Delma Cayman Worldtimer Automatic

Delma is a brand that we’ve covered on multiple occasions here at MONOCHROME. The watches, often rugged and powerful diving instruments, have proved to be well-executed and performing while retaining a reasonable price. One of its recent models, the Cayman, a cool, accessible, retro-styled diver’s watch, offers everything you need and more. Based on the time-and-date model, the brand adds a new version for travellers, which retains all its aquatic capacities. Meet the Delma Cayman Worldtimer Automatic.

The Cayman is Delma’s entry-level offer in the dive watch collection – which also comprises ultra-resistant models such as the Blue Shark or the Oceanmaster. But don’t think this is a poor man’s option, as this 1970s-inspired watch, with its low-key style, modern but not oversized dimensions, is a very capable instrument that can resist to pressure (50 ATM/500m) and is equipped with a Swiss ETA automatic. Available in multiple colours, with a nicely shaped case, it’s available for less than CHF 1,000. While keeping the overall specifications and design intact, the brand today introduces a new evolution, this time combining diving and travelling features in one good-looking watch.

The stainless steel case of the Delma Cayman Worldtimer Automatic retains the same proportions as the diving version – 42mm diameter and a reasonable 13.6mm height – as well as the same shape, with faceted lugs, notched bezel and oversized, prominent crown. The case is mostly brushed for a toolish look and highlighted by polished bevels on the sides. It features a sapphire crystal on both sides but still is water-resistant to 500 metres.

The novelty in this context comes from the display. While named ‘Worldtimer’, the Delma Cayman is more of a GMT watch with additional functions on the bezel – not a real world-time watch in the sense of a Patek Philippe, for instance. Next to the three classical H-M-S hands is a 24h pointer, which can act as a day/night indicator or as a second time zone, as it can be adjusted independently and points to a 24h track on the inner flange. Linked to this, and replacing the classic 60-minute diving scale, the bezel features a new aluminium insert printed with the 24 reference cities. Being bidirectional, it displays the time all around the world at a glance – as long as you know the time in one reference city, the rest will follow.

The Delma Cayman Worldtimer Automatic shares the same applied indexes and hands as the diver’s version and is available in several colour combinations: black with blue accents, blue with black accents and silver with black and blue accents. it is available either on a smooth leather strap (black or blue) or on a stainless steel ‘Milanese’ bracelet with folding clasp.

To power the Cayman Worldtimer, Delma relies on the tried-and-tested ETA 2893, the GMT version of the automatic ETA 2982. This movement runs at 4Hz and stores up to 50 hours of power reserve – it seems that most ETA movements have recently been updated with a longer power reserve.

Pricing

The Delma Cayman Worldtimer Automatic will be priced at CHF 1,990 or EUR 2,050 on a leather strap and at CHF 2,090 or EUR 2,150 on a steel bracelet. Note that a quartz version will also be available, with a lower water-resistance (200m) and a slightly thinner case. Both will be available from the brand’s webshop here.

More details at www.delma.ch.