebrate the brand’s first semicentennial in the business of making professional diving tools. While the blackfaced Sharkhunter and the silver-faced Searambler attracted their fair share of attention from collectors and, um, more normal enthusiasts alike, it was the Sub 300 “Black Lung” Limited-Edition automatic diver that broke the brand’s own sales record with the whole bunch being pre-ordered during the first 24 hours after registration officially commenced.
Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 Automatic (41034)
The 2016 Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 (ref. 41034) looks like a faithful recreation of the classic Scafograf from the 1950s. Offering you a nice combination of a robust Swiss-made movement, adequate water resistance rating of 300 meters, and an elegant exterior, it is mildly overpriced but will probably be successful in the long run when all sorts of discounts and rebates kick in.
Alpina Introduces “Vintage” Seastrong Diver Heritage Line
The 2016 Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage (refs. AL-525S4H6 & AL-525G4H6) collection is a reference to the brand’s “days of independence.” Back in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, the company introduced one beautiful model after another. Although I can’t call it a real “homage” (and I like that it is not,) this new pair of timepieces does a good job at recreating the spirit of the days long gone. Perhaps, the only thing that somehow devalues these gorgeous retro-styled models -besides the fact that, differing so much from other members of the Seastrong family, it needed to become a foundation of a completely new collection- is the simple mass-produced mechanism: each of these beauties just screams for a hand-wound NOS job!
Icon. Reimagined. 2015 TAG Heuer Aquaracer Ceramic
The iconic TAG Heuer Aquaracer family finally gets a handful of new members that have their stainless steel bezels replaced with ceramic ones. Available in black and blue, with plain or blacked-out steel bodies, and featuring a nice choice of available straps, they are still relatively affordable if you take into account a nice combination of attractive styling, reliability and a bullet-proof automatic movement to finish the picture.
Affordable Luxury: Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date
The 2015 Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date is yet another “affordable” diving companions. The reliable and accurate quartz mechanism packed into a visually attractive, nicely sculpted stainless steel body, making the timepiece a perfect “first real Swiss watch” for a young customer who still can’t afford to buy “a real thing” that costs 10 times more.
Stowa Seatime Black Forest Edition 1
The German watchmaker has just started taking orders for its new Stowa Seatime Black Forest Edition 1 automatic diver. Offered at a moderate price of just €1390 (including VAT), the new timekeeper is a wise choice for a person looking for a nice diving companion, but not willing to pay the premium for a Seamaster or a Submariner. Reserved, but also handsome, this is so far one of the most attractive divers that money can buy.