Delma is a relatively modest brand, not always known to the general public, yet impressing us with a combination of high-quality watches and fair prices. This is not something we often see these days… The brand has long been active in the dive watch sector, starting in 1969 with the so-called Periscope model, followed by the Shell Star model in 1975, its first pro-diver. But it is with the Blue Shark collection that the brand has garnered interest in this area, releasing some of the most durable watches on the market, despite their affordable price. Today, we take a closer look at the latest iteration of these watches, the Delma Blue Shark III Azores edition.
As you may have guessed from the name, the Delma Blue Shark III represents the third evolution of the watches that were released in 2011 as the most robust and capable diving watches ever created by the brand. While the Shell Star model was a tribute to Delma's past watches, the Blue Shark is about instrumental looks, performance, and durability. The first model was already impressive with its 3,000m water resistance. Then came the Blue Shark II with an updated design, and in 2019, the brand released the Blue Shark III. And this time it came with a full 4,000m water resistance, a helium escape valve, and full protection all around. You can look around, and you won't find many dive watches with such pressure resistance.
Of course, there is the Rolex Deepsea with a rating of 390 bar (or 3,900m) and a few prototypes like the Omega Seamaster Ultra Deep with a rating of 15,000m. However, watches with 4km water resistance are a rare find, and the existing models are often much more expensive. The only real competitor to Delma, at least in an identical price range, is the Sinn U2 model, although it has a water resistance of 'only' 200 bar.
Although the Blue Shark III is not a new watch, this year Delma decided to update it and, coincidentally, support a good cause. This new limited edition will support the Megalodon Project in partnership with Magnus Lundborg, an ocean advocate, photographer, and brand ambassador. The Megalodon Project is aimed at tagging sharks for better understanding elusive species in the waters surrounding the Azores archipelago. This network of satellite tags will collect data on shark behavior as well as take underwater photographs. All this will be used to educate governments and the public to help with shark conservation.
When you look at the Delma Blue Shark III Azores edition watch, there is no doubt about its purpose. It is an intentionally created tool, a watch designed for depth diving and to operate in one specific environment - at depth. Do not look for sophistication or elegance, do not expect restrained proportions. The Blue Shark III Azores has one and only one goal - to be a reliable ally for deep-sea divers. But that doesn't mean the watch doesn't look cool. It certainly does.
The Blue Shark III Azores version we had in hand is part of a duo of models presented here. It is equipped with an ultra-durable and sizable case with a diameter of 47mm and a height of 18.5mm, mainly due to the impressive thickness of the glass and case back. The 400 bar pressure resistance requires some concessions. The case is fully performance and protection-oriented and feels like a tool designed to pair with a deep-sea diving suit. The screw-down crown is protected by a full crown module, and all the watch's details feel tightly assembled.
The presented Blue Shark III Azores model features a black bezel with DLC coating and deep notches on the sides, enhancing the contrast with the orange 60-minute scale. As expected, on the wrist, these Delma watches make an indelible impression. But if you're looking for ultra-sporty watches for underwater swimming, this is not for you.
The main feature of the Azores edition is a 'cooler' dial than traditional, non-limited models. If the indexes and hands are identical, the base of the dial now has a gradient blue color with a pleasant texture, which we have already seen in other watches of the brand. Varying from light to dark blue, the dial mimics the colors of the subtropical Azores at different depths. It is equipped with oversized applied markers, as well as hands and Arabic numerals of the same orange color as the bezel. This color combination is bright and fresh and pairs well with the metal. Finally, all indicators are heavily filled with Super-LumiNova luminous compound, so legibility in low light won't be an issue.
To keep the price reasonable, Delma uses the proven automatic movement Sellita SW 200-1, an alternative to the famous ETA 2824. This movement, operating at 4 Hz and featuring a 38-hour power reserve, raises no doubts about reliability, accuracy, and ease of maintenance.
Finally, a good dive watch would be incomplete without an equally durable bracelet. And again, the Delma Blue Shark III Azores does not disappoint: a massive steel bracelet with a folding clasp and a diver's extension. In addition, the presentation box includes a black rubber strap with a steel pin buckle, as well as a special screwdriver for removing the bracelet.
Availability and Price
By releasing the Blue Shark III Azores edition, Delma confirms its ability to produce impressive watches designed for a specific purpose while adding a cool twist. Although the impressive size of this model cannot be denied, which may not appeal to everyone, these are some of the rare watches with such deep diving capabilities in this price range, making them worthy of attention for professional divers… or for those who want ultra-durable sports watches.
The limited edition of 500 pieces of the Delma Blue Shark III Azores with a DLC-coated bezel is offered at a price of 2,250 Swiss Francs or 2,350 Euros. More information and orders at www.delma.ch.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – DELMA BLUE SHARK III AZORES
Case: 47mm diameter x 18.5mm height – stainless steel – unidirectional bezel with black DLC coating and matte finish – sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating – helium escape valve at '9 o'clock' – screw-down crown with full protective cover – 4,000m water resistance
Dial: textured gradient dial from blue to dark blue – orange hands with Super-LumiNova inserts – large Arabic numerals with luminescent coating at 12, 6, and 9 o'clock – bold indexes with Super-LumiNova – date window at 3 o'clock – detailed outer minute scale
Movement: Sellita SW200 (alternative to ETA 2824) – automatic – 26 jewels – 28,800 vph (4 Hz) – 38-hour power reserve – central hours, minutes, seconds hand, and date
Bracelet: 22mm stainless steel bracelet with 3 links, folding clasp, and diver's extension – additional black rubber strap included, with tool for bracelet removal
Reference: 54701.700.6.048
Availability: Limited edition of 500 pieces
Price: CHF 2,250, EUR 2,350