Yes, June has arrived, and sunny days are returning. This also means that many of us will soon enjoy well-deserved vacations, as the situation in most regions of the world seems to be improving. Summer is synonymous with that light, carefree feeling we've missed for months, and it's time to enjoy it once again! Summer also means active leisure and evening strolls, which means you'll need a watch that can withstand sports activities while looking stylish. That's why we've selected the 5 best luxury dive watches introduced recently, ensuring you look great and are fully equipped this summer (and don't worry, these watches will be great in winter too!).
Note: This list is, of course, not exhaustive. If there are other recently released dive watches you think could make this list, feel free to share them with us in the comments.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver 2021
The Royal Oak Offshore Diver, initially released as the Royal Oak Offshore Scuba in 2005, is one of the best examples of high-end dive watches that will surely impress if worn in the evening with a linen shirt and loafers. But don't let this stylish outfit fool you, these watches are just as powerful underwater. Moreover, this year they have been significantly upgraded with minor visual updates, new fresh colors, a more refined case and dial, a new movement, and interchangeable straps.
The new ROO Diver model, sized at 42mm and waterproof up to 300 meters, has retained its overall architecture with an updated dial available in gray, blue, or khaki colors. The Caliber 4308, with the same base architecture as the movement introduced in Code 11.59, is a modern movement focused on precision and reliability. It beats at 4 Hz and boasts a 60-hour power reserve. Finally, there is an interchangeability system with quick-release buttons on the back of the strap. The watch package includes 2 rubber straps.
Quick facts: 42mm diameter x 14.1mm height - stainless steel - 300m water resistance - Méga Tapisserie dial in green, dark blue, or gray - Caliber 4308, in-house, automatic, 4 Hz, 60-hour power reserve - interchangeable rubber strap with stainless steel clasp, additional rubber strap included - ref. 15720ST - €25,500
Blancpain - No Rad Model
The Fifty Fathoms watch, created in 1953, is among the earliest diving watches. And while you have many options in the regular collection, the brand recently introduced a stunning limited No Rad model. The name, meaning "no radiation," should resonate with those familiar with the brand's history. Indeed, Blancpain was a supplier to the naval forces of many military forces worldwide, and for the Bundeswehr, military "Fifty Fathoms" were supplied, an iconic and rare "BUND No Rad" model. This is the second re-edition of this model (the first was in 2010), and the new series of 500 pieces meets many requirements. First, it's a compact watch at 40.3mm with a signature fully graduated sapphire bezel. Second, the dial is matte black with tool-like markers and a cool "No Radiations" logo at 6 o'clock. Finally, the watch is equipped with a high-end in-house movement with a comfortable power reserve. Overall, a very successful vintage-style model.
Quick facts: 40.30mm diameter x 13.23mm height - stainless steel - 300m water resistance - black matte dial with "No Rad" logo - Caliber 1151, in-house, automatic, 3 Hz, 100-hour power reserve - 20mm "Tropic" style rubber strap with steel buckle - limited to 500 pieces - ref. 5008D-1130-B64A - €13,180
Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Maldives Edition
CFB has long been involved in protecting oceans and their marine inhabitants from extinction. Therefore, the brand has been using its large and bold Patravi ScubaTec dive watches to create limited editions in collaboration with Manta Trust. The latest in this line is this bright and striking Maldives Edition. Based on the same 44.6mm diameter watches with a chronometer-certified automatic movement, they now feature a blue and white ceramic bezel with large numerals, as well as a very readable blue dial (of a very cool color) with a characteristic wave pattern engraving and signature applied markers and hands of the collection. The water resistance of this impressive diver is 500 meters, and it comes on a rubber strap with a recycled PET textile insert. A great way to combine style while supporting a good cause.
Quick facts: 44.6mm diameter x 13.45mm height - stainless steel - blue dial with wave pattern engraving - Caliber CFB 1950.1 (base ETA 2824-2), COSC certified, automatic, 4 Hz, 42-hour power reserve - blue rubber and PET textile strap, folding clasp with fine adjustment - special edition - ref. 00.10632.23.53.02 - €5,200
Omega Seamaster 300 Collection 2021
The Seamaster collection needs no introduction. One of the brand's longest-running series (created in 1948), the name Seamaster today can refer to many models. In addition to the modern 300M Diver and the technical PO 600m, Omega also offers the Seamaster 300 model, inspired by vintage motifs and created after the iconic 1957 watches. This collection, first appeared in 2014, was recently updated. If the appearance seems familiar, most of the details are new, including a thinner and more compact case, a new bezel with an aluminum insert, an enlarged dial, which now has a very cool multi-layered construction and cleaner look, and finally, the Master Chronometer Caliber 8912 movement. The steel bracelet has also been redesigned, becoming thinner and featuring a new clasp, and a vintage leather strap is also offered. The watches are available in steel with a black or blue dial, as well as in a rather unexpected but attractive "Bronze Gold" alloy with a dark brown dial/bezel.
Quick facts: 41mm diameter x 13.85mm height - stainless steel - 300m water resistance - multi-layered black or blue dial with lower plate covered in vintage Super-LumiNova - Omega Caliber 8912, in-house, Master Chronometer certified, 3.5 Hz, 60-hour power reserve - stainless steel bracelet with extendable folding clasp with fine adjustment or leather strap with clasp - ref. 234.32.41.21.01.001 or 234.30.41.21.03.001 - €6,100 on strap, €6,400 on steel bracelet.
Ceramic Master Chronometer Tudor Black Bay
The Tudor Black Bay model needs no introduction, being the brand's bestseller for almost 10 years. This year, a new BB41 model in black ceramic case, with a matte ceramic insert and a clean black dial, was introduced. These watches will undoubtedly find their audience as a well-appreciated, very well-executed, and visually appealing iteration focused on lifestyle. But the most important thing is not the appearance, but what's inside the case. Indeed, this Black Bay Ceramic model is the brand's first watch (and also the first watch without the Omega logo) to pass the Master Chronometer certification according to the requirements developed by METAS. This means its in-house movement is not only extremely precise (exceeding COSC standards), but also highly anti-magnetic. And the watches themselves, it must be said, are not bad.
Quick facts: 41mm diameter x 14.1mm height - black matte ceramic - 200m water resistance - matte black, domed dial - in-house Caliber MT5602-1U, Master Chronometer certified, 4 Hz, 70-hour power reserve - hybrid leather and rubber strap with steel folding clasp with black PVD coating, additional black fabric strap with cream stripe - ref. M79210CNU - €4,440
