Vintage Vision The JeanRichard Diverscope JR1000($8,130) takes design cues from the dive watches of the 1960s: a round opening in a square-shape case, a revolving bezel, and bright colors. a steel case and bezel and anti-reflective-coated sapphire crystal envelop the face of black opaline with green accents (shown) or a face of lime-green luminous material with black. JeanRichard, + 41 32 911 3636; www.jeanrichard.com
July 2009 Gear
Shell Game The Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Deepsea ($9,250) from Rolex has a 43 mm stainless steel case that is pressure-proof to 12,800 feet, a helium escape valve, and a special timelapse bezel. With 31-jewel chronometer movement and a flip-lock-clasp oyster bracelet, you’ll always know the time, whether you’re taking a dive or simply going to the yacht club. Rolex, (212) 758-7700; www.rolex.com
July 2009 Gear
Time’s Cup The new Admiral’s Cup Black Challenge 44 ($7,000) from Corum, available with a white (shown) or a black face, boasts a 44 mm diameter steel case. Twelve nautical-pennant hour markers encircle the three chronograph counters, which are all tucked behind a cambered, twelve-sided sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. Corum, + 41 (0) 32-967-06-70; www.corum.ch
July 2009 Gear
Business as Usual The Aquaracer 500m series ($2,450) from Tag Heuer, water-resistant to 500 meters, features a unidirectional turning bezel, an automatic helium valve to prevent compression damage on deep dives, and luminescent markers on the hands for at-a-glance readability. available with a silver, blue, or black dial (shown), this watch can complement a business suit as well as it does a wetsuit. Tag Heuer, (866)260-0460; www.tagheuer.com
July 2009 Gear
Regatta Ready Panerai has recently released the limited edition line of the Luminor 1950 Regatta Rattapante 44mm, DLC ($17,000). Numbering 500 watches, this line offers distinctive cases blackened with a treatment called DLC (Diamond Like Coating), making them harder to scratch and more resistant to the corrosion of the marine environment. Panerai, + 39 02 363138; www.panerai.com
July 2009 Gear
Gold Standard The Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph ($30,500) couples luxury with functionality. Water-resistant to 100 meters, an 18-karat rosegold case makes a lovely home for three chronograph functions and sword-shaped hands- all secured with pink-gold screws and a sapphire crystal. Cartier, (800) 227-8437; www.cartier.com
July 2009 Gear
Diver Down Bell & Ross goes deep with the new BR 02 Instrument Orange ($5,000) dive watch. Water resistant to 1,000 meters, this watch is readable and reliable in the deepest waters. Bright orange photo-luminescence, large hands, and an internal, unidirectional bezel make this watch easy to read in the murky darkness. There’s a decompression valve to balance interior pressure and ensure reliable time-keeping. Bell & Ross, (203) 662-0510; www.bellross.com
July 2009 Gear
Look Over Vacheron Constantin introduces the new Overseas Titanium Chronograph ($16,200). With a slate-gray, circular satin finish, its painted exterior minute track, a water-resistance of 150 meters, and 18-karat white-gold hour markers, the Overseas Titanium Chronograph has a sleek and sophisticated look that doesn’t compromise durability or performance. Vacheron Constantin, (877) 862-7555; www.vacheron-constantin.com
July 2009 Gear
Ready for Action Omega’s proven line continues with the Seamaster NZL ($4,700), a self-winding chronograph with a 44-hour power reserve and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated for anti-reflection on both sides. The stainless steel case measures 42.2 mm and is sealed for water resistance to 150 meters. Omega; www.omegawatches.com
July 2009 Gear
Master Mechanical The Dive Master Mecha 500 ($995) from Victorinox Swiss Army is the next generation of Swiss Army watch, with a mechanical self-winding movement fitted behind luminous hands and markers. The date window also has a luminous marker, and the caseback is fitted with a mineral crystal, revealing the movement. A screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel complete the rugged package. Victorinox Swiss Army, (800) 442-2706; www.swissarmy.com
July 2009 Gear
Winding Down The Maxi Marine Diver Titanium ($18,900) from Ulysse Nardin sports a unidirectional rotating bezel in 18 carat rose gold (shown) or stainless steel atop its 45 mm polished titanium case. Water-resistant to 200 meters, the self-winding chronometer is equipped with sapphire crystals both front and back to show the movement, while a black wave-patterned rubber strap embellished with rose-gold or titanium elements to complement the dial and bezel. Ulysse Nardin, +41 32 930 74 00; www.ulysse-nardin.ch
July 2009 Gear
Navigation Station Weems and Plath has recently released a new Professional Navigator Watch ($490). The individually numbered 2009 edition boasts a scratch-resistant mineral crystal surrounded by a surgical-grade stainless steel case, water resistant to 330 feet. Engraved with a rendering of Captain Weems on the back, the watch has a quartz movement and dials and hands fitted with a gaseous tritium light source. Weems and Plath, (800) 638-0428; www.weems-plath.com