30 ATMOS Aurora GMT Ceramica

For many years Squale made waves with their dive watches since the 1950s. They produced watches that are unfitting for jewelry stores but rather those specialized in dive watches. The latter which we Gnomon Watches fits and belonging to the professional tool watch category, nailed our long-term partnership with the Swiss watch brand for many years, churning out classic novelties that based heavily on their archives. Therefore today we like to introduce to you our new exclusive diver from the Ref. 1545 collection.

Squale 30 ATMOS Aurora GMT Ceramica

The Squale 30 ATMOS Aurora GMT Ceramica is the latest model introduced by Squale. Made in Switzerland and powered by a Swiss Made ETA 2893-2/Sellita SW330-1 automatic movement with quickset GMT and date function. Based on a vintage diver model produced by Squale in the 1960s with the added feature of a GMT function. Tastefully done and equipped with the sporty oyster bracelet for that ultimate nostalgia.

The most appealing part of this watch is, of course, and as mentioned above- the green bezel in which paired with the black dial. First off, it is challenging to make ceramic in lighter colors, so previous to this; there have never been any commercially available ceramic watch parts in this color combination. As the Aurora Ceramica name implies, the dial and bezel combo reflects the spectacular,  greenish display of light commonly seen in the dark night sky, often be seen from parts of Iceland, Alaska, and Canada. It is not only for aesthetic purposes, but the green and black combinatiion helps one to stand out from the usual GMT diver colorways. It fact, it still looks evergreen, very much for a GMT tool watch since the 1950s  Further having the ceramic nature of the bezel, it radiates a “wet” look, mimicking the effect of a bakelite bezel on vintage dive watches. In short, this is a watch you have to see it in person because the pictures do not do it any justice.

Applied vintage hour markers

The ceramic bezel is first to cut into shape, and the 24-hour markers being carefully engraved by machines made, especially for this purpose. Next, the new engraved ceramic bezel is made out of two solid pieces, superheated to 1500 degrees to harden and purify the ceramic. All the process results in not only will the colors never fade, but the scratch-resistance properties of ceramic are so impressive that the bezel will retain its “brand new” looks for years to come.

Also, the GMT imbues a bi-directional rotating bezel system, allowing user to rotate and set the 24-hour markings efficiently. While at that, the bezel has refined grooves for easy grip, and locks in place after adjustment.

The craftsmanship continues onto the dial. Making use this time the dial and hands design that is synonymous to Squale diver watches for centuries — making this instantly recognizable even from far. A real classic in the making, which we are sure collectors can agree with. The watchmakers at Squale decided to make it grandeur by applying silver gilt hour markers and hands with generous SuperLuminova luminous, that glows brightly in the dark. Top it up with a flat sapphire crystal that sits flush with the case, coated with anti-reflective on the inside for better clarity. Another feature on the crystal is the beautiful magnifying cyclops help magnifies the date display by 2.5 times.

No nonsense green ceramic bezel

Since we mention the case, continuing on the characteristics of the 1545 series, the latest 30 ATMOS Aurora GMT Ceramica keeps getting better! Measuring at just 42mm and 13mm thick, the watch is the first 30 ATMOS that got sized down a little to fit most wrist. Featuring a svelte case, bolder design, and better water resistance, the 30 ATMOS has yet again set a new standard in the price segment. The decent lugs to lugs length of 49mm are curved downwards for a very comfortable and wrap around fit. Entirely designed and hand finished in Switzerland the watch is satin brushed on the top, and high polished on the sides to a very high standard. The transitions between brushed and polished parts very well defined like every other Squale watch.

Good looks are appreciated, but performance matters more; in terms of ease when in operations, not only is readability hight, one has a great pleasure to operate. The large screw-down crown, while featuring an engraved “Von Buren” emblem, it is effortless to grip, and it screws in and out without any sense of roughness in the screw threads contributed largely also by the larger than usual screw tube. All of that while providing a good 300m water-resistant.

Superluminova applied on hour markers & hands

Exclusive for Gnomon, this latest addition by Squale certainly bridges the gap between larger, bolder offerings and classically designed timepieces to embrace a seemingly perfect size for many wrists that manages to look stunning without much effort. Like many of other Squale watches, the Squale 30 ATMOS Aurora GMT Ceramica has so much to offer, punching way above its price point with its robust build quality, impeccable Swiss-made workhorse engine and an eye-catching, yet unique green and black visual style that expresses itself brilliantly in a piece packed full of modern specifications.