ZODIAC Super Sea Wolf PRO-DIVER

Zodiac’s Super Sea Wolf goes pro for 2022! 

With the Sea Wolf fast approaching its 70th birthday; Zodiac has released a new diver’s model bearing the same name as the OG Sea Wolf Skin Diver from the 1950s.

Carrying forth a name that dates back to 1953 when the Zodiac Sea Wolf Skin Diver first surfaced – a time when its contemporaries would have been Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms and Rolex’s Submariner, the 2022 model now boasts a professional designation. While the Sea Wolf never gained the same kind of critical acclaim that the aforementioned diver's watch icons did, its name has endured. This is the new Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Automatic with its Stainless case measuring 42mm in diameter and with a thickness of 14.3mm. It is presented in four vibrant colorways as well as a model in a more sober classic black all of which are equipped with ceramic bezel inlays. With its 300 meters of water-resistance the new Sea Wolf Pro-Diver fully complies with ISO certification for diver’s watches. Power comes from a COSC-certified Sellita SW-200 automatic chronometer movement with an accuracy of between +6 and -4 seconds per day. Generously applied Swiss SuperLumiNova illuminates the SW Pro-Diver’s hands, indexes and bezel markings in low-lit conditions. Each SW Pro-Diver has been hand-assembled in Biel-Bienne, Switzerland and created in small-batch, limited quantity – meaning once a colorway is gone its gone for good. The new Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Automatic COSC has an MSRP of 1’695USD.

Thoughts? The current lineup of Zodiac diver’s models including this new one, do little to stir any emotion in me. 

If and when the Super Sea Wolf from the late nighties / early noughties makes a comeback, the one with the saw-tooth bezel I’ll change my tune. But what do you think?

 

HELM Watches MIYAKO [affordable refinement]

Situated just 300 kilometers south of the Okinawan Main Island and a mere stone’s throw from my adopted home of Taiwan (just 450km or so to the east) lies the Japanese island of Miyakojima with its stunning beaches and coral reefs. This idyllic Japanese island paradise was the muse for a new diver’s model from Helm Watches; the Miyako which has been suitably powered by the venerable Japanese automatic movement, the Miyota caliber 9015. Combining old world features such as its cambered sapphire crystal inlayed diver’s bezel and exposed fluted crown with elements such as its two-tier dial, the Miyako has an heir of refinement seldom found on watches at its modest price-point. Meanwhile its 316L Stainless steel case which measure a manageable 40mm in diameter is fitted with a screw-down, crown and case-back and has 200m of water-resistance which means the Miyako is fully compliant with ISO 6425 norms for a diver’s watch. While an anti-reflective-treated, domed Sapphire crystal protects the Miyako’s beautiful dial (offered in slate grey or navy blue) with its embossed Japanese Kanagawa-style wave pattern design at its center; its Japanese mechanical heart is protected from the rear via a solid Stainless steel back, the design of which once again incorporates the frothing, cresting wave pattern with the Helm logo at its center. The Miyako comes with an NS1 Nylon Strap― the perfect option in or out of the water; it provides a casual, lightweight alternative to the included Stainless bracelet. The Miyako is listed at 375USD. Follow the link HERE or the one embedded in the HELM logo at the bottom of this post. Thoughts? An inspired design from Helm that speaks my language details such as the FF-style bezel inlay, its un-guarded fluted crown and that evocative Japanese wave pattern.

But what do you think?

 

DEEP BLUE Watches RALLY DIVER 1000 [NY RALLY INSPIRED]

Here’s a true crossover model; cross the finish line with DB’s latest diver / rally racer, the Rally Diver 1000. That’s right gentlemen, here’s a watch offering all the accoutrements of a modern diver’s watch yet with a Swiss heart beating within - and the soul of an old school, New York, rally racer. Deep Blue’s (who hail from NY) latest diver’s model takes its inspiration from the iconic checkered flag whose checkered past dates back to the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup race held in Long Island, New York. To the uninitiated, a checkered pattern might seem a bit of an odd thing to decorate a diver’s rahaut (chapter ring) with, but strange as it is, this design feature even pre-dates yours truly. The earliest rally divers date back to the 1970s – most notably Seiko’s Rally Diver with its checkered bezel markings but many others, too. Something that DB’s checkered pattern boasts that others that have gone before likely cannot lay claim to is that is has been fully illuminated. In addition to this, the DB Rally Diver 1000’s checkered chapter ring is literally offered in the entire spectrum from red to purple - all with color matching hands and markers. Basic spec. for the new Rally Diver 1000 includes; a 44mm, 316L Stainless steel case with 300m of water-resistance, a ceramic diver's bezel and an AR-coated Sapphire crystal. Power comes from a Swiss made Ronda R150 automatic caliber with; a custom rainbow rotor design with the DB logo.

The 26 jewels movement has Incabloc shock-resistance and a beat-rate of 28,800vph. Follow the link embedded in the DB logo, below for more on the Rally Diver 1000. 

 

DEEP BLUE Watches JUGGERNAUT V USA Swiss AUTO [the patriot]

Here’s one for all my friends across the Pond in ‘merica; or indeed to anyone with an appreciation of the World’s only friendly super power. The New York, based purveyors of all things badass in the way of diver’s watches, DEEP BLUE has just released a patriotic edition of their most American model, the juggernaut. Paying tribute to the land where bigger is better, DEEP BLUE’s (not so) truck-sized diver’ watch the, Juggernaut now comes with a reliable Swiss engine under its Stars and Stripes bearing hood. Available in 5 new colors; the Juggernaut V USA Swiss Auto is powered by the Swiss made Ronda R150 24 jewels, automatic with Incabloc shock-protection and a beat-rate of 28,800vph. With manageable dimensions that include; a diameter of 44mm, a lug to lug length of 51mm and a thickness of just 15mm; the Juggernaut V USA’s 316L Stainless steel case is water-resistant to 1’000 feet or 330m. Special features of the watch include a dazzling sun-ray dial with a wave-pattern covered by a sapphire crystal as well as said unique USA designed case-back incorporating the DB logo with the star ’n stripes. Running around the perimeter of the watch’s polished steel case-back is a series of stars – sixty in total. Not 50 or 52 as I thought there might be – yes, I counted them just for you! Diver’s features of the Juggernaut USA Swiss Auto include: a screw-down case-back and crown and a manual Helium Escape Valve (10H) and a 120-click unidirectional rotational diver’s bezel with a ceramic inlay with a luminous dive-time scale. Finally the new Juggernaut USA Swiss Auto from DB is presented on 22mm Stainless steel link bracelet with a tension pin and collar adjustment system as well a push button deployant clasp with 3x micro adjustments.

Thoughts? A very American Deep Blue diver that I’m sure will appeal not only to our buddies in the States but anyone who appreciates solid, well-built Swiss diver’s watches. God Bless America! 

LACO Edition 96 [the diver with a sting in its tail]

A hundred years as long time to have been making wristwatches (it’s a long to have been making anything); 

only a select few, German luxury watch manufactures have had the opportunity to celebrate their centennial but for one famous watchmaker, specializing in aviation and sports watches that milestone is just 3 short years away – that brand is LACO.

Introducing the EDITION 96, a new diver’s model from Laco created in celebration of their upcoming 100th Anniversary. Dark and brooding, this all-black EDITION 96 diver’s watch is based on Laco’s highly popular SKORPION series; however it stands out from its siblings thanks to several EDITION 96 specific features. Firstly the EDITION 96 will be produced in a strictly Limited Series of just 96 pieces; joining previous EDITION 95, 97,98 and 99 models and made available in a stylish collector's box.

We have previously met the EDITION 96’s family members the: AMAZONAS, ATLANTIK, HIMALAYA & MOJAVE models with their colorful features; 

now we meet the black sheep of the family; he has the same genetic makeup as his siblings but with added coolness thanks to a matte black PVD finished case (with 300 meters of water-resistance) and a matte black dial.

Meanwhile as a Skorpion model, the EDITION 96 also features a dramatic 3D embossed scorpion design in relief on its case-back. 

While the Edition 96 is indeed a darker, moodier variant of those models mentioned above it shines brightly where it counts down in the depths.

Its signature notched ceramic unidirectional rotating diver’s bezel is with white indices and minute markers creating a clean and bold look that is popular with diver’s watches coming from this part of the world – 

these markings as well as its hands have all been generously applied with a strong luminescent material that emits a bright green light.

Powering this black Skopion is a Laco 200 caliber, which is based on Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with: 

26 jewels, a beat-rate of 28,800vph (4Hz) and a power-reserve of apporx. 38hrs. An Elaboré grade with optional Top grade is also available for the EDITION 96.

Finally the EDITION 96 is presented on a special strap made from patent cowhide allowing the wearer to benefit from the smart/casual looks of non-diver’s strap but with the benefits of water-resistance.

Sadly the LACO EDITION 96 very quickly SOLD OUT. 

Its pre-order price was 1’290€ and it came with a LEATHERMAN REBAR® Multitool worth 99€ for free. Shame!

Thoughts? While the EDITION 96 is indeed sold out, all other Skorpion models are still available however; if you are requiring a truly authentic Laco experience look no further than their pilots watches – in particular the Frankfurt GMT models. 

But what do you think? Do you also have an appreciation for pilot watches?