2009-05-31

sAs Watch Company

By TLex Sea Air & Sport watch company will be something to keep an eye out for this autumn. Looks amazing! Stay tuned!
















Case 44mm (ex. crown) / 51mm lug to lug / Hev / 24mm lug
Glass Sapphire crystal / Screwdown crown / Anti-magnetic
Dial Sandwich / C3 Superluminova /
Water-resistance 1000m / 3300ft

Halios HOLOTYPE (PVD)

By TLex Really enjoying this one at the moment


© OceanicTime

NAUTICFISH Waterwall CHRONOGRAPH PRO 500

By TLex Something new from Nauticfish . . .



From NauticFish Premium workmanship combined with a functional and unique design which represents the characteristics of the WATERWALL (in German 'die Wassermauer') chronograph. The basic concept was to create a chronograph which can even master the most difficult use, but also the typical everyday situations. The WATERWALL chronograph is a reliable companion… a friend with whom you can go through thick and thin.

Mono safe: the 500m waterproof casing has a 4.00 mm screwed sapphire crystal. Cause of this complex method it is not required to use the accident-sensitive helium valves. The certified watertightness test for the Waterwall chronograph can be made by NauticFish themselves. The test certificate is added to each watch. Crown and push piece, both are equipped with the multiplex-watertightness system of the MSC series.



The 120 click diver bezel as well as the three-dimensional dial and the hands are processed with C3 Luminova phosphorescent pigments. With the quick-change-system, accessible from outside, it is comfortable to change the watch band at any time. The basic version is provided with a complex and retro style Buffalo band. As a matter of course, the reliable waterproof and resistant to impact NauticFish Outdoor box is a must-have. The fixture scope of delivery included this box and the silicone diver band as well.

























* Description
* Case: steel 316L,
* Diameter 43.00 mm, height 17.00 mm
* 50 BAR / 500M / 50 ATM / 1650 FEET
* Stainless steel screw-down crown
* Stainless steel screw-down button
* MSC monfo-safe-cabin
* Scratch resistant sapphire-crystal, 4.00 mm
* Antiflex coating
* Sapphire-crystal pressed and screwed (MSC)
* Bezel with Luminova point 12
* Dial & hands: Luminova
* Band quickly change-system

* Movement
* Mechanical
* Automatic winding
* SW50 A / SWISS MADE
* Incabloc shock protection
* Power reserve 42 hours
* A/h 28.000
* Function:
* Hours, minute, small second
* 12h and 30min counter
* Center stop second
* Date witn corrector

* Including base
* 24.00 mm retro style buffolo band
* 24.00 mm rubber band
* Certificate waterproof tests
* Watch pass and instruction book
* Outdoor case (waterresistant)
* NauticFish traveller bag



2009-05-30

RSW Diving Tool Chronograph

From TLex Here's a lovely hi-res image of the new RSW Diving Tool. Specs and press release. Diving Tool on YouTube.


© RSW

2009-05-24

Armand Nicolet SO5

The new S05 collection represents another major goal achieved by Armand Nicolet in the sector of high quality watch manufacturing. As a result of an intense process of “re-designing” which has optimized the wearability and comfort of the case, the new S05 now displays a new dial.

It improves its readability in every light condition, also thanks to the new raised indexes and the wise use of Super - Luminova. The flagship of this new collection is the use of titanium that strengthens the case’s resistance to corrosion and at the same time reduces the weight drastically.



The basic version is also available with the case in stainless steel 316L. To considerably improve the resistance to scratches and scrapes, we have created a version for each model where the case and buckle material (stainless steel or titanium) undergo D.L.C. Black treatment.

The last creation of maison Armand Nicolet is still excellent also for the movements used and it is available in the Day-Date, Complete Calendar or Chronograph with Complete Calendar versions.



The new S05 manages to combine beautifully its sportive side with its particular elegance and attention to detail that defines all Armand Nicolet watches.The result of this mix is a measuring time piece of outstanding personality, fit for any occasion.

Steve McQueen's Rolex Submariner (Ref. 5512)

By TLex An interesting read below about Steve McQueen's Rolex Submariner . . .



From Antiquorum Antiquorum experts will be offering Steve McQueen's Rolex, Ref. 5512 Submariner produced in 1967.

The timepiece is a fine, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel diver’s wristwatch.
The watch was given by Steve McQueen to his good friend Jimmy Brucker in early 1980, to whom he also subsequently willed his airplane hangar at the Santa Paula Airport where he had stored his airplane, bikes and an extensive memorabilia collection.

Most of the other items that had been given to Brucker have been auctioned, so this lot remains one of the few items that Jimmy Brucker received from Steve McQueen and kept. Estimate $10,000 - $20,000




VM DIVE WATCHES Sea Monster












Description Model No. 038Gsm-carbon fiber

Case 316L Stainless Steel 5pcs-parts complicated cases / Helium Valve

Diameter 47.00mm / Thickness 16.95mm

Bezel 316L Stainless Steel Unidirectional Bezel 120 clicks

Glass Sapphire Crystal / thickness 5.00mm

Caseback steel screw back

Movement Swiss made automatic movement with date at 4 o' clock

Dial & hands orange glass fibre Dial with Black Hands with swiss super luminous

Water-resistance 1000m /3300ft

Bracelet 24mm ,316L Stainless Steel (rubber band as gift)

Limited edition Individual Serial Number / Package black aluminum / Original Price US$1,449.00 (free shipping)

2009-05-21

DWATCH Custom For OceanicTime

By TLex Well worth the wait! Couldn't be happier with my new DWATCH Custom. A couple of quick and dirties for the moment expect a full review with more images in the following days! THANKS again, Alon. I LOVE it!





© OceanicTime

2009-05-20

DELMA Santiago 500m

By TLex I've come across the odd vintage DELMA diver or two, actually an interesting one came up for sale on eBay not too long ago.

Here's their current 500m diver, a Sub Clone named the 'Santiago' one of the nicer looking Sub clones about, but here's to them recreating something more along the lines of their 1970 500m Professional. I'm sure it would be very well received.
Full specs to follow shortly.





Case 43mm Stainless steel or two-tone PVD plated

Glass Sapphire crystal with date magnifier

Crown Screw crown and pushers

Bezel Unidirectional turning bezel

Bracelet Stainless steel

Movement ETA 2824 Automatic

Dials White, Black and Brown with Indexes

Hands Minute and hour with luminous

Water-resistance 500 meters

1970 500m Professional


© Rationaltime

https://www.delma.ch/

2009-05-19

ENICAR Ocean Pearl

By TLex ENICAR are a Swiss watch manufacturer established in 1854. The Ocean Pearl has a really nice look, kinda reminds me of TAG Kirium. Its stainless steel 500m rated case with sapphire crystal houses a Quartz Chronograph.

It's a little on the small side, though at just 39mm, but would make a nice ladies diver or for anyone who still hasn't taken to wearing larger watches. They seem to be a little more heard of in the Japanese market. If you Google Enicar Ocean Pearl you might find some nice examples of 70s vintage versions of the watch.













2009-05-18

U-BOAT U-1942 LE



By TLex This one really speaks to me. There's no doubt about U-BOAT's Italian roots, it's quite reminiscent of a Panerai or Ennebi diver, but still has its own distinct and unique U-BOAT flavor. Damn shame it'll be limited to a mere 29 pieces.

Specs include a gargantuan 64.4mm
blackened Grade5 titanium case, 400 meters water-resistance and a manually wound movement by means of its retractable winding arm. It has 46hrs power reserve. A hand made brown Cordovan leather strap with Ti buckle completes the look. Wow, Italian styling at its best, I'm smitten!



From U-BOAT Lucca, 1942 - Ilvo Fontana, crafter of precision engineering instruments, received a prestigious commission from the Italian Navy to design and build a new model of watch for their pilots. This challenge meant satisfying the high quality standards of the Navy and respecting very precise technical specifications, but above all guaranteeing maximum visibility and legibility in any light and weather condition. The project did not materialized for political reasons.

In 2000 Italo Fontana, Ilvo Fontana's grandson, came across the designs from that period, which were to become his source of inspiration for the creation of the first U-Boat watch and a new dimension in time.

U-Boat watches are all this: strong identity, large size, perfect legibility in all light and weather conditions, along with its distinctive and characteristic design - the left-hand crown protected by a specially designed safety cover. Every U-Boat watch is handcrafted in Italy and each tiny detail is overseen by Italo Fontana.





CASE 64.4mm Grade5 titanium / 64.4mm (without crown) 69.5mm (with crown), thickness of 18.5mm, lockable rotating bezel, 7,2mm thick PMMA crystal, back of case secured by six encapsulated hex nuts and engraved with watch number and other information

DIAL Brass dial with painted, highly luminescent hour markers, German silver luminous hands, numbered plaque at Six, and small seconds at three o'clock

MOVEMENT Swiss auto with 18,800 vph rate, 17 rubies, power reserve 46hrs

STRAP Brown shell-cordovan band hand-crafted in Italy with width of 26mm and extra-large Ti buckle.


© U-BOAT

2009-05-17

REACTOR Neutron Review

FIRST IMPRESSION I couldn't help wondering if the Neutron was going to live up to the seductive image on the REACTOR website. I couldn’t have been happier when I opened the box. It was every bit as good looking and impressive in the steel.

The first thing that struck me with the Neutron was the bracelet. Including the hex-nut lug bars it's a whopping 32.5mm wide and tapers down at the clasp to respectable 22mm. Substantial to say the least.






AESTHETIC
If oversized industrial looking watches are your thing and you want to wear something that will set you apart from the crowd then the Neutron more than qualifies.

The dial if not a little busy for a true diver is nevertheless stunning and easily on par with any of the Swiss watches I own.

The way in which the red and copper tones of the dial fade into black are what first attracted me to this version of the Neutron, an unusual effect and one that is very pleasing to the eye.




INNOVATION
The Neutron uses C3 Superluminova which has gone through a special application process to make it extremely visible when in low lit areas and will provide exceptional visibility for up to 8 hours.

As with all REACTOR watches the screwdown crown remains watertight even when open. I have no plans of putting this to the test though!

Solid Screwbar Case-to-Band Attachment. As an avid surfer this gives me an increased feeling of security, I have lost watches in the past, but would have no qualms about wiping out on in the gnarliest of barrels wearing my Neutron.

The Neutron uses K1-Hardened mineral crystal with anti-reflective coating on inside.




MOVEMENT

Japanese Quartz Chrono (Miyota). I still haven't fully familiarized myself with the Neutron's movement, but I LOVE the chronograph function, which I believe to be a split second type and have had great fun playing with it.

When in use the second hand on the 6 o'clock sub-dial sweeps from side to side like a windscreen wiper, a very cool effect.

Case (case / caseback / crown / bezel / crystal)
45.5mm X 15.5mm / 245grams / lug width 32.5mm / clasp 22mm / forged 316L marine grade stainless steel / unidirectional rotating bezel / solid forged case back / hardheaded mineral crystal. Screw down crown.





The case itself looks and feels very solid and is a very angular in its design. The grain of the metal can be seen quite clearly running down from the top of the case. There are no polished surfaces which add to its ruggedness.

A nuclear reactor type hatch design is on the caseback with the REACTOR logo.

Its K1-Hardened mineral crystal is huge and protrudes a good couple of millimeters from the dial adding to the watch's appeal.

The screw down crown is very solid with a knarled texture for easy grip. It was pleasure to use as are the chrongraph's pushers. There's REACTOR logo on the crown face.




The bezel like the crown and hex-nuts is knarled for extra grip when manipulating whilst wet. I would a have preferred the crown to protrude a little higher from the case, it's a little on the flat side, but has very nice movement and feels solid enough.

WATER-RESISTANCE
200m or 660ft meets industry standards for a divers watch.




BRACELET / strap
The bracelet on the Neutron is huge. As mentioned earlier it tapers from a gargantuan 32.5mm down to 22mm at the clasp. It's one of the most impressive bracelets I've worn and is incredibly comfortable.

The bracelet clasp is beautiful. It has trip lock system, a must for any serious dive watch.





As with my REACTOR Gamma the rubber strap wears beautifully and is incredibly comfortable and secure.

There's a steel REACTOR logo on the stopper which serves as a lock so that your strap will never come out of its stopper. It was polished, but I have since brushed it as I felt it would be more in keeping with the look of the Neutron.

The strap / bracelet quick change system with hex-nuts is child's play.


FUNCTIONALITY / Wearability
The Neutron's split second chrono is a great function, I'm not sure just how useful that would be in the real world of scuba diving, but as dive watch the Neutron is more than capable.


Even given its impressive stats the Neutron is still very wearable and extremely comfortable. It sits nicely on the wrist and owing to its 15mm thickness shouldn’t cause too many knocks when going through narrow doorways.





DURABILITY
There's no doubt about it the Neutron was built to last. It comes very close to being the most durable dive watch that I own. It's the kind of watch that you can slap on your wrist and not give a second thought to, no matter what you might be doing. It's as hard as nails and could possibly withstand neutron bomb or two!

VALUE
The bracelet version is 500USD and the rubber version 475USD. As with many REACTOR watches I haven't seen vendors offering much discount, but for what it is, it's already very reasonably priced. Great value for money in my opinion. Expect to pay 2 to 3 times as much for a Swiss of German made equivalent.

LUME
The lume is VERY impressive, it glows like a torch.


© OceanicTime

OVERALL IMPRESSION I've had the Neutron for 3 or 4 weeks now and it's barely left my wrist. There are so many interesting facets to this watch that you will never tire of wearing or looking at it.

When I go on my annual surfing trip to Indonesia this Summer the Neutron will be coming with me and will probably only ever leave my wrist for an occasional quick rinse to get the sea water off.

As a tool diver the Neutron with its protruding crowns and busy dial misses the mark, but as tool watch for extreme sportsmen REACTOR have hit the nail on the head, quite literally! This one is a keeper and will be hard to replace!

OVERALL RATING

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