Introducing five noteworthy diver's watches selected from the new 2024 models!

2024.12.16

We've selected five noteworthy diver's watches from the new 2024 models to introduce. Thanks to recent advances in technology, the new models making the headlines are extremely practical. Against this backdrop, we'll be highlighting models with a story that stems from iconic models, new models that respond to user demand, ultra-high performance models, and new models with a new style.

New 2024 Dive Watches

Text by Shinichi Sato
Text by Shinichi Sato
[Article published on January 16, 2024]


Introducing five noteworthy new diver watches for 2024 from the many attractive models on offer.

 As the name suggests, diver's watches are models equipped with the performance required for diving, but since their early popularity, their high water resistance and reliability have made them suitable for military use and sports. They have also been incorporated into military and sports-based fashion, and are now widely recognized as a popular genre of watch and an iconic fashion item. Furthermore, with the recent advancement in technology, recent models have become highly refined, and all models are "sure to be" and all are attractive, so many users may find it difficult to choose.

 So this time, we will introduce a total of five models, including a model with a story that originates from an iconic model, a new model that meets user requests, an ultra-high performance model, and a new model with a new style.


Orient Star "M42 Diver 1964 2nd Edition F6 Date 200m"

Orient Star M42 Diver 1964 2nd Edition F6 Date 200m Titanium

Orient Star "M42 Diver 1964 2nd Edition F6 Date 200m" Ref. RK-AU0702B
Automatic movement (Cal. F6N47). 22 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Ti case (diameter 41mm, thickness 14.3mm). Water resistant to 200m. Limited to 200 pieces in Japan. Price: 192,500 yen (tax included).

 Orient offers the "M Collections," whose model names, designs, and concepts are inspired by nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. The "Orient Star M42" is a collection of diver's watches. The name M42 is inspired by the diffused nebula in the constellation Orion, and the Greek mythological hero Orion, who is said to be the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea.

 Introducing the "M42 Diver 1964 2nd Edition F6 Date 200m Titanium Limited." This model is based on the "Calendar Auto Orient," which was released in 1964. Born in the early days of diver's watches, the Calendar Auto Orient was characterized by a mirror black dial with a combination of dot and bar indexes and a case without a crown guard.

 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Calendar Auto Orient, and this limited edition model commemorates the occasion. Its design is based on the Calendar Auto Orient, but with a modern twist, adding a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. The special design of this commemorative limited edition model is that the scale on the bezel, the displays on the dial, and the various hands are gold-colored, and the dial, which was previously black with a sunray finish on the regular model, has been changed to a subdued charcoal gray.

 With a case diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 14.3mm, it has a certain volume, but thanks to its titanium construction it weighs in at just 113g, and it also meets the modern requirements for a 200m scuba diving watch as specified in the ISO 6425 standard. The solid finish shows the pedigree of Seiko Epson, which is accustomed to making specialized diver's watches.


Glashütte Original "SeaQ"

Glashütte Original SeaQ

Glashütte Original "SeaQ" Ref. 1-39-11-09-81-70
Automatic winding (Cal. 39-11). 28,800 vibrations per hour. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. SS case (diameter 39.5 mm, thickness 12.15 mm). 200m water resistant. 1,529,000 yen (tax included)

 Glashütte Original's SeaQ is a diver's watch collection that was released in 2019. When it was first released, it attracted a lot of attention as a serious diver's watch from Glashütte Original, a brand known for its classic dress watches. This was no surprise, as the movement, Cal. 39-11, featured traditional Glashütte Original movement details such as a three-quarter plate with Glashütte ribbed finish and a swan-neck fine adjustment mechanism.

 However, the previous stainless steel model was only available with a solid case back, meaning that the movement, complete with its captivating details, could not be seen (only the 18K gold model was available with a sapphire crystal case back). Perhaps due to widespread demand for a stainless steel model with a view of the movement, a sapphire crystal case back was released this year. What's more, owners of the previous model can exchange their case back for the newly announced sapphire crystal case back for a fee.

 Let's take another look at the SeaQ. Its design combines a classic diver's watch format with the lustrous finish of the dial and bezel, adding a modern and elegant touch. The dial design uses large Arabic numerals for even numbers and bar numerals for odd numbers, keeping the dial clean and improving visibility. The hour hand is pencil-shaped, while the minute hand has a large triangle at the tip, a combination that is iconic of the SeaQ. The case size is a comfortable size for a sports watch, measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 12.15mm thick. It also boasts excellent performance, meeting the diver's watch certification standards DIN 8306 and ISO 6425.


Zenith "Defy Revival A3648"

Zenith Defy Revival A3648

Zenith "Defy Revival A3648" Ref.03.A3648.670/21.M3648
Automatic (Cal. Elite 670). 27 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 37mm, thickness 15.5mm). Water resistant to 600m. Price: 1,012,000 yen (tax included).

 This year, Zenith announced the Defy Revival A3648, a reissue of a historic model from 1969. The original Defy A3648 is the earliest model in the Defy collection and its first diver model. While Zenith has been reissuing iconic references from the past in recent years, this is the first time that a vintage diver watch has been reissued.

 The 37mm stainless steel case retains the original Defy's signature angular shape and retains the original's 14-facet stainless steel bezel, which is unidirectional and has a sapphire crystal insert, replacing the Plexiglas insert previously used.

 The contrast between black and orange is a distinctive feature of the Defy A3648 and an icon of this watch. The bezel features a bright orange dial with black indices, while the matte black dial features contrasting orange hands and a minute track. The crown at 4 o'clock is also an iconic feature of the original. The bracelet is a reproduction of the five-piece bracelet produced by Gay Fréar for the original model, making it an essential element in creating the vintage feel of this watch.

 This model features a sapphire crystal case back and is water-resistant to 600 meters, just like the original model. This was a remarkable feat in 1969, so it was only natural that this model would follow suit. The fact that 1969 feet, or 600 meters, is a symbolic figure, also serves to add to the story of the year the Defy watch collection, including the A3648, was launched.


Rolex "Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea"

Rolex "Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea" Ref. 136668LB
Automatic winding (Cal. 3235). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. 18K yellow gold case (diameter 44mm, thickness 17.7mm). Water resistant to 3900m. 5,051,200 yen (tax included).

 Since its release in 2008, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea has long featured only Oystersteel models in its regular lineup. However, in 2022, the lineup was expanded with the addition of the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea Challenge, made from RLX titanium and boasting an extremely high water resistance of 11,000m.

 The Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea Ref. 136668LB featured here is an 18K yellow gold model with the same 3900m water resistance as the Oystersteel model. The blue lacquer dial, which stands out against the gold tones, is combined with a blue Cerachrom bezel insert and a blue ceramic pressure ring to create a vibrant and glamorous finish. The 18K yellow gold bracelet differs from previous models in that the inner links are polished, adding an extra touch of elegance. The buckle, which features a Glidelock extension system that allows the bracelet length to be adjusted, is also made of 18K yellow gold.

 While I have doubts about the demand for this gold model among models designed for extreme environments, the performance is as deep-sea diving-capable as the previous model, the appearance is of high quality, and the buckle is designed for comfort, so there's nothing to complain about. It's a great choice for experiencing Rolex's technical prowess.


Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

Seamaster Diver 300M

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, Ref. 210.30.42.20.06.002
Automatic winding (Cal. 8806). 35 jewels. 25,200 vph. Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 13.8mm). Power reserve approximately 55 hours. 30 bar water resistance. 1,001,000 yen (tax included).

 Omega's Seamaster Diver 300M is highly regarded as a highly practical model. In addition to the classic black design, it is available in a wide range of options, including a refreshing blue model and a military-inspired model with a ceramic case and NATO strap.

 This year's addition is a new model with an eye-catching metallic exterior. The entire watch is unified in silver, creating an elegant color scheme reminiscent of a dress watch. The 42mm diameter stainless steel case is paired with a grade 5 titanium bezel. The diving scale is laser-etched into the bezel, helping to create the unique texture of this watch while also providing timekeeping functionality.

 The watch also features a domed sapphire crystal, which is different from the regular model, and is available with a mesh bracelet. Both of these features were also used on the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition, adding a vintage touch to this model.

 The movement is the Master Chronometer Cal. 8806, which is tested to ensure the highest level of magnetic resistance and stable accuracy even under adverse conditions before being shipped. There are very few movements and models that can surpass this in terms of specifications, which could be a major reason to choose this watch or any of Omega's other models.


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