JLY 2024
STATE OF THE COLLECTION
Every Squalista is unique; how they build their collection tells a story. This SOTC belongs to; Marc Steinhauer...
I was six years old when I received my first wristwatch as a gift from my Grandfather. It featured a shiny blue dial, a rotating bezel, and a nylon strap. It lit a flame that, after many decades, still burns brightly.
Needless to say, the watch did not last long. Constant biking and skating accidents eventually totalled the watch. In search of a replacement, the cheap and ever-changing colourful array of Swatch watches became daily companions.
After finding out that collectors would pay silly money for 'rare' vintage pieces, I crossed the threshold into the world of full time collector and part time dealer.
Fast forward in life to when a real salary started coming in, and the collecting started in earnest: I got hooked on the marque with a crown. No..not Von Buren... Rolex. One Submariner led to many. Then GMTs. Explorers. Tudors and Omegas. Then came a financial setback, and where once were watches, a void now resided.
Without a watch... and constrained budget... I had to find a surrogate. A local auction house offered a blackened diver with a loud orange-painted minutes hand. Many road-trip miles and a few auction hours later, it turned out I was the only bidder. With said watch in hand I started doing some research on it... typical me; purchase first, learn after.
Soon armed with four orange-minute handed Squale, I registered with Watchuseek and proudly presented my pieces in the proper forum. Inspecting and analysing other watches posted there, I gained some insight into the vast array of models and varients produced.
Frustrated with the typical copy-and-paste 'official story' I started to work on my own database. This is when Squale Whale entered my life and ruined everything. His help and advice has deepened my analytical connection to vintage Squale. We exchange information every day. We are watch buddies... Squale nerds. And thanks to him we finally have THE reliable page for Squale collectors, of which I am proud to contribute to.
My collection is big. But I dream bigger. I dream of a Blancpain Bund. I dream of a PVD MM. And, of course, I dream of a Spirotechnique. The journey continues...
*Editors Note: go grab yourself a beer... this may take some time to get through.
One of the first 1521 case Squale made... note it retains the crown-@-3 configuration of the 1000m, but now has the classic 1521 bevelled lugs and asymetric case, plus the simple printed acrylic bezel and orange mins hand.
Here we have one of my smaller pieces; an early 20 Atmos Herodia branded Super. These 'base' models normally came with a steel bezel, so it is nice to see such a beautiful acrylic piece in place. Unfortunately, the previous owner painted the minute hand black. I guess not everyone is attracted to the feature that we all love so much.
One of my 'impossible to find' pieces; an early crown-@-3 Master 100 atmos. The red dial and bi-colour red-cream bezel are to die for. But there are unusual features on this watch that have yet to be understood... not least the dauphine hands. Slight differences in case shape from other crown-@-3 Masters could indicate it being a prototype.
This is a later Master from the 70's... the 1521 case now looking more familiar with the crown at 4. Retailed by the Genovese supplier Bordegnoni, it is hard not to love the gingerbeer fumoso dial and black acrylic bezel.
Another Master with the crown-@-4, but this Eagle Star from Canada, is later, 80's, and features the at-the-time more expensive quartz movement option. And, obviously, the ultra desirable black/orange bezel.
Another Master. And, another 'high spec' quartz. But this one, branded 'Diving' and running a griffen logo, sits inside a 'fat case' just like you find on the Blancpain Bund. For years, rumours swirled about this piece. The true story of its history was broken by this website.
Onto one of my 'ultra special' pieces... a thick-case professional 1521 from the 1980's. What makes it so special is the acrylic bezel (normally reserved for the Master series) and, obviously, the radical full lume dial. Some think it is one of the modern full lume 1521 at first glance. To Squale collectors; it's a grail.
When it comes to Squale, one thing you can be sure of is that you can never be totally sure of the truth. Where some Squale are clearly franken (bodged together out of random broken watches) others are far more curious with traits that make one consider the possibilities. Take this 'Master'. It runs a 100 atmos case but a 50 atmos dial. Interestingly, this can be found on other Berios examples previously owned by factory staff. The curious trait on this one is the lack of a serial number.
Talking of unusual traits... one that shows up quite often on Squale is the so called 'naked' or 'nude' dial, where there is no logo at 12. Like this thick case 50 atmos example here. These dials were blanks that retailers and other brands could buy and re-brand to their own needs. I guess this example, that is in NOS condition, was probably a salesman's sample.
From thick case PVD to thin case PVD Squale. Indeed this Master, made for UK based Sub Aqua company Blandford, is part of a small run of 100 Atmos watches that were the first to trial the matt black finish on the skinny 1521 case.
Another PVD case, and in seriously sweet NOS condition, is this 50 Atmos 1521 with a beautiful blue fumoso dial and creamy tritium lume.
On now to one of the targets of every serious Squale collector, and one of my favourite pieces; the mk.2 Marina Militare. It's not some flashy NOS 'safe queen' either... it's got that proper used by the military vibe. Note the special set of skinny hands used on these watches.
Here is (yet) another rare one... a Berios 50 Atmos Professional from the very last run of PVD watches Squale made before they closed their doors after the quartz crisis bit. Note the gorgeous acrylic bezel (similar to the mk.1 SS Marina Militare).
A special 1521 for jeweller 'Alessandri' who was based in St.Margherita Ligure. This is a mk.2 edition and there were thought to be only 10 made. Again... note the skinny hand set.
One of the most understated and underrated Squale... the so-called NOS 1521. There were two runs of this watch; the first built in 2007/8 from new parts that sat in boxes since the late 1980s. This one is from the second batch in 2009, as identified by the hour hand (which is not the skinny type).
One thing that will amaze anyone getting into collecting vintage Squale is just how many short run specials the factory produced (for all sorts of clients, from dive stores to military regiments). This one, for the Folgore parachute regiment out of La Spezia, looks to have never been touched by grubby army hands.
This triple-branded beauty was made close to the end for Squale. It sits on its original bracelet, and features beautifully aged tritium lume, a lovely lollypop seconds hand, and a bi-colour aluminium bezel inlay.
Made by Horus, that was hugely responsible for the success of Squale after the factory doors opened again in 2007, this is one of 5 prototypes made with Alessia's signature on the dial. One of the 5 was gifted to Alessia after her first world record success.
Another 1521 made by Horus is this prototype of the Limited Edition 'dive girl' 50 Atmos. The actual release of 50 watches ended up being in 'satinato' blasted cases. Unfortunately, Gnomon copied this polished case with orange lollypop prototype and sold a number of similar pieces before they were mysteriously pulled from sale.
Talking of Gnomon, a Squale dealer based in Singapore, they have made a vast array of limited edition modern Squale. The one that truly stands out as special is the first one they released; the Opaco Originale. Made in three batches, the last batch having screw fix bezels. Squale have always had slightly quirky designs, and this has buckets of character. Love it.
One thing always leads onto another... and here is another Squale for another international dealer; this being for Beams who were based in Japan. Along with the incredible camo dial, it also features a domed sapphire crystal. Mad.
And here is another, more contemporary, 1521 made for a dealer in Hong Kong. Along with the green dial and green bezel insert, it features neat Limited Edition engravings on the case back.
And, finally, a right blinder... literally. This is the Yellow Racer by RJL in America. There were 15 of these made using blindingly bright NOS T-marked dials that, rumour has it, were originally made at the request of a movie production company - RJL then had Squale make watches out of the remaining parts that were left over. Pretty cool.
MAR 2024
STATE OF THE COLLECTION
Every Squalista is unique; how they build their collection tells a story. This SOTC belongs to; Jay Dowling...
For kids growing up in the 80's, Swatch watches were all the rage, and I remember my first collection (now long gone) well. But despite a watch purchase here or there, over the years my horological interest fell to a low simmer and, eventually, I actually found myself not wearing a watch at all.
As an adult, I began working in the world of antiques, fine art auctions, and appraising. In 2012, a Tornek-Rayville came through the auction gallery door, and a spark reignited my passion for watches. As many collectors do, whether it's collecting comic books or American stoneware (yes, that was a passion in my life for many years as well) you experiment until your focus narrows: likes, dislikes, desires, shapes, types, and styles—and having the luxury of seeing firsthand so many different timepieces at my job, I was lucky in getting to study them all. One day while I was surfing the web, I came across a stainless steel dive watch with a faded blue bezel, case back stamped Y1545, dial marked "Decor" and a striking orange minute hand. I bought it. And in that instant, my collecting path was decided. My journey down the Squale rabbit hole had begun...
This is the watch that started my Squale love! A cheeky Y1545 signed "Dacor" on both dial and case back, with faded "fancy" dial and an unsigned crown. The bezel insert is the same drilled and lumed aluminium insert as found on the Blancpain.
My second Squale... a 1000 meter Master co-branded "Melpier Watch" with gloss black standard dial, single-color acrylic bezel in pretty good condition, and unsigned crown. It's serial number being 58xxx puts it in the second production run of the 1000m, but even those with serials in the 60xxx had chrome minute and seconds hands... so these were replaced at some point.
The Melpier Master was followed by... another 1000 meter Master! This one is co-branded "Electra", and has a deep blue standard dial with what appears to be specks of tritium dust throughout. But the bi-colour acrylic bezel is in superb condition. As is so often the case with Squale of this age... the crown is unsigned. But this one does feature a signed Squale bracelet! The serial on this one is just a few hundred away from my first Master.
I bet you can't guess what my fourth Squale was? Yup... another 1000 meter Master - these things are adictive. Co-branded "Wonder Watch", this one has an extremely unusual black dial marked "1000M Super Squale" in red and "buckshot" indices. There is some staining to the bi-colour bezel, but that is expected on these. And to prove its had a hard life, the case back engravings are just about worn away with so many scratches from attempted opening over the years.
Next up came a later 100-Atmos Master co-branded Berios. This one had a stunning fumé "fancy" dial, bi-color orange/black acrylic bezel insert, signed crown, signed Squale bracelet, and case sticker still on the back! This is probably the closest to a NOS Squale I own, even with the tritium 5 o'clock lume plot missing, but I do find myself wearing it... so it soon won't be!
One of the most important Squale to me in my colletion was a gift from my lovely partner when I turned the big 5-0. It's a 100 Atmos Master co-branded "Spirotechnique" with lovely patina to the lume plots at the indices, a faded minute hand frame, and good sign of scuffs, dents, and scratches to the case to indicate that this watch was used as it was intended. On this one we have a signed crown (yay!), and single-color acrylic bezel insert. Inside is a 25-jewel ETA-2872 automatic movement. It still wows me.
My first contemporary Squale was the LE "No Radiobino" by Dutch firm, AWCo. This example is marked as number 10 (of the 30 produced) and features period Blancpain case and Bakelite bezel insert, and a signed 1980s Squale link bracelet - although this is not currently on the watch. I thought AWCo mentioned there would be another 60 watches using NOS cases... but nothing has been heard recently; perhaps they will never happen.
My second contemporary piece purchased directly from Gnomon, is my Squale LE "Diver Down" with sterile bezel. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is my grail, but for now this will do!
And as you can see from this photo there are more Squale in my family. Some have their issues, but all still bring much pleasure and the opportunity to learn.
This Viser 1521 Master has spotting to some indices and small loss to the lume on both hands... but this does not distract from the sheer beauty of that fumé dial.
The electric blue Eagle Star has faded minute hand and lume loss to hour hand, plus plenty of scuffs to the high dome crystal, but case back markings are still crisp.
My second Oscar has a glossy black "mk.2" dial, single-colour black acrylic bezel, and heavily worn but still legible case back engravings, and a signed crown.
Finally, its the only quartz watch in my entire watch collection: a 100 Atmos Master by Berios... not much to say other than that this example is darn close to perfect.
FEB 2024
STATE OF THE COLLECTION
Every Squalista is unique; how they build their collection tells a story. This SOTC belongs to, er, me; Squale Whale...
My first watch was a gift from my Dad that featured Mickey Mouse - his arms would turn clockwise, and his gloved hands would point at the correct time. Well, they did for the first day. The next day I took it apart to see how it worked. It never told the time again. I was 6; give me a break.
I had a passing interest in watches ever since. And have, in the past, been a casual collector of Seiko, and a keen collector tuning fork driven Accutron (the ones that hummmm...). But things took an unexpected turn after purchasing a Squale 1521. A sickness set in that I have yet to cure.
I have been hoping to publish my first SOTC for quite a while now, but my collection has morphed a lot recently, only finding a sweet spot in the last week that felt right for my first hit.
This is not my whole collection; it's my core. I have others I bought on a whim, but they didn't bond with me. And I have others that are amazing, but no longer fit with my goals. So this here is my NFS selection of Masters from across the decades.
I will update this when I hunt down the two grails that are missing from my dream collection (a second y1522 and a second crown-at-three 1521 100-atmos with gloss black basic dial and black/orange bezel). This may take a while, as I have high OCD-driven standards. Until the 'Perfect Ten' is possible, here is my 'Crazy Eight' (in serial number order, of course)...
Number one is a rare bird; a turtle cased beauty from the year prior to the 1000m Master being launched. While the case is unfamiliar to most Squale owners, the hard-core collectors know the score. It's caseback engravings are similar to the 1000m, but carries the tag 'y1522'. While the bezel edge is aggressive compared to the usual coin edge, it interestingly saw a comeback on the rare turtle case version of the y1553. And there is no mistaking the bezel inlay is the same chrome-marker set acrylic you would find on an early Master. The hands are Supermatic spec. And the dial holds its own interesting story; as they found a second life in a Supermatic 250 after a nifty overprint with a red Trident when the 1522 was cancelled. There are some killer colour variants of this piece; and I would love to own another.
Number two is my latest find; and one that I'm truly grateful to own. Most folk interested in Squale would simply see just another 'Master', but what makes this piece so special to me, is that it was the genesis of the 1521; the crown-at-3 100 Atmos Master. You see, back in the late 60's, Squale worked on two Master types at the same time. It just so happened that the other type (that has a later serial designation) hit the market first, but this followed shortly after and, in the battle of the case shapes; this more modern and agressive watch won. There was some random common part switching between the two models that blurs the lines a little; but the case types are utterly unique. Slide the crown down to 4 on this one, and all of a sudden you recognise where the modern 1521 came from. There are even some adverts from the 60's listing this type as the 1521.
Number three is the first of the 1000m types; a beautiful blonde dial Nileg Supermatic. In comparison to the 100 Atmos above, you can see how different the case shape is. I absolutely love the 1000m case, and am surprised it has not made its way back into the Squale catalogue - although I do believe that is what the rare Polipetto and ultra rare Tribute were based on. What made me jump on this one, beyond its stellar condition, was the fact that Nileg had their cases specially ordered with a polished finish on all surfaces, rather than the usual that feature a brushed finish on the top flats. It actually makes quite a big difference to the look.
Number four will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was the first vintage Master I managed to hunt down and make my own. It looked pretty shabby when I bought it, but a new crystal (that was cracked) and crown (that was missing) sorted it. The baby blue of the bezel is so sweet, and I love the funky typography on the dial. It is unusual to find Squale branded dials this old as Squale mainly focused on building watches for other brands. Note the Supermatic hands that were a hangover from the y1522.
Number five is a recent acquisition; a deep blue fumoso sun-ray dialed Blandford S. A. 100 Atmos Master. I have had a few Blandford (the S. A. standing for 'Sub Aqua' - a dive club based in the UK); and, boy: these folks sure knew how to order a sexy dial. I mean; BSA smashed it out of the park more times than any other brand who used Squale, that's for sure. In person, this dial glows and shimmers like a jewel. The bezel is associated with a special edition (which you will see later) but was also fitted to Master's that lost their acrylic in the usual cold 'salty sea' vs 'scortching sun' beach battle. Considering this is quite a beast... it sure is handsome with it.
Number six is another beautiful Blandford 100 Atmos. And, yes, another with a hot heat-treated fumoso dial. But this variant features the classic black acrylic bezel with luminous numeral markers (that still glow). The dial on this one flips under different light between grey and purple, and is truly something that, once you go to check the time, it is hard to not keep staring at. When you do finally stop; you'll find people staring back at you wondering what the hell is wrong.
Number seven is what the proper 'special edition' metal bezel Master should look like. Note how this Ticin Elite variant features a lume only 'militare' dial style? This features on all original 'metal Masters', no mater what the brand; and the switch in lume colour to orange for the 12, 6, and 9 markers remains in use today on the 'full lume' 1521 editions. Another less obvious identifying feature of the true 'metal Master' is that the serial number is not between the lugs as usual, but stamped down the non-crown side of the case. And even more nerdy... note how Squale made a move from a fat minutes hand to the skinny type seen on the vintage Marina Militare and on to the modern 1521.
Number eight is last. Last in this here Crazy Eight, and also the last Master to leave Squale before the company went pop and the factory doors went bang. But it is also a first; first to reintroduce the sub brand 'Master' to the dial since the disappearance of the early 100 Atmos. The skinny minute hand remains from the 'metal Master', but note how Squale finally made that shift to the modern 1521 by ditching the 'lollypop' seconds hand in favour of a small rectangular 'paddle'. The typography on these is a little funky, but that funk is the Squale charm. And, anyway, all is forgiven due to the full compliment of chrome applied markers that really add a touch of class.
AUG 2023
STATE OF THE COLLECTION
Every Squalista is unique; how they build their collection tells a story. And this SOTC belongs to Martin Hoecherl...
My journey into the world of automatic watches started in the early 80's when I was gifted a Meister Anker on a flex strap. The movement could be started by shaking the watch... I was fascinated.
In my early days collecting, I was interested in chronographs and military stuff. Now, I exclusively own dive watches and, in this case, new editions of various vintage models. I love the iconic designs of skindivers and compressors, and I appreciate a bezel on my watches in everyday life.
In 2017, I became curious about Squale through the recommendations of a gentleman on YouTube who presented watches in a sonorous voice... One year later; I held a highly polished 1521 'Buckshot' in my hands. Invasively, the sharks began to spread through my collection... Matics, Tiger, 2002, Master, SUB39 and various 50 Atmos models. At the peak, there were 13 of them!
Currently, there are seven Squale in my box. In the near future more will be added; the milk Full Lume model... the black COSC variant... What remains is the question of whether the 1521 'issue' will one day go away for me. Maybe; but I don't think so.
In retrospect, I could be angry about not buying the Squale Tribute on its release. I thought the price was exorbitant for what was on offer, but I was proved wrong... I regard this watch as my personal Squale-Grail.
Whatever sharks may be swimming in Mr Maggi's pool of thoughts, it won't be boring. Especially if one day the old models with the beautiful acrylic bezels are finally reissued...
The first Squale; the 1521 Classic... what a watch! A design from the seventies, whereby this timeless model still looks modern and individual today. A case with corners and edges, the crown at four o'clock, a minute hand in bright orange, ETA automatic movement... Rarely has a watch triggered more emotions and, accordingly, it is often on my wrist!
1521 Classic Militaire... a month later, this watch enriched my collection. It came standard with an engraving on the side and an ETA automatic movement. Without the date and the Squale logo underneath, the design of the Militaire looks no-nonsense and clean. If I want to be a little more formal, I like to mount a Squale Tropic on this watch in particular.
1521 Classic Sandblasted here, and I would describe the relationship with this watch as 'difficult'. I have bought it, then sold it, and then bought it again... The combination of the matte case and the blue anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal is somewhat unaesthetic in bright light, and this led to its sale. In dimmed light, on the other hand, I like this watch very much... Due to the case finish, this 'troublemaker' is more resistant to fine scratches than the polished version. Tool watch?
1521 60th Anniversary... ETA automatic movement, completely restyled dial, white luminescent material applied by hand, modified screw-on casebook, numbered and limited to 60 pieces, the luminescent dots have been moved inwards a little and are larger than on the standard model... Adult design for the connoisseur and, in my opinion; one of the most well-made 1521 creations ever made. And, just to mention it, this was found in the depths of the worldwide web by the very esteemed operator of this beautiful website... so, thanks SW!
Squale 1521 Forza Minimale... A limited edition BUND model, successor to the Forza, a release of another cooperation from Gnomon.
BUND is the street name for Bundeswehr, the army of my home country. The watch is a re-interpretation of a Blancpain-Diver that was constructed according to the specifications/conceptions of a diving unit of the Bundeswehr. On the Fifty Fathoms army model, there was only an hour marker on the rotating bezel and Squale was the manufacturer of the case. In November 2020 Gnomon distributed the Forza with sandblasted case in a numbered edition of 30 pieces. The Forza Minimale followed in February 2021 as special edition in a polished case without any numbering. I am not sure whether the edition here was also 30 pieces, but it seems likely.
1521 50 Atmos 'Diver Down' Scuba... This LE model also has the BUND bezel on a polished case. The model went on sale in 2021 and was in turn distributed by Gnomon... another collaboration with Squale. The diver-down flag in the lower half of the dial alludes to a past relationship with Blancpain, the rotating bezel to an former army model. In my opinion, this is a fitting watch design with beautiful faux patina luminous material. The edition of the Scuba was 200 pieces, and is now sold out.
Squale SUB39 Corso Italiano... After the SUB39 60th Anniversary piece sold out, pre-owned models are now hard to come by. But this masterpiece from Squale and the Koreans at Whatawatches hit the market in 2021. Although Squale was already using Sellita movements in its watches, the Koreans insisted on ETAs. The SUB39 case has also been modified, with the lug width being reduced from 22 to 20mm, resulting in significantly improved visual proportions. The date disc was also omitted. What this ended up becoming was, in my opinion; a most beautiful and timeless watch. The Corso was produced in an edition of 500 pieces, came with a leather strap and a beautiful wooden box. Unfortunately, if you seek this watch, the good folks at Whatawatches have now completely sold out. So you will have to hunt one down on the used market.
MAR 2023
STATE OF THE COLLECTION
Every Squalista is unique; how they build their collection tells a story. And this SOTC belongs to Steven Mogford...
Ever since I was a boy I’ve always been fascinated by watches as my father, Malcolm, was always interested in them. He had many different brands over the years, and I was lucky enough to have a few passed down to me once he bought a new one.
My fascination with Squale started just over a year ago when I was searching for vintage Omega's on YouTube. I ended up seeing a video on a Squale watch by accident and, within a couple of months, I knew I had a serious problem!
My first purchase was the stunning 60 Atmos Matic with sunburst dial and blue/white acrylic bezel. This was followed shortly after the chocolate version with black/orange bezel insert... and so it went on. Before I knew it; I had over a dozen Squale! But as I learnt more through ever deeper research about the brand, my taste has changed... and so has the collection.
At the present time I have 10 Squale. Eight of those are 'NFS'. If I sold the two I would sell, I'd buy two special Squale that I found in Dubai. Then I’m in trouble; as all 10 will be keepers.
It's difficult to say which Squale in my collection is my favourite, because they are all unique in their own way. So, in no particular order, here is ‘the State of the collection’...
One of 10 prototypes made for the company Technisub, this special 2002a was never officially released for sale. The story goes that these were rapidly put together, and due to issues, Technisub returned them to Squale HQ. Somehow, the proto's found their way onto the market, and I was fortunate to purchase this one off a friend who has taught me so much, and is the creator of this site that exists for us Squale addicts.
In Greek Mythology, THALASSA was the Primordial Goddess of the Sea. And this limited-edition piece was produced by the watch dealer, Localtime in collaboration the Divers Watch FB Group. I love the size of the 60 MATIC which, for us larger gentlemen, is the perfect size. My version #3 of 50. I love its no date dial; it just looks so well balanced.
Words or pictures just don’t do this Essemme justice. I bought it off a great friend of mine and the second I got it in my hands I knew it was going nowhere! It's so simple, but in my eye’s... it is perfection. Limited to only 30 pieces, this is #27. Again, the no-date dial brings perfect symmetry, and I adore that arrow hour hand.
This particular Squale always fascinated me, but I was never sure how a Tiger would fit my 8” wrist. I went to a watch show in London with a few friends where Squale had a stand, and had the chance to handle one. Once I tried It on, I had to get one! A couple of months ago, I purchased this piece. I love the vintage feel and style, and it fits me like a glove.
This was made for the 60th Anniversary of Squale and all 60 made have unique hand painted dials. It’s the only 1521 I have in my collection. It has Sqaule on the side of the case which I wish they still did; I think it looks awesome!
I traded an extremely rare 1521 for this vintage Master and, although showing age and patina, it is an extremely rare piece. Most cases Squale made back in the 60s were bought by other brands and had their logo under 12. Despite extensive searching, I can’t find another with the brand ‘DERZEIT’, and have no idea who the company was or what they did.
I’m not sure where to start with this one! Let’s just say for its age it's in incredible condition and the person who sold the Melpier to me, did so with extreme sellers’ remorse. Part of the agreement was that if I ever sell it, I must give him first option to buy it back, and I am a man of my word. But I fear he will be waiting a while! Vintage Squale at its very best.
This is the Melpier’s younger brother; the P&C Vintage Master. A modern Squale with an old skool twist. The bezels are the same but look different because of age. You can see the full story of this elsewhere on this site. I am seeking the blue and black versions if you spot one for sale.
I hate to say that this is my beater, but it is! I wear it more than anything else. It’s a head turner for sure and it means so much to me. I thought about buying another one so I have a spare. The chapter ring is exquisite and with that vintage look the bezel shines.
If there is one Squale that I wanted from the first time I saw it... this is it! I managed to try one on at the same watch fair I mentioned, and from the second I strapped it to my wrist; it became an obsession. In my opinion, the Milano 44mm Master is the best Squale ever produced. End of. It would take something extremely special to change that opinion. My favourite... for now... but the chase goes on my friends! So many to try and find, and the hunt is the best part. Good luck on your quest, people.
MAR 2023
STATE OF THE COLLECTION
Every Squalista is unique; how they build their collection tells a story. And this SOTC belongs to Steve B...
My watch collecting journey started some twenty years ago and, whilst my interests have evolved over the years, dive watches have always been a big part of my obsession/collection.
I’ve had a wide range of dive watches over the years, all of them with mechanical movements, and I have an interest in Super Compressors, but only discovered Squale watches a couple of years ago.
It was with the release of the Drass Galeazzi; I saw the two logos on the dial, the curved sapphire bezel insert and that case shape that I’d not seen before and loved the watch on first sight.
After purchasing the Drass Galeazzi, I began to understand the huge amount of dive watch heritage that Squale had... and I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve flipped many other watches to feed my Squale habit and, as you will see, they are all modern models, as I get my vintage fix from Super Compressors and inexpensive skin divers.
I’d love to see a titanium cased Squale 2002 with a yellow dial and yellow/black bezel insert or a 1521 with a curved sapphire insert similar to the Drass, in a mid-blue and with Squale engraved on the side!
The Drass Galeazzi... my first and the one I have to blame for my Squale obsession.
My main interest has been in the 1521 case, and my first was a blue dialled 'Super Squale', which borrows elements from the Matic and Sub 39 with applied chrome indices and a sapphire insert. These were never officially released, and nobody is totally sure how many were made.
I know the Squale engraving on the side of the case is quite divisive, but I like it. As part of my 1521 journey, I’ve taken the opportunity to acquire both the blue and black polished 1521’s with the engraving.
Both were bought as beaters and have seen very regular wear. If you look carefully at the black one, you may see that it has a replacement lumed bezel insert, which was added by the previous owner.
One of the things I love about Squale is the huge variety of special or limited edition watches that can add variety to a collection. My first limited edition was the Gnomon created 'Diver Down', I loved it at first sight, and bought one on the release day which features a single digit issue number!
I have also acquired a Sub39 Abisso, which has a lovely textured grey dial. There was an initial limited edition in light blue of forty pieces, followed by the grey with fifty numbered watches. I love the lack of a date window and the different handset.
Having discovered the joys of the Sub 39 with its thin 39mm chamfered case, I then bought a Super Blu with the stunning sunburst dial and killer red date wheel.
Closing off my limited edition Squales is a 'Tribute'. I think this is such a special watch that really tells a story about Squale’s history and association with the Italian state police divers. The watch case is based on the Polipetto from the 70's and all the parts were created by artisan hands. The dial is hand finished and the watch comes with a huge wooden box. When I bought the watch, I had a very long wait to get customs clearance thanks to the Galeazzi dive knife but it finally escaped and is with me.
The release of the Marina Militare last year saw me add one to the collection, and it's the only sandwich dial watch I have. And is my Squale with the highest depth rating at 1,200 meters!!!
I think Squale’s heritage really shines through in the beauty of the case shapes across the model range. I was always intrigued by the shape of the current 2002 and its roots going back to the 70’s, with a bi-directional pushdown bezel and lug-less design. When I found a discontinued version, new, with an orange dial, I added it to my collection.
Because I liked it so much, I soon added the current blue version. The 2002 may have a 44mm case but I think it wears smaller and very comfortably with the lack of lugs.
Finally I started 2023 with my first forged carbon watch... a T183. I chose the blue to have something different from the mainly orange theme across my Squale watches. It does wear a bit lighter than the steel case, but as it actually has an inner steel case to house the movement, it is not too light.
MAR 2023
STATE OF THE COLLECTION
Every Squalista is unique; how they build their collection tells a story. And this SOTC belongs to Mattias Berg...
My Squale journey started with my 1521 Ocean and this classic 1521 is still the crown jewel of my collection, even outside the Squale brand. I bought it in late 2016 when I was getting married, so that might affect the feelings for it a bit. But I still think it would be a favourite. I really loved the vintage aesthetics of the case and how the orange of the minute hand popped off the blue of the dial .
After that purchase, I got totally hooked on Squale and, over the years, I’ve bought eighteen! Out of those, twelve are still in my collection. Or at least ten of them... two now belongs to my wife's collection, which is a win for me. More Squale for everyone!
I’ve never regretted selling any watches since they’ve all been sold for a reason but if there is one I miss a little it’s the Darris 1515 which had a fantastic dial color and a beautiful acrylic crystal with an internal date magnifier.
Even though I like vintage Squale, I haven’t bought many of them and that’s because I really want to be able to use them in their proper environment. I do a lot of snorkeling and freediving during the summer and even though you could probably get a vintage piece water resistant enough I just don’t have the nerves for it. An old mk.1 Master would be nice to own, though; the domed crystal and acrylic bezel are to die for!
Right now I’m satisfied with my overall collection but since Squale released the new Super, they have gotten my attention again. Still not a fan of the pretty plain handset, but if they where to release a version with the painted minute hand (orange, please) it would be hard not to buy one. They should also release it with a milled steel bezel instead of the steel bezel insert they use now. If Aquastar can do it with their Deepstar, so can Squale. I’d happily pay a premium for it.
My first Squale purchase, and still in top slot... the 1521 Ocean.
In second slot is my grey Matic. The sunburst dial and acrylic bezel are fantastic. They should definitely bring this bezel insert to more models.
Number three for me is the original 50 Atmos with the 16,5mm thick FF96 case. It's pretty chunky, but still comfortable on the wrist. A previous owner removed the lume from this one pretty forcefully. Sometime in the future I'll probably get it relumed. The acrylic bezel insert is pure art!
My fourth Squale, a 1521 full lume, is very retro-cool with the orange details. Mine has a lumed bezel insert from Long Island Watch which makes it almost an exact copy of the Squale 500 full lume quartz released in the late 80's.
I'm not sure if this is some kind of transition model, franken made by Squale or franken by somebody else. It has the vintage case with 19mm lugs and the smaller dimensions, but with a modern superluminova dial. The 2002 is such a cool piece on the wrist and wears great despite its pretty substantial case.
I don't know much about this Sigel Super, but I like the heavy patina and this warm silver sunburst dial is incredible in the sunlight.
I designed this 1545 µ Edition together with a group of fellow enthusiasts on the Swedish watch forum Klocksnack. Even though many think that the 1545 is not a real Squale, it's still a very cool piece. Limited edition of 50 pieces. Oh, and Squale/Gnomon pretty much took our design and released it as a non limited edition later on.
This little 37mm 1545 vintage piece of art is a must have when you bring out your favourite white Speedos. Because all Squale collectors have white Speedos in summer right? Right...?
This 1515 "Medium" PescaSub is also a favourite in the collection. The case is beautiful and a very wearable 34mm size. Definitely not for everyone but for me it's perfect! The PescaSub branding on the dial is an old Italian spearfishing magazine. Very cool.
What a beast this Master Marina Militaire is. A similar 16mm 'fat' case as the vintage FF Master but with a (very unnecessary) helium release valve. I'm not a fan of the military connection, but the design is awesome.
Maybe the most classic Squale watch in my lineup; the 1521 'buckshot'. Mine has a slightly domed sapphire crystal from the limited bi-color series created in collaboration with Beams, a dealer in Japan.
The dials of the Onda series are so beautiful and this 'pink' is, in my opinion, the best one. Unfortunately Squale has decided to put those atrocious ceramic bezel inserts on the Onda series, but a previous owner put a sapphire insert on this one. The contrast really lifts the dial.
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