Out of seemingly nowhere Swiss Vittorium showed up not long ago with some interesting and uniquely designed watches. I first wrote about their “AT” model watches here. As a newer brand I was really happy to see interesting, quirky designs meant to provoke and intrigue. With a distinct Mediterranean design twist, Vittorium seems to be focused on offering new types of marine themed dive style watch. I appreciate their lack of regard for the “conventional.”
The second watch they announced is this piece called the Deep Diver. This is meant to be their truer dive watch – even though it does have some design features that would prevent it from being a true professional diving instrument. However, on that note, Vittorium will offer versions of the Deep Diver with much increased water resistance soon. This Deep Diver is 200 meters water resistant, and like I said, information from Vittorium indicates the Deep Diver will soon be able to dive much deeper.
This is not a small watch, so expect a sizely companion. The Deep Diver is very solid in construction and the different polished on the steel create a more interesting look to the already unique case shape. Best for wide wrists, the long, flaring lugs are almost exaggerated as the Deep Diver design is in some senses a rebellion against “classic diver” watch styles. The Deep Diver is 47mm wide, and pretty darn thick. The case construction is something pretty different as well. Looked at from the side you notice the lugs and top of the case sit on an inner case like a hat, with wavy sides. You’d have no idea that this feature was there just by looking at it from the top.
I really like the case design a lot actually – it feels novel, well-made, and looks cool. I thought that was was so interesting that I decided to have photographer Beau Hudspeth (whose work I like) do most of the photography for this timepiece. He has a good talent when it comes to bringing out all the little details in an item. His images are of the actual watch, and I think you now have a really nice view of it. Tell me actually, do you enjoy fancy photography such as this in addition to more casual photography in a review?
Vittorium is slowly releasing more versions of the Deep Diver. There is a black DLC coated version, one with orange on the dial (and an orange strap) and more. A piece like this begs for one to play with the colors. While this model has lots of steel tones and black, it is really in the textures where things get interesting. Plus, the SuperLumiNova on the dial glows blue. Going back to the case I love the large, easy to grasp screw-down crown, as well as the big ol’ lug-nut style screws in the lugs for strap.
The watch dial is carbon fiber, but done well. This is because the hour hands and hour indicators are large and easy to see. They are applied as well, with lots of lume coated on them. The hands are sort of tear-drop shaped. Perhaps a little on the stubby side, but large enough for sure. I have seen other versions of the Deep Diver with different style hour indicators. As I said, Vittorium enjoys the art of experimenting with design. One of the neatest aspects of the dial is the side of it. There is a two-step side. First is periphery ring at a 90 degree angle with colored hour and minute markers on it, and then it slopes to create a curved flange-ring style barrier with the Vittorium name repeated around it. Very Rolex in style, and actually implemented in an non-obtrusive way. This design features hints to style more than function, but helps give the watch a strong personality.
Use of a AR (anti-reflective) coated sapphire crystal really helps the dial be easy to read and glare free. Vittorium really did not skimp on materials for the watch. The bezel does rotate, but unfortunately does not have any lume. It is a rather subdued bezel given the visual spectacle present in other elements of the design. Inside the watch is an ETA quartz movement. For some people this will be a let down as mechanical movements are more favored. At this time I do not believe Vittorium offers mechanical movement based watches – though in the future I can easily see that changing. Give the features and quality of this watch, I would place it in the “high-end quartz” watch category.
You’ll love the rubber strap on the watch. Vittorium uses Swiss-made rubber straps that are of the best quality you can find. Just a perfect mix of strength, texture, and flexibility. Really the perfect rubber strap material. The buckle on the watch is ‘a bit much,’ but it adds to the quasi-ostentatious demeanor of the piece. Really part of the Deep Diver’s bold and highly outgoing personality – like I said, very Mediterranean. The Deep Diver watches are each part of limited editions. 2,600 pieces in this style. Price for the Deep Diver is $895. You can learn more or get one here.
