Jewellery & Watch News
Just as their name suggests, Aquadive watches are born to be in the water. By focusing on the desires and requirements of professional and amateur divers alike, Aquadive have become renowned for their incredible dive instruments with high water resistant cases, depth gauges and Superluminova decorated dials. As official retailers of these remarkable timepieces, we thought it was time to introduce you to their history and explore some of their most iconic models.
First founded in the 1960’s, Aquadive thrived during an era when scuba diving was enjoying great popularity and divers were desperately in need of a way to track their time and depth underwater. This ensured they would not overstay their time beneath the waves, risking injury or running out of air. Aquadive become one of just a few watch manufacturers at the time dedicated to creating only professional diving watches, specialising in deep sea diving instruments that were durable, accurate and legible underwater. Aquadive watches became so legendary for their usability in the water that they were even endorsed by prominent Mercury astronaut and US Navy SEALAB aquanaut, Scott Carpenter, which aided their global recognition greatly.
From Aquadive chronographs to deep-sea diving instruments to shallow snorkelling watches, Aquadive quickly became recognised as one of the most valuable diving watch manufacturers in the industry. Their iconic Aquadive 1000 watch became legendary as one of the world’s first 1,000 metre rated dive watches while the famous Time-Depth 50 model released in 1970 cemented the brand’s name in history, with the model remaining one of their most beloved, coveted by collectors to this day. The Time-Depth 50 model was a bulky watch for its time, measuring to 47mm in diameter and 20mm tall. It boasted a huge rotating bezel and was instantly recognisable for its unique oil-filled depth gauge and cutting edge Dynatron electronic movement. At a time when divers normally had to wear a watch on one wrist and a depth gauge on the other, this model broke the mould of diving watches and became a must-have for underwater explorers.
Just as Aquadive were reaching a pinnacle of success and manufacture innovation, the rise of quartz watches in the late 1970’s and 80’s unfortunately led Aquadive, along with many other Swiss watch brands, to downfall. For a long time, the company lay dormant, but then in 2011 Rick Marei, a devoted dive watch collector, decided to revive the brand and bring to life a whole new collection of Aquadive watches commemorating their most iconic historic pieces. Alongside their vintage inspired designs, these remarkable new diving watches incorporate contemporary materials like sapphire crystal, Superluminova and scratch resistant ceramic for optimal durability and legibility under water.
The Aquadive Bathyscaphe 100 has become a best-seller for its classic and versatile finish. It is based on the brand’s iconic 1970 design with a cushion shaped case available in stainless steel, hardened black DLC coating or marine grade bronze – all boasting an impressive water resistant rating of 1,000 metres. The scratch resistant ceramic unidirectional ratcheted bezels come with 120-click rotating to provide optimal timing capability for measuring oxygen levels underwater while the Swiss made ETA automatic winding calibres provide exceptional levels of precision and power reserves up to 42 hours.
The Aquadive Poseidon GMT has become another popular choice with collectors, not only for its limited edition status but for its funky charm and collaboration with Poseidon, a premier manufacturer of dive gear. The limited edition of 300 pieces has become a must-have for both underwater explorers and globetrotters with its 1,000 metre water resistant 316L surgical stainless steel case and large yellow GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. The sporty black, steel and yellow aesthetic is completed by one of the brand’s iconic ISOfrane rubber straps which is both hypoallergenic and resistant to saltwater.
At C W Sellors, we are incredibly excited to offer our fantastic customers all the latest Aquadive watch releases on our website, available with free next day delivery and interest free finance. Their robust, highly water resistant and accurate designs will instantly inspire any ocean adventurer out there to explore further. Get in touch with the team today on 01335 453453 or at sales@cwsellors.com for any assistance with our range of Aquadive watches!
