The History of Diver's Watches

By Watches of Switzerland Group | 1 minute read

The vast and endless nature of the ocean means there are few functional objects in this world that can operate beneath the extreme pressures of the sea. Until, that is, the invention of the diver’s watch. Combining functionality, luxury and practicality all in one, this timepiece is a diver’s essential companion capable of withstanding these unfathomable depths.

Brian Duffy, our CEO, Faye Soteri, our Senior Watch Buyer for International and Mark Toulson our Head of Watch Buying all sit down and discuss this staple timepiece that has evolved through the years and has truly solidified itself as not just an essential instrument for any diver but also a conversational statement piece. This episode will traverse through its history from the birth of the diver’s watch, to the development of the first Panerai Radiomir prototypes, the Fifty Fathoms by Blancpain in the 1950s right through to present day to Breitling’s Superocean.

In 1926, Rolex invented the first-ever wristwatch that was truly water and dustproof – they named this watch the Oyster. This watch has since been the foundation of Rolex’s iconic line up of Oyster timepieces. Panerai, Blancpain, Omega, IWC Schaffhausen and Breitling, to name a few, are all brands that have also introduced a diver’s watch into their extensive catalogue of luxury timepieces and are the topic of discussion in this episode of the Calibre Podcast.

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The History of Diver's Watches