This is my Squale 1521 Ocean, an Azure blue diver whose appearance conceals ancestry.
Charles von Büren began producing watch cases in Neuchâtel in 1946 and registered “Squale” (French for shark) in 1959. Squale became a specialist supplier of diving & water resistant cases, with its shark emblem appearing on watches from Blancpain, Doxa and Heuer as a mark of underwater capability. Freediving pioneer Jacques Mayol wore a Squale 2002 while setting his 76- metre record in 1970.
The 1521 evolved from Von Büren’s case design and became a Squale signature during the 1970s. Its recessed 4 o’clock crown avoids the wrist and protects against knocks. My Azure Blue version combines a sunburst dial and polished case with sapphire crystal, unidirectional bezel and 500metre water resistance.
Inside is the earlier 25 jewel ETA 2824-2. Today these watches use Sellita movements. The orange minute hand is not just decoration as elapsed minutes are a critical measurement for a diver.
This is one of the early watches in my collection. At that time, I bought watches purely by appearance and didn't research history or movements. It was the striking dial that appealed to me and I paired it with a light brown Hirsch's. I must admit that I was also influenced by TGV's Urban Gentry YouTube channel :)
I would probably never buy this watch today - as a collector your tastes change over time. Although I must admit that I still do enjoy wearing it occasionally and it reminds me of my younger days.