Diving Deep

Diver X

Following the success of the Diver X Skeleton in blue which was a rapid sell out upon its release in 2021, Ulysse Nardin is relaunching 175 new pieces in black Carbonium® with an audacious choice of flashy yellow rubber strap and a black ‘R’ strap made of upcycled fishing nets.

This cutting edge evolution of the existing Diver X collection retains its sporty appeal while taking a radical step towards transparency. As the new hero watch of the Diver collection, the Diver X Skeleton model is an explosive amalgamation of the design of a Diver and the technical prowess of the Blast collection. It is a volcanic bonding of beauty and brains. The Diver X Skeleton Black is designed to withstand the potential pressures that exist at depths of 200 meters and is equipped with a black Carbonium® concave unidirectional rotating bezel and domed sapphire glass.

To bring the Diver X Skeleton model to life, the engineering team has completely redesigned the UN 372 movement, which is visible through the 44mm case. Originally designed for the Blast Skeleton collection, it has been improved with the addition of an oscillating weight in the shape of the Ulysse Nardin’s iconic “X”. There is also a barrel cover placed at 12 o’clock in black Carbonium®, which is the same as the bezel.

The desire to keep the dial interface of the Diver X Skeleton in the shape of the “X” was one of the most technical and complex developments ever undertaken by Ulysse Nardin. The hour indexes had to be secretly connected to the dial so they appear to float. To achieve the sensation of depth, overlaid layers were used to emphasise the tiered construction of the central “X”. Different levels of finish were also employed to create a play of light, amplified by the transparency of the skeleton movement.

The case, sandblasted on the sides with satin lugs, has been coated in black DLC while yellow details, such as the hour markers and the internal lines of Ulysse Nardin’s signature “X” add vibrant explosions of colour and emphasise the model’s sports origins.

Black Carbonium® is an extremely lightweight aerospace material used for the fuselage and wings of contemporary aircraft and among the most robust and durable materials ever developed by scientists. Thanks to the manufacturing process using “waste” materials, it has a 40% lower environmental impact than other carbon. It is created using a complex process which involves subjecting carbon fibres which have a diameter of only 7µm to high pressure and temperature conditions causing the fibres to form a pattern that is unique to each watch.

TiTaniumBaThyscapheTimepiece

The renowned Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe series welcomes two new editions. The Quantième Complet model, a red gold version with a blue-gradient dial; and a titanium version with an anthracite dial. Through their distinct styles, these new models bring together two emblematic Blancpain universes, the sporting DNA of its famous Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch and its traditional complete calendar with moon phases.

The Bathyscaphe was created in 1956 with the aim of offering a diver’s watch whose size would make it suitable for everyday wear. It is one of the mainstays of the Fifty Fathoms collection. It has evolved over the years and was reinterpreted by Blancpain in 2013 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms.

Combining sporty features with day of the week, month and date indications, the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet model reinforces the principle of everyday utility that gave rise to the first Bathyscaphe. The information on the dial is complemented by a moon phase positioned in a large window at 6 o’clock. As usual, Blancpain has taken care to protect the 6654.P self-winding movement of this Bathyscaphe by equipping its date mechanism with a security system. This enables the owner of the watch to handle each indication at any time, without any risk to the movement, unlike the usual calendar watches.

Measuring 43mm in diameter and water-resistant to approximately 300m, the new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet in grade 23 titanium is distinguished by subtle shades of grey. Its sunburst anthracite dial is enhanced by gold hour-markers, rhodium-plated hands and moon. The likewise anthracite ceramic bezel is satin-brushed for a resolutely contemporary matt effect and bears a graduated Liquidmetal™ scale. The gold rotor of the titanium model has been given an anthracite NAC coating instilling a sporty and dynamic vibe.

The Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet watch in red gold is available with a blue NATO or sailcloth strap, with the latter option also offering a choice between a pin buckle and a folding clasp. The titanium model comes with a titanium bracelet or a grey NATO or sailcloth strap.

HASS X X MCS

Spinnaker has launched a unique collaboration timepiece in aid of, and in conjunction with, the Marine Conservation Society. The Marine Conservation Society is a UK based charity dedicated to education, advocacy and action to protect the ocean.

Released on 8th June - World Ocean Day - the Spinnaker Hass is also a tribute to the life and work of noted Austrian marine biologist, documentarian and diving pioneer, Hans Hass.

The two available colourways are inspired by the natural palettes found across the depths of the ocean, crafted solidly and with intent as being sturdy, robust dive watches.

The Hass is capable of diving to 300m, with a solid stainless steel case, topped with a dual register countdown and time elapsed timer bezel. With a scratch resistant sapphire lens, the watch displays the detailed carefully finished dial. The index and hands are also coated with generous layers of Swiss Super-LumiNova for better visibility in lower light conditions.

A Japanese automatic, TMI NH16 movement with a custom ‘roulette’ style date wheel provides an enduring, robust timekeeping engine for the watch. While staying firmly in place thanks to a choice of solid stainless steel bracelet or a rPet (recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) nylon Nato strap that is fabricated from recycled discarded plastic. The packaging is crafted out of recyclable, bio-degradable card printed out of non-toxic dyes.

Throughout the design of the Hass and its packaging, the watch has been considered to be an operating, wearable reminder of the sustainability, long life, recyclability, and circular economy possible and necessary to preserve the health and integrity of the ocean.

The Spinnaker Hass is a limited edition timepiece with only 500 of each colourway being produced. Each is uniquely numbered and the sales of each watch go towards the funding of work undertaken by the Marine Conservation Society for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean.

To find out more about the Marine Conservation Society’s vital work to protect our seas, please visit the charity’s website: mcsuk.org.

SEASTRONG DIVER 300 HERITAGE

The 2022 edition of the Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage embodies everything Alpina stands for: an athletic feel powered by stateof-the-art technology and vintage undertones in step with its heritage, inspired by the 10 Seastrong, the brand’s very first Super Compressor. This new watch stars something of a first for the Maison, too: a green face paired with an original green rubber strap. Thanks to its two screw-down crowns, the latest addition to the family stands out as the ultimate automatic dive watch, measuring 42mm across and water-resistant up to 300 metres.

It’s safe to say that the historic design has withstood the ebbs and flows of trends and fashions, with the recent Seastrong watches now firmly rooted on the shores of the present day. In 2016, Alpina launched its Seastrong Diver Heritage range in a tribute to the design. So much more than a replica, the series was a fresh take on a vintage classic. Now, the Maison has unveiled its latest riff on a firm favourite, this time all decked out in green, making it without a doubt the most contemporary of the last few editions of Alpina’s iconic diver.

For this version, Alpina have opted for all-over green, from dial to strap. Generally a mainstay of pilots’ watches, green is rarely associated with diver’s watches. This year, Alpina decided to wander off the beaten path with a shade symbolic of underwater life and biodiversity: a tribute to the ocean, Earth’s largest ecosystem. A glossy, radiant finish scatters light evenly across the face in a glow reminiscent of sunshine reflecting off the surface of the water.

This mirror-shine effect serves to further enhance the different shades of green used while improving clarity of the hour and minute hands - a crucial feature for any diver’s watch. It also features a trio of large hands to ensure the Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage is functional and genuinely usable in action. Each of the three hands is luminous, and the minute hand is topped with a generous arrow pointing up to indices that glow just as brightly, making sure that divers are never left guessing just how long they’ve been in the water.

Immersion times are calculated using the Seastrong Diver 300 Heritage’s black bi-directional rehaut, which can be adjusted using the upper crown positioned at the two o’clock mark. The timer can be set for dives of up to 60 minutes. Positioned opposite the minute hand, it instantly counts time spent under water, or any other timespan divers may like to work with, such as remaining oxygen time or decompression limits. The second crown is set above the four o’clock mark and can be used to change the time. These two screw-down crowns prevent any mishaps when handling the watch once the time and rehaut have been set.

DIVER BROWN BRONZE

Bell & Ross has always taken on the element of water, giving the brand a true underwater expertise. The first Bell & Ross diving watch, the Hydromax appeared in 1997. Housed in a round case, the watch achieved a record in waterproofing, able to take depths of 11,100m. 2007 saw a new diving watch housed in the BR 02 barrel-shaped case, and came equipped with a helium valve. In 2017, a completely new collection of diving watches was launched: the Diver. This tool was intended for professional divers. Now, the BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze is unveiled.

The watch is imbued with the classic Bell & Ross identity. It borrows the iconic BR 01’s rounded square case, but in a waterproof underwater version. This design feature is the watchmaker’s interpretation of a fighter plane dashboard. Absolutely unique in appearance, the BR 0392 Diver Brown Bronze is almost peerless. Diving watches are usually housed in a round case; the BR 03-92 Diver’s unusual silhouette gives it a distinctive personality. This is a watch that will seduce design enthusiasts and seasoned divers alike.

At Bell & Ross, the Diver series was originally launched in steel. Now, bronze joins the family. The traditional material’s copper hue case goes perfectly with the warm colour of the dial and bezel proving itself a harmonious match for brown.

This classic, historic material has always had links with the sea, making it an instinctive choice for a diver’s watch. Bronze is a key material in maritime design: portholes, propellers, pendulums, sextants, compasses, and old ships all make use of the metal. Its use in the BR 03-92 Diver gives the timepiece a hint of retro. It is also the material used by the Nautilus of Captain Nemo, the hero in Jules Vernes’ novels. Bronze surfs the vintage wave.

Bronze acquires a patina over time, depending on its environment. It is a living material that evolves and corrodes. The process is different each time, and causes the metal to be fixed, solidified, strengthened. Historically, sailors allowed bronze to evolve naturally: once oxidised, it was protected from external factors. Admirers of bronze appreciate its colour, which is reminiscent of gold. The alloy used for the BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze is CuSn8, composed of 92% copper and 8% tin, giving it a rose hue. Over time, the evolution of the case will make each of the limited 999 models unique in appearance.

The entire BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze case is adorned with bronze. The only exceptions are the hypoallergenic stainless steel back and anodised aluminium bezel. The back is stamped with a diver’s helmet, a historical symbol of scuba diving. The watch comes with two straps. The matt brown leather strap with beige topstitching has a strong neo-retro feel that reinforces the BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze’s vintage, authentic spirit. A second black braided rubber strap is also available, which is more suitable for underwater use.

The underwater world is a universe that’s as dangerous as it is fascinating. When diving, time becomes a vital dimension. The mechanical diving watch is therefore of paramount importance. It is a safety tool, assisting divers under all circumstances. It especially takes over when the electronic tools of today fail and fall short.

The new BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze is a true underwater tool, responding to the exact specifications of the Swiss diving watch. It is resistant to blows, thermal shocks and salt water, and complies with the international standard ISO 6425. A precision tool, the BR 03-92 Diver Brown Bronze accompanies divers as they take on the abyss of the depths.

Bringing a redesign of its sporty sea watch, Breitling’s new SuperOcean collection retraces the pared-down aesthetic of the original SuperOcean Slow Motion from the 1960s and 1970s, while adding modern features and a bright palette of colour. Plus, it’s no longer strictly a dive watch - surf with it, swim with it, hit the beach bar with it.

In the 1960s, the emerging sport of scuba diving was all the rage, inspired by the adventures of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau. In diving, timing was everything - measured almost exclusively in minutes - and Breitling wanted to not only provide the best tool watch for the task, but to give it a sense of style.

To create this early SuperOcean, Breitling’s designers eliminated any superfluous features that didn’t support the lifesaving needs of divers underwater. A high-contrast dial ring was introduced to the crucial minutes scale. Out went subtle indexes in favour of chunky luminescent batons for easy readability. And, in the boldest move of all, Breitling did away with the seconds hand, since divers didn’t really need it. In its place came a revolutionary minutes-based chronograph, dubbed the “Slow Motion” because it took an hour to make a full rotation of the dial.

Today, the new Superocean returns to the Slow Motion’s simplified tool-watch philosophy. Available in four sizes (46, 44, 42, and 36mm), the collection’s colourful dials are paired with three different case metals - steel, steel-gold, and bronze. The special alloy used in the 44 and 42 mm bronze versions has an excellent resistance to corrosion but will still develop a subtle patina over time that makes the watch even more unique. The two strap options (a sporty rubber strap and a new three-row metal bracelet) have a folding clasp that allows for micro-adjustments of up to 15mm for easy wear over rashies and dive suits.

Aside from looking good, the new Superocean is also a technical marvel. Water-resistant to 300m, it features broad hands and indexes coated in Super-LumiNova® that allow for exceptional readability underwater. Its scratchproof ceramicinlayed bezel means it will never wear or fade. For safety, the bezel is unidirectional on most sizes and bidirectional with a patented lock on the 46mm. This watch is also shock, sand, and saltwater resistant. Its automatic Breitling Caliber 17 comes with a two-year warranty and an approximate 38-hour power reserve.

Best of all, the Slow Motion’s distinctive square minute hand has made a comeback. So has the high-contrast minute scale. Fans will also remember “the dot,” a circular window at 6 o’clock that displayed different colours depending on whether the minutesbased chronograph was engaged, paused, or off. In the new Superocean, a circle near the tip of the second hand gives a wink to that much-loved feature.

SUPEROCEAN

Rose Flower

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the beautiful floral creation

Decades ago, Yves Piaget, a man of contrasts and taste, as passionate about the arts as he is about craftsmanship and excellence, had the great honour of gathering not only his friends, but the entire Piaget Society around his art, around a rose.

Now, celebrating the very special 40th anniversary of the Yves Piaget rose flower creation, the Maison is presenting three new sets of novelties that let the Piaget rose’s pure beauty and audacity shine through, combining Piaget’s gold craftsmanship with coloured gemstones handpicked by their designers and gemmologists.

As a firework of extravaganza, the Rose gold set, composed of an original ear cuff porté, a ring and a unique piece necklace, contrast with the other two sets inspired by the delicate changing colours of Yves Piaget’s garden.

However, Piaget does not stop the expression of this fascination in its jewellery creations but continues the exploration in the world of watchmaking by unveiling a new addition to the Altiplano collection. Seeking beauty in its floral engravings, this watch is the ultimate expression of Piaget innovation and design. It took more than two years to develop the rose bracelet, made from one of the most delicate materials in the world: real flower petals.

The Altiplano Tourbillon Rose in white gold is an ultrathin timeless watch for those who like to adorn their wrists with style, joyfulness and mastery. The Piaget Rose 40th Anniversary Collection will be launching this September.

CHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTED WANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANEL CHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTED WANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANEL CHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTED WANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANELWANTEDCHANEL

Chanel have unveiled a new watchmaking capsule collection, Chanel Wanted. With the iconic Chanel logo at the heart of the creative process, the six letters stamp their identity on each model in a completely different way. A collection that is a story of the almost obsessive attraction of these six inseparable letters, the signature of these new creations.

Featuring six unique limited edition timepieces as well as an incredible J12 Highly Wanted de Chanel Box which in itself includes six distinct versions of the J12, this new collection explores design through the simple use of the Maison’s logo.

The Highly Wanted offering sees a box in black-lacquered wood revealing six exceptional J12 watches. The six J12 38mm watches

Completing the collection are the Code Coco Wanted de Chanel which adopts the graphic influence on its leather strap with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll; and Boy-Friend Wanted de Chanel which channels the spirit of the 90’s with those six letters riveted to its leather strap either side of the watch case and a black-lacquered dial with pixelated design. in tone-on-tone black ceramic are equipped with the Calibre 12.1., set with 34 brilliant-cut diamonds. The crown of each watch is also set with a diamond. The six pieces each feature ‘Chanel’ in an inspired variation on a theme aesthetic with the exclusive offering numbered and limited to just 5 pieces. The striking matte black, highly resistant ceramic and steel case is finished with a black coating, with each piece featuring a sapphire crystal caseback with “(“N 1/5”)” mention. Each of the stand-out logo designs are finished in black shiny ceramic on the ceramic ring bezel and black shiny enamel on the matte black enamel gold dial creating a distinctive yet subtle contrast. The rest of the collection features a host of different designs and styles from individual J12 Wanted de Chanel offerings in 33 and 38mm guise in white and black respectively to the ‘charming’ Première

Wanted de Chanel which has the six pendant letters of

Chanel dancing freely on the wrist, dangling from its chain bracelet.