Stylish Divers
Whether you’re jetting off to Maui, Mustique or another island paradise for your winter escape, this year’s handsome dive watches are go-to timepieces for fun in the sun. Equipped for taking the plunge with requisite features including screw-down crowns for heightened water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezels for timing dives and luminous, easy-to-read dials, these functional divers also dress up for cocktails and dinner.
Carl F. Bucherer introduced its first dive model this year with the Patravi ScubaTec ($6,800 on stainless steel bracelet) featuring a striking blue and black ceramic bezel and Super-LumiNova indexes that glow light-blue in the dark. Powered by the C.O.S.C.-certified CFB 1950.1 automatic movement, ScubaTec is also outfitted with a helium valve that allows you to release the pressure of built-up gas on deep dives. The stainless steel bracelet with its interplay of shiny and matte finishes features an integrated extension so you can easily transition from dive suit to dress suit, and the closed case back depicts two manta rays in relief with a 3-D effect.
The case back of Ulysse Nardin’s newly redesigned Maxi Diver ($8,500) is etched with an image of a sailboat and the words “Conquer the Ocean” in a nod to the Swiss brand’s rich maritime heritage. The robust 44-mm case features extended lugs and a rubber-coated bezel with a textured wave motif that is echoed on the dial punctuated with red accents. Endowed with a 42-hour power reserve displayed at 12 o’clock, the Maxi Diver can handle depths down to 300 meters.
IWC’s newly revamped Aquatimer range includes nine different models, including one that pays tribute to the legendary underwater explorer, researcher and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau. The deep blue dial of the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau” ($7,200) recalls the crystal clear waters of the Galapagos archipelago, commemorating his voyage there in 1971. The case back depicts the pioneering conservationist in his trademark woolen beanie. Water resistant down to 30 bar, the timepiece features IWC’s exclusive user-friendly external/internal rotating bezel with a SafeDive system that protects against accidental adjustment of the dive time. The new Aquatimer not only looks good, it does good with IWC donating part of the sales proceeds to the Cousteau Society, supporting its efforts in establishing marine conservation zones.
Visit carl-f-bucherer.com, ulysse-nardin.com and iwc.com
