Save the Date, with the new Serica Ref. 5330 Dive Chronometer

This is an endless debate in the small circle of watch enthusiasts… Should a dive watch be equipped with a date or not? Purists, sometimes slightly biased in their judgments, will tell you in a very strict manner that no, a date has no place on the dial of a dive or tool watch! “Who looks at the date when you’re 40 metres deep under water?” And while I can’t prove them wrong, there’s the reality: most dive watches are worn at the city, becoming so-called desk divers. Serica, the young French brand specialising in tool watches, is about to blur lines… Until now deliberately set aside in favour of strict dial symmetry in all of its timepieces, whether dive, field or dress watches (and also because that made the brand look cooler from an enthusiast perspective…), the date display makes its debut on the new Serica Ref. 5330 Dive Chronometer. And sparks some debates over the legitimacy of a date display on an instrument-like dive watch again and again. 

First of all, rest assured. Serica’s classic no-date dive watch, the Ref. 5303 Dive Chronometer, is still a cornerstone model that is there to stay. So, for the purist that you are, you still have the choice to not be bothered by a date window on the dial of your tool watch. And then the Ref. 5330 Dive Chronometer enters the room, with its date display… But there’s more than meets the eye, as it’s not just about a cutout in the dial.

As for the design and diving capabilities, the new Ref. 5330 Date is using the same technical base as the classic Ref. 5303 no-date, starting with its nicely-designed, lightly vintage case measuring 39mm in diameter, 12mm in thickness and 46.5mm lug-to-lug. Made of steel, the case is mostly brushed, with polished accents, including pleasing polished chamfers on the twisted lugs. Equipped with a screw-down crown, a solid steel screwed back and a 2mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal, the 5330 is still water-resistant to 300m. And it wears very nicely on the wrist, too. Classic diver with classic proportions, and an overall solid built quality.

There is one notable evolution on the case, and that’s the bezel. Still unidirectional with 120 clicks, and one of the smoothest rotating actions I’ve seen in a long time (really, it’s smooth like butter and yet precise), the bezel features a new dual-scale, dual-material layout. The classic no-date version came with such a twin scale but a countdown graduation on the external side. Now, not only does the 5330 Date feature a more classic countup 60-minute scale, but it also comes on a new anthracite grey ceramic ring that has a cool faded effect.

Then comes the dial, and the Ref. 5330 Dive Chronometer is more than just punching a hole for the calendar. Well, yes, obviously there’s now a date window at 3 o’clock, with a white disc and red numerals, adding a touch of colour and fun to the watch. But to retain visual balance, the minute track has been recentred to ensure “instant readability of the date without compromising time legibility or the harmony of an inherently asymmetrical dial.” That said, the lollipop-like hour markers have been retained, as well as the white broad arrow hands. All elements of this matte black dial (and not enamel-like on the 5303 no-date) are coated in light cream-toned Super-LumiNova.

Under the hood is a classic Swiss mechanical automatic calibre, the SoProd M100 (an alternative to the ETA 2824 and to the Sellita SW200), here in its date version. This 4Hz movement with 42h power reserve is chronometer-certified by the COSC.

The watch is delivered with a Vesper stainless steel bracelet, characterised by its lug modules and flat mesh profile. It is available in three different sizes for optimal comfort. In addition, the watch is delivered with a white and red elastic nylon strap. Released as part of the permanent collection, the new Serica Ref. 5330 Date Dive Chronometer is priced at EUR 1,690 (incl. taxes) or USD 1,990 (incl. taxes), through the brand’s website. For more details, please visit www.serica-watches.com.