Unveiling the Aquadive Bathyscaphe 300 from start to end --

 

There is something about dive watches that attract a steadily growing group of enthusiasts and collectors : perhaps it is a real tool watch, perhaps it is real test of the watch company manufacturing capability, perhaps it is just a thick chunk of metal plus its weight that gives that "oomph" factor, or perhaps it is just that the unattainable idea of allowing men to go as deep as possible into the darkest regions of the ocean but by having it done so on the watch captivates the human spirit.

 

Aquadive has been in the dive watch scene since the 60s and 70s and was considered one of the more popular choices for real professional divers. A quick look over their earlier models, one can understand why. Designs are highly unique and with their attention for detail and quality, their first DEPTH-GAUGE meter reading on a watch was released.

 

Now after years of planning, the AQUADIVE name has been given a new lease of life by a team of watch and dive experts. Continuing the tradition of AQUADIVE, each and every AQUADIVE watch made today is carefully made and built from hand, without losing its form and function.

 

In 2011, the first series of AQUADIVE watches were introduced. With the highest water resistance rated to date, The Bathyscaphe 300 (BS 300 ) is one not to be missed for its size, toughness, quality and wearability.

 

" The Aquadive Bathyscaphe 300 uses the exact same case of the 1970s Model 50 Depth gauge Aquadive and 100% identical dimensions,but now powerded by an ETA automatic movement and featuring a unique movement supsension system that isolates the movement from the case in a soft iron cage that also acts as an antimagnetic shield and anti shock protection system. The Bathyscaphe 300 has a built in automatic HRV (Helium Release Valve) for added safety in extreme diving conditions."

 

Each BS 300 is housed in a pleasantly beautiful black lacquered box, with a nice engraved "AQUADIVE" metal plate on the outside.
The outer box is also made of good paper quality and hardness, with a nice soft velvet inner lining.

 

 

What was pleasing to me is that each watch (with its serial number) has its own original certificate ( the material is not paper by the way ! ) with timing reports in 5 positions carried out by the wonderful dedicated watchmakers at AQUADIVE. This simply shows the promise and diligence of the watch company.

 

 

When the box was opened, a pleasant vanilla scent first came through, I understand that this is from the special material of the ISOfrane® rubber strap that came with it, which I will talk about later. 

 

 

The interior of the box is also well constructed, just like the watch. Extra set of spring bars are given,packaged nicely in a small bottle as see on the right. 

 

When I remove the BS300 from the pillow, BOY, this is one solid heavy piece, weighing approximately 200g with the rubber strap on.

 

 

My first inspection was the case. I am particularly about the case finishing and quality. The case is 100% CNC milled in Germany --- true to its words, the case is really a beauty to look at, wear and touch. [ more on making of the AQUADIVE case can be read here from official site ]

 

 

The bezel is uni-directional rotating with a 120-clicks, it is not too loose nor too tight, which gives a nice feel when turning. A highlight of the bezel is a scratch-free ceramic insert with elapsed time markers and a lumed pip (triangle at "12")

The bezel adds a nice complimentary touch to its case.

 

 

The dial: Interesting to note, the BS dials cost more than the standard black dials out in the market, because of a special polished outlines around the lumed indexes. It brings out some nice shine and beauty to the overall look, however, it does not overshine, such that it becomes a reflective face. I would say this is a nice little detail to it.

Some orange outlines on the seconds hands and the minutes hands offer a contrasting look to the black dial.

 

The crown : well-signed. screwed-down mechanism, feel really secured and comfortable. Not over-sized nor undersized.

 

 

The ISOfrane® rubber strap : ISOfrane® straps are deemed to be one of the better ones in the market today. A special material is being used to ensure long term durability and hypoallergenic. It does not crumble over use and is very strong yet supple to wear.

I like how thick the strap is which compliments the lug horn height of the massive BS 300 watch.

Because it is quite nice, it can be hard to pull through the keepers initially, but after a few wears, it grows on your wrist, like it is meant to be for you :)

A very unique assymetrical designed rubber strap offers a twist, distintively ISOfrane® indeed.

I like how the holes are being etched through the rubber strap, which allows even a small wrist size like mine (approx 5.75") is able to wear it on.

 

 

The buckle is also nicely laser signed with the AQUADIVE logo, and very well made as well.

 

 

It wears slightly big on my small wrist, which probably got me thinking into wearing the BS100 DLC instead.
After a day of BS100 DLC, I must say that the watch really grows on you. I was constantly looking at my watch every 15-30minutes throughout the day :)

 

 

Finally a dive watch that looks and feel good even on a small wrist like mine. It is a big watch but wears so comfortable. .

 

Hope you have enjoyed the photos and the review.

Do seek your utmost understanding if the quality of photos has been less than perfect.

 

 

~END~

- Yan @ Watch:Werkz

 

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