AQUADIVE Bathyscaphe 100 BRONZE

By TLex AQUADIVE join the bronze race! They are currently working on the Bathyscaphe 100 BRONZE, which will be a Limited Edition of just 100 pieces. The watches will be released and shipped by the end of March 2012. They can be pre-ordered HERE for a 1290USD, retail is 1690USD. There are no renderings of the watches yet, but we have a video of one of the bronze cases being machined and full specifications are below.

It's great to see bronze, which of late has been embraced by the Boutique and Artisan sectors being adopted by larger watch companies such as Aquadiuve. The pricing is interesting to me as there doesn't seem to be the premium for bronze that we have seen with a number of the Asian micros brands. I wonder if we will see a BS 300 Bronze, let's hope so. Fantastic news, too for ISOFRANE fans, a custom brown strap with a brown DLC buckle will be supplied with the new BS 100 Bronze . . .

CASE German made and CNC cut from a solid salt water resistant Bronze alloy block, engraved Bronze screw down case back, and no HRV, 42 mm diameter excluding crown, 49 mm from lug to lug, 15mm height, water�resistant to 1000m/3300ft

DIAL Dark brown dial with Superluminova coated markers

BEZEL Matching 42mm bronze alloy uni-directional rotating bezel, 120 clicks, laser-cut ratcheting spring, scratch-free ceramic insert, engraved with elapsed time markings and super luminova coated marker at 12

CRYSTAL 31mm Sapphire

MOVEMENT Swiss made ETA 2836 movement, hours, minutes, sweep second, self-winding mechanism with ball bearing rotor, stop second device regulator system, ETACHRON and regulator corrector, 28.800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hz, 25 jewels

STRAP Genuine custom Brown ISOFRANE 22mm strap w/ AQUADIVE DLC Brown signed RS buckle

UPDATE Two dial versions as well as a couple of crown, caseback and dial options will be available for the BS 100 Bronze. The crown, which won't made of bronze, but steel will be available in either brown DLC to compliment its dial, ISOFRANE strap and DLC buckle or in plain steel with a black dial and black ISOFRANE combo. In addition Aquadive will offer a brushed Stainless Steel caseback for anyone with a bronze allergy. There won't be any renderings of the watches, but stay tuned for the prototypes soon . . .

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Rolex U.S. MARINE Prototype

By TLex Here's a really cool watch that has continued to intrigue me since I first discovered it. The Rolex U.S Marine Prototype watch that was allegedly produced by Rolex in 1982 for the U.S Marines. Rolex say it never went into production and in fact deny its existence.

What is certain though, is that a watch collector paid a small fortune for it at auction. It is an exceptionally rare watch nevertheless and of a very cool design. It features a rather unique way of locking its bi-directional timing bezel. The large detachable lug hoods lift up to allow manipulation of the bezel, and lower down again to securely lock it in place.

The recessed crown guard is so cool. There's some lovely beveling at the top, but what I really like is how it extends out and down from the middle of the case to meet the top of the right lug. The watch was generously proportioned for its day, too. It measured 44mm with a lug to measurement of 58mm. The example featured here was sold at auction by Antiquorum in 2004 for 72'000USD! 

From AQ U.S. Marine Prototype" Rolex, Oyster Perpetual Date, U.S. Marine, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified, Ref. 1690, movement No. 024510. Prototype made in few examples in 1982 for the US. Marines, production was never undertaken. Exceptionally rare and very fine, tonneau-shaped, asymmetrical, center-seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel military wristwatch with U.S. Marine logo in red and a stainless steel Oyster expansion bracelet.

�Antiquorum

Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, 12-hour graduated bi-directional revolving steel bezel protected by the hooded lugs, "Triplock" winding-crown at 4 protected by a "crown guard", domed crystal, elongated lugs with detachable hoods, the screw-down case back engraved "U.S. Marine", and twice engraved with the Rolex crown.D. Black with tritium-coated round and triangular indexes outer red Arabic five minutes, aperture for the date, "U.S. Marine" in red writing.

Tritium coated steel "skeleton" hands. M. Cal. 1570, rhodium-plated, "oeil-de-perdrix" decoration, 26 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance-spring, Microstella regulating screws, hack mechanism.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 58 x 44 mm.

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DEEP BLUE BlueTech ABYSS 500

By TLex The new DEEP BLUE BlueTech ABYSS 500 comes in four dial colors; black, blue, orange or yellow with a Limited Edition of 500 pieces of each color. Its Stainless steel case measures 46.5mm x 18mm and has a lug width of 26mm. Features include a sapphire crystal, a sapphire crystal display back and a water-resistance of 500 meters. The ABYSS 500 is powered by a Swiss made automatic ETA Caliber 2824-2 with 25 jewels and a custom Deep Blue rotor. MSRP 999USD . . .

I have to admit to quite liking this one, something about the shape of the crown guard. The 3D numerals a pretty cool, too!

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DEEP BLUE Sea Chrono 1K

By TLex The new DEEP BLUE Sea Chrono 1K houses a Japanese Quartz calibre, the Miyota OS10. The watch has a 45.5mm x 15.5mm case. Further features include: a sapphire crystal, a helium escape valve and a water-resistance of 1'000m. Its 'waffle' dial is available in four colors; black, blue, green and red. MSRP is 499USD. The watch does very little for me I'm afraid! This one's OK, though . . .

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DIEVAS TimeAttack CHRONO

By TLex DIEVAS have introduced a new tactical model. The TimeAttack professional chronograph uses DIEVAS' propriety case hardening technology 6STEEL. Its 43mm x 15.5mm 6SteelBlack hardened steel case houses a Swiss Made and regulated ETA 7750 automatic chronograph movement. It has a water-resistance of 300 meters.



There are some lovely details on the watch such as the knurled bezel and those touches of yellow and orange from the hands and sub-dials . . .

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MkII PARADIVE 'S'

By TLex MkII give their Benrus Type I inspired Paradive model a bit of an upgrade. The new Paradive 'S' features a fully lumed sapphire inlay-ed bezel. The angle of the lumed sapphire inlay on the watch took two years to develop and is the first of its kind. For further details follow the MkII logo below . . .

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JeanRichard DIVERSCOPE LPR

By TLex JeanRichard release a new version of their DIVERSCOPE with an innovative method for indicating power-reserve . . .

From JR After the initial titanium versions, this is the first model in the line to be presented with its distinctive cushion-shaped case made from polished and satin-finished stainless steel.



The solid caseback is secured by four screws which, together with the screw-lock crowns at 9 and 3 o'clock � respectively controlling the hour&date and the internal bidirectional rotating bezel � guarantee water resistance to the respectable depth of 1,000 feet (300 metres).

This robust and reliable sporty model is powered by a 26-jewel automatic JR 1010 movement, based on the in-house made JR 1000 movement launched in 2004 and successively enriched since then with nine different evolutions. It features a balance oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and ensuring a 48-hour power reserve.

CLARITY & ORIGINALITY The extremely readable opaline black dial features a date display at 7.30, black & white hour and minute hands filled with a luminescent substance, along with luminescent-rimmed hour-markers and Arabic numerals. Among the latter, the number 12 stands in a particular way, since it empties and fills to provide a highly original linear power-reserve indication from which the model draws its 'LPR' code name.

Like many successful designs, the technique behind this distinctive aesthetic and technical feature is surprisingly simple: a plate covered with a luminescent substance is linked to a cam via a conveyor support and a connecting rod, and this plate rises successively as the movement is wound and the numerals become white � meaning the power reserve is full. Much like a petrol gauge, this linear power-reserve then vividly displays the gradual depletion of the energy supply.

Delivered with two straps � one in rubber and the other in a Kevlar� fabric � fastened by a satin-finished folding steel clasp with a double push-button security system, this is a watch clearly built for action and ready to accompany sports enthusiasts in their accomplishments both underwater and on dry land.

CASE

Polished and satin-finished stainless steel case

Dimensions: 43 x 43 mm

Height: 13.40 mm

Antireflective sapphire crystal

Case-back secured with 4 screws

Water-resistant to 300 m

Two screw-down crowns

Internal bidirectional rotating bezel

MOVEMENT

JEANRICHARD movement JR1010

Self-winding

Calibre: 11 ����

Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)

Jewels: 26

Power reserve: minimum 48 hours

Functions: hour, minute, second, linear power reserve indicator, date

DIAL

Opalin black dial

Emptied Arabic numerals at 12 o�clock

Luminescent Arabic numerals and indexes

Black and white hands with luminescent material

STRAP

Delivered with two straps: black fabric and black rubber

Satin-finished stainless steel folding buckle

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VULCAIN Nautical HERITAGE Limited Edition

By TLex VULCAIN have released 209 piece Limited Edition reissue of their diver's watch from 1961. The Nautical HERITAGE Limited Edition celebrates the 50th anniversary of this historical dive watch. Faithful to the original design, its 42mm case has a water-resistance of 300 meters and is fitted with a plexiglass crystal. In the early 60s a 42mm case diameter was a considerable size that was chosen as such for optimal reading of the watch's dial. It houses the legendary CRICKET Caliber V-10 with alarm.

The alarm, which is clearly audible underwater, can be used to indicate elapsed dive time. It can be used in combination with the watch's superimposed decompression tables, which are adjustable by a screwdown crown at 4 o'clock. There's rectangular opening on the dial through which a diver can read the downtime required for conventional levels of 9, 6, and 3 meters, depending on the depth and duration of their dive. To add a further sense of authenticity Vulcain have used a lovely gold-tinted vintage style luminous material for the handset and hour markers.

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MICHEL HERBELIN Newport Trophy Grand Sport

By TLex The Michel Herbelin watch company was founded in 1947 by Frenchman, Michel Herbelin. But it wasn't until his son Jean-Claude joined the company some 25yrs later that the brand started to make a name for itself, at least in France anyway. Even today I have to admit it is surprising that the brand doesn't have more recognition; they produce some 150'000 watches a year, which sell in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Their watches, which follow a sailing theme (their logo is a ship's wheel) have three lines; Newport Marine, Newport Trophy and Newport Trophy Grand Sport, a collection of 10 models, all of which are suitable for diving. They have uni-directional divers bezels and water-resistance for the line ranges from 200m - 1000m. 

All house Swiss calibers; some autos like the 7750 (above) which is due for release this year, some quartz like the 1000m diver (below). The name Newport Trophy comes from the America's Cup race to Newport, Rhode island. Below is the Grand Sport DIVER 1000m . . .

From MH When diving, your most important piece of equipment (other than your oxygen tank!) is your diver's watch. This Newport Trophy Grand Sport DIVER watch in stainless steel will not let you down when it matters most. Water resistant to 100 Atmospheres, this rugged watch features a 44mm case with uni-directional stainless steel and black titanium treated treated turning bezel - for timing purposes.

The black grid pattern dial has white luminous coated indexes and hands so that the dial is still legible in dark under water conditions. The hands also have red tips for improved legibility. The screw-down caseback is embossed with the Newport Trophy ships wheel emblem. The large screw-down crown is engraved with a grid pattern for improved grip and set with black rubber. The ultimate diver's watch.

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KADLOO Windward MASTER

By TLex Introducing the KADLOO Windward MASTER. Its 45mm Stainless steel case has a water-resistance of 200m and is fitted with a sapphire crystal and a uni-directional rotational divers bezel. Check out the font used for the elapsed dive time scale - the 2s, 3s and 5s are quite terrible.

The watch case features an exhibition caseback, which affords a view onto a Swiss made Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph caliber. Functions include time, day and date. The dial, which comes in three color variants is with SuperLuminova applied hour markers.

I first saw these watches almost a year ago at the Basel fair. I'm not sure why I didn't get round to posting them until now. It could have been because Kadloo as brand doesn't really interest me, the watches bare far too many borrowed design elements for my liking.

Having said that, I can't really find fault with their use of color; it's always nice to see brown being used and blue and orange / yellow alway work beautifully together. Nor can I find fault with the good looking handset - wait a minute, yes, I can, there won't be nearly enough lume . . .

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LUMINOX Deep Dive GIVEAWAY LastChance

By TLex If you haven't already entered into this month's LUMINOX Deep Dive Giveaway, here's your chance to do so. There are just THREE DAYS LEFT to take part in this fantastic Giveaway that will allow one lucky winner to walk away with the LUMINOX Deep Dive 1509 Prototype watch, LUMINOX's most advanced diver! It features a Swiss mechanical movement, a patent pending bezel locking system and 500 meters of water-resistance. Retail is almost 2'000USD! The draw closes on January 19th. Good luck!

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VintageVDB 2012 PVD FirstLook

By TLex 2012 is already upon us, we have already had a first look at the Italian-Mil styled VDB 2012, which is part of VDB's ongoing release of annual Limited Edition production models. Now here it is again in PVD. The finish will most likely be a dusky vintage-style finish in keeping with other PVD finished VDB models.

The PVD version has one other cosmetic difference aside from its case finish, it uses vintage orange dial markers instead of the yellow that the regular version has. Apart from this it house a different movement, too, a NOS A. Schild AS1920 Automatic movement with 42hrs of power-reserve. Stay tuned for more  . . .

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VOSTOK-EUROPE Anchar TITANIUM OnBlack

By TLex Earlier this week I introduced the new VOSTOK-EUROPE Anchar TITANIUM, which comes in three dial, bezel and strap combos. However I wasn't too sure about the intensity of the colors of the straps, so here are the watches again, somewhat toned down on black rubber divers straps.



The watches will be supplied with three straps, 1x color coded rubber in either orange, red or green, 1x black rubber and 1x leather with contrasting stitching in its corresponding color . . .

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DEEP BLUE CALDiver 500

By TLex DEEP BLUE release their first divers watch with a mechanical complication. The CALDiver 500 houses a Japanese made Miyota 9100, which can be viewed through the CALDiver's sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. The 26 jewel 9100 is a multifunction auto with; day, date, 24hr and power-reserve indicators.

It is hacking movement, which means the second hand ceases to move during time setting, it can also be hound wound. The watch case measures 46mm x 17mm. It has a lug width of 24mm and a water-resistance of 500 meters. It is available in either black or blue. MSRP is 799USD

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