The Cool Squale 2001 Dive Watch is Back as a Permanent Collection

Squale is often regarded as sort of a hidden gem of the dive watch scene, a brand that speaks mostly to hardcore divers and seasoned aquatic watch enthusiasts. Created by Charles Von Büren in 1959, who also made cases for multiple other companies (military Fifty Fathoms watches, for example), the brand gained fame thanks to its connections with celebrated explorers and divers, among which are Cousteau and Mayol. Alongside the Squale-Master line, another model exemplifies what the brand does best: the Squale 2001, a late 1960s barrel-shaped watch that was reproduced in limited edition last year – for the brand’s 65th anniversary – and now comes back as a permanent collection.

Last year, as part of its 65-year celebrations, Squale unveiled an appealing watch, a faithful reproduction of the reference 2001. This watch is particularly important for the brand as it is based on the historic model that legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau gifted during the 1972 Antarctic expedition to Michel Laval, first officer of the Calypso, Cousteau’s famed research vessel. Compared to the Squale Master, the 2001 comes in a barrel-shaped case with hidden lugs and was the first watch to incorporate the “push to release” technology, allowing the bezel to be locked after setting the dive times. A solid watch with 100ATM water-resistance, it paved the way for iconic collections like the Squale 2002 and 2003. Last year’s limited edition, consisting of only 300 pieces, was a faithful reproduction of the model chosen by Jacques Cousteau, with the same colour combination – black and orange bezel over a black dial.

This year, the Squale 2001 Dive Watch comes back in the brand’s permanent collection in three new (and different) combinations of colours. Just like the LE of 2024, the new models are faithfully reproducing the design and proportions of the original, yet now with more modern materials and mechanics. As such, the classic, well-protected barrel-shaped case retains its 40mm diameter, with a compact length of only 43.6mm – perfectly wearable, yet solidly built. Now with a 600m water-resistance, the case is 13mm in thickness. The crown is seamlessly integrated into the case and positioned once again at 4 o’clock.

The bezel, unlike the historic bakelite version, now features a single-color sapphire glass insert for enhanced durability. Just like in the 1960s, the bezel is equipped with a sophisticated “push-to-release” system – a safety mechanism that allows it to unlock in both directions only with perpendicular pressure, ensuring maximum security even in the event of accidental impacts. The dial is protected by a flat AR-coated sapphire crystal and the back is a solid steel element screwed to the case.

Three versions of the Squale 2001 are now being released. The first one features a black bezel with a luminous 60-minute scale and a matte orange dial. The second retains the same bezel insert but brings a sunray-brushed dark blue dial. Finally, the Sand version comes with a fully luminous bezel insert with a 60-minute scale printed in black and a matte black dial. On all three, the dial is surrounded by a white minute track, and all elements of the dial – hands and applied markers – feature a generous amount of Super-LumiNova C3.

Inside the case, the ETA 2772 found in the original models has been replaced by a Sellita SW200, a tried-and-tested Swiss movement known to be a great alternative to the ETA 2824. Used in its élaboré version, it runs at 4Hz and stores about 38 hours of power reserve. Another, very cool historical touch is the return of a period-correct stainless steel bracelet with open “ladder-style” links, closed by a modern folding clasp. A very nice touch that adds a lot of character to this already nice, vintage-oriented watch.

Now available from the brand and its retailers, the new Squale 2001 collection is available from EUR 1,770, CHF 1,490 or USD 1,590… Not bad for a storied re-edition with solid specifications and very appealing design. More details at www.squale.ch.