1521 Immersioni Nitrox 65th Anniversary - Ltd Ed 65pcs

As a storied watch manufacturer renowned for producing highly reliable dive watches tailored to the needs of diving professionals, Squale, in collaboration with Gnomon, proudly presents the latest addition to their esteemed collection: the 1521 Immersioni Nitrox limited edition timepiece. This release is a tribute to professional Nitrox divers and features a nostalgic design, evoking the spirit of the iconic Nitrox diver down flag and the coveted sterile bezel from the 2015 Originale LE.

Before we delve into the specifics of this exquisite timepiece, let us briefly explore the concept of Nitrox diving. Essentially, Nitrox diving involves using a gas mixture with a higher proportion of oxygen compared to regular air, which consists of approximately 21% oxygen and 71% nitrogen. In contrast, Nitrox mixtures typically contain 32% or 36% oxygen, enabling divers to extend their no-stop dive times and reduce surface intervals.

Squale 1521 Immersioni Nitrox 65th Anniversary - Ltd Ed 65pcs

Since the 1980s, Nitrox has proven to be an invaluable tool for professional divers, allowing for extended bottom times without increasing the risk of decompression sickness. It's important to note that while the traditional diver down flag is red with a white diagonal stripe, the Nitrox diver flag features green and yellow colors. This color scheme symbolizes the oxygen and air mixture tanks used by Nitrox divers, with green representing oxygen and yellow signifying the air mixture.

Dive watches hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, admired both for their functionality and design. Squale has a rich heritage of crafting dive watches that excel in both areas, drawing inspiration from vintage designs. Since the sixties, Squale has produced cases for prestigious brands such as Tag Heuer and Doxa. Notably, Squale also crafted cases for Blancpain, contributing to the creation of the legendary Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, widely recognized as the forefather of modern dive watches.

Double Signed With A Nitrox Diver Down Flag

The latest Gnomon-exclusive 1521 pays homage to a rare variant of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms from the mid-1970s—the Bundeswehr Kampfschwimmer "3H Bund," a military-issued diver watch for German Navy Combat Divers. Also to commemorate Squale's 65th annivesary, this Squale 1521 Immersioni Nitrox is meticulously designed for professional use. The stainless steel case, finished with a full mirror polish, exudes a classic sixties aesthetic. With a 41mm diameter, 48mm lug to lug, and 12.5mm thickness, the watch offers a versatile fit for various wrist sizes while maintaining a bold presence.

The crown, positioned at 4 o’clock, is polished and cleverly integrated into the case design, providing protection against accidental impacts. Limited to just 65 pieces, each watch features a unique serial number engraved on the screw-down case back.

Staying true to its vintage inspiration, the 1521 features a distinctive 120-click unidirectional bezel, first seen on the Blancpain 3H Fifty Fathoms mil-spec diver. The matte black bezel insert, devoid of numerals, retains the 3-dimensional luminous triangle pip at 12 o’clock for dive timing purposes, reflecting the practical design for German Navy Combat Divers.

Bringing Back The Sterile "Bund" Bezel Design

The military theme extends to the dial, where the matte black surface contrasts with Superluminova-painted markers in an aged colorway, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions. The vintage minute hand and lollipop seconds hand enhance the legibility, a crucial feature for dive watches.

In a subtle nod to Nitrox diving, the green and yellow diver down flag replaces the iconic Squale shark logo at 6 o’clock, harmonizing with the overall design. The Squale logo itself is rendered in matching yellow, completing the cohesive theme. The dial is protected by a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the underside, offering superior scratch resistance.

The 500m dive watch Immersioni Nitrox is powered by a Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, boasting 26 jewels and a 4 Hz beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH). This movement is celebrated for its robustness and reliability, making it a popular choice among Swiss watch brands.

Limited Edition 65pcs

The watch comes equipped with a new Squale FKM rubber strap in military green, designed for durability and resistance to saltwater corrosion and UV rays. The 20mm strap features patterned texture in the form of “Von Buren” logo, running beautifully through the entire strap, in tandem with curved ends which ensure a secure and comfortable fit for extended wear.

Gnomon and Squale have consistently delivered rugged and charming vintage designs that pay homage to diving heritage. Limited to only 65 pieces in commemorating the 65th anniversary, the 1521 Immersioni Nitrox is a distinguished addition to the 1521 line of 500m dive watches, sure to captivate vintage watch enthusiasts seeking a modern release with a rich historical pedigree.