Squale Millitaire 500M Full Luminous
(Disclaimer: I was sent this watch for review upon my request for the Sketchy Boys Watch Club and Squale was very kind in sending me this piece which I have to return. That being said this will be an honest review and I did not receive any money or watch for my opinions.)
The name “Squale” is French for Shark, pronounced “Skwal” the “E” is silent. The Name in my mind does the watch brand justice. If there was a creature on this planet for a watch company like this one to base its name off of its definitely the Shark. A perfect apex predator that is silent under the waves built to last and tough as nails. Just as it is in the watch community, commercial diving and military services under the radar but if you know you know.
Some History of Squale (Sourced From Squale Official Website):
In 1948 Charles Von Buren had began assembling timepieces under his name. After many years of testing the reliability of the watch cases for himself Von Buren registered the Squale trademark in Neuchatel Switzerland 10 July 1959. Squale is now home based in Chiasso Switzerland and is in partnership with the Maggi Family from Italy. Squale was heavily inspired by the founders passion for diving that being said their primary focus was sub-aquatic watches which at that time was a field that was not officially explored in the realm of watchmaking.
You can tell the level of respect a company has by its competitors and or supporters level of interest. Squale cases were utilized by many other brands for their serious dive capability and their trusted cases these other companies would sometimes leave the Squale shark on the dial at the 6 o'clock or on the back of the case and put their company logo at the 12 to ensure the world knew they were using a tough and capable case for their watch designs. Most notably watch companies like Doxa, Blancpain and even TAG Heuer utilized Squale cases to name only a few.
In 1982 Charles Von Buren was planning to retire and sold the Squale Brand to the Maggi Family.
From 1988 to 2005 Squale appeared to be off the radar of the world and this may have been heavily based on the “Quartz Crisis” where the absolute dependability to battery operated watches replaced the automatic watches of the past and put a major dent in the market for smaller companies such as Squale.
In 2005 Squale made a return! The Maggi family decides to relaunch the Squale brand and its most memorable models.
In 2017 Squale again entered the law enforcement world becoming the official watch of the Italian State Police Divers Unit.
2019 Was Squale"s 60th anniversary a major milestone for the company.
In the 1970s was the introduction of the 1521 Model. In the years to follow Squale becomes the official supplier of time pieces for the Italian Navy and the “Folgore” Paratroopers Brigade.
1521 Full Luminous Millitaire
The 1521 Model is what I believe to be the most well known and iconic collection of Squale. The number associated with the model was from the original production reference that Von Buren gave to this case in the 1960s. The case itself was designed by Charles of the Von Buren family during a time when diving watches were in their infancy. The 1521 boasts a 50 ATM rating for pressure resistance which guarantees peace of mind to any underwater exploration.
The asymmetric case is made of 316L stainless steel and has a 4 o clock signed crown which holds the Von Buren family crest. The crown's position ensures it is tucked out of the way to avoid being caught on diving gear or being accidentally manipulated. The aluminum diving bezel is a 120 click uni-directional with a very positive grip for accuracy while timing dives. The bezel is also lumed which is not standard for the 1521 and the Lume Pip is very bright to aid with timing.
The 1521 Millitaire is topped with a flat almost recessed Sapphire Crystal with anti reflective coating to assist with its already amazing legibility. The Dial is a beautiful Off White by day and full lumed in low light conditions. With the Matte Black indices paired with Squale Orange at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions with the 12 being a classic inverted triangle to provide better orientation of the dial in tough conditions. The Squale Brand is at printed at the 12 with “Millitaire” resting just underneath. At the 6 you have “Automatic 500M” with “Swiss Made” being tucked into the left and right flanks of the 6 o clock indices. The hands are a oily Black over all surfaces which instead of using lume on the hands the Millitaire utilizes contrast of the hands color against the dials full Luminous backdrop providing extreme legibility. Under the dial is the faithful “Selita SW200-1 Automatic” movement which has a 38 hour power reserve. The solid case back has subtle but beautiful engraving of the watches specifications. Its hard not to focus on word Professional accompanied by the Squale Shark Logo in the center of the case back it truly is a Pro Watch. The overall case dimensions are damn near perfect as well! With the Diameter being 42mm but wearing smaller in my opinion, thickness being 12mm, Lug 2 Lug distance being 48mm and the Lug width being 20mm make this a very wearable watch for most wrists. Throw this piece on a tropical diver strap to give it a retro feel or if your a paranoid watch owner like myself toss it on a NATO strap and make sure you have that security in all conditions. Regardless of what adventures you have coming your way this watch is ready I can promise you that.
The Full Luminous Millitaire 500M Dive Watch is what I would consider a night divers dream. It not only has the infamous Squale 1521 design but has the ability to utilize its contrast of colors to enhance legibility in even the toughest of conditions. Both in and out of the water this watch is a true statement of Squale's faithful commitment to their heritage of their company while simultaneously changing what they can to perfect legibility and functionality.
There is a seemingly endless list of Squale's accomplishments and achievements that proves they are a serious contender on the world stage and a great dive watch company. Squale makes an affordable watch to get into the dive world that is for the most part under the radar, tough and historic. Their success in the commercial dive space and free diving records span many years. The military and police service connections alone speaks volumes. Mission success and critical timing is crucial and has potential for life changing consequences. It is not without serious considerations a military unit picks a company that they will heavily rely upon.
This concludes my review. I hope you have enjoyed it! Go out and get yourself a Squale, take it with you on adventures you will not be disappointed.
As Always
Stay Sketchy
-Derek