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The Squale 2001 collection represents a milestone in the history of dive watches. It was born in the pioneering era of the 1960s, when new technologies transformed simple timepieces into reliable tools for professionals of the sea. This collection introduced significant innovations.
The Squale 2001, with its iconic case featuring hidden lugs, was the first watch to incorporate the "push to release" technology, allowing the bezel to be locked after setting the dive times. With its extraordinary resistance to 100 atmospheres, it became a symbol of dive watchmaking and paved the way for iconic collections like the Squale 2002 and 2003.
On the occasion of our brand's 65th anniversary, we reflect on the events and individuals who contributed to making Squale an icon in the world of dive watches, both in the past and today. The Squale 2001, for example, was chosen by the legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau as a gift for Michel Laval, the first officer of the Calypso, at the start of the 1972 Antarctic expedition.
The watch, already rich in symbolic value, became even more special due to the personalized engraving on the case back, featuring Cousteau's initials and Laval's full name. At that time, it was a well-established tradition to give meaningful symbolic objects to key crew members.
After Laval's death, the watch returned to Cousteau, who entrusted it to another long-time collaborator and close friend, André Laban. Laban kept the watch until his passing in 2018, after which it went to a German collector passionate about historical dive watches. After a lengthy negotiation, the watch finally reached its current owner, an Italian digital entrepreneur. This discovery inspired Squale to create a new edition of the iconic model.
The new limited edition, consisting of only 300 pieces, is a faithful reproduction of the model chosen by Jacques Cousteau. The new version of the Squale 2001 retains the exact proportions and dimensions of the original. The asymmetric barrel-shaped case, with hidden lugs, makes the 43 mm length feel more compact. The overall diameter is 40 mm, with a crown positioned at 4 o'clock, perfectly integrated into the case.
The two-tone bezel, in black and orange, recalls the vintage style of watches from the 1960s. Made of sapphire crystal for superior resistance to shocks and scratches, it features the "push to release" system, which allows the bezel to be unlocked in both directions only with perpendicular pressure, ensuring maximum security even in case of accidental impacts.
The design is fully vintage-inspired, with a black dial surrounded by a white rehaut with contrasting minute markers. The polished steel indices are applied and coated in SuperLuminova C3, ensuring optimal legibility even in low-light conditions. The word "Saphir" appears on the dial, just like on historical models, indicating the presence of a sapphire crystal to protect the watch.
Water resistance is guaranteed up to 60 atmospheres, thanks to the combination of sapphire crystal and the 316L stainless steel case with a polished finish. The limited edition is completed by a rubber Tropic-style strap, paying tribute to the model worn by Michel Laval.
