Dive watches are among the many hottest fashions accessible available on the market. Just about all manufacturers, with solely uncommon exceptions, have embraced the idea and now suggest a substitute for the classics which are the Submariner or the Seamaster. There’s a superb purpose behind this reputation, as dive watches, though not used for the preliminary objective, are excellent for weekends or holidays, and are no-brainer decisions relating to a strong sports activities watch. This 12 months actually wasn’t probably the most prolific on this discipline, but we’ve some fairly cool introductions. As a part of the “better of 2021” collection and following our purchasing information on the perfect chronographs of 2021, right here’s our choice of our favorite dive watches launched this 12 months.
Editor’s word: this checklist displays the preferences of MONOCHROME’s editorial crew and outcomes from an inside vote. This checklist is, after all, non-exhaustive and stays subjective. If there are different dive watches launched in 2021 that made an impression on you, be at liberty to share your ideas with us within the remark part.
Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad
It’s not likely a shock to see a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in such a range. This mannequin stays in any case one of the crucial emblematic and enduring dive watches ever created. Launched in 1953, it was one of many first ones available on the market and it outlined the style. A part of the a number of editions launched over time, some deserve larger consideration, such because the classic No-Rad mannequin, a watch made for the “Kampfschwimmer”, the elite German frogman commando unit and outlined by its “no radiations” emblem on the dial. This 12 months, the model launched a brand new version, the Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad, with a compact 40mm case and a 300m water-resistance. It’s a trendy re-interpretation and contains a domed sapphire bezel with finely notched profile and a totally graduated 60-minute scale. Additionally, the dial has been revised with a extra instrumental look – painted markers, slight patina – and options, after all, the enduring “No Radiations” emblem. Below the sapphire caseback is the in-house Calibre 1151 with a 100h energy reserve. This very cool watch was launched as a restricted version of 500 items. All the small print in our overview right here.
Fast Details: 40.3mm polished metal case – unidirectional bezel in sapphire – 300m water resistant – matte black dial with painted markers – Calibre 1151, in-house – computerized, 3Hz, 100h energy reserve with 3 barrels – Tropic-like rubber strap – restricted to 500 items – EUR 13,180
Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m NB6004
If you consider accessible however purpose-built watches made to dive into tough environments, Citizen needs to be in your checklist at a sure level. And the brand new Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m that has been launched this 12 months is actually a watch that must be thought of for those who’re a severe diver. Following a practice of ultra-robust fashions began within the early Nineteen Eighties, this new watch may not be probably the most elegant, restrained or sensible every day, however it actually is a watch that may take a severe plunge and carry out underwater – as attested by our resident diver-writer Derek in his discipline overview. This chunky, 46mm diameter watch is product of proprietary Tremendous Titanium with Duratect surface-hardening know-how. It has a brutalist-looking design and a purpose-built device feeling that actually makes it really feel like a chunk of diving gear, not like a luxurious watch. Inside is the in-house calibre 9051, an computerized motion with dependable building. And at lower than 700 euros, it does the job it has been designed for really properly.
Fast information: 46mm Tremendous titanium case – partially shrouded unidirectional bezel with trapezoidal knurling – 200m water resistant – black gradient dial with trapezoidal sample – calibre 9051, in-house – computerized, 4Hz, 42h energy reserve – black polyurethane strap with extension ripples – EUR 695
Doxa SUB 300 Carbon
The Doxa SUB 300 bears one of the crucial emblematic designs ever for a dive watch. This odd, reasonably distinctive watch first manufactured within the Nineteen Sixties has since turn into an icon for dive watch lovers. After all, you may go for the basic chrome steel model, at the very least for those who’re searching for historic relevance and a extra consensual type. However this 12 months, the model introduced one thing cool, trendy, daring and technical, with the brand new Doxa SUB 300 Carbon assortment. The principle replace right here issues the fabric, because the design and the options are principally the identical because the metal fashions… However the brand new cast carbon materials drastically modifications the look of this 42.5mm case and the sensation on the wrist (sure, it’s actually mild). The signature no-decompression bezel remains to be current – after all – however now additionally product of carbon, with vibrant accents. Water-resistance stays the identical, at 300m, due to a titanium container for the motion. The dial, then again, stays true to the unique watch, with its bigger markers and fingers, and it’s now accessible within the 6 basic Doxa colors – Black Sharkhunter, Silver Searambler, Navy Caribbean, Yellow Divingstar and Turquoise Aquamarine. Inside is an ETA 2824 with COSC certification. And with a worth beneath 4K, it’s not a nasty choice for a carbon fibre watch. Extra particulars in our hands-on article.
Fast information: 42.5mm cast carbon case – undirectional no-decompression bezel in carbon – 300m water resistant – matte dial accessible in 6 colors – Calibre ETA 2824, chronometer – computerized, 4Hz, 38h energy reserve – rubber strap with folding clasp and micro-adjustment – CHF 3,790
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925
Dive watches are, more often than not, product of metal or titanium, for apparent resistance and budgetary causes. However, as seen with the Doxa above, unique supplies may also be used. And this 12 months, Tudor has determined to go off-the-beaten-track, with a model of the favored Black Bay Fifty-Eight product of… 925 sterling silver, a fabric that’s just about unseen anymore in watchmaking. As reasonably daring transfer from the model, leading to a watch that appears very acquainted, however largely ultra-cool. The fully brushed case has a singular brilliance and color, and the key alloy will supposedly keep away from tarnishing (to be confirmed…) It’s paired with a taupe-coloured dial and strap, leading to a tender, barely “ghost” impact that makes for probably the greatest wanting Tudor watches. Below the sapphire caseback (new to the BB58) is the well-known manufacture Calibre MT5400 with antimagnetic properties and prolonged energy reserve. A really enticing mannequin that is likely to be extra of a desk diver than a device, however nonetheless has unbelievable appeal. Extra particulars in our overview right here.
Fast information: 39mm 925 sterling silver case – unidirectional bezel with taupe insert – 200m water resistant – matte taupe dial with utilized indexes – Calibre MT5400, manufacture – COSC-certified, computerized, 4Hz, 70h energy reserve – darkish brown grained leather-based strap or taupe-coloured cloth strap – EUR 4,050
Tudor Pelagos FXD
Sure, we all know, we now have two Tudors in the identical choice… However let’s be trustworthy, the model has been very productive this 12 months. The newest creation of Tudor revives a long-established partnership with the French Navy and likewise the very idea of the mil-spec watch… And only for that, the Pelagos FXD is one thing that deserves our consideration. Beginning with the model’s deep dive watch as a base, the Marine Nationale has outlined a set of specs for a watch to swimsuit its wants, and the result’s this; a watch with stunning bias, reminiscent of a lowered WR however a slimmer case, a redesigned bi-directional bezel that’s outfitted with a countdown insert, a no-date show, and a case with charming mounted lugs because it was prior to now. All in all, the execution is ideal and the type is typical of devices. And if the watch stays questionable for some, we will applaud among the concepts and the return of a correct military-issued Tudor. Extra particulars in our in-depth article right here.
Fast information: 42mm titanium case – bi-directional beze with ceramic countdown bezel – 200m water resistant – matte blue dial with utilized markers – calibre MT5602, in-house – chronometer, computerized, 4Hz, 70h energy reserve – one-piece blue cloth strap and one-piece blue rubber strap – CHF 3,700
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