DELMA Shell Star TITANIUM [lighter, tougher, sleeker]

After almost five decades, Delma’s much beloved retro diver; the Shell Star has entered into its most advanced evolutionary stage, presenting fans of its classic diver’s silhouette with a whole new wearing experience thanks to the use of Titanium! The new Shell Star Titanium retains the classic lines of Delma’s signature diver’s collection while making use of new technologies and materials as required by those professionals that are working in the underwater realm. Not only does the new Shell Star Titanium come in a light weight package but it is also even more robust, making it ideally suited for free diving and or recreational pursuits on land or at sea. When Delma first introduced the Shell Star in 1975 it was the brand’s first professional divers’ watch. Almost 5 decades on, the Shell Star collection epitomizes the Swiss brand’s dedication to excellence and innovation in divers’ watches. Weighing a mere 136 grams, the Shell Star’s new found resilience and toughness is further heightened thanks to its use of this high-tech alloy that has an incredibly high tensile strength but is also corrosion resistant to seawater. Along with its compact proportions for a divers’ watch at 41mm in diameter and just 13.6mm thick, it will surely be exceptionally comfortable and no doubt far more pleasurable to wear when compared to its steel stablemates.

So as to reduce the size significantly, but remain undeniably a Shell Star, each feature was carefully analyzed and reconfigured for design and clarity. 

Two types of luminous, bright blue glowing Super-LumiNova BGW9 to accentuate the bezel, and neon green glowing Super-LumiNova C3 for the indexes and hands were chosen for their exceptional legibility.

The Shell Star’s signature spade seconds hand has been slightly streamlined to draw attention to the now subtly enlarged luminous pointer. 

The black scratch resistant ceramic bezel adds a further element of durability while creating a striking visual effect in combination with the sand textured black, blue or orange dials on offer.

The colors of the signature railway track, date window and accents were purposefully considered for each variation of the well-appointed model. 

Despite the smaller proportions, the new Shell Star Titanium upholds the power of the Shell Star inside and out.

With water-resistance to 500m, the titanium case-back is sealed with a transparent portal revealing the automatic movement and Delma customized rotor powering this lightweight professional diver’s watch. The case and coordinating bracelet have been subtly brushed to accentuate the alloy’s distinctive warm grey tones.

As Delma’s divers’ watch collection has expanded and evolved over the years, so has their engagement with the diving community contributing invaluable insights. 

Free diver, Ocean Conservationist and Delma brand ambassador Magnus Lundborg brings the value of a smaller, lighter weight watch into perspective.

Understanding what is important in diver’s wristwatches from those that pursue the sport to the extreme has been a continual motivator for Delma, informing many of their greatest innovations. The Shell Star Titanium is limited to 499 pieces and will be available online and in select stores worldwide as of March 16, 2023. MSRP is CHF 1590 / EUR 1790 / USD 1890.

Thoughts? As an early adopter and strong proponent Titanium my watch collection is largely composed of Titanium models. You get a tougher and lighter watch but also all the subtly of Titanium’s dusky grey tones. I approve!