Why We Love It

Squale may not be the first name on the list of collectible dive watches, but when it comes to honest, no frills dive watches, you can't get much better than the brand with the shark logo.

What we offer here is a sturdy diver that uses Squale’s sought-after 40mm “Atmos” barrel case. The hooded lugs soften the overall effect and make the case cling to the wrist. The cheerful yellow Bakelite bezel is anchored by a screw-down top ring that also retains the thick crystal. Inside, the seventeen-jewel ETA automatic movement clips along, ready to mark time for yet another generation of divers. 

The Story

During the 1960s and 1970s, Squale was a major producer of stainless dive watch cases. It was responsible for constructing cases for major brands like Blancpain, DOXA, Auricoste, and Heuer. Their signature Atmos case, featuring the crown at 4 o’clock, was featured on many watch lines of the era and has become an iconic styling still used today (think Seiko SKX007).  

In addition to filling contracts for other dive watch producers, Squale developed their own line of dive watches. By the 1970s, these watches had won various awards for technical and design elements. It was around this time that began to develop heavy-duty lugless style cases with depth ratings well over 1000 meters, such as the one the Saphir has.