2001 Marina Militare - Ltd Ed 500pcs

The Squale 2001 collection is a genuine milestone from the 1960s, a pioneering era when dive watches moved beyond simple timekeeping to become essential tools for the professionals of the sea. This heritage was cemented when Jacques-Yves Cousteau chose a Squale 2001 as a gift for Michel Laval, the first officer of the Calypso, ahead of their 1972 Antarctic expedition. That specific watch—personalized with Cousteau's initials—eventually passed through the hands of legendary diver André Laban and dedicated collectors, an extraordinary journey that recently inspired Squale to revisit this iconic design for their 65th anniversary.

Following the overwhelming success of that limited edition tribute, Squale has officially integrated the 2001 into its permanent lineup, ensuring it remains a stable and continuous part of the brand's identity. This evolution reaches a new peak with a prestigious collaboration alongside the Marina Militare, the Italian Navy. 

Squale 2001 Marina Militare

As a professional dive watch specialist, Squale's ongoing partnership with the Italian Navy, the Marina Militare, is a point of immense pride. Today, that collaboration finally reaches the iconic 2001 collection—a silhouette that is arguably the most recognizable in Squale's history. Throughout the decades, the Italian Navy has been respected globally as a standard-bearer for naval excellence, consistently representing Italian craftsmanship and military precision on the international stage.

This connection isn't new; it actually dates back to the 1980s, when Squale was awarded the official contract to supply timepieces to the elite Comsubin Scuba Diving Group in La Spezia. During that era, Squale developed specialized watches built strictly to the Navy's demanding technical specifications. By bringing the 2001 into this prestigious collaboration today, Squale isn't just releasing a new model—they are honoring a shared history of rugged reliability and underwater mastery.

Sunray blue commands attention with its calm sea-blue hue

The 2001 Marina Militare is a bold revival of the original, staying true to its iconic proportions while exuding a fresh, modern edge. Its asymmetric barrel-shaped case, crafted from 316L stainless steel, flaunts hidden lugs that make the 43.6mm length feel effortlessly compact. With a sleek 41.5mm diameter and a 13mm profile, the case's exquisite polishing catches the light at every angle, radiating pure sophistication. The screw-down crown at between 4 to 5 o'clock melds seamlessly into the case, preserving its streamlined silhouette while ensuring an extraordinary 600m water resistance.

The dial of the 2001 Marina Militare immediately draws the eye with a calm, blue sunray finish that catches the light beautifully, which defined according to the Italian Navy. In a sophisticated design evolution, the dial departs from the traditional 2001 layout to adopt the iconic 1521 Marina Militare aesthetic, featuring elegant domed applied indices. This configuration includes a signature triangular pip at 12, bold rectangular markers at 6 and 9, and classic circular plots throughout.  This is framed by a crisp white rehaut with printed minute markers, ensuring the display feels both deep and incredibly easy to read.

From military-only issue to its public release

Functionality remains front and center, with the baton-shaped hands and indices generously filled with Super-LumiNova C3 for a powerful glow in low light. The minute hand is outlined in a vibrant "tropic orange," a signature Squale touch that adds a sharp, sporty contrast to the blue dial. Proudly displaying the "MARINA MILITARE" name, the dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, serving as a constant reminder of the professional-grade collaboration and the watch's serious diving credentials.

The Squale 2001, with its iconic case and hidden lugs, was a pioneer in dive watch innovation, introducing the "push-to-release" technology that allowed the bezel to lock securely after setting dive times. Now, the 2001 Marina Militare continues this legacy with a bidirectional navy blue sapphire bezel, also featuring the "push-to-release" function. For enhanced legibility in the darkest depths, the bezel markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring clarity at a glance.

SuperLumiNova-coated markers

At its heart beats the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1, a proven workhorse renowned for its reliability and precision. Operating at 28,800 beats per hour (4Hz), it delivers a smooth sweep of the seconds hand while offering a 38-hour power reserve. Securely housed beneath a screw-in caseback, this movement ensures durability and performance, making it a true companion for both adventure and everyday wear.

The 2001 Marina Militare is paired with a navy blue rubber strap that perfectly complements the Italian Navy theme for a sharp, tactical aesthetic. For those seeking the quintessential 2001 feel, the watch also includes the iconic stainless steel bracelet. Featuring distinctive openwork on the first three links, this bracelet design strikes a masterful balance between refined elegance and a vintage sporty edge. Whether configured on polished steel or rugged rubber, the timepiece remains a versatile tool that transitions effortlessly from professional naval operations to everyday wear.

Exclusive wooden box with additional stainless-steel bracelet with alternating links

The 2001 Marina Militare stands as a powerful testament to Squale's pioneering spirit, bridging the gap between a storied past and a modern, professional-grade future. This collaboration isn't just a nod to history—it's a living tribute to the brand's long-standing relationship with the Italian Navy, merging the "space age" soul of the original 2001 with the rigorous standards of elite naval diving. By blending this iconic silhouette with the prestigious Marina Militare identity and high-performance craftsmanship, Squale has created a timepiece that is far more than a reissue. It is a symbol of shared excellence and reliability, ensuring that one of the most unique legacies in deep-sea exploration continues to inspire both collectors and modern explorers alike.