The term 'diver’s watch', one of the most popular segments in the watch industry, covers a wide range of the market with almost endless varieties. This category includes everything from elegant, gentlemanly mid-century diver revivals to massive stainless steel behemoths capable of reaching depths greater than 1,000 meters. In its latest release, independent Swiss brand Delma has presented a striking example of the latter type.
With depth capabilities exceeding even the most modern atmospheric diving suits for deep-sea use, the sales of this new model will directly support the Megalodon Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of marine megafauna, including the elusive blue shark. The new Delma Blue Shark III Azores line, distinguished by its immense durability and functionality, is a bold deep-sea predator with a worthy cause.
The stainless steel case of the Delma Blue Shark III Azores immediately makes it clear that this is not a watch for the faint-hearted. The enormous 47mm wide and 18.5mm thick case enhances nearly every element of the classic dive watch design formula for maximum robustness. The semi-circular crowns are thick and protrude significantly from the sides of the case, while the tapered athletic lugs are wider than most others, and the unidirectional diving bezel has a sturdy knurled edge that recalls off-road tires as much as traditional dive watches. This last element also serves as a platform for personalization, as Delma offers both matte stainless steel and matte black DLC finishes paired with a striking yellow dive scale.
However, this heavy, ultra-masculine appearance is not just for show: at the “9 o'clock” position, Delma has provided a helium release valve. This robust construction results in an enormous depth rating of 4,000 meters, which has been independently certified and tested by the Swiss PST Product Safety Testing laboratory. To put this gigantic figure in perspective, it is more than six times the depth of the deepest recorded human dive in a heavily armored atmospheric diving suit by the US Navy.
The dials of the Delma Blue Shark III Azores are designed, like the cases, with harsh conditions in mind. For dive watch dials, practicality often means legibility, and the Blue Shark III Azores is no exception. Visually critical elements, from the applied Arabic numerals at the “6 o'clock”, “9 o'clock”, and “12 o'clock” positions to the unique “snake head” hand and outer minute scale elements, are highlighted in bold yellow to immediately catch the reader's attention.
This focus on legibility is supported by ample lume on the hands and applied indices. Although the Blue Shark III Azores watches are oriented towards functionality, they still possess a fair amount of visual flair. An example is the linen-textured dial surface adorned with either oceanic blue or deep aquamarine green gradient. However, despite the complexity of the color schemes, gradients, and textures, the white date indicator at the “3 o'clock” position appears somewhat distracting in images.
Delma uses the automatic Sellita SW200 movement for the Blue Shark III Azores series, known for its longevity. Although the SW200 is a venerable movement with a long history, considering the rest of the watch’s design is focused on extreme capabilities, one might be disappointed by the specifications of this aging movement. It has a 38-hour power reserve at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour. Delma equips the Blue Shark III Azores line with two straps included in the package. The first, more classic option, is a three-link oyster-style bracelet with straight end links. Additionally, a black rubber strap is included, giving the watch a rugged modern sports look. Both straps can be easily changed thanks to the drilled lugs of the Blue Shark III Azores.
The Delma Blue Shark III Azores series, with its truly enormous capabilities and extraordinary character, is a shark-sized diver that should appeal to enthusiasts of ultra-deep dives.
The Delma Blue Shark III Azores line is now available from authorized dealers starting at $2,450. For more information, visit the brand's website.
