It was at the same time that the Squale name was registered in 1959, by Charles Von Büren that “Super Squale” too was registered as a trademark. The Super Squale was destined to be an iconic dive watch back then and now, 65 years later, it still demands the attention it deserves.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
This is more compact and lightweight than some models from Squale. A traditional skin diver if you wish, as it shares the same DNA of those 200m divers of the 60’s and 70’s. The watch cases Squale manufactured at the time for other brands include Blancpain, Doxa, Spirotechnique and Sinn. These brands are all synonymous with quality, robustness and longevity. This is why all these years later, the Super Squale is still made today and selling worldwide.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
Super Squale Arabic Numerals Diver's Watch - Matt Blue Dial - Rubberised Calf Leather Strap
They have made watches for both the Police and Military alike, including the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) and the Polipetto (Italian Police Diving Unit). This is a testament to Squale's ability to produce high-quality dive watches that meet the demanding requirements of professional divers.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
I mentioned this is a skin divers watch as opposed to a professional divers watch. What are these differences? Well, a skin divers watch is designed to be compact and slim and worn on the skin, without a wetsuit and would have a depth rating of between 100m and 200m. This doesn't mean you can go to these depths, far from it, these are ideal watches for shallow diving only. Meaning that the O rings and seals are good for a pressure test of 10 bar to 20 bar.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
Anything with a depth rating above 200m is considered a professional dive watch and would be worn over a dive or wetsuit and used in conjunction with some kind of breathing apparatus. 500m or 50 bar, is suitable for Saturation Diving, whilst 1000m or 100 bar and over is for Deep Sea Diving.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
Super Squale Arabic Numerals Diver's Watch - Matt Blue Dial - Rubberised Calf Leather Strap
In the current line-up, there are 10 Super Squale variants, ranging in dial colours from black, grey, brown and black with combinations of leather straps or mesh bracelets. The one in particular we will be focusing on is the Arabic Numerals on Blue Leather.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
As always, let’s start with the case. It’s 316L brushed stainless steel with a 38mm diameter. The lug-to-lug is only 45mm so this will be ideal for those who prefer a slightly smaller piece. At only 12mm high, this will fit under any cuff with ease. It has a screw-in case back, which is engraved with the Squale Shark and a signed screw-in crown. The strap width is a slightly reduced 18mm and overall wears really well. The 120-click unidirectional count-up divers bezel has a blue colour-matched aluminium insert and a Super-Luminova pip at 12 o’ clock.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
Powering this is the Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement, which offers a 38-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 bph or 4 Hz, making this a dependable workhorse. Instead of the plexiglass crystals of the 60’s these now offer a double-domed sapphire crystal, which maintains its vintage charm and won't compromise its legibility. This also has an anti-reflective coating to help in bright sunlight.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
The matte blue dial has applied indices which are coated with C1 Super-Luminova giving this a real pop in low light or under any UV. These are also no-date watches, which I have a preference for, as I want the dial to be clear from as much clutter as possible.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
This comes supplied with a rubberised leather strap, which I find both smart and frustrating. The stitching matches the dial perfectly and the signed buckle is also really well-finished.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
However, in my book, a dive watch should not be teamed up with a leather strap, no questions. If this was used as it was designed, the salt water would ruin this in no time at all.
Super Squale - Credit Watchbrothers
It should either be a mesh bracelet or a rubber strap and this would be the first thing I would do if taking this on holiday.
These watches are perfect for wearing by the pool or snorkelling in shallow waters. Having said all that, if you are not planning on getting this too wet, wearing this to the office or on a night out, you can’t go too far wrong. Its classic design will go with pretty much anything and at 38mm could be the ideal watch, so if you get a chance, try one on and make up your own mind.
Specifications:
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel with a brushed finishing
- Movement: Swiss Sellita 200-1 automatic, self-winding, hacking seconds, 38-hour power reserve, 28,800 bph.
- Water Resistance: 200m (660ft) / 20ATM
- Crown: Screw-down crown with signed Squale logo
- Bezel: 120-click unidirectional blue colour-matched aluminium insert, Super-Luminova pip at 12 o’ clock.
- Dial: matte blue dial with Swiss Superluminova C1
- Hands: Custom hands with Swiss Superluminova BGW9
- Crystal: Double domed sapphire crystal with Anti-Reflective coating
- Strap: Blue leather strap with white stitching
- Case size: 38mm
- Case thickness: 12.mm with glass
- Lug size: 18mm
- Lug to lug: 45mm
- Case Back: Screw down case-back with custom artwork
