© Vanadium
2010-02-28
2010-02-27
NAUTICFISH SEACUPRO 500m
© NauticFish
CASE Steel, diameter 42.00 mm Height 12.00 mm 50bar / 500m / 50atm / 1650ft Stainless steel screw-down crown ( 4-crown seals) Sapphire-glass / Elox coating bezel
DIAL Real Carbon / Luminova
MOVEMENT Swiss Made SW20 A /C.O.S.C. SW20 AC Incabloc shock protection Power reserve 38 hours / A/h 28.000
STRAP Steel bracelet 22.00 mm carbon & rubber diver band
2010-02-25
ENZO MECHANA (spy shots)
By TLex Enzo MECHANA, an Italian watch maker with an extreme and very exciting new point of view. The 1st collection of what Enzo call 'total machines' should be exciting to wear; intended for extreme activities, they have been designed to withstand intense water pressure plus a lot more . . .
Their hand crafted cases range in size from 42mm up to a massive 55mm. They feature enormous 7.9mm thick UV coated domed sapphire crystals and come fitted on ultra thick waterproof leather straps. Beating away in the heart of these extreme beauties will be hi-end vintage calibres WOW. . . find out more here.
© Enzo Mechana
Their hand crafted cases range in size from 42mm up to a massive 55mm. They feature enormous 7.9mm thick UV coated domed sapphire crystals and come fitted on ultra thick waterproof leather straps. Beating away in the heart of these extreme beauties will be hi-end vintage calibres WOW. . . find out more here.
© Enzo Mechana
2010-02-24
2010-02-21
2010-02-20
AZIMUTH Xtreme-1 Deep Diver
AZIMUTH’s X-treme-1 Deep Diver is the first of a series of 3 new divers to come from AZIMUTH. I will be posting details of two other divers shortly, one 1500 meter GMT and one other 500 meter model. At 2000 meters the X-treme-1 is the most extreme of the three.
The Deep Diver’s case design has captivated me since I first caught sight of it. Aggressive and bold yet highly refined and charismatic; its 56.5mm x 46mm x 20mm dimensions crafted from one piece of high-grade titanium (equipped with lateral helium escape valve) make the statement; avant-garde isn’t just for the sake of art, it also stands for innovation. And an avant-garde dive watch design doesn’t have to be impractical it can be purposeful. One only has to look at the Deep Diver’s case side profile; to see this.
Year in year out we are exposed to the same old tired looking dive watch designs; it isn’t too often that a dive watch breaks the mold. In fairness one reason is that to achieve a certain depth rating; let’s say higher than 1000 meters the case design is more effective one way than it is another, square cased dive watches are less resistant to pressure than traditional round cases. This limits dive watch designers to a certain degree.
However AZIMUTH have very masterfully overcome this issue by putting the movement of the watch in an inner casing. The outer casing is then securely attached by means of 6 special screws. A 4.0mm thick double domed and double AR coated sapphire crystal holds everything else in place.
The bezel fascia lends a little from the PAM194; the inclusion of additional lumed markers a nice update. The unidirectional bezel has a nice looking utilitarian feel to it; as does its knurled crown. The dial layout, complete with generous lume application and its red 2000m lettering also reminiscent of other high-end extreme divers. Everything ties together very nicely,and we are reminded that the Deep Diver is a functional 2000 meter dive watch not just a finely sculpted piece of functional men’s jewelry. Stay tuned for more . . .
Fernando Alberto Lozano Andrade, the famous Mexican explorer knows no boundaries in life. Having climbed the 5,916 m.s.n.m Licancabur volcano in Chile-Bolivia in 2005 and the 5,032 m.s.n.m Popocatepetl in Mexico in 1984, he will now embark on a dangerous expedition code named the ‘Absolute Altitude’ to the Ojos del Salado.
The Ojos del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world standing at 6,896 m.s.n.m and is located on the border of Chile and Argentina. To top it off, Fernando will also be the first adventurer to explore the mysterious lake in the volcano, a place that is still untouched and undocumented. If this attempt is successful, it will set a new World Record in High Altitude diving.
Being a foremost expeditor, Fernando knows that having a trusted timepiece on his wrist could mean breaking a world record or even accurate time-keeping that could save his life.
The Deep Diver’s case design has captivated me since I first caught sight of it. Aggressive and bold yet highly refined and charismatic; its 56.5mm x 46mm x 20mm dimensions crafted from one piece of high-grade titanium (equipped with lateral helium escape valve) make the statement; avant-garde isn’t just for the sake of art, it also stands for innovation. And an avant-garde dive watch design doesn’t have to be impractical it can be purposeful. One only has to look at the Deep Diver’s case side profile; to see this.
Year in year out we are exposed to the same old tired looking dive watch designs; it isn’t too often that a dive watch breaks the mold. In fairness one reason is that to achieve a certain depth rating; let’s say higher than 1000 meters the case design is more effective one way than it is another, square cased dive watches are less resistant to pressure than traditional round cases. This limits dive watch designers to a certain degree.
However AZIMUTH have very masterfully overcome this issue by putting the movement of the watch in an inner casing. The outer casing is then securely attached by means of 6 special screws. A 4.0mm thick double domed and double AR coated sapphire crystal holds everything else in place.
The bezel fascia lends a little from the PAM194; the inclusion of additional lumed markers a nice update. The unidirectional bezel has a nice looking utilitarian feel to it; as does its knurled crown. The dial layout, complete with generous lume application and its red 2000m lettering also reminiscent of other high-end extreme divers. Everything ties together very nicely,and we are reminded that the Deep Diver is a functional 2000 meter dive watch not just a finely sculpted piece of functional men’s jewelry. Stay tuned for more . . .
Fernando Alberto Lozano Andrade, the famous Mexican explorer knows no boundaries in life. Having climbed the 5,916 m.s.n.m Licancabur volcano in Chile-Bolivia in 2005 and the 5,032 m.s.n.m Popocatepetl in Mexico in 1984, he will now embark on a dangerous expedition code named the ‘Absolute Altitude’ to the Ojos del Salado.
The Ojos del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world standing at 6,896 m.s.n.m and is located on the border of Chile and Argentina. To top it off, Fernando will also be the first adventurer to explore the mysterious lake in the volcano, a place that is still untouched and undocumented. If this attempt is successful, it will set a new World Record in High Altitude diving.
Being a foremost expeditor, Fernando knows that having a trusted timepiece on his wrist could mean breaking a world record or even accurate time-keeping that could save his life.
2010-02-17
AZIMUTH Xtreme-1 Deep Diver (spy shots)
By TLex Now that's what I call a side profile! AZIMUTH have three all new divers lined up this year. Stay tuned for details on all three plus exclusive images and press material ;)
© JessieLye
© JessieLye
SCHAUMBURG WATCH-LINDBURGH & BENSON AQM II
I present to you the latest ''2000m diver'' from SCHAUMBURG WATCH-LINDBURGH & BENSON. Stay tuned for details of their NEW Aquamatic III 2000m internal bezel diver . . .
The AQM 2 is equipped with all requirements needed for a professional diver watch.The brushed steel case withstands water pressure up to 2500 meters. For gaining maximum security we certified the case with only 200 bar per 2000 meters. Before delivery, every diver watch case is tested up to 250 bar at Schaumburg Watch.
Further features are the automatic helium valve that sets in during decompression. The AR coated sapphire crystal, the bezel that is inlaid with Superluminova as well as the screwed and for diving extra lengthened steel band are all features that make the AQM 2 a superlative diver watch. The AQM 2 can be delivered as COSC chronometer or as a basic version.
CASE
steel, brushed
Diameter 45.00 mm, height 17.00 mm
200 BAR / 2000M / 200 ATM / 6600 Ft
Sapphire crystal
Automatic helium-valve
MOVEMENT
mechanical with automatic winding
SW20 A SWISS MADE
C.O.S.C. CHRONOMETER or Base
28.000 A/h
Power reserve 38 hours
The AQM 2 is equipped with all requirements needed for a professional diver watch.The brushed steel case withstands water pressure up to 2500 meters. For gaining maximum security we certified the case with only 200 bar per 2000 meters. Before delivery, every diver watch case is tested up to 250 bar at Schaumburg Watch.
Further features are the automatic helium valve that sets in during decompression. The AR coated sapphire crystal, the bezel that is inlaid with Superluminova as well as the screwed and for diving extra lengthened steel band are all features that make the AQM 2 a superlative diver watch. The AQM 2 can be delivered as COSC chronometer or as a basic version.
CASE
steel, brushed
Diameter 45.00 mm, height 17.00 mm
200 BAR / 2000M / 200 ATM / 6600 Ft
Sapphire crystal
Automatic helium-valve
MOVEMENT
mechanical with automatic winding
SW20 A SWISS MADE
C.O.S.C. CHRONOMETER or Base
28.000 A/h
Power reserve 38 hours
2010-02-15
BENARUS Worldivers Review
FIRST IMPRESSION
Both Worldivers came fittingly presented in military-type green travel pouches. Inside were the instruction and warranty cards, a spare Italian rubber divers strap and a BENARUS polishing cloth. This type of presentation / packaging is spot-on. Firstly it cuts down on the cost of each unit, but secondly it's actually useful and quite space saving, always a plus for me.
AESTHETIC
Both PVD and BLASTED watches have a very purposeful military feel to them. The BLASTED-version benefits from the contrast of its bright case finish against its black leather strap. It has a dark gray dial with a red GMT hand.
I think the black dialed PVD version would have been better presented on dark brown leather strap. The use of blue for its 24hr time scale and the GMT pointer, its white stitching and bezel markings, do help to break up what could have been quite a monotonous black on black look. I know some people love black on black, but I feel a little color and contrast goes a long way in making a watch more appealing. Both watches are very smart and classical looking. I feel quite the mature man when I’m wearing them.
MOVEMENT
Japanese made Miyota Quartz GMT. Its functions include: hours minutes, date and a 24 hour GMT function. There’s the obvious grab and go appeal that comes with a quartz movement; plus of course its accuracy. The GMT function is really useful for those who might be travelling across time zones. As an expat it’s always nice to be able to see what time it is back in England.
CASE
(case / case back / crown / bezel / crystal) 45mm X 17mm / lug width 22mm / 316L marine grade stainless steel / 90 click unidirectional rotating bezel / engraved screw down case back / AR coated sapphire crystal / screw down crown.
The case itself has a very classical feel to it. I’m not really a vintage military dive watch man, so I couldn’t tell you where BENARUS drew inspiration from, but it’s highly reminiscent of that type of watch. All the right buttons seem to have been hit.
BLASTED: You get a more conventional looking watch, but there’re the soft tones of the bead-blasted finish that I find so attractive.
PVD: An even matt black coating gives this version the desired military look.
Both watch finishes eliminate any unwanted attention that might otherwise have been attracted by polished surfaces; an important attribute of any true military dive watch.
Flat sapphire crystals have been AR coated on the inside to cut down on unwanted reflections.
The screw down crowns have lovely thick crown stems, there is absolutely no wobble whatsoever. If this can be achieved by BENARUS on 400 dollar dive watch then why aren’t all crowns stems like this?! The signed (dolphin logo) crowns grind securely into place when closed.
The bezels are very solid, they have SUPERB grip. The movement is firm and precise. A 90 click bezel is becoming less of an anomaly these days; I have no idea why this is? It in NO way affects the bezel’s functionality or reliability.
The screw down case backs have been engraved with the BENARUS dolphin logo. The engraving is deep enough so as not to be lost, even on the PVD version the engraving is very clear and prominent.
WATER-RESISTANCE
500 meters denotes a certain level durability that must have been obtained in order to achieve this depth rating.
STRAP
Thick black 22mm leather straps with contrasting white stitching give the watches a quality that is both sporty and dressy. BENARUS have done fantastic work on the Worldivers’ Pre-Ven style buckles. I have come across many Pre-Ven buckles in the past that try to give that Italian look and feel, but have failed so miserably because they were of such a poor quality. The Worldiver buckles on the other hand have been very nicely made; solid and substantial, both have been impeccably finished to match their respective cases. The buckles have been engraved with the BENARUS name.
LUME
The Worldivers have been applied with blue SuperLumiNova. The lumed bezels are very pretty to look at. I would rate the lume’s brightness at good. When fully charged the lume is really quite bright, its luminosity does drop down quite quickly though, but is then sustained for a reasonable amount time.
FUNCTIONALITY
Put either of these divers onto a Nato or Zulu strap and there would be no reason in the World (intentional pun ;) why they wouldn’t perform admirably in the field or in the role as a backup timer for a scuba diver.
The Worldivers have it all; unidirectional rotatable bezels, which have been fantastically lumed with blue SuperLumiNova; elapsed dive time scales, blue SuperLumiNova applied hands and markers, AR coated sapphire crystals, 500 meter depth ratings, screw down crowns and case backs, reliable quartz movements, date and GMT functions, and spare Italian rubber divers straps.
If BENARUS had supplied the watches with military-style Nato or Zulu straps that would have been perfect.
DURABILITY
500m rated 316L stainless steel cases with sapphire crystals make for a pretty rough ‘n’ tough combination, these watches will make perfect working watches. I would have no qualms about putting either of them through their paces. If babied they will probably last a life time or two.
However I would be interested to know what their battery life is like, I would imagine it to be at least 5yrs or so . . .???
VALUE
400USD for the BLASTED and 450USD for the PVD version; these watches offer great value for money.
OVERALL IMPRESSION Two rugged and very handsome looking dive watches. They will appeal to those who like military themed divers. They have been very nicely made and would make perfect watches for knocking about in. If I had to chose between the two of them, the BLASTED version has the edge, although I find the blue GMT pointer more attractive than the red.
Two BIG pluses for me were the solid crown stems and beautifully made Pre-Ven buckles, thumbs up!
This is my second dealing with BENARUS, they make a great product at a fair price, custom service is second to none and dealing personally with Ralf is always a pleasure.
OVERALL RATING
© OceanicTime
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