In 2023, Vulcain rekindled interest in its historic line of diving watches with the return of the Skindiver Nautique model. Now, the traditional brand based in Le Locle is bringing back the Skindiver Chronograph.
A watch that is water-resistant to 200 meters and available in two stunning versions, in the panda style and the inverted panda respectively. For those less familiar with the terminology, a panda dial watch simply refers to a white dial, usually accompanied by three black sub-dials, representing a pair of eyes and a mouth. There is also a variant with the inverted Panda, which has the opposite configuration.
But we will dwell on this subject on another occasion. Let’s go back to the Skindiver Chronograph. The Skindiver chronograph has its origins in the golden age of underwater exploration. Vulcan, which made history with the 1961 Nautical model, the first diver’s watch to incorporate an alarm function and had a decompression table on the dial, has once again turned to its archive of professional diving instruments from the 1960s.
The new Skindiver Chronograph
Although visually distinct from the legendary diver, this newcomer beautifully captures Vulcain’s signature retro aesthetic while adhering to modern standards. The watch is offered with either a matte black dial with brown Super-LumiNova or a matte silver dial with a white luminescent coating, ensuring readability in low-light environments.
The chronograph configuration is traditional but refined: a subdial for seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the latter accented in either red or orange, depending on the dial configuration. Protected by a domed sapphire crystal, the dial also displays a rare decimal scale, which divides each minute into 100 parts instead of 60. It is framed by a serrated bidirectional rear window, provided with a black ceramic insert. A tachymeter scale, which can be used to measure distances, provides additional functionality.
The Skindiver chronograph is housed in a 39.7 x 13 mm stainless steel case with mushroom-shaped buttons. It is powered by the ETA 7753 automatic mechanism, which operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This tried-and-tested caliber ticks behind a closed closure lid with an engraved diver.
The case is complemented by a selection of straps: black or brown leather, or a solid stainless steel bracelet, each secured by a 316L stainless steel buckle.
Prices start at 2,900 CHF.
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