Pablo Profundo VB-2 Watch Review: Modern-Retro Dive Watch

In the ever-evolving world of horology, emerging watch brands continuously strive to make their mark, introducing timepieces that epitomize a fusion of craftsmanship, style, and innovation. One such promising newcomer is Pablo Watches, unveiling its inaugural masterpiece – the Pablo Profundo VB-1, a dive watch reminiscent of the iconic 60’s Submariner style.

The allure lies not only in its design and functionality but also in its nod to horological heritage. Paying homage to the distinguished Rolex Submariner style, this timepiece offers an attractive proposition – a blend of timeless elegance and affordability. 

The VB-1 has quickly gained traction within the watch community since its initial release, prompting Pablo to continue its success story with a new offering that captures the allure of 60s glamor. 

Now, let’s transition to their subsequent value proposition the Pablo Profundo VB-2, dissecting every aspect to understand what sets this newcomer apart in the world of horological marvels.

A Glimpse into the Pablo Profundo Collection

The Pablo Profundo collection draws inspiration from the timeless design of 60’s Submariner-style dive watches, reimagined with a modern twist. These timepieces embody a seamless fusion of vintage aesthetics, meticulous craftsmanship, and contemporary functionality.

While paying homage to iconic predecessors, the Pablo Profundo collection stands out by offering affordability without compromising on quality. It caters to watch enthusiasts seeking a blend of elegance, durability, and value in their timepieces.

The collection offers versatility in terms of designs, allowing wearers to have the watch on many occasions. They also come in tasteful dimensions that work best for both men and women. 

Among the options available in the Profundo collection, we have two to look closer which are the Profundo VB-2 and Profundo VB-11.

Read also: 10 Best Dive Watches for Your Collection for Every Budget

Exploring Excellence: The Pablo Profundo VB-2 Watch Review

The Pablo Profundo VB-2 seamlessly amalgamates style, function, and tradition, making it a coveted choice for watch aficionados and connoisseurs. In this review, we will delve into the various aspects that make the Pablo Profundo a true masterpiece.

Watch Case

The Pablo Profundo VB-2 showcases a robust 316L stainless steel case, renowned for its sturdiness and corrosion resistance. Measuring 40mm in width and 49mm from lug to lug, the dimensions of the VB-2 epitomize the ideal size for a classic dive watch, striking a balance between durability and readability that divers often seek.

The case design is a testament to effective craftsmanship, featuring meticulously polished sides and a combination of hand-satin-brushed finishing on the top surfaces. The slim bezel, which elegantly frames the watch face, also sports a high-polished finish, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal. 

One standout element is the screw-down crown, sized at 6.5mm in diameter, reminiscent of the renowned “Big Crown” style from the 60s, garnering recognition from ardent watch enthusiasts. Notably, premium quality gaskets ensure a remarkable 200m water resistance for both the crown and case back, enhancing the watch’s suitability for underwater adventures.

An additional vintage-inspired feature is the inclusion of old-school drilled lug holes, allowing wearers to easily swap and customize watch straps based on their attire and preferences, further enhancing the versatility and personalization options of the Profundo VB-2.

Watch Dial

The dial of the Pablo Profundo VB-2 showcases a design rooted in both functional clarity and aesthetic elegance. At first glance, the 60s box-shaped sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, immediately catches the eye, ensuring excellent readability in all lighting conditions, whether above ground or underwater.

One of the standout features of the VB-2’s dial is its oceanic theme, capturing the essence of the deep sea. The dial boasts a mesmerizing blueish gradient, often referred to as a “Gradient or Horizon” dial, evoking the hues of the ocean’s depths. 

This gradient effect emulates the way the color of the sea darkens as one descends further into its depths, adding an intriguing and immersive dimension to the timepiece.

The depth and richness of the blue gradient on the dial not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also signify a functional representation. As the wearer delves deeper into the underwater world, the surface blue color intensifies, mirroring the changing shades of the ocean.

Moreover, the outer closed minute track, coupled with three-dimensional raised hour markers, not only enhances the dial’s visual appeal but also aids in precise timekeeping, further complementing the diving experience for the wearer. 

The combination of these elements makes the Pablo Profundo VB-2 dial a captivating canvas that seamlessly marries form and function.

Read also: Top 8 Watches from the 80s that Make You Feel Nostalgic

Movement

Moving on to the engine of the watch, the Pablo Profundo VB-2 is equipped with a reliable and proven Swiss movement, the ETA 2824-2 Elabore automatic movement. This movement is renowned for its precision and durability, featuring a jewel count of 25, which speaks to its intricacy and sophistication.

Operating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (bph), the movement ensures a smooth and accurate timekeeping experience. Additionally, the VB-2 offers a power reserve of 40 hours, providing ample time between wears for the watch to keep ticking. 

Topping it off, the movement allows for hacking seconds, enabling the wearer to precisely adjust the time without affecting the accuracy of the watch. This high-quality Swiss movement is a testament to the commitment of Pablo Watches to delivering exceptional performance and reliability in their timepieces.

Comfort and Bracelet

Speaking of comfort, the watch is paired with a captivating, vintage-inspired 316L stainless steel bracelet, reminiscent of the classic oyster-style design. The bracelet’s attention to detail is evident with its riveted sides, enhancing the retro aesthetics that the Profundo collection exudes.

The bracelet has a highly tapered profile, transitioning from a robust 20mm width at the lugs to a sleek 16mm at the clasp. This tapering not only contributes to the vintage vibe but also ensures a comfortable and stylish fit on the wrist, capturing the essence of timeless elegance. 

Final Thought

The meticulous attention to detail and premium quality finishing elevate the Pablo Profundo VB-2 to a league akin to high-end Swiss watches. Its exclusivity, limited to only 200 pieces, adds to its allure for collectors and enthusiasts. 

Remarkably, despite its top-tier features and limited edition status, the VB-2 remains accessible to a wider audience due to its affordable price point at $520.00 USD.

This balance of craftsmanship, rarity, and affordability reaffirms that the timeless charm of 60s dive watches has made a resounding return through the exquisite Profundo VB-2, making it a coveted choice in the world of horology.

Read also: 8 Best Vintage Dive Reissued Watches for Your Collection