SERICA REF. 5303 Diver

Ha, in your face, me! Err yes I think it was only the other day I that confessed that I was experiencing a spot of vintage / retro design fatigue and then along comes this little gem! SERICA, the same guys that brought us THIS cheeky chappy have just introduced a new model, and it’s a diver. Naturellement (they’re a French brand) it is inspired by a bygone era but it does what it does without being overly predictable all the while ensuring that it is not a diver only in name rather it aspires to being a true tool watch. With more than two years of R&D, Serica proudly introduce their debut diver’s model, the reference 5303, delivered in either black or white. With its brand new case, new Swiss automatic caliber and materials, the Serica 5303 is indeed a leap forward for the small brand that has until now just one simple field watch in their inventory. The new 5303 was (in their own words) a “tremendously ambitious challenge” for them to undertake, so let’s see what it’s all about and if they've done a good job. With its modest 39mm in diameter case, produced in Stainless steel and with refined proportions, tapering bracelet and high-level automatic caliber, Serica’s 5303 might be a diver but it is all about that sans neoprene wrist time. This why it’s unidirectional diver’s bezel has been designed so that it can do a bit more than merely measure elapsed dive-time; it boasts a dual-track bezel inlay indicating both mins. (dive-time) and heures ( a second time-zone).

The watch also comes with a Swiss Manufacture movement that was entirely built in the Jura region. 

The Newton Caliber also offer chronometric accuracy of -4/+4 secs per day. In addition to this the caliber also brags an advanced dual-shock-proofing system. 

The new 5503 from SERICA is available for pre-order, now, priced 1’200USD with shipping in October.

Thoughts? I’m a sucker for a broad-arrow, an un-guarded crown and Milanese mesh bracelet but what I am not such a fan of is sub-40mm case diameters. Sure it’s lovely but it’s kinda’ on the small size.

Nevertheless it is a lovely looking diver with some really cool design elements and what appears to be a really nice movement. But what do you think?