Category: Dive Watches

A Technical Perspective – A Guide to the Depth Gauge Watches

If scuba diving is a popular recreational sports, it is a dangerous activity that needs to be properly prepared and monitored. If a diver ascends too quickly, this can lead to decompression illness that can be painful and life-threatening. As depth increases the physiological effects become greater. A reliable dive watch and a depth gauge are essential pieces of a diving gear to monitor depth and track the duration of an underwater adventure. Both are needed for using decompression tables. Traditionally, divers were using a dive watch and a depth gauge, to calculate decompression time at given depths. Today, many divers today choose to dive with a computer but some still use a mechanical depth gauge, even if used only as a backup.

6 years ago

Introducing – The (Very Cool) Panerai Luminor California 8 Days DLC 44mm PAM00779

Let’s get straight to the point: the new Panerai Luminor California 8 Days DLC 44mm PAM00779 is packing all the possible cool things Panerai can do in a single watch to an almost gimmick-like level… But honestly, it simply works! It has a strong, distinctive and masculine look, which results in a completely original combination of classic Panerai elements. This PAM00779 is, to us here at MONOCHROME, one the most interesting new watches the brand has recently launched – and even its price is rather competitive. Overview.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black “Volvo Ocean Race” Limited Edition Winner’s Watch

Today the most dangerous, intense, and harshest of all sea races, The Volvo Ocean Race, comes to an end in The Hague, Netherlands. After sailing around the globe, spending approx. 9 months at sea, today marks the last in-harbour race, although it does not change anything for the podium positions. By winning the 11th leg, Dongfeng Race Team wins the Volvo Ocean Race in a bold victory and we went hands-on with the official winner’s watch, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ‘Volvo Ocean Race’.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – Deep Divers – Dive Watches that go 1000m and beyond

Dive watches are some of the most beloved timepieces. In the 1960s, the military and professional diving requirements, together with the growing popularity of scuba diving, made the importance of trustworthy subaquatic instruments paramount. The first modern dive watches were born to monitor dive time in the briny deep. The hardiest can withstand even the pressure at the bottom of the Marianas Trench (even though we talk concept watches here). Their depth rating by far exceeds your most extreme needs but there is something fascinating about their extreme engineering. And a rugged dive watch has always been a symbol of the adventurer in all of us. Here are 6 dive watches that go 1000m and beyond released in the past few years.

6 years ago

Review – Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour – A Modern Classic from a Colourful Brand

Dive watches are a dime a dozen these days. You can go high-end with a Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 or Omega Seamaster, or find something more affordable like a Seiko Diver’s Automatic or Hamilton Khaki King Scuba. Whether spending USD 10,000 or USD 500, it’s not hard to find a stylish and capable dive watch from a plethora of established brands. Ever since I got my first serious mechanical watch in the 1990s, an RGM Model 107-P Pilot, I’ve gravitated toward smaller, lesser-known companies. Dive watches have often been my style of choice, so I’m excited to review a Super Compressor from a newcomer that has already generated some waves: the Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date – with More than Just a Change of Display

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms needs no introduction anymore. It was, back in 1953, one of the very first purpose-built dive watches and has since been in the minds of most collectors as a true icon. This watch – which production stopped when the brand was out of business during the 1970s – has been revived in 2007 and since then, multiple versions have been created. This year, the brand presented a new version with updated display, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date – which has more than a new date window to offer.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date (with more than just a change of display)

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms needs no introduction anymore. It was, back in 1953, one of the very first purpose-built dive watches and has since been in the minds of most collectors as a true icon. This watch – which production stopped when the brand was out of business during the 1970s – has been revived in 2007 and since then, multiple versions have been created. This year, the brand presented a new version with updated display, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date – which has more than a new date window to offer.

6 years ago

Value Proposition – French Brand YEMA Reissues the Iconic Superman – and it’s a 1-on-1 reedition of the 1970 model

Watchmaking isn’t only a Swiss story. Watches have been produced in many other countries, including France. Unfortunately, the Quartz Crisis dragged most of the French manufactures down, including Yema – certainly one of the most iconic French brands – which has been revived recently. As part of an upcoming “Heritage” collection, the brand is now presenting its first model and I’m proud to say that it is a faithful and automatic re-edition of its legendary dive watch. Meet the 2018 Yema Superman Heritage.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 Watches to Consider for This Summer, from Affordable to High-End

The holiday season is fast approaching and that’s the perfect time of the year when you can take the suit of… and the dress watch that goes along. Summer means seaside, boat rides, cocktails, unexpected jumps in a pool and all kinds of leisure activities. This means sports/dive watches on the wrist and for this reason, here are 5 cool pieces that will follow you from the deck of a boat to that fancy cocktail party, and always with style.

6 years ago