Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Serica 5303 PLD “Plongeur Démineur” Dive Chronometer
A classic French Navy-looking military dive watch from a French brand.
Serica began its journey with a classic field watch, and since its launch in 2019, the young brand has quickly carved out a strong identity with a lineup of retro-inspired, adventure-ready timepieces, spanning field, dive, and GMT models, and something else a bit dressier. Designed with durability, precision, and style in mind, every Serica watch is built to be worn and tested in real-tough-world conditions. Building on the success of its well-received 5303 COSC “dive and travel” series, Serica now introduces the 5303 PLD (short for Plongeur Démineur or clearance diver), an evolution of its signature diver developed in collaboration with the French Navy’s EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Divers Association, and coming with the classic look you expect from French Navy dive watches – blue accents and a parachute-like elastic strap…
The Serica 5303 PLD comes in a robust 39mm stainless steel case with a satin-polished finish, 12.2mm thick, 46.5mm lug-to-lug and 20mm lug width. It’s built to withstand depths of up to 300 meters and features an antimagnetic construction (soft-iron cage) rated to 50,000 A/m. An oversized 8mm screw-down crown, positioned at 3 or 9 o’clock, depending on the variant, ensures a secure seal while offering an easy grip for winding and setting. The DT MAX bezel is a standout feature, fitted with a polished blue ceramic insert. It displays a graduated double scale indicating maximum working time at various depths, allowing for a safe, continuous, no-stop ascent, a clear nod to the watch’s professional diving credentials. The dial is protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal, 2mm thick, with an inner anti-reflective coating.
The dial of the Serica 5303 PLD is a blend of vintage aesthetics and mission-ready functionality. Finished in deep black, it features dot hour markers and baton-style indices at cardinal positions, all filled with Super-LumiNova with a green emission, offering excellent legibility in low light. The crisp white lacquered hands contrast sharply against the glossy black backdrop. The 5303 PLD introduces an oversized “Fat Lollipop” seconds hand, distinguished by a bold, luminous circular tip. Above the 6 o’clock position, the inscription Chronomètre Amagnétique proudly highlights the watch’s capabilities.
The 5303 PLD is powered by the M100 Soprod calibre, COSC-certified, operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour and delivering a 42-hour power reserve. This is yet another alternative to the ETA 2824. The Serica 5303 PLD offers two strap choices, each rooted in military heritage and built for versatility and endurance. First is a stainless steel bracelet with a satin-polished finish; the second is a Serica PLD nylon strap in signature military colours, inspired by the original hand-crafted designs worn by French combat divers, featuring a re-engineered buckle.
Orders open on May 20, 2025, from the brand’s website, and the price is EUR 1,690. For more details, please visit www.serica-watches.com.
1 response
Better dive watches in this price range, with better movements.