A classic looking range from Delma gets more sporty and versatile...
At WatchGecko, we’re always open to new experiences, which is why we’ve started selling some watches other than our own again on the site. Not just any watches though: only those that have been selected as being very much in keeping with our ethos, which is quality, value and a strong aesthetic.
That’s why we’re delighted to welcome Swiss watch company Delma to our world. Founded in 1924, it’s a company that’s well-known for its range of sports and dive watches, and the latest addition to the range is the Cayman Worldtimer.
A watch of the world
The New Delma Cayman Worldtimer - Image Credit: Delma Watches
As well as being a collection of Caribbean islands, a ‘cayman’ is a small crocodile found in central and south America – and the new Worldtimer grabs attention in quite a similar manner. It’s a busy watch, but one that is nicely balanced in detail, with a choice of dial colours and a distinct nod to the flamboyant 1970s.
Sticking with the crocodilian theme, it’s a watch that its creators say is designed “with explorers of our multi-faceted aquatic world in mind.” Water is what it’s all about, in other words. This latest model is an evolution of the Delma Cayman that was launched last year, adding distinctive world timer functionality to the original concept. What makes this watch stand out first and foremost is the 24 reference cities for each time zone marked on the bidirectional bezel, and a distinctive triangular red 24-hour hand. The daylight hours are marked in blue, which contrasts with the polished nautical black that characterises the rest of the dial.
The New Delma Cayman Worldtimer - Image Credit: Delma Watches
The other details are picked out in silver, with the steel case attached to either a steel mesh bracelet or black leather strap with white stitching. Turn it over, and you can see the movement at work through a transparent case back.
The end result is a strikingly handsome yet practical watch, which isn't something that you find all the time.
Freedom of choice
The New Delma Cayman Worldtimer - Image Credit: Delma Watches
This new watch from Delma is offered in a variety of specifications. Most importantly there’s a choice between a quartz or automatic movement, which obviously makes a big difference to the price. There’s also a notable difference in water resistance between these two variants, with the quartz watch resistant to 200 metres – which, let’s face it, is far deeper than most ordinary people would ever go anyway – and the automatic watch capable of diving to 500 metres. Appropriately for a watch designed to celebrate water in all its forms (which covers 70% of the earth’s surface) you can also get a deep blue dial, with matching leather strap. In all other respects, the quartz and automatic watches are identical, with a strong maritime theme running through each.
Specification:
Case: 42mm stainless steel (11mm thick in quartz, 13mm thick in automatic
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet, alternatively black or blue leather
Dial: Sunray-brushed in black, luminous hands and indices, date at 3 o’clock.
Price: 2250 Euro (automatic with leather strap), 2150 Euro (automatic with mesh steel bracelet), 625 Euro (quartz with leather strap, 790 Euro (automatic with mesh steel bracelet).
Available: Now
Final thoughts
The New Delma Cayman Worldtimer - Image Credit: Delma Watches
It’s great to be given a choice between quartz and automatic movements here, without compromising the design of the rest of the watch. This decision opens up a great ‘heritage’ brand to a wider number of people, with Delma having created its first dive watch back in 1969. A lot of thought and passion has gone into this Worldtimer, which certainly stands out from the crowd.
