ZRC SECURICODE [rebirth and rivalry]

Sibling rivalry reborn, ZRC has unveiled a new collection of divers for its 120th anniversary that hearkens back to the brands historic archive of the 1960s.

Boasting the evocative SECURICODE name these three vintage-inspired brothers, cut from the same cloth of bygone sensibility and modern innovation vie for our attention – 

with three distinct looks made in various materials thus branching out with a new and exciting offshoot from ZRC’s family tree.

As ZRC forges ahead with its journey of a modern reinterpretation with the iconic Grands Fonds S1, a new challenge has steered them into uncharted waters where the promise of discovery and adventure awaits. 

ZRC’s story began in 1958 when the French Navy issued a call for tenders for the production of deep-sea diving watches. This information was passed on to Louis BRUNET, CEO of ZRC.

At that time, the brand was, among other things, specialized in the manufacture of water-resistant cases. Quickly, the excitement spread through ZRC’s workshops. 

A study launched for the Annecy Lake firefighter divers helped to strengthen the presentation to the Navy.

The final prototype of the S1, equipped with a FELSA 4000, was presented in 1959. Tested for nearly 6 months, the S1 was finally approved by the Navy, giving birth to the first ZRC diver’s watch. 

The S1 stands out with an attractive time only presentation on its dial, where the “guilloché” indexes feature an elegant, slender leaf shape enhanced by its classic diver’s bezel. The uncluttered design provides precise time-reading.

In 1965, the SECURICODE made waves as the very first diving watch capable of providing advanced immersion times at various depths. 

It retained the effective aesthetics of the S1, and the name SECURICODE became iconic after winning 1st prize at the 11th Inventors’ Exhibition in Brussels.

For 2024, ZRC reconnects with its bold design and celebrates the jubilee of the S1 with a collection, bearing the emblematic SECURICODE name. All SECURICODE models feature the S1’s historic Magnum-type hands and a lollipop second hand, adorned with beige or green Super-LumiNova® depending on the version. Their black dials in solid “guilloché” brass are topped with a blue anti-reflective sapphire crystal, which take on marine hues in the sunlight. This evocation of oceanic color makes it easy to read in all conditions.

For uncompromising versatility and to be worn on both men’s and women’s wrists, all SECURICODE watches combine their vintage personality with certified water-resistance to a depth of 300 meters (30 bars), thanks to a 39mm case combined with the brand’s renowned engineered deformation case-back. 

With the SECURICODE Diver 300, ZRC marks the grand return of its very first diving watch.

SECURICODE Diver 300 Steel: Its double-thickness “guilloché” brass dial integrates a stainless steel case with a bezel and insert machined from the same material. The whole has a circular brushed finish, just like the original models. 

This contemporary reinterpretation is accompanied by a resolutely retro-chic expansion band bearing ZRC signature. The hands are powered by a high-performance SW200-1 automatic movement in its elaborated version.

SECURICODE Diver 300 Steel/Ceramic with date: The SECURICODE family also expands with a model combining a stainless steel case with a bezel featuring a scratch-resistant ceramic insert. 

A distinctive feature of this model is the date positioned at 3 o'clock on the dial. A Tropic rubber strap inspired by those made in the 70's, reinforces its sporty chic personality.

SECURICODE Diver 300 Limited Edition Bronze/Ceramic with date: ZRC celebrates its new collection with a limited edition featuring a forged bronze case. The watch takes up the features of the SECURICODE Diver 300 Steel/Ceramic with date. 

The hands and hour-markers are finished in Super-LumiNova® eggshell to match the color of the case. For a perfect look, this edition is worn on a vintage leather strap. 

All SECURICODE come with a cap specially developed for the occasion, and are beautifully presented in a gift bag featuring vintage advertising.

Thoughts? While ZRC provides technical sophistication in the Grand Fonds family of watches, for its sober charm and elegance, the brotherhood of the SECURICODE Diver 300 is here. 

We start off with three strong contenders in Steel, Steel and Ceramic and Bronze and Ceramic but rest assured, the SECURICODE provides the perfect canvas for endless possibilities. 

I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this new collection. Furthermore you cannot help but be smitten with the SECURICODE’s cherubim appeal. 

It has all the charm of an adorable, chubby-cheeked, chunky armed cherub. The chunky case, the short but stout Magnum-type hands, the maxi twelve-hour bezel marker and its oversized crown, as adorable as cupid with his bow at the ready!

AQUASTAR: Traditional Swiss Diving Tools [where tradition meets innovation]

AQUASTAR, once pioneer of the diving watch industry, has resurfaced to reclaim its throne as a bastion of traditional Swiss (tool) watchmaking, seamlessly blending history with modern innovation. Since their renaissance, Aquastar has been diligently reestablishing itself as one of the most consequential names in traditional Swiss diver's watches. Originally technical innovators and early pioneers in the diving watch industry, Aquastar timepieces were sold as indispensable diving instruments alongside scuba diving equipment. To divers, these watches were perhaps as vital as the breathing apparatus that they were sold alongside. As far removed from the glittering display cabinets of luxury retailers as hammers and chisels were. They were actual tools, not in name alone. Today, the modern-day Aquastar has firmly planted itself in the collectors' and enthusiasts' market. It straddles the world of high-end Swiss watchmaking and the hugely popular retro-tool-watch space, competing with household names like Tudor and Oris, as well as the burgeoning micro-brand space. Yet, this historic mark strives to set itself apart, striking the balance between high-end luxury and rugged utilitarian Swiss watchmaking, and with a reasonable price point to boot, made even more reasonable when pre-order pricing is taken advantage of. Under the stewardship of Rick Marei, a dive watch historian and the modern-day skipper of Aquastar, the brand has already brought to market several fan favorites from their extensive historical archives.

Marei, with his almost Midas-like touch for bygone-era diver's watches, has been responsible for the resurrection of Aquastar, Aquadive, Doxa, Jenny, and Synchron, as well as the famous ISOfrane and Tropic strap companies.

  

Some of Aquastar’s standout features include: a Diver's Bezel with a Military No-Decompression Table: as seen on the Deepstar Re-Edition. And a Minute-Creeper Elapsed Dive Time Indicator: as found on the Benthos 500 Founder’s Edition.

Meanwhile Aquastar has remained true to its identity. Iconic models like the Deepstar with its striking monocompax (big eye) chronograph counter, the Model 60 and the Benthos 500 have rekindled a dormant flame in the hearts of enthusiasts, world over. 

 

While their current lineup employs the latest materials and manufacturing techniques and in some instances even manufacture calibers, they seldom deviate from their archives, methodically working through their historic designs, leaving their loyal following wondering with bated breath what will come next.

And rather than being swayed by the latest trends, they could themselves be considered trend-setters. If we are to look at what lies at the very core of the collectors’ market, the popular retro vintage tool diver, it was in fact Doxa under Rick Marei that was largely responsible for the resurgence and repolarization of this enduring trend. If you are new to the Aquastar brand, but familiar with Doxa, or Tudor's Black Bay, or even the Oris Divers’ Sixty-Five and the like, know this, that we have Rick Marie to thank, one of the earliest proponents of these popular retrospective vintage designs. As a traditional Swiss independent brand that once stood at the forefront of technical innovation, we can look forward to Aquastar continuing to lean into their traditional technical roots, perhaps even exploring modern case materials such as Grade 5 Titanium or composite materials. Reflecting on their early adoption of 904L Steel and the use of fiberglass for the Glasstar, innovation is embedded in their DNA.

Currently Aquastar offers an impressive range of divers, the BENTHOS 500 FOUNDERS EDITION, the DEEPSTAR II POLARSTAR & the AIRSTAR models are their newest editions to the lineup.  

In addition to those, Aquastar has just launched the NEW Benthos H1 BLUE EDITION.

 

AQUASTAR Benthos H1 Blue Edition [DEEPER THAN BLUE]

AQUASTAR turns the page on the Benthos Heritage Chapter 1!

Did you, know that blue is the last color to remain visible as you descend into the depths? Depending on the clarity of the water blue is visible up to 90 meters.

The Benthos H1 on the other hand boasts a depth rating of up to 500 meters. Most divers won’t venture much deeper that 30 meters. 

But it’s reassuring to know that the lovely new Benthos H1 Blue Edition will retain its heavenly blue hue even in the depths.

 

It is after all based on the most sought after dial variant of Aquastar's legendary dive watch from the 1970s. Yes, the H1 is back and this time it’s blue! 

 

The 300 piece Limited Edition Benthos H1 Blue Edition pays tribute to one of the world’s most revered diver’s watches. 

It is the continuation the Aquastar Benthos’ modern-day odyssey, drawing upon the brand’s earliest traditions of providing innovative, highly capable tool-divers for marine professionals.

While the original Benthos 500 was known for its unique centrally-mounted chronograph, the H1 upholds the look and feel of its granddaddy in the form of a pragmatic time only automatic. 

Introducing the Benthos Blue Edition H1 (Heritage Chapter 1) — a striking, 3-hand dive watch that retains the visual cues, capability, and dimensions of the pioneering Benthos 500 from 1970.

Which by the way was the world’s first dive watch achieving 500 meters of depth resistance without a Monobloc case design. 

The inimitable Benthos also enjoyed the distinction of being one of the few dive watches approved in the U.S. Navy diving manual throughout the 1970s.

You can PRE-ORDER the AQUASTAR Benthos H1 Blue Edition NOW. 

Technical Specifications: 

Case: Identical dimensions and aesthetics of the original Benthos 500 from 1970: 42mm 904L Stainless steel (47mm lug-to-lug), crown at 2:00

Movement: Swiss-made Swiss Sellita SW200 Elabore grade, hours, minutes, seconds Water resistance: 500 meters, 1500 feet 

Crystal: Flat, triple-coated AR sapphire Dial: Semi-gloss Blue, applied hour markers with high density X1 SuperLuminova filling 

Bezel: Unidirectional 120 click rotating elapsed time ceramic bezel with X1 SuperLuminova filled application 

Straps: Includes genuine 20mm ISOfrane Rubber Limited Edition: 300 pieces worldwide 

Delivery: February 2025

 

DEEP BLUE Watches Master 2000 Day Date Diver [COOL COLORS]

Beware of snow blindness or retinal burn, Deep Blue's dial and lume system illuminates winter!

Plunge into the cold with Deep Blue's Master 2000 Day Date Diver, which has just received two cool new colors, four new looks for the upcoming winter season.

Winter is on the way, so take a refreshing polar plunge into watchmaking with Deep Blue and their iconic Master 2000 Day Date Diver. This year, the brand is unveiling four new looks that are as refreshing as a plunge into icy waters. The two new white dial options provide satisfying bursts of snowman and polar bear white. The Polar Bear model, with its stark white dial and contrasting black accents, evokes its namesake with white fur black eyes and nose, a minimalist look that’s as elegant as it is rugged. The Snowman model, on the other hand, brings a playful touch to winter watchmaking. The bright orange hands add a pop of color against the white dial, reminiscent of a cheerful snowman with a carrot for a nose. If you prefer a more subdued look, the two new blue ombre dials evoke the frigid seas. The gradient effect creates mesmerizing depth, mirroring the darkest depths of the ocean. Whether you opt for the classic black hands or the bold orange accents, the blue ombre dials will take you into the cool blue yonder. The Deep Blue Master 2000 Day Date Diver has been a stalwart of the diving watch world for 16 long years. Its impressive 2000-meter water-resistance is a testament to its durability and reliability. Even in today's watchmaking landscape, such a depth rating is truly deep. So, whether you’re a seasoned ice-diver or simply appreciate a great timepiece to pair with your winter attire, the Deep Blue Master 2000 is the perfect way to plunge into winter.

Follow the LINK to be taken directly to DEEP BLUE’s online shop where you will find more on the Master 2000 Day Date Diver and other professional diving models.

 

CRAFTER BLUE Mechanic Ocean MARK II [Retro-Modern Diver]

A retro-modern diver through and through. The allure of vintage dive watches is undeniable. They exude a timeless charm that resonates with watch enthusiasts and divers alike. But what if you could combine the classic aesthetics of the past with the robust performance and cutting-edge technology of the present? It's a tried and tested formula and for most of us, this exactly, the only way we like all our watches created, fusing past and future. The best of both worlds. Enter the Mechanic Ocean Mark II from Crafter Blue, it does exactly this. A design that catches the eye at first glance, a study in contrast you could say. Its sleek, mid-sized profile hints at a refined elegance, while its layered bezel and rugged construction signal its dive watch credentials. This harmonious blend of form and function is what sets this timepiece apart. The most striking feature of the Mark II is undoubtedly its multi-layered bezel. The DLC-coated insert, adorned with rounded-circlular indexes, adds undeniable depth and dimension to the dial. It's a detail that pays homage to vintage dive watches while offering a contemporary twist. A modern dive watch despite its retro-inspired design. The Mechanic Ocean Mark II is a true modern diving instrument. With a water resistance of 300 meters, it's more than capable of handling the rigors of underwater exploration. The ergonomic 41mm case ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist, whether you're diving the depths of the ocean or simply strolling along the shore. And the Mechanic Ocean Mark II is more than just a tool. It's a handsome looking piece that is neither trying to be something that it isn't or trying to make too much of a statement. It's a diver for the discerning gent who appreciates style and substance and doesn't feel the need to wear a famous mark, a true geek, perhaps. With its unique blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality, the Mark II is sure to turn heads, inviting curiosity and the odd gaze of envy. Thoughts? The Mechanic Ocean Mark II from Crafter Blue is a testament to the enduring appeal of dive watches. It's a timepiece that seamlessly blends the best of both worlds, offering a compelling proposition for watch enthusiasts and divers alike. I asked the boss of Crafter Blue just the other day, "So you only like dive watches?" "Yes," he said. 'Nough said!