Edox is one of the few Swiss watch companies producing deep-sea divers at an affordable price. Founded in 1884 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, this brand is certainly not a newcomer and knows a thing or two about innovative design and production. In the 1960s, Edox introduced a patented double-sealed crown system in its Delfin diving watches, achieving an incredible (at the time) depth of 500 meters. The latest SkyDiver Neptunian model doubles that figure to 1,000 meters and offers a new dial color to look cool on land as well.
Earlier this year, we were introduced to the gradient blue SkyDiver Neptunian, which left a lasting impression as a strong value proposition. This latest model features an orange dial, often used in diving watches to enhance contrast with the hands and indices, as well as the luminous material. The dial also features a slight gradient effect, with the center being brighter and more saturated.
The Edox SkyDiver Neptunian is equipped with bold indices and hands coated with Super-LumiNova X1 for maximum visibility underwater or at night in the city. The unidirectional rotating bezel features a black ceramic insert with a luminous zero mark and a refined ratchet mechanism. Interestingly, it has a continuous 60-minute scale without numbers, making it a bit less intuitive for long dives. Nevertheless, I find these watches more versatile for everyday use. My only other (very minor) gripe is the inner orange flange around the perimeter with text filling the entire upper half. This depth indicator could have been a simple number on the dial itself, as seen in previous Edox models. The beveled date window is tastefully positioned at 3 o'clock.
The Edox SkyDiver Neptunian model is based on the 1973 model and features a modern stainless steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter and 15.6 mm in height. The watch remains true to its classic style, yet much has been updated. To start, there is the mandatory helium escape valve at 9 o'clock, and the 3 mm sapphire crystal withstands pressure at depth. Few will dive to 1,000 meters, but it's always nice to know you can (at least, the watch can). The screw-down crown is protected by an integrated guard with improved sealing compared to classic models, and strap options include black rubber or a matching three-link stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. The massive case back features a detailed engraving of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, hence the name.
The heart of the watch is the Caliber 80, based on the automatic Sellita SW200 movement (an alternative to the ETA 2824). It has 25 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 per hour (4 Hz), and a 38-hour power reserve. Functions are simple: central hours and minutes, seconds hand, and date. It's a proven, ubiquitous movement, regulated to an average of +/- 12 seconds per day.
The Edox SkyDiver Neptunian with an orange dial is not a new model per se, but the introduction of the orange dial makes a significant difference. For starters, it looks cool, standing out against traditional black diver dials, and gives the watch a funky touch. The retail price is just 1,290 euros, an astonishingly affordable price for such capable, sophisticated divers from a well-established Swiss brand. For more information, visit the Edox website.
SPECIFICATIONS – EDOX SKYDIVER NEPTUNIAN ORANGE
Case: 44 mm in diameter x 15.6 mm in height – stainless steel (brushed and polished) – 3 mm sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating – steel case back with Neptune, Roman god of the sea engraving – black ceramic unidirectional bezel with luminescent marker – screw-down crown with protection – water resistance 1,000 m.
Dial: orange for maximum visibility underwater – bold indices with Super-LumiNova X1 coating – hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova coating – triangular hour hand – lollipop seconds hand with luminescent circle – beveled date window at 3 o'clock
Movement: Caliber 80 (based on Sellita SW200) – automatic – 25 jewels – 28,800 per hour (4 Hz) – 38-hour power reserve – central hours, minutes, seconds hand, and date – average precision +/- 12 seconds per day
Bracelet: black rubber with clasp or three-link stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp
Price: 1,290 EURO
