7 Impressive Squale Watches That Should be Under Your Radar

There is something appealing about watches built by a family-owned company. The best Squale watches offer more than just an impressive timepiece to accompany day-to-day activities but also a compelling companion with a rich history. Squale delivers authenticity and a unique vision of timepieces that enthusiasts can sense through their collections.

Squale watches may not be widely recognized, and it’s likely that only dedicated watch enthusiasts are familiar with the brand. Yet, the brand Squale is like a behind-the-screen player for big brands, such as Tag Heuer, Blancpain, and Doxa. 

During the 1960s and 1970s, Squale played the role of a watch case expert, providing cases to these companies. When these brands were in the process of creating fresh timepieces, they relied on Squale to furnish them with the casings. As a Swiss brand, Squale held expertise in crafting dive watches.

So, are Squale watches good? In this article, we’re looking at the best Squale watches and taking a trip down memory lane about Squale’s history. At the end of the article, you might already have the answer. Let’s dive in!

Squale as Dive Watch Master

Founded by Charles von Büren, Squale’s journey began with crafting professional diving watches, marked by their impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. The brand’s name, derived from the Italian word “Squalo” meaning shark, signifies the watch’s aquatic capabilities. 

Squale watches quickly gained recognition among both amateur and professional divers, thanks to their robust construction and water-resistant designs. These timepieces are not merely fashion accessories; they are reliable tools designed to withstand the rigors of deep-sea exploration. 

Another standout feature of Squale watches is their timeless design. While the brand has evolved over the decades, it has consistently committed to classic aesthetics. The iconic “von Büren” case, characterized by its elegant curves and functional dimensions, remains a hallmark of Squale’s design philosophy. 

This unique case design not only provides a distinctive appearance but also serves a functional purpose, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. It’s difficult not to be impressed by or simply appreciate the aesthetics of a dive watch that Squale offers.

Read also: 10 Impressive Dive Watches Under $1000 – Dive into Quality

Are Squale Watches Any Good?

Yes, Squale watches are highly regarded for their quality, craftsmanship, and historical significance. With a legacy dating back to the 1950s, Squale has earned a reputation as a reputable watchmaker, particularly known for its dive watches. 

Not to mention that Squale is part of Swiss watches which you can rely on for its accuracy and reliability. In short, the best Squale watches are designed to withstand any condition. It works great for both daily wear and tool watches.

Gnomon’s Picks: Best Squale Watches For You to Buy

Squale offers a range of options that cater to your desires. We have compiled some of our best Squale watches for you to look for. Here we go:

Sub-39 Arancia-Zurro – Gnomon Exclusive

The first best Squale watch comes from the Squale Sub-39 Arancia-Zurro which is the latest exclusive iteration from the brand. It flaunts a pleasing color palate with a unique bi-color bezel and dials. The color combination is actually a representation of the summertime in Milan, where Squale’s headquarters are located.

Further, the overall design is an homage to the 60s collection which is the first dive watch model made by Charles von Büren in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Talking about how it beautifully fits as a diving instrument, the watch features 300m of water resistance. It is nicely measured at 39mm to wrap in any wrist size comfortably.

Price: $1,180.00 USD 

LAB Edizione 1 – Ltd Ed 200pcs

Let’s move to another Squale limited edition to get you more familiar with this brand. The LAB Edizione 1 flaunts a chic and simple timepiece. The LAB edition is the brand’s representation of engaging with creativity in making robust and appealing dive watches. 

As you can expect from its convincing appearance as a tool watch, the LAB Edizione 1 bears a high water resistance of up to 500m. Powering the watch is a Swiss-made 25 jewel ETA 2824-2 / Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement which has been proven to be a robust and reliable “workhorse” movement.

Price: $939.00 USD

101 ATMOS Black Heritage Edition

The best Squale watches are those that speak for the finest durability, performance, accuracy, and reliable movement. The 101 ATMOS Black Heritage Edition comes with a complete package of diving tools. It has a tonneau case which is inspired by the 101 ATMOS produced in the late 60s.

This 1000-meter watch exudes the essence of a genuine diving timepiece, boasting a 44mm diameter and a compact 49mm lug-to-lug distance, thanks to its lug-free design. Its tonneau-style, devoid of lugs, embodies a smooth and flowing aesthetic reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s.

Price: $1,440.00 USD 

Read also: Squale 20 ATMOS Root Beer Review: Showcasing a Vintage Charm

30 ATMOS Black/Red GMT Ceramica – 40mm – Jubilee

A two-tone bezel has been a thing in the realm of dive watches and that includes Squale’s collection which mostly is diving instruments. The 30 ATMOS Black/Red GMT Ceramica is presented with a black and red bezel, giving a splendid and attractive appearance. 

In fact, the bezel is the most challenging part to be made as it is built of ceramic. Therefore, a ceramic bezel with a two-tone color is a nice combination to make a strong presence on your wrist. The watch is also artfully executed and adorned with a sophisticated semi-circular bracelet, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia.

Price: $839.00 USD 

30 ATMOS Tropic GMT Ceramica – 40mm – Jubilee

The Squale 30 ATMOS Tropic GMT Ceramica is a meticulously crafted timepiece designed for both style and function. With its durable ceramic construction, it exudes elegance and reliability. 

As one of our top picks for best Squale watches, it doesn’t only offer a GMT function for tracking multiple time zones but also embodies the brand’s rich heritage in diving watches, making it a versatile and appealing choice for watch enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Price:  $839.00 USD

50 ATMOS Blue – 1521 – 026/BLU

A sleek and stylish diving watch designed for both underwater adventures and everyday elegance. With its deep blue color scheme, the 50 ATMOS Blue – 1521 – 026/BLU is a timepiece that seamlessly combines form and function, making it a reliable companion for any dive or a fashionable statement on your wrist. 

Further, the combination of the strap and dial here looks like an appealing harmony. While the dial flaunts a contemporary design, the leather strap radiates a vintage charm. However, you can have a choice whether to opt for a leather or rubber strap.

Price: $922.00 USD 

50 ATMOS Luminoso

Last but not least is the 50 ATMOS Luminoso which appears to be the most iconic one among the previous best Squale watches in our list. The watch radiates an exciting enjoyment for the wearers thanks to its retro-vibe charm and sturdy construction.

The legibility comes as a first priority, especially considering its diving performance. The markers are designed in contrasting colors, ensuring the watch’s readability. Topping it off, the dial has been applied with enough SuperLumi-Nova to make it glow brightly in dark environments.

Price: $999.00 USD

Final Thought

With a legacy dating back to the golden age of diving watches, Squale continues to capture the essence of elegance and adventure within the confines of a wristwatch. Whether you’re a deep-sea explorer, a connoisseur of luxury watches, or someone seeking a timepiece that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, Squale has everything you need to satisfy your taste in horology.

Read also: Hands-On: Squale Master Marina Militare Review