MÜHLE GLASHÜTTE S.A.R. Flieger-Chronograph

Developed in collaboration with the rescue pilots of the German Navy, who were looking for a robust chronograph with an easy-to-read display that included a function for calculating flight speed. And thanks to the finest regulation and the extreme reliability of its specially designed chronograph functions, which include a highlighted 10-second scale, the S.A.R. Flieger-Chronograph easily meets with requirements of the German Navy rescue pilots.

It was released this March at Baselworld 2010 and was for me one of the few watches that really stuck out; owing much to its unique trigger-like chrongraph start-pusher that has been so nicely complimented with a chunky angular case and bezel. But not just a cool looking design, there's a lot of cool stuff going on under the hood of the Flieger-Chronograph, too such as it's MU 9408, automatic movement with Mühle Glashütte’s patented woodpecker neck regulation.



Rough seas and bad weather conditions are not only very familiar to the sea rescue personnel from the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger), but also to the rescue pilots from the German Navy. Both work together regularly to rescue people in distress at sea. It was therefore only natural for Nautische Instrumente Mühle-Glashütte to complement the field-tested S.A.R. Rescue-Timer with a watch for the SAR pilots.

During their rescue operations, the Navy rescue pilots are dependent on very robust equipment. With a starting weight of 9.3 tonnes and 3,000 PS engine power the Sea King MK 41, the German Navy’s rescue helicopter, can operate even in the most adverse weather conditions. The S.A.R. Flieger-Chronograph (S.A.R. Pilot Chronograph) is equally unshakeable; thanks to a solid stainless steel case 44 millimetres in diameter and 2.5 millimetre thick sapphire crystal.

The large case diameter also makes the watch display easier to read. Pilots in particular must be able to read the time, or the stop time, reliably and at a glance. For easy differentiation between these two time functions, the chronograph pushers, the Stop second hand and the minute and hour hands are marked in orange. This typical SAR signal colour is also used to highlight the 10-second scale between 12 and 2 o’clock.

The clearly marked 10-second scale was particularly important to the crew members of the rescue helicopters because it allows time measurements for calculating the flight speed to be taken and the watch can be used as an independent back-up system to support the dashboard instruments.



This becomes relevant for example when the rescue pilots have to arrive at the rescue scene at a particular time, or the flying time has to be re-estimated for tactical operational reasons. In such cases they can calculate their flight speed with the help of the “1 in 60 rule” and, if necessary, adapt. To extrapolate the flight speed, the chronograph with its easy-to-grip start pusher at 8 o’clock is started.

As soon as the stop second hand has reached the end of the orange coloured scale, the distance covered in the time is put in relation to it: for example 0.2 NM in 10 seconds (1 nautical mile = 1.852 km). The distance is then extrapolated for a flying time of one minute (= 1.2 NM), giving a speed of 72 knots (1 knot = 1NM/h = 1.853 km/h). This extremely simple process allows very quick calculation of the speed.

The chronograph’s MU 9408 mechanism guarantees the reliability and precision required for these measurements. In addition to the solid three-quarter plate it has the patented woodpecker neck regulation from Mühle. This ensures the uniform rate of the mechanism (basis ETA 7750) even under the hardest of conditions. For even when exposed to strong shocks it prevents the index hand between the regulating screw and the counter-pressure spring from jumping up, which would change the watch’s regulation.

“Thanks to the fine regulation we developed in 2003, our mechanisms have a real technical advantage over watches with traditional regulation systems” emphasizes Thilo Mühle, Managing Director of Mühle-Glashütte GmbH. “And it is precisely in our S.A.R. models which have to withstand such harsh conditions that this advantage is most clearly obvious.“

KADLOO Ocean Deux Mille (newish)

Not exactly hot off the press and not exactly the hottest new diver either, but nonetheless the most agreeable offering to come from KADLOO of late. Kadloo are known more for mimicry than originality; flick through their catalog and you'll see what I mean; notes of Omega, Rolex and Panerai.

What intrigues me about the new Ocean Deux Mille (if you haven't already guessed from its French name) is its 2000 meter depth rating. Here we go again, yet another 2000m diver, however this one appears not to be using either of the ubiquitous 2000m cases. Nevertheless its case is a fairly familiar sight.



Apart from its WR rating, the Deaux Mille catches the eye with its striking use of color (specifically orange and turquoise) and its bold handset. Doxa have just recently said that turquoise has been proven to be the last color that is visible when descending into the depths. I should note here that although I posted the 1200T NUMA first, the Ocean Deaux Mille was actually released before it.

The
Planet Ocean Kadloo Ocean never looked so good! ;)



Specs Include A 45mm x 17mm 316L stainless steel case with an integrated HEV and a water-resistance of 2000m. A sapphire crystal. SuperLumiNova applied mat black dial and hands. Weighing in at 165grams. Housing the ETA 2824-2 automatic Swiss calibre. Features include:date and unidirectional divers bezel with elapsed dive time scale.

ETERNA Super KonTiki Heritage 1973 (new)

As it name suggests, the Super KonTiki Heritage 1973; is a reissue of the 1973 Super KonTiki divers watch from Eterna, which is a much sort after vintage diver.

The KonTiki line of watches were inspired by Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 voyage on a balsa wood raft named 'KonTiki', which made its way across the Pacific to the Polynesian islands.

Unseen here is a caseback engraving of the KonTiki raft that the watch sports. Remaining true to the original watch, it has the same tonneau shaped stainless steel case with a 200m water-resistance, albeit with a larger 44mm dimension.




The handset differs slightly from the original only in that it has been altered to allow for a more generous application of Swiss Superluminova, making for better readability underwater.

The Super KonTiki 1973 is equipped with a Swiss automatic movement, the ETA caliber 2824-2 with 38-hours power reserve.

The watch is presented on a stunning mesh bracelet with a brushed clasp. A Limited Edition of 1973 pieces, the Super KonTiki Heritage 1973 comes with a price tag 3'300 USD.

BREGUET Marine Royale Alarm 5847 (new)

Oh, Breguet, how you tease me! After waiting more than 5 months for a press release and a decent image of the latest version of the Marine Royale Alarm, something turns up in French! Well worth the wait, though; you couldn't hope for a finer 300m diver.









From BREGUET Marine Royale wristwatch in 18-carat white gold. Self-winding movement with alarm mechanism. Security ratchet of the turning bezel visible at 3 o'clock. Unidirectional turning bezel with luminous mark. Alarm on/off push-piece at 8 o'clock. Alarm setting push-piece at 4 o'clock. Black rhodium gold dial hand-engraved on a rose engine.

Triangular hand at the center for setting the alarm time. Alarm power-reserve indication in an aperture between 9 and 11 o'clock. Alarm on/off indicator in a round aperture at 12 o'clock. Date at 6 o'clock. Breguet hands coated with a luminous compound. Water-resistant to 300m. Sapphire-crystal caseback.



CASE White gold / 45.0 x 17.45mm / Water-resistance 300m

CALIBRE 519R Jewels 36 / Power-reserve 45hrs / Frequency 4.0Hz / Balance-wheel Regulating screws / Escapement Swiss straight line lever / Balance-spring Flat

EBERHARD & Co. Chrono 4 BADBOY

Here's one of those should I shouldn't I post it release from Basel 2010, that I've finally caved in and shared with you. It's not really a diver, but it could certainly fill the role as was if need be; and whilst I much prefer some of Eberhard & Co.'s earlier models this one ain't to shabby either.



For details visit Eberhard & Co.

HERMES Clipper (2nd look)

ARMAND NICOLET J09 (pseudo-diver)

Here's a really lovely looking pseudo-diver from Armand Nicolet's new J09 range released this year at BaselWorld. Not much I don't like about this one to be honest, it's a real beaut; crying shame about the 50m depth rating, though, would have made a lovely dive watch!



Movement Automatic, AN 2846-9 TNK calibre, 36-hour power reserve
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, day and date
Case 316L stainless steel with black rotating bezel
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal and sapphire back
Water-resistant to 50m
Dial Black in several layers
Luminescent hour-markers and hands
Day and date windows at 6 o’clock
Bracelet / Strap black rubber with 316L stainless steel folding clasp

SECTOR Shark Master 1000M

This Special Edition of the SECTOR Shark Master 1000M auto is dedicated to free diver Patrick Musimo. More details to follow . . .

CHANEL J12 Marine Diver

Constructed from high-tech ceramic. The J12 Marine Diver is water-resistant to 300m. Its case is available in two color variants (black or white) , two sizes (38mm or 42mm) and come with three bezel colors (black ,blue or white) . Its sapphire crystal has been treated to anti-reflective coating. Beating away inside its ceramic case is a Swiss automatic caliber. Its bracelet is also constructed from high-tech ceramic. The J12 Marine Diver is supplied with an extra caoutchouc rubber strap in either black, white or blue.

EDOX Class-1 CHRONOFFSHORE

The CHRONOFFSHORE is that latest diver to come from the official timekeeper of the Class-1 World Powerboat Championship, EDOX. The Chronoffshore's 500m rated case measures 43mm and is fashioned from the highest quality stainless steel.



It boasts an ultra modern silver ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal and a sporty black carbon fiber dial. Its movement a Swiss made automatic ETA caliber Valjoux 7750 with 25 jewels. MSRP 3'500HF. A Limited Edition of 250 Pieces.

CORUM Admirals's Cup DEEP HULL 48

This year at Baselworld, as part of their anniversary celebrations CORUM unveiled to the world the dive watch that I have always dreamt they would make; if they had wanted to, CORUM could have produced an incredible diver at any point, this year they have.

The Admiral's Cup DEEP HULL 48 is a nautical watch in every sense; combing the world of yachting above the waves with the world of diving 1000 meters below them. As suited to the consummate professional at helm of a racing yacht as it is to the deep sea diver or executive in the boardroom. A serious piece of kit above or below the waves; and a tough contender that should be able to hold its own against pretty much any other luxury diver in its class.

Crafted from high-grade titanium the DEEP HULL's bold 12 sided case design reflects its 'Admiral's Cup' pedigree. Its 48mm case able to withstand the crushing pressures exerted by 1000 meters of ocean as indicated by the uber-cool '1000m' engraving at the 9.30 position of its case, which is also where the DEEP HULL is fitted a very cool, contemporary design feature; de riguer for any dive watch that wants to be taken seriously, an HEV (helium escape valve).


An HEV such as the one the DEEP HULL 48 is equipped with makes a dive watch suitable for saturation diving. Sat-divers are kept in a helium rich environment as part of their decompression. Helium is a tiny molecule, much smaller than oxygen and as such can seep into the watch's case during the saturation period.

Contrary to some beliefs helium doesn't build up in the watch's case from spending prolonged periods of time underwater at depth; there is virtually no helium present in the ocean, a minuscule 0.0000072 ppm (parts per million) is present in seawater. If large amounts of helium do build up in the watch case from being in a saturation chamber, these helium molecules will expand when the diver and his watch return to the surface; and this is where problems could arise, which might result in the crystal popping out; an exploding dive watch is not a likelihood ;)







The case of this latest novelty in the Admiral's Cup collection with its twelve-sided case, typical of the collection features an impressive diameter of 48mm. Crafted in titanium and easily recognizable thanks to its bold design, it offers a unidirectional and rotating bezel.

Other characteristic of this divers watch, the Admiral's Cup Deep Hull 48, include a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock, an exceptional water-resistance of 100 atmospheres or 1000 meters and perfect legibility in the dark thanks to the SuperLuminova coating on the index and hands.

This broad case houses the caliber CO947, mechanical movement with automatic winding COSC certified chronometer, offering hours, minutes, small seconds, day and date functions. For a perfect resistance to salty water, the Admiral’s Cup Deep Hull 48 is fitted with black vulcanized rubber strap titanium buckle engraved with Corum logo.

This anniversary piece, the Admiral’s Cup Deep Hull 48, is available in a limited edition of 555 pieces, with a black PVD version available in a limited edition of 155 pieces.

BLANCPAIN 50 Fathoms Calendar Moon Phase Flyback Chronograph

Yet another moon-phase complication makes its way into a dive watch. Linde Werdelin got away with it here; but Blancpain have gone for an old school moon-phase sub dial complete with smirking faced moon and 'twinkle-twinkle' little stars; and if the sun burst / wave effect on its dial or the addition of a calendar wheel weren't already distraction enough, its moon phase puts this latest version of the Fifty Fathoms well on its way to being the busiest there is. 

The watch dial clearly sinks way beyond 50 Fathoms for me, but it's not all bad news; please read below for details of its ingenious patented under-lug correction system . . .



From BLANCPAIN The Fifty Fathoms Collection is home to the most rugged sports watches in all of Blancpain's lines. For 2010 Blancpain expands the Fifty Fathoms domain of sport to embrace the complications of a moon phase and a complete calendar married with the traditional sport companion of a column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph.



This newest member of the Fifty Fathoms family, with its complicated 448-part movement, has been fitted with a host of Blancpain movement innovations. The moon phase complete calendar mechanism is drawn from the caliber F185 movement, offering the unique capability of risk-free setting of any indication regardless of the time of day or night. Other complete calendar moon phase mechanisms offered in the industry forbid setting of indications at certain times because of risk of damage to the delicate components of the calendar.

Blancpain solved this problem with its unique design that frees the owner from worrying about whether it is safe to set the calendar indications. Setting itself is further facilitated by the incorporation of Blancpain's patented under lug correctors (above) that eliminate the need for adjusters on the sides of the case and which allow finger-tip setting in place of an adjusting tool. The chronograph base is Blancpain's classic vertical clutch column-wheel controlled flyback movement.

The stainless steel case is 45 mm in diameter and fitted with a blue colored sapphire unidirectional bezel and blue dial.

BREGUET 2010 (coming soon)

BALL Watch Co. EMII DIVER World Timer