For those who appreciate the finer things in life, a watch is more than just a tool for telling time. It's a statement piece, a reflection of your personality, and a companion on your adventures. And when it comes to dive watches, there are few brands with a more storied heritage than Squale.
Squale has been synonymous with quality dive watches since 1959. Founded by Charles Von Büren, a watchmaker with a passion for diving, the brand quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs and rugged construction.
Squale watches were worn by some of the most famous underwater explorers of the 1960s and 1970s, and they continue to be a favorite among professional divers today.
Courtesy of Squale
The Squale Master Titanium 120 ATM is the latest addition to the brand's iconic Master collection. This collection was launched in 1959 with the aim of being the collection with the highest technical achievement of the Squale brand in terms of resistance to pressure. In keeping with this tradition, the Squale Master is a technical marvel. It's made from grade 5 titanium, which is a lightweight and incredibly strong material. This makes the watch ideal for professional divers who need a timepiece that can withstand the rigors of deep-sea exploration donw to an incredible 1200 meters.
The Squale Master also features a helium escape valve, which is a critical feature for saturation divers. A helium escape valve is a safety mechanism that allows helium gas to escape from the watch during decompression. Helium is a small molecule that can seep into a watch during a dive. If the helium gas is not allowed to escape, it can cause the watch crystal to pop out. The helium escape valve on the Squale Master ensures that this doesn't happen.
Courtesy of Squale
But the Squale Master isn't just about function; it's also about form. The watch has a stylish, classic design that will appeal to watch collectors and casual wearers alike. The black dial is easy to read, even in low-light conditions, and the brushed ceramic bezel is a nice touch. The watch also comes with a comfortable titanium bracelet or a tropic rubber strap, so you can choose the look that best suits your style.
At first glance, the Squale Master presents a familiar dive watch aesthetic: robust, purposeful, with a hint of vintage charm. But a true watch aficionado knows to look beyond the obvious. As you draw closer, the meticulous care poured into each element becomes undeniably clear.
The case, fashioned entirely from grade 5 titanium, is where the watch's true character begins to shine. Unlike heavier stainless steel, titanium offers a surprising lightness on the wrist. Yet, don't mistake lightness for fragility. Grade 5 titanium boasts exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring the watch endures the most demanding underwater adventures.
Courtesy of Squale
Measuring 42mm in diameter, the case strikes a sweet spot between assertive presence and wearability. Its lines are sharp, and the combination of brushed and polished surfaces adds visual depth. Squale's signature "Von Büren" case design, with its crown nestled at the 4 o'clock position, is instantly recognizable. This distinctive touch isn't merely aesthetic; it's a testament to Charles Von Büren's practical approach, preventing snags on diving gear and enhancing comfort during activity.
The Master Titanium's true diving credentials reveal themselves in the bezel. Unidirectional for safe dive timing, it rotates with a satisfying, precise click. The brushed ceramic insert is virtually scratch-proof, promising your watch will retain its pristine looks long after countless underwater expeditions. SuperLuminova fills the engraved markings, ensuring outstanding visibility even in the murky depths.
But the dial is where Squale pulls a masterstroke. Evoking the glow of vintage dive watches, the lume has been treated to achieve an "old radium" aesthetic. This warm, slightly aged tone isn't just about nostalgia; it's surprisingly practical. The eye is naturally drawn to warmer colors, enhancing readability in stressful dive situations.
Courtesy of Squale
The "sandwich" dial construction adds incredible dimensionality. A base layer of SuperLuminova illuminates from beneath, while the brushed top layer, complete with sharply outlined indices, ensures crisp legibility. This multi-layered approach not only looks fantastic but also maximizes lume performance – a hallmark of purpose-driven dive watch design.
Within this meticulously crafted case beats the robust Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement. Known for its reliability and accuracy, it's a workhorse movement trusted by countless watch brands. With a 38-hour power reserve, it'll faithfully keep time on your wrist, whether you're exploring a shipwreck or tackling a busy workweek.
Squale understands that a true dive companion needs to be wearable day in and day out. That's why the Master Titanium comes equipped with a remarkably engineered titanium bracelet. Its sleek, integrated design flows seamlessly from the case, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The "bushing pin system" allows for easy micro-adjustments on the fly, so you can always find the perfect fit.
The deployant clasp adds an extra layer of security thanks to its safety wings that prevent accidental opening. For those who prefer something sportier, a tropic rubber strap with a secure pin buckle is included with the watch.
Courtesy of Squale
The Squale Master Titanium 120 ATM is a testament to the brand's commitment to crafting dive watches that merge high performance with wearable design. It's a paradox: a watch made for the extremes, yet possessing a subtle, refined look that transitions effortlessly from a dive boat to a boardroom.
If you're a watch enthusiast who appreciates heritage, values rugged dependability, and craves a timepiece that can follow you on every journey, the Squale Master Titanium 120 ATM deserves a serious look. It's a reminder that true luxury lies in the details, in the dedication to function, and in the promise of a timepiece that will reliably tell your story, no matter the depths you explore.