2010-01-30

BREITLING Colt GMT +

The 500m rated Colt at 41.30mm is the relative baby of the Breitling Areomarine diver's range, it now boasts an elegant new look . . .



THE WORLD IS ITS HORIZON. PERFORMANCE IS ITS UNIVERSE


From BREITLING In this version equipped with a new integrated rubber strap, the Colt GMT+ by Breitling is resolutely geared towards originality, style and power on the wrist. Exactly the kind of assets that are bound to appeal more strongly than ever to pilots, travelers and divers.

Founded in the very same year that coordinated universal time standard was established (1884), and a well established partner of world aviation, Breitling has consistently provided models enabling simultaneous read-off of the time in several parts of the globe, such as the famous Unitime introduced in the 1950s.



The Colt GMT+ is a particularly striking example of this expertise. In addition to local time, this self-winding watch displays another timezone by means of a second hour hand with a red triangular tip, combined with a 24-hour graduation on the inner bezel ring.


This ultra-readable and extremely practical system serves to tell day from night at first glance, and thus avoid disturbing someone across the world during their sleep. The Colt GMT+ is not only distinguished by its innate functionality and sturdiness, but also by its distinctive design that is at once sporty, elegant and contemporary, reflecting a universe dedicated to performance.



The bezel is adorned with raised numerals and hour markers, highlighted by the contrast between polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The dynamic dial features large stamped Arabic numerals and a concentric-line motif. The exclusive new rubber strap fits seamlessly into the case while accentuating its sleek lines; it is fitted with a push-button-operated seamless clasp and an extension piece that is adjustable in a few seconds.



The Colt GMT+ is thus equally at ease on all five continents and also dives confidently into oceans the world over thanks to an admirable degree of water resistance guaranteed to depths of 500 meters (1,660ft). These aquatic virtues are emphasized by the graduated scale marking off the first 15 minutes on the unidirectional rotating bezel. This model is equipped with a mechanical movement that is chronometer-certified- as indeed are all the movements gravitating within the Breitling universe.

© Breitling

Movement

Breitling Calibre 32, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, self-winding, high frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour), 21 jewels. 24-hour 2nd timezone display. Calender.

Case
Steel. Water-resistant to 500 meters (1,660 ft). Screw-locked crown. Uni-directional ratcheted rotating bezel. Sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides. Diameter:41.30mm

Dials
Volcano black, Air Force blue, Tungsten gray, Stratus silver.

Strap / Bracelet
Rubber / Steel Professional.

2010-01-28

FORTIS B-42 MARINEMASTER

Gotta say I really like the new look 2010 B-42 MARINEMASTER. Its submarine case back engraving is something else, I love that!



But I can't help wondering if FORTIS went for a screw down crown this time round!?



Rounding out its attributes, the Marine Royale 5847 possesses a date indicator and a self-winding mechanism. The white gold version comes with an 18 kt dial with black rhodium finish while the pink gold version features an 18 kt pink gold dial. Both are manually engine-turned with the collection’s dedicated wave pattern.



MOVEMENT Automatic 2836-2, 11 1/2 ''', 25 jewels /28.800 semi-vibrations per hour, fine timing device and Incabloc shock absorber

FUNCTION hour, minute, center-stop-second, day date indication, day indication bilingual English and German

CASE steel, three parts, brushed, 42 mm case diameter, black turning bezel, large corrugation with 15-minute scale unidirectional (120 divisions), superluminova capsule at pos. 12 h, flange with hour-scale 13 to 24 h, sapphire crystal anti-reflective on both sides, screw-down caseback embossed with historic FORTIS motive, individually numbered, water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar

DIAL / HANDS black matt, triangles at pos. 3 h next to the date and day indication illustrating the direction of rotating the crown for quick adjustment hands, oversized Arabic numerals and indices with superluminova white, orange center-second-hand with luminous dot superluminova

2010-01-27

OceanicTime FANS Giveaway (4 days left)



From TLex Thanks to everyone so far for becoming a FAN of OceanicTime. There're still a four more days until the end of the month, so if you haven't become a fan yet, and want a chance to get hold of a copy of the most concise dive watch catalog there is, sign up to become a fan on Facebook, or follower on blogger, please don't forget to drop me a quick email to oceanictime@oceanictime.net, so that you can be entered into the draw. Good luck!

SINN Series U200 (EZM 8)




Diver’s watches must meet the highest requirements in terms of reliability and robustness. So it’s no wonder they place high demands on design, construction and material. That’s why many divers rely on our watches. And they also appreciate the many benefits provided by the U 200 (EZM 8).

For example, connoisseurs swear by the seawater-resistant case made of German submarine steel, the captive bezel hardened with TEGIMENT-technology and the patented Ar-dehumidifying technology that provides enhanced freedom from fogging.

With characteristics like these, the U 200 is a perfect addition to our renowned collection of U 200 models. At the same time, this model fulfills the wish of many customers for a diver’s watch with a smaller diameter (37 mm) and lower weight – without compromising on functionality!











© Sinn

· Diver’s bezel with TEGIMENT-technology and therefore especially scratch-resistant

· Diver’s bezel with black hard coating on background with TEGIMENT-technology (SDR)

· Tested based on European diving equipment standards and certified by Germanischer Lloyd Hamburg

· Pressure resistance to 2.000 m water depth (= 200 bar) certified by Germanischer Lloyd Hamburg

· Watch case, crown and pusher made from high-strength seawater-resistant German submarine steel

· Captive diver’s bezel with minute ratcheting
· Sapphire crystal glass

· Ar-dehumidifying technology enhances functional reliability and freedom from fogging

· Functionally reliable at temperatures between – 45 ºC and + 80 ºC

· EZM Design for best readability

· Low pressure resistant

Caliber ETA 2824-2
Movement winding Automatic
Bearing jewels 25
Alternations 28,800

Case material German submarine steel
Crystal Sapphire crystal glass
Case back Solid
Waterproof ja
Pressure resistance 200bar

Diameter of case 37.0mm
Watch thickness 14.0mm
Weight 73g
Band lug width 18mm

2010-01-26

1960-2010: ROLEX Celebrate 50 Years of Underwater Heritage




THE DEEPEST DIVE
In January 1960, Rolex accompanied the submersible bathyscaph Trieste on the historic U.S. Navy dive to the Mariana Trench, reaching 10,916 metres (35,800 feet) onto the ocean floor.



SEAL THE HATCH
On the evening of January 23, 1960 as the setting sun turned the surface of the Pacific Ocean deep orange, Swiss oceanographer and engineer Jacques Piccard and United States Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh packed up chocolate, nuts and their courage before lowering themselves through the narrow tube and into the cabin of the bathyscaph, Trieste. Unaware that they were about to make history and even less aware of what might await them at the bottom of the ocean, Piccard and Walsh watched as assistant Giuseppe Buono closed the heavy cabin door from above and all daylight disappeared. While Buono opened the air vents from topside, the crew bolted it shut from the inside and their adventure began.



PROJECT NEKTON
After having purchased the vessel, organized and financed the entire endeavour, the U.S. Navy then spent nine months preparing the Trieste and her team to participate in Project Nekton, a series of scientifically conducted deep dives carried out near the island of Guam in the Western Pacific. Nekton was, according to a U.S. Navy press release, a high-level undertaking intended to provide "scientific knowledge of sunlight penetration, underwater visibility, transmission of man-made sounds, and marine geological studies." Strapped to the outside of the Trieste was a Rolex “Deep Sea Special”, the most advanced in a series of prototypes designed to withstand pressure that no human could ever survive. Together, the Rolex and the Trieste descended into uncharted waters.



THE BATHYSCAPH TRIESTE
Engineered to explore the approximately seventy-one percent of the Earth’s surface that is covered with water, the bathyscaph was a design of simple genius. Auguste Piccard, the brilliant and inquisitive inventor of the bathyscaph and Jacques Piccard’s father, was fond of stating that he firmly believed “the first answer is never the right answer”. When the Piccards began to test the Trieste in 1953, the engineers at Rolex had been on their own quest for perfection for decades and were equally eager to embark on the bold series of missions that were to come. The participation of the U.S. Navy allowed Professor Piccard to put his creation into action and realize his dream of the ultimate underwater exploratory mission.



RIGOROUS TESTING
Rolex was present from 1953, when the Trieste was first launched, allowing the Swiss watch company to gain enormous experience and knowledge from the close collaboration in the years that would follow. In tandem with dives undertaken by the Trieste, Rolex carried out rigorous testing of the second version of its Deep Sea Special. In August 1953 the Trieste, with the Deep Sea Special strapped to the outside, descended to 1,080 metres (approximately 3,543 feet), then to 3,150 metres (approximately 10,334 feet) later the same year, finally reaching 3,700 metres (approximately 12,138 feet) in 1956.



64 DIVES
In early 1958 the U.S. Navy purchased the Trieste from the Piccards; Jacques was hired as a consultant to train personnel to maintain and operate it. The sphere of the Trieste - originally designed to withstand pressure at 6,000 metres (approximately 19,684 feet) - was then enlarged and perfected to withstand 11,000 metres (approximately 36,088 feet) of pressure. In all, the Trieste carried out 64 dives before the ship and her crew were ready for the ultimate test.



CHALLENGER DEEP
In jarringly rough seas on January 23, 1960 and with Piccard at his side, Walsh piloted the Trieste toward the silent darkness of the Mariana Trench. At almost 11 kilometres (approximately 6.8 miles) below sea level the area known as the Challenger Deep - the deepest known depression on the surface of our planet - was believed to be inhospitable to any life form, harbouring only skeletons. While the approximate location of the Trench was known, its exact coordinates were not and dynamite charges and sound propagation calculations were used to decipher the exact location some 320 kilometres (approximately 200 miles) off of the coast of Guam.



AN UNEQUALLED RECORD
At 10,916 metres (35, 800 feet), the pressure is over one metric tonne per square centimetre (approximately 1.1 U.S. tons per .15 of a square inch). To the surprise of the crew and, later, to the entire scientific community, with the help of the light provided by the bathyscaph’s mercury vapour lamps, Walsh and Piccard witnessed something no man had seen: marine life at the very bottom of the ocean. When the Trieste surfaced nearly 9 hours later, it became the first vessel – manned or unmanned – to reach the deepest part of the Earth’s ocean. The record set that day one half a century ago remains unequalled by any manned vessel to this day. On January 25, 1960, a telegram arrived at the Rolex headquarters in Geneva. “Happy to announce that your watch works as well at 11,000 meters as it does on the surface”. It was signed Jacques Piccard.



ROLEX DEEP SEA SPECIAL
Ever since Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf named the first waterproof wristwatch the “Oyster” in 1926, Rolex has been studying the tools needed by professionals in extreme conditions. The Deep Sea Special was developed to demonstrate the efficiency of the waterproof Oyster. Direct descendants of the Deep Sea Special, the Submariner (launched in 1953), and the Sea-Dweller (launched in 1967) permitted, for the first time, those working in fields other than those dedicated to science and research to understand the technical marvel Rolex had produced. Both models became indispensible equipment for serious underwater exploration such as that undertaken by the professional divers of COMEX, the French dive specialists with whom Rolex worked to perfect their underwater watches. The Trieste dive made Rolex watches a part of the collective, professional conscience, and scientists have regularly relied on them ever since.



UNDERWATER EXPLORATION
Rolex has continually encouraged the world’s foremost scientists in their explorations, enjoying long relationships with some of the best-known ocean pioneers in the world. Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the maverick undersea explorer, was an internationally known champion of the seas. Like him, Sylvia Earle, the intrepid U.S. marine biologist, understands the importance of exploration to man’s very survival on this planet. “We are dependant on the natural systems that sustain us. If we take care of the ocean and the rest of the natural world we're really taking care of ourselves.” With over 7,000 hours underwater, Dr. Earle’s experience is an invaluable contribution to the vital task of education.



MAKING THE PLANET A BETTER PLACE
The quest for perfection has been the driving force at the heart of every technological advance made by Rolex for more than one hundred years. In the preceding century, it became clear that this knowledge and determination could also be put towards actions that would make the planet a better place for future generations. As such Rolex has a long history of supporting endeavours to maintain the delicate equilibrium that exists between man and animal, and to preserving the Earth’s natural resources.

2010-01-25

Marc & Sons Diver Automatic & GMT

By TLex Here's are some nice looking Sub clones for those who want to achieve the look of a Rolex Submariner while on a Boutique budget. All Marc & Sons watches are made and assembled in Switzerland using Swiss made movements and components. As well as the Subs Marc & Son have a GMT Diver. Both the Sub and the GMT feature the traditional love-it or hate -it cyclops over the date wheel and are water-resistant to 300 meters.

There 's choice of 4 bezel colors for the Sub and 3 for the GMT. Marc & Sons also have a couple of dive watch-style chronographs, which are rated to 100m, the PVD quartz model on the orange strap (below) is very eye-catching. Prices for all dive models are in the 500 - 600euro range.










Case
42mm x 12mm high-grade stainless steel

Glass Sapphire crystal with date magnifier
Movement Swiss ETA 2824-2
Water-resistant 300m / 30AT
Bracelet Solid high-grade stainless steel with folding safety latch
Weight 190 grams
MSRP 495Euro









Case 42mm x 12mm high-grade stainless steel
Glass Sapphire crystal with date magnifier
Movement Swiss ETA 2893-2
Water-resistant 300m / 30AT
Bracelet Solid high-grade stainless steel with folding safety latch
Weight 190 grams
MSRP 595Euro



Shark Water Watch (in the steel)




©TempvusCompvtare

2010-01-22

BOSCHETTE Cave Dweller Review



FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Cave Dweller 2nd Gen came in smart black leatherette travel case. Inside the case was the watch carefully wrapped alongside an instruction manual, a warranty card and a spare rubber diver’s strap. I’m huge fan of travel cases as they actual serve a purpose other than gathering dust on a shelf at the back of my wardrobe. The inclusion of some tools for resizing the bracelet would have been welcomed, though.

As soon as I picked the Cave Dweller up I could feel how solid and well built it was, it seemed like a very nicely made watch. The bracelet was much heavier and far more solid than I was expecting.




AESTHETIC
The Cave Dweller is an elegant no nonsense looking watch; simplistic and functional in its design. Its unique diamond-cut bezel gives it a very attractive and stylish look. For me there is no better combination than that of bright brushed steel offset against a deep-set matt black dial. The black dial accentuated by its raised white markers and a blue second hand with matching 1000m text that pops agreeably from the dial.

The Cave Dweller 2nd Gen is quite a subtle looking watch it doesn’t scream out for attention, but you certainly won’t go unnoticed wearing it. I have had many comments in fact a work colleague of mine has been pestering me to sell him mine . . . you know who you are mate ;)!




INNOVATION
The Cave Dweller’s new push-button extendable clasp has set a new standard in mid-range bracelet functionality, I wouldn’t be surprised if other Boutique divers followed suit, as it’s far superior and much nicer to use than anything else in its class. I will cover the clasp in more detail later, but have to commend BOSCHETT on a job well done here, it really is great feature, especially for anyone planning on taking the Cave Dweller scuba diving.




CASE
The Cave Dweller has a 45mm 316L high-grade stainless steel case that has been brushed to lovely bright finish. The case itself has been beautifully executed; I really like the way the tops of the lugs have been angled downwards, a look that works very well with the diamond cut bezel notches.

I really love the bezel, which itself is a very attractive feature of the Cave Dweller. BOSCHETT have kept the same diamond-cut look of the original 1st Gen Cave Dweller's bezel, but have increased the width of the bezel notches to give the bezel a better and more secure grip when manipulating with a divers glove.

The Cave Dweller has a nice big thick and chunky crown that has been signed with a ‘B’ for BOSCHETT. It’s of the type I have seen on numerous other divers, but nerveless it does work well. I think if a BOSCHETT had made a crown to match the bezel notches that would have been a cool touch. it would have added a little more uniqueness to the watch. The crown moves in and out without any hindrance, but the stem is not as solid as I would like it be.

The Cave Dweller has flat sapphire crystal. It has been treated to anti-reflective coating on the inside to ensure a clear reading of the dial.

The Cave Dwellers stainless steel case back has a very cool Chinese dragon engraved on the back, there’s a lot of detail there. I always appreciate I nice case back design it adds interest to a watch and for me adds to the watch’s desirability. It is a little faint though.




WATER-RESISTANCE
1000 meters is what one expects form any dive watch that considers itself a serious diving tool. Of course no one would, or ever could venture that deep, but such a depth rating indicates a certain level durability and build quality that one would expect to find in a dive watch of this type.

MOVEMENT
My version of the Cave Dweller 2nd Gen utilizes a trusted Japanese workhouse, the Miyota 8215.The 8215 is a very durable movement and is the perfect choice for a dive watch of its class. The only drawback with the 8215 is that it’s non-hacking. It has date function and keeps excellent time.




FUNCTIONALITY / Wear-ability
The Cave Dweller 2nd Gen was designed to be an upgraded version of the 1st Gen, many of its upgrades were made in order for the watch to work more functionally as a dive watch. The 2nd Gen is all about functionality; bold, white, raised SuperLumiNova applied marker, anti-reflective coating on the crystal and the Cave Dwellers fantastic new clasp with diver’s extension.

Owing to its slightly downwardly curved lugs the Cave Dweller sits very nicely on the wrist. It is a big chunky watch, but it is still comfortable to wear.




DURABILITY
There is not doubt that this is a tough, solid and very well built dive watch. It would make the perfect working watch. Purposely built for the rigors of scuba diving or an active lifestyle. The Cave Dweller 2nd Gen incorporates the toughest materials such has marine grade 316L stainless steel and sapphire crystal. The case has been brushed so that light scratches and swirls can be taken care of easily.




BRACELET / STRAP
The Cave Dweller 2nd Gen has a very lovely looking 5 link bracelet with solid end-links (a must for me). It has been made from solid 316L stainless steel and has the same bright brushed finish that the case has. The bracelet feels very solid and chunky; it has a real heftiness to it. As mentioned earlier one of the upgrades that BOSCHETT gave the 2nd Gen Cave Dweller was a completely new clasp, which features a push button extender.

To extend the clasp one simply pushes the two lateral buttons; this is followed by a nice ratcheting sound as the clasp extends open to accommodate a diver’s wet suit. When fully extended an engraved dive flag can be seen. What a nice touch! And the good news for Gen 1 owners is that the new clap can be retro-fitted to their existing 1st Gen Cave Dwellers.




LUME
The Cave Dwellers hands and markers have been applied with Superluminova. I would rate the lume’s brightness at good.

VALUE
The Cave Dweller 2 Gen sells for 440SUD. This is terrific value for money for what you get. The fit and finish is easily on par with watches 2 to 3 times its price. The fact that it has a Japanese movement instead of a Swiss ETA makes a big difference, but those who plan on using this watch as a diver,will find that the Miyota movement is a no-brainer.


© OceanicTime

OVERALL RATING
BOSCHETT have created a true divers watch. Their no nonsense approach to design and their implementation of actually useful features make the Cave Dweller 2nd Gen a great choice for scuba divers. For the casual wearer or desk diver, the Cave Dweller looks smart and tasteful. It's big and chunky, but by no means bulky or uncomfortable to wear.

Dealing with Keith BOSCHETT was an absolute pleasure, I found him an extremely patient and accommodating gentlemen and would recommend the Cave Dweller 2nd Gen to anyone who looking at getting a well made and attractive dive watch that is affordable, you couldn't do much better, I assure you!

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