Dive Watch Releases / Articles
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has been logging on. I’ve had over 10,000 hits in little over 4 months, which has been great to see. Many thanks; too, to everyone who has taken the time to sign my guestbook so far, I really appreciate all the kind comments. Like my intro states, my blog is dedicated to fellow dive watch enthusiasts and as such can hopefully be a useful resource for you. I am continually thinking of new ways to improve the blog, but am just one man, so I will be putting together a little feedback form in the near future, in the hopes to get some suggestions from you my readers. I am now a member of a Swiss press association so am guaranteed to get up to the minute news on pretty much all of the latest Swiss releases along with high definition images, far less need for ripping ! As well as this I have been getting to know many great dive watch makers and manufactures, thanks to you guys for providing me with great quality information to post here. By way of a thank you to everyone I will be giving away free, a brand-new dive watch! More details to follow have a great weekend all!
From Reactor: REACTOR SURFACES WITH PIPIN FERRERAS SIGNATURE WATCH COLLECTION
© Reactor (Click To Enlarge HD-Image)World-renowned free diver partners with Southern California watch company on exclusive new line AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (January 15, 2009) — Southern California-based REACTOR, maker of the world’s most durable and progressive sport watches, has joined forces with world record free diver Francisco Pipin Ferreras.
The company announced this relationship in May 2008 at the JCK Las Vegas Show, and plans to build an exciting new Pipin Ferreras Signature Collection of professional dive watches.
Scheduled for a late Fall 2009 launch, Reactor’s exclusive Pipin Ferreras Signature Watch Collection will initially be comprised of three distinctive styles including one model depth tested to 1,000M, with retail price points ranging from $400 to $1,000. “I had the pleasure of meeting Ferreras years ago while I was at Freestyle Watch, and our relationship has grown since,” said Reactor Founder Jimmy Olmes.
“We felt it was the right time to develop an exclusive custom line of professional quality dive watches celebrating his tremendous achievements and stature in the international and U.S. free diving community.” The timing on Reactor’s Ferreras Signature watches couldn’t be better as Hollywood director and award-winning filmmaker James Cameron has purchased the rights to Ferreras’ life story, and will direct and produce the movie, “The Dive” starring Salma Hayek, for 20th Century Fox Studio.
Ferreras is the former world recorder-holder in no limits free diving with his 587 ft. plunge. Free diving is an extreme sport in which participants use a weighted sled to descend hundreds of feet under the sea after taking only a single breath of air, and then race to the surface attached to an inflated lift bag. Like all Reactors, the Ferreras pieces will be constructed from solid type 316L marine-grade stainless steel, and will feature triple o-ring screw-down crown systems for added water resistance, screw bar case-to-band interfaces for strength, and hardened K-1 crystals for the best balance of scratch and shatter resistance.
© Reactor
By TLex A new version of the Citizen Air Diver has been released for the Japanese domestic market. The PMX56-3002 is available with black or brown dials. 
* Ti case Bracelet / Duratect DLC coating
* Aluminum BEZEL (not Duratect / DLC)
* 200m Water-resistant
* Crystal Glass
* Diameter: 40mm (with out crown)
By TLex: It's been a bit quiet this week, but here's a story that might be of interest! More images to follow shortly.
© Reactor & Earhlink (Click To Enlarge HD-Image)
From Reactor: REACTOR’S GROUND-BREAKING ‘GAMMA’ WATCH ENDURES EXTREME UNDERWATER TESTING
Designed for absolute durability, Gamma water sport watch to undergo torture-level test AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (January 29, 2009) — Southern California-based REACTOR, manufacturer of the world’s most progressively conceived performance sport watches, announced that their bestselling Gamma water sport watch is currently being subjected to the most extreme test in the company’s history.
To leave no doubt about the company’s “best built” claim, REACTOR recently attached a stock Gamma watch to a shipwreck submerged in 300 feet of saltwater off the Southeast coast of Florida, where it will remain for three years, exposing the watch continually to the harsh conditions. Testing will be monitored once yearly by expert diver Mike Barnette, co-founder of the Association of Underwater Explorers.
“Our Gamma pushes the limits of our core design,” says the company’s Founder Jimmy Olmes. “It is built as strongly as we know how to make a watch today, and we want to know just what it is capable of.”
Reactor’s Gamma is built on an oversized 45.5 mm case that is forged from solid 316L marine-grade stainless steel and is depth tested to 300M/990 ft. The case is capped by a special K-1 crystal with four layers of antiglare coating that makes it easily readable under water, and is sealed with Reactor’s exclusive triple o-ring screw-down crown system.
The quartz day/date movement features a 10-year lithium power cell, and Reactor expects the watch to maintain the correct time during its entire three-year submersion. In addition to its extreme durability, REACTOR’s ground-breaking Gamma is the world’s only non-tritium sport watch to offer 24-hours of luminosity.
The company has developed a new process of applying Swiss Superluminova which gives the Gamma over 3X the visibility in darkness of its nearest competitor.
By TLex I posted details of this one last week, here are some official images and specs.
From TISSOT Patented technology at your fingertips! With its tactile screen and rarely equalled underwater legibility, the Sea-Touch from Tissot is indispensable for anyone exploring the ocean depths. Not content to meet all the criteria required by European norm 13319 regarding diving instruments, the Sea-Touch also offers a whole host of practical functions, for both land and underwater use. Not to mention a style that matches the most magical of subterranean seascapes.
© Tissot
Movement Quartz with HMSD analogue-digital system "End of Life” indicator
Functions Hours, minutes, diving, logbook, chronograph, compass, thermometer, alarm, perpetual date, second time zone, backlighting
Case Stainless steel / Orange and black, or black and white, rotating bezel Pushpieces with double protection, a Tissot SA patented technology
Glass Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant tactile sapphire crystal
Water-resistance 200 m
Dial Black, white or orange
Bracelet/Strap Orange or black rubber, or steel bracelet with diving buckle
By TLex: I've just received this release, which I had already posted last year. Aquanauctic released the Diving Tourbillon in June 2008, so it has not been shown at Basel yet. Here are some more details and HD-images, an amazing piece me thinks. If you like diving Tourbillons, click here for some more!
© Aquanautic (Click To Enlarge HD-Image)From Aquanautic: Aquanautic introduces its very first tourbillon in an eye-catching composition. A combination of technological excellence, robustness, refinement and luxury, the Super King Diving Tourbillon brings together performance and perfection: the performance of its BNB movement and the optimum security provided by its exceptional legibility, double-crown locking system and 5-day power reserve; the perfection of the workmanship, from the design to the materials used. With this model, a dream becomes reality. 
© Aquanautic (Click To Enlarge HD-Image)
Movement Hand-wound, BNB 1450 calibre with flying tourbillon, 33 rubies, 21,600 vib/h, mono-pushpiece column-wheel chronograph, 120-hour power reserveFunctions Hours, minutes, chronograph, second time zone and power reserve indicator
Case Titanium and 5 N (18K) pink gold, 52 mm Pink gold unidirectional rotating bezel /
Screw-down crowns and pushpieces with pink gold safety clasp
Glass Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating and sapphire backWater-resistance 300m
Dial Skeleton with sapphire crystal / Superluminova (18K) pink gold handsSecond time zone on interior bezel
Bracelet/Strap Rubber with pink gold triple folding clasp
From GO: The name Evolution that has been added to the sports collection of the Saxon manufactory Glashütte Original lives up to its name. A continuous further development of the sporty timekeepers has resulted not only in design oriented but also functionally useful innovations.The optimum protection of the movement as well as the unlimited use in the field of sports is at the heart of the construction and development process at Glashütte Original. Extreme conditions as jolts and shocks should not have an impact on the Sport Evolution Impact models. In co-operation with the Fraunhofer technology development group in Stuttgart, a material has been developed that is ideally suited to form the basis of the cushioning elements. These components, which consist of flexible Elastomer, function as the fixation points of the movement and dial and represent the connection with the case.
© Glashütte Original (Click To Enlarge)The first model variations of collection – Sport Evolution Impact Chronograph and Sport Evolution Impact Tourbillon (limited to 100 pieces) – present themselves in a solid 46 mm sized case made of satinised and polished stainless steel.
© Glashütte Original (Click To Enlarge)
Clocks your personal best time without stopping you! The Sport Evolution Impact Chronograph enables you to securely take control of time. Thanks to red contrasting elements, the black-colored dial is powerfully sporty, and it is especially the chronograph display that is colorfully pulled into the spotlight. The baton markers and the hands are inlaid with luminous SuperLumiNova for better legibility, even at night. The precision of the rate, accurate to the second, is underscored by the red second numerals around the perimeter of the dial. The sporty timekeeper features a clearly arranged tachymeter-bezel. The dynamic timing device ensures water tightness of up to 10 ATM.The heart of the watch is automatic manufacture Caliber 39-31, which guarantees an absolutely precise rate. A concave sapphire crystal case back is shaped to fit the wrist of the wearer. Furthermore, it allows a view of characteristic movement elements such as the swan-neck fine adjustment, the skeletonized rotor, and three-quarter plate.
© Glashütte Original (Click To Enlarge)
The Sport Evolution Impact Tourbillon skillfully joins two worlds to become one: thus, the robust timekeeper meets the traditional horological complication, combining modern technical innovation with design. Inside this watch ticks automatic Caliber 94, impressively embodying the highest demands the art of watch making could place on the Saxon watchmakers’ competence. An exceptionally precise display of time is guaranteed in this movement by the Flying Tourbillon, which sees the balance, pallets, and escape wheel placed in a cantilevered carriage.By revolving 360 degrees once each minute, the carriage compensates for the effects of gravity on the watch’s rate. Glashütte Original’s generously designed panorama date clearly stands out from the black background at 12 o’clock. The course of the individual hours is shown by polished silver hour markers. The markers inlaid with SuperLumiNova, a luminous substance, guarantee improved legibility, and the centrally positioned sweep hands provide information on the hour and minute, the visuals of which are strengthened by luminous substance, while the small second is positioned on the tourbillon cage.This Sport Evolution Impact models are available on a rubber strap, a Trieste strap (both with integrated lugs) or a specially designed stainless steel bracelet: this flawlessly crafted four-link metal bracelet fits the wrist circumference of its wearer perfectly. Adjusting the individual length of the bracelet using the patented, innovative closing and adjusting mechanism designed just for Glashütte Original is easy. The integrated double G logo functions as both the clasp’s button and the activator for the fine adjustment mechanism, which can be adjusted a total of eight millimeters in eight steps, making it supremely comfortable. The elements are screwed to one another with no room for interplay between them so that they are much more stable than links joined by pins. The double security mechanism with two buttons on either side hinders an accidental opening of the clasp.
© Glashütte Original (Click To Enlarge)
From JLC On February 16th, jaeger-lecoultre.com will begin an online auction of the prototype Number 1 of the model Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Tides of Time, from its SIHH 2009 collection. Please note that 100% of the proceeds will be donated to UNESCO.
Symbolizing the "Tides of Time" partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Herald Tribune, this timepiece associates two of the Manufacture's emblematic complications: an alarm and the simultaneous display of the time in 24 time zones. Three of the cities on its outer dial ring have been replaced by three natural sites appearing on the World Heritage list benefiting from a dedicated preservation programme supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The timepiece is a "Tides of Time" edition of the fascinating Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm model. Symbolising the "Tides of Time" partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Herald Tribune, this timepiece associates two of the Manufacture's emblematic complications: a highly readable Memovox alarm function and the world time system, the simultaneous display of the time in 24 time zones.
Three of the cities on the outer world time dial ring have been replaced by three natural sites appearing on the World Heritage list benefiting from a dedicated preservation programme supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre (Scandola in France, Galapagos in Ecuador, and Tubbataha in Philippines).
The conception of the extraordinary patent-filed two-part case fulfils the highest performance demands: the case is connected to its support by an original system that absorbs shocks to an unprecedented degree and enables the movement to pursue its task smoothly and accurately, by protecting it from vibrations and impacts during use in extreme conditions.
Thanks to the ingenious patented interchangeable wristband system integrated within the case middle, the straps can be removed in no time at all and replaced by another one.
MOVEMENT The 36.2 mm diameter automatic movement, Calibre 912, is one of the most imposing of its generation. It is naturally equipped with the latest technical feats stemming from Jaeger-LeCoultre's ongoing research: a variable-inertia balance fitted with adjusting screws on the outer rim; unidirectional winding; as well as an oscillating weight with ball-bearings in ceramics - a high-tech feature offering the invaluable advantage of requiring no maintenance or lubrication.
As the ultimate proof of its extraordinary sturdiness, the original alarm mechanism of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912 is subjected to the implacable trial of the striker test, 45-hour power reserve.
The distinctive conception of the Master Compressor Extreme's shock-absorbing case called for in-depth research on the acoustic qualities of the alarm, leading to the creation of a state-of-the-art gong. Instead of the traditional gong fixed to the back of the case, the gong actually surrounds the movement and is secured to the case middle by two pins. It is struck by the hammer at a precise point near this point of attachment. The geometry has also been specifically revised so as to optimise the qualities of the sound emitted.
The alarm function comprises a double pushpiece enabling the owner to decide whether to start or stop the alarm function.Reflecting these inner technical innovations, the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm watch is distinguished by an original display of the alarm time by means of two juxtaposed discs that appear through a perfectly readable window at 9 o'clock. The positioning of the hour disc is followed by the minute one, thus enabling the user to select any time in five-minute intervals. The watch dial also carries a date window at 3 o'clock with fast adjustment
The auctioned prototype, reference W17784T, is the first pre-series watch of the titanium "Tides of Time" limited series presented in January 2009 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, and to be delivered in Autumn 2009.
The high-quality prototype Master Compressor W-Alarm Tides of Time engraved "Proto Number 1" has been reserved for the online auction. It features a steel support and a satin-brushed grade 5 titanium case, which makes the prototype unique in comparison to the series, in terms of materials.
It will be delivered to the winner of the auction with 3 wristbands (a black rubber strap, a blue rubber strap and a leather strap) and comes with a 10-year Jaeger-LeCoultre International guarantee.Movement: Automatic Pieces number: 315 Vibrations per hour: 28800 Power-reserve: 45 Hours Jewels: 23 Barrel: 2 Height: 7.78mm
FUNCTIONS Hour - Minute Seconds Date World time indication simultaneously indicating the time in all 24 time zone Alarm with double hour and minute display Alarm function on/off selector
CASE Stainless steel (support) / titanium (case) Case-back engraved with PROTO Number I
WATER-resistance 100 metres
DIAL Black, luminescent numerals and hour-markers
HANDS Trapèze
STRAP Alligator leather Rubber
BUCKLE Double Folding Buckle 20.0 mm Pin buckle 20.0 mm
UPDATE Feb 24th 2009: SOLD for 19500USD: The Tubbatha marine site in the Philippines was chosen for the donation.
By TLex Seiko Japan have just announced the release of the SBBN00E Limited Edition Robert F. Marx . The spec remains the same as the SBBN011. The LE Robert F. Marx is limited to 300 pieces. 
© Seiko
Type: Divers Movement: Quartz Calibre: 7C46 Crystal: Sapphire Bezel: Unidirectional Case: Titanium and Ceramic guard Case diameter: 48mm Case thickness: 15mm Water-resistance: 1000 meters Bracelet/Strap: Rubber MSRP: ¥420,000. LE Of: 300 Pieces
From ULYSSE NARDIN A new titanium version of the highly emblematic Maxi Marine Diver. This COSC-certified chronometer is housed in a new sporty 45-mm titanium case equipped with a structured unidirectional rotating bezel in alternating titanium and pink gold. Added to this are such useful functions as a power reserve indicator and an extra-large small seconds, while the open back reveals the spectacular movement and its ruthenium-colored rotor.
MOVEMENT Auto, UN-26 cal. COSC-certified, 11 ½ lignes, 42-hr power reserveFUNCTIONS Hours, minutes, seconds, large date, power reserve indicatorCASE Titanium, 45 mm18K pink gold bezel Screw-down crownGLASS Anti-reflective sapphire crystal / screw-down sapphire backWATER-resistance: 200 mDIAL Black guilloché / wave motifs Superluminova hands / applique hourmarkers12-hour power reserve Small seconds / large date at 6 o’clockSTRAP Rubber with two elements in 18K pink gold or titanium with matching folding clasp
From Omega: The Omega Seamaster Diver 'Vancouver 2010' Limited Edition is being produced in the 41mm and 36mm versions, each in a release of 2,010 numbered pieces and featuring the Omega Co-Axial caliber 2500.The watches feature white lacquered dials and red-anodised aluminium bezel rings. These contrasting colors recall the Canadian flag with its red maple leaf against a stark white background. The white dials are also reminiscent of the snow and ice which will play such an important role in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The watches' connection to the Games in Vancouver is further reinforced by the colored Olympic rings on the counterweight of the red-tipped, rhodium-plated chronograph seconds hand. Their hands and indexes are coated with white SuperLumiNova which at night or in limited light conditions casts a soft blue reflection.This Limited Edition is equipped with professional diving features such as a unidirectional rotating bezel, a helium-escape valve and it is water resistant to a depth of 300 meters. The caseback is embossed with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games logo which features 'Ilanaak', the symbol of the Games. The caseback is engraved with the Limited Edition number (0000/2010). Omega will be serving as Official Olympic Timekeeper for the 24th time at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver and will be carrying on a legacy dating back to the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Limited Edition of 2,010
© Omega
© Omega
By TLex I like the 48mm titanium case and the fact that it's rated to 1000m. However the manual HEV makes no sense to me if they were going for a more contemporary design with this one. An automatic HEV would have been more preferable.
In my opinion the dial and hand choice is terrible. The 500 Fathoms needs a black dial and simple hands. I do like the direction Blancpain are heading in to an extent, it's called evolution, but the dial and hands need a serious rethink.
We might have to wait a year, but trust me a revised version of the 500 Fathoms with new hands and black dial would be a very desirable diver, but until then I'm passing. 
From BLANCPAIN 500 Fathoms Beneath The Sea - On the eve of the Baselworld 2009 watch show, Blancpain presents the “big sister” of its now famous Fifty Fathoms watch: the brand-new 500 Fathoms. More high-performance and high-tech than ever, the brand’s latest diver’s watch displays an uncompromisingly sporting design. Water-resistant to 1000 metres, it is equipped with a helium decompression valve that is vital when diving in a closed environment. The ultra-virile 500 Fathoms is fitted with a 48 mm-diameter titanium case – an unusual size for Blancpain.Presented as the ultimate sports watch, the 500 Fathoms is making a striking entrance into the collection of Blancpain diver’s watches. Endowed with a new face, a new size and new performances, the 500 Fathoms is water-resistant to 1000 metres. It features a brushed titanium case measuring 48 mm in diameter, equipped with a crown guard. Placed inside the case at 10 o’clock, a self-winding decompression valve guarantees the security and the reliability of the watch, without requiring any handling on the part of the wearer.To enhance readability, Blancpain has designed large phosphorescent Arabic numerals that are hollowed into the sunray-brushed metal appliques. The luminescent coating on the hour-markers, bezel markings and hands, along with the red tip of the sweep seconds hand, ensure optimal readability in all circumstances. The luminescent base of the black dial reveals its fluorescence only in the dark, while the date appears in white against a black background at 4 o’clock. The unidirectional ratcheted bezel facilitates handling and avoids any involuntary extension of the dive time. Crafted in titanium and sapphire crystal, it features a gentle cambered relief that reduces the risk of impacts.The 500 Fathoms is powered by the self-winding Calibre 1315, specifically designed to equip sports watches. It incorporates a glucydur balance with micrometric regulating screws, which helps to prevent any jarring from disturbing the smooth running of the watch. Three series-coupled barrels guarantee constant energy and a five-day power reserve. The calendar system enables fast adjustment of the date at midnight in both directions. Another noteworthy feature of the 500 Fathoms is its sapphire crystal allowing one to admire its self-winding movement, as well as its engraved oscillating weight shaped like a boat propeller, without compromising either water resistance or safety.The new 500 Fathoms is equipped with a sturdy, sporty and watertight strap in rubber-lined black sail canvas. A brand-new triple-blade folding clasp secured with two pushers on either sides sets the finishing touch, while an additional rubber strap and the implement required to fit it complete the set which comes in an ultra-rugged presentation box designed to withstand extreme conditions. The performances and the reliability of the 500 Fathoms represent a major new technical accomplishment bearing the unmistakable signature of Blancpain, which is thereby eloquently reaffirming the expertise of its Manufacture in the demanding world of diver’s watches.
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