In many ways, the design of functional diving watches can be reduced to three factors: high legibility in various conditions, the ability to measure time underwater, and, of course, water resistance. While these three principles typically result in traditional three-hand models with wide, highly luminescent hands, a unidirectional outer bezel, and a heavy case, there are numerous ways to create effective diver's watches.
The Reservoir Hydrosphere line is a fine example of truly unorthodox solutions for divers, and its latest release is perhaps the brightest and most unusual design. The limited Reservoir Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition is dedicated to the memory of Greg Lecoeur, one of the world's greatest underwater photographers, and presents a unique and beautiful jumping hour twist on the standard bronze diver.
The unorthodox approach of the Reservoir Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition begins with a 45mm case made of matte bronze. It is truly lugless, perfectly cylindrical when viewed from above, which can soften its large diameter on the wrist. Instead of a spring bar, the Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition's rubber strap is attached to the case with special screws.
However, for NATO straps or other aftermarket straps, these same screws can be used to attach a set of removable “stirrup” style lugs on the underside of the case. This modular approach is an intriguing workaround for the shortcomings of a lugless case, but especially with the lugs attached, these watches may be too large for some wrists.
The rotating bezel is bold and masculine, with a significant overhang beyond the edges of the case, a broad serrated edge, and a distinctive ceramic insert. Due to the unique challenges of using retrograde minute indications in conjunction with a rotating bezel, the insert here uses an unusual double scale to track dive time before and after resetting the minute hand.
Despite such an unconventional approach, the Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition is more than a capable underwater tool: a helium release valve, a rubberized screw-down crown, and a massive stainless steel caseback ensure 250-meter water resistance.
The dial of the Reservoir Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition is as unique as the case, but it truly stands out in a crowd here. The midnight blue sunburst dial surface is dominated by a retrograde minute indicator, stretching from 8 o'clock to 4 o'clock, with a three-color outer chapter ring, applied bronze Arabic numerals with strong luminescent filling, and a relief “red line” gauge-style section for the first 10 minutes, adding extra verticality to the design.
In line with the gauge aesthetic, the retrograde minute hand itself is a simple needle with abundant luminescent coating along its length to ensure maximum visibility in low light conditions. The hour indication uses a contrasting white jumping hour window at the 6 o'clock position, with a sapphire cyclops lens for improved visibility. Below it, from 5 o'clock to 7 o'clock, lies a unique power reserve graphical indicator.
The overall layout creates the feel of a purposeful marine instrument, like a pressure gauge on a scuba tank. To enhance the connection with Greg Lecoeur, his signature is engraved in white at the 3 o'clock position on the dial.
Reservoir powers the Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition with an automatic ETA 2824-2 movement, topped with a proprietary 124-part module. The brand does not disclose the specifics of this movement, but it is likely similar to a standard 2824-2, which provides a 42-hour power reserve at 28,800 beats per hour.
Reservoir supplies the watch with the aforementioned black rubber strap and a blue NATO strap, and includes with each purchase an exclusive diving tour with Greg Lecoeur himself in Port-Cros National Park, France in September 2021. The exact date of this diving event has not yet been determined, and travel, insurance, and accommodation expenses are not included.
The limited Reservoir Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition, with its unique design and marine motifs dedicated to the renowned underwater photographer Greg Lecoeur, presents a truly striking and novel twist on the traditional diving watch formula.
Only 50 pieces of the Reservoir Hydrosphere - Greg Lecoeur Edition will be released. The watches are available now through official dealers at a price of $4,980 USD. For more information, visit the brand's website.
