When you say Squale, you say summer, freedom, snorkeling and especially diving. We are certainly not at the doorstep of the summer season, but the maison goes ahead and returns a timeless icon of diving watchmaking to fans of the brand and beyond: Squale 2001.
Created in the 1960s to accompany the adventures of the greatest freedivers of the time, this model has ploughed the deepest seabed and witnessed the glamorous summers of the French Riviera. Today, after a highly successful Limited Edition, the Squale 2001 is finally back in permanent collection, to the delight of enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
Last year also marked Squale’s 65th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate this milestone than with the re-release of one of its most legendary models that evokes the exploits of famed explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau?
It was him, in 1972, who gave a specimen of this watch to Michel Laval, first officer of the legendary lab-ship Calypso, during a historic expedition to Antarctica.
Well friends of IWS, without further ado, let us now go on to discover the new Squale 2001.
The design of the new Squale 2001
The original design of the Squale 2001 boasted features that were revolutionary for the time: an asymmetrical “barrel” case, a sapphire crystal (extremely rare in those years), and a water resistance that made it the ideal companion for the best freedivers of the time. But its appeal did not stop at the seas: with its elegant and sinuous lines, this model was the perfect accessory for the Dolce Vita jet set, from Saint-Tropez to Portofino.
The new Ref. 2001 keeps this rich historical soul intact, with a 316L steel case 40 mm in diameter and 43 mm in length. Concealed lugs ensure a flawless fit, while the crown at 4 o’clock remains recessed into the frame, preserving the iconic design.
One of the most notable innovations, on the new version of the Squale 2001, is the sapphire crystal bezel insert, which replaces the historic bakelite version. This provides superior resistance without sacrificing vintage aesthetics. The sophisticated “push to release” system allows the bezel to be released with perpendicular pressure, preventing accidental rotations while diving.
The dial, like the vintage model, features a date window at 3 o’clock and is framed by a white flange with contrasting minute track. The polished steel hour markers, embellished with the SuperLuminova C3, guarantee perfect readability of the watch even in the deep sea. Inevitable is the “Saphir” logo at 6 o’clock, a symbol of reliability and sturdiness, with water resistance up to an impressive 60 atmospheres (600 meters depth).
A treat for purists is the 316L steel bracelet with ladder links, for the perfect mix of aesthetics and functionality as well as a nod to the bracelets of the 1970s.
The caliber of the new Squale 2001
While the original model is powered by the ETA caliber 2772 with 21,600 oscillations per hour, the new Ref. 2001 is equipped with the Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement in the prestigious Elaboré version, which offers a frequency of 28,800 A/h, ensuring greater precision and reliability over time.
Conclusions and availability
Founded in Neuchâtel in 1959 by Charles Von Büren and later acquired by the Maggi family, Squale is synonymous with quality and tradition in diving watchmaking. Its timepieces have accompanied freediving legends such as Giuliana “Jolly” Treleani, Jean Tapu, Enzo Maiorca, and Jacques Mayol. In the 1960s and 1980s, Squale supplied cases to numerous high-end brands, making it a point of reference for professionals and collectors.
The new Squale 2001 is available in three variants, each with a distinctive character: 2001 Reverse Orange (REF. 2001BKOR.AC with a black bezel and orange dial, a tribute to the bold design of the 1970s), 2001 Sunray Blue (REF. 2001BEBK.AC with black bezel and sunray blue dial, for those who like a sleek and sophisticated look), 2001 Sand (REF. 2001BEBK.AC with SuperLuminova bezel and black dial, designed for lovers of adventure and maximum readability).
With the return of Ref. 2001 to the continuing collection, Squale confirms its commitment to keeping tradition alive, combining past and innovation to offer watches that not only mark time, but write history.
The new Squale 2001s will be sold at a list price of EUR 1,770.00. How about you, which of the three do you prefer?
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