First revealed at the Baselworld 2015 trade show, the 2015 Oris Divers Sixty-Five (ref. 01 733 7747 4055-07 4 17 18) automatic diver pays homage to a classic model from 1965. Although it is absolutely not a true reissue (even the choice of the movement makes it a different model), the Sixty-Five makes a strong impression and will be a wonderful choice for a person who wants to buy something “vintage”, but with brand new guts to power it.
Diving
Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date Quartz
The 2015 Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date expands the brand’s line of affordable diving companions with yet another product. Featuring a reliable and accurate quartz mechanism packed into a visually attractive, nicely sculpted stainless steel body, the timepiece looks like a perfect “first real Swiss watch” choice for a young customer who still can’t afford to buy “a real thing” be it a member of the same collection powered by a more expensive mechanical movement or something of an entirely different league like, say, an Omega Seamaster or a Breitling Superocean.
Breitling Superocean II 36 Diver for Ladies
The new Breitling Superocean II 36 Diver sports the usual styling that the series is known for. Basically offering the same unisex model in a slightly smaller size, the timekeeper won’t surprise you with new ideas, but will rather deliver the usual blend of sportiness, good build quality and a bullet-proof (albeit, mass produced) mechanism that will keep time as you would expect from a COSC-certified movement. What else there is to want?
Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon Hunley Automatic Diver (Ref. PM2096B-S1J-BK)
Although the 2014 Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Hunley Automatic Diver (Ref. PM2096B-S1J-BK) still features that “polarizing” patented crown guard system as previous iterations of the watch, it is still one of the most elegant members of the growing family. As refined as a diving tool can be, it is also not expensive sporting a price tag around $1000 lower than that of an IWC Aquatimer.
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 an Omega Seamaster or a Rolex Submariner. Reserved, but also handsome, this is so far one of the most attractive divers that money can buy.
Blancpain «Ocean Commitment» Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback
The Blancpain Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback features a stunning ceramic body with an elegant blue bezel and a highly-legible dial, sports a water resistance rating of 300 meters, and is limited to just 250 numbered pieces. Blancpain is also committed to donating as much as €1000 from each timekeeper sold to the various initiatives and foundations that contribute to making the world ocean a little bit better place to live for its billions of dwellers. What other excuse do you need to buy this beautiful timepiece?
IWC Aquatimer Deep Three Titanium (Ref. IW355701)
Unveiled at SIHH 2014, the IWC Aquatimer Deep Three Titanium (Ref. IW355701) is perhaps the first “tool” diver that actually looks great. Its lightweight titanium case is meticulously crafted and features a much elaborated high-tech finish. With its easy-grip rotating bezel and crisp (although a bit busy thanks to its mechanical depth gauge display) dial, the wristwatch would look organic in a sci-fi movie like Oblivion or maybe even Prometheus.
Edox HydroSub North Pole Limited Edition
Presented in 2014, the Edox HydroSub North Pole (ref. 80201 3BUO BU) celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original Hydro Sub. With its total run limited to just 350 pieces, the model was chosen as an official timekeeper of an expedition to the geographic North Pole in February 2015. Not only at least two timepieces out of 350 will see one of the coldest places on Earth, but one of them will also be used by champion free diver Christian Redl of Germany during a world’s first attempt at a free dive under the ice cap.
Longines Heritage Diver Chronograph Automatic (Ref. L2.796.4.52.9)
The 2014 Longines Heritage Diver Chronograph (Ref. L2.796.4.52.9) takes you in the same direction as their earlier cushion-shaped models: the 1970s. If you have always wanted a watch in a “cushion” or, perhaps, “tonneau” body, but always thought that Panerai and TAG Heuer chronographs look a bit too tiring with their deliberately repetitive, run-of-the-mill design, this is the one to consider.
Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk Cobalt Blue (49960-19-431-FK4A & 49960-19-431-11A)
First revealed in its current form in 2011 (its signature shape, however, was introduced in 2002) and slightly refreshed in all the right places back in December 2012, the Sea Hawk family has been expanded with a new variation. Called Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk Cobalt Blue and available either on a blue rubber strap (ref. 49960-19-431-FK4A) or a bit less flashy, but a lot more practical stainless steel bracelet (ref. 49960-19-431-11A), the diver makes an even stronger impression. In fact, it radiates such a strong presence that you would probably need to wear Dr. Freeman’s hazmat suit just to walk into your nearest Girard-Perregaux boutique to see the watch in person.