As man continues to challenge the unforgiving oceans, world-renowned watchmakers are designing technologically advanced products which are made to survive extreme conditions
The elements can be unpredictable and unforgiving. When faced with the enormity of the vast ocean, a trusted timepiece is one means of staying connected to the rest of the world. After all, nothing is guaranteed out in the open sea - except perhaps for precision timekeeping. Serious divers require equally capable functions, from water temperature and depth readings to separate gauges for timing the breathing mixture inside the air tank.
However, for the rest of the population, a marine watch can be more of a statement to suggest an active lifestyle. Considering that many don't even graze the water's edge, only the basic features - such as water resistance and a unidirectional rotating bezel - are really necessary. After that, it's more a question of fashion over function, the appeal of an athletic aesthetic with the potential to perform.
Although timepieces were first used at sea for navigation to pinpoint an exact location, many are designed for diving today. Roger Dubuis recently launched its EasyDiver collection, an updated version of the original launched in 2004, in addition to existing sport lines SeaMore and AcquaMare. The firm showcased the limited-edition EasyDiver tourbillon skeleton watch, one of the first of its kind and with only 88 pieces worldwide, at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie watch fair earlier this year.
All are water-resistant to a depth of 300 metres, lightweight and shock-resistant while some feature a tourbillon for added luxury. The bezel can be used to set the time when starting a dive and most are fitted with rubber straps. The brand also creates exclusive timepieces to suit daily needs, and the emphasis on innovation and quality is equally catered for use on land.
'Water sports, whether diving, yachting or surfing, have a lot to do with quality of life. When you enjoy a splendid afternoon on a yacht, sipping a glass of cold champagne, you need to have a matching watch for the occasion,' said Haspeter Peith, managing director of Roger Dubuis Asia. 'The major features are not so much technological features, but more an aesthetically pleasing diving watch that can be worn by people who enjoy the luxurious things in life.'