Dive Watch Wednesday: The Visconti Abyssus 3000M

The most eye-catching new dive watch released this year also seems to be the least discussed. This might be because its maker was nowhere to be found in the main exhibition hall at Baselworld 2014 and also. probably, because the brand in question happens to be better known for writing instruments than watches. However, Visconti’s new Scuba Abyssus 3000M offers a lot to write about: as a member of the more extreme species of sea creatures it will be available in three different case materials: Titanium (Ref. W108-02-132-00), stainless steel (W108-00-123-00) and — since Visconti is an Italian brand — of course, also in bronze (W108-01-131-00). The team at Diveintowatches.com had the chance to handle all three pre-production models in Basel, and here are some of the facts we were able to gather: Each version is limited to 399 pieces, and each is available on a rubber strap and a corresponding metal bracelet as well as on a leather strap (as shown). Whilst the 3,000-meter water resistance does not break any records, it still is an impressive number, even more because it is guaranteed by a seldom-used monobloc case. The case measures 45 mm in diameter and houses an integrated helium-release valve at 6 o’clock. As a novelty, the bezel’s ratcheting mechanism is reversed and exposed on the outside (intended for easier cleaning), and is secured with a locking system at 4 o’clock. Behind the 5-mm-thick sapphire crystal ticks a Caliber A-10 from Soprod, which features a power-reserve display, hours, minutes, central seconds, and date. The logo at 6 o’clock pays homage to a cooperation with the Italian industrial diving company CNS International - which helps greatly to justify the use of He-valve.

The Abyssus’ most prominent feature is, of course, the large screw-down crown at 2 o’clock:  the bayonet-like mechanism is inspired by Visconti’s fountain pen caps and offers a patented system to unlock the movement, should it ever need to be removed. Compared to all those gorgeous, retro-styled new dive watches everyone fell (rightfully) in love with at Baselworld, the Visconti Abyssus is so completely over-engineered and extreme that it was nearly impossible not to play with it constantly (which could prove difficult when all the screws, bezel, and lugs are removed by a distracted owner). On a more serious note: Getting used to its overall look was a lot less difficult than expected, although the large “V” on the dial could have been smaller, or left out entirely. But that’s a matter of taste. From a more objective point of view, the four angles of the bezel make the watch resemble — a bit too closely, in my opinion — the Clerc Hydroscaph, and the use of a sharkskin strap raises some concerns: rubber straps and metal bracelets are a lot better equipped for underwater use than a part of an endangered species on a diver’s wrist. The buckle’s additional roll, however, was a nice touch.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, the manufacturer can be reached at www.visconti.it (with a lot more unconvential watches to be discovered)