2022-12-23

G.A.W. NumeroZero 2.0 by GRUPPO ARDITO [deep evolution]

Mass produced or diminutive it is not; this stonking new diver has been hand hewn in Italy for the few. The few in the know, that is! GAW’s debut model, the inimitable NumeroZero is back by popular demand and it has been given a complete redesign for 2023 propelling it into the next decade. The NumeroZero is the watch that put Gruppo Ardito, a small maverick watchmaker from Italy that specializes in high water-resistance, artisanal mechanical tool watches on the map. While the NumeroZero has evolved into the precision tool diver that you see before you, boasting such features as its Grade 5 Titanium case construction. It retains all the charm and charisma of its predecessor while receiving GAW’s fastidious level of constructive care that is typical of all their handcrafted Italian timepieces. The titanium alloy utilized for the NumeroZero’s brawny case is Grade 5 providing supreme levels of strength and incredible lightness of weight. Its sapphire crystal glass which covers its sporty matte black dial along with its handmade finishing are further denotations of the watch’s superior level of constructive found on but a few such watches. The case body has been fixed via a dozen Allen screws (6 on the back and 6 on the bezel) while the crown also in Grade 5 Titanium is screw-down and customized with the GAW logo. The water-resistance of the glass is guaranteed by a sub-glass O-Ring and an L-shaped ring that works on the perimeter of the glass while the bezel bears the task of packing the glass securely against the main watch case. These technical features allow the watch to be water-resistant to a submerged depth exceeding a pressure of 170 bar (1,700 meters), a self-limited value by the GAW testing laboratory. The watch is powered by Swiss made 26 jewel, Sellita SW 200 automatic movement with its date stripped down. Why? Because not only would the date ruin the watch’s otherwise incredible good looks but who gives heck what the date is when causing chaos in the drink’s depths.

Finally the NumeroZero’s 110g, 44mm in diameter by 17mm thick G5 Ti case is secured to the wearer wrists by an a premium quality Italian accordion-style rubber diver’s strap with a chunky G.A.W. TECH custom Titanium buckle. 

For more info. follow the link HERE

 https://sites.google.com/site/gruppoarditowatch/

2022-12-21

UNDONE Aquadeep [uncovered]

UNDONE, the trendy Hong Kong watch brand as well-known for their timepieces offering high levels of self-customization as they are for their hot colabs such as those with; Aquaman, Batman, Popeye or Disney make ANOTHER fierce first foray into the diver’s segment, and they have outdone themselves! Introducing the AQUADEEP a brand-new, diver-orientated model from Undone Watches that is not only their most capable divers’ model to date but a watch that is intended to go toe to toe, bezel to bezel and crown to crown against other great divers at its price-point. When Undone decided that they wanted to offer an historic looking explorer-type wristwatch they gave us the BASECAMP model with its rakish good looks that hark back to the earlier days of watchmaking used in the world of adventurism and exploration.

With the new Aquadeep, Undone set out to produce a true modern diver’s watch. 

Having pushed the envelope on the possibilities of what a diver watch could/should be with the BATMAN Quantum; their ambitious collaborative interpretation of Batman’s arsenal of weaponry.

Undone have now taken those same formidable specifications and expectations out of the world of fantasy into the a sub-aquatic world of reality by creating a diver not in name or looks alone but a diver by design that could be worn and indeed thrive in the deep. The Aquadeep represents the highest water resistant configuration of all Undone diving watches to date. It boasts 500 meters of water-resistance and features a manual Helium Escape Valve at 10 o’clock. This high-precision gas ventilation feature can control the helium molecules exiting the watch case while ensuring water doesn’t enter. This valve is used to manually release internal pressure, preventing the excessive buildup of helium gas when surfacing after time spent in a helium rich environment such as in a hyperbaric chamber. Titanium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all known metals and is 40% lighter than steel; hypoallergenic as well as being highly corrosion resistant to seawater, chlorine and much more. Titanium also remains stable in extreme temperatures, making it the perfect material to complement any serious diver on their next undersea adventure.

Protecting the dial and movement is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens, vigorously tested in the Undone lab for optimal performance. 

The ultra-domed construction is reminiscent of the vintage heavy duty diver watches worn by tactical personnel of those during the bygone era of earlier underwater exploration.

Thoughts? Sandblasted Titanium, a Helium Escape Valve, 500m of water-resistance and powered by the highly reliable Japanese TMI NH35A Automatic Winding Mechanism.

UNDONE prove themselves as a worthy contender in the diver’s watch arena offering a bevy of exceptional features that provide all the form and function that you could ever want in a diver’s watch. 

The watch looks and feels good and at its (circa) 500USD price-point is almost unbeatable. 

https://www.undone.watch/

CRAFTER BLUE Bon Voyage Chronograph PANDA

Meet the BON VOYAGE Chronograph from dive watch specialists, Crafter Blue. 

And no this handsome travel companion isn’t diver’s watch but its bags are packed and it’s ready to accompany you on your next adventure.

Its enameled white dial resembles the characteristic black and white face of a panda making it not only a highly legible and readable timepiece. But also one that is just as likeable and charming as the bamboo eating creature from which its nickname is derived. Equipped with a bidirectional a 12-hour bezel, the Bon Voyage allows you to say “Bon Voyage” to your pals as you set off into another time zone without losing track of time at home. Basic spec. includes a 42mm 316L Stainless steel case with 100m, a screwed crown, a sapphire glass and a Seiko VK64 meca-quartz automatic movement.

The watch set comes with not one but two strap styles that include one in Genuine Italian leather and a second Crafter Blue UX05 FKM rubber strap, catering for both your dressier and sportier needs. 

Both the straps are designed with a quick release spring bar system making the transition between straps seamless, tool free and hassle free. 

 https://www.crafterbluewatches.com/

2022-12-16

LeJOUR DELMARE [luxe daily beater with 70s vibes]

Answer the call of the sea with LeJOUR’s newest diver offering, the Delmare. 

Elegantly styled and with a strong seventies sensibility this new model from LeJOUR encapsulates one of the most celebrated era’s in watchmaking.

Its compact case is made from 316L Stainless Steel and measures 41mm-wide, 48mm-length, and 13mm-height allowing for a wearable and comfortable timepiece that is well suited to daily-wear. Its highly angular case exudes more of that seventies flare, brought to life with its impressive interplay of brushed and shiny polished surfaces with refined chamfers. The seventies charm carries through to its meticulously finished 5-link Stainless Steel bracelet that fits perfectly under the hooded case. The inclusion of a domed shape Sapphire crystal and premium quality ceramic inlay adds gives the Delmare that premium feel that LeJOUR are known for while offering assured robustness where it counts. The Delmare’s spectacular dial with its sunburst gradient / fume (smoked) finish further underscores the watch’s luxurious intent and is something LeJOUR are well-known for. The depth of the dial comes from the sober color tones found in its center that gradually darken outwards providing mesmerizing effect under different ambient light sources. The date on the dial is positioned at 6’oclock for balance and elegance while the use of Grade C3 Swiss SuperLuminova on the hands and indices provide excellent legibility in low lighting conditions. Le Jour’s Delmare collection is available in eight tempting color combinations of Black / Blue / Green / Gray / Brown and Rose Gold finishes. Besides offering itself as a stylish daily-beater, the Delmare of course also fully qualifies as a robust diver’s watch with water-resistance up-till 20 bar / 200m. The Delmare is powered by Swiss made, SELLITA SW200, 26-jeweled automatic movement renowned for its accuracy, dependability and longevity.

Thoughts? A tasty looking diver from LeJOUR that would give watches like the Divers Sixty-Five a good run for its money. 

Follow the link to discover the new DELMARE collection and other diver’s models from LeJOUR. 

https://www.lejourwatches.ch/

2022-12-01

AUDAZ Barracuda [performance diver]

Following in the wake of the mighty KING RAY, AUDAZ has just dropped another solid diver’s watch that has been inspired by exotic marine life. With two sets of razor-sharp teeth this large, predatory, ray-finned fish is prized by game-fishermen for its strength and speed, which can reach almost 60kmph. To the unwary diver, this fearsome predator with its ferocious behavior has even been known to make unsolicited advances towards shiny objects in the water such shiny diver’s watches! The attention grabbing Audaz Barracuda like its namesake is performance-oriented. It is constructed from 316L Stainless Steel. Its refined case and bracelet have been finished with elegant touches of shiny polishing mixed with satin brushing, delivering a sporty yet stylish look. The Barracuda makes use one of the brightest Grade C3 Super-LumiNova to enhance the legibility in low-light conditions. Besides the top grade lume, the watch is engineered for water resistance up-to 300m / 1000ft. Barracuda Watch features a unidirectional diver bezel complimented with premium quality ceramic insert. In addition a scratch resistant sapphire crystal ensures complete functionality. The Barracuda watch comes with a solid steel screw-in case-back, featuring a stunning motif of the Barracuda fish embossed spectacularly to echo the watch’s spirit. All Barracuda dive watches are powered by 24-Jewel, well-engineered TMI-NH35 Automatic movements that are also popularly known as the workhorse automatic movement.

Follow the link to discover the full BARRACUDA collection on the AUDAZ website where it is available for just 425USD. 

 

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