Diving watches have always given people the impression of thick metal cases and deep ocean blue, but in 2023, all this will be overturned! Major brands have launched dive watches that combine retro and modern elements, which makes us wonder what the future of dive watches will look like.
Retro and modern collision
As a major category in the watch industry, diving watches have always given people the impression of a thick metal shell, a deep ocean blue dial, and a rough diving strap. The overall image is very consistent with the temperament of a tough guy. However, in 2023, we were surprised to find that the diving watches launched by many watch brands broke our understanding of this category. The combination of retro and modern design elements injected fresh vitality into the diving watch market.
The DIVER diving watch launched by Ulysse Nardin in April is a typical example. This diving watch adopts an ultra-light design concept and weighs only 52 grams. In line with modern people’s aesthetics and wearing habits, it has become the world’s lightest 200-meter waterproof mechanical diving watch. In the past, we believed that the heavier the weight, the stronger the quality of the watch. This was the impression left on us by traditional diving watches. Now it seems that this impression is being subverted.
The DEFY peak series EXTREME Diver diving watch launched by Zenith in June has pushed the design of diving watches to a new level. This watch perfectly combines the elements of diving watches with the elements of luxury sports watches. It is not only highly recognizable in appearance, but also has excellent performance parameters, with a waterproof depth of 600 meters. In terms of movement, it is equipped with a high-frequency El Primero With the 3620 self-winding movement, you don’t have to worry about travel time accuracy. At the same time, the 60-hour power reserve is enough to meet the needs of normal wear.
Anti-traditional diving watch
Against the background of the blend of retro and modern, some anti-traditional design concepts have also begun to enter the design of diving watches. We are about to usher in a “revolution” in diving watches in 2025. Many manufacturers have integrated “anti-traditional” design concepts into diving watches. GP Girard-Perregaux released the Deep in May. The Diver diving watch is one of them. This watch is inspired by the product of the same name launched by Girard-Perregaux in 1969. It was a watch specially designed for divers. Now, 52 years later, this classic style has taken on new vitality.
Deep Diver uses abalone shell as the case material and is equipped with a contrasting dial. The overall design is very strong, especially the contrasting dial gives people a bright feeling. In addition, this watch is also equipped with a double crown design, one controls the inner ring of the scale, and the other controls the hour and minute hands, which is very convenient. In terms of movement, Deep Diver is equipped with the GP03300 self-winding movement. Although the 46-hour power reserve performance is not top-notch, it is enough to meet daily wear needs.
It can be said that the diving watch market in 2023 is a very lively year. Major brands have launched new watches to attract consumers, and those “anti-traditional” design concepts are more like a breath of fresh air, refreshing our understanding of diving watches.
Conclusion
This year’s diving watch market is really eye-catching. Brands not only break the rules in design, but also bring us many surprises. I think this “anti-traditional” design concept is really worthy of praise. What do you think? Come to the comment area to talk about the diving watch in your mind!