By TLex These girls can’t get enough of the new ‘Bali Hai Project’ Dive watch. When they are aren’t dancing round in grass skirts or sitting at Tiki bars sipping cocktails they’re off diving down to the ocean's depths. And believe me they wouldn’t be without a trusty diver.
Diving down to the ocean’s depths is a serious business and requires a serious watch, which the BHP certainly is. Water-resistant to 1000 meters, it is constructed from 316L marine grade stainless steel, has a seriously thick 5.2mm scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side, and many other essential components one would except from a serious dive watch; reliable Swiss ETA movement, C-3 super luminova and a helium release valve for SAT diving or better still showing off to your mates round the pool bar.
As serious a diver as the BHP is; it certainly doesn't take itself too seriously, which is a very refreshing quality these days. The caseback is in engraved with a fun image of hot Tiki girl. A lovely little touch in my opinion, seeing as most of us will end up wearing it whilst sat at our desks surfing the web looking for images of hot Tiki girls anyway, or hanging out and discussing the virtues of the latest dive watch release published on OceanicTime.
So whether you're a serious scuba diver, a serious desk diver or a serious poser, who's looking for a serious dive watch and don't take yourself too seriously either. You should seriously get one!Incidentally the word ‘serious’ and its derivatives occurred 13 times in this article. I make no apology!
© Halios Watches
By TLex: When I was a kid there was only one toy the stood test of time, one toy that took the beatings and abuse that other toys couldn't and that was the Tonka Truck. When I first saw images of the HOLOTYPE I immediately drew parallels with the Tonka Truck. The HOLOTYPE is one seriously rugged and chunky looking piece, it looks like it was built to not only survive the rigors of every day life, but to take a lot, lot more. It's a Tonka Truck for your wrist! Great work Jason, and good luck with it!
© Halios Watches / Tonka / OceanicTime
From Jason Lim of Halios Watches: Ask us to describe the perfect watch in one word, and our answer would be the following: TOOL. The concept of the no frills, rugged and indestructible tool watch is nothing new, but it remains our defining vision and grounding philosophy.
Every HALIOS watch is built to uncompromising standards of durability, of brute functionality. You'd buy one if you wanted to be sure that your watch is ready when you are, above ground or underwater.
Our design cues come from the vintage dive watches of the 60s and 70s. The solid, chunky lines of our cases and clean, supreme legibility of our dials serve to fulfill both aesthetic and performance ideals.
© Halios Watches / Tonka / OceanicTime
Case: 316L stainless steelWidth (at widest point): 44mmDepth (including bezel): 15mmVertical lug-to-lug: 45mmLug Width: 24mmBezel: 316L stainless steel / Unidirectional counter-clockwise, 120 clickCrystal: Sapphire, anti-reflective coatedDepth: 4mmScrewdown crown and caseback / 300m water-resistance / Superluminous hands and markersMovement: 21-jewel Japan Automatic movement / 45-hour power reserveFinish: 2 dial colors each / Brushed / Bead blasted / PVD
© Halios Watches
By TLex Yet another Diving Tourbillon comes onto the market, this time from relatively new comer and legend in the making, Richard Mille.
Richard Mille was the first to produce a carbon fiber movement, which was put into the RM006 and RM008, just one example of the cutting edge that one can expect from this brand. The RM025 is no different and also uses a carbon nano fiber movement.
The RM025 was originally going to be based on Richard Mille's very recognizable tonneau shaped case, but due to difficulties encountered when testing against the pressures that would be exerted when reaching depths of 300 meters, it was decided that a more classic diver shape would have to be adopted.Please see press release below and enjoy!
© Richard Mille
From Richard Mile: RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph Diver’s Watch
It has finally arrived. The one everyone has been waiting for. After creating watches for the rigors of land, the G-forces of the racetrack as well as the open seas, now the depths of the ocean have been scrutinized by Richard Mille, with his introduction of the RM 025.
This new creation is a watch suitable for the world of diving and the demands of the deep sea. It is unlike any other Richard Mille creation in terms not only of its exterior appearance but also its ability to deal with one of the harshest environments on the Earth without difficulty. Visually the watch breaks with the iconic Richard Mille case, yet this is a change born directly from technical necessity. Water resistance of this kind, 30 atmospheres (300 meters) following ISO 6425 diver’s watch norms, is only possible at these depths with a round case shape. However, look closely and what at first glance seems deceptively simple is much more complex…
The unique tripartite case design uses torque screws that can be individually and precisely tensioned with high accuracy around the exterior circumference of the case, thus guaranteeing a waterproof closure of evenly distributed pressure along the case edge, essential for a long term seal. This is complemented by the additional integration of the lugs into the case’s torque screw system, as well as the screwed crown construction and a new design of watertight pushers. The bezel is also unlike any other. It is constructed of three layers, connected with 24 screws, turning unidirectionally following ISO 6425 norms in order to avoid timing miscalculations. In addition, the entire bezel system is screwed to the watchcase making it absolutely stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen. This unique use of screws allows for perfect adjustment since the bezel is not tensioned into position. For clearer visibility under murky conditions, starting at 12 o’clock, the five-minute markers of the first quarter are highlighted red.
All this attention to detail is just the icing on the cake however; within ticks the caliber RM 025, a carbon nanofiber tourbillon chronograph based upon the famed caliber RM 008, one of the major and uniquely new chronograph designs of the 21st century. The RM caliber 025 unites 2 extremes: the complication of a tourbillon with the notorious complexities of a chronograph movement.
The engineering of this new timepiece took more than five years of development since the designers began with a blank piece of paper, leaving all preconceived notions behind. This led to a number of new impulses, such as creating and manufacturing a number of parts such as the column wheel and levers in titanium in order to reduce inertia and lower energy consumption circa 50%. This greatly reduces friction on the spindle and eliminates the jumps and shocks of the chronograph hand during stopping
and starting, adding to the watch’s precision. The production and assembly of the RM 025 Tourbillon Diver’s watch takes many months, with only a select number of watchmakers able to cope with its complex assembly and testing. For this reason, it is only possible to produce a highly limited number of these watches per year.
Available in 18-carat red or white gold and titanium, all models are fitted with 18-carat red gold lugs with a screwed, Richard Mille designed rubber diver’s strap.
CALIBER RM 025: Manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes,
chronograph, power reserve, torque indicator, function indicator.
Dimensions: Diameter 50.70 mm x 19.20 mm (thickest area).
MAIN FEATURES
POWER RESERVE
Circa 70 hours (numerical indications to the left of the barrel).
CHRONOGRAPH (Column wheel in titanium)
The modern architecture of this movement has allowed for the consistent and rational arrangement of its constituent parts, avoiding unnecessary superimpositions and permitting the best possible use of the functions with technical solutions. For example, research was conducted into the geometrical design of the column wheel that controls the different levers to ensure the perfect, long-term simultaneity of the functions, a feature that is essential for a high performance chronometer.
This design was implemented in order to achieve a high degree of continuity of the settings and an unfailing repeatability of the functions.
Operation: The user can start or stop the chronograph function via the pusher located on the lower left at 8 o’clock. The hands are reset by pressing another pusher located on the upper left at 10 o’clock.
300 METER WATER RESISTANT CASE
The watch is water resistant to 30 atmospheres (300 meters) following ISO 6425 diver’s watch norms. This is achieved with a unique tripartite case design using torque screws that can be individually and precisely tensioned with high accuracy around the exterior circumference of the case, thus guaranteeing a waterproof closure of evenly distributed pressure along the case edge, essential for a long term seal. This is complemented by the additional integration of the lugs into the case’s torque screw system, as well as the screwed crown construction and a new design of watertight pushers. The lugs of all versions (18-carat red and white gold or titanium) are in 18-carat red gold, with screws
for the attachment of the rubber diving strap.
BEZEL
Built up of three layers connected with 24 screws, turning unidirectionally following ISO 6425 norms to avoid timing miscalculations. The use of an additional screwed system attaching the bezel to the watchcase makes it absolutely stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen. In addition, the use of screws allow for perfect adjustment since the bezel is not tensioned into position. For clearer visibility under murky conditions, starting at 12 o’clock, the five-minute markers of the first quarter are highlighted red.
TORQUE INDICATOR
Supplies information about the tension of the mainspring, and allows the optimalization of the chronometer function of the movement. Below 53 dNmm, the spring is considered to be too slack, while above 65 dNmm, the excessive spring tension can adversely affect the mechanism’s operation, or else actually endanger it. These indications appear on the numerical zone to the right of the barrel.
BALANCE WHEEL WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
This type of balance wheel, which represents the ultimate in innovation, guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shock and also during assembly and dismantling of the movement, thus achieving better chronometric results over time. The index is eliminated, thereby allowing a more precise and repeatable adjustment.
FAST ROTATING BARREL (6 hours per revolution instead of 7,5)
This type of barrel provides the following advantages:
- The phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion is significantly diminished,
thereby increasing performance;
- Provision of an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance
and regularity ratio.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20 %), especially during the start of winding. It also aids in the even distribution of the mainspring’s internal tension.
BALANCE SPRING
In order to improve performance, lengthy research was carried out to determine a special curve of the hairspring, aimed at reducing the shifting of the centre of gravity during functioning.
ESCAPEMENT
New in-line escapement design, aimed at reducing friction.
MODULAR TIME SETTING MECHANISM FITTED AGAINST THE CASE BACK
Provides the following advantages for longevity and maintenance:
- Since the component is mounted outside of the movement, the time setting assembly can be changed without affecting the integrity of the bottom plate in the event of a possible defect or during maintenance;
- The mounting and dismantling of this module from the back will not require the removal of the hands and the dial.
FUNCTION SELECTOR
In a manner similar to a car's gearbox, a push-button located at the center of the crown allows one to select the winding, neutral and hand setting functions with a simple push. A hand at 4 o’clock displays the selected function: W (Winding) – N (Neutral) – H (Hands)
CLOSURE OF THE BARREL COVER USING EXCENTRIC SCREWS
This development is again part of the intention to make servicing easy, logical, and of a very high mechanical standard.
WHEEL BASED TIME SETTING SYSTEM (back of the movement)
Provides smooth time setting functions through the elimination of engaging friction
by replacing it with rolling friction.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE
This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
TOOTH SYSTEM OF BARREL AND THIRD-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE
The wheel with a central developing profile and a pressure angle of 20° promotes rolling movement more effectively, compensates differences between centers, ensures excellent torque transmission and a distinct improvement in performance.
OTHER FEATURES
- Center bridge in titanium
- Movement diameter: 38.95 mm
- Thickness: 8.12 mm
- Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
- Diameter of the balance wheel: 10.00 mm
- Number of jewels: 38
- Balance wheel: in GLUCYDUR, 2 arms, 20 adjusting screws.
- Moment of inertia: 10 mg cm2, lever angle 53°
- Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
- Balance spring: ELINVAR by NIVAROX
- Shock resistance: KIF ELASTOR KE 160 B28
- Barrel shaft: in chronifer without nickel (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S), which has the
following characteristics: non-oxidizable – antimagnetic – hardened
MOVEMENT
- Anglage and polishing by hand
- Locking sections hand polished
- Sapphire blasted milled sections
- Lapped and polished contact points
- Burnished pivots
STEEL PARTS
- Sapphire blasted surfaces
- Anglage and polishing by hand
GEAR WHEELS
- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
- Circular finished faces
- Gilded (before cutting the teeth)
- Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance 
© VM Dive Watches
By TLex: VM or 'Vigoria Miletto' Dive Watches are a new brand form Switzerland, allegedly! In fact they are owned by Longio Watch Co Ltd. of Hong Kong and showcase Longio Dive Watches (Longio for those that don't know specialize in dive watches and Chinese made tourbillons).
Is this a bad thing, though? Not, really, you still get 'Swiss Made' on dial with a Swiss movement which means they have met the requirements, and they do look to be very well made divers. So VM Dive Watches would appear to be re-badged and rebranded Longio watches.
VM have a substantial range but one diver in particular really sets them apart form other companies, who also use the original Lindburgh & Benson type case design.
Longio have been using and reproducing the L&B design for other companies. VM Dive Watches have not limited themselves to the L&B style cases only, but also have a whole range of other uniquely stylized cases on offer, all of which will be familiar to those of you who know Longio watches.First shown in September at the 1st Tokyo International Watch Fair 2008 and then again at the China Dive Exhibition 2008 in Shanghai. The 'VM Diver' (pictured below) with its unusual square PVD case design (pretty much a first for a dive watch these days, if you discount the original SG3761-1 Longio piece) is a very cool looking watch, the kind that you will either love or hate. I knid of like it.
It has an industrial, rugged and robust aesthetic, great attributes for a tool diver. There is certainly something very eye catching and appealing about this piece no matter where its roots may have sprung from. I would highly recommend checking out the VM Dive Watches website to see what's new, they are constantly updating it with new models. Vigoria Miletto
© VM Dive Watches
© VM Dive Watches
© VM Dive Watches
© VM Dive Watches
© VM Dive Watches
Model No.: 010Gb-black dive watch Case: 316L Stainless Steel 4pcs-parts complicated case with 4pcs decorative triangle screws,Diameter:44.00mmthickness:11.00mmBezel: 316L Stainless Steel Unidirectional Bezel 120 clickSapphire thickness: 4.40mmMovement: Swiss made Ronda quartz movementPower reserve: 3 yearsDial & hands:black Dial with Black Hands with Swiss super luminousHelium Valve:316L steelWater resistant:1000m /3300ftBracelet: 24mm ,316L Stainless SteelPVD black :0.8mic PVD black coatinglimited edition: Individual Serial NumberPackage: black aluminumIncludes: 24.00 mm Stainless Steel Bracelet, 24mm Rubber band 1pcs, , 1 screwdriver, Travel Kit.Total net weight: 937.00g The dimension:157mm*157mm*90mm Original Price: US$819.00 +
(free shipping)
© VM Dive Watches
